Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Sections 585.03 and 585.09 of the Columbus City Codes pertaining to Vehicle for Hire Board membership and voting quorum. Currently, the code mandates a member of the board from the Smart Columbus initiative. However, as the scope of the organization’s mission evolves, the Licensing Section and Smart Columbus mutually agreed that full board membership for the latter was not necessary going forward. It is still the intent for Smart Columbus to work with the Vehicle for Hire Board and the Licensing Section when certain initiatives may be of mutual interest. The code amendment will also adjust the number of board members required for a quorum accordingly. Overall, these changes will further the City administration’s and Council’s efforts to update and streamline the Licensing Code and modernize regulations for the City’s businesses and residents.
Title
To amend sections 585.03 and 585.09 of the Columbus City Codes pertaining to the membership and voting regulations of the Vehicle for Hire Board; and to repeal existing sections 585.03 and 585.09 of the Columbus City Codes.
Body
WHEREAS, Chapter 585 of the Columbus City Codes governs the city’s Vehicle for Hire Board; and
WHEREAS, several updates have been made to this code over the past decade, including revisions to include new modes of transportation such as micro-transit vehicles and pedal wagons; and
WHEREAS, the City is now proposing a minor update to this Code to align more closely with the missions of both the Vehicle for Hire Board and Smart Columbus by removing the board position for the Smart Columbus representative; and
WHEREAS, it is still the intent for Smart Columbus to work with the Vehicle for Hire Board and the Licensing Section when certain initiatives may be of mutual interest; and
WHEREAS, these changes will further the City administration’s and Council’s efforts to update and streamline the Licensing Code and modernize regulations for the City’s businesses and residents; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That sections 585.03 and 585.09 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby amended as follows:
585.03 - Vehicle for Hire Board created
(a) There is created a Vehicle for Hire Board consisting of sixteen (16) members, appointed by the Director of Public Safety. The positions are as follows:
(1) The Director of Public Safety or a representative;
(2) The City Auditor or a representative;
(3) The chairperson of the public safety committee of the City Council or a representative;
(4) An owner of a taxicab(s) licensed by the city;
(5) A taxicab driver licensed by the city;
(6) The owner of a livery or liveries licensed by the city;
(7) A livery driver licensed by the city;
(8) The owner of one (1) or more alternative vehicle(s) licensed by the city(such as a pedicab, commercial quadricycle, micro-transit vehicle, or other similar vehicle licensed under Title 5 of the Columbus City Codes);
(9) An alternative vehicle driver licensed by the city;
(10) A representative from the Department of Public Service;
(11) A representative from the Division of Police;
(12) A representative from Smart Columbus;
(1312) A member of the Chamber of Commerce or a representative;
(1413) A member of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority or a representative;
(1514) A member of Experience Columbus or a representative; and
(1615) A private citizen.
(b) No individual listed in sections 585.03(a)(1)-(3) and sections 585.03(a)(10)-(16) may be appointed to the Board if the appointee has any financial interest in the vehicle for hire industry. This shall not limit those representative members listed in sections 585.03(4)-(9).
585.09 - Voting; quorum.
All members of the Board will be voting members. Nine (9) Eight (8) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a majority vote of those members present shall be necessary to approve or deny any application, or to enact any other item of business. The Director shall be counted as a vote if necessary to complete the requirements for a quorum, but otherwise will vote only in the event of a tie vote.
SECTION 2. That existing sections 585.03 and 585.09 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby repealed and replaced as provided herein.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.