LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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EXTENSION OF THE DOCKLESS SHARED MICROMOBILITY PILOT PROGRAM OPERATING AGREEMENT AND PERMIT.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve extending the dockless shared micromobility pilot program operating agreement and permit with Veo Ride, Inc. through October 31, 2022.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Staff requests an extension of the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program operating agreement and permit with Veo Ride, Inc. from August 31, 2022 through October 31, 2022. The purpose of the extension is to allow staff time to finalize a proposed ordinance for a permanent micromobility program and bring forth a contract with Veo.
Staff proposes the following elements be included in a permanent micromobility program and operating agreement:
• A seated scooter option from a risk management perspective.
• Forced parking for the downtown core. As seen in the 311 tickets, the majority of complaints are in the downtown area around South Palafox Street. Forced parking would create a more structured and neater system for parking. Outside the forced parking boundary, free floating parking as it exists now would still be allowed.
Forced parking would require users to end their ride in a designated area shown on the app. Through GPS technology, the ride would not be able to end until the device was located in a specific space. Users would continue to be charged for their ride. They will also receive in-app notifications that they are not in a suitable parking location if they tried to end the ride. The tentative forced parking boundary is shown in Attachment 1, but can change to stay flexible to community needs and key stakeholders, such as the Downtown Improvement Board.
• Move the weekend curfew start time, to begin at 11:00 pm instead of 12:00 am.
• Modify the permit structure to institute an annual permit fee cost, and a fee per ride to be collected on a monthly basis. The total cost would help cover the cost of the micromobility program and developing a robust multi-modal transportation network.
• Incorporate a three-tiered user fine system into the vendor contract. This system requires operators to fine users for offenses such as improperly parked vehicles and ending a ride in a geofenced area through a tiered approach.
• Require a rider survey, educational outreach, and an accessibility plan.
Background Information
Ordinance No. 17-19 created Chapter 7-9 within the City Code of Ordinances and established a 12-month shared micromobility device pilot program for the operation of shared micromobility devices.
Two vendors (Bird and Veo) were ultimately selected through an RFQ process with the ability to each deploy up to 250 scooters. Once selected as a pilot program participant, the vendor is required to submit a one-time, nonrefundable permit fee of $500.00 and a one-time, nonrefundable fee in the amount of $100.00 per device deployed by the vendor.
Ordinance No. 02-22 was adopted by City Council on February 10, 2022, which amended certain provisions to the original ordinance based on input and needs from the community. Sidewalk riding was prohibited along with implementation of a midnight curfew on weekends. In addition to the amendments, staff has implemented several strategies such as educational campaigns, fines for abandonment, user ID verification, and vehicle IDs.
At the June Council meeting, Council approved extending the Bird Inc. contract to align with Veo’s contract expiration date of August 31, 2022. If Council approves this extension request, Bird Inc. would be required to remove all their scooter devices by close of business Sept. 1, 2022.
PRIOR ACTION:
September 19, 2019 - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-19 approving the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program
February 10, 2022 - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 02-22 amending the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program
May 26, 2022 - Mayor withdrew for consideration Resolution No. 2022-048 extending the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program through March 1, 2023
June 16, 2022 - City Council extended the pilot program and operating agreement with Bird, Inc. through August 31, 2022.
FUNDING:
Budget: $ N/A
Actual: $ N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A permit fee will be assessed should a new operating agreement be approved in the future.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
8/8/2022
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator
Amy Tootle, P.E., Director of Public Works and Facilities
Brad Hinote, P.E., City Engineer
Caitlin Cerame, AICP, Transportation Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Background Information and Data
2) Micromobility Franchise Service Area Map Adopted 2/10/22
3) Ordinance No. 02-22 Amending Chapter 7-9 Micromobility Pilot Program Adopted 2/10/22
4) VeoRide, Inc. Operating Agreement and Permit Executed 8/19/21
PRESENTATION: Yes end