G | Consideration and Approval of a Contract: With Gotcha Mobility, LLC ("Gotcha") for Bike Share Systems. | ||||||||
Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen introduced Sustainability Specialist Jenny Nieman who provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: BIKE SHARE SOLICITATION GOTCHA MOBILITY Councilmember McCarthy asked if NAU was supportive of electric bikes on campus. Ms. Neiman explained that NAU was part of the selection committee and they will be moving forward with a contract. Mr. Solomon added that if the City choses to not proceed with an award of contract that does not preclude NAU for moving forward with their own program. Councilmember McCarthy expressed concern about other bike share operations coming to Flagstaff and suggested that rules be put in place that limit the number of bikes permitted in the community. He noted that there is discussion in the community about another company coming in with 50 bikes for trail rides. Ms. Neiman stated that if a business wants to run a tour type operation, there are other permits that must be applied for and issued. There are also other regulations in terms of using forest roads and trails. As it stands a permit would be required by any vendor who would come in with 50 or more bikes. Vice Mayor Shimoni asked if the proposal was to provide pedal assist electric bikes. Ms. Neiman stated that the proposal includes both types of bike; the user would have the option to choose one or the other depending upon availability and preference. There will be a slightly higher rental cost for the electric bikes. Councilmember McCarthy asked about docking stations for charging and parking. Ms. Neiman indicated that there are no charging stations but there is geo-fenced parking locations and users are required to park in those areas. If the bikes are not parked in one of those designated areas they are charged a fee. In terms of charging for the electric bikes, the batteries are interchangeable and Gotcha will have staff that monitor and deploy around town to replace the batteries as needed. Mayor Evans asked what the penalty fee is for parking a bike inappropriately. Sean Flood with Gotcha Mobility stated that the penalty fee varies by community and on average it is a $5 penalty with larger penalties for parking outside of the service area. Mayor Evans stated that during the pilot, bikes were left all over the place and suggested that a higher fee would be appropriate to make sure people are abiding by the rules. She asked who receives the penalty fees. Ms. Neiman stated that the fee would go to Gotcha because they employ the people who will be retrieving and replacing the bikes in the proper locations. It is not a City operation but rather a vendor that provides the services. Mr. Flood suggested that the fee not be set now and allow an education period to start with. He indicated that Gotcha is happy to continue discussing options for setting the fees, but it would be helpful to have information about the behaviors that are seen in the community first. He offered that the outreach and education plan is very detailed and that is rolled out as the launch date nears. The average fee structure has worked pretty well, and most people want to do the right thing. Picking up and dropping off just anywhere is not their model. The following individuals addressed Council with concerns about the program:
Council discussed a probationary period for the program with a reevaluation in six months to make adjustments or determine if the City should continue with the program. |
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Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni to approve award of contract with Gotcha, a bike share system company, to provide an innovative and cost-effective bike share system that will advance multi-modal transportation options for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University and stipulating a six month review to the Council after launch. Mayor Evans expressed a desire for additional conversations to be had with Gotcha to identify and set fees and timelines for a response for bikes that are parked inappropriately. | |||||||||
Moved by Mayor Coral Evans, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to amend the motion to instruct staff to go back and have a conversation and further negotiate with Gotcha for either a penalty or a fee and a timeline for when bikes are parked outside the geo-fencing areas. | |||||||||
Vote: 6 - 1 | |||||||||
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Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||