By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
An app-based dockless electric scooter company is looking to extend its stay in Whitewater. But city officials would first like to have several lingering issues addressed.
At its most recent meeting July 19, the council discussed, but took no action on, the proposed contract extension with Bird.
Bird’s existing contract with the city expired June 30, and company representatives are looking to have a new one in place that will stretch through Aug. 30, 2023, with successive options for automatic renewals in 6-month increments.
But during an open-ended discussion of Bird’s performance within the city, several council members did share concerns with the arrangement — namely, occurrences of the scooters being placed in haphazard spots.
“They started out very well, I thought, this year,” council member Carol McCormick said. “Everybody was obeying the laws, putting them back on racks or putting them off to the side. But I’m seeing it’s getting very laxed right now.”
McCormick and several other council members said they have been seeking information for a phone hotline or similar system to air complaints about the placement of the scooters as issues arise.
Public Works Director Brad Marquardt, who has been involved with the contract extension talks, confirmed there is a hotline to call, as well as an email address. He said efforts would be taken to share the communication methods with the wider community, going forward.
The Bird extension likely will be revisited at a council meeting in August.
Bird launched it service in Whitewater in August 2021 for an abbreviated debut season. It went dormant late into the fall in anticipation of plunging temperatures and declining rider use.
According to the company, a total of 11,426 trips were recorded in Whitewater last year during the service’s initial rollout.
