HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Res 2009-08-05RESOLUTION NO. 24-2009
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF TIBUORN ADOPTING THE MARIN GENERAL
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (MGSA) TAXICAB
REGULATION PROGRAM AS REVISED
FOR TAXICAB PERMITS AND REGULATION WITHIN
THE TOWN OF TIBURON
WHEREAS, the Town of Tiburon is a member of the Marin General Services
Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Town has delegated to the Marin General Services Authority its
authority under Government Code § 53075.5 to regulate the operation of taxi cabs; and
WHEREAS, the Marin General Services Authority has established a Taxicab
Regulation Program, as revised by action of the MGSA on May 14, 2009, as set forth on
the attached as Exhibit "A"; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Tiburon Municipal Code Section 11-2, the Taxicab
Regulation Program shall be adopted by separate resolution of the Town Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of
Tiburon hereby adopts the Marin General Services Administration Taxicab Regulation
Program, as revised as set forth in Exhibit "A" , attached hereto and incorporated herein
by reference.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 5th day of August 2009, by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBERS: AYES: Berger, Collins, Fredericks Gram
COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: Slavitz
ALICE FRE ICKS, MAYOR
Town of Tiburon
ATTEST
DIANE CRANE COPI, TOWN CLERK
MARIN GENERAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
TAXI REGULATION PROGRAM
(As Revised MGSA Board Resolution 2008-01, Board Resolution 2008-05,
and Board Resolution 2009-01, February 12, 2009, Board Resolution 2009-05,
May 14, 2009)
A. DEFINITIONS
As used herein the capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
1. "Agency" shall mean and refer to each entity which is a member of the
MGSA, however, the term "Agency" specifically shall not include the Marinwood
Community Services District or the Bel Marin Community Services District.
2. "Area of Jurisdiction" means the jurisdictional boundaries or each
Agency.
3. "Call Log" shall mean a record prepared by the Company of all trips
made by the Company's Drivers showing date, time and place of origin, and destination.
4. "Company" means any entity operating a Taxicab business, including
without limitation, a natural person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business,
trust, corporation or public entity.
5. "Company Permit" means a valid permit issued by the MGSA authorizing
a Company to operate Taxicabs in the Area of Jurisdiction of each Agency.
6. "County" means the County of Marin.
7. "DMV" means the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
8. "Driver" means a person who operates a Taxicab.
9. "Driver Permit" means a valid permit issued by the MGSA authorizing a
person to operate a Taxicab pursuant to the terms and requirements of the Program.
10. "Executive Officer" shall mean the Executive Officer of the MGSA or
his/her designee.
11. "MGSA" shall mean the Marin General Services Authority or successor
entity.
Exhibit "A" 1 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
12. "Revoked Permit" shall mean any Company, Driver or Vehicle Permit
suspended by the Executive Officer. It is unlawful to operate a taxi in any manner with a
revoked permit. A driver or company must apply anew under the new fee schedule to
obtain a permit after revocation.
13. "Program" means the rules and regulations set out in this MGSA Taxi
Regulation Program as the same may be amended from time to time.
14. "State" means the State of California.
15. "Suspended Permit" shall mean any Company, Driver or Vehicle Permit
suspended by the Executive Officer. It is unlawful to operate a taxi in any manner with a
suspended permit. To reinstate a suspended permit requires the payment of $1,000.00 for
a Company Permit, $100.00 for a Driver's Permit, or $100.00 for a Vehicle Permit.
16. "Taxicab" shall mean a motor vehicle regularly engaged in the business
of carrying passengers designed for carrying not more than eight persons, excluding the
driver.
17. "Vehicle Permit" shall mean a valid permit issued by the MGSA
authorizing a vehicle to be utilized as a Taxicab pursuant to the terms and requirements
of the Program.
B. COMPANY PERMIT
1. Company Permit Required. No Company shall operate or permit a
Taxicab owned or controlled by it to be operated as a vehicle for hire within the Area of
Jurisdiction of any Agency without having first obtained a Company Permit from the
MGSA.
