Title
Resolution Creating a Towing Advisory Board
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Towing Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from law enforcement agencies, towing and recovery operators, and the general public, was created by Resolution 00-2242 on November 8, 2000 pursuant to Virginia Code Section 46.2-1217. The aforesaid board was created to review towing practices and to advise City Council regarding the appropriate provisions of any ordinance pertaining to the towing of motor vehicles at the request of law-enforcement.
In 2011 the City Council recognized the value of the input of the Towing Advisory Board but determined that it had served its stated purpose. As such, Resolution 11-0056 disbanding the Towing Advisory Board was passed by the City Council on March 9, 2011.
At this time, City Council finds it advisable to review the City's Police-Requested Towing Ordinance, located in Chapter 21, Article VII of the Hampton City Code, to determine whether the provisions contained therein continue to reflect regional standards and the best interests of the community and seeks to re-establish a towing Advisory Board to inform this review.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, Virginia Code Section 46.2-1217 authorizes local governing bodies to regulate police-requested towing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton currently regulates police-requested towing through Chapter 21, Article VII of the Hampton City Code; and
WHEREAS, before adopting an ordinance pursuant to Virginia Code Section 46.2-1217, the statute provides that a local governing body shall appoint an advisory board to advise the governing body with regard to the appropriate provisions of the ordinance or terms of the towing contract; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has decided to review the police-requested towing ordinance to determine whether the provisions contained therein continue to reflect regional standards and the best interests of the community; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Code Section 46.2-1217 states that the advisory board shall include representatives of local law-enforcement agencies, towing and recovery operators, and the general public; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton had a Towing Advisory Board beginning November 8, 2000, and said board was disbanded on March 9, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to re-establish a Towing Advisory Board for the reasons set forth above.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this City Council re-establishes a Towing Advisory Board, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 46.2-1217, and charges the board with the following duties:
-to meet at least quarterly at a location to be provided by the Hampton Police Division.
-to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair;
-to conduct all meetings in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order; and
-to provide a report to the City Council within one year of its first meeting regarding what, if any, provisions of the Police-Requested Towing Ordinance should be amended; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the board shall consist of seven members: two from law enforcement, two from the towing and recovery business/profession, and the three remaining members from the general public.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that board members shall be appointed by the City Council to serve a two-year term, which may be renewed at the end of two years if the Hampton City Council determines there is a continued need for a Towing Advisory Board.