HomeMy WebLinkAbout1682-86 - ADMIN Ordinance - City Council - 1986/06/168a
June 16, 1986
ORDINANCE NO. 1682-86
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK ORDINANCE CODE RELATED
TO TAXICABS: AMENDING SECTIONS 13-1440-1448 and 13-1467;
DELETING SECTIONS 13-1440(1), 13-1442(4), 13-1465; ADDING 13-1440(2)
THE ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN:
Sec. 1. The St. Louis Park Ordinance is amended to read as
fo lows and as attached:
Sections Amended: 13-1440 through 13-1448,and
13-1467.
Sections Deleted: 13-1440(1), 13-1442(4) and
13-1465.
Sections Added: 13-1440(2).
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Taxicabs
Section 13-1440. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used
in this ordinance have the meanings as set out herein:
(former (1) deleted by Ord. , 6/16/86)
(1) Company License means a license issued by the City Council
authorizing the holder thereof to conduct a taxicab
business in the City of St. Louis Park.
(former (2) renumbered (1) and amended by Ord. 6/16/86)
(2) Vehicle License means the license granted by the City
Manager for each vehicle operated under a company license.
(new (2) added by Ord. 6/16/86)
(3) Driver's License means the permission granted by the City
Manager to a person employed by a licensed company to drive
a taxicab in the City.
((3) amended by Ord. 6/16/86)
(4) Holder means a person to whom a company license has been
issued.
((4) amended by Ord. 6/16/86)
(5) Open Stand means a public place alongside a curb or elsewhere
which has been designated by the City Manager as reserved
exclusively for the use of taxicabs.
(6) Taxicab means a motor vehicle regularly engaged in the
business of carrying passengers for hire, having a seating
capacity of fewer than 10 persons and not operated on a fixed
route.
(7) Taximeter means a meter instrument or device attached to a
taxicab which measures mechanically the distance driven and the
waiting time upon which the fare is based.
(8) Waiting Time means the time when a taxicab is not in motion
from the time of acceptance of a passenger to the time of
discharge, but does not include any time that the taxicab is
not in motion if due to any cause other than the request, act
or fault of a passenger or passengers.
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July 1986 531
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Section 13-1441. Company License Required. No person shall permit a
taxicab owned or controlled by him to be operated as a vehicle for hire in
the City of St. Louis Park without having first obtained a company license
from the City Council.
(1) Reciprocity. A taxicab licensed in another municipality
may carry passengers from where so licensed to a place
within St. Louis Park, but owners and drivers of such
vehicles shall not be permitted to solicit business in
St. Louis Park or otherwise operate on its streets without
being licensed under the provisions of this ordinance.
(13-1443 amended by Ord.1518, 8/3/81 & Ord. , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1442. Application for Company License. An application for a
company license shall be filed upon forms provided by the City Clerk; said
application shall be verified under oath and shall furnish the following:
(13-1442 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
(1) The name and address of the applicant.
(2) The financial status of the applicant, including the amounts
of all unpaid judgments against the applicant and the nature
of the transaction or acts giving rise to said judgments.
(3) The experience' of the applicant in the transportation of
passengers.
(4) The initial number of vehicles to be operated or controlled
by the applicant and the location of proposed open stands.
(former (4) deleted by Ord. , 6/16/86)
(5) The color scheme or insignia to be used to designate the
vehicle or vehicles of the applicant.
(6) Such further information as the City Manager may require.
(former .5,6, 7 renumbered 4, 5, 6 by Ord. , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1443. Public Hearing. Upon filing an application, the Council
shall fix a time and place for a public hearing thereon. Notice of such
hearing shall be given to the applicant and to all holders of company
licenses. Due notice shall also be given the general public by publication
in the official newspaper.
(13-1443 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
July 1986 532
Section 13-1444. Issuance of Company License. If the Council finds
that the applicant is fit, willing and able to perform such public
transportation and to conform to the provisions of this ordinance and the
rules promulgated by the City, the Council shall issue a company license
stating the name and address of the applicant, the initial number of
vehicles authorized under said license and the date of issuance; other-
wise the application shall be denied.
In making the above findings, the Council shall take into consideration
the character, experience and responsibility of the applicant.