2. Issuance of Company Permit. The Executive Officer shall issue a
Company Permit upon full compliance by the Company with all of the following
requirements unless one or more basis for denial set forth in Section 3 of this Section B
exists:
a. Submission of a complete Company Permit application, including
a list of all vehicles to operated as Taxicabs under the Company Permit and for
which Vehicle Permit applications shall be submitted; and
b. Submission of a copy of the Company's drug and alcohol policy
which must include at a minimum that employment or an offer of employment for any
Driver is conditioned upon an acceptable drug and alcohol test meeting the requirements
of these regulations and of California Government Code Section 53075.5 or successor
statute; and
Exhibit "A" 2 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
C. Submission of evidence of insurance in full force and effect which
meets the following minimum requirements:
i. Automobile liability insurance with a minimum combined
single limit of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) for injury or death
of one or more persons in the same accident and for injury to or destruction of property
resulting from the operation or maintenance of any Taxicab; and
of California; and
ii. Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State
iii. The liability policy referred to in subsection i above is to
contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
(A) The MGSA and each Agency, its officers, elected
and appointed officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered as additional
insureds; and
(B) Coverage shall not be reduced, terminated or
canceled, except after thirty (30) days' prior written notice by certified mail, return
receipt requested, has been given to the MGSA; and
iv. Insurance is to be placed with insurers licensed to do
business in the State of California with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than "B+",
in the event that an insurer's rating is reduced below "B+" (a "Rating Event") Company
shall have ten (10) business days from the date that the rating actually drops below "B+"
to present the Executive Officer with a written schedule of events detailing the steps
Company will take to obtain replacement insurance which meets the requirements of this
Program, notwithstanding the foregoing, such replacement insurance shall be otained by
Company within sixty (60) days of the Rating Event or Company shall cease operating
until such complying insurance is obtained; and
v. The Executive Officer may require complete, certified
copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements effecting the coverage
required by these specifications at any time; and
vi. At least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of current
policies a Company shall submit a letter from its insurance carrier(s) indicating that the
carrier is processing Company's request for continuance of coverage or new coverage
and that the carrier believes that such coverage will be continued/issued; and
vii. As soon as it is received by the Company but in no event
later than the date of the expiration of current policies a Company shall submit insurance
binders evidencing insurance coverage for the policy period subsequent to the expiration
of the current policies; and
Exhibit "A" 3 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
viii. No self insured retention shall be allowed and deductibles
shall not exceed Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2500.00); and
d. Submission of proof of current DMV registration for each Taxicab
listed in the Company Permit applicant; and
e. Prior to the issuance of the initial Company Permit (but not upon
renewal) every owner, partner or principal officer of Company shall have:
i. submitted to fingerprinting by the County Sheriff's
Department; and
ii. successfully cleared a background check performed by the
County Sheriff's Department; and
f. List of every Driver authorized to operate the Taxicab(s) identified
in the Company Permit application (the list of Drivers noted herein, shall not be
considered part of the Company Permit, but as information for use of MGSA in the
administration of these Regulations); and
g. The rates of fare proposed to be charged by the Company; and
h. Payment of all applicable fees including without limitation the
Company Permit application fee and Taxicab Permit application fee.
i. As a condition to the receipt of a Company Permit, the Company
must submit for approval by the Executive Officer an indemnification agreement,
executed by an authorized representative of the Company, agreeing to release, indemnify,
hold harmless and defend with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Executive Officer,
the MGSA, including every Agency which is a member thereof, and their respective
elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers harmless
against and from liability and/or claims of any kind arising out of the Program and/or the
operation of Taxicab(s) including, without limitation, claims for personal injury or death
or loss or damage to property.
3. Basis for Denial of Company Permit. The Executive Officer shall deny
the issuance of a Company Permit in the event that any owner, partner or principal officer
of applicant:
a. Is under the age of 18 years; or
b. Falsifies material information on an application for a Company
Permit; or
c. Is a registered sex offender pursuant to California Penal Code
Section 290; or
Exhibit "A" 4 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
d. Is on formal probation or parole for any offense outlined in this
Section B.3.; or
e. Has at any time been convicted (or pled guilty or nolo contendere)
in any state, the District of Columbia, and/or in any federal proceeding for any of the
following: murder; robbery; pandering; pimping; crimes related to the sale or
transportation of controlled substances; and/or crimes involving the use of a weapon; or
f. Within five (5) years of the application been convicted of (or pled
guilty or nolo contendere) in any state, the District of Columbia, and/or in any federal
proceeding or had any final administrative determination of a violation of any statute,
ordinance, or regulation reasonably related to the same or similar business operation
which would have resulted in suspension or revocation of the Company Permit under
these Regulations.
