To be licensed to tow vehicles at the request of the city, towing companies shall maintain the following:
(a) At least one wrecker that is in safe mechanical condition, properly titled, inspected, and registered.
(b) The wrecker shall be owned or leased by the towing company and shall not be used or operated by or for any other towing company.
(c) All wreckers shall be clearly marked with the towing company’s name and telephone number on each side of the vehicle.
(d) All wreckers shall be equipped with appropriate safety equipment (fire extinguisher, traffic vests, warning devices, one or more flashing or revolving lights, as required by § 4572 of the Vehicle Code, etc.) and any other equipment necessary to perform the function and comply with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code regarding removal of debris (including but not limited to absorbent materials for leaks and roadway spills.)
(e) Towing companies shall provide their employees training on proper cleanup of accident debris from the roadways.
(f) Established Place of Business and Storage Facility.
(1) The towing company shall be directly accessible 24 hours a day, by no more than one phone number. The employment of answer machines or other such devices is not considered as making the company directly accessible.
(2) All towing companies and their respective storage facilities used for impoundment of vehicles towed at the request of the city shall be located within the city.
(3) The storage facility shall be owned or leased by the towing company owner.
(4) The storage facility shall comply with zoning regulations applicable in the jurisdiction where the facility is located.
(5) The storage facility shall be, at minimum, enclosed by a secured fence or building. When enclosed by a fence, the fence shall be a minimum of six feet in height and made of a sturdy material such as chain link, wooden slats, or other material approved by the Chief of Police or his or her designee. All gates shall be secured with locks or other security mechanisms to reasonably prevent entry by unauthorized persons.
(6) The storage facility shall be regularly open for the conduct of business, receiving of payments due, release of vehicles, etc., a minimum of forty hours, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(7) The towing company owner is responsible for the security of the stored vehicles.
(g) Insurance. Towing companies shall be required to carry insurance at the minimum policy limits, as follows:
(1) Automobile liability insurance to include collision in an amount not less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) combined limits.
(2) Workers’ compensation insurance, as required by statute.
(3) Garage keepers liability insurance in an amount not less than fifty thousand ($50,000.00) per single limit.
(4) Garage keepers liability insurance in an amount not less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) combined limit.
(5) Miscellaneous coverage to provide complete protection to the city against any and all risks of loss or liability including comprehensive general liability.
(6) The city shall be listed as an additional insured party on all policies, and such policies shall contain a provision requiring notification to the city prior to any policy revision or termination.
(7) Towing companies shall provide the city with a letter of bonding indicating coverage in the minimum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).
(8) Each insurance policy covering a towing company shall indicate that the city shall be held harmless once a vehicle has been hooked to the towing company’s wrecker in preparation to be towed from a roadway.
(9) A certificate of insurance shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office prior to the issuance of the annual permit(s).
(Ord. 5279. Passed 12-11-19.)