Title
Approving the agreement with Lime (Neutron Holdings, Inc. dba Lime) to provide e-bicycle sharing services for the 2023 shared mobility season.
Body
WHEREAS, Mayor Carter’s Administration and the Saint Paul City Council value innovation, resilience, and equity, including in transportation options; and
WHEREAS, electric-assist bicycles ("e-bikes") are an emerging new mobility option that have proven very popular in other cities across the U.S. and internationally for moving around town using a low-carbon mobility option; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has previous experience with bicycle sharing in the city and these have been demonstrated to be a valuable transportation service for Saint Paul residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 21-1301, the Saint Paul City Council approved a joint powers agreement with the City of Minneapolis whereby Minneapolis would conduct a request for proposals to solicit providers of shared mobility services, including e-scooters and e-bikes; and
WHEREAS, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Minneapolis regarding a joint solicitation for shared mobility vendors for the 2022 season and subsequent years for the purpose of ensuring both agencies enter into agreements with the same vendors to operate similar vehicle offerings in both cities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Minneapolis has a license agreement with Lime to operate shared e-bikes in Minneapolis for the 2023 shared mobility season; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to permit e-bikes to operate on city property in 2023 and beyond; and
WHEREAS, per Saint Paul Legislative Code § 141.02, vendors are required to have an agreement with the City to operate a shared transportation system in the public right of way; and
WHEREAS, any contract authorizing a shared transportation system must be approved by City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to enter into an agreement with Lime (Neutron Holdings, Inc. dba Lime) to provide e-bike sharing services for the remainder of the 2023 season, with the option to extend the agreement for three additional one-year terms upon mutual written agreement of the parties; and
WHEREAS, the agreement with Lime (Neutron Holdings, Inc. dba Lime) includes an indemnification clause, whereby the City agrees to indemnify Lime (Neutron Holdings, Inc. dba Lime) for certain injury or damage arising from City employees’ use of the e-bikes, which Council finds reasonable and necessary to effectuate e-bike services; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby approves the attached agreement between the City and Lime (Neutron Holdings, Inc. dba Lime), to provide e-bike sharing services for the 2023 season, with the option to extend the agreement for three addition one-year terms upon mutual written agreement of the parties.