[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Waterford 12-9-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-21.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Police Department — See Ch. 50.
Business registration permits — See Ch. 188.
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 239.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 266.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 257,
Towing, adopted 5-13-1992 by Ord. No. 92-4, as amended.
The towing and storage of motor vehicles, damaged, stolen or
impounded, within the Township of Waterford shall be performed by
towing operators qualified and licensed pursuant to the provisions
set forth below on a rotating basis without competitive bid. This
ordinance is intended to replace the current sections of this chapter[1] as in effect as of the date of the first reading of this
ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: In this instance "this chapter" refers to former
Ch. 257, Towing, adopted 9-23-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A private passenger automobile of a private-passenger- or
station-wagon-type that is owned or hired and is neither used as public
or livery conveyance for passengers nor rented to others with a driver;
and a motor vehicle with a pickup body, or delivery sedan, a car,
or a panel truck or a camper-type vehicle used for recreational purposes
owned by an individual or by a husband and wife who are residents
of the same household, not customarily used in the occupation, profession
or business of the owner other than farming or ranching. An automobile
owned by a farm family, copartnership or corporation, which is principally
garaged on a farm or ranch and otherwise meets the definitions contained
in this section, shall be considered a private-passenger automobile
owned by two or more relatives resident in the same household.
A vehicle storage facility that it completely indoors, having
one or more openings in the walls for storage and removal of vehicles
and that is secured by a locking device on each opening.
All vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power,
excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks and motorized
bicycles.
An occurrence in which a motor vehicle comes in contact with
any other object for which the motor vehicle must be towed or removed
for placement in a storage facility.
An area not indoors secured by a fence, wall or barrier at
least six feet high with a passive alarm system or similar alarm system
and continuously lighted at night, with all gates, doors or entryways
secured by locks.
An area not indoors that is not secured by a fence, wall
or other barrier, and to include all other areas not defined as an
inside building and outside secured facility.
Starts at 12:01 a.m. for a twenty-four-hour period or fraction
thereof.
Those vehicles equipped with a boom or booms, winches, slings,
tilt beds, wheel lifts or under-reach equipment specifically designed
by its manufacturer for the removal or transport of private passenger
automobiles.
A.
Towing operators performing towing services for the Township of Waterford
shall perform on a rotating basis. The Chief of Police is hereby authorized
and directed to establish a tow truck call list of towing operators'
licenses pursuant to this chapter and to establish a system of rotation
in the assignment of tow trucks. Towing operators shall be assigned
duties from the tow truck call list only. No licensed towing operator
or other party shall respond to the scene of an accident except upon
notification by the officer in charge at police headquarters or upon
request of the driver or owner of the disabled vehicle. The towing
operator shall respond to each call with the equipment requested by
the police and/or dispatcher.
B.
All towing operators must be available for service on a twenty-four-hour,
seven-day-per-week basis when on rotation.
A.
In order for a towing operator to be listed on the tow truck call
list, a license is required pursuant to the provisions set forth below.
Each license issued hereunder shall terminate on December 31 of the
year in which it is issued, and each renewal license shall be for
the one-year period of January 1 through December 31 of the following
year.
B.
Specifically exempted from the licensing requirement is the towing,
transporting, conveying or removing motor vehicles from private property
by towing operators who have been privately engaged or designated
by the owner of the vehicle to be so removed.
C.
All applicants for licenses shall pay a sum as set forth by the Township
Fee Schedule Ordinance[1] at the time the application is filed. This is a nonrefundable
fee which shall be utilized to cover the cost of investigation and
review and shall also be considered to be the fee for the balance
of the year for which the application is filed. Therefore, the annual
fee shall be in the amount set forth in the Township Fee Schedule
Ordinance.
A.
Licenses hereunder shall be approved by the governing body of the
Township of Waterford and issued by the Township Clerk. The application
therefor shall contain the following information:
(1)
The full name and address of the applicant and, if such application
is a corporation, the names and addresses of the officers and directors
thereof, and the registered office and registered agent thereof; or,
if such applicant is a partnership, the names and addresses of all
partners.
(2)
The year, make, model and serial number, registration number and
owner of each tow vehicle which is to be used by the applicant in
responding to calls from the Waterford Police Department requesting
the towing and storage of disabled motor vehicles.
(3)
The tow vehicle's base of service for each tow vehicle to be used
by the licensed operator.
(4)
The location to which the applicant will tow, transport, convey or
remove and thereafter store any motor vehicle towed, transported,
conveyed or removed by the applicant pursuant to the provisions of
this chapter.
(5)
The specific area at the location referred to above that the applicant
has available for properly storing and protecting disabled motor vehicles.
The applicant shall attach to his application a diagram of its property
showing the secured area (inside or outside secured) intended for
the storage and protection of vehicles removed from the roadway.
(6)
The place and location where the applicant will maintain an office
at which any person whose vehicle has been towed, transported, conveyed
or removed may obtain information relative thereto, attend to the
payment of any money to be paid in connection therewith and arrange
for any further removal or possession of such vehicle.
(7)
A statement that the applicant has sufficient personnel and equipment
to provide twenty-four-hour towing and storage services and will be
available 24 hours per day while on rotation to respond to police
calls in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(8)
A certification that the fees charged will not exceed those set forth
in this chapter.
(9)
The name of the insurance company and its address and policy number
showing the limits of coverage required by this chapter, along with
a certification that the Township of Waterford will be added as an
additional insured under the liability provisions of such policy.
(10)
A representation that the applicant will execute an indemnification
and hold harmless agreement with the Township of Waterford.
(11)
A listing of the applicant's prior towing experience, including
the years in business and other municipalities served.
(12)
Such other information as deemed appropriate by the governing
body of the Township of Waterford or the Chief of Police.
B.
Any applications filed after four licensees acceptable to the Township
appear on the rotating list shall not be accepted. Until further amendment
of this chapter, the Township rotating call list shall be limited
to four.
C.
An application for any license is always required. However, in lieu
of any application fee, any licensee accepted by the Township of Waterford
shall be required to tow all vehicles owned by the Township of Waterford
free of charge.
A.
Application forms may be obtained from the Township Clerk, and all
completed applications together with the licensing fee if applicable
shall be submitted to the Township Clerk.
B.
All applications shall be investigated and evaluated by the Township
Police Chief or his designee regarding the applicant's background
and qualifications, and a report of the Police Chief's findings and
recommendations shall be submitted to the governing body within 30
days of the receipt of said application. All applicants shall execute
a release for information to be obtained by the Police Chief to complete
the investigation and evaluation.
C.
All applications are subject to review and approval by the governing
body of the Township of Waterford. Only those applicants which are
responsible and qualified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter
shall be approved. All approved applicants shall be required to execute
a contract with the Township of Waterford to provide the towing and
storage services referred to herein. A certificate of insurance naming
the Township of Waterford as an additional insured shall be submitted.
D.
Storage areas for vehicles towed under the direction of the Waterford
Township Police Department being in the jurisdiction of the Waterford
Township Police Department boundaries shall be made continuously accessible
to police officers of the Waterford Township Police Department for
the purpose of investigation, which may include but not be limited
to searches, photographs, fingerprint dusting, and/or collection of
other evidence. During impoundment of vehicles, no towing/storage
licensee shall allow access to said vehicle without the express permission
of the Waterford Township Police Department in which jurisdiction
said vehicle is impounded and remains so until properly released.
E.
Any past, present or future applications of record, not having governing
body approval, shall be subject to immediate compliance with this
chapter and be processed accordingly.
No license shall be issued unless all of the following standards
are met:
A.
Equipment requirement. No license shall be issued to a towing operator
who does not possess, for utilization in this business, the following
tow vehicles and equipment, which tow vehicles and equipment shall
be inspected by the Chief of Police or his authorized representative
prior to a license being issued:
(1)
At least one four-ton tow vehicle with a boom and drum rating of
four tons; a one-hundred-foot-long, three-eighths-inch diameter cable
with a recommended working limit of at least 3,500 pounds; recommended
gross vehicle weight of a truck or chassis of 10,000 pounds; and dual
rear wheels maintained and equipped in accordance with manufacturer's
specifications.
