2009-34 AMENDING CITY CODE - CHAPTER 34 - TRAFFIC

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t, LEGAL DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM NO. 2009-5 April 28, 2009 TO: Honorable Mayor McElroy and City Counci FROM: Ryan P. McCrady, City Manager Wendy Morthland, Corporation Counsel James A. Anderson, Police Chief P` SUBJECT: Chapter 34—Traffic— Impoundment The attached amendments to Chapter 34 of the City Code would make it an ordinance violation for anyone to use their vehicle in violation of the offenses listed. The offenses include driving with a suspended or revoked license, fleeing or eluding a police officer, driving under the influence, having illegal drugs or weapons in the vehicle and some sex offenses. If a vehicle is being used in this manner, the police could authorize the towing and impoundment of the car. The owner of the vehicle would have to post a bond of $250 to retrieve the vehicle and an administrative hearing would be held at a later date to determine whether the vehicle was being used in violation of the ordinance. The ordinances would work similarly to the illegal sound ordinance. The owner of the vehicle would be liable for the offenses and the person in control of the vehicle, if not the owner, would still be charged criminally. It is hoped that the ordinance will have a deterrent effect on the various criminal acts it prohibits. Reducing the number of driving on suspended or revoked licenses for instance, will free up police officer's time as well as make our streets safer for those legally operating on our roadways. If you have any questions, please contact Wendy L. Morthland at 424-2807. WLM:pm Attachment cc: John T. Robinson Amy Waks