721.03 FRANCHISE APPLICATION, REVIEW AND RENEWAL.

   (a)   Taxicab Franchises shall be granted upon the review by and approval of City Council.   

   (b)   Application for a Taxicab Franchise shall be made through the Office of the Director upon such forms and containing such information as directed by that Office. The Director shall charge an application fee.

   (c)   Upon completion of the application and the payment of the application fee, the application shall be submitted to the Director for review. If the Director approves the application the City shall submit a proposed franchise agreement to City Council for approval and shall issue the applicant an initial Taxicab Franchise for a period of six (6) months commencing with the effective date of the ordinance granting the franchise.

   (d)   A Taxicab Franchise shall not be issued until the applicant therefor shall have filed with the Director a liability policy or bond satisfactory to the Director in the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) single limit liability or equivalent insurance, and with such other terms and provisions as the Director may deem necessary to protect the interests of the public, having due regard for the number of persons and amount of property affected. This policy or bond shall insure the persons against loss sustained by reason of death or injuries to persons and for loss of or damage to property resulting from the negligence of the operator of such taxicabs. Such policy or bond shall further provide that ten days' notice in writing shall be given to Council of intention to cancel such policy of insurance. If such policy of insurance or bond is canceled during the term thereof, or in the event that the same shall lapse for any reason, the Director shall require such person to replace such policy or bond with another, fully complying with the requirements of this section and in default thereof the franchise shall be revoked.

   (e)   The initial Taxicab Franchise shall be renewed for a period of one (1) year upon the review and recommendation of the Director. Thereafter, Taxicab Franchises shall be renewed annually upon the review and recommendation of the Director.

   (f)   No Taxicab Franchise shall be renewed where, upon review, the Director determines that the franchisee has failed to operate in accordance with this Chapter or in a manner that comports with the public safety and convenience.

   (g)   No Taxicab Franchise or renewal thereof shall be sold or otherwise transferred without the prior approval of City Council.

(Ord. 2017-028. Passed 10-22-17.)