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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII (I) Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute the Yamaha WaveRunner 2001 Law Loan Program Agreement Contract Agenda 5-15-2001 Item III I Ocoee Police Department • 175 N. Bluford Avenue• Ocoee, FL 34761 •(407)656-1518 • Fax (407) 656-0218 TO: The Honorable Mayor and Board of ?ty Commissioners FROM: Robert E. Mark, Chief of Police /2 c' DATE: May 2, 2001 SUBJECT: YAMAHA WAVERUNNER— "Loaner Program" Staff Report ISSUE Should the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners approve the Ocoee Police Department's partaking of the Yamaha WaveRunner— "Loaner Program" and entering into the Program's Loaner Agreement Contract? BACKGROUND The Ocoee Police Department currently provides I Officer to patrol the City's lakes for public safety. A substantial increase of lake activity is expected this summer due to the drought that has plagued most of Central Florida's lakes over the past few years. We are pleased to see its effects have not been a major impact on Ocoee's own Starke Lake, as far as water volume. This will, however, have a resulted impact as far as lake use, which will in turn, creates a greater need for public safety patrol. DISCUSSION Municipalities and legal entities have the authority under Florida State Statues 327.395 through 328.07, which express the most common violations on our city's lakes. Our current water vessel and officer can safely patrol only a portion of the expected activity increase. The size of the current vessel, although extremely productive in its current capacity, is limiting to the full potential of abilities. A smaller watercraft will allow for easier lake access and expedite utilization that a larger vessel can inhibit. This could be a potentially crucial factor in the event of a Public Safety Emergency. Yamaha offers a program to dealers that satisfy local agencies' needs without the impact of a great expense. It's called the "Loaner Program"—A Yamaha WaveRunner PWC is provided to Public Safety Agencies by local dealers that participate in this program. Cycle Sports Center of Orlando, has offered this "Loaner Program" on a trial basis for a period of 6 months to the City of Ocoee Police Department. After 6 months of use, the PWC is returned to the dealer where options include to discontinue with the program, or enter into another, extendi indefinitely. S Yamaha, Cycle Sports Center and the Ocoee Police Department all prospectively benefit from entering into the "Loaner Program" Agreement together. For a more detailed evaluation of the program we have provided the attached report. RECOMMENDATION It is respectfully recommended that the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners approve the Ocoee Police Department to enter the Yamaha WaveRunner "Loaner Program" Agreement with Cycle Sports Center and Yamaha. 2 APPROVED: ATTEST: CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor (SEAL) ADVERTISED , 200I READ FIRST TIME ,2001 READ SECOND TIME AND ADOPTED , 2001 UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO. FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY this day of , 2001. FOLEY & LARDNER By: City Attorney ATTEST: DRAFT— 05/07/01 (*yikmAHA® 2001 WATERCRAFT DEALER MANUAL WAVERUNNER 2001 LAW LOAN PROGRAM AGREEMENT Agency Information Name: City of Ocoee Police Department Address: 175 N . Bluford Avenue City: Ocoee State: Florida Zip: _14761 ._ Phone: (407 ) 656-1518 — Fax: (407.)_6_56-0218 - --- --- Responsible Party: Officer Rich Blake _ - -- Dealer Information Name: Cycle Sports Center Address: 4001 John Young Parkway _—_- - - ----- — City: Orlando State: Florida Zip: 2304_ —_ Phone: (407 ) 299-9191 Fax: _ N/A. -. — - — — -- Responsible Party: _Betsy Hart ford _.-_-- -- This Agreement is entered into between Agency and Dealer on _ _ (date) and shall be in effect for no more than nine months. Agency and Dealer desire to participate in the Law Loan/Government Purchase Program offered by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha) and to that end agree to the following: Agency shall use the watercraft(s) exclusively for lifesaving, law enforcement or water safety operations. Agency shall only allow Agency employees to operate the watercraft(s) while performing their job functions. Agency shall be responsible for performing and paying for routine maintenance during the term of this Agreement. Agency shall maintain current injury and property damage liability insurance (a minimum of $500,000.00 coverage) while the