City of Minneapolis, MN 2014 Minneapolis City Council and Committee meetings, 29 Apr 2014

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From YouTube: April 29, 2014 Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee Meeting

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Minneapolis Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee Meeting

A

A

You guys ready welcome to the regularly scheduled meeting of the community development and regulatory services committee for today april 29th we've been joined by council members reich frye, quincy cono and councilman rossamil joining us shortly. That is a quorum of this committee. We have about an hour's worth of business prior to item 13 and we're going to move through that agenda as quickly as we can, while giving appropriate time to it.

A

I want to note that there is an overflow room for item number 13 in room 319, there's also another one in room 321 and if you're here on items other than 13 I'd, urge you to stay close to the front so that we perhaps even people could relinquish their seats to people who are here for business in the first hour of the agenda and perhaps come back at 2 30 and stand in the house.

A

So people who are here on the business in front of the council can get to the microphone quickly if they need to. Is anyone willing to do that? I see a lot of people standing in the back, who might need to be seated for the first portion of the meeting.

A

Thank you if you're here for items 1 through 12 or 14 through 23, I'd urge you to try to find a seat in the audience and we'll try to get through those items. Thank you.

A

Okay, uh we have a consent agenda today of items 14 through 21. Are there any items anyone would like to pull off the agenda items 14 through 21. sing? None I'll move the consent agenda, all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. Those items are approved, we'll start with our public hearing agenda starting with item number one, which is the 2004 consolidated plan public hearing. um Mr bauer welcome.

B

Good afternoon, uh madam chair and members of the committee, uh today's public hearing is on the 2014 consolidated plan that the city will be submitting to hud later in may here. uh This is for our annual entitlement of community development block grant home investment partnerships, uh emergency solutions, grant and housing opportunities for eight persons with aids funding.

B

This is a public hearing to receive comment on that we've had the plan out for public review for about two weeks now the comment period will run through may 13th.

B

Any comments received either at this hearing or written comments received during the comment period will be included in the plan to be submitted to hud, and um I think, with the the many hearings on the agenda, I think I'll just wrap it up here and then stand for the hearing.

A

Are there any questions for mr bauer on item number one, which is our comments to our 2014 consolidated plan? Seeing none will open the public hearing on item number one to receive comments on the 2014 consolidated plan. We have one person signed up to speak. Is there anyone else here. Who'd like to speak is miss castor here, flowcaster, anyone I'll open the public hearing for anyone.

A

Who'd like to testify on item number one sing, none I'll close the public hearing and move approval, further comments or questions sing, none all in favor signify by saying aye aye, and he opposed that item is approved. Thank you, mr bauer, we'll be on item number two, which is a land sale for the hollywood theater and redevelopment project.

A

Mr mercer welcome.

C

Good afternoon, madam chair council members, my name is miles mercer, I'm in the business development group of cped, and today we're going to ask you to do two things. One is approve the sale of 2815 and 2819 johnson street northeast, also known as the hollywood theater property for one dollar to out of the past redevelopment, which is an entity controlled by andrew volna.

C

That price is consistent with a appraisal that cped commissioned that found that the property has a negative value because of the work needed to the building.

C

The second thing we're asking is that you that you authorize city officials to enter into a redevelopment contract in accordance with the terms outlined in the staff report, some quick background. In december 2012, the city council gave andrew volna a period of exclusive development rights to the property.

C

Since that time, volna and his team have refined their development plan. They have completed further design and cost estimating secured the listing of the property in the national register of historic places, secured funding and negotiated the terms of the redevelopment contract.

C

Importantly, volna has engaged with the local community he's met with the neighborhood group three times most recently in february, the audubon neighborhood association board has provided a letter of support for the sale of the property to volna.

C

Under the terms of the redevelopment redevelopment, contract, vulnera will be required to complete a scope of work that will improve the exterior and parts of the interior of the building, while protecting the key historical architectural features.

C

It's important to note that this building has been vacant since 1987.

C

and in city ownership. Since 1993 there have been many attempts at redevelopment over the years that have not panned out this time. We have an experienced developer with a strong team. They have a personal and professional passion for the building and for northeast minneapolis and volna has the financial capacity and willingness to fund the improvements.

C

In short, mr volna and his team are the most promising opportunity that we've had for reactivating the hollywood building and they have a plan to do it. Mr von is here here I'd be happy to address any questions. Staff recommends. Your approval of this item are.

A

There any questions for mr mercer on item number two sing, none, uh mr volna. Anyone. What do you want to come up and say a few words come on. I have a few words I want to say to you.

A

Gosh, I I I just give you so much credit.

D

A

Here a year and a half ago and said I can do this and I said please don't let us down right.

D

A

Like you are one gigantic step forward and not letting us down.

E

A

Really really making the community proud of this space again, I just want to congratulate you for getting this further than anyone else is.

D

A

Able to do it, I.

D

Couldn't have done it without megan elliott and preservation. Design works she's been a huge asset to the to the project, so council.

A

Member right did you and council.

F

D

Of course yeah, thank you.

F

Thank you, madam chair, and a great congratulations, but I'm not surprised. um You know the saying you know measure twice cut once uh this group probably measured. You know several dozen times uh with it with a keen analytical sense, a real, a true savvy entrepreneurial spirit that was not clouding over problems.

F

Challenges issues they looked at them square on, came with a real plan not based on just desire but based on the facts before them that they accumulated and they're really ready to go, and uh this is a big day for for the east side and, I would say, a historic treasure of the city. Thank you.

