AGENDA DATE: 6/19/2019
TITLE:
Title
Amended Perrone Robotics Performance Agreement
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Amended Perrone Robotics Performance Agreement
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, DeLoria, Johnson
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Perrone Robotics, Inc. (Perrone), based in Crozet, Virginia, was founded in 2003 and develops mobile autonomous robotics solutions.
Perrone currently is developing an autonomous shuttle service for County residents in collaboration with JAUNT, Inc. (“JAUNT”), a public service corporation providing transportation services in the Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Nelson County.
Before launching the autonomous shuttle service for County residents, Perrone and JAUNT have identified a need to acquire and equip a vehicle with appropriate equipment to operate autonomously and to conduct a pilot program to test the safety and operation aspects of an autonomous vehicle. If testing is successful, Perrone will conduct a three-month pilot program shuttling members of the public on one or more routes in and around Crozet with a professional safety-trained driver on board supplied by JAUNT, to be followed by related data collection and feedback.
At its December 5, 2018 meeting, the Board adopted a resolution stating in part that this project will promote economic development because it may enable Perrone to expand its business and further anchor its headquarters in Albemarle County.
This project also may inform County staff about impacts to the County’s long-term plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan, and the Capital Improvement Plan, as well as to the future built environment in the County’s Development Areas.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Economic Prosperity: Foster an environment that stimulates diversified job creation, capital investments, and tax revenues that support community goals.
DISCUSSION: The 2018 Performance Agreement incorporated an element whereby the County contemplated creating a Public Service Corporation (PSC) for oversight of the Crozet Autonomous Shuttle. It became legally impractical for the County to create a PSC. JAUNT created a public body called Smart Mobility in lieu of a PSC. Because of complications in creating a PSC, as well as additional safety testing, the Crozet Shuttle launch is being extended four months, to July 31, 2019.
The attached First Amended Economic Development Performance Agreement amends the deadlines for various milestones, and provides that JAUNT may create the public service corporation or other lawful entity whose purpose is to provide the autonomous shuttle service.
BUDGET IMPACT: Approval of the Amended Performance Agreement will not require additional funding.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Amended Agreement Comparison
Attachment B: Resolution