03/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously and the bill was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, that the bill be ~ approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Councilors . present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18123. B. Amendments to Taxi Deregulation Ordinance Amendmends distributed to Council. Manager said the major aspect of the amendments would be to deregulate rates in that cabs will be able to have taxi meter or zone rate charges. A 30-day notice requirement prior to changing rates is included, with rates to be published in the newspaper prior to the change. Rates are to be prominately displayed in printed type, with the zone or taxi meter charge system indicated on the outside of the cab. The dome light need not be on when the taxi is for hire; also included were the tightening of regulations on the condition of the vehicle. Manager said these were changes requested by Council when it considered the ordinance at its February 22 meeting. Public hearing was opened. Alan Wagner, 4502 River Road, supported passage of the ordinance. However, he had some questions he wished Council to consider and delegate staff to answer. First, he wondered if the cabs operated by any company had to be exactly the same color. Second, he wondered what rates must be posted: Discounts and special services or just rates for local transportation. Third, he wondered what constitutes machine lettering and how that is to be placed on the side of the car. He felt it would be better to have block lettering. Fourth, he wondered what constitutes a major dent, noting this would be a subjective decision made by law enforcement officers. He was in favor of deregulation in rates and expressed hope that it would not be a mistake that a minimum rate was not set. He felt the City and the cab companies could work together to make the ordi- nance work. - Johnnie Miller, 1141 Main; and James Perkins, 360 W. 1st Ave., both supported the ordinance. Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony presented. Manager said as he understood the present ordinance, it required merely an indication on the outside of the cab whether it is zoned or metered. The rates themselves were to be on printed cards inside the cab. Sherm Flogstad, Finance Director, said the ordinance required indications as to whether or not it was a metered or zoned rate as well as rates that could be observable from the outside of the cab. 3/13/78--6 . f~ I: