LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Due to reports of disreputable taxi providers in the Lake Ozark area, city staff has composed a potential ordinance which would regulate taxi services.
City Administrator Dave Van Dee opened the discussion explaining that former Chief Maples brought this matter to their attention a while ago, and said, “We seem to have several people who suddenly become taxis, they take soap and write taxi on the sides of their vehicles.” He argued these providers are a risk to public safety, as well as to the city’s reputation.
Van Dee and City Attorney Roger Gibbons composed a rough draft Taxicab Ordinance for the inspection and consideration of the Mayor and Aldermen Board.
Within its parameters, a taxi applicant would have to apply for a Taxi License and be subject to a full background check by the city. The application would include an explanation of the individual’s intent for the business venture, full vehicle inspections, and proof of insurance. The potential ordinance calls for all drivers to be holders of valid Missouri chauffeur's licenses and to be at least 18 years of age. They would also need to be able to read and write in English and to maintain a neat appearance and good moral character.
The service would need to seek yearly license renewal, maintain a public telephone number, provide the city monthly employee updates and fare schedules/rates. For customer safety and accountability, each driver would need to have their license and rates posted visibly within the vehicle.
These potential requirements would be for those wishing to seek customers within the Lake Ozark City limits, but would not apply to any service exclusively dropping off in the area or for those services outside of the city’s jurisdiction.
When questioned whether their service had any reservations about these potential regulations, the manager of operations from Zee’s Enterprises Inc. Bus and Limo Services said, “I think there should be some parameters... basically I think it’s a good thing that they would put more regulations.” He went on to express his concern about the validity of cab services that swarm around bars in the summer. He described them as decorated in shabby, homemade Taxi signs, and could not imagine how they were licensed or insured.
Aldermen Gerry Murawski felt that restaurant and bar owners would benefit from this ordinance, giving them confidence in the services provided to their customers upon departure from their establishments. At this, Alderman Larry Buschjost told of an account he’d heard where a couple were told their Taxi ride would cost $20, but when they reach their destination, the driver charged them $60.
Murawski asked for clarification if the city would be held responsible for the behavior of drivers since they performed the background check and suggested that the city, “require them (taxicab businesses) to do the background checks so that the liability would be with the cab company and not the city.”
Gibbons responded saying, “The old adage says that anybody could sue you at any time for anything.” He went on to suggest that this be put to further discussion, and possibly opened to a forum.
The Board discussed posting this draft in the bulletin board at city hall for citizens to review. They also considered creating a public forum to hear opinions and concerns on this topic but nothing has been made official at this time.
Other Business
-Lake Ozark Chief of Police Gary Launderville reported the resignation of officer J. Dunmire, leaving the police force now shorthanded by two. He went on to say, “Ironically the officer that resigned shortly before I started (Lindsey Sartain) decided she wanted to come back as a reserve officer.. after a lot of discussion, she decided to come back full time… we’ve been really running shorthand the last two weeks.” He added in his report that he was “impressed with her work ethic, her loyalty to this department, her positive attitude.” Launderville recommended that Sartain be rehired as a patrol officer, and the board approved.
-Bill 2014-41 was approved to modify the agreement with Cintas Corporation who provide garment rental to the Public Works Department employees. This bill nullifies the automatic renewal of the contract, changes the term to a 24 month period, modifies liability so that the Corporation is held responsible for any negligence, and creates a complaint deadline of 30 days. Van Dee explained that this amendment would enhance the current agreement with “a little better turn around on the uniforms and equipping that department.”
-The first reading of Bill 2014-42 was approved by the board, the second will be read during the next meeting. This Bill adds a section stating that building permits will expire if work is not begun within 180 days or if it is abandoned for a period of more than 90 days. Also, demolition permits will expire after 90 days. Extensions can be sought, but can only be approved by building officials or their designee. Van Dee explained the need for this addition saying, “We seem to have experiences with people who take out a demolition permit, and when it expires do not have the building gone.”
-Jeff Van Donsel presented an explanation of the Lake Ozark Christmas Parade, set for Dec. 13, 2014. He guessed the parade to receive around 40 participants and explained that the route would start at the business 54 and “242 intersection and proceed down to the dam, where Santa does a U-turn and comes back to the White house with a treat for the kids.” The Board approved the event.
-Mayor Franzeskos appointed Rusty Anderson to replace Gil Hartman on the Planning and Zoning Committee for a full four year term.
