M I N U T E S

SPECIAL MEETING OF GENERAL COMMITTEE

2007-09-18

Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues

Chair: Councillor J. Virgilio Chair: Councillor A. Chiu

Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation Issues

Chair: IT Sub-Ctte: Reg. Councillor J. Jones Chair: Reg. Councillor G. Landon

Chair: Grants Sub-Ctte: Councillor V. Burke Environment & Sustainability Issues

Chair: Councillor E. Shapero

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor. E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services S. Birrell, Town Clerk K. Kitteringham, Deputy Clerk B. Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement and Licensing D. Barker, Senior Licensing Officer B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

The General Committee convened at the hour of 5:30 p.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None.

1. PREMIER TAXI LICENSE (2.23) Page 1

S. Birrell, ext. 4729

Report

Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, presented information regarding the regulatory objectives of the Taxi licensing program, details with respect to the recent stakeholder consultation process with stakeholders and highlighted the premier plate regulatory framework. She also discussed enforcement efforts on the part of the Town’s Wheels Unit and various other statistics regarding the issuance and licensing of taxi plates in Markham. Ms. Birrell noted a number of issues that were identified through the stakeholder consultation process such as the industry’s request for the conversion of premier plates to regular plates, the operation of unlicensed taxis within the Town, the need for hotel taxi stands and the inequity of the current population to taxi ratio used to direct the issuance of taxi plates. Ms. Birrell noted that there would be a report forthcoming to General Committee in early 2008 with a more comprehensive analysis of current taxi regulations

Staff suggested that the conversion of premier plates to regular plates would result in the dismantling of the regulatory framework established by By-law 2002-308. It was also noted that a further shift towards the Premier plate program would foster pride in ownership on the part of the owner/operators and improve the customer service experience.

The Committee discussed the current three (3) year refund available for the purchase of a taxi plate and questioned whether that timeframe could be extended. Staff advised that the refund was established to allow buyers a window of opportunity to withdraw from the industry in the event they decided to no longer pursue their career. Staff noted that they did not recommend the extension of the refund period. Members also posed questions relating to the Priority Waiting List (PWL), a list comprised of individuals currently working within the Markham industry who are interested in obtaining a taxi plate when made available by the Town. Staff advised that a process is currently underway to verify the eligibility of those named on the PWL. Staff also clarified that the current fines set for the operation of illegal taxis are set by the Courts.

Mr. Youssef Massoud, Taxi Driver, was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of premier plates to regular plates. He noted that due to expenditures associated with the operation of a taxi such as gas, insurance and vehicle maintenance it was difficult to make a living. Mr. Massoud advised that the ability to transfer his plate would increase the return on his investment and provide a pension for his eventual retirement.

Mr. Arie Leitman, Taxi Broker, was in attendance to request that taxi stands be implemented at all hotels and in various other areas throughout the Town.

Mr. Jitender S. Parhar, Taxi Driver, was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of premier plates to regular plates. He noted that additional plates should not be issued at this time due to the over saturation of the market. He also suggested the Town should only be issuing regular plates to increase the profitability of the investment. Mr. Parhar suggested the 1:1,500 ratio used to determine the issuance of plates does not take into account the number of vehicles per household in Markham. He advised that enforcement of illegal taxis operating in the Town had to be increased. Mr Parhar also noted that the current dress code and conduct of licensed drivers in the Town was adequate and customers were being given a high level of service. Members discussed a financial model presented by staff highlighting the fact that an investment into an RRSP was more profitable than investment into a Town taxi plate over the same period of time.

Mr. Rajinder Singh, Taxi Driver, was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of premier plates to regular plates. He expressed concern that his name was formerly on the PWL but was removed by staff. Mr. Singh advised that all drivers should have the opportunity to purchase a plate. He also suggested that the requirements associated with the premier plate program, specifically the requirement for an owner to operate his vehicle 50% of the time, was not feasible.

Mr. Andy Yoselevsky, Taxi Driver, was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of premier plates to regular plates. He advised that he and others added their names to the PWL because they thought they would receive a regular plate from the Town. He questioned the 1:1,500 population ratio used to determine the issuance of plates noting it did not adequately take into account the Markham limousine industry was in direct competition with the taxi industry. Mr. Yoselevsky also discussed the provision of accessible taxi service in York Region. He noted that the vehicles used to provide this Regionally required service did not have Markham taxi licenses. Mr. Yoselevsky indicated that, Markham drivers should have an opportunity to provide this service as well.

The Committee posed various questions to Mr. Yoselevsky and Town staff in order to clarify details concerning the accessible taxi service currently provided to visitors and residents of Markham. Staff advised that the Region currently registers and regulates the taxis and drivers providing accessible service and confirmed that it was legal for them to operate within the Town without a Markham taxi licence for this purpose. Staff indicated they are working with the Region to determine if there are opportunities to bring this business back to Markham.

Mr. John Antwi was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of Premier plates to regular plates. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of communication regarding the Town’s decision to issue premier plates in lieu of regular plates. Mr. Antwi also discussed the potential to receive benefits and a pension from the Town as he considers himself to be a civic employee.

Mr. Bill Sakorafas Vasilios was in attendance and spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation to deny the conversion of premier plates to regular plates. He reiterated that the current market value of taxi plates is very low when compared to previous years and suggested that the Town will profit more from regular plates than premier plates due to transfer fees. He also noted that transferable plates allowed owners an opportunity to realize a return on their investment. Mr. Vasilios restated concerns regarding Regional accessible taxi contracts. When asked by the Committee, Mr. Vasilios clarified that the existence of premier plates did not impact the value of standard plates.

There was discussion regarding the premier plate program and Members posed questions to staff and requested clarification on various matters. Staff noted that the premier plate program upheld the main objectives of regulating the Taxi industry, specifically as they relate to public safety, consumer protection and customer service.

Staff clarified the names on the PWL were currently being verified for eligibility and that moving forward, staff are recommended additional requirements be implemented in relation to the PWL. It was suggested that an individual should have to submit an annual fee in person to remain on the PWL as well as submit a GST number to demonstrate that they are currently working within the taxi industry in Markham.

The Committee expressed concerns regarding the 1:1,500 plates issuance ratio because the number of limousines active in Markham were excluded from the calculation. Members questioned the figures provided regarding the number of limousine plates issued in other York Region municipalities when compared to those issued by Markham. Staff agreed to review the matter and report back. Members directed staff to further review the implications of converting premier plates to regular plates.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the presentation and deputations concerning the staff report entitled “Premier Taxi License” be received;

And that the Town Clerk research the potential implications of converting current premier taxi plates to regular plates and report back to the General Committee in four (4) weeks time.

CARRIED

The Special Meeting of the General Committee meeting adjourned at the hour 7:27 p.m.