A

Thank you so much so we'll open the public hearing on item number two, which is a land sale of the hollywood theater at 15, 25, 19 johnson street northeast. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue, anyone anyone seeing none I'll close the public hearing? Thank mr vulner megan, elliott and call in council member ike.

F

Madam chair, I happily move this item for approval item.

A

Number two has been moved for approval, further comments or questions, seeing none all in favor signify by saying aye aye.

G

A

Opposed that item is finally approved. God speeds you uh we'll move on to item number three, mr petterford welcome.

H

Good afternoon, madam chair uh council members, I'm bringing forward a proposal from mick glitch builders to buy a parcel of 3217 29th avenue south for its appraised value of 31 thousand dollars.

H

Miklich proposes to build a two-story home with three bedrooms: three baths with the full basement, featuring 1655 square feet of finished living space and with a two-car detached garage which they will market for owner occupancy at an asking price of 335 500..

H

I met with the neighborhood group uh regarding the proposal and they enthusiastically endorsed the proposal and recommended that uh the sale occur. Are there any questions.

A

Are there any questions for mr pettiford and item number three sing? None! Thank you for your report. We'll open up the public hearing on item number three, which is a land sale, 3217, 29th, avenue south. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue? Anyone anyone seeing none I'll close the public hearing, councilmember.

I

I move um the land approval of the land, sale and item number three item.

A

Number three has been approved for their comments or questions sing, none all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved. We'll move on to item number four, mr wilson,.

J

Thank you, madam chair. We have an application by agricultural kitchen and press llc for an on-sale wine license with strong beer class e for the location of 2939 gerard avenue, south.

J

This will be a full-service restaurant with wine and strong beer and no live entertainment. Just background recorded music, the interior has seating capacity of 92 persons.

J

This is in a newly built building at the corner of gerard in lake and lagoon, and it's formerly, the location of cowboy slims main shareholders and owners are aaron. Weitz and michael asp, and both of these shareholders are owners of the yogurt lab located at 5007 france avenue.

J

There will not be an outdoor area with this application. A public hearing is required for this application. We notified all residents and property owners within 600 feet and the neighborhood associations and business associations. As of today, we have not received any responses.

J

This application meets all the requirements and we recommend approval.

A

Are there any questions on the report by mr wilson on item number four, seeing none will open the public hearing on item number four, which is an application: fraud, sale wine and strong beer class e new business for agriculture at 2939, gerard avenue south? Is there anyone here to speak to this issue?

A

Anyone anyone sing, none we'll close the public hearing, councilmember fry.

K

I'd like to move the staff recommendation.

A

A motion to approve is in front of us further comments or questions, seeing none all in favor signify by saying aye, and he opposed that item is approved. I do want a note from ms caster who just walked in we've already taken up your item, but we are happy to have your comments. If you have them in writing, we will add them to the record. um The clerk will happily take those and thank you for being here today. We'll then move on to item number five agriculture at 3717, west 50th street, mr wilson.

J

Thank you, madam chair. This is an application by the same owners as the previous application. This location is different. It's down at 3717, west 50th by 50th in france. They will have seating for 60 inside seating outside for 36. They will be open from 7 a.m, to 10 p.m. Deadly daily.

J

A public hearing is also required for this application. uh We did notify all residents and property owners within 600 feet, uh business associations and neighborhood groups. We did receive five responses um from that notification.

J

Four do not support the application and one does support the application. The four that do not support the application um are indicating that there is not enough parking in the 50th and france area to support this and the other restaurants that are already there. Our zoning department has signed off on the parking situation there.

J

They meet all of the requirements and staff's recommendation is to approve.

A

Are there any questions for mr wilson on item number five, seeing none we'll open the public hearing on item number five, which is an application for on sale, wine and strong beer license e a new business at 3717 west 50th street? Is there anyone here to speak to this issue?

A

Anyone anyone sing? None will close the public hearing, councilmember frye.

K

I move that we adopt the staff recommendation on item number five item.

A

Number five has been moved for approval, further comments and questions, seeing none all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved, we'll move on then to item number six. Mr wilson.

J

Thank you, madam chair domico, catering at operates the food and beverage services at the walker arts center and they're, asking for a permanent expansion of premises so that they can serve food and beverage alcohol on all portions of that property.

J

There is special legislation in place to allow the city of minneapolis to do this, because the some of the land is zoned as park land and normally wouldn't be allowed. Alcohol sales wouldn't be allowed.

J

We did a public hearing normal mailing for this application of 600 feet for all property owners and and residents and business associations, etc. um As of today, we have received no responses and staff's recommendation is to approve this application.

A

Are there any questions for mr wilson on item number six, seeing none will open the public hearing on item number six, which is an application for on sale, liquor, class b, it's a permanent expansion of premise for the sculpture garden. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue?

A

Please step forward state your name and address for the record. My friend.

L

Hello, my name is ryan french, I'm director of marketing and public relations at the walker. uh Thank you for uh having us and considering this, uh this change in uh in our rules. Every year mini golf serves between 40 and 50 000 people. It's a major hit. People really enjoy coming down to the park and the sculpture garden other visitors, hundreds of thousands come in. We think that this change will really enhance the visitor experience and more people will enjoy the park so yeah. Thank you for your consideration.

A

Thank you for very much for being here ryan. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue? Anyone anyone saying none I'll close the public hearing and move approval I'll in favor signify by saying aye, aye.

M

A

Opposed that item is approved. We move on to item number seven, uh mr wilson,.

