REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Award a Taxicab Franchise Renewal to Jasraj Bhatia dba California Cab Company
Report
BACKGROUND
California Cab Company has submitted an application to renew its existing taxicab franchise; all required fees have been received. The effective dates of the requested franchise renewal are June 8, 2014 through June 7, 2016.
There are currently eight valid taxicab companies franchised to operate within the City of Sunnyvale: A Orange Cab, All Time Cab, California Cab Company, Checker Cab of Silicon Valley, Classic Cab, Green Cab, Silicon Valley Cab Co. Inc., and Yellow Cab Company Peninsula, Inc.
California Cab Company acknowledges and accepts the requirements of a taxicab franchise as set forth in Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC), as well as the taxicab franchise agreement. California Cab Company is aware of the right of the City of Sunnyvale to revoke or suspend the taxicab franchise if it is determined there is a violation of, or non-compliance with, the terms contained in SMC Section 5.36.
EXISTING POLICY
The term "non-exclusive franchise" as used in the SMC means the City does not limit the number of like franchises in operation at one time. If an applicant meets the provisions as outlined in SMC, then the franchise to operate a taxicab service should be issued.
The City's non-exclusive franchise requirements are derived from SMC Chapter 5.36. It is unlawful to operate any taxicab in the City unless the owner applies for and obtains a franchise to do so. Pursuant to SMC 5.36.110, the City Council may deny a franchise to any applicant if:
1. The applicant has been convicted of certain criminal offenses.
2. The proposed color scheme or other insignia may tend to confuse the identification with other franchises already operating within the city.
3. The applicant submits an incomplete application.
4. The applicant has been in violation of any law or municipal code r...
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