Commissioners ask county for alternatives after diesel buses idle near City Hall rest stop

Residents complained at the Aug. 21 meeting about county transit buses resting and idling for extended periods behind City Hall along Atlantic Avenue, producing diesel fumes. Commissioners asked staff to seek alternatives to reduce idling and exposure. A commissioner said buses stop for roughly 20 minutes at a time and two buses were observed during the day, producing noticeable exhaust near residences and City Hall. City Manager explained the stop had been negotiated with the county as part of restoring a bus route that benefits roughly 30 riders per day in the city. The county requested a temporary rest stop on city property while drivers are on duty and the city agreed to the arrangement to reinstate the route. Staff reported the county uses low‑emission buses on that route and that fully electric buses were not an option at present. City staff said they had asked the county to investigate options such as shutting engines off while parked and to provide follow‑up information to the commission. Commissioners requested staff report back next month with county responses and whether buses could be turned off or replaced with electric vehicles on that route. One commissioner also asked staff to discuss bus‑bench coverage with the county. No changes were made to the rest‑stop agreement at the Aug. 21 meeting; staff will seek further details from the county and report back.