J

Thank you, madam chair. We have an application for a sidewalk cafe, license by dunn brothers, coffee at 821 west lake street. They are proposing to have seven two top tables with a seating capacity of 14..

J

We have had this reviewed by our traffic engineer and there is adequate sidewalk space on this site. For this we did a mailing and a notice to all residents and property owners within 300 feet and neighborhood groups and business associations. In response to that notification, we received one response and support of the application.

J

This application meets all of our requirements and I recommend approval.

A

Any questions about item number, seven, seeing none we'll open the public hearing on item number; seven done brothers: application for sidewalk, cafe, 821 west lake street. Is there anyone here to deal with this just comment? Anyone anyone sing, none I'll close the public hearing, councilmember fry.

K

I'll move uh the staff recommendation.

A

Approval has been moved further comments and questions sing, none all in favor signify by saying aye, and he opposed that item is approved on to item number. Eight, mr wilson,.

J

Thank you, madam chair. We have an application by marsha llc for a on sale, liquor, class e with sunday sales license at 2900, lindale avenue south. This restaurant will have seating inside for 50 and seating outside for 44.. This is in a newly constructed multi-use. Building that has not previously been licensed for alcohol.

J

Applicant principles are brent, frederick and jacob toledo, mr frederick, will serve as the manager and he is currently an existing licensee at the poorhouse and the borough group and kudetai in minneapolis marche plans to be open for breakfast lunch and dinner, because alcohol has not been at this site before a public hearing is required. We did mail, 390, public hearing, notices to residents and property owners. We notified the neighborhood groups, etcetera.

J

As of today. We have received no responses to that notification.

M

J

Meet all the requirements of law and I recommend approval.

A

Are there questions for mr wilson on item number eight sing. None will open the public hearing on item number, eight, which is an application for on sale, liquor, classy new business for marche 2900, lindale avenue south. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue? Anyone anyone seeing none, we'll close the public hearing council member frye.

K

I'd just like to say brent and jt are class business owners. I'm really excited about this new venture here and I happily moved the staff recommendation.

A

Further comments and questions seeing none all in favor signify by saying aye any opposed. That item is approved. On item number nine, mr wilson,.

J

Madam chair, we have an application by the lindale at 2937, lindell avenue south to permanently expand their premises to expand their sidewalk cafe by 12 additional seats. They are open from 4 p.m, to 2 a.m, monday through friday, until 2 a.m. On saturday and sunday as well, we did a mailing, we mailed 68 notices, notified business associations and neighborhood groups, and, as of today, we have received no responses for or against the application they meet. All the requirements and staff recommends approval.

A

Further questions for staff, seeing none will open the public hearing on item number: nine, the lindale, 2937 lindell avenue south an application for on sale, class e and sidewalk cafe licenses. Is there anyone here to speak to this issue? Anyone anyone seeing none, we'll close the public hearing council member fry.

K

Move we adopt the staff recommendation on item number nine item.

A

Number nine has been moved for their comments or questions, seeing none all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved on to item number ten, mr wilson,.

J

Madam cheering committee members, we have a ordinance amendment um text, amendment proposal in front of you today and that's the purpose of this public hearing. We have a variety of mobile food, vending options in minneapolis and we will be adding. If you approve this amendment, you will be adding one more option.

J

I've asked inspector craig eliason to place a photo on the viewer.

J

And that it's not not real great pictures, but that shows the six options of uh mobile food vending. We have in minneapolis right now. The first one which would be your upper left is the version that we're adding- and this is a non-motorized limited food vehicle.

J

So it's a bicycle, powered ice cream cart. They have historically been allowed in our park system but have not been allowed on our city streets. We have an amendment before you that would allow them to operate in all of minneapolis, with the exception of the core of downtown.

J

And staff has reviewed this ordinance. The city attorney has helped us draft the the amendment and.

A

Mr, do you have anything you want to add.

A

Mr wilson, do you have anything you'd like to add.

J

So I'm staff is recommending approval of this amendment.

A

Okay, this is a public hearing on adopting ice cream push carts. Is there anyone who would like to speak to this issue?

A

Anyone aren't you all here for this okay, so anyone last chance ice cream, pushcarts amending the ordinance to allow them in districts outside of downtown, uh seeing none I'll close the public hearing, councilmember quincy.

N

uh Thank you, madam chair I'd, like to move approval of this item.

A

Item number 10 has been moved for approval, further comments or questions sing, none all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved, we'll now move on to our items 12 and 13, which are our quasi-judicial public hearings, councilmember frye.

K

Thank you, chair goodman. uh We have two items for today: it's numbers 12 and 13.. The first is a rental dwelling license. That's 2441-43 dupont, avenue south the owner, I believe, is travis anderson and here to give us the rundown for today is christina dowling. I believe.

K

Thank you christina thank.

O

You good afternoon, madam chair committee, members, the property involved in this action is 2441, 43, dupont, avenue south. This is a residential two-unit dwelling. The respondent travis anderson is the owner of record and obtained a license to operate this property as a rental business in february. 2003.

O

Excuse me, however, the rental fees for 2013 and 2014 year were not paid on october 12 2012, an inspection was conducted which revealed numerous exterior violations, including, but not limited to the repair or replace of the roof on the garage repair, replace the front porch wall repair, remove the gutters and downspouts and to repair or replace the front foundation post. The compliance data established on the order was november, 16 2012..

O

Numerous three inspections occurred between february 2013 and november 2013, resulting in five administrative citations being issued, totaling, five thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. The citations were not paid or appealed and remain outstanding.

