PUBLISH

(June 28, 2023)

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-073

CITY OF NEW ULM, BROWN COUNTY, MINNESOTA

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4 – BUSINESS REGULATIONS OF THE NEW ULM CITY CODE TO AMEND CITY CODE TO ALLOW RIDESHARE SERVICES

BE IN ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ULM:

SECTION 1. That Chapter 4: Business Regulations, Section 4.52 Taxicabs, of the City Code of the City of New Ulm is hereby amended as follows:

Section 4.52. Taxicabs and rideshare services.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. The following terms, as used in this chapter, shall have the meanings stated:

A. the term “taxicab” means any motor vehicle being driven, on call, or traversing a scheduled route for public use or hire upon payment of a fare or at regular fare rates, but not including rideshare services provided by a transportation network company or such as are designed for mass transportation as buses, trains, or streetcars.

B. The term “driver” or ” licensed operator” means the person driving and having physical control over a motor vehicle, for purposes of this section.

C. The term “motor vehicle” shall have the definition set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 171.01, subd. 39.

D. The term “rideshare services” means a service provided by a transportation network company as defined under Minn. Stat. 65B.472 in which drivers of privately owned vehicles offer rides to passengers seeking to obtain rides for a fee.

Subd. 2. License required. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate a motor vehicle for public use or hire upon payment of a fare within the City of New Ulm without a license therefor from the City.

Subd. 3. License fees. the annual license fee for each motor vehicle shall be set by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.

Subd. 4. License issuance and display, and vehicle marking. All licenses shall be issued for specific motor vehicles. License tags, including number and year for which issued, shall be plainly visible from the front of the motor vehicle, A minimum of one side of every licensed motor vehicle, when in use, shall be plainly and permanently marked as such with a painted sign or appurtenances showing the full or abbreviated name of the licensed operator or transportation network company. If a licensed motor vehicle is disabled through mechanical failure or for needed repairs, the license may be temporarily transferred to another motor vehicle with a mechanical certificate as required under Subdivision 8 for a period of not to exceed seven days.

Subd. 5. Number of licenses permitted. There shall not be a limit on the number of licensed motor vehicles.

Subd. 6. Mechanical condition. Before issuing a license for a motor vehicle under this section, the applicant shall obtain and present to the City Council a certificate signed by a competent and experienced mechanic showing hat the motor vehicle is in good mechanical condition, that it is thoroughly safe for transportation of passengers, and that it is in neat and clean condition. Such similar certificate may be required from time to time during the license period. In lieu of such certificate, the City Council may accept the report of the Chief of Police relative thereto.

Subd. 7. Driver requirements. each driver or licensed operator of a motor vehicle under this section shall be at least 18 years of age, shall carry a valid Minnesota driver’s license, shall be of good moral character, and shall have no infirmity which is likely to render the driver unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Subd. 8. Taxicab requirements.

A. Insurance required, Before  taxicab license is issued by the City Council, and at all times effective during such license period, the licensee shall have an maintain public liability an bodily injury insurance in the amount specified by the City Council. Such insurance shall cover all passengers carried by the insured licensee and shall be for public taxicab purposes. All such policies shall contain a clause providing for thirty day’s written notice to the Finance Director before cancellation, and a certificate of such insurance shall be furnished by the City before a license is issued.

B. Rates and hours of operation. Each applicant shall file with the Finance Director, before a taxicab license is issued or renewed, a schedule of proposed maximum rates to be charged by the licensed operator during the license period for which the application is make. The schedule of proposed maximum rates, and hours of operation, or a compromise schedule of rates and hours, shall be approved by the City Council before granting the license. Rates will be made available to passengers prior to providing taxicab services. Nothing herein shall prevent a taxicab licensee from petitioning the City Council for review of such rates during the license period, and the City Council may likewise consider such petition and make new rares effective at any time.

Subd. 9. Rideshare service requirements.

A. Rideshare services as provided by a transportation network company under this section shall comply with all requirements under Minn. Stat. 65B.472. All definitions and provisions of Minn. Stat. 65B.472 are incorporated herein.

B. Insurance required for rideshare services. Before a license is issued by the City Council, and at all times effective during such license period, the licensee shall have and maintain insurance as required in accordance with Minn. Stat. 65B.472.

C. Rates and hours of operation. Each licensed operator under this Section providing rideshare services shall comply with the rates and hours of operation as established by the transportation network company.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect and shall be in force thirty (30) day from and after its adoption, approval, and publication.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of New Ulm, Minnesota, this 20th day of June, 2023

Andrea S. Boettger

Council President

ATTEST:

Nicole Jorgensen

Finance Director

Approved by the Mayor of the City of New Ulm this 20th day of June, 2023.

Kathleen L. Backer

Mayor