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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006TAXICAB ADVISORY BOARD Minutes April 18, 2006 Board Members Present: Tamara Lee Heller, Alan Miller, Marie Figaro, Mike Decker, Board Members absent: Stina Hirsch, Samuel McKinley Jr. City Staff Present: Kevin Lookis Revenue Manager, Stephen O'Sullivan, License and Measures Inspector Others Present: Wisdom Somala Norshore Driver, Pervaz Saghir Norshore Driver, Nicolas Figaro Taxi License Holder, Tony Gates Livery Driver Meeting called to order by Alan Miller at 6:20 p.tn. Miller moves for approval of the previous meetings minutes. Seconded by Mike Decker. Kevin Lookis announces to the board that Heather Crabtree, is no longer a member of the Taxicab Advisory Board and a new chair will need to be selected even if only on an interim basis. Mike Decker nominates Alan Millcr. Tamara Heller seconds the nomination. ;Miller accepts and states that he believes when the absences are filled on the board that electing a Chair be revisited. Heller volunteers to be vice chair in \filler's in the event of \filler's absence. Lookis summarizes the violations that have been addressed in the City's adjudication process and addresses a complaint that he was working on. Lookis reported a situation where a Northwestern student was overcharged on what should have been a flat rate from the airport. The driver of the cab insisted that each of the two passengers par the flat rate — where past practice has been one flat rate is charged and a nominal surcharge is added for extra passengers. Both students entered thcab together and departed at the Miller asked if the rates in question were published or quoted. Decker questioned if these students called two separate cabs and simply jumped into the fast to arrive. 'Mr. Decker noted that this practice is not unusual for the students to cmplov -- calling several cabs and the first one to arrive is the cab they use. This causes huge problems for the driver when he arrives to pick up a customer and there is no one to pick up. A worse problem arises when two drivers arrive at the same time; inevitably each thinks the other driver is trying to steal an order. Lookis explained that the version of the story he heard was one student arranged the cab and while she was waiting for the cab to arrive she ran into the second student who was invited to join her. Miller explained it can be difficult to determine who or how many arc in or with a particular order. . rl Heller asked which company was involved with this complaint. Lookis identified `orshore Cab. Stephen O'Sullivan continued reviewing the complaints received since the last meeting. A coupon user recently reported a driver demanding more than one coupon for a adc because more than one person was taking the cab. The driver in question was citing "paperwork" that confirmed this practice. Tony Gates acknowledge that this complaint was regarding him and the paperwork in question does allow this practice and was distributed in the cab class by the City. The coupon users are taking advantage of the drivers. Decker requested to see the paperwork. ;fir. Gates stated it was in his car and he would retrieve it. After a short delay Nfr. Gates returned .ti7th the paper that the City distributes in the taxi class to explain the coupon program and the guidelines for the drivers. Lookis reads from the sheet "Extra passengers over the age of 12 are to pay $1.00. Your company % association may choose not charge this fee. Remember you may charge either $1.00 or no fee for each extra passenger only depending an your company association rules. Decker questions fir. Gates where does it say an additional coupon is required? Gates complains they are taking advantage of me filling up my car with 3 extra people. He also cites the price of gas. O'Sullivan explains that if complaints of this nature continue discipline up to and including license revocation will tape place. Buller explains it is clear what is required. The ordinance is very clear. Decker notes the length of time he has driven a taxi in Evanston and the rules of the program haven't changed — these guidelines are nothing new. Lookis repeats the rule regarding extra passengers and the consequences for violating or ignoring these rules. Miller states that Mr. Gates' position with relation to the price of gas is understood, however, a driver cannot improvise when clear rules are already in place. Gates protested and suggested he will continue to conduct his business along what he considers fair. He also noted that he is a Livery and taxi rules don't apply. O'Sullivan restated the consequences for violating obvious published regulations. Heller noted that this wasn't the time or place to continue with this particular discussion. \filler suggests to all of the drivers present that if they feel that a policy or regulation is impractical or unfair that they should present their case to the Board as a group. \ot only would this method be more effective it would cam more weight towards making the changes requested. Decker agreed that it makes a lot more sense to present their grievances to the board rather than making the "changes" on the street where your livelihood could be placed at risk. Marie Figaro states that drivers must live by the rules that are in place. Lookis reminded everyone that taxis and liveries are all governed by the same ordinance with some slight differences for each. Accepting coupons correctly is the same for both. Heller stated that many of the passengers realize that the drivers are out there to make a living and realizes the associated costs with operating a taxi. She added that there is