watercraft(s) is in Agency's possession. Agency shall be liable for any negligent or unlawful conduct or omissions pertaining to the transporting or use of the watercraft while the watercraft(s) is in Agency's possession. Agency shall release and hold Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Manufacturing Corporation of America, and Tennessee Watercraft, Inc. harmless from and against all claims of whatever nature which any party may claim to have for property damage or personal injuries, including death arising out of the use or operations of the watercraft(s). Agency shall return the watercraft(s) to Dealer in good working order upon the termination of this Agreement. Agency shall be responsible for repairing any damage beyond normal wear and tear. AgexY SitnIDure pea*S!g.atve POLICE OCOEE POLICE ' MARINE PATROL YAMAHA WAVERUNNER "LOANER PROGRAM" INFORMATION OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER ' MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" a.,: ; About Starke Lake Starke Lake is a popular recreational location for many of Occee' residents. From the shores of the lake families can enjoy various water sports like swimming and boating. The neighboring field provides opportunities for sports and special events. The friendliness of the whole area is often its own best advertising. Over the past year, the $1 million in federal grants have been utilized to improve the lake and its surroundings. Some of the improvements include a lighted fountain, a fishing pier, permanent restrooms, and new sidewalks, in addition to various landscaping projects. The public boat ramp on Starke torecll friendly -reational `' Lake is creational " rl- boaters despite the drought that has - " .;in!F�� ' =ar OM _ plagued Florida over -_ .., - Rm the past few years. The Hams Chain, the Butler Chain, and the Clermont Chain of lakes are increasingly becoming inaccessible for boaters. Venetian Cove in Leesburg is the only adequate public ramp servicing Lake Harris. Unfortunately, there is not enough parking at that ramp to accommodate the increase in vehide/trailer combinations. The public boat ramp at Starke Lake consists of both fixed and floating docks. Directly opposite the ramp is the vehicle/trailer staging area and to the south of the ramp is plenty of parking opposite the beads area. Ideal to the picnicking family, it is but an easy stroll to vehicle or watercraft. The ramp is located in the same lagoon as Ocuee's lighted fountain. This allows boaters to launch and retrieve their vessels without excessive influence from the wind and waves that form on large bodies of water. Starke Lake, the Gazebo, the Women's Club, the Maguire House, and the municipal complex are a focal point to community events. Whether paying a utility bill, having a child seat inspected at the police station, a wedding at the recreation center, a craft fair at the Maguire house, or festivals such as Founder's Day and Onco de Mayo, Ocoee residents and visitors cannot help but notice our lake. lir . The Game and Fish Commission (GFC) have noticed Starke Lake. GFC marine biologists monitor the health of Starke Lake and the fish within. The GFC have fish feeders on the fishing pier, conduct interviews MCP/,61111,1111 with local fishermen, and catch and return fish examined for diet and - health. This has led to Starke lake building a reputation for excellent ' ° fishing. The Florida Sportsman and The West Orange Times have featured Starke Lake for some of the big catches. One Ocoee resident featured, Javier Rosario, 13 (pictured left) landed a 10-pound bass from the fishing pier. Javier provides an example of how Starke Lake benefits ii - \ local business, the same day he caught the fish, he brought it to the taxidermist on McKey St. Other local businesses benefit from the traffic on Starke Lake. Fishermen can stop at the Ocoee Café before dawn for breakfast before a busy day of fishing. Picnickers can provision at OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER • MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" Kash& Karry or Handy Way. Boaters needing accessories can find lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and other marine equipment at nearby Wal-Mart or Alderman's Marine. In addition to Alderman's Marine, a new boating store has opened in the West Oaks Mall called"Boater's Gallery". ^-r - Public Safety at Starke Lake - vV Ocoee residents .