Operating two vans as shuttles was too costly and far from Langley’s mission.

Mayor Fred McCarthy told the city council that a proposal to obtain a 21-passenger and a nine-passenger van from the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District would not be pursued further. City staff reviewed the idea, as presented by Council Bruce Allen, and estimated the cost at $37,000 for maintenance and operation.

Dropping the vans was a mutual decision. Allen, who pursued the vans with The HUB in mind — he’s on the youth hangout’s board — agreed the city did not need to involve itself in the idea. Beyond that, he heard that former parks director Teri Arnold suggested the van donation without notifying the parks board.

Several groups may join to obtain and run the vans, if they become available from the parks district