so much she wouldn't be capable of accomplishing with out this program. Lookis announced that srarting \fay I" the coupon user win pay $2.50 per coupon. At the rate that coupons are being used the only way to continue to offer the program is to raise the user's end of the program. The value of the coupon will remain at $5.00 and due to the budget restrictions the value won't be raised untilMarch 1, 2007 at the earliest. Any change to the ordinance will start here with discussion amongst the board. The consensus from this discussion will then be forwarded to the APW. APW can accept the proposal or choose not to move on the opinion. Miller asked about the coupon users and the City''s portion of the program as it stands each pays 50% could we suggest a different rate Lookis confirmed that advising / suggesting a change is precisely the type of task the board should be engaged in. Keeping in mind that the suggestion could be accepted, rejected, or returned to the board for changes. This Board's role is advisory — policy is suggested but not made. Heller noted that many of the people who utilize the program arc on fixed incomes and this should be taken into consideration when discussion turns toward potential increases. Marie Figaro agreed uith Heller but acknowledged that a balance must be maintained in order to keep the program viable. Lookis informed the board that the board is slated to meet four times per year and the budget process begins in the middle of .August. If the Taxicab Advisory Board is interested in suggesting changes to the coupon program the budget schedule must be considered. Figaro suggested that a meeting, with the drivers should be offered. Decker felt that the way in which the coupons are work needs to be examined. A onetime fee for a photo 1D would be a good start. Miller said other communities with similar programs require a photo ID. Lookis reported that the City is considering a number of options that would improve the program and combat the fraudulent use. One option is a swipe card that could be loaded as needed swiped like a credit card that would also serve as a photo ID. He also noted that the cost of such a system might be expensive but the City is continuing to research options. Heiler stated a system like that would reduce the printing costs. Decker inquired if taking the coupon off the meter would be considered. Lookis stated that it would alter the system. Miller asked if it would be feasible to allow the coupon to be used as a discount to leave Evanston and continue to offer the "in Evanston" service. Decker agreed that giving the users options would be better the cost wouldn't go up. Miller noted we tried to give the users more flexibility and not lay the cost(s) on the driver he agreed with itl. Figaro and stated that a balance is most important. Decker stated that we need to make it clear put it in writing and do not lease it up to the driver that will only create confusion and complaints. Miller explained that other towns are complicated and we need to be mindful of keeping the program user friendly as we make our suggestions. Pervaz 5aghir presents a petition questioning Norshore Company policy. Lookis explains that this is not the forum for specific company issues or grievances. He did note changes that will help the drivers by requiring an executed lease and receipts for payments. Decker stated that he had just learned that receipts weren't given for lease payments. He continued with a presentation of the disparity between the Evanston enforcement of `outside' cabs versus the Chicago enforcement against Evanston cabs. He asked that a plan be implemented to address this issue. Decker further noted that there are too many Chicago and other suburban cabs operating in Evanston. ;biller referring to the previous APMV meeting asked whether we need to adjust the complaint procedure. Lookis reminded the Board that the City prefers that the companies address the problems first; if they cannot solve or satisfy the problem then the City should be contacted. l+igaro added that the City of Evanston should not be handling complaints — the companies should make every effort to solve the problems and not let it escalate to the point where the City needs to be involved. Miller agreed and added that the Cin• Council would feel better about addressing suggestions if they were confident that the companies were dealing with the complaints attentively. Hellcr asked about the suggestion of the Driver award and mentioned that nominations should go directly to the coupon users. Lookis reminded the board that sheets were sent to all users and we received a number back with some stellar examples of customer service. There is some difficulty in funding for an award for a driver. We hsve some ideas for awards however there is no way to award anything of value at this time. ANIillcr suggested contacting the Chamber of Commerce to see if a donation could be made by one of the members. Heller noted that it should be something that a driver would value. Decker suggested awarding a tank of gas to the u-inning driver(s). Miller addressed the need to concentrate on the items that were identified at the AP & W Committee meeting such as the lack of a full board membership, departure of the attorney that was working on the ordinance updates, complaints, and enforcement issues. In addition to these items Mr. Miller identified the Wilmette Safety Lane as hazing become less user friendly. Decker agreed and reported difficulty that he had experienced with this facility. Miller suggested that a solution to the safety inspection be found in Evanston. Decker mores to adjourn seconded by Heller. Meeting adjourns at 8:01 p.m.