12-20-1995 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 (612) 484 -2177 / FAX: (612) 484 -4538 MAYOR Michael I. Fahey COUNCIL Beverly Scalze Jim LaVaie Steve Morelan Bob Pedersen ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: John D. Pechman, Code Enforcement Official DATE: December 15, 1995 RE: Taxicab Ordinance, Chapter 810 City staff is recommending that Little Canada discontinue issuance of taxicab licenses for the following reasons: * City offices have recently seen a major increase in the number of taxicab drivers desiring a license. Staff discovered that receiving a license from Little Canada was attractive to cab drivers since we grant these licenses on the same day as application. In addition, our license fee is on the lower end of the fee scale. * Many cities have more intense application processes. In reviewing their ordinances (Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Coon Rapids), I found many requirements that are not contained in our ordinance. Some of these are: - Police background checks on drivers. - Vehicle inspections conducted by police department. - Financial status of applicant (liens or judgments). - Limited number of hours to operate per day. - Certificate of convenience granted by City Council in order to get license. - Metered rates and rate cards required in all cabs. - Past work experience and reference checks. - Photo identification cards. City staff size is too limited to be able to perform such an extensive application process. In addition, the ability to effectively administer such an intensive licensing program at a reasonable cost would not be feasible. * The number of surrounding cities that license taxis is few. White Bear Lake, No. St. Paul and Maplewood Page 73