Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify the contract and continue payments for the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System in accordance with the existing contract with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC as authorized by Ordinance 2311-2021.
Currently, the CoGo system has over 600 bikes and 88 stations throughout the city, averaging over 50,000 rides per year. The CoGo Bike Share system is popular with system members, tourists, residents, special event attendees, downtown employees, and students as it offers an alternative transit option in Columbus. The bike share system offers a unique low cost way to complete short trips without the use of a car. The health benefits of active transportation are well recognized as well. The system has also expanded into neighborhoods where access to a bike can offer an important transportation option.
It has been determined that it is necessary to assist in the funding of the operation and management of the bike sharing program. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the system has experienced a negative economic impact to its business operations. This ordinance will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to continue making monthly payments to support the CoGo Bike Share System in accordance with the existing contract with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC. This will allow the system to remain in place while the department seeks to secure a long-term sponsor to fund the system.
Principal Parties:
Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC
185 Berry Street, Suite 5000
San Francisco, CA 94107
Miller Nuttle, mnuttle@lyft.com
Contract Compliance Number, Tax ID: 040364, 20-8809830
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: December 8, 2023
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that this funding can be made available immediately in order to continue sustainable operation of the bike share system in 2022.
Benefits to the Public: The bike share system improves access to trails, greenway corridors, parks, jobs, events, and attractions throughout the City while improving the environmental health of the City.
Community Input/Issues: -------CoGo Bike Share continues to be a highly recognized and well-used system of bikes available for use by the general public. The community has expressed support for expanding access while continuing to keep the ride costs affordable for all and maintaining high quality customer service for users.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the department’s Master Plan by removing access and circulation barriers to city parks, destinations, and trails.
Fiscal Impact: The Amended Agreement requires a payment of $65.00 per bike dock per month and this ordinance authorizes the Recreation and Parks Department to continue monthly payments to Lyft. This ordinance will provide $1,010,000.00 in funding to make these payments. $1,010,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recovery Fund 2209 to meet the financial obligations of these payments.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to modify the existing contract for the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC; and to authorize the expenditure of $1,010,000.00 from the Recovery Fund 2209; and to declare an emergency. ($1,010,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to modify the existing contract for the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC as authorized by Ordinance 2311-2021; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $1,010,000.00 from the Recovery Fund 2209; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a negative economic impact to the CoGo Bike Share system’s business operations; and
WHEREAS, an expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act funding to continue sustainable operation of the bike share system is necessary to address the negative economic impact to the CoGo Bike Share system’s business operations caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to modify the contract with Lyft in order to continue sustainable operation of the bike share system in 2022, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to modify the existing contract with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC., as previously authorized by Ordinance 2311-2021, in order to continue payments for the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System .
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a fund to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said fund that the fund has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said fund; except that no transfer shall be so made from a fund funded by monies from more than one source.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 6. For the purpose of continuing the sustainable operation of the CoGo Bike Share System, the expenditure of $1,010,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recovery Fund 2209 per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof,, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.