•- benefit from having Police and _ _ _ Rescue services dose to Starke F— Lake. In most cases, calls for service will receive an instant response. Minor problems can be addressed with a short walk to the Police Station or to Fire Station #1. About Personal Watercraft(PWC's) More than 90% of recreational boats in this country are less than 20' in length, half of these are less than 16 feet in length. Personal watercraft,"Jet-Ski's",'Sea-Doo", "WaveRunners" fall into this category. PWC's are small, agile boats powered by an inboard engine and a jet pump mechanism. They are considered by the Coast Guard to be "Class A Inboard Boats"and are subject to the same laws as larger, more conventional boats. Personal watercraft have a steerable nozzle at the rear of the pump housing, which is controlled by a handlebar which directs the stream of water from left to right. If the engine is not pushing the je t of water, there will be no thrust to steer the craft. ! The jet pump mechanism allows the -- - vessel to operate without an external propeller. This reduces some, not all, hazard to marine plants and wildlife. However, care must be taken to avoid vegetation clogging the intake port. This is accomplished simply by running at idle speeds until away from shore, vegetation or shallow areas. Contrary to the belief that PWC owners are young, immature and irresponsible, studies conducted by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association show this stet eulype to be incorrect. According to PWIA, personal watercraft owners are usually middle-aged, highly educated, white- collar workers with considerable boating experience. The average age of a PWC owner is 41 with two-thirds of the survey respondents over 35. The majority of PWC owners (71%) are married with families and 41% have children under 18 living at home. More than two-thirds (68%) have owned a powerboat of some type prior to the purchase of their PWC. OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" Frequently Asked Questions Why not let Orange County's Marine Unit continue to patrol Starke Lake? Orange County's Marine Unit consists of 9 Deputies. Orange County has about 1000 lakes that are larger than 10 awe,. Ocoee currently has 1 active Marine trained Officer for 1 busy lake. Requests are being made to increase that number to about 4. Why does Ocoee need a Personal Watercraft if we already have a boat? The brand new Yamaha WaveRunner is being provided free by the dealer. Standard costs involved indude fuel, oil, and spark plugs. At the end of the season the WaveRunner is returned to the dealer eliminating concerns of storage. Total costs are minimal compared to the maintenance and storage cysts of a full size outboard powerboat that is over 6 years old and has seen many trips to the shop. This is an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of a program without the costs associated with hiring researchers, surveyors, or consultants. Is essence, this summer could be seen as a test for an alternative to having a full size powerboat. As mentioned previously, Personal Watercraft are small and agile. This applies while on land also. Whereas the powerboat requires the use of a tow vehicle, a PWC can be walked from Fire Station #1 to Starke Lake with a special trailer adaptor if necessary. Currently, some of the Ford Crown Victories have trailer hitches. A police cruiser is not practical to tow a full size powerboat, however can easily tow a PWC. A PWC can reach some of Occee's lakes that are inaccessible due to the size of the powerboat. A PWC can reach them quicker also. There lakes include Peach Lake, Lake Bennett, Lake Lotta, and the lakes off of north Clarke Rd. • Will the Fire Department use the Yamaha WaveRunner? Not at this time, however they have been kept ■ libra informed of the "Loaner" Program. The Fire _ I t Department will be evaluating the program to see if it may suit their purposes in the near future. The Police/Rescue boat is maintained through funds in _,.. 1..al their budget. Less expensive, more practical alternatives are being considered including Zodiac type inflatable rescue vessels. Similar to the Law Enforcement PWC training, Fre Rescue personnel must also rexeive advanced training. Water Rescue training involve both lifesaving skills, recovery skills, and rescue skills in addition to the basic PWC knowledge and training. Why do Police Officers need to take a $300 course to use a PWC? Officers need to be the experts in their field. It is not good enough just to know the basic skills involved in PWC operation, they need to maintain a working knowledge of the equipment and its purpose. In addition, Marine Officers operate personal watercraft in different ways than a recreational boater. Marine Officers must conduct vessel stops, investigate and preserve boating crashes and injuries, have extensive knowledge of boating laws, and are able to identify various safety concerns or violations. Part of the course involves basic first responder training as often the Marine Unit may be the first public safety personnel on the scene of a crash. 