4. Requirements Following Issuance. A Company which has received a
Company Permit shall comply with all of the following during the term of the Company
Permit:
a. Company shall maintain the insurance required pursuant to Section
B.2.c. of these Regulations in full force and effect during the term of the Company
Permit; and
b. Company shall notify the Executive Officer of any information or
fact(s) that would cause any of the information set forth in the Company Permit
Application to no longer be true and correct; and
c. Company shall provide the Executive Officer with written notice
within 72 hours in the event that any of its Drivers are terminated or are otherwise no
longer authorized to operate a Taxicab identified in the Company Permit; and
d. Company shall notify the Executive Officer if it desires to add a
Driver who shall be authorized to operate a Taxicab listed in the Company Application
after such Driver has obtained a Driver's Permit.
e. Company shall notify the Executive Officer of any new address for
Company within forty eight (48) hours of Company occupying said new address.
f. Company shall annually submit a written certification, the form of
which will be provided by MGSA that certifies that the company operations comply with
all the provisions of its Company Permit.
Exhibit "A" 5 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
5. Term and Renewal.
a. A Company Permit shall remain in effect for a period of one (1)
year from issuance unless sooner suspended or revoked. Permits for which an application
was filed prior to effective date of this latest amendment to these regulations (November
13, 2008) shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years from date of application.
b. In order to renew a Company Permit prior to the expiration of an
existing Permit, Company must submit a completed application for renewal no less than
thirty (30) days, nor more than sixty (60) days, prior to the expiration of the Company
Permit. Upon submission of a completed application for a renewal of a Company Permit,
provided that the Company is in compliance with all of the provisions of these
Regulations and provided further that the existing Company Permit is not otherwise
suspended or revoked in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations, the existing
Company Permit shall remain in effect until the later to occur of (i) such time as the
application for renewal is either granted or denied; or (ii) the expiration of the existing
Company Permit; at which time the existing Company Permit shall automatically be of
no further force and effect.
6. Appeal. A Company may appeal the denial or non-renewal of the
issuance of a Company Permit in accordance with the provisions of Section F of these
Regulations.
7. Transfer. Company Permits are not transferable or assignable.
C. DRIVERS PERMIT.
1. Driver's Permit Required. No person shall operate a Taxicab within the
Area of Jurisdiction of any Agency without having first obtained a Driver's Permit
therefore.
2. Issuance of Driver's Permit. The Executive Officer shall issue a
Driver's Permit upon submission by the Driver of all of the following requirements
unless one or more basis for denial set forth in Section 3 of this Section C exists:
a. A fully completed Driver's Permit application signed by an
authorized representative of a Company holding a Company Permit; and
b. A valid permanent California Class C driver's license; and
c. Evidence of compliance with the mandatory controlled substance
and alcohol testing certification program, as set forth below:
i. Drivers shall show proof from a drug testing company
approved by the Executive Officer that the Driver tested negative for each of the
controlled substances specified in Part 40 (commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of
Exhibit "A" 6 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
the Code of Federal Regulations, before employment. Drivers must also test negative for
alcohol. Drivers must show proof of negative tests for these controlled substances and
for alcohol as a condition of Permit issuance or renewal. Drivers may be also be subject
to random drug and/or alcohol testing during the term of his/her Permit. As used in this
section, a negative test for alcohol means an alcohol screening test showing a breath
alcohol concentration of less than 0.02 percent. All test results shall be reported to the
Executive Officer or his/her designee; and
ii. Procedures shall be substantially as in Part 40
(commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, except
that the Driver shall show a valid California driver's license at the time and place of
testing. Requirements for rehabilitation and for return to duty and follow up testing and
other requirements and shall be substantially as in Part 382 (commencing with Section
382.101) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
iii. A test consistent with subsections c. i. and ii. performed in
a jurisdiction outside of the County shall be accepted as meeting the same requirement as
a test performed within the County. Any negative test results shall be accepted for one
year as meeting a requirement for periodic permit renewal testing or any other periodic
testing if the Driver has not tested positive subsequent to the negative result. However, an
earlier negative result shall not be accepted as meeting the pre-employment testing
requirement for any subsequent employment or any testing requirements under the
program other than periodic testing.
iv. In the case of either a Company employee or a self-
employed independent Driver, the test results shall be reported directly to the Company
and the Executive Officer, who shall notify the taxicab leasing company of record, if any,
of positive results.
