HomeMy WebLinkAboutTaxi Advisory Committee Minutes September 15, 2009_201402041306597591Taxi Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes for September 15, 2009
Called to order at: 10:05am
Location: Town Building Conference Room
Members present: David Sharpe (Acting Chair), Mitch Carl, David Larivee, Lt. Angus
MacVicar, John O’Connor, and Wendy Watts.
David Sharpe discussed a recent complaint form that dealt with an incident between a cab
driver and passenger on August 15, 2009. The committee acknowledged that they could
not act upon the complaint as it was turned into the police department for follow up.
An “Ambassador” program was discussed. This is a training program similar to the old
"Team Nantucket" program which was an orientation program co-organized by the
Chamber, Visitor Services, Restaurants, Hospitality and the Hospital. New summer
workers (Lodging, Summer Police, etc...) signed up for this orientation program about
Nantucket. Members discussed creating a similar program that would be part orientation
as well as have a test on Nantucket knowledge for taxi new drivers. The idea is that new
taxi drivers must attend and pass the test before they get their taxi permit. It was agreed
that a sub-committee should be formed to look into developing an “Ambassador” style
program that could be put into place by next spring. The sub-committee will be
comprised of John O’Connor, David Larivee, and David Sharpe.
Regarding meters, the committee reconfirmed that Chief’s Cab will be the pilot program.
The committee agreed that the use of meters could potentially eliminate some of the
confrontations over fares regarding the current zone map, extra people, bikes, and dirt
road charges. Mitch Carl reported that the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board was
polled and they thought that meters would give transparency. Several committee
members expressed their desire to have a stand alone meeting to discuss meters.
Under New Business, Wendy Watts expressed concern that there needs to be a police
officer whose sole duties are to enforce the taxi regulations and that this should be
recommended to the Board of Selectmen. Lt. McVicar noted that Sergeant Travis Ray is
in charge of issuing taxi and limo licenses. Lt. MacVicar reported that on a recent night,
the police called some taxis to see if they could get rides from Town to Madaket, Sconset,
and Squam among other locations. There were no problems as the taxis they hailed took
them to those locations.
The committee agreed to meet again on Tuesday, October 13 at 10am.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05am.
Minutes approved the 10th day of November, 2009.