02/22/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, to approve the reappointment. Motion carried, all Council members present voting aye except Mr. Lieuallen and Mr. Delay voting no. - II. TAXI DEREGULATION ORDINANCE Memo and proposed ordinance have been distributed to Council members. Manager noted that the ordinance represents a substantial revision including a tightening of the regulations on equipment quality. Staff feels the changes allow the public adequate protection. The proposed ordinance provides for two types of rates, one on a zone basis and one on a taxi meter system. Each cab company has to be totally on one system or the other. He further stated that the companies themselves have participated in the review of the proposed ordinance. It is staff's position that deregulation is not a serious problem as far as protecting the consumer while at the same time providing greater flexibility in the system. Mr. Bradley wondered how a potential customer would know which system would be the cheaper for him to use. Finance Director noted that rates are posted so as to be seen through the windows of the taxicabs, plus as customers use the system more, they can better tell which is the best for them. Mr. Hamel, who served on the committee, said that there are generally two types of passengers--the traveling man and the elderly person. It is his contention that competition will keep prices down enough and there will probably not be more than a ten percent difference between ~ cab companies. Mr. Delay said it was his opinion that not many dispar- ities will exist. In fact, he felt it would probably move toward the direction of what system seems to make the most sense. He felt that Council's only interest should be to ensure, in a year or two, that rates are not increasing differently from the rate increases in other area$. He then referred to Section 3.363(2), the wording "If the drivers' taxicab drivers' business license is suspended". He wondered if that was a typographical error. Finance Director noted the wording was correct, that it was to differentiate between the license for the driver to do business as opposed to his State of Oregon drivers license. Mr. Delay then referred to Section 3.365 stating that no person may operate a taxicab carelessly or recklessly or while intoxicated. He wondered what remedies there are if the driver violates that section. Finance Director responded that the license would be suspended for a period of time. Mr. Delay then remarked on Section 3.375 on display of rates. He was not sure that the signs which are required would be clear enough to the customer. Shirley Swenson, Finance Department, responded that the committee felt the sign would be adequate. In addition, she noted that the cab companies will give out rate information over the phone. Mr. Delay then referred to Section 3.405, wondering if the receipt given a customer upon demand need contain the number of the taxi meter. Finance Director responded that that woul d be i ncl uded to verify the accuracy of the charge should it be questioned. - 2/22/78 - 2 111