02/26/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mr. McDonald that the recommend rates be approved ($6.00 per hour for waiting time; 709 for first two-fifth mile; 209 for each addi- :tional passenger). . "Councilman Murray suggested investigation of the possibility of a larger increase to those using cabs as a luxury or emergency transportation at the same time decreasing 'charges for the elderly. He recognized that the Mass Transit District is looking !into the possibility of door-to-door bus service, but felt the taxi rate increase twould be driving out a needed service. Mr. Perryman said that according to the taxi- . cab people the large number of elderly and low-income people using cabs would mean a substantial increase for other users. The taxi people have determined that they themselves cannot subsidize this service, they feel they are now subsidizing bus service through the payroll tax. Mrs. -Campbell hoped this service would be dis- cussed again when considering revenue sharing funds and that a report could be made available from the Mass Transit District. Comm 2/14/73 Approve Vote was taken on the motion as stated. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmen Hershner and Keller left the meeting. Aviva Sainz, 1841 High. Street, reviewed an incident she experienced with Yellow Cab. She said fare had accumulated before she got into the cab, and that it was excessive for the distance she traveled. Then she said the driver did not have change and she had to pay fur- ther fare to have him take her where some was available. As a result of the incident she has filed charges against the cab company. She feels such service does not warrant an incr~ase in rates but that cab companies following that practice should be enjoined from giving public service. She said many of the poor who do not own' autos and those who are disabled rely on cabs as their only means of transportation. She suggested 'establishment of a City bureau to ascertain qualifications of drivers of public conveyances to avoid poor treatment of the public using their services. . Councilman Murray wondered what recourse the public has in such an instance. Manager ex- plained that the City does license the, cabs and drivers and policy check on driver applica- tions before licenses are issued. Some applications have been denied, however there is no r.ecord of fpequent complaints of this nature. If there were a major record of complaints, there is no question but that it would be ,brough.t to the attention of the operators, as well as to drivers at time of licenae renewal. . Mrs. Sa{n~"continued with the suggestion for d5mpan~es 'dealing in service to the public. services were being victimized. a public department to supervise activities of She felt that those having to rely on the cab Mayor Anderson suggested continuing with consideration of the rate increase itself and to schedule future discussion on cab services if that is desired. Councilman McDonald asked if the proposed rate change was recommended by a committee. Manager said that the auditing staff of the Finance Department reviewed cab companies' books. Recommendation for the rate increase as a result of that examination was brought to the Council. . .... ~. Councilwo.man Beal moved seconded by Mr. McDonald to refer this item back to com- mitte~for:'furtherdiscussion. Councilman Hershner did not feel it proper to hold action on the rate increase in order to discuss cab service. He said the audit indicated the cab companies have been operating about four years without a profit . Mayor Anderson and CoUncilman Wood agreed. It was deemed a separate issue. -; "' ~-~ The motion was withdrawn with the understanding that the cab service ,would be an item for future committee discussion. Councilman McDonald commented on the last rate change for taxi service having been the recommendation of a committee and wondered whether that wouldn't be the best way to review the matter. However, consensus was that that was not necessary at this time. It was under- stood the matter of cab service would be scheduled for future committee discussion. E. CR'eq'uest -to Keep So'';~d 's-yst'e~'i;;'MalT;'---E-;g:e~-'Do-;;to--;m--'A~~-o'Ci;;tTori---':"-'The 'E~gen~ Dc;;;:;- 'town Association requested permission to leave the sound system in the Mall to permit . its use on special occasions. It was originally installed to permit playing of music 'during the Christmas season. Staff recommended that if it is left the wiring be in- istalled in existing conduit rather than strung through the air. Mr. Wickizer of the iEDA said Smeed ~ound Service has indicated they would be willing to put the wire ; through the conduit. The system would be used on occasions such Moonlight Sales, 'Arts Festival, Eugene Downtown Days, a style show planned for June. Its use would be governed by majority vote of the Downtown Association Marketing Corrunittee. . .54 2(26/73 - 6