PVAC Minutes 01/02/2001 RJanuary 2, 2001
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC VEHICLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 2, 2001
Met on this date at 9:00 a.m. in REGULAR SESSION in
Building F of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida, with the
following members present:
CHAIRPERSON:
NOT PRESENT:
Bryan L.S. Pease
Pat Baisley
Clifford W. Flegal, Jr.
Eric Hyde
William J. Csogi
ALSO PRESENT:
Michelle Arnold, Code Enforcement
Director
Maria Cruz, Code Enforcement Specialist
Tom Palmer, Assistant County Attorney
Page I
~2/11/00 1~:32 FAX 941 403 2345 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ~ CLERK OF BRD ~001/001
COUNTY pUS~,IC VEHICLE ADVISQ~¥ C0MM!T?~E
January 2, 2001
9:00 AM
COLLIER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
TURNEK~UILDING (A~MINISTRAT~ON), TNIRD FLOOR
3301 ~ TAMIAMI TR., NAPLES. FI~
ANY PERSON W~O DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF
THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAININ~ T~ERETO, AND THEREFORE F~AY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A
VERBATIM RECORD OF T~E PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH R~CORD INCLUDES THAT
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENC~ UPON WI4ICM THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
III.
IV.
VII.
VIII.
ROLL CALL
ADDITIONS OR D~LBTIONS:
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 7, 2000
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Lazara Saumell d/b/a/ Ale~ Limousine, Inc.
B. J. Blan Taylor. III d/b/a Taylor LimOusine
A. Joseph O'Leary d/b/a City Cab
OLD BUSINESS:.
REPORTS,
SEatus on Ra=e Increase
DISCUSSION:
NEXT MEETING DATE~
April 2. 2001
January 2, 2001
MR. PEASE: I call the meeting of the Collier County Public
Vehicle Advisory Committee to order. I'll start with the roll call.
MS. CRUZ: Good morning. For the record, Maria Cruz, code
enforcement investigator. Let the record show that William Sogi
called in and stated he was going to be absent due to personal
reasons,
Patricia Basiley?
MS. BASILEY: Here.
MS. CRUZ: Clifford Flegal?
MR. FLEGAL: Here.
MS. CRUZ: Bryan Pease?
MR. PEASE: Here.
MS. CRUZ: Eric Hyde?
(No response)
MR. PEASE: Do we have any additions or deletions?
MS. ARNOLD: For the record, Michelle Arnold. I have an
addition to review with you. The passenger's notice that's
supposed to be going into the vehicles. If we put that on the
report, that will be the second report item.
MR. PEASE: That's the sticker?
MS. ARNOLD: Sticker, yeah.
MR. PEASE: I also have one topic of discussion, just on the
ordinance. Do we have an approval of the agenda?
MR. FLEGAL: I make a motion we approve the agenda as
changed.
MS. BASILEY: I'll second that.
MR. PEASE: All in favor, say aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion carried.
Do we have approval of the minutes?
MS. BASILEY: I'll make a motion that we approve the
minutes of November 7th, 2000. MR. FLEGAL: Second.
MR. PEASE: All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion carried.
New business. Request for approval to operate a charter
service, Lazzara Samwell, is that how you pronounce that? If
Page 2
January 2, 2001
you could come forward to be sworn in if you're here.
MS. CRUZ: Mr. Chairman, let the record show that Lazzara
Samwell is not present.
MR. PEASE: All right.
MR. FLEGAL: Mr. Chairman, I noticed one thing on
insurance, that this vehicle is leased from somebody called Car
Corp. I think it would be to the County's advantage to make sure
that that company is also included on the insurance just in case
something happens.
MR. PEASE: Maria, do you have a certificate of insurance
that he may have given, a separate document that would have
that listing?
MS. CRUZ: Yes, sir, I do. I have a certificate of insurance
showing on the insured, Alexis Rodriguez, Alexis Limousine, Inc.
MR. PEASE: The additional insured is?
MS. CRUZ: Collier County Code Enforcement.
MR. PEASE: I was asking for Car Corp. That was the leasing
company. Do we have a copy of insurance that shows Car Corp
as an additional insured? MS. CRUZ: No, sir.