(13-1444 amended by Ord. 6/Z6/86)
(13-1445 repealed by Ord. 1295, 5/5/75)
Section 13-1446. License Fees (Company & Vehicle). No company license
shall be issued or continued in operation unless the holder thereof has
paid an annual license fee of $120. Vehicle license fees shall be $30
for each vehicle operated under a company license. Said license fees
shall be for the calendar year and shall be in addition to any other
license fees or charges established by proper authority. Applications of
licensed companies for additional vehicles shall be approved or denied by
the City Manager.
(13-1446 amended by Ord. 1356, 12/20/76; 1488, 11/17/80; , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1447. Transfer of,Licenses. No license may be sold, assigned,
mortgaged or otherwise transferred without the consent of the City Council.
(13-1447 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1448. Suspension and Revocation of Company Licenses. A
company license issued under the provisions of this ordinance may be
revoked or suspended by the City Manager if the holder thereof has
(1) violated any of the provisions of this ordinance,
(2) discontinued operations for more than 60 days,
(3) violated any ordinances of the City, or the laws of
the United States, or the State of Minnesota, the viola-
tions of which reflect unfavorably on the fitness of
the holder to offer public transportation.
Prior to suspension or revocation, the holder shall be given notice of
the proposed action to be taken and shall have an opportunity to be heard,
and the action of the City Manager reviewed by the City Council.
(13-1448 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1449. Taxicab Driver's License. No person shall operate a
taxicab for hire upon the streets of the City without first being employed
by the holder of a company license and unless having first obtained and
have in force a taxicab driver's license issued under the provisions of
this ordinance.
(13-1449 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
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533
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July 1986
Section 13-1450. implication for Drivers License. An application
for a taxicab driver license shall be filed with the City Clerk
on forms provided by him; and such application shall be verified
under oath and shall contain the following information.
(1) The names and addresses of four residents of Hennepin
County who have known the applicant for a period of
five (5) years and who will vouch for the sobriety,
honesty and general good character of the applicant.
(2) The experience of the applicant in the transportation
of passengers.
(3) The educational background of the applicant.
(4) The concise history of his employment.
Each application shall be accompanied by a certificate from a
reputable physician of Hennepin County certifying that in his
opinion, the applicant is not afflicted with any disease or infirmity
which might make him an unsafe or unsatisfactory driver. At the
time the original application is filed the applicant shall
payinvestigation fee to the City Treasurer in the sum of thirt -f van
e
dollars ($35.00), This fee shall not be refundable, Yi
(Sec. 13-1450 Amended by Ordinance 1356, December 20, 2976)
(Sec. 13-1450 Amended by Ordinance 1488, November 17, 1980)
Section 13-1451. Examination of A olicant - Current State Motor
Vehicle 0 erator's Permit Re uir
, Before passed upon by the City Manager the applicantyshall�benrequired atoy
pass a satisfactory examination as to his knowledge of the City
and to show that he has a current chauffeur's license issued by
the State of Minnesota.
Section 13-1452. Police Investi.ation of As'licant - Traffic and
Police Record. The The Police Department shall conduct an investigation
of each applicant for a taxicab driver's license and a report of
such investigation and a copy of the traffic and police record
of the applicant, if any, shall be attached to the application for
the consideration of the City Manager.
Section 13-1453. Consideration of Application. The City Manager
shall upon consideration of the application and the reports and
certificate required to be attached thereto approved
the application. If the application is rejected, theor applicant
may request a personal appearance before the City Manager to offer
evidence why his application should be considered.
534
Section 13-1454. Issuance of License -Duration -Annual Fee. Upon
receipt for a $15 license fee and approval of an application for
a taxicab driver's license the City Manager shall issue a license
to the applicant which shall bear the name, address, age, signature,
and photograph of the applicant.
Such license shall be in effect for the remainder of the calendar
year. A license for every calendar year thereafter shall be issued
upon the payment of $15 unless the license for the preceding
year has been revoked.
(Sec. 13-1454 amended by Ordinance 1488, November 17, 1980)
Section 13-1455. Display of License. Every driver licensed under
this ordinance shall post his driver's license in such a place
as to be in full view of all passengers while such driver is
operating a taxicab.
Section 13-1456. Suspension and Revocation of License. The City
Manager is hereby given the authority to suspend any driver's
license issued under this ordinance for a driver's failing or
refusing to comply with the provisions of this ordinance, such
suspension to last for a period of not more than thirty days. The
City Manager is also given authority to revoke any driver's license
for failure to comply with the provisions of this ordinance. However,
a license may not be revoked unless the driver has received notice
and has had an opportunity to present evidence in his behalf.
Section 13-1457. Failure to Comply with City, State and Federal Laws.
