08-09-99 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 9. 1999 Councilmember Sniadecki inquired of Ms. Nash the average length of time for an application to go through the review process. Ms. Nash noted that an application to be a taxi cab driver usually takes about one (1) week. She noted that a police background check must be conducted. An application to operate a taxi cab company will take a little longer. She noted that in the previous version of this ordinance this application would have to go through the Board of Public Works but now it would be handled by the City Controller's office. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Walter Jones, owner of ABC Cab Company, 3407 Kent Lane, South Bend, Indiana, advised that he had attended many meetings concerning this taxicab ordinance and thanked Ann Carol Nash and the Council for their efforts. He stated that there is no perfect bill but he would recommend passage of this bill. He noted that his cab company is one of the companies currently under suspension by the City for some infractions. He further noted that what he was doing was commonly accepted practice for years and they have all cut corners. Mr. Jones stated that this new ordinance contains a provision that requires that every driver of a taxicab have a City license as well as a public passenger chauffeurs license and that the cab will be impounded should they be without these licenses. He stated that this is an expensive penalty but one that will keep all companies equal. Mr. Ken Donnelly, 55657 Fairview, South Bend, Indiana, advised that he is a former taxicab driver and would recommend passage of this ordinance with some reservations. Mr. Donnelly noted that the liability insurance requirements for carriers has tripled and that the costs will eventually have to be passed on to the customer. He stated that in general this bill as presented is a good start. Mr. Chika Nwokah, owner of University Cab Company, 1814 South Scott Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that some good resolution was needed in this matter. He noted that the insurance requirement is high but he can live with it and he is in support. He noted that the companies will need to reappraise their operation to make sure their overhead is brought down because someone has to pay for this additional cost. He noted that he is in support of whatever will make it easier and better for the companies. There was no one present wishing to address the Council in opposition to this bill. Councilmember Aranowski thanked the cab company owners, Ann Carol Nash and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, for their part in pulling this ordinance together. He noted that this ordinance made some great strides for the safety of customers and drivers. Councilmember Aranowski made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes. BILL NO. 58 -99 A BILL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, COMMON COUNCIL APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE FOR THE RENOVATION AND EQUIPPING OF THE FORMER O'BRIEN SCHOOL FOR USE AS A RECREATION CENTER AND PARK DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACE AND REGARDING CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS Councilmember Pfeifer reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee met on this bill and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Phil St. Clair, Superintendent, Park Department, 301 South St. Louis Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. St. Clair asked the Council for their favorable recommendation on a seven (7) year Lease for approximately $600,000.00 at five and three quarters per cent (5 3/4 %) interest for an annual