The Service Is Related To The “Pier Task Force” Which Was Created To Address Concerns Over Safety, Public Health, And The Environment Related To Unpermitted Vending.
By Zach Armstrong
Council members will review a contract with a security company to protect and serve the Santa Monica Pier.
An agenda item in Tuesday’s council meeting includes modifying an agreement in the amount of $327,969 with A.G. Coast Inc. (d/b/a CA Panther), for security services on and around the Santa Monica Pier, resulting in a six-month amended agreement with a new total amount not exceeding $1,059,969.
The service is related to the “Pier Task Force” which was created to address concerns over safety, public health, and the environment related to unpermitted vending.
“Based on the success of the Task Force, now known as DaRT (Directed Action Response Team), Council directed staff to continue the program through June 30, 2023,” read a city staff report. “Contract security services provided by A.G. Coast, Inc. (dba CA Panther) continue to be instrumental in assisting DaRT in reducing unpermitted vending on and around the Santa Monica Pier.”
The staff recommended that the City modify its agreement with CA Panther to continue security services through the end of 2023 to “ensure that DaRT has the contract security services needed to continue to address unpermitted vending and its associated public safety, public health, and environmental risks.”
The staff is also preparing a Request for Proposal for security services on and around the Pier and will return to Council to approve of a five-year contract agreement effective January 1, 2024.
