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July 11,2007 <br /> Moved by Council Member Nielsen,seconded by Council Member <br /> Roberts that this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill <br /> No.0706-40. <br /> Vice President Olson asked for comments. <br /> Adisu Aramde,Yellow Cab,requested the city council to form a committee <br /> and further study this issue.He stated that the reason for having a cap on <br /> the number of taxis is soli valid. He also voiced opposition to taxi <br />• inspections being done in Seattle. <br /> Michael McKay,attorney representing North City Taxi,spoke in support of <br /> the proposed ordinance. He indicated his client has been waiting to <br /> obtain a taxi company license.He pointed out that at this 8me Yellow Cab <br /> has 80%of the available taxi licenses which is a monopoly and is not a <br /> benefit to the city.He stated that by removing the cap the city would have <br /> better taxi services available. <br /> • <br /> Council Member Roberts indicated that the proposed ordinance has been <br /> approved by the Public Safety Committee. He stated that there is no <br /> compelling reason to regulate the number cab licenses and with more <br /> development happening more options need to be available. <br /> Council Member Gipson stated that the current ordinance is working and <br /> shouldn't be changed. He questioned why taxi meters aren't tested <br /> locally.Laura Ven Slyck responded that it was cost prohibitive for the city. <br /> Laura Van Slyck,City Legal Advisor,explained that the Public Safety <br /> Committee had four options regarding this issue and chose to remove the <br /> cap on taxi cabs.She also gave statistics regarding the number of cabs <br /> per person in various cities. <br /> Nasrat Bhatti asked for a chance to run a cab company. She sad she <br /> was eager to provide quality service to the elderly. <br /> The City Clerk was directed to call the roll for the final disposition of the <br /> ordinance. <br /> 236 <br />