Every driver licensed under this ordinance shall comply with all City,
State and Federal laws. Failure to do so will justify the City
Manager suspending or revoking a license.
Section 13-1458. Vehicles -- Equipment and Maintenance.
(1) Vehicles Must Be Inspected. Prior to the use and operation
of any vehicle under the provisions of this ordinance said
vehicle shall be thoroughly examined and inspected by the
Police Department and found to comply with such
reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed
by the City Manager. These rules and regulations shall
be promulgated to provide safe transportation and shall
specify such safety equipment and regulatory devices
as the City Manager shall deem necessary therefore.
When the Police Department finds that a vehicle has
July 1986 535
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July 1986
met the standards established by the City Manager,
the Department shall issue a certificate to that
effect, which shall also state the authorized
seating capacity of said vehicle.
(2) Periodic Inspections. Every vehicle operating under
this ordinance shall be periodically inspected by
the Police Department at such intervals as shall be
established by the City Manager to ensure the
continued maintenance,of safe operating conditions.
Vehicles Must Be Kept in a Clean and Sanitary Condition.
Every vehicle operating under this ordinance shall be
kept in a clean and sanitary condition according to
rules and regulations promulgated by the City Manager.
Section 13-1459. Designation of Taxicabs. Each taxicab shall bear
on the outside of each rear door, in painted letters not less than
four inches nor more than eight inches height, the name of the owner,
and in addition, may bear—an identifying design approved by the
City Manager. No vehicle covered by the terms of this ordinance
shall be licensed whose color scheme, identifying design, monogram,
or insignia to be used thereon shall, in the opinion of the City
Manager conflict with or imitate any color scheme, identifying
design, monogram or insignia used on a vehicle or vehicles already
operating under the ordinance, in such a manner as to be misleading
or tend to deceive or defraud the public; and provided further, that
if, after a license has been issued for taxicab hereunder, the color
scheme, identifying design, monogram, or insignia thereof is changed
so as to be, in the opinion of the City Manager in conflict with
or imitate any color scheme, identifying design, monogram, or insignia
used by any other person, owner or operator, in such a manner as to
be misleading or tend to deceive the public, the license of or
certificate covering such taxicab or taxicabs shall be suspended or
revoked.
(3)
Section 13-1460. Taximeter Required. All taxicabs operated under
the authority of this ordinance shall be equipped with taximeters
fastened in front of the passengers, visible to them at all times
day and night; and, after sundown, the face of the taximeter
shall be illuminated. Said taximeter shall be operated mechanically
by a mechanism of standard design and construction, driven either
from the transmission or from one of the front wheels by a flexible
and permanently attached driving mechanism. They shall be sealed
536
at all points and connections which, if manipulated, would affect
their correct reading and recording. Each taximeter shall have
thereon a flap to denote when the vehicle is employed and when it
is not employed; and it shall be the duty of the driver to throw
the flag of such taximeter into a non -recording position at the
termination of each trip. The said taximeters shall be subject to
inspection from time to time by the Department of Police. Any
inspector or other officer of said department is hereby authorized
either on complaint of any person or without such complaint, to
inspect any meter and, upon discovery of any inaccuracy therein,
to notify the person operating said taxicab to cease operation.
Thereupon said taxicab shall be kept off the highways until the
taximeter is repaired and in the required working condition.
Section 13-1461. Rates of Fare -- Rate Card Required. Every taxicab
operated under this ordinance shall have a rate card setting forth
the authorized rates of fare displayed in such a place as to be in
view of all passengers. Rates charged may not exceed taxicab rates
which are lawful in the City of Minneapolis.
Section 13-1462. Receipts. The driver of any taxicab shall upon
demand by the passenger render to such passenger a receipt for the
amount charged, either by a mechanically printed receipt or by a
specially prepared receipt on which shall be the name of the owner,
license number or motor number, amount of meter reading or charges
and date of transaction.
Section 13-1463. Refusal of Passenger to Pay Legal Fare. It shall
be unlawful for any person to hire any vehicle herein defined with
intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired of the value
of such service.
Section 13-1464. Open Stands -- Establishment -- Use.
(1) The City Manager of the City of St. Louis Park is hereby
authorized and empowered to establish Open Stands in
such place or places upon the streets of the City of
St. Louis Park as he deems necessary for the use of
taxicabs operated in the City. Said Manager shall not
create an open stand without taking into consideration
the need for such stands by the companies and the
convenience to the general public. The Manager shall
prescribe the number of cabs that shall occupy such
open stands. The Manager shall not create an open
July 1986
537
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stand in front of any place of business where the
abutting property owners object to the same or
where such stand would tend to create a traffic hazard.
