CITY OF FREDERICK

City Hall - 101 N. Court Street

 

Minutes

TAXI CAB COMMISSION MEETING

12:00 Noon

Monday, October 25th, 2004, – City Hall – room 116

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Present:  Alderman David Lenhart, Alderman Bill Hall, Alderman Donna Kuzemchak Ramsburg, Kenny Shapiro, Richard Winters, Tammy Wood, Jerry Wood, Bob Gorman, Dennis Urbanski, Eileen Farrar

 

Item 1:  Approval of the minutes from the meetings of June 21st, and September 27th, 2004

Minutes of June 21st 2004, were approved with two spelling changes. Minutes for September 27th, 2004 approved as written.

 

Item 2:  Discussion regarding insurance requirements of taxicabs with a representative from (MAIF) the Maryland Automotive Insurance Fund.

Mr. Dennis Urbanski, a senior underwriter with Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, stated that he was asked to answer questions regarding underwriting for taxicabs.  Alderman Ramsburg asked questions about the limits that must be set and asked what the highest limits allowable were.  Mr. Urbanski explained how the Fund writes splits limits 1) for bodily injury for individual and for total accident maximum, 100,000 – 300,000 dollars maximum and 2) for property damage accident maximum is 100,000 dollars. The maximum across the board is 100,000, 300,000 dollars for bodily injury and 100,000 dollars for property.  Mr. Urbanski stated that his knowledge for the City of Frederick Cabs are that they are insured for 20,000, 40,000 and 15,000 dollars and this is the minimum for cabs.  Different organizations in the state require different limits.  Mr. Urbanski explained the differences. The public service commission oversees all transportation but taxicabs regulated by them restrictions require 25,000, 50,000, and 15,000 dollars as their minimum limits.  Mr. Urbanski explained to the commission how different insurance companies operate should there be an accident specifically should an automobile damage other property in an accident.  Alderman Ramsburg asked about the coverage should a passenger be injured in a taxicab accident.  Mr. Urbanski explained how it depended on the coverage.  Alderman Bill Hall asked about the city’s liabilities.  Mr. Kenny Shapiro stated that as long as the city sticks to the ordinance as it stands, the city would not be liable. Alderman Lenhart asked if coverage could be increased or decreased by category and Mr. Urbanski said yes. After more discussion, Alderman Lenhart stated that at this time the Commission would not change the limits or coverage.  The Commission thanked Mr. Urbanski for his time and information.

    

Item 3:  Discussion regarding the remaining available ten permits.

Mr. Shapiro explained to the commission the section that pertains to procedures should any available permits be left over after the ordinance is in effect.  Mr. Shapiro stated that the commission does not have to issue any permits that would take the city to 55 permits.  Mr. Shapiro explained that if the commission decides to issue the remaining 10 permits they shall be issued by lottery in a process determined by the Administrating Agency and the commission will then vote to approve.  Alderman Ramsburg asked if all of the permits have been issued and Mr. Shapiro said that all by three are in full force and are being used.  Alderman Ramsburg thought we could revisit this issue in a year and Alderman Bill Hall agreed.  Alderman Lenhart stated that no new permits would be issued until July 1st of 2005 to comply with the Fiscal year.  

 

Public Comment:

Mr. Bob Gorman spoke about how his company invests in transportation companies.  Mr. Gorman stated the cities in interest were Northern Central Maryland and Southern Maryland.  Mr. Gorman stated they currently have a sedan service and are ready to start a taxicab service in Frederick County.  Mr. Gorman stated that they would not like to wait until 2006 to apply for a permit in the city but was aware of the deadline that has passed for new permits. Mr. Gorman stated that the lottery was an agreeable option to them. Alderman Bill Hall asked if they would be based in the city and Mr. Gorman said if they get the permits, yes. The commission advised Mr. Gorman to be aware of any meetings in the future and when the meetings are held in the event there is a change in policy. 

 

Mr. Richard Winters spoke and explained how City Cab Company has been affected by the passage of the Ordinance.  Mr. Winters stated the call volume is 50 – 60% less then they were before the rate increase went into effect.  Mr. Winters stated the he felt that at this time there is not a need for additional permits in the city.

 

Motion:  Alderman Bill Hall moved to revisit the lottery for all open permits and all current available cabs under the current ordinance on July1st, 2005.  Alderman Ramsburg seconded. Vote 3-0 in favor.

 

Mr. Winters spoke again to the commission and stated that not one new driver has been hired by City Cab Company due to the cost of the application process and that previous to the new ordinance there were always applicants.   Mr. Winters asked that this issue be discussed at a future meeting.  

 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 22nd, 2004 at City Hall. 

 

Minutes submitted by Eileen Farrar.