PORTSMOUTH TAXI COMMISSION

Minutes of the November 19, 2001
  1. CALL TO ORDER
    2.

    Chair Sanford called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.

  2. ATTENDANCE
    3.

    Officials and Ex-Officio’s Present: Chair Betty Sanford, Members Frank Daggett, Peter Bresciano, James Feehley, Councilor Harold Whitehouse, Lt. Ken Winsor, City Clerk Kelli Barnaby.

  3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 15, 2001
    4.

    Frank Daggett made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 15, 2001 Taxi Commission Meeting. Councilor Whitehouse seconded the motion, voted all in favor.

  4. NEW BUSINESS
    1. Letter regarding Richard Lewis
      2.

      Lt. Winsor presented and explained that Mr. Lewis had his license suspended due to a charge of possession of child pornography. He also noted that Chief Russ is an agreement with the decision.

      Councilor Whitehouse moved to accept the recommendation of the Police Department and file. Frank Daggett seconded the motion, voted all in favor.

      Alan Ladd noted that Mr. Lewis has not driven for a month and he handed in Mr. Lewis’ license.

    2. Letter from Timothy Zimmerman, Taxi Medallion Request
      3.

      Chair Sanford requested his presence before any action will be taken.

    3. Doug’s Taxi, Taxi Medallion Request (not on agenda)

William Brown submitted a letter of request for an additional medallion. Frank Daggett moved to approve the request of Doug’s Taxi for an additional taxi medallion. Councilor Whitehouse seconded the motion, voted all in favor.

  1. OLD BUSINESS
    1. Taxi Stand Parking on High Street
      2.

      James Feehley explained that the parking spaces are not enough for the taxi stand and recommends four spaces. Councilor Whitehouse spoke with the Parking Committee and explained that two meters were installed because the businesses at that location needed the spaces. He believes the Commission should wait and determine the need this next summer.

      Peter Bresciano does not agree to wait and wants to see all five parking spaces.

      Frank Daggett believes we may have to get an additional taxi stand street at some point because of the number of cabs.

    2. Inspections
      3.

      Lt. Winsor explained that the next taxi inspection is December 6, 2001 at the City Yard at 8:00 a.m.

    3. Complaints about taxicab availability at night

Chair Sanford explained that she is receiving complaints about people not able to access taxicabs in the evenings. The drivers explained that they are available in the evenings and explained their viewpoints.

  1. MISCELLANEOUS/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
    1. Stephen Caswell

      2. Lt. Winsor explained that he is following the ordinance on Mr. Caswell’s Taxi Operator Application and based on the ordinance the application would be denied. He explained that Chief Russ wanted to be reasonable since it was not a driver related suspension.

      The Commission reviewed and agreed with a memorandum from City Attorney Sullivan that recommended denial as per City Ordinance.

    2. Re-appointments

Chair Sanford presented re-appointment applications for all those interested in continuing service on the Commission.

  1. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Whitehouse moved to adjourn at 9:32 a.m. Frank Daggett seconded the motion, voted all in favor.

 

Minutes taken and typed by:

B. Christopher Maxwell, Deputy City Clerk