MR. PEASE: Maria, do we know who I. azzara Samwell is?
Are they just an officer or do they own part of this corporation;
do we know? They're listed as a director or officer.
MS. CRUZ: Lazzara Samwell is the -- I believe she was
added as an officer to this corporation.
MR. FLEGAL: We don't know if she has any ownership?
MS. CRUZ: No, sir, I do not know.
MR. PEASE: Let the record show Mr. Hyde is also in
attendance.
MS. CRUZ: To add to your question, Mr. Flegal, on page 30,
the corporate records show Lazzara as president, secretary,
director, I believe.
MR. FLEGAL: Does the P stand for president, secretary,
director?
MS. CRUZ: That's my guess.
MR. FLEGAL: I think we need to find out if they have any
ownership. So that if they do, they can meet whatever
requirements are required. I think it's 10 percent or something
like that.
MS. CRUZ: 10 percent.
Page 3
January 2, 2001
MR. PEASE: Any other comments?
MR. FLEGAL: No.
MR. PEASE: Do we have a motion?
MR. FLEGAL: I make a motion we approve subject to getting
Car Corp added to their insurance, finding out if Samwell is an
owner, getting the requirements from them. MR. PEASE: Is there a second?
MS. BASILEY: I'll second that motion.
MR. PEASE: All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion carried 4-0.
We have a request for approval to operate a charter service,
J. Blan Taylor, III, doing business as Taylor Limousine. Is Mr.
Taylor present? Would you please come forward to be sworn in?
Thereupon,
J. BLAN TAYLOR, III,
a Witness, called and duly sworn, and testified as follows:
MR. FLEGAL: Maria, do we have a -- I didn't see in the
package proof of advertising, a fictitious name and all that.
MS. CRUZ: I believe Mr. Taylor has a copy of the filing, the
registration of the fictitious name with him. I can show the
Board if you wish to see it.
MR. PEASE: Mr. Taylor, do you currently have this vehicle?
MR. TAYLOR: It's on its way down here right now. It should
be here probably Thursday.
MR. PEASE: Mr. Taylor, the ordinance states that if after
review of the application, public comment and other relevant
information, the applicant is fit to provide transportation services
and conforms to the provisions of this article, then the County
administrators shall issue a certificate stating the name of the
applicant.
If the PVAC determines that the applicant is not fit to
provide transportation services or does not comply with the
requirements of this article, the application for certificate shall
be denied.
My question for you, given the information on the criminal
background, do you feel you are fit to provide transportation
services?
MR. TAYLOR: Absolutely, yes, sir.
Page 4
January 2, 2001
MR. TAYLOR:
MS. BASILEY:
MR. FLEGAL:
County?
MR. TAYLOR:
MR. PEASE: I assume there has been some change in the
direction of the past?
MR. TAYLOR: Oh, absolutely.
MS. BASILEY: Mr. Taylor, have you worked for any
transportation companies here locally?
In Lee County.
In Lee.
Mr. Taylor, who did you drive for in Lee
Majestic Limousine Services and a couple of
small taxi services that ran airport transportation.
MR. PEASE: Do we have any other discussion?
MR. HYDE: No.
MR. PEASE: Ms. Basiley?
MS. BASILEY: No.
MR. PEASE: Do we have a motion?
MR. HYDE: Motion to approve.
MR. PEASE: Motion by Mr. Hyde. Is there a second?
MS. BASILEY: I'll second that motion.
MR. PEASE: All those in favor, aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion carries 4-0.
MR. TAYLOR: Thank you.
Good luck.
MR. PEASE: Request for approval to operate a taxi service,
Mr. Joseph O'Leary, in business as City Cab. Mr. O'Leary, are you
here? Please step forward to be sworn in.
Thereupon,
JOSEPH O'LEARY,
a Witness, called and duly sworn, and testified as follows:
MR. PEASE: Page 9 states the rate, but you're aware that
the County Commissioners have modified the taxi rate?
MR. O'LEARY: A couple of times. I'm aware of what's going
on there. I think you're going to discuss that today, too, right?
MR. PEASE: Briefly.
MS. CRUZ: Mr. Chairman, I have a copy -- color copy of the
color schemes of the vehicle, if you'd like to see that.