V. All test results are confidential and shall not be released
without the consent of the Driver, except as authorized or required by law.
vi. Self-employed independent drivers shall be responsible for
compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this program with regard to themselves. The
Company shall be responsible for compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this
program with respect to their employees and potential employees, except that an operator
may require employees who test positive to pay the cost of rehabilitation and of return to
duty and follow up testing.
vii. Upon the request of a Driver applying for a permit, the
Executive Officer shall give the Driver a list of consortia certified pursuant to Part 382
(commencing with Section 382.101) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations that
the Executive Officer knows offer tests in or near the County.
d. Fingerprints taken by or on file with the County Sheriff s
Department; and
Exhibit "A" 7 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
e. A cleared background check performed by the County Sheriff's
Department; and
f. Two current 2" by 2" professional quality color photos (passport
photos) of the applicant.
g. Payment of all applicable fees including without limitation the
background check fee and the Driver Permit application fee.
3. Basis for Denial of Driver's Permit. The Executive Officer shall deny
the issuance of a Driver's Permit in the event that the applicant:
a. Is under the age of 18 years; or
Permit; or
b. Falsifies material information on an application for a Driver's
C. Does not possess a valid Class C California Driver's License; or
d. Fails the drug and/or alcohol test required hereunder. Upon testing
positive for drugs and/or alcohol the applicant shall not be eligible to reapply for a
Driver's Permit for a period of six (6) months from the test date; or
e. Is a registered sex offender pursuant to California Penal Code
Section 290; or
section 3; or
f. Is on formal probation or parole for any offense outlined in this
g. Has at any time been convicted (or pled guilty or nolo contendere)
in any state, the District of Columbia, and/or in any federal proceeding, for any of the
following: murder; robbery; pandering; pimping; crimes related to the sale or
transportation of controlled substances, except for offenses involving marijuana; and/or
crimes involving the use of a weapon; or
h. Within five (5) years of the application been convicted of (or pled
guilty or nolo contendere) in any state, the District of Columbia, and/or in any federal
proceeding, of reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or
drugs (DUI), a violation of California Vehicle Code Sections 2800.1 (pertaining to flight
from peace officer), Section 20002 (imposing duties on the driver of any vehicle
involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property), Section 20003
(imposing duties on the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury
or death) or any corresponding substitute sections or similar sections of the Vehicle Code
of another state; vehicular manslaughter; and/or California Penal Code Sections 240, 2411
242, or 243 pertaining to assault and battery or any corresponding substitute sections or
Exhibit "A" 8 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
similar sections of the Penal Code of another state, the District of Columbia, and/or a
federal entity.
4. Term and Renewal.
a. A Driver's Permit shall remain in effect for a period of five (5)
years from issuance unless sooner suspended or revoked. A Driver's Permit shall be
automatically suspended upon the revocation or suspension of the Driver's Class C
Drivers License until such time as the Driver presents evidence to the Executive Officer
that the requisite Driver's License has been reinstated and is in full force and effect.
b. In order to renew a Driver's Permit, the Driver must submit a
completed application for renewal no less than thirty (30) days, nor more than sixty (60)
days, prior to the expiration of the Driver's Permit. Upon submission of a completed
application for a renewal of a Driver's Permit, provided that the Driver is in compliance
with all of the provisions of these Regulations and provided further that the existing
Driver Permit is not otherwise suspended or revoked in accordance with the provisions of
these Regulations, the existing Driver Permit shall remain in effect until the later to occur
of (i) such time as the application for renewal is either granted or denied; or (ii) the
expiration of the existing Driver Permit; at which time the existing Driver Permit shall
automatically be of no further force and effect.
C. The Driver's Permit shall be automatically void upon termination
of Driver's employment with the Company listed in the Driver Permit application and the
Driver's Permit shall be returned to the Executive Officer upon such termination.
d. Driver shall notify the Executive Officer in writing of any new
address for Driver within forty-eight (48) hours of Driver occupying said new address.
e. If, for any reason, the Executive Officer gives notice to a Driver
that his/her Driver Permit has been revoked or not renewed, said Driver shall
immediately return his/her Permit to the Executive Officer. Failure to do so shall be
grounds for the Executive Officer to refuse to issue a new Permit to said Driver.
5. Appeal. A Driver may appeal the denial or non-renewal of the issuance of
a Driver Permit in accordance with the provisions of Section F of these Regulations.
6. Transfer. Driver's Permits are not transferable or assignable.
D. VEHICLE PERMIT.
1. Initial Vehicle Inspection. Prior to the use and operation of any vehicle
as a Taxicab under the provisions of these Regulations, certification similar to that
required under Section D. 3 below shall be submitted indicating that the vehicle has been
thoroughly examined and found to comply with all the standards established in the
California Vehicle Code or successor statute.
