The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
City. The City of Frederick.
Commission. The City of Frederick taxicab commission whose powers have been enacted in section 23-3 of this chapter by mayor and board of aldermen.
Complaint. A document alleging a violation of one or more of the provisions of this chapter.
Crime. Any misdemeanor or felony, excluding minor motor vehicle violations. Minor motor vehicle violations are those which do not meet the requirements of the definition of a serious motor vehicle violation contained in this chapter.
Effective date. The actual date upon which the proposed chapter becomes law. The effective date of this chapter shall be two weeks from passage by the board of aldermen.
Hail. To summons or call-out a cab while located on or near a roadway within the city.
Lottery. An event conducted by the taxicab administrative agency and approved by the commission for purpose of selecting new permit holders from an application pool. The outcome of the lottery will be determined by chance.
Operator. The person in control of and operating or driving a taxicab on the streets of the city. Also referred to in this chapter as a taxicab licensee.
Permit holder. The person, company, or other legal entity by whatever name that holds legal title to any taxicab permit regulated by this chapter. Also referred to in this chapter as owner.
Respondent. An operator or permit holder who has had a complaint lodged against them.
Serious motor vehicle violation. Any motor vehicle violation which requires the appearance of the defendant in court before a final disposition may be entered for the violation.
Taxicab. Any motor vehicle operated upon any public street in the city whether on call or demand, which accepts or solicits passengers indiscriminately for transportation for hire between such points and along public streets in the city as may be directed by the passengers being so transported.
Taxicab administrative agency. The body empowered with the administrative tasks including collection of fees, applications, overseeing the management of inspection of all taxicabs, and otherwise insuring permit holders and taxicab operators comply with all provisions of this chapter. The taxicab administrative agency and all employees thereof are to be supervised by the Frederick Police Department.
Taxicab permit. Certification provided by commission allowing for operation of a taxicab with fares originating within the City of Frederick. Also referred to in this chapter as permit.
Written notice. A written notice sent by the U.S. Postal Service by certified mail, return receipt requested, signature required. (Ord. No. G-04-10, 6-3-04)