06/14/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- 2. Taxi - Taxi Service Rates - Memo and report have been distributed to Council regarding request for rate changes by Terminal Taxi and Eugene Taxi. e The recommendation is for a change from 709 to $1 for the first 1/7 mile. Staff has conducted rate comparisons with several other cities which have indicated the rate increase would be appropriate. Mr. Haws wondered why the City controls the rates. Assistant Manager explained there has been a history of cabs not being able to sustain themselves if in a major rate competition. In most cities the City establishes rates to ensure taxi service. It would be necessary to amend the code if no controls are desired over rates and regulations. He added that he has not heard of a city where there were no city regulations. Hr. Williams wished staff to explore further whether there are any cities which have abandoned the regulation of taxi rates. Finance Director noted that his department had not this time reviewed the books of the taxi companies in question, but the last time an increase was granted the books were in order and a rate increase appeared justified. Mr. Keller moved seconded by Mr. Haws to set a public hearing for Comm June 14. Mbtion carried unanimoUSly. 6/2/76 Pub Hrng Manager briefly reviewed proposed taxi service rates as set out in proposed resolution, copies of which were previously distributed to Council members. _-- Finance Director also reviewed the rate structure, saying they were com- parable to taxi rates in other Oregon cities and the northwest generally. He noted the issue raised in committee meeting with regard to whether the city should regulate taxi rates and to what extent, calling attention to memo previously distributed to Council members. Public hearing was held with no testimony presented. Resolution No. 2518 - Establishing taxicab rates was read by number and title. Councilman Bradley doubted the wisdom of adopting new rates when a lot of people rely on taxi service for transportation but no public discussion was held - very little at the committee-of-the-whole meeting, and none at this meet ing, he said. He thought there should be some delay to give the oppor- tunity for public testimony on the rationale of the increase. Mayor Anderson commented that public hearing on the proposed increase was advertised in the local newspaper and heard on at least one radio station. Vote was taken on the adoption of the resolution. Motion carried, all Council members present voting aye, except Councilman Bradley voting no. I-A-5 D. Appeal from Planning Commission denial of rezoning southwest corner of 11th and Patterson fromR-4 to H-Historic (Calkins House)(Z 76-1) Manager explained that the Calkins House property had been sold and the new e owners are hopeful it will have the H-Historic designation since it is their in- tent to restore the house. Manager said that the former owner, Harry Ritchie, indicated he would like the Council to delay action until he could be present, although that request had not been submitted in writing. Staff recommended re- ferral to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of its previous action. 6/14/76 - 5 ~<Jot