(a) No license for the operation of public hacks in excess of the limitation prescribed by Section 443.03 shall be issued unless Council shall by resolution declare that public convenience and necessity require the issuance of additional public hack licenses in the number set forth in such resolution. Upon the passage of such resolution, approved by the Mayor, the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses shall be authorized to issue the specified additional number of public hack licenses.
(b) Before the adoption of such resolution, Council shall provide for public hearings as may be necessary to determine whether public convenience and necessity require the issuance of additional public hack licenses, and the number of any of such public hack licenses which should be issued to meet such public convenience and necessity. In determining whether public convenience and necessity require the issuance of any additional licenses for public hacks, Council shall take into consideration:
(1) The number of public hacks then licensed;
(2) Whether the requirements of public convenience and necessity can be met and complied with only by the issuance of additional licenses;
(3) The resulting effect upon the business of existing licenses and upon the existing agencies of mass transportation;
(4) The effect on traffic congestion and safety of the public using the streets;
(5) The effect upon working conditions and wages or other compensation paid to drivers of public hacks of existing licensees;
(6) The financial responsibility of the applicant;
(7) Any other fact which Council may deem relevant.
(c) No finding of public convenience and necessity shall be required for the issuance of licenses within the limitation of Section 443.03 and holders of existing licenses shall be entitled without such finding of convenience and necessity to retain their present licenses and secure renewals thereof upon the payment of the annual license fees.
(Ord. No. 1684-76. Passed 6-29-76, eff. 7-6-76)