'e 7: OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" The Yamaha WaveRunner is being provided for free. what about all the accessories? Accessories required include a PWC Trailer, Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Devices (lifejackets), the required fire extinguisher, whistle, and lanyard (a line attached from operator to engine cut-off in the event the operator falls off the PWC the engine stops). Much of this equipment is provided at cost from Cycle Sports Center, Inc. the dealer providing the Yamaha"loaner". This equipment new will cost about$450. Although not necessary, an additional trailer hitch mounted on one of the Community Oriented Police Unit Vehicle is estimated between $162 - $323 depending on size of the hitch. The initial expense for all the accessories, induding uniforms, hitch, maintenance on the trailer, and training for three officers can be covered with $2,000. Most of the accessories purchased will not need to be replaced each year. i„►. r � - Orange " ?.,,, County Sheriffs trn& • �•aPbei Office Marine Unit ,q�,� currently has two �„"'!c- confiscated PWC e. • trailers held in storage. OrcO has offered to give a -• _ trailer to Ocoee free .- of charge. The ° trailers are used, may need some maintenance, however, if the decision is made not to continue the "Loaner" Program in the future, the trailer can be returned to OCSO without charge. Yamaha WaveRunner"Loaner Program" Yamaha significantly discount their PWC's to dealers that participate in "Loaner Programs"with local agendes. In some cases, $1000 is deducted from the dealer cost of a PWC. At the end of the program the PWC is returned to the dealer who then can sell the PWC at a discount to customers and still profit. Both Yamaha and Cycle Sports Center benefit from dealing with the Ocoee Police Department. By the Ocoee Police using their product, we provide them with free advertising. In addition, the City of Ocoee TV channel has expressed an interest in working with the police to provide public service announcements that could easily include boating safety. Yamaha and Cycle Sports Center can advertise their participation in local boating safety programs. About Ocoee's Police Marine Unit The Ocoee Police Marine Unit is a "part-time" specialized unit that provides a service to the recreational boaters and residents that enjoy the leisure opportunities available at Starke Lake. Primarily utilized on weekends when Starke Lake is most crowded, the Marine Unit provides a safe, enjoyable environment through positive public relations and selective law enforcement when necessary. Currently consisting of 1 active Officer, Ofc. Rich Blake, with other Officers that have shown interest in receiving certified marine training. In addition to vessel stops and public relations, Marine Officers conduct safety inspections of vessels before they enter the water, provide traffic control for vehide & trailer combinations during crowded summer weekends at the boat ramp, conduct foot patrols of the OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER _> MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" lakeshore to deter the use of alcoholic beverages (as per code and posted on signs), prevent littering, and provide printed and verbal boating safety information to adults and juveniles. Common Violations on Starke Lake Florida State Description Statute 327.395 Safe Boaters Card Required: An operator of a vessel born after September 30, 1980 must have a safe boaters card issued by the State of Florida. This is a relatively new law designed to require boaters to take a safety course. Young boaters are asked to leave Starke Lake until they have completed the course. The course consists of a take home study book and mail in test. This booklet is available at the Ocoee Police Department. 327.50 Safety Equipment Violation: Proper safety equipment is required on all vessels. This may indude fire extinguishers, personal floatation devices (lifejackets) for all persons on board, engine cut-off switches, horns or noisemaking devices, and bilge ventilation for inboard gas engines. Passengers under 6 years of age must wear a lifejacket. Often boaters taking their vessels out for the first time of the season find their fire extinguisher has lost its pressure or some of their lifejackets were left in the garage. 