HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10257
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERSNo. 10257
April 2, 2019
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 1
SUBJECT: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide City Council with
and participation in the network of electric vehicle charging stations in Fort Worth and how the City is
working with private industry.
The majority of vehicle charging equipment is located in homes for private use. However, according to
ChargeHub, a website that identifies the location and type of charging stations around the country, there are
71 public charging stations in Fort Worth being managed by private sector companies. These sites are
located at retail outlets such as West Bend and Shops at Clear Fork and at some Walgreens and Tom
Thumb stores. A growing focus is on the installation of charging stations in multi-family dwellings and
workplaces, such as UNT Health Science Center, several car dealerships, and hotels offering convenience
to their employees, visitors and residents.
In August 2015, Transportation and Public Works staff initiated a short term pilot project with Revitalize
th
Charging Solutions, Inc. (RCS) to install an electric vehicle charging station at 401 West 13 Street
utilizing two parking spaces to determine the viability of wider use on City property (CSC # 46931). The
pilot project at the site was discontinued due to underutilization and the parking spaces were reclaimed for
general employee use.
In February 2017, City Council approved an extended pilot program through the Economic Development
Department and entered into an agreement (CSC #48892) with RCS for an electric vehicle charging station
to be located at the Guinn School, 1150 S. Freeway (M&C C-28116). RCS was a business developed with
support of the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center. The RCS Agreement included an initial term of 12
months with installation of the charging station and ongoing maintenance being provided by RCS. Because
the City charges no fees for parking at the Guinn School and electrical usage was to be reimbursed by RCS,
staff determined the Agreement had no financial impact on the CiThe Agreement was renewed
for two additional terms ending on February 28, 2019. The average monthly charge duration during
calendar year 2018 was 42.66 hours.
Recently, RCS requested to expand its business at 7 locations being owned by the City. The City is
required to charge fair market value for use of City property or establish a public purpose. Staff determined
that the most equitable process to allow electric vehicle station operators to provide stations on City
property is through a public bid process in which RCS would be eligible to participate. Discussions are on-
going with RCS regarding an extension of the agreement at the Guinn School.
It appears the private sector is managing and expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations to
meet current demand within the City. Staff continues to monitor the growth of the electric vehicle industry
and future demands for use of public property that support the installation of vehicle charging
infrastructure.
If you have any questions, please contact Roger Venables, Property Management at (817) 392-6334.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS