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Board hears plan for micro‑mobility pilot; staff flags launch in Q1 2025, safety and revenue questions remain
Summary
Economic Development Director Steve Weathers briefed the advisory board on a micro‑mobility RFP: about 16 parking corrals, geofencing/no‑ride zones (MLK), an initial fleet of roughly 150 vehicles, and several revenue‑share models under finance review. Board members raised safety, liability and device abandonment concerns.
Economic Development Director Steve Weathers described the micro‑mobility procurement and pilot the city is preparing to authorize.
"They will start with what they tell us a 150 vehicles," Weathers said, explaining the vendor proposed corrals, geofencing to prevent crossing MLK, and software controls to limit speeds in pedestrian areas. He said staff have a contract from legal and the finance team is working out a revenue‑share model, including options for a flat fee or an hours‑based share.
Board members pressed on safety and potential hidden costs: several members noted the city must account for police, fire and EMT responses to accidents and the staffing costs those responses may create. Weathers said the contract will include termination provisions and the vendor will be asked to help cover measurable city response costs if necessary. Members also asked whether subscriber data would be shared; Weathers said privacy constraints are likely to limit access, but revenue‑share arrangements can be structured in multiple ways.
Weathers said staff expect to launch the pilot in the first quarter of 2025 and to adjust the footprint and device mix (sit‑down vs. stand‑up scooters, bicycles) based on observed demand. The board did not take formal action but directed staff to continue refining contractual terms and to return with clear revenue, liability and operational proposals.
