Finance & Administrative Committee
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk
	PREPARED BY:	same as above
	DATE OF MEETING:	2003-10-20
	SUBJECT:	Limousine Licences

RECOMMENDATION:

That the request of Helga Laehnemann, President, Markham First Choice Limousine to transfer two limousine licences be denied.

PURPOSE:

To respond to Ms. Laehnemann’s request to transfer two limousine plates.

BACKGROUND:

By-Law No. 2002-301 provides the framework for the licensing and regulation of owners and drivers of limousines in the Town of Markham. There is no right to appeal under the by-law. Markham began to licence and regulate owners and drivers of limousines and livery cars in 1986. Since that time transfers have not been allowed.

The initial cost of a limousine owner’s licence is $5,000 and there is a $500 annual renewal fee. The by-law contemplates a refund for the licence fee for a limited period of time. The refund policy allows 25% in year one, and 10% in years two and three. The refund provision would not apply in this situation as Ms. Laehnemann has been in the limousine business in excess of 14 years.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:

A request has been received from the owner of Markham First Choice Limousine to transfer two limousine licences. (See Schedule “A”). Ms. Laehnemann has held two limousine owner licences since 1989. The Limousine By-law does not authorize transfers. In fact, the transfer of limousine licences has been prohibited since the inception of the by-law in 1986.

A review of the taxi and limousine industry was undertaken in 2001 and Council approved a number of revisions to both regulating by-laws. At the time Council agreed, in order to
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION: (cont’d.)

ensure the safety of its residents, the preferred approach to licensing taxis and limousines was to require licence plates to be returned to the Town, rather than sold on the market. The introduction of the new class of ‘Premier’ taxi plates was necessary; however, the Limousine By-Law already prohibited transfers. This method affords the municipality some control over the operation of taxis and limousines in the Town of Markham.

The Limousine By-Law was amended to establish a cap of 50 limousine licences, which was considered sufficient for the Town’s requirements. There are four limousine licences currently available in the By-Law Enforcement Wheels Unit.

The Fees and Charges By-Law does not permit any reductions other than 25% in the first year and 10% in each of the second and third years. Ms. Laehnemann has been licensed in Markham for 14 years. A refund is not in order.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The fee for a Limousine Owner licences is $5,000 with an annual renewal fee of $500. The fees and charges are established to offset the costs of enforcement and administration.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

None.

ATTACHMENTS:

Request Letter

Schedule of Limo Ratios Per Capita Survey

Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk.

Andy Taylor, Commissioner, Corporate Services.