MR. PEASE: If you could bring that forward, that would be
great.
Is there anyone close to it?
Page 5
January 2, 2001
MS. CRUZ: No.
MR. FLEGAL: Do you have the registration, Maria, on the
vehicle?
MS. CRUZ: No, sir, we don't. At the time that the
application paperwork was submitted, there was no registration.
MR. O'LEARY: I have a copy of the registration.
MS. CRUZ: Mr. Chairman, I do have a copy of the
registration here. It is classified 09. It is registered to MoJo
Group, Inc.
MR. PEASE: Can I take a look at that also, please?
And you're going to be working out of your home; is that
correct?
MR. O'LEARY: At the time of application I had to put down
something, so that's what I put down. Since then I've secured an
office.
MR. PEASE: So you're aware, when you have multiple
vehicles, you need a business location? MR. O'LEARY: Yes, I am.
MR. PEASE: Good morning, Mr. Palmer. Let the record
show, Mr. Palmer is in attendance.
Do we have any other discussion? Do I have a motion?
MR. FLEGAL: I'd make a motion it be approved subject to
receipt of the proper insurance submitted to staff.
MR. O'LEARY: I have a letter of commitment, sir.
MR. FLEGAL: I saw the letter of commitment.
MR. O'LEARY: Well, I have another one.
MR. Do we have a second?
MR. Second.
All those in favor?
PEASE:
HYDE:
MR. PEASE:
Opposed?
MR. PEASE:
MS. CRUZ:
MR. PEASE:
you, Michelle?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion carried 4-0. Good luck.
MR. O'LEARY: Thank you. I'll need it.
Any old business? No old business?
None from staff.
Reports, status on the rate increase, is that
MS. ARNOLD: Yeah. The Board did hear the
recommendation for suspending or abandoning the surcharge
and then increasing the rate. And they approved the PVAC's
Page 6
January 2, 2001
recommendation for the first tenth of a mile to be 2.50 -- I'm
trying to remember. Whatever the recommendation was -- MR. PALMER: 2.15, I think.
MS. ARNOLD: 2.15. And then --
MR. PALMER: 35 cents.
MS. ARNOLD: And 35 cents for the two-tenths of a mile
thereafter. The Board did also request that staff conduct a
report and present it to them in another year to determine why
we are, you know -- we have a Board reviewing applications and
determining the rates for taxicab services. So we will be putting
that information together and reporting back to the Board.
The new Board members, of which we've got three of them,
are questioning the need for us to look at that particular portion
of the taxicab industry. So your input is going to be solicited as
well as to what should be contained in that report to the Board.
MR. PEASE: Let me just make one, I think, clarification.
What they voted, I believe, was to -- they questioned, they have
one year for staff to come back and talk about the need to deal
with rates in conjunction with the taxicabs, but I do not recall
them talking about the need to adjust the permitting process.
MS. ARNOLD: I think they wanted a full report just to give
them information as to what the function of the Board is and
those types of things and then to evaluate whether or not the
Board needs to look at that rate portion of it for the taxicab
industry.
MR.
MR.
MR.
MS.
PEASE: All right.
FLEGAL: What did they do with the fuel surcharge?
PEASE: They eliminated it.
ARNOLD: They eliminated it.
MR. FLEGAL: You didn't say that, so I wanted to make sure
they did that.
MR. PEASE: Just to give you an idea of, what I did was, I
met with every commissioner prior to that vote. And even
though I voted against the change, I explained with each
commissioner why the PVAC -- I did not talk about my personal
vote, but why the PVAC went that direction, what the thinking
process was and why I felt it was a good idea to vote for that
change.
The feel of the Board is very much a nonregulatory capacity
and even in those discussions question the need to set rates for
Page 7
January 2, 2001
taxi operations. So I think it's a very sympathetic Board to that.
And not just the new members. I think -- I heard it from
some of the members who have been on there for a little while,
so -- but I was pleased that they did eliminate the surcharge.
The second item on the report -- is there any other
discussion on the fuel surcharge?
The passenger sticker, any update on that?
MS. ARNOLD: Yes, we do have a sticker. We went ahead
and sent you-all e-mails or actually faxes during December. We
wanted to go ahead and order the stickers just because of the
timing of the renewal process and it would be better for us to
distribute it at the time that we renew applications.
