NUMB:
990617
VERS:
SUBSTITUTE 1
REF:
XXBY:
ALD. HENNINGSEN
TITL:
Substitute resolution directing submission of a report to the Common Council on delays in towing nuisance vehicles.
ANLS:
- Analysis -
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works (DPW) to submit to the Common Council a written report on the operations of the DPW tow desk, explaining the frequent delays between placing a nuisance vehicle (parked on private property) on the DPW tow list and having the vehicle actually towed. The report shall specifically address DPW's having a single towing contractor responsible for all nuisance vehicle towing. The resolution directs DPW to submit the report so that it can be considered by the Public Safety Committee at its first meeting after the adoption of the resolution.
BODY:
Whereas, Nuisance vehicles on private property create a blight on the neighborhood, but such vehicles can be removed after they have been properly ticketed, placarded and placed on the Department of Public Works (DPW) tow list; and
Whereas, Many nuisance vehicles remain on the tow list for several weeks, causing neighbors to repeatedly complain to their Common Council members and requiring Common Council members to make numerous inquiries to the DPW tow desk about individual vehicles; and
Whereas, Nuisance vehicles have often been initially identified by neighborhood residents, who are disappointed and angered by the City's inaction and apparent lack of concern about this "quality of life" issue; and
Whereas, It appears that DPW has contracted with only one contractor to perform all nuisance vehicle tows, and that contractor now has a significant backlog; and
Whereas, A DPW arrangement with more than one towing contractor could increase competition and efficiency and result in timely towing of nuisance vehicles; and
Whereas, It is appropriate for the Department of Public Works to provide the Common Council with information about the delays in towing nuisance vehicles so that solutions to this problem can be implemented; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works (DPW) is directed to submit to the Common Council a written report on the operations of the DPW "tow desk", explaining the frequent delays between placing a nuisance vehicle on the tow list and having the vehicle actually towed; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the report shall include statistical information about the length of time vehicles remain on the tow list before towing, the reasons that may delay prompt towing of vehicles, recommendations to reduce such delays and any other relevant information that may assist the Common Council in determining why vehicles on the tow list are not promptly towed; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the report shall specifically address the fact that only one contractor is currently responsible for all nuisance vehicle towing, shall discuss whether additional towing contractors could reduce the backlog and shall explain why DPW has not contracted with additional towing companies to reduce towing delays and increase efficiency; and
Further Resolved, That the Department of Public Works shall submit this report to the Common Council so that it can be considered by the Public Safety Committee at its first regularly scheduled meeting after the adoption of this resolution.
ZDPT:
DFTR:
99268-4
CW
7/29/99