Exhibit "Al' 9 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
2. Issuance of Vehicle Permit/Renewal. Upon meeting the initial
inspection requirements set forth in Section D.1 above and upon payment of any and all
applicable fees, a non-transferable Vehicle Permit shall be issued for each approved
Taxicab. The Vehicle Permit shall remain in effect for a period of one (1) year. No
Vehicle Permit shall be renewed unless and until the inspection requirements set forth in
Section D.3 below are met and any and all applicable fees have been paid. The Vehicle
Permit must be displayed in the Taxicab at all times during its operation.
3. Annual Inspections. The Company holding a Vehicle Permit shall
annually submit a written certification, the form of which will be provided by MGSA,
which certifies that the subject vehicle complies with all the standards established in the
California Vehicle Code or successor statute.
4. Vehicles Must Be Kept in a Clean and Sanitary Condition. Every
vehicle operating under these Regulations shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition
and free of offensive odors.
5. Designation of Taxicabs. Each Taxicab shall bear on the outside of at
least one door on each side of the vehicle, in painted letters not less than five inches nor
more than seven inches in height, the name of the Company; and, in addition, may bear
an identifying design approved by the Executive Officer. No vehicle shall be licensed
whose color scheme, identifying design, monogram, or insignia to be used thereon shall,
in the opinion of the Executive Officer, conflict with or imitate any vehicles already
operating under a permit issued pursuant to these Regulations, 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 a Taxicab hereunder, the color scheme, identifying design,
monogram, or insignia thereof is changed so as to be, in the opinion of the Executive
Officer, 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 permit for such Taxicab or Taxicabs shall be
suspended or revoked
6. Revocation of Vehicle Permit. The Executive Officer may revoke any
Vehicle Permit in the event that the vehicle that is the subject of the permit does not meet
the requirements of these Regulations. The determination of the Executive Officer may
be appealed in accordance with the provisions of Section F. hereof.
E. TAXICAB OPERATION.
1. Rates of Fare. Every Taxicab shall have a rate card setting forth its rates
of fare displayed in such a place as to be in view of all passengers. Such card shall be in a
form approved by the Executive Officer. No rates of fare shall be either adopted or
changed until a complete schedule thereof has been filed with the Executive Officer.
Exhibit "A" 10 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
2. Receipts. The Driver of any Taxicab shall upon demand by the passenger
render to such passenger a receipt for the amount charged on a receipt which shall bear
the name of the owner, driver number, amount of meter reading or charges and date of
transaction.
3. Taxicab Service. All Companies and Drivers shall answer all calls
received by them for services as soon as they can do so and if the services cannot be
rendered within a reasonable time they shall then notify the prospective passengers how
long it will be before the call can be answered and give the reason therefore.
4. Call Logs. Every Company shall maintain daily Call Logs. The form of
the Call Log shall be approved by the Executive Officer. Every Company shall retain
and preserve all Call Logs in a safe place for at least the fiscal year following the fiscal
year in which the Call Log is created, and said Call Logs shall be available to the
inspection by the Executive Officer upon demand.
5. Taxicab Meters. Every Taxicab operated under this section shall be
equipped with a taxicab meter and the Company shall keep such meter accurate at all
times. The Company shall file an annual "certificate of inspection" from County
Department of Agriculture. Upon discovery of any inaccuracy of the meter the Executive
Officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed from service any such vehicle
equipped with such meter until the meter shall have been repaired and accurately
adjusted.
F. APPEAL OF PERMIT DENIAL/NON-RENEWAL. The Executive Officer's
decision to issue or not issue any permit under these Regulations is discretionary. In the
event a Company Permit or Driver Permit is denied or not renewed, the applicant,
Company or Driver shall be notified in writing of the proposed adverse action and the
reason(s) therefore (the "Notice of Adverse Action"). No later than ten (10) calendar days
following the date on the Notice of Proposed Action the applicant, Company or Driver
may submit a written appeal to the MGSA Board on the form provided by the Executive
Officer which shall include the basis for such appeal together with the payment of any
and all applicable fees. Failure to file a timely Notice of Appeal shall constitute a waiver
of the right to appeal. An appeal is not timely filed if the applicable fees are not paid
concurrently with the submittal of the appeal. Within forty-five (45) days following the
date on the Notice of Appeal a public hearing shall be held before the MGSA Board on
the proposed action. The MGSA Board shall conduct the hearing as a closed session
consistent with Government Code § 54956.7 when necessary. The decision of the MGSA
Board shall be issued within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing and such decision
shall be final. The MGSA Board may issue the permit only if it finds that the issuance of
the permit will not adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents
of the County of Marin. The Company or Driver whose Permit application has been
denied shall not operate a taxicab pending an appeal of such denial. A Company or
Driver may operate a taxicab pending appeal of a non-renewal or appeal of revocation,
unless cause for such non-renewal or revocation is among those listed in Section B.3 or
C.3 as appropriate.
