Title
Request for Increase in Trespass Towing Fees (B)
Explanation
The City Commission referred a request for increase in trespass towing fees from Ultimate Towing to the Public Safety Committee on September 27, 2004. The Towing Advisory Board (TAB) held a special meeting on October 12, 2004 to discuss the requested increase and to receive justification documents from Ultimate Towing for their consideration. Ultimate Towing was requesting an 18.4% increase (from $76 to $90).
Majority TAB members representing towing companies, neighborhood associations, apartment owners and University Police Department voted to increase the trespass towing fee by $4 bringing the total from $76 to $80. Those members found that certain costs such as gasoline and insurance had increased, however, did not find sufficient documentation to support the 18.4% increase requested.
The Public Safety Committee heard from Towing Advisory Board members, Mr. Whiteside of Ultimate Towing and Student Government representatives at the October 21, 2004 meeting. Student Government representatives at this meeting indicated they could support the $4.00 increase with the condition for additional educational programs for students on defining illegal parking given to the citizen at the time of the tow. The Public Safety Committee heard from staff that educational brochures are already provided to UF and SFCC in various venues and the TAB is also charged with an educational component that they continue to refine.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) accept the Towing Advisory Board's report and recommendation for the $4.00 increase to trepass towing fees, 2) hear from staff and citizens, 3) direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary resolution, and 4) remove this item from the Public Safety Committee pending referral list.