09/28/92 Board of Public Works Minutes

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07 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 28. 1992 PUBLIC HEARING - APPLICATION TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT - CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY - CHIKA C. NWOKAH (UNIVERSITY CAB COMPANY) Mr. Leszczynski noted that the Board is in receipt of an Application for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Operation of Taxicabs as submitted by Mr. Chika C. Nwokah, 1814 South Scott Street, South Bend, Indiana, to operate the University Cab Company. Mr. Chika Nwokah was present and advised the Board that the reason he would like to operate a taxicab company is that he believes that with the new College Football Hall of Fame coming to South Bend he is convinced that definitely the number of cabs currently operating could not handle the business. He stated that this business would not be a threat to any other cab company operating as he intends to operate one (1) to two (2) taxicabs. Mr. Caldwell inquired of Mr. Nwokah where he intended to run his business. Mr. Nwokah stated that he intends to operate out of the taxicabs. He noted that he put his home address on the application as he does own the home but dispatch will be out of the cars. Mrs. Mueller inquired if Mr. Nwokah intended to operate twenty-four (24) hours to which he replied that he does. In response to Mr. Leszczynski's inquiry, Mr. Nwokah stated that he will utilize four (4) drivers who will work twelve (12) hour shifts each. Mrs. Mueller inquired the number of taxicabs Mr. Nwokah intended to utilize and he stated that he will start out with two (2) or three (3). Mrs. Mueller addressed Mr. Nwokah and stated that he mentions the Hall of Fame bringing increased business for the taxicabs in South Bend. She noted however that the Hall of Fame will not be completed for quite some time and inquired of Mr. Nwokah what goes on in South Bend now that he thinks increases the need for more taxicabs. Mr. Nwokah responded that he is currently working for Courtesy Cab and he knows they have a lot of business. He noted that the Yellow Cab Company and the Courtesy Cab Company handle the majority of the business and what they can't handle goes to the other cab companies and they can handle that business. Mrs. Mueller inquired of Mr. Nwokah if there was a certain time of the day, month, year, when there was more business than usual. Mr. Nwokah stated that in the winter time business is high as well as for home football games. He also noted that with conventions in town the summer time has also been busy. He stated that he believes all the companies are keeping busy. Mr. Leszczynski inquired where Mr. Nwokah will keep his taxicabs when not in operation and if they would be parked on the street at 1814 Scott Street. Mr. Nwokah stated that the cabs will be operating twenty-four (24) hours and will not be parked on the street. Mr. Nwokah also informed the Board that for the past four and one-half years (4 1/2) he has been an owner/operator of Courtesy Cab and has learned a lot. He also stated that Courtesy Cab is doing very well in the business. Mr. Kevin Butler, Attorney at Law, One Michiana Square, South Bend, Indiana, was present representing Yellow Cab Company. Mr. Butler stated that he has appeared before the Board in the past and has stated their position. He noted that the purpose of the Public Hearing is for the Board to make a determination of public convenience and necessity. He stated that the drivers for the Yellow Cab Company have more capacity. Also, with respect to the requirements of the ordinance regarding twenty-four (24) hour service, the other companies operating, except Yellow and Courtesy Cab, say that they will provide twenty-four (24) hour service but they do not. They do not have an office open twenty-four (24) hours a day. Mr. Butler stated that the Board must look at this requirement very closely. Mr. Butler stated