Exhibit "A" 1 1 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
G. REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
1. Issuance of Compliance Order. Provided that there is no immediate
danger to health or safety, the Executive Officer may issue a "Compliance Order" to any
Company or Driver that fails to comply with any of these regulations or for any of the
following:
application; or
a. Providing false or inaccurate information in any Permit
b. Allowing a Taxicab to be operated by a Driver who does not hold a
valid Driver's Permit; or
c. A refusal by the Company or a Driver of the Company to accept a
call anywhere in the corporate limits of an Agency at any time when such Company has
available Taxicabs; provided, however, that a Company or a Driver may refuse to accept
a call for service when the Company or Driver reasonably determines that there is a threat
to the health or safety of the Driver; or
License; or
d. A revocation or suspension of a Driver's California Driver's
e. A failure to cooperate with any law enforcement personnel of any
Agency or the California Highway Patrol.
2. Contents of Compliance Order. Each Compliance Order shall be in
writing and shall include, without limitation, the following information:
a. The date of the violation(s) and, if different, the date of service of
the Compliance Order.
b. The name, address, and other identifying information of the
Company and/or the Driver.
C. A description of the violation(s), including citation to the section(s)
of the Regulations violated.
d. An order requiring correction of the violation(s) within ten (10)
days of the date of the Compliance Order, or within such other reasonable time as the
Executive Officer may determine, and notifying the Company and/or the Driver that a
fine may be due or the applicable permit may be suspended or revoked if correction is
not made before the expiration of the correction period.
Exhibit "A" 12 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
e. An order prohibiting the continuation or repeated occurrence of the
violation(s).
3. Correction of Violation. If the Executive Officer determines that all
violation(s) specified in the Compliance Order have been corrected within the time
set forth in the Compliance Order, no further action shall be taken against the
Company and/or the Driver regarding the violations. If all violation(s) specified in
the Compliance Order are not corrected within the time set forth in the Compliance
Order, the Executive Officer may suspend or revoke any permit issued to a Company
and/or Driver. The Executive Officer may pursue additional civil remedies or may
also refer the matter to an Agency for any additional civil or criminal remedies.
4. Immediate Revocation. When a violation of these Regulations poses an
immediate danger to health or safety, the Executive Officer may suspend or revoke
any Permit issued to a Company and/or Driver.
5. Contents of Suspension or Revocation Decision. Each Suspension or
Revocation Decision shall be in writing and shall include, without limitation, the
following information:
a. The date of the violation(s) and, if different, the date of service of
the Compliance Order.
b. The name, address, and other identifying information of the
Company and/or Driver.
C. A description of the violation(s), including citation to the section(s)
of the Regulations violated.
d. The penalty imposed for the violation.
e. A brief description of the appeal hearing process; including a
statement that the Company and/or Driver has the right to contest the Suspension or
Revocation Decision by requesting a hearing per these regulations within ten (10)
calendar days of the date of service of the Suspension or Revocation Decision.
f. The name and signature of the Executive Officer.
Exhibit "A" 13 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
6. Separate Violations. Each violation of these Regulations whether after
the expiration of any correction period set forth in a Compliance Order or otherwise
constitutes a separate violation for every day such violation continues.
7. Notices. All notices, including Compliance Orders, shall be served on the
Company and/or Driver in accordance with the following provisions:
a. Notices may be mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested. Simultaneously, the same notice may be sent by first-class mail,
postage prepaid. If a notice sent by certified mail is returned unclaimed, service by first-
class mail shall nevertheless be effective if that mail is sent to the address of record for
the Company or Driver.
b. Service of any notice in accordance with these requirements may
be proven by declaration or affidavit. Service is complete upon deposit with the United
States Postal Service.
8. Request for Hearing. Any Company and/or Driver may contest a
suspension or revocation by requesting a hearing within ten (10) calendar days from the
suspension or revocation order. The hearing request must be in writing, specifying in
detail the basis for contesting the Suspension or Revocation Decision. The Company
and/or Driver requesting the hearing shall deposit the amount of $500.00 for a hearing
regarding a Company permit, and $100.00 for a hearing regarding a Vehicle or Driver
Permit. Failure to file an appeal request in accordance with this paragraph shall
constitute a waiver of the Company's and/or Driver's right to contest any matters set
forth in the Suspension or Revocation Decision.
