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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 18, 2016 Adjournmentallowing the Police Department to inspect vehicles; and update to the pedicab ordinance to make the renewal process consistent with the existing taxicab ordinance on a calendar -year basis. Mr. Fukasawa stated that staff researched other city ordinances, specifically Stockton's, regarding sanitation and safety regulations and that many of the requirements added to the ordinance reflect the requirements imposed on transportation companies that operate under PUC regulations, such as the $1 million minimum insurance, background checks, vehicle inspections, and age of vehicles. Council Member Johnson stated he was not opposed to the end -goal of this ordinance; however, he expressed concern with utilizing Police Department personnel to inspect vehicles and perform background checks, stating he would rather officers utilize that time patrolling the streets. Mr. Fukasawa stated that the Police Department was consulted in the drafting of the ordinance and provided its feedback. Currently, the Department handles the background checks and the vehicle inspections as part of the traffic enforcement division. Mr. Fukasawa confirmed that Lodi has two taxicab companies and one pedicab company. In response to Council Member Johnson, City Manager Schwabauer stated that the transit company has a contractual element that allows the company to perform background checks on its drivers. Council Member Johnson suggested reworking the ordinance with regard to vehicle inspections and background checks. Mr. Fukasawa pointed out that a background check is only required for the applicant and the ordinance change allows the Police Department the discretion to run a new background check if there is reason to believe there is criminal history since the initial application; it is not an annual requirement. Mr. Schwabauer stated that the background check is essentially a fingerprint check through the computer system. Council Member Mounce suggested the ordinance come back at a later date to address Council Member Johnson's concerns. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Schwabauer stated that the PUC regulates limousines and that the insurance requirements are similar to those in Stockton. Mr. Fukasawa stated the City's Risk Manager contributed to the recommendation on the insurance requirements, and Mr. Schwabauer added that the City's insurance pool provides regulations for the City to follow. City Clerk Ferraiolo confirmed that the two taxicab companies are operated by individuals and both were issued owner/driver licenses. In response to Mayor Chandler, Mr. Schwabauer confirmed that the City does not regulate Uber and Lyft, but, in preparing the draft ordinance, Mr. Fukasawa mirrored their requirements so that Lodi cab drivers fall under the same rules. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Schwabauer confirmed that Uber and Lyft operate in Lodi; however, they are regulated by the PUC. There was no Council action taken on this matter. J. Ordinances - None K. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. in memory of Dr. Narius Noori, a local physician, who passed away on May 15, 2016. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk 7 CITY COUNCIL MARK CHANDLER, Mayor DOUG KUEHNE, Mayor Pro Tempore BOB JOHNSON JOANNE MOUNCE ALAN NAKANISHI CITY OF LODI CITY HALL, 221 WEST PINE STREET P.O. BOX 3006 LODI, CALIFORNIA 95241-1910 (209) 333-6702 / FAX (209) 333-6807 www.lodi.clov citvclerk(r lodi.gov May 19, 2016 The Family of Dr. Darius Noori IN MEMORY OF DR. DARIUS NOORI STEPHEN SCHWABAUER, City Manager JENNIFER M. FERRAIOLO, City Clerk JANICE D. MAGDICH, City Attorney On behalf of the City of Lodi, we wish to extend our condolences to you and your family on your recent loss. On May 18, 2016, Mayor Mark Chandler adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of Darius Noori. The adjournment statement will be recorded in the official minutes, which are permanent records of the City of Lodi. We hope that in some small way this recognition provides a degree of solace to you. JF/pmf Sincerely, nnifer Ferraiolo City Clerk