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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-06 STAFF REPORTS 1C [Mailing Address 1 •_`- C . P.O. Box 5451 , , R Palm Springs, CA 92263 COACHELL4 VALLEY T4.V1 06rNERSASSOpATloN [ Located at: l + 716 protect and promote the taxi industry in the Coachella Valley,Palm Springs Int, Airport Transportation Center + Founded November 5, 2002•Affiliated with A.G T A. + 310 N. El Cielo, Suite 100 •ANon-Profit Beneficial Association + Palm Springs, CA 92252 +Memher of The Palm Sprrngs Chamber ofCanmeroe+ (760)7785156. 1-(877)778-TAXI • Fax(760)778-5157 • Introducing our new affiliate CabAdsO Advertising on Taxicabs • May 12, 2006 David Ready City Manager City of Palau Springs 3200 E. Tahquita Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Dear David: Regarding the meeting we bad last week with Mr_ Walsh and Mr. Zehr and the subsequent phone conversation we had later; during my last three and a half years as President of the C.V.T.O.A. it's been my responsibility to represent the majority of the Taxi Industry here in the Coachella Valley. I have had to deal with misinformed Taxi Industry people along with City and County officials who seem to want to correct the problems that have plagued the Taxi Industry,but stop short with only 'Words. For example: l) Taxi Advertising; 2) The conflict of interest with a Public Transportation Agency regulating private transportation in violation of the Clayton Act, (Federal Law) and California State Code 53075.5 Section 382.101 of Title 49 Section C. We had agreed an allowing the C.V,T.O.A. to bid on the Starter Position and the C.V.T.O.A, had gotten to the point of submitting to your office an outline of the proposal for your approval prior to sending it to our attorney for the addition of legal language. Your phone call advised me that too many people in the Taxi Industry were against the C.V.T.O,A. regulating the Starter Position. As the C.V.T.O.A. was going to hire an outside agency to do the job,we would have had a fast way to correct any problems concerning that position.Now you want us to go through the procedure of going through the airport. With the way things are now this will not work. I will explain why. At the airport I have had several conversations over the last year and a half with two of the lower management people- Lawrence Wedeldrid,who is no longer working for the airport, and James A. Brcihan. Mr. Breiltan seems to think he can change City Ordinances at his discretion; i.e.: 1) Solicitation of 1C.M.®.A. - Letter to David Ready Page 2 airport patrons looking for transportation concerning hotel shuttles. 2). Allowing taxi companies not permitted here in the valley to charter buses to take Marines to 29 Palms making a profit off the charier. When I asked Breihan about this practice his response was the airport made $200.00 off Special Permits. 3)Also he has been charging taxi operators $100.00 to input the information the airport keeps on independent operators when they change companies. 4) Forcing drivers to stay outside the airport when temperatures go above 90 degrees. This issue was dealt with two years ago when it was brought to the airport's attention about the liability issue. We all know it's against California Code to keep a dog or any other animal contained in a vehicle when it's hot outside. This is the issue I was forced to argue with him the other day outside in 102' temperature. As I reminded him, he was a taxi driver for A Valley Cabousine at one time even though he was fared, he sbould understand the point of view of the taxi driver. This is an issue I will not back down from - that being discriminatory actions of public officials or public employees who discriminate against my membership. To help you better understand the total picture, the C.V.T.Q_A. now has a website up where you can get all the information you may need to understand the issues the C.V.T.Q.A_ has dealt with these past three and a half years. Go to www.taxisnparadise.com/membership where the username is .'membership"password is "aprilcvta'all in lower case letters. It is my hope that we can get this meeting scheduled soon. I am also enclosing a copy of the notice Mr. Breihan so graciously posted today at the"transportation Center. I am also requesting the last five years of all financial statements concerning monies paid by the Twd Industry to Palm Springs international Airport_ Sincerely, .411A� Sergio M. Santo President, CN.T.O.A. Enclosure (1) SMS/sh 2 �-(ERA/gT-O r a a MEMORANDUM TaTiTi ¢ - AIRPORT OPERATIONS Date: May 12, 2006 To: All Taxi Owners and Operators From. dim Brcihan, Landside Supervisor . Subject: Summer Heat The stunmer is upon us early this year and the temperature is climbing rapidly. Therefore, effective immediately, taxi drivers waiting for a fare in the bag, may wait under the overhang outside baggage claim during times when there is no arrival activity. Once an arrival is on the ground and passengers start to gather in baggage claim,please return and wait by your vehicle, ready to assist anyone that may need a cab. Airport Security Regulations as mandated under 49CFR Part 1542, require all vehicles parked in and around baggage claim and ticketing to be attended. Therefore, when you are waiting raider the overhang, you must be in direct sight of your cab at all times and be able to respond immediately back to your cab, if necessary. Failure to comply could result in a citation and/or your operating privileges at the Airport suspended or revolted. This does not apply to vehicles that are awaiting a pre-arranged pick-up. Those vehicles must be attended or relocated to the south end of the commercial loop road to a designated area that vehicle may be left unattended and the driver ntay enter the terminal. Thanks for your cooperation, and have a great summer. c.c Steve Z..ehr, Assistant Director of Aviation Airport Operations Ace Parking, Traffic Control Pile n� RNy,,z r MEMORANDUM d Y ^ 0 AIRPORT OPERATIONS Date: June 7,2006 To: All Taxi Owners and ]givers From: Jim Breihan,Landside Supervisors, , SubjeCt: Summer Hear The Palm Springs International Airport realizes that the summer heat can be brutal to anyone working outside for a long period of time. Therefore, the Airport has established an area that one might be able to get out of the summer heat while waiting for a fare when parked in the commercial lane at the terminal. This area is designated under our existing federal se-.urity procedures to allow commercial vehicles a place to park while conducting business inside the terminal. All vehicles parking in this area are to be locked with engines turned off prior to leaving them unattended. The vehicle parking location will be defined as the area behind the crosswalk at the south end of the terminal on the right curb of the commercial loop road. See attached map. If you are cued up to the terminal, park in this location instead of the normal parking spaces in baggage claim. After turning off the engine and locking the vehicle, you may then enter the terminal by Continental Airlines and wait until a flight arrives. There are flight information monitors inside that can assist you in determining when a flight is due. The first vehicle cued will be the first vehicle parked in this area,just like the regular designated parking in baggage claim. This area should only be used when the temperature reaches an unbearable rate, which is normally 10.00am—7.00pm. if you are fist in line when parked in this area, it is your responsibility to check the cabstand in baggage claim to assure no one is waiting for a ride. This can be accomplished by monitoring the area through the terminal windows. This is an area to get out of the heat, so be ready to return to your vehicle and make your way to the taxi parking area in baggage claim once a flight has arrived. This is a courtesy offered to taxi owners and drivers. Any property damage, disturbances or altercations arising from this change in procedure will result in revocation of this privilege for everyone. Sergio Santo, President of the CVTOA has voiced his concerns over the health and welfare of taxi drivers waiting for a fare in the extreme summer heat while at the Airport. The Airport is providing an area for taxi drivers to stay out of the summer heat when at the terminal and now it is up to the taxi industry to ensure that this can be accomplished with little or no effect on the traveling public using the terminal areas and those that are in need of taxi service. CC David Ready, City Manager Richard s.Walsh,A.A.E., Director of Aviation Steven Zehr,A.A.E.,Assistant Director of Aviation Edmond Wong,Ace Parking Manager Sergio Santo, President CVTOA Airport Operations Airport Law Entorcement Ground Transportation Building (3) Taxi Stand(2) File Taxi Parking Areas Summer Months AIRPORT ACCESS ROAD Taxi Parking Baggage Claim Taxi Parking South End of Terminal v� RENTAL CAR LO 1 ' I o CNG a STARO EMPLOYEE PARKING Tm!BUS STAGING AREA � O EL CIELO ROAD a TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AIRPORT ENTRANCE � �pALM sA? iy v w F F F C, �noAni<o A4 P' CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: PROPOSED RESOLUTION ADOPTING MODIFICATION TO CERTAIN USER FEE FOR THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Department of Aviation SUMMARY The City Manager recommends the City Council conduct a public hearing and take public testimony with respect to a modification to the Airport "Taxi Ground Access Fee — Standard Pick-Up," to provide revenue for a Taxi Starter program. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony. 2. Adopt Resolution Number , "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, INCREASING THE TAXICAB STANDARD PICK-UP FEE AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 21578, STAFF ANALYSIS: The taxicab operation at Palm Springs International Airport has grown to the point that a Taxi Starter service should be considered. Implementation of this program will provide the appropriate regulation to assure that the public receives the best service possible when using the taxis at the Airport. For example, the "taxi starter" will monitor taxi availability and provide fare and location information for our tourists and residents. Also, the City Manager has had two meetings with Taxi stakeholders on this issue and the majority of drivers/owners in attendance were in agreement with this program. ITEM N0. City Council Staff Report September 6, 2006 -- Page 2 IVIodification to Aviation Fee Ace Parking Management, Inc. (who provides this service at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport) is currently under a five-year contract with the City to provide parking and traffic control at the Airport and has agreed to take on these additional responsibilities (see "Ace Contract Amendment," on the Consent Agenda). The proposed fee increase will be used to recover the Taxi Starter service