(A) The Town Building Commissioner shall investigate an applicant for a license to operate a public vehicle for hire. The investigation shall include:
(1) Investigation of the facts giving rise to any violation of law and any charges alleging a violation of law pending against the applicant; and
(2) Such additional investigation as the Town Building Commissioner deems necessary.
(B) Each applicant for a license to operate a public vehicle for hire shall be examined by the Town Building Commissioner to guarantee quality service to customers, as to:
(1) The applicant’s qualifications;
(2) The applicant’s knowledge of the provisions of this chapter and such other ordinances, statutes and regulations as the Town Building Commissioner deems relevant;
(3) The applicant’s knowledge of the geography of Johnson County and the surrounding counties;
(4) The applicant’s ability to communicate in English with customers; and
(5) The applicant’s skill in operating a motor vehicle (including a driving test accompanied by an inspector in such circumstances as the Town Building Commissioner determines to be necessary to protect the public).
(C) Each new applicant for a license to operate a public vehicle for hire shall complete a comprehensive training program administered by the Town Building Commissioner or an authorized agent thereof.
(D) If charges are pending in any court charging the applicant with a violation of law, the Town Building Commissioner shall suspend processing of the application until those charges are resolved, unless the applicant requests the Town Building Commissioner to proceed with the processing of the application. In the event that an applicant requests the Town Building Commissioner to proceed, the Town Building Commissioner shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the applicant committed the alleged violation of law and whether that violation of law disqualifies the applicant from receiving a license. Evidence may be submitted telephonically or by any other reasonable electronic means from remote locations. The applicant must appear at the hearing, testify, and otherwise fully cooperate with the Town Building Commissioner’s investigation. In the event that the application is denied, the applicant shall reimburse the Town Building Commissioner for any expenses incurred as a result of the request for a hearing.
(E) Upon completion of the investigation and any examination of the applicant, and a determination by the Town Building Commissioner that the applicant is eligible pursuant to this section, for a license to operate a public vehicle for hire, the Town Building Commissioner shall issue to the applicant a license to operate a public vehicle for hire, in a format prescribed by the Town Building Commissioner, which license shall contain the photograph and signature of the licensee, the date of issuance and expiration of the license, and such additional information as the Town Building Commissioner deems necessary.
(Ord. 2014-10, passed 5-27-14)