Title
VEHICLES FOR HIRE (B)
Explanation
The City Commission referred this ordinance at first reading to the Public Safety Committee at the September 10, 2007 meeting after concerns, unrelated to this particular amendment, were brought forward by area cab and limousine companies.
For the Committee's September 20, 2007 meeting, all companies with occupational licenses with the City were invited in writing to attend the meeting. Most of the companies invited were represented and participated in the discussion.
It was determined that the issues of clarification before the Committee were: 1) whether or not the City would require a financial audit of the companies; 2) criminal history restrictions for the drivers; and 3) the number of vehicles required by a company in order to obtain or maintain a franchise.
Mark Benton, Finance Director, and Brent Godshalk, City Auditor, determined that the City has no need for the financial audit. Mr. Godshalk provided a letter to the Committee stating this opinion. It was agreed by Commissioners Mastrodicasa and Henry that this requirement be stricken from the ordinance.
It was decided that the criminal history requirements for the vehicle for hire drivers would mirror that of what is being proposed in the Roam Towing Regulations with a ten year time frame on violent felony offenses, a ten year time frame for other specified felonies and first degree misdemeanors and a five year time frame on driver's license issues.
After a discussion with the taxi and limousine company owners regarding the number of vehicles required to get a license, it was agreed that the minimum number of vehicles required would be one in an effort to be fair to businesses just starting up. It was also decided that the intent of the ordinance is that if a licensed vehicle is sold, traded or wrecked, the medallion can be transferred to a new vehicle by contacting the City's Finance Department for transfer.
Fiscal impact
None
R...
Click here for full text