(a) The Taxicab Board shall investigate and hold a hearing upon each application for a Taxicab Operating License and if the Board finds from such investigation and hearing that the public interest justifies the operation of the vehicle for which a Taxicab Operating License is desired, that the applicant is the owner of the vehicle for which a Taxicab Operating License is desired, that such vehicle is a safe and fit conveyance for a taxicab service and that it complies with all requirements of this chapter, the Board shall authorize the issuance of a Taxicab Operating License to the applicant, upon payment of the proper Taxicab Operating License fee and the furnishing of the bond or insurance required. The decision of the Board shall be final. Such Taxicab Operating License shall be in the form provided by the Board, shall be issued by the Secretary of the Board when authorized by the Board and shall bear the name of the owner to whom such license shall be issued. All Taxicab Operating Licenses shall be signed by the Mayor.
(b) If the Board finds from such investigation and hearing that the public interest does not justify the operation of the vehicle for which a Taxicab Operating License is desired, that the applicant is not the owner of the vehicle for which a Taxicab Operating License is desired, that such vehicle is not a safe and fit conveyance for taxicab service or that it does not comply with all the requirements of this chapter, it shall forthwith notify the applicant of its findings and refuse to issue the Taxicab Operating License. The decision of the Board is final.
(c) All taxicabs that were given a Taxicab Operating License or that were licensed at the date of passage of this chapter shall continue to hold such licenses without an assessment of public interest by the Taxicab Board, provided all other requirements of this section are complied with.
(Ord. 10-59-2002. Passed 10-1-02.)