CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
CITY TOWING FEES
THURSDAY,
7:00 P.M.
The City Council meets in the Council chamber on Thursday, June 29, 1995 and is called to order at 7: 1 0 p.m. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.
Present:
Rolland R. Grant, Mayor
Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. )
Gerald R. Lynch ) Council Members
Norman J. Miranda )
Robert D. Sullivan )
Paul E. Lemont ) City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
Mayor Grant states that the meeting has been called for the purpose of setting towing fees for Police tows.
Mr. Miranda says that he was instrumental in calling the meeting after receiving a complaint about the cost of a tow and he and Councilman Sullivan are very concerned with the fees being charged. He says he feels it is the Council's privilege to allow people to tow in the City and the fees should be set by the Council.
Mr. Conley says that the Council has the right to choose and select the towers and the Council has the right to set the towing fees and any other standards that they see fit.
Mr. Larisa asks if it is legally permissible for the Council to set a franchise fee and accept bids and accept the high bidder. Mr. Conley says there is nothing in the ordinance that would preclude that.
Mr. Larisa explains the franchise practice and says if the Council wishes, he would request a report from the Police Chief as to whether any other cities in Rhode Island entertain this practice.
Mr. Lynch says he will never consider going outside the City of East Providence to appoint towers. He says the City has never been bombarded with requests for towing appointments.
Mr. Larisa says the Council is giving certain individuals a monopoly on city initiated tows.
Mayor Grant asks the towers who are present to explain their side . Mr. Lynch asks Mayor Grant if the towers have seen the recommendations from the Police Chief and says he thinks that as a courtesy, they should be allowed to see them before they address the Council.
Police Chief Carl Winquist addresses the Council on the recommendations.
1. $40 for all tows regardless of the type of truck
2. Included in the tow is storage until midnight of the day vehicle is towed.
3. Storage after 12: 00 midnight of the first day, tow operators cart charge a maximum of $16 per day for every full and any partial day of storage.
4. Additional Labor Charges - the first 20 minutes after the tow operator arrives on the scene will be considered as part of the tow. After 20 minutes, a labor charge of $8 per 15 min. intervals can be charged.
Leo Correia, 14 So. Prospect Street, East Providence, RI is present and sworn.
Mr. Correia tells the Council that the cost of gasoline, parts, certifications have doubled - everything is doubled and tripled - costing him $300-400 to register trucks. He says a flatbed tow in town is $55; Zone 2 is $70; Zone 3 - Warwick, etc. is $85; right on line (edge of Providence) is $70; vehicle 8,000 lbs. or less – heavier vehicles are another cost factor. Storage costs are $20 for first 14 days; $25 on the 15-125th day for outside storage. Inside storage charge is $25 for first 14 days and $30 on the 15-125th day. The carrier cost is $20 for delivery of vehicle or personal goods any time other time than 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. or any legal holiday.
He says the average police tow takes an hour to an hour 15 minutes and another 45 minutes to I hour to deliver personal goods.
Michael Ciro Morgera, 450 Bullocks Point, Riverside, Rhode Island, Ciro's Garage, is present and sworn. He says his costs are $45 for regular hook; $55 for flatbed and $20 storage. Labor charges are $22 per hour in addition to the towing.
Richard Cavalarro, 7 Fuller Street, Seekonk, Massachusetts, representing Woods Service Station, is present and sworn. He says he is a sub-contractor for Woods and is on call 24 hours. He charges $35 for wheel lift tow; $10 inside storage; $20 outside storage; $40 flatbed service anytime; a flat rate of $5-$10 for sweeping; sometimes $20 extra.
Mr. Sullivan reports on a Providence report from Coletta's. He proposes the same documentation as Providence Police Department has - $40 per tow; $20 storage tow consisting of 15 minutes on job and $1 per min after first 15 minutes. He says $40 today is a fair price.
After further discussion, Mr. Sullivan makes a motion to give the towers a copy of the Providence Police Contract for review and have them respond to Mr. Lemont, who will bring the matter back before the Council at the next regular meeting, July 18, 1995.
Mr. Larisa seconds and asks for a friendly amendment by adding that the Police Chief receive a copy and make any necessary changes for the Council's review.
Roll call vote follows:
Mr. Larisa Aye
Mr. Lynch Aye
Mr. Miranda Aye
Mr. Sullivan Aye
Mayor Grant Aye
Motion passes 5-0.
The meeting adjourns at 8:30 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry
City Clerk
Approved: JULY 18, 1995