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Commission extends Lime contract for one year; safety concerns prompt offer to revisit at later meeting
Summary
The committee approved a no-cost one-year extension of the city’s Lime contract to maintain scooter service while staff drafts an RFP. Commissioners raised safety and helmet questions and discussed removing the bid list from consent to allow fuller public discussion at the 2 p.m. meeting.
The committee approved a one-year, no-cost extension of the city’s contract with Lime (Neutron Holdings) to continue shared micro-mobility services while the department prepares a request for proposals.
Miss Claire (CFO) said the extension is for continuity of service while staff develops an RFP. Jessica Smith, mobile department director, noted the extension covers the end of the current contract and allows the city to continue services while the department prepares alternatives.
Commissioner Purdue asked to table the item previously over helmet and head-safety concerns and sought a larger conversation about Lime’s approach to rider safety. Other commissioners said they did not share the same level of concern and suggested the matter could be taken off consent and discussed more fully at the 2 p.m. meeting so Commissioner Purdue could present her concerns. Ms. Smith said tabling the item would leave the city without a current contract after the existing one expires, explaining the extension was intended to maintain service.
The committee voted to include the bid list on the consent agenda; staff noted that if any commissioner votes no at the full commission, the item will be removed from consent and discussed later. Commissioners discussed asking Mobile GR to provide safety data and program details at the subsequent meeting.
The extension was approved to preserve service continuity while staff pursues a new RFP and compiles safety information for the commission.