We got a couple comments back about the notice, so we
went ahead and ordered that. I just wanted to provide you with
that sample so that you'd know what it's going to say. So we are
going to be issuing those.
MR. FLEGAL: Where will these be located in the vehicle?
MS. ARNOLD: We're going to be requiring that they place it
on the passenger windows. I think we're issuing two. There are
two of them that will be issued per vehicle. So they're going to
be located on both passenger windows.
MR. PEASE: You're talking about the rear doors?
MS. ARNOLD: Right.
MS. BASILE¥: Those would be required for charter service
vehicles, as well as taxicabs.
MS. ARNOLD: All vehicles that we issue.
MR. PEASE: You're going to require these on sedan services
and stretch limousines as well?
MS. ARNOLD: Yeah, because those --
MR. FLEGAL: Service is service. I mean, you can give
terrible service in a limo just as you can in a taxicab.
MR. PEASE: I just wanted to get clarification on that. I
knew we were talking taxicab, but this is the first I had heard on
the charter.
MS. ARNOLD: Our intent was to provide it for everybody that
-- all vehicles that we provide stickers to.
MR. FLEGAL: I mean, because they set their own rates. I
think somebody that is charging a lot of money to tote you
somewhere should give you really good service.
MR. PEASE: I just want to let the record show, I'm against
Page 8
January 2, 2001
this for charter services because I think there is a difference
between the two. This is -- one, the charter service does not
deal with the general public. It's prearranged and it's private and
MR. FLEGAL: So you're saying private individuals aren't part
of the general public?
MR. PEASE: I'm saying that --
MR. HYDE: There's already contracts and arrangements
made prior to --
MR. PEASE: Exactly. They are prearranged. I just think
there is a difference between walking up to the curb and getting
in a cab --
MR. FLEGAL: That's not true. I can call and rent a limousine
for an evening, for a wedding, to go somewhere. I don't have a
contract with you for a month, year, whatever.
MR. PEASE: But generally you work with the business owner
to resolve any differences; where in a taxi, it's a little different.
MS. BASILEY: If you're not getting any satisfaction from the
business owner, you need to know where to call.
MR. FLEGAL: I mean, the ABC Company can charter a
limousine for some of its employees and the manager/business
owner isn't the one in the vehicle. His employees are in the
vehicle and they're getting crappy service. So they ought to be
able to go back not only to their boss and say, Hey, thanks for
the limo ride, but the guy was a jerk, and nothing happens, so
they ought to be able to call the County and say --
MR. PEASE: This was not voted on by this committee for it
to be for charter. The discussion at the time was for taxis. And
if this is the direction we're going to go, I'd like to see this voted
on.
MS.
MR.
BASILEY: It should be in the minutes.
FLEGAL: Tom.
MR. PALMER: I thought the focus was on identification of a
specific driver and there was going to be a photograph on the
document. That was my recollection.
The idea was primarily focused on the fact that the
customer would have comfort that the person behind the wheel
was somebody authorized to drive the vehicle on behalf of Collier
County.
MR. PEASE: The discussion at the time was on taxi
Page 9
January 2, 2001
applications.
MR. PALMER: Yes, I remember that as well. It was focused
on taxicabs. But I take it there is not going to be a photograph
on this.
MR. PEASE: I think there was a time issue.
MR. HYDE: I don't think we can do that right off the bat.
MR. PEASE: January 1st.
MS. ARNOLD: I think that the Board wanted to discuss this
item a little bit further and know -- the timing of the whole thing
came down to, when are we going to actually issue these things?
Because there was discussion on the issue of a photograph,
how they would look and those types of things. We could always
revise something if the Board feels that it needs to be more
informed of like a photograph or to include a photograph.
But we were already issuing -- we were in the process of
getting an order for our stickers for the process.
MR. PALMER: I understand the timing of it. I understand
that.
MS. ARNOLD: And we did -- this item did come up when we
were discussing the rates and the taxicab things, but I don't
believe it was clear that we would -- were limited just to taxicabs
or we would open it up.
But as I said, our intent, just because we were issuing
stickers to everybody, was to provide that information to
everyone. So that if there is a complaint, that they're advised
that they can call this particular number to lodge that complaint
and then we would look into it.