9. Holding Hearing. The hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days of
receiving a hearing request that complies fully with paragraph 5 above. The party
requesting the hearing shall be notified of the time and place of the hearing at least ten
(10) days before the hearing date. Either the Company/Driver or the MGSA may request
a continuance of the hearing to a mutually agreeable date, but in no event may the
hearing begin later than sixty (60) days after the MGSA receives a hearing request.
10. Conducting Authority. The Board of the MGSA shall hold any hearing.
Alternatively, the Board may request that the Executive Officer designate a Hearing
Officer to hear and decide appeals of Suspension or Revocation Decision.
11. Hearing Procedure. On the date and at the time and place set forth in the
notice of hearing, the Conducting Authority shall conduct an orderly hearing and shall
accept evidence on which persons commonly would rely in the conduct of their business
affairs. Formal rules of evidence need not apply. The party contesting the Suspension or
Revocation Decision shall have the opportunity to testify, under oath, and to present
evidence, including witnesses, who shall be under oath, concerning the alleged violation.
Any other interested party may also present evidence. The Conducting Authority shall
limit the evidence to that which is relevant to establishing or refuting the violation alleged
in the Suspension or Revocation Decision. If the Company/Driver or any other interested
Exhibit "A" 14 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
person fails to attend the scheduled hearing, that person shall have waived any right to
present evidence on the matter. The Suspension or Revocation Decision and any other
reports submitted by the Executive Officer shall constitute prima facie evidence of the
facts recited in those documents. The Conducting Authority may take the matter under
consideration, may continue the hearing, and may request additional information from the
Executive Officer or from the Company and/or Driver. On the basis of a preponderance
of the evidence, the Conducting Authority shall determine whether to affirm or dismiss
the Suspension or Revocation Decision. The Conducting Authority shall make findings
based on the record of the hearing, and shall issue a final written decision based on those
findings. The written decision shall be served upon the Company and/or Driver.
12. Appeal. Any person aggrieved by an administrative decision of a
Conducting Authority may obtain review of that decision by filing a petition for review in
the Marin County Superior Court, according to the requirements of Government Code
Section 53069.4.
13. Complaint against business that advertises or operates taxicab
transportation service for hire; Sufficiency of complaint; Investigation.
(a) Upon receipt of a complaint containing sufficient information to warrant
conducting an investigation, the MGSA shall investigate any business that advertises or
operates taxicab transportation service for hire. A complaining party shall give MGSA
sufficient information in the view of MGSA to warrant an investigation. The MGSA
shall provide an "Investigative Request Form" to a complaining party with the criteria for
a complaint. Pursuant to this investigation, the MGSA shall do all of the following:
(1) Determine which businesses, if any, are required to have in effect a valid taxicab
certificate, license, or permit as required by ordinance, but do not have that valid
authority to operate.
(2) Inform any business not having valid authority to operate that it is in violation of
law.
(3) Within 60 days of informing the business pursuant to paragraph (2), institute civil
or criminal proceedings, or both, under its regulations or refer this matter to an Agency
within which the business operates.
(b) For purposes of this section: "Advertises" means any action described in
subdivision (b) of Government Code § 53075.9.
14. Termination of telephone service utilized by taxicabs operating without
proper authority; Enforcement by local agencies; Notice; Timely protest; Hearing
(a) Pursuant to and within the authority of Government Code § 53075.8, the MGSA
enacts the following regulations.
(b) For purposes of this section, a telephone corporation or telegraph corporation, or a
corporation that holds a controlling interest in the telephone or telegraph corporation, or
any business that is a subsidiary or affiliate of the telephone or telegraph corporation, that
has the name and address of the subscriber to a telephone number being used by a
Exhibit "A" 15 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
unauthorized taxicab operator shall provide the MGSA, or an authorized officer or
employee of the MGSA, upon demand, and the order of a magistrate, access to this
information. A magistrate may only issue an order for the purposes of this subdivision, if
the magistrate has made the findings required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (f).
