HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 17, 2006
CitL¡ o~ Minutes I Meeting Summary
Taxicab Advisory Committee
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
10:30 am
Main Committee Room
Chair: Councillor Brenner
Attendees: Kewal Manocha
Gurbax Singh Mann
Gurham Jagpal Singh
Jaswant Singh Pannu
Chris Del Duca
Councillor Maurice Brenner
Kim Thompson
Renée Michaud, Recording Secretary
Guests: Ashok Sharma, Durham Rapid Taxi
ReviewandA rovalofMinutes
The minutes of the February 22, 2006, meeting were reviewed
and a motion was put forward to approve the minutes ratifying
Items 4.0 and 5.0.
Moved by Kewal Manocha and seconded by Gurham Jagpal
Singh.
CARRIED
2.0 Ke Hi hli hts of Draft Taxi cab B -L.aw
Councillor Brenner welcomed all attendees. He indicated that
the March & April meetings were cancelled due to the process
involved with the drafting of the Bylaw. A first draft has been
submitted to the City Solicitor for his review. We anticipate that
copies will be made available to committee members when the
minutes of this meeting are distributed. This would give the
Taxicab industry a few months to review the bylaw and
provided comments by mid-summer for a final draft to be ready
for Council's consideration in September.
Kim Thompson presented an Overview of the Draft Taxicab By-
law outlining the major areas of interest as follows:
- Vehicle Changes
Driver Requirements
- Taxicab Plate Owner Requirements
- Taxicab Brokerage Requirements
General Administration
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After the presentation, Members of
provided an opportunity for discussion.
The following concerns were expressed:
Driver Testing & Training Program
A report of changes to Oshawa's testing policy in relation to
current driver's initiated a discussion questioning our need to
test existing drivers. Staff has recommended that all drivers
must participate in testing program.
Not all taxicab owners and drivers are in favor of the required
course, due to cost, time involved and the testing. The course
should not be imposed on current drivers. Councillor Brenner
indicated that the By-law does not state which course the
drivers would have to take. Concerns with the proposed
Durham College Driver Training course will continue to be
discussed and reviewed by the committee. It was noted that
Council would make the final decision.
No Driver shall operate a taxicab for more than 12 hours in
a 24-hour period.
The 12-hour restriction being imposed could create some
problems because drivers have to earn a living and sometimes
work longer period of times with a short break in between.
Kim advised that the 12-hour shift restriction must be 12
consecutive hours. If there is a significant (3-4 hr) break, then
the 12-hour period starts over again. This is a requirement of
the HT A for driver safety and insurance liability.
$2,000,000 Liability Insurance Requirement
Concerns expressed that this would increase cost for insuring
their fleet. Kim advised that this is already a standard for the
insurance industry, and other municipalities.
Dress Code
Some concerns were expressed about limiting the dress code
to pants only and not allowing any shorts, as skirts are
permitted. No changes were proposed. It was noted that the
established dress code would not contravene the Ontario
Human Rights Code.
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Safety Standards Certificates
Committee members are very concerned with the City
designating Authorized Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations.
Concerns were raised regarding the costs of the type of
locations suggested. This standard is being suggested as a
safety measure and as a result of inspection observations.
The proposal was made to ensure Safety Standard Certificates
are issued from reputable inspection stations.
It was suggested that Committee members could provide a list
of Vehicle Inspection Stations for consideration by the City
before the by-law is finalized.
Plate Eligibility List
Committee members suggested that the waiting list be based
on seniority and whether the applicant is already an active
member of the taxicab industry.
A discussion was held as to whether current plate owners
should be permitted on the list to receive use of a City owned
plate. The By-law is currently worded to permit this. A
discussion regarding this will be held at a later date.
Kim advised that this is clearly outlined in the by-law and that
they will have an opportunity to review and comment on it.
Committee members expressed their thanks to Kim and
indicated that they appreciate the time and effort taken to draft
the new by-law.
Moved by Kewal Manocha and seconded by Gurbax Singh
Mann that the committee has received the by-law highlights and
supports it in principle.
CARRIED
ADDENDUM:
Kim Thompson has confirmed with the City of Oshawa, that no
changes have been made to their requirements for all drivers to
com lete the trainin and testin ro ram b June 2007.
Táxicab Fares&iGST
Kim advised that the taxicab fares would not be reduced to
reflect any change in the decrease in the GST.
CARRIED
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4~0 Next Mèetin
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 28,2006 at
10:30 am in the Main Committee Room.
Moved by Kewal Manocha and seconded by Gurham Jagpal
Sin h that the meetin be ad·ourned.
Meeting Adjourned: 11 :55 am
Copy: Members of Council
CAO
Clerk
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