Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on February 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East to consider enactment of a proposed Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO MOTOR CARRIERS; AMENDING SECTION 22½-5 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AMENDING PROVISIONS RELATING TO ABANDONMENT OF CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners)
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Why Action is Necessary
The proposed Ordinance was prepared by the Office of the County Attorney at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of December 13, 2022.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Board may consider enacting the proposed Ordinance.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Chapter 22½ of the Broward County Code of Ordinances ("Code") provides that motor carriers, including taxicabs, that operate motor vehicles on the streets of Broward County must obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity ("Certificate") and a valid permit. Section 22½-5(d) of the Code requires that Certificates not in use during any consecutive 180-day period be deemed abandoned and automatically terminated upon written notice from the Consumer Protection Division ("Division").
The taxi industry has indicated that due to the increasing number of rideshare companies operating within the County and the lasting economic effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Certificate owners are experiencing difficulty acquiring vehicles and hiring drivers to keep Certificates in service as required by the Code. The Division reports that approximately 395 Certificates, representing nearly 40 percent of total Certificates, are currently subject to abandonment.
The proposed amendment would allow the Board to temporarily suspend the provisions of Section 22½-5(d) for a period of up to one year, upon a finding that doing so would be in the best interest of the public. During any suspension, Certificate Holders will be required to pay annual permit fees.
Source of Additional Information
Annika E. Ashton, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget will be provided at the time of the public hearing, in compliance with Section 18.5(e)(7) of the Broward County Administrative Code.