05052009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Brian Montgomery suggested that a note be sent out to Downtown bar and restaurant owners that if a cab company refuses service to one of their customers, please notify the City. Scott Gregson suggested that the slot by the Hays County Courthouse would make a great taxi waiting area. Chief Williams said he is willing to work with Hays County to allow this to be a waiting area but the City Council would first need to pass an ordinance to make this behavior legal. Chris Jones stated that public education is important to the City Council and suggests perhaps that SWAT and the hotels get together to come up with banners, flyers, or programs to educate the public regarding alternative forms of transportation. Scott Gregson noted that business owners might be willing to run an education piece because it helps to reduce their liability. Chris Jones mentioned that the City of Austin subsidizes rides from downtown, something like $2 each way. Rick Menchaca asked Stephanie Reyes to check into the program with the MADD folks to see if they are familiar with how the program in Austin works. See if the insurance companies are doing something to help subsidize rides. Chris Jones informed the Task Force he is working with the University and CARTS to create a route for heavy student-populated areas. He would also like to include SWAT in the conversations. Rick Menchaca advised that the taxi ordinance needs to be updated and mentioned that he and Chief Williams will get a list of proposed amendments together for City Council consideration at a future meeting. He mentioned that the limousine ordinance needs to be updated as well. Scott Gregson suggested that SWAT should consider posting better signage at bars. Sherwood Bishop suggested that perhaps SWAT could have a stand downtown. Rick Menchaca said could use the Hays County parking lot for both taxis and SWAT. The Task Force agreed to recommend that the City Council revise the taxi and limousine ordinances and asked staff to talk with Hays County about using an area of their parking lot for taxi and SWAT. Julie Eckert indicated that SWAT is funded through student service fees. Service starts at 11 p.m. Do not take people to bars. Only take people home. They talk with students during Orientation. Chris Jones asked the Task Force to establish a timeline. Pete Champion explained TABC will not process applications for revised service hour permits on a first come, first served basis. He said when applications are received, they will be held