TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:Title
Pilot Sunscreen Dispenser Program Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council discuss and provide direction on a proposed pilot sunscreen dispenser program recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Commission has solicited sponsorships to offset the sunscreen dispenser program. The proposed budget is $7,280 which will be offset by sponsorship revenue of $7,500.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Recreation Commission sent a request to the City Council to discuss the sunscreen dispenser program. The City Council approved their request at the October 20, 2015 meeting. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this item at 6 meetings, evaluating the type of dispenser, sunscreen products, and sponsorship. The Commission summarized their findings in a sunscreen dispenser program/company comparison chart (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION:
The Commission proposed the sunscreen dispensers, citing the public health issue of skin cancer which affects as many as 20% of Americans. Further, the Commission noted many benefits to the community, including: positive media attention for downtown businesses and providing a valuable resource to residents and visitors to the City of Manhattan Beach. The potential concerns that were discussed included: existing downtown businesses that also provide sunscreen, liability and graffiti/vandalism.
In addressing these concerns, the risk manager suggested that the preferred vendor provide indemnification and that a disclaimer be added to the dispenser indicating that use is encouraged, but voluntary, and at the user’s own risk. The Commission reached out to three existing sunscreen dispenser programs (the City of Boston, City of Miami Beach and the Malibu Suncare Company) and none of them reported any liability claims or graffiti issues to date.
The dispenser program was discussed with internal departments to address operations. If approved, it is recommended that Public Works will attach the dispensers to the railing/fencing and the City’s contractor will refill the sunscreen dispensers on a set schedule twice a week in concert with their current maintenance duties.
The proposed dispensers on the Pier and comfort station are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that the project will not have the potential for any impacts on the environment.
Dispenser Options
The Commission evaluated three different dispensers and created a comparison chart to evaluate the pros and cons of each (Attachment 2).
1) Bright Guard
Bright Guard dispensers were used in Boston, Massachusetts, and installed at 65 locations throughout the City. The project was funded by a local melanoma prevention organization. The Boston project aims to increase to 250 dispensers in 2016.
Pros:
• Motion sensor control (touchless)
• Low per unit cost ($70)
Cons:
• Battery Operated (maintenance and battery replacement)
• High sunscreen product cost ($200/gallon)
• High probability of damage/maintenance concerns over time
2) Sun Shield
Sun Shield dispensers were used in Malibu, and many events such as the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market and Special Olympics in the Los Angeles area. This company launched in 2015, and provides a variety of sunscreen options. They do not have an ongoing presence in any cities; however continue to provide sunscreen at many community events.
Pros:
• Motion sensor control (touchless)
• Low per unit cost ($90)
Cons:
• Battery Operated (maintenance and battery replacement)
• High sunscreen product cost ($180/gallon)
• High probability of damage/maintenance concerns over time
3) Miami Beach Suncare
Miami Beach, Florida, initiated the first U.S. sunscreen dispenser project in April, 2015 with 50 dispensers. It is funded by a local medical center and has garnered extensive press coverage. A local sunscreen company, Miami Beach Suncare, provides the product and the dispensers.
Pros:
• No battery replacement costs due to manual dispenser
• Low sunscreen cost ($68/gallon)
Cons:
• Manual pump dispenser (not touchless)
• Highest per unit cost ($100)
All dispensers would provide free, hypoallergenic SPF 30 sunscreen to residents and visitors.
Proposed Dispenser Locations (Attachment 3)
The Commission proposed ten possible dispenser locations, which are listed in order of priority. Due to the current sponsorship level, the Commission recommends a pilot program for the first five locations. The Commission prioritized the locations as follows:
1) Pier Comfort Station - railing leading to stairs
2) Base of Pier - railing leading to north steps leading to the beach
3) Live Oak Park Tot Lot
4) Polliwog Park (near restrooms)
6) 8th Street Restrooms (County)
7) Marine Street Restrooms (County)
8) El Porto Restrooms (County)
9) Polliwog Park (near east playground area)
10) Sand Dune Park
Proposed Budget (90 days)
City Labor for Installation $ 600
Sunscreen Cost $3,000
Dispensers ($136 X 5) $ 680
Contract cost for refilling dispenser $2,500
Freight for dispensers and sunscreen $ 250
Artwork (Sponsor & City Logos) $ 250
Total $7,280
Sponsorship Funding
The Commission received donation commitments from Kaiser Permanente and the Ablon Skin Institute for a 90 day trial period at 5 locations. The sponsor logos will be placed on the dispenser labels, with the size consistent with their contribution level (Attachment 4).
Kaiser Permanente $6,250
Ablon Skin Institute $1,250
Total $7,500
The Commission distributed a total of 19 sponsorship request letters that were sent to Manhattan Beach dermatologists and South Bay medical centers. Initially the sponsors were given the option of funding up to 10 dispensers for a 12 month period. Based on the sponsorship revenue and the concept of a trial period, the Commission recommended providing 5 dispensers for a 90-day trial period. During the 90 days, data would be collected to determine the quantity of sunscreen used at each site, community feedback, then return to City Council for further direction.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission recommends that the City Council approve the Miami Beach Suncare dispenser to be installed at the top five prioritized locations:
1) Pier Comfort Station - railing leading to stairs
2) Base of Pier - railing leading to north steps leading to the beach
3) Live Oak Park Tot Lot
4) Polliwog Park (near restrooms)
5) Marine Avenue Park
The Commission proposed a 90-day trial period during the summer months to run mid-June through mid-September. At the end of the trial period, the item would return to the City Council for discussion.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
Staff reached out to Los Angeles County Lifeguards regarding the placement of sunscreen dispensers near the lifeguard tower on the base of the Pier. In addition, Commissioners reached out to the Friends of Polliwog Park (FOPP) regarding placement of dispensers in Polliwog Park. Both the Lifeguards and FOPP members were in support of the pilot sunscreen dispenser program.
CONCLUSION:
City Council to discuss and provide direction for the the pilot sunscreen dispenser program recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Attachments:
1. Sunscreen Dispenser Comparison
2. Proposed Sunscreen Dispenser Locations
3. Sunscreen Dispenser Photos
4. Sunscreen Dispenser Sponsorship Wrap