(a) Towing companies shall be open to the public for the release of impounded vehicles at a minimum from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week and shall respond to calls 24 hours a day. Towing companies may be closed on the following holidays, but shall be on call and available for emergency events: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Towing companies must also allow reasonable access to any impounded vehicles by any City police officer upon request.
(b) Towing companies shall maintain in operable condition at least two approved tow trucks, one of which shall be equipped to tow front wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel drive vehicles without damage.
(c) Towing companies shall also own a motorcycle trailer or other acceptable means of carrying a motorcycle in an upright position.
(d) Impound lots shall provide on-site storage for a minimum of 20 vehicles outside, plus storage space for a minimum of three additional vehicles inside. All motor vehicle pound storage areas shall be secured by a solid fence or wall not less than eight feet in height or six feet if provided with arm extensions and barbed wire.
(e) Each tow truck must be equipped with:
(1) One rear-view mirror on each side;
(2) Winch or boom rated by the manufacturer as having a four-ton capacity and equipped with steel cable having a minimum diameter of three-eights inch;
(3) At least one amber flashing light, and one work light situated so as to illuminate the winching or craning operations at night;
(4) The following additional equipment:
A. Sufficient triangle reflectors or orange cones or similar devices;
B. Two pickup chains, eight foot minimum;
C. One broom and shovel;
D. One all-purpose fire extinguisher maintained in operable condition;
E. One unlock kit;
F. One snatch block;
G. A set of hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters and wrenches;
H. Jumper cables;
I. High visibility apparel, such as reflective clothing and vests for tow employees;
J. Tie down straps and recovery strips;
K. First aid kit.
(f) The real property that the motor vehicle pound facilities and/or storage areas are located upon shall be owned, leased, or controlled, to the satisfaction of Council, by either the towing company or the owner of the towing company.
(g) The towing companies shall have the capability of communicating and receiving notice via email as well as telephone.
(h) At all times, towing companies shall maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount no less than $2,000,000. Towing companies shall submit satisfactory proof of such insurance to the Police Division each year.
(i) All towing companies must arrive at the location of the vehicle to be towed within 20 minutes of being dispatched by the Police Division.
(j) Towing companies dispatched by the Police Division to remove vehicles from private property must remove all such vehicles.
(k) Towing companies must have a system in place to collect all storage and towing fees from the owner/operator of the subject vehicle. The fees charged shall not exceed the reasonable cost of performing the services, but in no instance shall the fee exceed those set forth in the current Ohio Revised Code or Ohio Administrative Code sections pertaining to such services.
(l) Towing companies shall have a system in place to prevent the release of any impounded vehicles until the owner/operator has shown a receipt or other appropriate approval from the City's Police Division, Clerk of Mayor's Court, or Clerk of Municipal Court, as appropriate under the circumstances.
(m) Towing companies shall abide by all regulations set forth in the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4901:2-22.
(n) Towing companies shall agree to indemnify the City for any losses or damages caused to vehicles or their contents due to the negligence or malfeasance of the towing company.
(o) Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the suspension of a towing company or the removal of the towing company from the approved list.
(Ord. 2024-016. Passed 4-1-24.)