TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the Biennial Report on Public Convenience and Necessity Regarding Taxicab Service, determine that the number of authorized taxicabs is sufficient, and direct that the time period for filing of taxicab applications remains closed. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In May 2000, the City Council passed Resolution C-27694 closing the time period for the filing of taxicab applications until specifically opened by the City Council. In addition, the Resolution requires that not less than once every two years, beginning in October 2002, the City Manager conduct an investigation into the public convenience and necessity regarding taxicab service and recommend whether the period for filing of applications should be opened or remain closed. If it is determined by the City Council that the number of authorized taxicabs is sufficient for the needs of the City, then the time period for the filing of applications shall remain closed. If, on the other hand, the City Council determines that the number of authorized taxicabs is insufficient for the needs of the City, then the time period for the filing of applications will be opened.
City staff has conducted an investigation into the public convenience and necessity regarding taxicab service (attached). This report examines the taxicab service being provided to both resident and non-resident taxicab customers, finds that Long Beach Yellow Cab is providing satisfactory service, predicts the number of taxicabs authorized to operate in the City of Long Beach will be sufficient, and recommends that the period for filing of taxicab applications remain closed.
SUSTAINABILITY
Long Beach Yellow Cab is committed to supporting efforts to promote environmentally sensitive business and lifestyle practices. In supporting these practices, the Yellow Cab Co-Op adopted a "Green taxicab" program that requires owner-drivers to replace their existing taxicabs with compressed natural gas (CNG) or Hybrid powered vehicles. Apart from a limited set-aside for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, some gasoline-powered minivans and the London taxi program, every replacement vehicle or new vehicle placed into service as a taxicab will be either hybrid gasoline-electric, or fueled by CNG. It is expected that approximately 30 taxicabs per year will be changed over to environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient green technology.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on November 5, 2008 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on November 13, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual business license tax for a maximum of 175 taxicabs of $70,850 is due on January 1, 2009 and will be deposited in the General Fund (GP) in the Department of Financial Management (FM) consistent with the Adopted FY 09 Budget.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LORI ANN FARRELL
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/CFO
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |