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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-0809 ADJOURNEDMINUTES OF TEE ADJOURNED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL August 9, 1976 The City Council met at 7:30 p.m~ on the above date in the Hillah Temple to conduct a public hearing on the operations of the Agate Cab Company and franchise from the City. Mayor Prickerr called the meeting to .order. Council members Allen, Hoffarth, McCannon, Laws and McDowell were present; Councilman Ragland arrived at 7:35 p .m. At request of Mayor Prickerr, Committee chairman McCannon reported on discussion with John Hill of Courtesy Cab, Medford, saying they will not Consider bringing their cabs to Ashland for night-time service only. They would be wi_~ing to use a limousine in Ashland under the conditions that: ( ) t i ousine would~sed 24 hours per day, 1 tha 1 m (2) that it will only transport between Ashland and Medford or airport rather than Just within the City, and (3) that they will not take out a business license. McCannon felt this offer is totally unsatisfactory, and suggested that Agate Cab be allowed to dis- continue service between 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., provided they accept calls by appoint- ment made before 1:00 a.m. and provided they answer calls on home telephone for emer- gencies if placed by the Ashland Police Department. Mayor Prfckett opened the public hearing. Bob Dreiszus, manager of Beau Club, raised question of time factor in calling police and then getting driver out of bed and asked alternatives to morning curtailment. The Mayor explained the alternative was a general increase in taxi fares. Dreiszus com- plained of long waits after calling cab to which Agate Cab owner Dennis Perkins said his drivers often have problem at Beau Club of not finding customer there after they are called, Mrs. Alice White, 355 Garfield Street, said she finds the taxi service not the best, but always courteous, and would prefer a rate increase along with better service and 24-hour operation, and spoke of her possible need to go to the hospital in the middle of the night. C. P. Cortiss, 520 Fairview, asked how much increase in rates would be needed, to which Perkins replied that he could continue at $1.00 per drop, but would need to increase the present 50 cents a mile fare to 70 cents a mile, and $6.00 per hour waitiL~ time to $9.00 per hour. At request of McCannon, Perkins explained that he used to do enough business with S.P. railworkers in the morning hours to meet expenses, but that a change in S.P. policies now causes him to lose $30 per night. On question from Dreiszus, Perkins said he keeps 3 cabs based in Ashland, and has from one to three operating at all times. In answer to a question by McCannon, Perkins said he no longer uses anAshland telephone number so that his M~dford office can cover his full operation, a change he made to cut expenses, but he advertises his Ashland service in the telephone directory, Hoffarth said he feels 24-hour service is necessary and spoke for a change in rates, or a morning call surcharge plus minimal change in rates, to which Mrs. Ruby Perkins replied there isn't enough early morning business to make much on even a two or three dollar sur- charge. The Mayor spoke for the need of having cabs available until 2:30 a.m. when the bars close, but Perkins said closing hours of the bars vary, and that they receive few late calls from the bars, Laws commented on Perkins' figure of a total of 160 calls during a month between l:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., and said that averages 5~ calls per night. 8/9/76 Agate Cab public hrg ~ourned Meeting Ashland City Council 81~176 Pg. 2 Mrs. Funkhouser, 364 Liberty Street, said she has lived in Ashland since 1928 and com- plained of inadequate service. In answer to McCannon's question, Perkins said they charge $8.20 for one passenger from the Mark Antony Hotel to the airport, to which MCarmon said the limousine service would charge $9.50. Mayor Prickett closed the public hearing. Laws then asked Perkins if they are currently abiding by the terms of the franchise, to which Perkins assured him they were. Laws asked Perkins 'You can't continue serving Ashland unless you stop losing money, can you?" Perkins replied, "I'd like to stop losing money and even make a profit". Laws then asked why he continued serving Ashland, and Perkins replied that he hoped he would see the day when the business is profitable, and it could be ~th a small increase in business. McCannon moved to accept the proposal to excuse service between 1:00 a.m, and 7:00 a.m., except upon appointments made before 1:00 a.m., plus having a home telephone number available to Police Department for emergency calls, and that the franchise ordinance be amended for six months and then reviewed by Council. Laws seconded the motion and asked for an emergency clause. ,Mayor Prickerr spoke of changes in the franchise and City ~s right to reinstate any requirement it gives away. City Attorney Salter said he feels acceptance by the grantee is not needed when City gives away a right, but ordinance could be worded to cover a speci- fied period of time. Perkins said he felt that to be a fair arrangement. Allen asked Perkins of his preference in reducing losses - curtailment of hours or general increase in fares, to which Perkins expressed a preference to reduce the hours. In answer to a question from the Mayor, Perkins said the discount given senior citizens amounts to $1400 to $1600 per year. Mayor Prickerr said perl~aps some thought should be given of a subsidy to provide for the discount sot hat all ~itizens of Ashland are paying for the discount rather than just those who ride cabs,. McCannon's motion to reduce hours of operation passed on roll call vote with all in favor. Salter then read the ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1746 which pertained to a franchise for the operation of taxicabs so as to modify t~Le provision relative to hours of service and declaring an emergency. Hoffarth moved to adopt the ordinance, Laws seconded, and motion passed unanimously on roll call~r ~ The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. - B i kettMayor . ep tler order '