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Council Debates One‑Year Guest Golf‑cart Pilot; $90,000 Program Could Require City to Cover Up to $30,000
Summary
Council heard a revised one‑year proposal from Guest Golf Carts that would cap the city’s upfront fixed cost at $30,000 if the company sells $60,000 in marketing sponsorships; members asked for sponsorship commitments before approval and discussed service hours, territory and equity of access.
Milford City Manager Gunderson presented an updated one‑year proposal for a guest golf‑cart pilot on May 8, saying the company proposes a $90,000 program and the city’s fixed outlay could be reduced to $30,000 if marketing sponsorships totaling $60,000 are sold.
Council members pressed for clearer sponsorship commitments and program details before approving any city payment. Several members said they would be reluctant to commit large sums without proof the company could secure sponsor revenue; Gunderson and council asked the vendor to return with at least $30,000 in commitments as a condition to proceed.
Council discussed operational details: the contract would be for one year, carts would be stored at the city garage, hours and service territory would be adjustable, and an app‑based geofence would define where carts can pick up riders. Gunderson said the vendor can change hours and territory after reviewing usage data. He described the program as aimed primarily at creating off‑site parking and last‑mile access to downtown businesses.
Several council members raised equity and effectiveness concerns. One member noted hillside residents would still need to drive to parking areas before riding, and another said the proposed hours favor restaurants more than a broad cross‑section of residents. Council members asked whether the vendor would actively sell advertising or whether the city would have to recruit sponsors; Gunderson said the city would act mainly as a connector and that the vendor typically sells sponsorships in other municipalities.
Council asked staff to collect preliminary sponsor “feelers” from large local businesses and to return with commitments before moving forward. No final contract authorization was given during the meeting.
