(A) In determining whether the public convenience and necessity require the franchising of taxicabs, the Town Council shall, among other things, take into consideration the following factors:
(1) Whether or not the public convenience and necessity require such proposed or additional taxicab service within the town;
(2) The financial responsibility of the applicant and the likelihood of the proposed service being permanent, responsible and satisfactory;
(3) The number and condition of equipment;
(4) The schedule of proposed rates to be charged;
(5) The number of taxicabs now operated and the demand for increased service, if any;
(6) Whether or not the safe use of the streets by the public, both vehicular and pedestrian, will be preserved;
(7) Whether or not adequate provision has been made for off-street parking of taxicabs;
(8) The experience of the applicant in the taxicab business;
(9) The character and reputation of the applicant;
(10) Such other relative facts as may be deemed necessary and advisable; and
(11) (a) Whether or not the applicant:
1. Has been convicted of a felony against this state or conviction of any offense against another state which would have been a felony if committed in this state;
2. Has violated any federal or state law relating to the use, possession or sale of alcoholic beverages or narcotic or barbiturate drugs;
3. Is addicted to or habitually uses alcoholic beverages or narcotic or barbiturate drugs;
4. Has violated any federal or state law relating to prostitution;
5. Is not a citizen of the United States of America; or
6. Has habitually violated traffic laws or ordinances.
(b) A finding that any of the provisions of this division (A)(11) are true shall automatically disqualify the applicant from receiving a certificate of convenience or necessity.
(B) Before making any decision with respect to the issuance of a certificate of convenience and necessity, the Town Council, or a committee thereof, shall make a full and complete investigation of all facts, and may, if it so desires, subpoena witnesses and utilize the services of the Chief of Police or any other officer or employee of the town.
(1991 Code, § 18-50) (Ord. passed 8-5-1975; Ord. passed 12-1-2009)