MR. FLEGAL: Just as general information, Tom, if the
County wants to ask such a question, it doesn't require, that I
can see, approval of this Board for the County to do this. MR. PALMER: Approval of this Board?
MR. FLEGAL: Yeah. If the County says, We want
information from you folks, you know, about services, I don't
think that's, quote/unquote, regulated by this Board.
MR. PALMER: Well, I don't understand what kind of inquiry
you're talking about.
MR. FLEGAL: Well, I mean, here the County is saying, If
you're dissatisfied with the transportation service you received,
please call County Code Enforcement.
MR. PALMER: Right.
Page 10
January 2, 2001
MR. FLEGAL: For the County to issue this sticker to people,
I don't see that they need approval of this Board.
MR. PEASE: Except that all the discussion that came up
from this Board on the sticker -- in other words -- and I'm looking
at the notes on page 32 of the minutes.
It says. Chairman Pease: We're going to require taxi
operators -- is what the motion said -- require taxi operators to do
that.
Ms. Arnold: What we would be doing is issuing the sticker,
that or, you know, the complaint number, that information. I
mean, it's very clear -- then Ms. Arnold says -- alongside with that
sticker in the cab. There was no discussion that took place
regarding charter vehicles.
MR. FLEGAL: Okay. I won't argue that. What I'm saying is,
if the County decides they want charter vehicles to do it, I don't
see that that is, quote/unquote, governed by this Board.
MR. PALMER: No, I don't think the staff has been authorized
to do this on its own. Just to say, Well, we think it's a good idea
and we're going to do it. I think it does require the approval of
the Board. In fact, I think eventually it ought to be in the
ordinance as a formalized change.
I think we can do this on an interim basis while this Board
decides it, but staff does not have the authority just to go out
and not even -- for example, not even notify the Board.
If they have the power to do it, they can do it even without
telling you about it. They could just come up with their own little
regulation and tell these various operators they've got to do this.
I do not believe there is anything in the ordinance that delegates
that kind of duty to the staff.
Although they have rights of inquiry. They have rights about
polling these people and finding out their opinion about things.
But this is actually a unilateral mandate of a new obligation on a
certificate of business.
MS. ARNOLD: The way I see it is that we are providing
notice to the public.
MR. PALMER:
MS. ARNOLD:
anything.
MR. PALMER:
go into the vehicle.
That's right.
And we're not mandating the public call us or
Oh, no. But you're mandating that this thing
That's what I'm talking about. Obviously
Page 11
January 2, 2001
nobody can mandate that the public call the County about
anything.
MS. ARNOLD: Right.
MS. BASILEY: If you only put them in taxicabs, then you're
only saying that the public who rides in a taxicab should know
how to inform somebody if the driver is --
MR. PALMER: Well, this is policy. This is policy. There is a
point that people who deal with limousines probably have a
better idea of who they're dealing with than somebody that just
calls up a taxicab one time and they have a problem. They look
around and they have no idea how to identify the driver unless
they have -- handwrite down the name of the cab. They're going
to have difficulty identifying the vehicle they rode in at 10:00 last
Friday night.
But if you're dealing with a limousine company, in all
probability it's less of a problem if you have a complaint, to be
able to identify the driver and the vehicle.
Although, this is a matter of policy. And if the Board wants
this obligation expanded to include charter vehicles, I think you
have the authority to do that. But I do believe that the
discussion last meeting was focused on taxicabs. I think the
question of charter vehicles was not discussed.
MR. PEASE: Exactly.
MR. HYDE: I agree.
MS. BASILEY: I also think we discussed about having the
sticker really for the driver.
MR. PALMER: Yes, we did. In fact, my understanding was, it
was basically going to be a face. It's called a face. It was going
to have a number on it.
Not only a phone number to call, but a number designated
like 13795 that would be cross-referenced to a particular driver
of a vehicle. And somebody could say, I had a bad experience
last Wednesday night at 8:00 and the number was 13795.
MS. ARNOLD: Each sticker does have a number that will
correspond with the stickers in the vehicle. The only thing that
is absent on this particular notice is the photograph.
MR. HYDE: Right. And that was done specifically because
of time restraints and all the rest of the stuff that couldn't be
done at that time.
