(A) Taxicab driver’s license required. No person shall operate a taxicab for hire within the City, and no person who owns or controls a taxicab shall permit it to be so driven, unless the driver of the taxicab has a current and valid taxicab driver’s license issued under the provisions of this section.
(B) Application. An application for a taxicab driver’s license shall be filed on forms provided which shall contain the following:
(1) The names and addresses of two residents of the State of Minnesota who have known the applicant for a period of not less than two years and who will vouch for the sobriety, honesty, and general good character of the applicant;
(2) The experience of the applicant in the transportation of passengers and a listing of all previous employment in transporting persons, if any;
(3) The educational background of the applicant.;
(4) A history of employment for the past ten years;
(5) Applicant’s date and place of birth;
(6) Applicant’s home address; and
(7) Applicant’s citizenship or immigration status.
(C) State license required. Each applicant for a taxicab driver’s license must have a valid State of Minnesota driver’s license that reflects the applicant’s current home address.
(D) Must be at least 18. In no event shall a taxicab driver’s license be issued to a person under 18 years of age.
(E) Consideration and grounds for denial. Upon consideration of the application and the reports attached thereto, the City Administrator shall approve or reject the application.
(1) The City Administrator shall not issue a taxicab driver’s license to anyone who has had his or her driving privileges suspended, revoked, or canceled within one year of the date of application; provided, however, that the City Administrator may issue a taxicab driver’s license to a person whose driving privileges were suspended within one year of the date of application if:
(a) The suspension was based on nonpayment of a fine; and
(b) The applicant has a currently valid driver’s license.
(2) The City Administrator, and the City Council upon appeal, may take the applicant’s driving record into account in approving the license; and if it is found that the person is a habitually reckless or negligent driver or a habitual violator of the traffic laws, the City Administrator or City Council may deny issuance of the license or renewal.
(3) Falsification of an application for a taxicab driver’s license constitutes grounds for denial of the license or renewal.
(4) No license shall be issued to an applicant who has been convicted of any crime or sex crimes directly relating to the occupation of taxicab driver, as defined by M.S. § 364.03, Subd. 2, and has not shown competent evidence of sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to perform the duties of the occupation of taxicab driver, as defined by M.S. § 364.03, Subd. 3.
(F) Approval and license. If the application is approved, the City Administrator shall issue a taxicab driver’s license to the applicant which shall bear the name, signature, and photograph of the applicant.
(H) Display. Every taxicab driver licensed under this section shall keep the City-issued driver’s license in full view of all passengers while such driver is operating a taxicab.
(I) Appeal of rejection. If the application is rejected, the applicant may request a personal appearance before the City Council to offer evidence why his application should be reconsidered.