327.33(2) Careless Operation: According to the Florida State Statutes, "any person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner". This indudes excessive speed too close to shore or other vessels, "spraying"nearby boats or docks with the prop or jet of a vessel, and jumping wakes too close to boaters or water-skiers Other Violations Florida State Description Statute 327.25 Expired Florida Registration: Similar to a vehide, vessels must be registered on the date of birth of the owner. Unlike a vehicle however, a vessel may not be used for months at a time and subsequently forgotten. 327.52 Maximum Occupancy Exceeded: All modern vessels must have by law notice posted on them advising maximum occupancy and weight limits of the vessel. This includes personal watercraft. Many owners do not realize that a person towed behind a boat, whether on skis or in a tube, is considered an occupant. Often the PWC will be loaded with an operator, a spotter, and the person being towed. The solution for this would be to have wide-angle mirrors in place of the spotter or a bigger personal watercraft. OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT YAMAHA WAVERUNNER MARINE UNIT "LOANER PROGRAM" Final Notes and Observations from Ofc. Blake This year we expect to see the highest number of boaters and residents enjoying Starke Lake on the weekends. Ideas are being considered to find a means to prevent over-crowding on the lake. Aside from being a safety issue, the quality of the water might suffer from excessive power boating on Starke Lake. I would rewmmend that the City postpone the issue of permits until the Marine unit can conduct interviews with residents for opinions from the community. While the traffic on the lake is being studied, and fecSback from the community gathered, Public Works can label a barricade"RAMP CLOSED— LAKE FULL". When Marine Units observe the lake becoming unsafe due to a high amount of boaters, a Police vehide and barricades can be placed across the ramp entrance. This allows Marine Officers to regulate veccPls entering the lake. In addition, frequent residents can contact the Ocoee Police to find if the lake has been closed prior to hauling their watercraft to the municipal complex. Finally, I would recommend that the Ocoee Police Marine Unit be renamed,"Ocoee Police Water Safety Team". In essence, a safe summer on Starke Lake is going to be the result of a team effort. Cycle Sports Center is providing the loaner WaveRunner, Orange County Sheriff's Office is providing a trailer and training for the WaveRunner, the Ocoee Police Department is providing the Officers, and the community is providing feedback and boating safely. • ter/ Special Thanks: • Cycle Sports Center 4001 John Young Parkway Orlando, Florida 32804 407-299-9191 • Orange County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit • PWET—Personal Watercraft Education &Training Specialized Training for Law Enforcement (fir 4,\A City of Ocoee Police Department Ly e : z K Media Relations Team (407)656-1518 ext. 3400 175 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida 34761 • Careless Boaters Beware SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE Date: May 10, 2001 PIO Contact: Ofc. Richard A. Blake #353 Phone#: (407) 656-1518 Ext. 3400 (Email) rblake(rdci.ocoee.fl.us The Ocoee Police Department is taking to the waters of Starke Lake to ensure a safe recreational environment this summer. Cycle Sports Center has provided Ocoee's Water Safety Team with a Yamaha WaveRunner as part of a national loaner program. By providing the Ocoee Police with Yamaha Personal Watercraft, Cycle Sports Center and Yamaha actively support boating safety programs in Ocoee's communities. In the past year the City of Ocoee has spent over$1 million in federal grants to beautify our primary lake, Starke Lake. This has included a fishing pier, a fountain, permanent restrooms, and extensive landscaping. In addition, this years drought has not impacted on the accessibility of our public boat ramp. Starke Lake has seen an increase in water traffic from other lakes that are currently dry, shallow, or no longer reachable by boat. The Ocoee Police Department intends to provide a safe recreational environment through positive public relations and active law enforcement. "The Ocoee Police Department is committed to keeping Starke Lake safe and enjoyable for the residents and guest of our community" says Robert Mark, Chief of Police. PIO Water Safety Team