MR. PALMER: What I had in mind -- and I'm not calling the
Page 12
January 2, 2001
shots here -- was a plastic thing that is hard. You've probably
seen them. They have a photograph about 2 inches by 2 inches.
They usually go up in the right-hand visor and they're clearly
legible and readable for the passenger in the backseat. That
was what I envisioned. But there was no discussion, I don't
think, at the meeting about the specifics of the form that this
notice would take.
MR. PEASE: I think it's an interim step in the right direction
for taxi operators. And given that the certificates go out and
there is a mailing that takes place shortly, I think it's a good
interim step. But it should not be all inclusionary. (sic)
MS. BASILEY: I think it should be. Because I still think that
that person that prearranged airport transportation with
somebody or limousine transportation, if they don't get the
satisfaction that they need when dealing with a complaint with
the operator, they need to know who to contact at the County.
MR. PEASE: I can assure you, I take those calls when they
happen and they do know how to get in touch with me.
MS. BASILEY: A responsible business owner would. Some
people --
MR. PEASE: In a charter situation, which is a different
operation altogether than a taxi operation, there is two different
channels, two different mechanisms. They're totally different.
MS. ARNOLD: I believe that some of the charter services, as
Ms. Basiley is saying, is not necessarily always done through
contract. Some of the services can be, somebody can just pick
up a phone and call.
And so we need to have the general public advised as to
when their service is not satisfactory, who else they can call
other than that particular business owner.
MR. FLEGAL: I have a problem in that we approve too many
one-person charter services, one vehicle. They're not
corporations, which have a lot of vehicles.
We've approved -- John Smith walked in and says, I want to
operate a charter service, and he's gone. Or Mary Jones. She
has got one vehicle and she's gone. Not a taxi, it's a charter.
So I think the public needs to be able to call somebody.
Because if you call that person, nine times out of ten probably
they're going to say, Oh, yeah, I'll handle it. And it goes in the
round file.
Page 13
January 2, 2001
A business is going to handle it because they're more or less
responsible. But there is too many one-man shows that have
been chartered and I think the public has -- needs a way to come
back to the County.
MR. PEASE: I think aesthetically as nice as those stickers
are, they're inappropriate in a charter vehicle, given the price
difference between a taxicab and a stretch limousine. I think it
makes it look like a taxicab. I think it's just inappropriate.
Tom, do we take this thing to a vote? And if so, if it ends up
being with the four people here as a tie, what happens then?
MR. PALMER: That is a no vote. That is an action that
doesn't pass if you tie.
MR. PEASE: Do we want to make a motion on this?
MR. FLEGAL: I think we already know what the vote is going
to be. We've got 2-2.
MS. BASILEY: Exactly.
MR. FLEGAL: You can do it if you want it on the record, but I
think we ought to get our other member involved.
MR. PEASE: Well, I want to make sure staff knows. They've
got a time line here.
MS. ARNOLD: Right. And --
MR. FLEGAL: Well, they can issue it to the cab and not the
other yet.
MS. ARNOLD: I understand Mr. Pease's concern with the
limousines, but not all of our charter vehicles are limousines. We
have other type vehicles.
And it was expressed to me too that some of the taxicabs
that are currently operating or previously operating as taxicabs
may consider going charter, taking out their meters and going
charter.
So we're talking about a lot more vehicles out there with no
notices as to who to call with respect to a complaint and those
types of things. Mainly, what we're trying to do is provide notice.
I think the size of the stickers are small. It's not something
that's imposing in the vehicle, so.
MR. PEASE: Well, I'm going to make a motion that we direct
staff to focus these stickers on the taxi operators only. Is there
a second?
(No response.)
MR. PEASE: Motion does not carry. So where does that
Page 14
January 2, 2001
leave us, Tom?
MR. PALMER: That means that the policy, as I understand it,
is that this notice is -- based on the tenor of the last meeting's
discussion is limited to taxicabs.
Because I don't -- at least I don't have any recollection that
we were talking anything other than taxicabs when this policy
was voted upon at the last meeting.
MR. PEASE: That's what the minutes show. Does anybody
want to put this on the agenda for April? MR. FLEGAL: Yes.