O

The unpaid administrative citations are in violation of the licensing standard 11 on minneapolis code 244.1910 on january 3rd 2014, a notice of director's determination of non-compliance was sent to the owner. The owner was given 10 days to come into compliance by paying the pending assessments based upon the total amount. Due on owing of 4 400 for the 2014 levy year on february 11 2014, an onus revocation was sent to the owner via certified mail. The notice was returned to the city is unclaimed.

O

It was further posted on the rental dwelling, giving the homeowner 15 days to come into compliance. The owner did not appeal the revocation action at this time. The city is requesting that revocation of this license and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

K

Do we have any questions for staff I seeing none? I will open up the public hearing before I do so I'll read the regular statement. This is a quasi-judicial license hearing, for which this committee is limited by law, to hearing argument from the property owner of the owner's representative, but is he prohibited from considering any further evidence or taking any further testimony?

K

What this means practically is that you're required to limit your uh comments to arguments specifically addressing the evidence or testimony introduced before the hearing officer, which is part of the record that is already before us. If you didn't appeal this, uh the staff revocation recommendation to the hearing officer you've waived your right to introduce evidence or testimony into the record and must limit your arguments to addressing the existing record. You may not offer and we may not consider any new additional evidence based solely on the existing record and the arguments that the parties make today.

K

The city council may affirm, modify or reverse the recommendation that is before us. uh That being said, the owner or representative on behalf of the owner may come up to to to talk. um Is the owner or representative on behalf of the owner here today?

K

uh Seeing is the owner or representative uh here today, owner or representative, uh seeing that the owner of the representative is not here and I'm assuming that the individual that just walked in the door is not the owner of the representative looks like not. I I move that we adopt the staff recommendation, which is to revoke the rental license on 2441., all those in favor say aye.

A

K

All those opposed uh moving to item number 13 rental dwi dwelling license 3609 cedar avenue. South the owner is kokon llc and juan huang and christina dowling, I believe, will be giving us the rundown again correct.

O

Good afternoon, the property involved in this action is 3609 cedar avenue. This is a three unit dwelling kokon llc is the owner and taxpayer of record for this property per hennepin county as the owner won wong on behalf of kokon llc, applied for and was awarded a rental license for this property. In march 2009 on may 9 2013, an inspection was conducted which resulted in a written notice of violation being issued, advising the respondent to discontinue parking vehicles on an unimproved surface and to in to install a proper parking service.

O

The compliance date established on the order was june. 16 2013. reinspections occurred on june 17, 2013 and august 15 2013, which resulted in two administrative citations being issued payable for two hundred dollars and four hundred dollars. Those citations were not paid or appealed and still remain outstanding.

O

On may 9 2013 an inspection was conducted which resulted in a second written notice of violations being issued, which included numerous interior and exterior violations. The compliance date established on that order was june. 16 2013 numerous re-inspections occurred between june 2013 and january 2014, resulting in additional administrative citations being issued. Those citations again were not paid or repealed and remain outstanding.

O

The unpaid administrative citations are in violation of the licensing standard 11 of minneapolis code 244.1910 on january 3rd 2014. I noticed the director's determination of non-compliance was sent to the owner. The owner was given 10 days to come into compliance by paying the assessments based upon the total amount. Due of owing of 4 840 on february 6 2014, a notice of revocation was sent to the owner via certified mail. The notice was also posted on the rental dwelling, giving the owner 15 days to file an appeal on the matter.

O

The owner failed to file an appeal at this time. The city is requesting. Revocation of this license and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

K

Thank you, ms dallin, do we have any questions uh for the staff uh seeing none just to clarify ms dowling so that their their heads there was an appeal and then the individual did not they failed. To actually appeal. Is that correct.

O

uh Mr vice chair committee members, the respondent failed to appeal the citations and they also failed to appeal the director's determination.

K

You said that aptly. Thank you. um The same introductory statement that I read before applies, which means that no further testimony may be offered here, you're limited to what's already on the record, which is right now. Blank is an owner or a representative on behalf of the owner here today to speak.

K

Is the owner representative here uh is an owner representative here, seeing that they are not here, I will move uh the recommendation from staff, which is to revoke the uh the license. uh All those in favor say aye all those opposed saying no chair, goodman.

A

uh Thank you, councilmember frye, um I'm just gonna quick move back to item number one. I know ms caster's made it all the way here and she wanted to have her two minutes to speak to the consolidated plan issues and I'd invite you to come up, and since you made it all the way here to speak to us about item number one and note your written comments will be in the record. We're not reopening the record but we're just allowing her to speak.

A

Flo welcome.

P

Thank you very much, madam chair and council members and seabed um I'd like uh uh to compliment you on uh on what you put forward in the consolidated plan and call your attention to a couple of overlooked items uh on the continuing partnership uh on the development of heritage park and the uh extension to a link with uh west 394.

P

There still is no signage anywhere on glenwood or on van wyck memorial uh boulevard that that link even exists.

P

I and the uh road leading to uh the the new road and bridge uh is still uh unpaved and and and and developed, and you need signage on the highway on glenwood and on the boulevard indicating that yo there's a link here to 394 west uh and um uh also I I see that you've got seventy.

P

Seventy percent of your cdbg funding allocated to uh low and moderate income uh and none to uh urgent needs and the rest allocated to miscellaneous activities on the elimination of slum and blight.

P

I would call your attention to the fact that we have one in five children k through 12 our homeless.

