Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Dale V.C. Holness
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending Chapter 22½ of the Broward County Code of Ordinances (“Code”) to allow wheelchair accessible taxicabs operating under certificates issued pursuant to Section 22½(a)(3) of the Code to pick up passengers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and at Port Everglades. (Commissioner Holness)
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance.
What Action Accomplishes
Directs the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
In 2017, Chapter 22½ of the Code was amended to provide for the one-time issuance of 50 certificates of public convenience and necessity for wheelchair accessible vehicles (“WAV Certificates”), and of 50 associated bonus regular taxicab certificates of public convenience and necessity. These WAV Certificates were only available to active Broward County taxicab drivers. The wheelchair accessible vehicles associated with the WAV Certificates were prohibited from picking up passengers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (“Airport”) or at Port Everglades (“Port”).
The taxicab drivers who were issued the 50 WAV Certificates incurred substantial expense to equip the wheelchair accessible vehicles, which are significantly more costly than a conventional taxicab. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prohibition on operating at the Airport and Port cut off a valuable revenue stream to these drivers and left them struggling financially. The COVID-19 pandemic has made their circumstances even more dire.
This item would direct the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance to amend the Code to remove the prohibition on vehicles associated with the WAV Certificates picking up passengers at the Airport and Port, putting them on equal footing with other Broward County taxicabs.
Source of Additional Information
Heidi Richards, Chief of Staff, District 9, 954-357-7009
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.