MS. BASILEY: I think it should be.
MS. ARNOLD: Can we get a motion today to expand it to the
other services?
MR. PEASE: No. Mr. Palmer says the focus was on taxi
operators in the minutes.
MR. PALMER: Well, you could -- if you pass 3 to 1, you could
as a Board today expand it to other vehicles, if you could get a 3
to I or 4 to 0 vote. But a 2 to 2 vote will not expand it.
MR. HYDE: Can I make a motion that we -- first of all, in the
interest of time and due diligence, I think that staff has done an
outstanding job in trying to come up with something and prepare
something and get it back to us in a timely manner, that we start
with the taxicabs first and then put it on the agenda for April to
see if we would like to expand it and see how that would run
with the full Board?
MR. PALMER: Another possibility would be to ask the other
vehicles if they would do it voluntarily. And maybe more than
half of them would be happy to put this in their vehicle as a
volunteer decision.
MR. PEASE: Do you want to amend the motion to include Mr.
Palmer's suggestion?
MR. PALMER: In other words, staff wouldn't twist their arms
and would just say, Would you like to do this? And a lot of them
may say, Yeah, that's fine with me.
MR. HYDE: Okay. I would like to amend my motion. First of
all, still go with the same direction with the taxicabs and then
offer the service -- or the stickers to the charter services that are
willing to participate at this point, but also still label it as an
agenda item to discuss it with the full Board in April.
MR. PEASE: Is there a second?
Page 15
January 2, 2001
MR. FLEGAL: I'll do a second.
MR. PEASE: All those in favor, say aye.
MS. BASILEY: Aye.
MR. FLEGAL: Aye.
MR. HYDE: Aye.
MR. PEASE: Opposed?
Aye.
Motion carries 3-1.
Let's see where that leaves us on the agenda.
MR. FLEGAL: Did you have an ordinance item?
MR. PEASE: Yes. I think what we've got is still an
ordinance that -- given the complexion of the Board of County
Commissioners, that needs to be reviewed and updated. One
thing that just came up this morning was the amount of the
insurance. It hasn't been looked at in a long time.
And also I think there is -- over years and different Boards
there has continued to be compounded items which may not be
appropriate. And maybe we need to look at a fresh start on
taking it and seeing what can be eliminated that's not a direct
responsibility in terms of safety of the guest.
But I'm afraid that if we do this in workshops, it won't get
accomplished. So I guess my question to the Board is, can we --
if I had distributed a copy of the ordinance to work from and
come back in April with notations for changes. And maybe we
accumulate that, just give that to staff and let them accumulate
it into one master and then give it back to us, would that work?
MS. BASILEY: You don't feel we're going to accomplish
anything if we try to do it in workshops?
MR. PEASE: I'm afraid not. I'm afraid that workshops tend
to be very optional in nature as far as the attendance. A lot of
things happen. I am wondering if maybe at your own leisure you
individually could make your suggestions.
Plus, I like things in writing better than verbal too, so it's
easier for me to understand. And then give that to staff and let
them accumulate all the suggested changes into one document.
Would that format work for you-all?
MS. BASILEY: I don't have any problem with it.
MS. ARNOLD: I believe that we've done that a couple years
ago. We provided you-all with a copy of an ordinance. You-all
struck through and made your notes. And we put it into one form
Page 16
January 2, 2001
and it was reviewed. So we can do that again.
MR. PEASE: Good. Let's do this again, then, if we could. If
you could send a copy of the ordinance to every committee
member, Maria. And I would -- let's look at how aggressively we
can get and how aggressive we can take things out, which -- how
essential are those items, every item.
And see what we can weed out. If we can cut a substantial
amount without jeopardizing the safety of the guests, which is
the ultimate concern.
Any other discussion? Our next meeting date is April 2nd.
Do I have a motion to adjourn?
MR. HYDE: Motion to adjourn.
MS. BASILEY: Second.
MR. PEASE: All those in favor, say aye.
Business closed.
There being no further business for the good of the County,
the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 9:45 a.m.
PUBLIC VEHICLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
BRYAN L.S. PEASE, CHAIRMAN
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF GREGORY COURT
REPORTING SERVICE, INC. BY TRACIE MOUNTAIN, RPR
Page 17