P

It's hard enough to be homeless, but can you imagine being a child trying to attend school with no place? To put your stuff no stable home, you don't have a room for your teddy bear and your school stuff uh we've urgently got to do outreach involving the school board as well as mhfa and and and cped and cdbg, to address the urgent need of dealing with homelessness in families with school-aged children.

P

It's an impossibility.

A

Okay, can you wrap up your comments.

P

And uh one final thing: I would urge uh that all new construction follow the zero waste model covered in the journal and be installed with solar panels and wind turbines, and that you provide e-cycling, bins and and and also work on sustainability and edible landscaping and gardening containers to continue the extraordinary job that minneapolis does in its downtown zone on greening and public realm.

A

Ms castro, thank you for coming down today. It's been a great pleasure to work with you over the years and we appreciate the major effort it took for you to get down here today.

A

That would be great okay. Thank you. We'll then move on to our two remaining items, which are discussion, items, items 22 and 23. Perhaps they can be presented together.

A

Ms perel welcome.

Q

Good afternoon, madam chair and committee members, I'm rebecca perrell, I'm with cped's business development group. I do have two reports related to the great streets program for you today.

Q

The first represents approval of 17 business district support grant awards the business district support grants are one component of the overall great streets program which was created in 2007 to support the vitality of the city's neighborhood business districts through a variety of different tools, including our facade, improvement, matching grant program, real estate redevelopment gap, loan program, small business, technical assistance program and our business district support program, which is the subject of today's report.

Q

The business district support awards specifically fund activities like district-wide, branding and marketing campaigns. Member drives business, education and networking events and business recruitment. In the first six years, the program we have funded 2.7 million dollars of retail and commercial revitalization activities. Examples of past award outcomes are presented in the report, as well as in the exhibits to the report.

Q

In january of this year, we issued the seventh rfp and received 27 submittals, requesting over 800 thousand dollars, an eight member review committee commiss, consisting of representatives from cped public works, the city coordinator's office, neighborhood and community relations, the mcknight foundation lisk and a private minneapolis marketing firm, all helped craft the recommendations that are in front of you today. It was a competitive round and it was a challenging task for the review committee to determine which activities to fund at what levels.

Q

For this year we resulted in four hundred and two thousand eight seven hundred and seventy eight dollars recommended for seventeen contracts. um Those dollars will leverage approximately six hundred and fifty thousand dollars in private matching funds. Coming from a variety of sources, including member drive uh for member dues, volunteer hours donated services and foundation grants.

Q

I don't know if there are any of the organizational partners here today, it's kind of a full room. So I don't see anybody here.

A

Is there anyone here from a business association, who's an organizational partner with us? Would you just raise your hand, so we can acknowledge you're here I do see our marcy holmes.

Q

Okay, great thank you um and I'm happy.

A

To take any questions, are there any questions from esprell on item number one? I want to note that this is the allocation of almost four hundred thousand dollars to business associations around the city. 24 applicants. We weren't able to fund them all, but uh there is great need- and I would just note that to the chair of the city's um ways- means committee. So when cpad comes back and asks for more money in this program next year, um we'll be able to weigh that with the other requests.

A

um Further comments com. So who would like to move approval council, member or sami.

M

Thank you, madam chair. I would like to move approval of uh staff finding.

A

Would you like to remove both items? You want to speak to the second item also, um why.

M

Don't you go ahead and say a few words we'll take.

A

Item number 22: first on council member, we're sami's motion all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved. Ms.

Q

Perel, the second um item in front of you today is expanding the great streets eligible areas for a pilot. um It is in three areas. It also excuse me. The recommendation also is approving two. Twenty thousand dollar facade improvement matching grant contracts.

Q

The pilot areas are for the nicolet avenue and glenwood avenue that are not currently included in their adjacent designated commercial corridors, as well as lowry avenue north west of the mississippi river.

Q

The two facade contracts are for the lowry avenue pilot area and the nicollet avenue pilot area from 31st street to 36th street, as those areas do not have an existing facade contract, whereas the southern portion of nicolette and glenwood do have existing facade contracts that can expand into these areas. Are there.

A

Questions for ms perell with regard to this expansion of ariane item number 23. sing, none councilmember, quincy,.

N

uh Thank you, madam chair, and thank you, ms perel, for the very complete reports on both items. 22 and 23., great testament to the fact that cped and this committee are remain focused on our small businesses and supporting them as as best we can and I'm happy to move approval of this item.

A

Item number 23 has been moved for approval, further comments or questions sing, none all in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed. That item is approved. Thank you for your report today. Here's what we're going to do! It's 207 at 2 10.

A

We are going to start the uh public hearing on item number 11., so we're going to take a three minute break to change over the room, see if anyone needs to have any personal things taken care of, and we will come back in three minutes and start the public, the staff presentation, then the public hearing on item number 11 and I would urge folks who are in the overflow room who can fit into this room to come into this room.

A

We're not going to want to have the doors, opening and closing, as you can hear, it's really loud and we'll end up being disrespectful of people who are speaking. Thank you.

M

M

M

M

M

M

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

A

Okay, I'm calling back together, I'm.

A

Okay, I'm gonna ask there is someone from the minneapolis building commission security here, there's probably a fire related issue with how many people can be in the room. I'm going to ask.

A

I'm going to ask the folks from the security office to determine at what point there aren't enough. There isn't enough room for people we'll have them go into the overflow waiting room and you can all rotate in or out together.

A

If you want to keep talking, I won't, but I will tell you that we will very severely be limiting the time for the public hearing. If everyone in the room continues to talk.

