02/22/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Allen Wagner, Dial-A-Cab Company, said the cab operators are disturbed about the requirement to run top lights in the day when no one can see them anyway. He feels it would be a strain on the cab's battery. His other major concern is that the ordinance contains an emergency clause, meaning that if passed "today" all cabs would have to be pulled off the street until the appropriate changes are made. Manager noted that the emergency clause could be deleted in which case the ordinance would become effective in 30 days. Staff also responded that the reason for the light on the top of the cab is to show the cab's availability for service. Mrs. Smith wondered if it would be appropriate to have that light on while a cab is in motion and available but let the light be turned off when it is parked at a taxi stand, and obviously available. Mr. Williams said he isn't convinced that a case has been made that the City should tell the cab companies whether they must have lights. Mrs. Smith said she supports the ordinance with the exception of the light requirement. Mr. Keller noted that the intent of the ordinance is to deregulate, and he wonders how dere9ulating could include a require- ment that a driver not be allowed to smoke. On page 12 of the ordinance, Mr. Bradley wondered about the taxicab driver being allowed to cruise in public ways and places soliciting passengers for hire. Finance Director said that recommendation was made to provide more flexibility and to supplement other forms of transportation available. Mr. Bradley then wondered about allowing the drivers to stop on private property when permitted by the person in charge thereof. He wondered what would prevent a large hotel, for example, to give exclusive franchise to one company to park on their property to the exclusion of other cab companies. City Attorney responded that that could happen under the proposed language. Council could decide whether to research that further. Mr. Bradley said Council should be very careful because the whole proposal will greatly affect the consumer. Mr. Delay said that, if it creates problems, and cab drivers try to increase their rates too much, Council can look again at the matter. e Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, to adopt the ordi- nance with amendments eliminating the requirement for a light on top and eliminating the emergency clause. Motion carried, all Council members voting aye except Mr. Bradley and Mr. Haws voting no. C.B. 1609 regarding taxicabs; amending Sections 3.005, 3.010, 3.535, 3.355, 3.360, 3.365, 3.375, 3.380, 3.385, 3.390, 3.405, 3.410, and 3.415 of Code, 1971; repealing Sections 3.370 and 3.420; adding new Sections 3.363, 3.380, 3.383, 3.391, and 3.392; and declaring an emergency was read the first time by Council bill number and title only, there being no Council members present requesting that it be read in full. Mr. Hamel moved seconded by Mrs. Smith that the bill be read the second time by Council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the Council, and that enactment be considered at this time. - 2/22178 - 3 , 18