As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
TAXICAB
Includes all vehicles carrying passengers for hire for which public
patronage is solicited, excepting vehicles which operate on established routes
and are regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
No person shall operate a taxicab within the City without a license
obtained hereunder.
Application for a license hereunder shall be made to the City Clerk
and shall be referred to the Council.
The license fee hereunder shall be as set by the Common Council.
Upon reviewing the application, after considering the adequacy of existing
taxicab service and the need for any additional service within the City, the
Council shall grant or deny the license.
The brakes, horn, lights, steering system, exhaust system and tires
of every taxicab shall be examined and tested as to sufficiency at least once
every six months by a certified garage, which shall furnish a certificate,
of which a copy is available from the Police Department, as to the examination
of the vehicle and that said components are in good working order.
Before any license is issued, the applicant for a license hereunder
shall deposit with his application a certificate of insurance coverage showing
that each vehicle to be licensed is covered by public liability insurance
by an insurance company licensed to do business in Wisconsin in the amount
of $1,000,000 for the combined single limit for both bodily injury or death
and property damage for any one accident due to the negligent operation of
such vehicle. Any insurance policy hereunder shall contain a provision that
the same shall not be cancelled before expiration of its term except upon
20 days' written notice to the City. Cancellation or termination of such insurance
shall automatically terminate all licenses issued hereunder unless another
certificate of insurance shall be substituted.
Upon the granting of a license hereunder and upon compliance with the
provisions of this chapter by the applicant, the Clerk shall issue to the
licensee a license which shall be displayed prominently in the taxicab for
which it has been issued.
No license issued hereunder shall be transferable from one licensee
to another. Licenses may be transferred from one vehicle to another upon submitting
to the Clerk proof of insurance and a certificate of inspection.
The name of the taxicab service and the name of the licensee shall be
printed or painted on each side of the taxicab in figures at least 1 1/2 inches
in height.
Each taxicab shall have a card printed in plain legible figures with
the fares charged and posted in a conspicuous place inside the taxicab in
plain sight of passengers.
Considerations for denial of the license shall be as follows. The person:
A. Is under 18 years of age.
B. Does not possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
C. Has been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor or other
offense if the circumstances of such offense substantially relate to the circumstances
of the licensed activity; is subject to a pending criminal charge if the circumstances
of the criminal charge substantially relate to the circumstances of the licensed
activity; or has been convicted of driving upon the highway while under the
influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics unless five years have elapsed
since the date of conviction or discharge from a penal institution, whichever
is later.
D. During any continuous twelve-month period has had three
or more violations resulting in convictions of any of the offenses set forth
in Ch. 346, Wis. Stats., or of any such statutory provision incorporated in
this Code.
Licenses granted under this chapter may be suspended or revoked at any
time by the Council for any violation of the provisions of this chapter, and
also if the vehicle for which the license was issued is not of good appearance,
clean and safe, or for conduct by the licensee or any person driving a vehicle
under such license which is prejudicial to the public safety, welfare or good
order of the City. A license suspended or revoked because the vehicle is not
of good appearance, clean and safe shall not be reissued until the vehicle
shall be put in good condition for use by the public to the satisfaction of
the Council.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter or any order, rule or regulation made hereunder shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided in §
1-4 of this Code.