04-01-96 Regular Meeting of La Porte Wrecker Committee

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Minutes of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting La Porte Wrecker Committee April 1, 1996, Page 3 Mr. Rankin recognized Mr. Gordon again. Mr. Gordon stated, "We are not trying to monopolize any wrecker business in the City of La Porte. We just want representation for our dealership and to serve the community. We are a vital functioning part of this community, and we feel that we need two slots on the rotation." Mr. DeWalt asked what the committee would do if another dealership, such as Joe Camp Ford, should ask for a permit. Mr. Rankin explained, "This is not about dealerships. This is about service. We are not trying to advertise dealerships. We are trying to act in the publics interest." Mr. Rankin asked if any of the commission members had questions. Assistant City Attorney John Armstrong asked if the application had been checked for all the requirements, and does the applicant meet all specifications. Mr. Rankin indicated all requirements have been met. Lt. Corrales indicated the statement by Mr. Tim DeWalt was true. The seventh E-tag has been out of circulation for a year and really has not impacted the service provided. Chief Powell stated, at this time, he could not verify if the number of requests for services had deceased over the past year until he could check the records. Mr. Rankin said that with the opening of the Fred Hartman bridge we do expect the traffic counts to increase, and the number of vehicles traveling in the City will increase and therefore there will probably be more accidents. Whether this will have a greater impact on the seven permits is unknown at this time. He indicated he needed a couple of questions answered before a vote is taken. Mr. Rankin asked the committee members if there was any reason that we should not increase the storage fee to $15.00 a day from the $8.50 which is presently charged. If there are no objections this would be the recommendation to take to City Council. The committee agreed this should be a recommendation for the Assistant City Attorney when he drafts an ordinance change to be taken to City Council for approval. Mr. Rankin asked the committee for a recommendation on the twelve hour charge which is now assessed. He said he disagrees with a charge of $15.00 if the vehicle owner is bonded out in an hour or two after the vehicle has been stored in the tower's storage facility. Chief Powell indicated that a pro -rated by hour charge could be assessed rather than a flat fee of $15.00 if the committee was in agreement. Mr. Rankin asked the committee if there was a recommendation. Chief Powell suggested that we discuss this and the need for the additional permit for the seventh E-tag after investigating the increase or decrease of the number of calls for wrecker service over the past year. Mr. Rankin said the committee would prefer to make a recommendation on the most factual numbers available. If the calls have decreased in a significant amount we might wish to reduce the number of permits from seven to six, but if the figures indicate a stabilization of an increase in calls for service the committee might wish to increase the permits back to seven. Assistant City Attorney John Armstrong reviewed the specifics of the present City ordinance and indicated the number of the permits is determined by public necessity for service. He said there is not a lot of information before the committee at this time for them to be able to make a determination for a need or necessity for the seventh permit.