Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Replacing the City’s Existing Rotating Permit System for Police-Initiated Wrecker Requests with a New Contractually Awarded Sole Provider for Such Wrecker Services by Repealing Chapter 114 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, Entitled “Wrecker Services,” in its Entirety and Replacing said Chapter with a New Chapter 114, also Entitled “Wrecker Services”; Amending “Appendix A - Schedule Of Fees” by Repealing Chapter 114, Contained Therein, in its Entirety; Declaring that All Existing Tow Truck Permits Shall Expire at Midnight on September 30, 2024; Providing a Penalty; Repealing Conflicting Ordinances; Providing a Savings Clause; Providing a Severability Clause; Providing for Publication of the Caption of this Ordinance; and Providing for an Effective Date
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe and Secure Community
MEETING DATE: September 17, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
City Attorney’s Office
CONTACT: Joe Ellenburg, Chief of Police
Mark Houser, City Attorney
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The current ordinance allows for the City to issue permits to up to three rotating wrecker services for police-initiated tows. This ordinance replaces said system with a contractually awarded sole provider for such services and deems all current tow permits currently in effect to terminate as of midnight September 30, 2024.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 permits a local authority to regulate private operators engaged in the practice of vehicle towing and booting within the areas in which the local authority regulates traffic and parking.
• The City previously adopted rules and regulations relative to towing, impoundment and disposition of abandoned vehicles pursuant to Ordinance No. 2000-09-061 on September 5, 2000, which was amended by Ordinance No. 2018-11-076, adopted on November 6, 2018, and was further amended by Ordinance No. 2023-04-020, adopted on April 4, 2023, and currently codified under Chapter 114 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A