LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 52-22 - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 7-9 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA - DOCKLESS SHARED MICROMOBILITY DEVICES PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council adopt Proposed Ordinance No. 52-22 on second reading.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 7-9 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA TO REGULATE A DOCKLESS SHARED MICROMOBILITY DEVICE PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Staff recommends amending Chapter 7 -9 to create a permanent micromobility program. This amendment would reflect a transition from a pilot program to a permanent program. A contract with Veo Ride for a seated scooter is forthcoming and will be brought before Council.
Changes to Chater 7 -9 include the following:
• Delete references to “pilot”.
• Add definition for forced parking.
• Add definition for different geofencing capabilities.
• Add definition for furniture zone.
• Add definition for No Park Zone.
• Add definition for No Ride Zone.
• Include motorized scooters and bicycles under the definition of Micromobility Device.
Fines will remain the same and the vendor will still have one hour to retrieve and relocate a micromobility device that is violating the ordinance. The midnight curfew on the weekends will stay intact and the no sidewalk riding will remain.
Forced parking will be a major change to the new program, which will require devices located within a certain area to be parked in designated corrals. The forced parking area will consist mainly in the downtown core, but may change from time to time to accommodate new program needs. This essentially creates a hybrid system where scooters outside the forced parking area will be free floating and still allowed to park in furniture zones within the sidewalk, so long as they do not violate the ordinance by parking improperly.
To improve accessibility, staff will coordinate with vendors and event permit holders to create designated parking for scooters near major events. This will allow people to park and then use a micromobility device to get closer to the event.
Program Background:
On September 12, 2019, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 17-19, which created Chapter 7-9 within the City Code of Ordinances, establishing a 12-month shared micromobility device pilot program. House Bill 453 was previously passed allowing local governments to adopt an ordinance to govern the operation of micromobility devices and motorized scooters on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas.
In February, there was an amendment to the ordinance to update the regulations based on monitoring of the program and community feedback. Changes included the weekend curfew and no sidewalk riding.
In August, the pilot program and operating agreement permit with Veo Ride was extended to October 31 to allow time for a new contract to be negotiated and creation of an ordinance for a permanent program.
PRIOR ACTION:
September 12, 2019 - City Council voted to adopt Dockless Shared Micromobility Devices Pilot Program Ordinance. No. 17-19.
February 10, 2022 - City Council adopted Ordinance No. 02-22 amending the Dockless Shared Micromobility Pilot Program
June 16, 2022 - City Council extended the pilot program and operating agreement with Bird, Inc. through August 31, 2022.
August 18, 2022- City Council extended the pilot program for seated scooters only through October 31, 2022.
October 13, 2022 - City Council voted to approve Proposed Ordinance No. 52-22 on first reading.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Program fees will be assessed as part of the contract with micromobility vendors.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
9/30/2022
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator - Community Development
Amy Tootle, P.E. - Director of Public Works and Facilities
Brad Hinote, P.E. - City Engineer
Caitlin Cerame, AICP - Transportation Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Proposed Ordinance No. 52-22
2) Shared Micromobility Franchise Area Map
3) Proposed Forced Parking Area Map
PRESENTATION: No end