CCMIN082112 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Sullivan shared his full support and said he would raise the issue under Matters Initiated. Jan Cornish-Barcus, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Outreach Coordinator, announced the implementation of service changes effective August 25, 2012. She stated that the new bus books would be available onboard all buses and at Tri-Valley libraries. She also reported that LAVTA is promoting its Try Transit to School program again this year. The program allows all Tri-Valley middle and high school students to ride any LAVTA bus from September 4-17`h free of charge simply by boarding at any regular stop. Daniel Rice asked if Pleasanton Police Officer Tim Martens had been charged with regard to the case in recent media. Vice-Mayor Thorne explained that the Council is limited to discussing items on the agenda. City Attorney Lowell explained that Mr. Rice has raised what could be a personnel matter and, therefore, the Council would not address the matter at a public meeting in any way. Mr. Rice requested a comment on the actions of Officer Martens or the Alameda County Sherriff's Deputy who was recently charged on the matter. Mr. Lowell reiterated that he could not discuss City personnel matters in the public arena and referred him to the Alameda County Sherriff's Department for comments on the latter individual. Sebghatullah Amin, United Cab Company, said he speaks on behalf of most cab companies in Pleasanton in asking the City to address a number of concerns. He explained that the core of the issue relates to there not being enough demand for taxis in Pleasanton to support local business owners. He asked the City to install taxi stands at the Stoneridge Mall Bart station as well as at the fairgrounds, limit companies to operating a maximum of five cabs, decrease surcharges and other City fees, and put a stop to the illegal tipping of hotel employees in order to receive their business. He also requested increased verification and enforcement of City permits for drivers operating in Pleasanton. Vice-Mayor Thorne stated that both the City Attorney and Police Department are looking into a number of issues related to taxi service in Pleasanton and will provide the Council with a report. Mr. Fialho confirmed that the issues raised are among those staff has discussed with the City Attorney and Police Department. Joseph Bayanzay emphasized Mr. Amin's comments and said the key issue facing taxi companies in Pleasanton is that of outsiders. He said that additional stands throughout the community, particularly in the downtown, at the fairgrounds, and at BART, would help to enhance service for all residents and visitors. He asked the Council to consider a moratorium on the issuance of any new taxi licenses. Dottie Fink described the fence dispute between her and two adjacent neighbors that the Council heard at its last meeting, which resulted in the Council directing Mr. Baker to reduce the height of his fence to 6 feet. She stated that while Mr. Baker has reduced the height of the fence, she did not believe it to be 6 feet high as it is still 3 to 4 inches taller than her own 6-foot fence. Hafiz Nabizad, Silver Cab Company, said he shared the same concerns as Mr. Amin and Mr. Bayanzay. He asked the Council to institute a moratorium on the issuance of cab permits and to limit taxi companies to a total of 5 cabs. He reported that Yellow Cab has approximately 15 to 20 taxis, most of which are permitted in Dublin, and that their operators regularly pick up Pleasanton fares illegally. He also reported that Soda Cab, whose license was suspended for two months due to non-compliance, City Council Minutes Page 4 of 19 August 21,2012