(2)
At least one sixteen-ton tow vehicle with two booms and two drums,
with each boom having an eight-ton capacity, and each drum having
an eight-ton capacity, and each drum having a two-hundred-foot-long,
one-half-inch cable; recommended gross vehicle weight of truck of
chassis of 16,000 pounds; dual rear wheels; heavy-duty truck tow bar
air brakes; connecting air lines for connection with air compressor
and air brake lines of the towed vehicle; two-speed rear axle and
differential or dual transmission or five-speed transmission; two
heavy-duty high-test pickup chains; and heavy-duty truck sling and
tow bar. In lieu of having this piece of equipment in its possession,
the licensee shall supply the Township Clerk with an agreement in
writing between the licensee and any other entity, or corporation
or person who possesses this specific equipment that he or it will
provide services to the licensee pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter for the term of the license. This agreement shall provide
that the response time shall be in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter and that the licensee shall assume all responsibility
for compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The licensee shall
make provision for the equipment to be available for inspection at
his place of business at the time and place requested by the Chief
of Police or his authorized representative prior to the issuance of
the license. If said agreement shall be canceled for any reason, the
licensee must notify the Township of Waterford within twenty-four
hours.
(3)
At least one flatbed or car carrier with at least one-car capacity;
wheel chokes; and four tie-down chains or grab locks.
(4)
At least one vehicle equipped with tie-down equipment for carrying
motorcycles.
(5)
Safety equipment to be carried on all trucks shall include universal
towing sling; tow hooks and chains; one snatch block for three-eighths-
to one-half-inch cable; two high-test safety chains; four-lamp or
three-lamp revolving amber emergency light with New Jersey state permit;
a toolbox with assortment of hand tools; rear working lights and rear
marker lights; cab lights; body clearing lights located to clear the
towed vehicle; a block choke for the tow vehicle while working; safety
cones; a shovel and a broom; and a steering wheel lock or tie-down.
(6)
In lieu of having the required equipment in his possession, the licensee
shall supply the Township Clerk with an agreement in writing between
the licensee and any other entity, or corporation or person who possesses,
this specific equipment that he or it will provide services to the
licensee pursuant to the provisions of this chapter for the term of
the license. This agreement shall provide that the response time shall
be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and that the
licensee shall assume all responsibility for compliance with the provisions
of this chapter. The licensee shall make provisions for the equipment
to be available for inspection at his place of business at the time
and place requested by the Chief of Police or his authorized representative
prior to the issuance of the license. If the said agreement shall
be canceled for any reason, the licensee must notify the Township
of Waterford within 24 hours.
B.
The tow vehicle's base of service, the towing operator's place of
business, the proposed storage areas, and any other premises to be
utilized by the towing operator as set forth in the license application
shall comply with all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Property
Maintenance Code,[1] and all other applicable laws of the Township of Waterford,
or the municipality wherein the property is located, pertaining to
the use or condition of said premises.
C.
Each towing operator shall have the ability to store all motor vehicles
within an inside secured area. The enclosure shall be in good repair
and well-maintained, and must be continuously lighted from dusk to
dawn. No vehicles shall be stored in an outside unsecured area. Each
storage area shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Chief
of Police or his designee prior to a license being issued.
D.
The secured storage area must be available 24 hours a day, 365 days
per year and open to the public on weekdays during normal business
hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and limited hours to be approved
by the governing body of the Township of Waterford on Saturdays from
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The storage yard shall be made available for
the pickup of a motor vehicle after normal business hours on weekdays
from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., during which time there will
be a gate fee charged in addition to the standard fees addressed in
this chapter.[2] This storage area must be located within the Township
of Waterford and the towing operator's place of business shall be
located within the Township of Waterford and/or a contiguous adjoining
municipality.
E.
