Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving an operating authority for Cove Taxi.
Summary
DATE: April 6 ,2021
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Traci Briggs, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Cove Taxi Operating Authority
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Chapter 29, City of Killeen Code of Ordinances, provides the manner by which an operating authority permit is granted. An operating authority is the written authority granted by council to provide ground transportation within the city. An applicant must file an application, pay the required fee, and provide necessary supporting documentation.
Cove Taxi filed its first application for a Taxicab Franchise in 2001. Since 2001, Cove Taxi has renewed its franchise permit every five (5) years. With the latest adoption of Ordinance 17-056 amending Chapter 29, all transportation services shall obtain a five-year operating authority as opposed to a five-year franchise. The amendment further states that ground transportation services operating under a valid franchise or operating authority granted before the effective date of the amended ordinance (November 14, 2017) may continue to operate under that franchise or operating authority. Upon expiration, the ground transportation service shall apply for an operating authority under Chapter 29 to continue operating in the city. Cove Taxi’s franchise/operating authority permit expires May 8, 2021.
The City Secretary’s office has received an application from Cove Taxi along with the required fee and supporting documents to be in compliance with Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances. The application is complete and provides for taxi services in the city. Operating authority permits are valid for five years with the window sticker permits expiring annually on December 31. Cove Taxi was issued window sticker permits for calendar year 2021 in December of 2020.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Grant the operating authority to allow the applicant to provide taxi services to the citizens of Killeen, or do not grant the operating authority.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends the City Council grant the operating authority to Cove Taxi. The application is complete and does conform to the City’s Code of Ordinances.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This request conforms with Chapter 29, Transportation, of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A one-time $300.00 application fee is paid to the City of Killeen for the operating authority. City window sticker fees in the amount of $50.00 per vehicle and airport window sticker fees in the amount of $40.00 per vehicle are paid annually. Cove Taxi currently operates 10 vehicles.
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends the City Council approve an operating authority with Cove Taxi effective May 8, 2021 for five years (expiring May 7, 2026).
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Application