operation expenses. This program is estimated to commence in late October or early November, 2006. FISCAL IMPACT: IFinance Director Review: The cost to provide Taxi Starter Service fourteen (14) hours per day from November 1, through April 30, and ten (10) hours per day May 1, through October 31, for the remaining term of the Parking Lot Agreement will be covered by increasing the Airport "Taxi Ground Access Fee - Standard Pick-Up" from $1.00 to $2.50 per trip. Based upon total taxi revenue in FY04/05 of $52,375 at $1.00 per trip, the new fee is projected to produce an additional $82,000 during the first full year of implementation. This amount is expected to be adequate to cover the estimated first year program expense of $81,000. Further, expected increased growth in taxi trips which correlates with the expected increased passenger growth, should cover the incremental annual cost adjustments for this program. In the event that costs exceed revenues, staff will recommend changes in fees and or adjust hours of operation to maintain cost equilibrium. David H. Ready, City Manage Richard Walsh, Director of Aviation Attachments: Proposed Resolution Notice of Public Hearing RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, INCREASING THE TAXICAB STANDARD PICK-UP FEE AND AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE. WHEREAS, the City, under various statutory provisions under California Government Code, may set and collect fees for the costs of providing various public services to the community; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the City Manager has recommended and the City Council desires to approve certain amendments to said user fees; and WHEREAS, a duly-noticed public hearing was held on September 6, 2006, in accordance with the provisions of the California Government Code; and WHEREAS, the supporting data was available for public inspection and review for ten (10) days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered any verbal and/or written testimony, and has reviewed and considered the information provided at the public hearing by staff and the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES THAT: SECTION 1. Findings. A. City Staff has completed an analysis of certain user fee. B. The current user fee is insufficient to cover all the City's costs and expenses associated with providing the public service. C. The cost of such services should be borne by those who are the special beneficiaries rather than the citizenry at large. D. There is a reasonable relationship between the amount of the fee and the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged. SECTION 2. Fee imposed. A. The City Council modifies Resolution No. 21578 which adopted the Comprehensive Fee Schedule and approves the user fee and charge as set forth in Exhibit A attached to this Resolution. Resolution No. Page 2 B. Each person requesting the service in the City of Palm Springs for which the user fee is imposed shall pay the new fee as set forth in the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule. C. On July 15t of each year, the service fee and charge shall be automatically adjusted by an amount equal to the percentage of increase or decrease in the Consumer Price Index for this region, as last computed for the previous 12-month period- D. The user fee may also be adjusted if the City conducts a public hearing to implement a new or revised fee or fees based upon a new study or analysis. E. The adoption of this Resolution does not affect the ability of the City to request an agreement between an applicant and the City to pay extraordinary processing costs and to establish deposit accounts. SECTION 3. Severability. Each component of the fee and all portions of this Resolution are severable. Should any individual component of the fee or other provision of this Resolution be adjudicated to be invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall be and continue to be fully effective, and the fee shall be fully effective except as to that portion that has been judged to be invalid. SECTION 4. Effective Date. The fee shall be effective sixty (60) days after the adoption of this Resolution. ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 2006. David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk Resolution No. Page 3 CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. _ is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on by the following vote: AYES: ' NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs, California Resolution No. Page 4 EXHIBIT A DEPARTMENTAL 2006 FEE REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION Department: Aviation Fee Name: Taxicabs: Standard pick-up ❑ New Fee Increase Current Fee ❑ Delete Fee ❑ Decrease Current Fee Amount of Current Fee: $1.00 per trip Amount of Proposed Fee: $2.50 per trip Total Revenue from Current Fee $FY 05/06 YTD: $41,104.00 FY 04105: $52,375.00 Total Revenue from Proposed Fee 2006-07 $ APPROX: $ 130,000,00 Net Annual Revenue Change $ APPROX: $ 78,000.00 Fund Taxi Access Fees 415-38131 Explanation of Fee: Airport Taxi Ground Access Fee—standard pick-up (not pre-arranged) Justification/Analysis to modify Fee: To recoup the new Taxi Starter Service scheduled to begin September 15, 2006, Based on FY 04105 total revenue of$52,375.00 at $1.00 per trip = 52,375 trips 52,375 trips x $1.50 increase in fee = 78,562.50 additional revenue Approx. cost of Taxi Starter Service $77,000.00 per year. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT AIRPORT TAXI GROUND ACCESS FEE — STANDARD PICK-UP NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, i California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of September 6, 2006. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. The purpose of this hearing is to solicit and consider public comments on the proposed modification to the Airport Taxi Ground Access Fee — Standard Pick-up, prior to the adoption of a Resolution revising the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule. Under state iaw all fees charged by the City must be reasonably related to the actual costs of (providing various public services. REVIEW OF INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents regarding this matter are available for public review at the City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please contact the City Clerk's Department at (760) 323-8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review these documents. COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the Public Hearing and/or in writing before the hearing. Written comments may be made to the City Council by letter (for mail or hand delivery) to: James Thompson, City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Any challenge of the proposed fee modification in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior, to the public hearing. (Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)). An opportunity will be given at said hearing for all interested persons to be heard. Questions regarding Airport Taxi Ground Access Fee — Standard Pick-up may be directed to Steve Zehr, Assistant Aviation Director, at (760) 318-3800. Si necesita ayuda con esta carta, portavor Ilame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs_:y-puede-- hablar con Nadine Fieger telefono (760) 323-8245. J es Thompson, City Clerl PROOF OF PUBLICATION I his Is space Ibv���l,,ty�qlorl J Illl Tiiilal?: 3 a (2015.5.C.C.P) CC'r tr CLEF!", STATE OF CALIFORNIA County of Riverside I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of Proof of Publication of the Cuunly aforesaid; 1 am over the age of eighteen years,and not a party to or interested in the above-entitled matter.I am the principal clerk of a printer of the,DESERT SUN PUBLISHING COMPANY a newspaper of general circulation, No. 2691 — - - - - printed and puhlished in the city of Palm Springs, NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING County of Riverside,and which newspaper has been CITY COUNCIL adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Superior Court of the County of Riverside,State of COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE PROPOSED CHANGE TO California under the date of March 24,1988.Case THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT Number 191236;that the notice,of which the AIRPORT TAXI GROUND ACCESS FEE-STANDARD PICK-UP annexed is a printed copy(set in type not smaller NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Ih,d the City.Council than non panel,has been published in each regular of the City of Palm spring:: ClIftmia,will hold a ppubllc hearing 0t It,, meeting of September 6, and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any 2006. The city Council meeting beg n5 .It 0:00 PM, in the Council Chamber al.City Hall, 3200 E. supplement thereof on the following(fates,to wit: Tahquliz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. The purpose of this hearin it to soiimt and con- August 19j1i,26"',2006 ^lder public c0rtmnunts on Erie proposed mamba,- ion 10 the Airport Taxl Ground Acced::•Fec - ...................... Standard Pick-up, prior to Or-adoption of a Res- oiutlon revloing the City's Comprehensivi, Fec Schedule. Under state law all tee:Char❑ed by the City must be reasonably related to the actual ....................""""-""" costs of providing various public aeivices. All in the year 2006 REVIEW OF INFORMATION;The staff report and Omer ruppprling documents regarding thn' moticr arc available for public review at the City Hall be- t certify(or declare) under penalty of perjury that the twcen the hours at ac00 t.m. ind 5 00 p.m.,Mon- day through Friday Please contact the City foregoing is true and correct. CI(rk's Depmmmant st (>so) 3s3-aa.0a if you would D.tv schedule an appointment to revlew three 00c0ments. Daled at Palm Springs,California this----29i',----day COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to mL nonce may be made verbally at the Public He•anng and/or in writing before the Ilrarm.�1 Writ- of----------Auguk-j - 2006 ten comments may be made to the City Council by leupr(for mail or hand delivery) to- James' James Thompr0n City Clerk 3200 Z,Tuhguitz 6anyyon Way Palm Sprinos CA 922b2 --------— Any challenge of ink proposed foe modlflcatlon inScoonmay be limited to raising only thole i95uca r'+i:Cc[ at the public hearing described in this no- tice or in written cerre.^.ppndc•ncg delivered to the City Clerk at.or prlon to the ppubllc hearing.(Gov- ernment Code Section b5oog(b)(2)) An opportunity will be given at said hearing fpr all Inli-mi,tod persons to be heard.Oue�{wns regard- n q Airport Taxl Ground Acccss Fee -Standard dPicp may be directed to Steve Zehr,Asletlnl nvi k-u Jl" Director, at (760) 316-3aeo. SI necesaa 3yuda con esta carts,porfavor Marl a la Cwdod de Palm Springs yy puede hablar con Nadine Fiegar wlefono (760) 325.8245 Jame•'Thomps�ity(Jerk 1 Publiyhpd;0119, 8/26/2006