All towing operators shall maintain and produce proof of the following
insurance coverage, with the Township of Waterford named as an additional
insured, with the application when submitted to the Township Clerk:
(1)
Automobile liability in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 combined
single limit.
(2)
Comprehensive liability insurance in the amount of not less that
$1,000,000 combined single limit.
(3)
Garage keepers liability in an amount of not less than $75,000, both
on hook and for each storage location.
(4)
Garage liability in an amount of not less that $1,000,000 combined
single limit.
(5)
The policies shall be endorsed to provide collision coverage for
vehicles in tow.
F.
To provide the public with prompt and adequate tow truck service,
the licensee must respond within 25 minutes after being summoned.
G.
Operators and their employees shall be fully trained and knowledgeable
in the operation of all required equipment and shall be subject to
background investigations by the Township of Waterford Police Department.
H.
All billings for towing and storage services shall be itemized for
the services actually rendered pursuant to the fee schedules set forth
herein. A copy of the fee schedule set forth in this chapter shall
be available to the public and at the towing operator's place of business
during normal business hours.
I.
Agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Township of Waterford
for any and all suits, judgments, costs, expenses, including attorney's
fees, and claims on account of breach of contract, damaged property,
or personal injuries, including death arising out of or in any way
connected with the towing and storage services to be provided.
J.
Priority for a license shall be given to businesses located within
the Township of Waterford which perform towing services as a part
of their business operation.
A.
The governing body hereby designates the Police Department generally
and the Chief of Police in particular as the supervising authority
to enforce the provisions of this chapter as well as the rules and
regulations adopted hereunder.
B.
Each licensed towing operator shall at times maintain the necessary
equipment to remove disabled vehicles as required by this chapter.
Each towing operator, prior to the departure from the scene of towing
services, shall clean and clear the streets of any customary debris
resulting from any motor vehicle accident at such scene and shall
at all times carry the necessary equipment to perform said cleaning
services.
C.
Refusal to tow an abandoned or stolen motor vehicle or at the scene
of a motor vehicle accident may result in the disqualification of
any towing operator, and a report of said refusal shall be furnished
to the Chief of Police and the Township Clerk by the investigating
officer at the scene of the accident as soon as possible.
D.
If the licensee summoned is unable to respond within the time constraints
specified in this chapter, he shall so notify the individual requesting
the service, and the next-named towing operator on the tow truck call
list shall be called to respond by the Police Department.
E.
No towing operator operating pursuant to the license issued hereunder
shall employ, either directly or indirectly, any personnel or employees
of the Township of Waterford.
F.
The Township of Waterford Police Department shall maintain a record
of impound calls to licensed towing operators and said record shall
be available for inspection by any licensed tow operator upon reasonable
notice.
G.
An individual whose motor vehicle has been towed and/or stored has
the right to retrieve any of his or her personal possessions therefrom,
even when said motor vehicle is within the possession of the towing
operator. "Personal property" shall be defined to mean anything that
is not permanently attached to the motor vehicle so as to be an integral
part thereof. An individual seeking the retrieval of any personal
items shall arrange with the towing operator to obtain said items
and shall be required to execute a receipt therefor. The towing operator
shall maintain copies of all said receipts. An individual who seeks
return or retrieval of his or her motor vehicle which has been towed
shall appear at the office of the Waterford Township Police Department
to obtain a release for said motor vehicle. Upon completing a designated
release form for his or her vehicle, said individual whose motor vehicle
has been towed and/or stored pursuant to this chapter shall pay a
fee to the Township of Waterford and present same to the Clerk at
the Township of Waterford Police Department.[1] This fee may be waived by the Chief of Police, if deemed
applicable, on a case-by-case basis.
H.
The Township of Waterford reserves the right to review the qualifications
of any personnel employed by the towing operator at any time.
I.
The towing operator and any of its employees are independent contractors,
and they do not represent nor are they employed by the Township of
Waterford.
J.
The towing operator shall at all times be responsible for the conduct
of its employees and shall be liable to the Township of Waterford
and the owners of any motor vehicles towed or stored by the towing
operator for any injuries, damages or costs incurred as a result of
the conduct of said employees.
