(A) In order to qualify for placement on the police wrecker rotation list, a wrecker service must submit a sworn application to the Chief of Police showing that he has satisfied the following:
(1) Have at least one heavy (or have access to one heavy duty truck), one medium, and two light duty trucks within the county and available at all times while on rotation. All trucks must be in proper working order and carry the following safety equipment:
(a) Dual rear wheels;
(b) Broom and shovel;
(c) Minimum lift capacity of 8,000 pounds;
(d) Trash container (five gallon);
(e) Manufacturers data plate;
(f) Gloves;
(g) Hydraulic winch;
(h) Wheel chocks;
(i) Minimum wheel lift device 2,500 pounds;
(j) Overhead warning lights;
(k) Tow lights;
(l) No fluid leaks on winch or hydraulic lines;
(m) Safety chain/strap;
(n) Reflectors or safety cones;
(o) Fire extinguisher;
(p) Heavy duty chains/straps; and
(q) A tie rope or strap.
(2) Provide a means for transporting vehicles damaged beyond towing;
(3) Allow or will allow the Chief of Police to inspect all wrecker vehicles and equipment, said inspection may be waived with proof of an inspection by personnel from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in the past 12 months;
(4) They have and shall maintain a valid incident management towing permit pursuant to Tex. Admin. Code, Title 16, Ch. 86, as amended, to perform a non-consent tow initiated by a peace officer;
(5) They possess a current vehicle storage facility license from the state in accordance with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Tex. Admin. Code, Title 16, Ch. 85;
(6) Maintain a storage lot with sufficient lighting which is fenced and locked (fence must be at least six feet in height);
(7) All wrecker drivers will have a mobile phone capable of communication to the Police Communication Center;
(8) Maintain sufficient personnel to operate the minimum equipment, dispatch the equipment, secure property stored in the storage lot, and release impounded vehicles;
(9) Are willing to operate 365 days each year on a 24-hour basis for the purpose of making wrecker pulls;
(10) Will furnish the Police Department a copy of the fee schedule for the upcoming year beginning October 1 of each year and notify the police department of any changes;
(11) Maintains an insurance policy covering public liability and property damage. The policy of public liability and property damage insurance shall be issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the state and in the standard form approved by the Board of Insurance Commissioners of the state; such policy shall name the city as an additionally insured party. The coverage provision will insure the public from loss or damage that may arise to any person or property by reason of the operation of a wrecker of the applicant and shall provide that the amount of recovery on each wrecker shall be in limits of not less than the following sums:
(a) $500,000 liability; and
(b) $50,000 on-hook cargo.
(12) Maintains garage keeper’s legal liability based on a maximum capacity of storage lot:
(a) A minimum of $30,000 per person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident; or
(b) $85,000 in garage liability insurance.
(B) The applicant shall pay to the city:
(1) An initial application fee of $100 (or renewal fee of $25); and
(2) A fee of $20 for each wrecker in operation.
(C) The policy required herein shall contain an endorsement providing for a 30-day notice to the Chief of Police in the event of any material change or cancellation of the policy.
('68 Code, § 29½-13) (Ord. 8-1987-47, passed 8-11-87; Am. Ord. 07-2019-39, passed 7-9-19; Am. Ord. 01-2024-05, passed 1-23-24)