A

So we'll ask the gentleman from the building commission to determine what the occupancy issue is and direct folks to wait in the overflow room and folks can rotate in and out at the discretion of the building commission security. The gentleman who's here from the building commission raise your hand he is in charge. I suggest we respect him, there's a fire code issue. That's why we've set up the overflow room. You can work on either side to tell people where you think they need to be. It is 2 16. we have until 3 30..

A

There are almost 80 people who are signed up. I personally don't think that two minutes is enough time for anyone to get their one point out and don't want to have to determine who the best speakers are for each side. So what we're going to do is we're going to ask you to self select five people on one side, five people on the other side, and we will go back and forth until 3 30.. The clerk will note that we have all of the sign up sheets.

A

So all you need to do is state your name and address for the record. She'll check you off on the sign up sheet, so just to be clear: we're going to start with a staff report we're going to move into testimony the kind of pro uh ride sharing folks on one side and the pro taxicab folks on the other. There are no anti-anything people here. I will note that in we will refrain from clapping or commenting on any of the testimony. The way you will indicate that you approve of the testimony is to do this.

A

So if you agree everyone practice do this, you will be heard. We will hear you, the cameras will follow you and your voice will be heard whether you're able to come to the microphone or not. That seems to be the most fair way to do this. I do want to note that we are not taking any action today.

A

We will not be taking any action today. This is a public hearing. We will be not be answering questions posed to us by people who are going to stand up. We will consider those rhetorical questions.

A

The author of this ordinance council member frye, will be working with staff over the next two weeks, maybe four weeks, but likely two weeks to determine what the final draft of the ordinance will be. It will be published in accordance with the publication deadline of the city, which is generally the friday before the tuesday meeting, and we will reconvene for a discussion, so our opportunity to speak will not be at this meeting.

A

Please don't direct any questions to us and what we'll do is we'll start with mr wilson and we'll ask the the leadership folks on both sides to determine who you want your speakers to be we're going to hold you it's to a two minute clock. If you want to speak less than that, you will allow more of your people to speak, but we're only going to allow five on one side, then five on the other and then five on the other side. Until it hits 3 30. is everyone clear.

A

Okay, mr wilson, if you could keep it brief, because I do not want to take time away from the very many people who came down to testify today,.

J

Thank you, madam chair and again, the purpose of this public hearing is to discuss the trans, protect the ordinance amendment for transportation network companies, which are like small vehicle passenger services similar to taxi cabs. The note we did notification for today's public hearing to all taxi cab companies, drivers, vehicle owners, all tnc companies of record business associations and neighborhood groups, and we also posted this on our website on 4 18 14..

J

The amendments were being considered today were prepared by a regional work group.

J

And I think I can leave it at that right now and open the public hearing.

A

Okay, um I will note that the beautiful lady sitting down at the end of the diocese is a um spanish translator and you might hear her throughout the testimony translating and we've asked her to do that today. Anyone who needs that translation should talk to the clerk who is sitting next to her.

A

So we will open up the public hearing on item number 11 and ask the first five folks on the uber lift side to come forward state your name and address for the record, and you will be given that clock of two minutes to speak.

A

Okay, while you guys are trying to figure out your order, councilmember frye.

K

Thank you, chair, goodman, uh first off I'd like to I'd like to make everyone aware. This is a. This has been a collaborative effort all the way through, not just between council members and individuals, but also I. I would like to note that council member abdi warsami is in essence a co-author of this ordinance as well. We have constituents that are extremely interested in it and I'll just say this.

K

We could have very well taken the easy way out and many other cities have taken the easy way out. The easy way out is to do nothing. Nothing in my mind would mean no regulation whatsoever, and that would not be fair or equitable. So we're not taking that route. uh It's not our job to shy away from controversial issues. It's our job to attack them full bore, and that's exactly what we're doing.

K

Furthermore, as government officials we're not supposed to to skate to where the puck presently is we're supposed to skate to where it's going to be, and that is also what we're doing so. The second option we could have taken is to enough, in essence, regulate a business out of production and when you have a new innovative business model, that's not the best choice for our city or our communities or the residents in them.

K

We need to find ways to accommodate innovation, but- and this is a big, but in the process of introducing innovation and entrepreneurship, we need to make sure that it's fair and equitable, and in doing so we are making sure to get as much public testimony as possible as much engagement and as much collaboration and- and that is, is the purpose of all of these faces here today, and it excites me that you're here uh we're ready to listen and ready to hear you and then, in the coming weeks, uh we will be able to construct an ordinance that one allows innovation in this city, which is essential and two retains equity in this city, which is also essential.

K

So I look forward to hearing from all of you.

A

Okay, so thank you, councilmember frye, we'll then start the clock with the tnc folks, and you have two minutes for your first each of your first five people, please state your name and address for the record.

S

Good morning my name is chris johnson. My address business address is 300 north elizabeth street um in chicago illinois. uh Good morning, madam chair and members of the committee, as I mentioned, my name is chris johnson. I'm manager of public policy for uber technologies in the midwest uber was founded on the belief that riders and drivers could benefit from better, faster and cheaper service.

S

Uber is a technology platform for making the connections to move people uber's primary service options include uber black, a service that links riders to commercially licensed local black car operators, providing a luxurious transportation experience and uberx the low-cost uber a rideshare model that links riders to private drivers. Uberx is an innovative transportation option that creates new economic benefits for the each community in which the service is provided.

