(A) The Chief shall approve or deny the issuance of a funeral escort permit within ten calendar days after the applicant files the application. If the Chief denies the funeral escort permit, the Chief shall give written notice to the applicant of the denial and the Chief's reason(s) for the denial within ten calendar days after the applicant files the application.
(B) The Chief shall make such investigation as the Chief deems necessary to determine the fitness of the applicant for a funeral escort permit and if, in the Chief's opinion, the applicant or agency is unfit to operate a private funeral escort vehicle, the Chief shall deny the funeral escort permit. In making this decision, the Chief shall consider whether:
(1) The driver of a private funeral escort vehicle:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age;
(b) Does not have a criminal or driving history that would cause a reasonable person to believe the driver was not suited to provide funeral escort services; and
(c) Has a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle the driver will operate;
(2) the private funeral escort vehicle:
(a) Is covered by valid and sufficient proof of financial responsibility;
(b) Has valid and current inspection and registration stickers; and
(c) Has proper equipment as required by this chapter and is in good condition and working order; and
(3) The applicant:
(a) Has submitted a liability and property insurance policy and an indemnification agreement, as required by § 103.011; and
(b) Has submitted affidavits from two unrelated citizens attesting to the applicant's good character.
(C) The funeral escort permit shall be valid from the date of issuance until December 31 of the year the permit was issued, and must be renewed annually by submitting an updated application and annual permit renewal fee of $50 to the Chief. No funeral escort permit shall be deemed to grant a vested property right, but such permit shall remain subject to the terms and provisions of this chapter and subject to such future regulations as may be promulgated by the city council by ordinance.
(Ord. 12-2000-60, passed 12-12-00)