Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE

TAXICAB COMMISSION OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

JANUARY 5, 2005



MEMBERS PRESENT

Chairman Archie, Mr. Mark Oropeza, Lt. Julius Ross, Mr. James Brooks, Mr. James

Nash, Ms. Diane Quick and Mr. Robert Kidd.



MEMBERS ABSENT

Mr. David Cassell, and Mr. Lorenza Landrum.





A meeting of the Taxicab Commission was held in the Ground Floor Conference

Room of the Government Center. Lt. Ross noted that a quorum was present and

called the January 5, 2005 meeting to order at 3: 10 p.m.



Minutes accepted:

Lt. Ross asked everyone to review the past minutes from the June 2, 2004

meeting and asked it there was any changes or concerns, which one change was

noted and agreed to correct.



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Note: Chairman Archie arrives at 3:15 p.m.

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Lt. Ross then acknowledges the appearance of Chairman Archie and turns the

meeting over to him. The minutes were then accepted by Mr. Mark Oropeza and

seconded by Lt. Ross.



Floor opened for Question and concerns:

Ms. Diane Quick shared some concerns that she has in reference to another cab

company (Patriot Cab Company). Her questions and concerns covered the following

areas:



* Finances (Flat rates)

Paying employees under the table

* Sexual Harassment allegations

* Hours of operation

* Improper operations

* Threat on file towards Ms. Diane Quick with the Police Department



Chairman Archie asked Ms. Quick what was she expecting the Commission to do in

behalf of her allegations. Lt. Ross suggested an investigation take place and

afterwards to possibly recommend to the Council members to pull his license, if

he stated there is any validity to the allegations. He continued to state that

IRS must be contacted about the concerns of financial improprieties. Chairman

Archie stated that these things must be submitted to the proper authorities and

the Commission is not that authority, making Lt. Ross as the exception. Lt.

Ross then summarized the authorities that are responsible for the issues

presented to the Commission as follows:



* Sexual Harassment File a complaint with EEOC

* Finance I.R.S.

* Failure to properly operate business Taxicab Commission





Lt. Ross then addressed in detail the concern of Ms. Diane Quick about flat

rates by interpreting the ordinance. He stated his ability to enforce any

violation to the ordinance is based solely upon first, a complaint by the

customer, then he explained that a flat rate is authorized by ordinance, but

the meter must be running whether or not they charge a flat rate and he stated

that the flat rate must be less than the meter reading. He then explained under

other circumstances, whereas a driver may be stopped for other reasons with a

passenger in the car and can be cited for not having his meter running.



The Commission discussed the concerns of customer complaints and who?s

responsible for an additional 5 more minutes. Specifically they addressed the

desire of passengers who would prefer not to have the meter running during

transport, to which Lt. Ross responded that not having the meter running is in

violation of the ordinance.



Advertisement of Blue Express Transport

Ms. Diane Quick then stated that the Blue Express Transport Company has been

operating as a shuttle and a taxicab. She continued by saying that he produced

a DOT certificate to operate temporarily. Then she explained her concern was

whether or not there are limitations or a description given for the services

and the vehicles used. Lt. Ross explained that a limousine is described, but he

stated a shuttle is not and began interpreting the ordinance in reference to

her question, he also added that the City Attorney?s office is insuring the

information is clear prior to enforcement.



Lt. Ross explained the differences from state law requirements for operating a

shuttle (POT) and if they have a state DOT, which is designed to operate from

city-to-city, then he inserted that they could operate in the inner city. Lt.

Ross then explained an example of locations traveled by drivers who operate as

taxicab drivers and shuttle services. Lt. Ross concluded by soliciting the

Commissions help with specific definitions to help regulate each individual

industry because he stated the demands for these services is causing the

competition to become creative without strict regulations.



Discussion went on about the ordinance interpretation, tickets, transport

control and time limits for shuttles for several minutes. Lt. Ross included an

explanation for the actions of the officer and the possible violations of Blue

Express Transport and the situation that had recently occurred.



Vehicle Need for hire:

Chairman Archie summarized concerns about the vehicle for hire service and the

establishment of temporary routes; he then explained an experience that

educated him on Fort Benning regulations, which he says, is based on federal

standards. Chairman Archie then requested clarification on the limitations of

the state ordinance when referring to taxicab commission. Lt. Ross explained

the difference in regulations between Fort Benning cab transport and picking up

outside of Fort Benning base, but within the City of Columbus.



The Commission continued expressing concerns about the federal regulations,

shuttle soliciting, video cameras and medical runs for three additional minutes.



Meeting Time & Logs:

Chairman Archie then expressed trying to keep his New Year?s Resolution, which

was to release us from the Taxicab Commission meeting no later than 4:30 p.m.



Chairman Archie stated his concerns about the proper time to keep the logs and

Lt. Ross responded that his concerns are shared by the City Council Members.

He also stated that some direction has been established by the City Attorney?s

office and are in a preliminary stage. Lt. Ross then identified the purpose of

the log as being to control the cell phone problems and minimize the improper

operations.



Dispatch Workers & Compensation:

Lt. Ross stated that the ordinance does not address the contracted worker, but

he stated that the cab itself is being addressed by the ordinance. He further

stated that city ordinance does not control nor direct the contractor, but sets

guidelines. In response to a concern about compensation, he explained that the

fee is set by the ordinance.



Taxi Driver?s Examination answer sheet:

Chairman Archie concluded by stating that the answer sheet is incorrect for

question # 21; the answer is c. 30 minutes. Lt. Ross suggested sending letters

to all the drivers with the correct answers.



Meeting adjourned 4:17 p.m.







________________________________

Triena B. Sharpe

Recording secretary