S

Unlike taxi, uberx is a rideshare service where the drivers have the flexibility to work a few hours a week, earning additional income outside their primary job. Additionally, unlike taxi uberx drivers cannot pick up passengers from street hill or taxi stands. Uberx has become an important option for many residents and cities across the country. Uber is helping to make the transportation services available in communities that historically have been neglected in minneapolis alone. Nearly a third of the trips occur in underserved areas.

S

Consumers feel safe and confident using uberx because they know that drivers go through a rigorous vetting process that includes county multi-state and federal background checks, in addition to a driver record check. We partner with independent, nationally accredited third-party company hyrice, to conduct these checks for complete details. You can visit our website, blog.uber.com backslash drive screening. Additionally, all uberx trips are covered by a one million dollar commercial policy.

S

Also uber is in the is the first company to have a policy in place that expands the insurance of ridesharing drivers to cover any potential insurance gap for accidents that occur while drivers are not providing transportation services with with a passenger but logged into the uber network and available.

A

Thank you for your testimony. Thank you really short time. I know um every one of the five please line up, so we can move this fast. You don't have to line up over there. You could line up behind each other.

T

Good afternoon, madam chair and uh members of the council, my name is matthew. Johnson, my address is 415 7th avenue. Northeast I've been living there for six years, I'm in jacob frey's, ward, ward, 3.. Thank you for your time today. um I'm going to talk about three points today. How lyft for me has allowed me to connect to diverse cultures, fostered a sense of community building and opened up new business opportunities, so I'm going to introduce myself first, I'm a community builder, I'm also a daddy to two young girls. Four and six.

T

My wife is a brilliant photographer. I'm a non-profit leader, I'm a corporate refugee out of the corporate world, for I was in for seven years and now I'm out and a budding entrepreneur.

T

I love people and that's why I love lyft lyft has enabled me to connect as a driver with diverse people in the in the area, so I've been able to connect with the somali population, the hmong population, international students, I've been able to talk to people from the african-american american community that I have not previously been able to interact with. This has provided a great sense of learning for me as a person and an ability to connect with these cultures.

T

It's also fostered a sense of community. I drove home a gentleman um late at night who was working at autistic home, who happened to be my neighbor to living two uh two houses away from me. I got to meet him and it was a fantastic experience. It's all also opened up new business opportunities for me, I recently transitioned out of target corporation and just I'm running a non-profit teaching kids to code. It's allowing me flexibility to interview for new positions and also allowing me to start a new company.

T

I want to leave you with a stanza from my friend who's. Also, a lyft driver, the pink mustache magic carpet. Ride means more more than a to b, it's a heartfelt token of our shared economy. Thank you.

A

Thank you. The next speaker, please line up behind yourselves, we're going to start the clock immediately, as the next person leaves so you're losing your own time by not following my directions. Those on the other side, please make sure you have your five people ready to go.

U

First, my name is jim black, I'm executive vice president lyft 2300 harrison san francisco. um First. Thank you, madam chair and community development and regulatory services committee.

U

I very much appreciate that the new ordinance proposal not only finds a place for transportation networks but uh and their drivers, but it also takes significant steps to modernize the current taxi cab uh provisions to make it easier for all drivers. uh This is not a battle of networks versus cabs, but it's an opportunity to modernize minneapolis's transportation models.

U

The winners will not will be not only the citizens of minneapolis but its transportation providers, as well as the people of minneapolis discover how easy and efficient it can be to get a ride from a variety of sources. They will move away from. You know driving their own cars. This benefits not only limited to new entrants uh in seattle. After an influx of more than a thousand cars of lift sidecar uber, the 2013 taxi revenues actually increased to their highest level.

U

Ever this vision is to provide a safe, efficient and enjoyable way to fill empty seats on the road. By by doing this, we can reduce traffic congestion, reduce the need for parking, serve. All areas of the city, reduce drunk drivers, strengthen minneapolis of social fabric, provide a last-mile option for transportation, for public transportation and give minneapolis residents and visitors the options that they expect and desire to get these benefits. However, we need to encourage casual drivers, so I ask- and I think it's very important that we set up a a way to bring on drivers.

U

That is relatively easy, something that maintains safety, but not going through a lot of steps, and this is probably something that could go across all transportation modes. You know to keep people from waiting in lines, taking days off work and so on in order just to become a driver. So I thank you again and I wanted to pass that on.

A

Thank you for your testimony, we're on to the fourth speaker on the first side, please state your name and address for the record hello.

V

My name is mallory kurkoski. I live at 430 oak grove street number 101 good afternoon. Madam chair committee, members and friends. uh My name is mary kurkowski, like I said, I'm a regulatory compliance attorney by day, a carlson mba student, a lyft driver and an entrepreneur by night, so I'm very, very busy.

V

I was born and raised in the northern suburbs, but I called I've been calling minneapolis my home since I was 18 and I started to attend the university of minnesota. I've called minneapolis my home base ever since I've been all around the world and lived in a bunch of different cities, but I'd like to call minneapolis my home. One of the things I learned from living abroad and living in other denser cities was that it was very convenient and simple and carefree to live without a car.

V

One of the reasons that I considered moving from minneapolis after graduation was because I didn't think this city I could get a round in without a car. I got a job in egan, uh as luck would have it and it forced my decision to buy a car. But when I heard about lyft, I was immediately interested in the opportunity.

V

I was interested in starting a sharing economy business and I decided that I'd sign up to just work a little bit of extra money or work a little bit to make some extra money, maybe pay down a little bit of student loan debts, but I quickly grew to love what started as an experiment.

