Prior to the issuance of a taxicab owner’s license, there shall be held a public hearing as provided herein to consider whether the public convenience and necessity requires or would be appropriately served by the issuance of the taxicab owner’s license.
(A) Hearing by the Chief of Police. Upon the receipt of an application for a taxicab owner’s license, the Chief of Police, or his or her designate, is authorized, empowered and directed to hold a public hearing thereon. Notice of the hearing shall be personally delivered, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the applicant for the license and to all holders of taxicab owner’s license issued hereunder at least seven days prior to the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall further be published by the Chief of Police, or his or her designate, in a newspaper published within the city at least five days prior to the hearing. The actual costs of all notices given pursuant hereto shall be paid for by the applicant.
(B) Report to Chief of Police. The Chief of Police, or his or her designate, shall in writing report his or her findings and conclusions after the public hearing to the City Council. The findings and conclusions shall state, at a minimum, his or her findings as to the following:
(1) Whether the public is or is not at the time adequately being served by taxicabs;
(2) Whether the public convenience and necessity require the issuance of the taxicab owner’s license;
(3) Whether the vehicles proposed to be used by the applicant comply with the terms of this chapter;
(4) Whether the applicant satisfies the qualifications of taxicab owners established hereunder; and
(5) Whether, in his or her opinion, the taxicab owner’s license should be issued considering the financial responsibility of the applicant, the number of vehicles proposed for use, the type and kind thereof, the proposed color scheme of the taxicabs, the increase of traffic and of the demand for parking space, the safety of the streets and pedestrians and other relevant factors as he or she shall deem requisite or advisable.
(C) Action by City Council. The City Council shall give due consideration to the report of the Chief of Police, or his or her designate, and conduct additional investigations or public hearings as it deems advisable. Based thereon, the City Council shall determine whether the public convenience and necessity require the proposed taxicab owner’s license be issued and otherwise whether the license should be issued. The applicant therefore shall be promptly notified of the determination of the City Council by the Chief of Police.
(1980 Code, § 19.917) Penalty, see § 125.999