Consent Agenda Item 4d
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Agenda Item
DATE: February 7, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Siana L. Emmons, City Clerk/Human Resources Manager THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve a renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bird Rides, Inc. to Provide Stand-up Electric Scooter Sharing System within the City of Fortuna
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an MOU renewal with Bird Rides, Inc. to provide a stand-up electric scooter sharing system within the City of Fortuna.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On August 2, 2021, Council approved an MOU with Bird Rides, Inc. (Bird) to provide an electric stand-up scooter ride sharing system for the City.
The fleets deployed at various locations throughout the City on September 9, 2021, and were well received by the community. As part of the MOU, it is the responsibility of the City’s Bird Account Manager to oversee the hiring, training and implantation of a Fleet Manager. Currently the fleets have not been deployed because there have been set backs in finding the right person for the Fleet Manager position. Our Bird Account Manager is working hard to find an appropriate candidate who will fit the needs of the position so we can have our fleet re-deployed as soon as possible! While Bird continues to scout and train a potential Fleet Manager, the City would like to extend MOU for an additional year, so it is in place when the fleet is ready to re-launch. Staff is recommending Council approve a renewal to the MOU and a draft of the updated version including insurance requirements is included as an attachment for your review.
Staff continues to believe that the Bird fleet will provide affordable and efficient transportation opportunities as well as enhance resident and tourist travel experience throughout the City.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There have been no up-front costs associated with bringing a Bird fleet to the City. Bird Rides, Inc. is a private business that implements the program. Occasionally there may be City staff assisting in returning a rogue scooter to the Bird Rides Inc. Fleet Manager, or moving a scooter back to an identified parking area.
Consent Agenda Item 4d
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Approve the 2022 MOU with Bird Rides, Inc. Consent Agenda vote.
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft 2022 MOU with Bird Rides, Inc., and Exhibit “A” Scope and Limits of Insurance