K.
All towing operators shall comply with all state and federal laws
and regulations concerning the hiring of employees, their wages, hours
and terms of employment.
L.
The Township of Waterford is not liable for any of the services performed
by the contractor unless those services are performed for municipal
vehicles. The contractor shall proceed directly against the individual
owner of the motor vehicle for all fees and charges incurred.
M.
No licensed towing operator shall pile or store vehicles on public
streets or sidewalks.
N.
Each towing operator shall maintain a record of all vehicles towed,
including the date towed, where the vehicle was stored, when the vehicle
was released, and the fees charged, together with any and all other
services rendered. Said records shall be maintained at the principal
place of business of the towing operator as set forth on the application,
and said records shall be maintained for a minimum of three years
and will be made available to the Police Department for inspection
within 48 hours' notice.
O.
Any towing operator with a current license who attempts to apply
as an additional applicant as a spin off applicant, i.e., a business
entity with similar owners, equipment, or relatives or employees as
alter egos of another applicant or current licensee shall be rejected
as ineligible, discriminatory, and misleading.
B.
A licensed towing operator may petition the governing body of the
Township of Waterford for permission to charge fees for the towing
and storage of motor vehicles other than automobiles as defined above.
Said fees must be approved by resolution of the governing body, shall
be valid for a minimum period of one year or until modified by the
governing body, and must be on file with the Township Clerk and at
the principal place of business of the towing operator and available
to the public during normal business hours.
D.
Towing fees shall be charged and assessed in accordance with the attached Schedule of Towing Fees. This Schedule of Towing Fees shall also be placed in Chapter 124 of the Township Code captioned "Fees."
[Amended 3-23-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3]
E.
Storage charges per twenty-four-hour period shall start at 12:01
a.m. for a twenty-four-hour period or fraction thereof.
F.
The Township Clerk and each licensed towing operator shall have available
at the Township hall and the principal place of business of the towing
operator a copy of the fee charges herein.
G.
If any municipally owned vehicles require towing, there shall be
no charge to the Township.
A license may be denied, suspended or revoked upon any of the
following grounds after an appropriate hearing in accordance with
the terms of this chapter:
A.
Submitting a fraudulent or misleading application.
B.
A criminal connection that reflects on the applicant to deal with
the problem in a fair and reputable manner.
C.
Failure to respond reliably and promptly to calls for assistance
or any other action which interferes with the proper operation of
the rotating system maintained by the Police Department.
D.
Violations of motor vehicle law and/or municipal ordinances.
E.
Failure or refusal to tow or remove a motor vehicle when requested
to do so by an appropriate municipal officer.
F.
Violations of the Zoning Ordinance, Property Maintenance Code[1] or any other applicable ordinances or codes of the Township
of Waterford pertaining to the use or condition of the premises used
by the licensee in conducting the towing business.
G.
Violations of the provisions of this chapter or any of its rules
or regulations.
A.
Proceedings for the suspension or revocation of a license shall be
initiated by the service of a notice of charges proffered against
the licensee. Said notice shall be served by the Chief of Police or
his designee, either personally or via certified mail, return receipt
requested, and shall contain a date, time and place for a hearing
to be held by the governing body of the Township of Waterford. Said
hearing shall be scheduled no less than seven days, nor more than
30 days, after the notice of the proposed suspension or revocation
shall be served upon the licensee. The licensee shall have the right
to file an answer to the notice and to appear in person or be represented
by counsel and give testimony at the place and time fixed for the
hearing.
B.
When an application for a license is denied by the Township of Waterford,
the applicant may request a hearing on said application by the service
of a notice requesting a hearing. Said notice shall be served on the
Township Clerk, and at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the
governing body a hearing date shall be set which shall be no less
than seven days, nor more than 30 days, from the date scheduled.
A.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter
shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine not to exceed
$1,000, imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding 90
days or a period of community service not to exceed 90 days, or any
combination thereof.
