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Council refers Zagster bike-share proposal to Parks & Recreation after debate over funding and vetting
Summary
Council debated a two-year Zagster bike-share lease (minimum 10 bikes, $1,800 per bike per year) and voted to refer the proposal to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further vetting amid concerns about funding sustainability and infrastructure.
Councilors debated whether to commit hotel/motel tax revenue to a two-year Zagster bike-share lease during the June 6 meeting. Parks and Recreation director Cadott presented a proposal for a two-year lease of a minimum 10 bikes (recommended five bikes per station), with a supplier-provided promotion package and a per-bike annual cost of $1,800 — a figure staff said covers bikes, software, maintenance, vandalism/theft coverage and station management.
Why it mattered: The funding source proposed was the hotel/motel tax surplus. Staff said there was a surplus of “just over $100,000” and that the first year of the program could be covered from those funds; councilors expressed concern about ongoing costs after the two-year commitment and whether the proposal had gone through the usual committee vetting.
Councilor Sweeney and others criticized the timing and process, noting the Parks & Rec committee had met without a quorum and recommending the matter be reviewed more fully by the proper committee. Councilors raised questions about station locations (Barker’s Island, UWS campus and downtown were discussed), bike specifications for winter use, membership pricing and whether UWS students should contribute to costs. Supporters argued the program would promote tourism and improve transportation equity for residents without cars.
After extended discussion Councilor Sweeney moved to refer the Zagster proposal to the Parks and Recreation Commission for additional vetting. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote; the motion passed with a majority recorded as 'yes' and at least two 'no' votes (Councilor Van Sickle and Councilor Bender recorded as 'no' in the roll-call sequence). The council formally referred the item for committee consideration rather than approving the lease during the meeting.
Next steps: The Parks & Rec Commission will revisit the Zagster proposal (locations, membership rates, promotional plan and funding strategy) and report back to the council with recommendations. The council’s referral preserves options and allows staff and the commission to flesh out membership structure and long-term funding.