(c)
(1) In addition to any other remedies that may be available by law, if the MGSA
determines that a taxicab transportation service has operated within the County of Marin
in violation of a city or county ordinance adopted under Government Code Section
53075.5 or the Marin General Services Authority Taxi Regulation Program, the MGSA
may notify the taxicab operator that the MGSA intends to seek termination of the
operator's telephone service. The notice shall be sent by certified mail to the operator at
the operator's last known mailing address. If the MGSA is unable to determine the
operator's mailing address, the MGSA shall post the notice for at least 10 calendar days.
(2) The notice shall contain sufficient information to identify the taxicab
transportation service, to inform the taxicab operator of the alleged violations of the
ordinance or regulations, and the procedures for protesting the allegations contained in
the notice.
(d) The taxicab operator, within 10 calendar days of the date of the notice, may
contest the allegations contained in the notice by filing a written protest with the MGSA.
The MGSA shall schedule a hearing on the protest within 21 calendar days of receiving
the protest.
(e) The Board of the MGSA, or any person or persons as may be designated by the
Board, shall hear the protest. The MGSA shall have both the burden of providing that the
use made, or to be made, of the telephone service is to hold out to the public to perform,
or to assist in performing, services as a taxicab transportation service, and that the
telephone service is being, or is to be, used as an instrumentality, directly or indirectly, to
violate, or assist in violating, the applicable ordinance or regulation. The taxicab
operator, or his or her designated representative, shall be allowed to present evidence to
answer or refute any allegations presented to the MGSA. The Board or designated
person may continue the hearing from time to time. Within 10 calendar days of the close
of the hearing, the MGSA shall issue a written decision to uphold or reject, in whole or in
part, the allegations contained in the notice. If the MGSA upholds the allegations in
whole or in part, the written decision shall state either that the allegations are sufficient to
justify seeking termination of the taxicab operator's telephone service, or that the
allegations are not sufficient.
(f)
(1) If the MGSA does not receive a timely protest, or, after a protest hearing held
pursuant to subdivision (e), the MGSA has determined that the allegations are sufficient
to justify seeking termination of the telephone operator's telephone service, the MGSA
may seek termination of the taxicab operator's telephone service as provided in this
section.
(2) A telephone or telegraph corporation shall refuse telephone service to a new
subscriber and shall disconnect telephone service of an existing subscriber only after it is
Exhibit "A" 16 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09
shown that other available enforcement remedies of the MGSA or its member agencies
have failed to terminate unlawful activities detrimental to the public welfare and safety,
and upon receipt from any authorized officer or employee of the MGSA of a writing,
signed by a magistrate, as defined by Sections 807 and 808 of the Penal Code, finding
that probable cause exists to believe that the subscriber is advertising or holding out to
the public to perform taxicab transportation services in violation of the applicable
ordinance or regulation, or that the telephone service otherwise is being used or is to be
used as an instrumentality, directly or indirectly, to violate or assist in violation of the
laws requiring a taxicab operator to have valid operating authority. Included in the
writing of the magistrate shall be a finding that there is probable cause to believe that the
subject telephone facilities have been, or are to be, used in the commission or facilitation
of holding out to the public to perform taxicab transportation services in violation of the
applicable ordinance or regulation.
(g) The telephone or telegraph corporation, immediately upon refusal or
disconnection of service in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (f), shall notify
the subscriber in writing that the refusal or disconnection of telephone service has been
made pursuant to a request of the MGSA and the writing of a magistrate, and shall
include a copy of this section, a copy of the writing of the magistrate, and a statement that
the customer of the subscriber may request information from the MGSA concerning any
provision of this section and the manner in which a complaint may be filed.
(h) The provisions of this section are an implied term of every contract for telephone
service and a part of any application for telephone service. Applicants for, and
subscribers and customers of, telephone service, have, as a matter of law, consented to
the provisions of this section as a consideration for the furnishing of the telephone
service.
(i) As used in this section, the terms "person," "customer," and "subscriber" include
the subscriber to telephone service, any person using the telephone service of a
subscriber, an applicant for telephone service, a corporation, a limited liability company,
a partnership, an association, and includes their lessees and assigns.
0) As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Telegraph corporation" has the same meaning as specified in Section 236 of the
Public Utilities Code.
(2) "Telephone corporation" has the same meaning as specified in Section 234 of the
Public Utilities Code.
15. Other Remedies. The remedies set forth in this section are not
exclusive. Each Agency has the authority to enforce the provisions of the Program
«7ithin its jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with the applicable provisions of its
own Municipal Code.
16. Amendment. The MGSA retains the right to amend this Program and the
regulations set forth herein at any time.
Exhibit "A" 17 Town Council Resolution No. 24-2009
Adopted 8/5/09