The City Council received a preliminary report Tuesday night dealing with restructuring the code applicable to the operation of taxicab companies and drivers in Alexandria.
It was the result of a report received by council at its Nov. 23, 2004 legislative meeting pertaining to proposed changes in the city regulation of the Alexandria taxicab industry.
"What you have before you is a framework for change. This now has to be translated into rewriting the code," said Councilman Rob Krupicka, who, along with Councilman Ludwig Gaines, has been working on restructuring the various rules governing the industry in concert with representatives of the companies and drivers.
"The emphasis on all the proposals should occur in a public hearing where all sides get to express their views and ideas. The intent is to vote on sending this to staff tonight in preparation for such a public hearing," Krupicka said. He moved that the public hearing be held in March due to the complexity of the matter and the time needed by staff to assemble all the material.
In a memorandum to the mayor and council dated Jan. 19, Krupicka and Gaines made three recommendations:
* Receive this report and its proposed changes to the city's taxicab regulations;
* Approve the proposed regulatory changes, and
* Direct the City Attorney and staff to develop City Code amendments and regulations to implement the approved changes and docket them for public hearing and council consideration in February 2005.
It was the last recommendation that Krupicka, supported by Gaines, recommend be delayed until March. It was approved unanimously.
Following the vote, Mayor William D. Euille said, "I can't think of any governmental entity that has taken this much time to deal with a problem of such importance. There has been a large contingent involved in this including drivers, companies, council, staff and the community at large."
OTHER ITEMS considered by council Tuesday night were:
* Amendments to the FY 2005 Community Development Block Grant Program to provide funding for improvements at Ladrey Highrise.
* Receipt of a staff report relating to policy changes in developer contributions for affordable housing and setting recommendations for a public hearing on Feb. 12.
At the beginning of Tuesday night's meeting, the council heard a report on various legislative priorities being considered by the 2005 Virginia General Assembly of interest to Alexandria. Various members of the council hope to travel to Richmond on Feb. 3 to participate in Virginia Municipal League Day and meet with local General Assembly members.