Minutes 02/14/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 14, 2012 ? The contracted taxicabs are not based in Portsmouth, and therefore do not have a ‘certificate of public convenience and necessity’ currently required by City Code for taxis to pick up passengers in Portsmouth. ? Providers of non-emergency Medicaid transports are required to meet strict operator and vehicle requirements as required by Logisticare and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, but they are not clearly exempted from the requirement to obtain a ‘certificate of public convenience.’ ? The amendments to Section 37-30 and 37-67 will allow these para-transit vehicles to operate within the City, without the need to obtain a Portsmouth ‘certificate of public convenience and necessity’, or the need to have the word “taxicab” or “taxi” permanently lettered on the vehicle. ? The liability insurance requirements in the current ordinance reference insurance coverage amounts required by the State Corporation Commission, however insurance coverage amounts for taxicabs are not regulated by the State Corporation Commission. Amending the language in the Section 37-28 will clarify minimum liability insurance requirements. ? Random inspections of public vehicles are often conducted under the provisions of Section 37-29(b). These random inspections may occur at any time, by any officer, and may or may not be as in-depth as the required annual or bi-annual inspection. Amending the language in this section will eliminate confusion between the two forms of inspection. Discussion: ? The changes are necessary to allow for continued access to transportation services by our residents. ? The police department Public Vehicle Enforcement Officer held a meeting on 11/7/11 with the taxicab owners to seek their input regarding these and other proposed changes to current City Codes. Financial impact: ? No City funds are involved. All of the taxi companies operating within the City already maintain insurance coverage at the levels required by the Department of Motor Vehicles, so there should be no added insurance costs for these businesses. Recommended Action: ? Adoption of the proposed changes. Vision Principle: Quality of Life. Next Steps Following Council Action: ? Include the amended ordinances in City Code. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 37 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) BY AMENDING SECTIONS 37-28 THROUGH 37- 30 AND 37-61 THEREOF PERTAINING TO LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES, INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES, AND OPERATION OF PUBLIC VEHICLES PROVIDING PARA- TRANSIT SERVICES.” Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Heretick, Moody, Whitehurst, Wright Nays: None 12 - 63 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a 2011 Port Security grant in the amount of $54,000 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and appropriating said amount in the FY 2011-12 Grants Fund for port security programs. Vision Principle: Leading Maritime Center.