04/12/93 Board of Public Works Minutes

Home Browse Search

14u REGULAR MEETING APRIL 12, 1993 Davis' driving convictions are much more recent. Mr. Horton stated that he is particularly concerned with the suspensions for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in late 1989 and in 1991. Since the City is charged with scrutinizing the qualifications of applicants for taxicab drivers licenses, Mr. Horton stated that he cannot, in good faith, grant a taxicab drivers license to a person who has a recent history of alcohol - related driving violations. In conclusion, Mr. Horton indicated that he hopes that his letter has provided the Board with sufficient information regarding the decision that he made relative to Mr. Davis' taxicab drivers license application. Mr. Ryce E. Davis, 505 East Washington, Apartment D1, South Bend, Indiana, was present and advised the Board that he is troubled with numerous bills and driving a taxicab is the only work he has been able to secure. He stated that he has done everything in accordance with what he was told he needed to do to drive a taxicab. Board Attorney and Member Mary H. Mueller informed Mr. Ryce that the Board is in receipt of information from the City Controller's office which indicates that in 1989 and in 1991 he was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. She stated that the City's main concern is that he might drive a cab while intoxicated and put the public at risk. Mrs. Mueller inquired of Mr. Ryce if he is currently still drinking. Mr. Ryce stated that he won't tell the Board that he doesn't drink. He also stated that he has never had a job where he has had any disciplinary actions against him for drinking. He stated that he still drinks but does not drink on the days that he is working. Mr. Ryce informed the Board that he has hurt his family by operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and is still paying $1,500 for one accident and $1,700.00 for another accident as a result. Mr. Ryce told members of the Board that he does not qualify for any type of public assistance so he needs this job. He stated that he knows that if he drinks he cannot drive the taxicab. He also said that he is more responsible at this time. Mr. Caldwell pointed out to Mr. Ryce that he also has had two (2) convictions for driving with a suspended driver's license. Mr. Ryce responded that in one instance he paid the fine and did not know the license was suspended but does not recall the circumstances of the second suspension. Mr. Davis did tell members of the Board that while driving to South Bend from Indianapolis, his brother, who was driving, became ill and therefore he had to drive the car home. While in route, the police pulled him over because he shone his bright lights on a passing car. The officer informed him that he had a suspended license. He stated that he knew that because he had just left Indianapolis where apparently he was involved in an accident that was later determined not to be his fault. Mrs. Mueller stated that she has a problem with overriding the Controller's decision when Mr. Ryce tells the Board today that he still drinks. She stated that an individual with two (2) DWI's has a drinking problem. She stated that if Mr. Ryce came to the Board today with information that he has stopped driving and is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous she would have a different attitude. Based on the information provided, Mrs. Mueller stated that she would make a motion to uphold the decision of the City Controller and deny the taxicab driver's license of Mr. Davis. Mr. Caldwell stated that he would concur with the recommendation and second the motion, which carried. Mr. Caldwell further stated that with any drinking and driving situation, especially with