Council OKs $254,000 local allocation to ready PIVUS lot for state-funded EV chargers

Jake Lewings, the city engineer, described a phased plan to develop three parcels south of the PiBus waterfront site into a public parking lot (PIVUS) and said the city secured a state grant to purchase and install six fast electric-vehicle chargers.

To accept the chargers and complete phase 1 work, Lewings requested the council amend the project budget to allocate an additional $254,000 of local funds. “We would request it in the project budget to allocate an additional 254,000 dollars of local funds to the project,” he said, noting the chargers must be ordered and the phase 1 plans completed so work can go to bid for construction this summer.

Council Member Atkinson moved to amend the project budget for PIVUS Parking Lot, City Project Number 2317; Council Member Cuevas seconded and the council approved the amendment by voice vote. Staff said the chargers would be installed by this summer if the project moves forward and that the work would be bid after plans are completed.

The meeting did not specify the contractor or the final revenue-sharing or operating model for the chargers; Council Members remarked that level 3 chargers could generate revenue for the city or the PIVUS project in the future.