(2) Open stands shall be used by the different drivers on
a first come first served basis. The driver shall pull
on to the open stand from the rear and shall advance
forward as the cabs ahead pull off. Drivers shall stay
within five feet of their cabs; they shall not solicit
passengers; or, engage in loud or boisterous talk
while at an open stand. Nothing in this ordinance shall
be construed as preventing a passenger from boarding
the cab of his choice that is parked at open stands.
(13-1465 deleted by Ord. , 6/16/86)
Section 13-1466. Prohibitions of Other Vehicles. Private or other
vehicles for hire shall not at any time occupy the space upon the
streets that has been established as either open stands or call box
stands.
Section 13-1467. Taxicab Service. All persons engaged in the
taxicab business in the City of St. Louis Park operating under
the provisions of this ordinance shall render an over-all service
to the public desiring to use taxicabs. Holders of
company licenses shall maintain a central place
of business and keep the same open twenty-four hours a day for the
purpose of receiving calls and dispatching cabs. They shall answer
all calls received by them for services inside the corporate limits
of St. Louis Park as soon as they can do so and if said service
cannot be rendered within a reasonable time they shall then notify
the prospective passengers how long it will be before the said
call can be answered and give the reason therefor. Any- holder
who shall refuse to accept a call anywhere in the corporate limits
of St. Louis Park at any time when such holder has available cabs;
or who shall fail or refuse to give over-all service, shall be
deemed a violator of this ordinance.
(13-1467 amended by Ord. , 6/16/86)
(former Pages 539 & 540 deleted due to 1986 overhaul of taxi ord.)
July 1986
538
Sec. 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days
after its publication (July 8, 1986).
Adopted by the City Council June 16, 1986.
C ty C er
Reviewed for administration:
ity Manager
Approved as to form and legality:
City Attorney
Minnesota Suburban Newspapers, Inc.
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
IIISTATE OF MINNESOTA)
ss
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN)
Donald K. Mortenson
, being duly sworn on an oath says that he/she
is the publisher or authorized agent and employee of the publisher of the newspaper known as
St. Louis Park Sailor
, and has full knowledge of the facts which
are stated below
(A) The newspaper has complied with all of the requirements constituting qualification as a qualified
newspaper, as provided by Minnesota Statute 331A 02, 331A 07, and other applicable laws, as amended
(B) The printed Ordinance No . 1 682-86
which is attached was cut from the columns of said newspaper, and was printed and published once each
week, for one successive weeks, it was first published on Monday the 2 3 day
of June 19_ and was thereafter printed and published on every to
,and including the day of 19—, and printed below is
a copy of the lower case alphabet from A to Z, both inclusive, which is hereby acknowledged as being the size
and kind of type used in the composition and publication of the notice
Atdi fghi)kimnopgr.u. W..
Subscribed and sworn to before me on this
day of
Jul 19_1_36
Not
•
MERIDEL M. HEDBLOM
LVOTARY PUBLIC - MINNESOTA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
My commission expires July 2, 1986
BY tION"104 _1410L1110 -1-N.
TITLE
J
Operations Manager
RATE INFORMATION
(1) Lowest classified rate paid by commercial users $ 210 per line
for comparable space (Line, word, or inch rate)
(2) Maximum rate allowed by law for the above matter
(3) Rate actually charged for the above matter
$ 365¢ per line
(Line, word, or inch rate)
$ 35¢ per line
(Line, word, or inch rate)
r
(Official Publication)
Summary
ORDINANCE NO 1682-86
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
ST LOUIS PARK ORDINANCE
CODE RELATED TO TAXICABS
AMENIING SECTIONS 13-1440-1448
and 13-1467, DELETING SECTIONS
13-1440(1), 13-1442(4), 13-1465,
ADDING SECTION 13-1440(2)
Summary This ordinance amend-
ment removes the requirement that
the City Council specify the number
of cabs a company may operate when
initially appproving the company
license It oiso-removes certain out- {
dated language, '-
EffectiveDater This ordinance I
shall take effect 15 days after publi-
cation
Adopted by the City Council June
16 1986
(s) LYLE W HANKS
Mayor
(The full text of this ordinance is
available for inspection with the City
Clerk )
(June 231986) -SLP _!,