V

This organization, lyft is com, is extremely community focused and it cares about connecting drivers and passengers in very, very meaningful ways. It's flexible enough to fit into my schedule and it's a service that cares more about customer service and safety than any other company. I've worked for done. Business with the business model is built on trust and people willing to lend a hand to make sure people get home safely.

V

It constantly reminds us to go the extra mile for our passengers because, at the end of the day, excellent passenger ratings are what keep us on the road. I myself am quick to offer cupcakes a little conversation a helping hand with anything. I can and make sure that I stay at passengers doors until they get into their um into their cars.

V

Lyft is just one of the ways: forces like technology and the sharing economy are changing. Okay,.

A

Sorry, thank you for your testimony. This will be the last speaker on the first side. I want to thank everyone for their quiet and respectful attitude. Work tracking.

K

Remember to do the hands for both sides. That's actually kind of helpful.

R

My name is dave dressan. My address is 4875 bitterman path in virgo heights, minnesota 55076, I am from st paul. I have been living. I've been driving for uberx for six months. Uber has made a significant impact on my life. I started driving for uber as a part-time weekend gig, and I liked it so much that I started working weeknights as well.

R

Within a month, I was making enough money so that my wife could quit her low, paying and stressful job. My children are able to come home to their school and their mother from school to their mother, and as parents, we're able to volunteer more at school functions, more pay tailored hours, stronger family.

R

In december I purchased a brand new fuel-efficient vehicle. I work every weekend, both major snowstorms and all my available nights. I saved all my earnings, and in march I was able to put down a down payment on my very first house that will be closing in june a year ago. This would not have even been a dream, and if I worked any other job, it would have taken me at least several years and countless hours away from my family.

R

I've given over 800 rides. I've made several good friends along the way. All of my guests are very appreciative of the service. During the past brutal winter, random passengers would actually bring me jimmy john's and caribou cafes, but the coolest uber experience I've ever had was giving justin timberlake a arrived when he was in town for the show at excel center. For me, uber is more than a business transaction. It's interaction.

R

It's a way for me to connect with my community and celebrate someone's 21st birthday or a game. Six wild playoff win uber is a company opportunity as a high school dropout.

R

I feel it provides a level playing field and fair pay for me and other honest partners who are ambitious and willing to work hard and it's an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to explore and show them different ways to love this city.

R

The city of minneapolis has always been a fantastic ambassador of innovation and change, and I want to thank you for letting us be a part of it.

A

Again, thank you for everyone's very respectful attitudes. We're now moving on to the first five from the second side and we'd. Ask you to do exactly, as this group has done, which is line up behind each other, so you're not blocking the space of the people who are patiently sitting in the audience. Ms hilden, you have. Your time has begun.

W

All right, somebody's gonna have to help me turn this on. Oh, you can see it. Okay, thank you, madam chair and members of the committee nancy hilden, and I'm here on behalf of the coalition for fair and competitive transportation.

W

This is a coalition comprised of taxi drivers, the taxi driver association and a number of local cab companies that are based in and around the city of minneapolis. They are very fearful, and you can see that there's a lot of tension in this room, they're fearful because their livelihood is what you are debating today.

W

They've had a lot of struggles over many years and I'm going to cite something that actually I'll bring that up. Right now cite a quote from packets that should be surrounded, should be uh circulating right now there um a quote from alberto monserrate, who actually was for lifting the cap on the number of cabs back in 2006 and what he says in his letter to you is the adage. If it waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, then it probably is a duck, and that adage applies here.

W

Uberx and lyft provide dispatch services, they connect riders and drivers. That's what dispatch is they profit from the service provided and they affiliate with drivers who provide rides for pay? There is no meaningful distinction from taxi services, so regulate them under the taxi ordinance.

W

Everybody can do this. Yes, so I want to show you a little bit why this confounds the taxi driver. You.

A

W

Seconds left, so you can see, here's lyft, it's their app, you can see uber. This is their app. You can see blue and white taxi their app. There is no difference, there are distinctions without difference in this, and we ask for you to create one ordinance and we thank.

A

You for your testimony. Thank you. Please, step forward state, your name and address for the record.

I

Good afternoon, council members, my name is larissa jude. I live at 1300 yale place, I'm an attorney, and I'm also with the with the coalition for fair and competitive transportation. As you all know, I have been carefully dissecting the taxi regulation under 341 and the proposed special ordinance for uberx and lyft under chapter 343.

I

While I don't have time to walk through it today, I distributed my side by side comparison to each of you yesterday evening. It's also available in your packet.

I

I note in that distinct in that comparison, 100 different points of comparison on specific requirements under 343 and how they relate to I'm sorry, specific requirements, 341 versus special ordinance, 343 demonstrating the many areas where taxis are regulated, that uberx and lyft are not while taxi cabs in uber and uberx and lyft are functionally the same. The special ordinance creates a framework to define tnc's, that is distinction that is without distinction from taxi companies. Taxi companies also dispatch rides that are offered and accepted through internet enabled and digital platforms before transportation commences.

I

That's from chapter 343. Some major concerns that warrant further analysis in special ordinance 343.70 provision regarding insurance.

I

This this provision enables tnc to maintain commercial insurance with million dollar coverage that would be in full force, in effect for all tnc vehicles, while they're active on the dispatch system, there's been no analysis and no credible professional opinions assessing the feasibility and sustainability of this coverage.

I

No professional opinions, demonstrating that this coverage requirement would not act as a barrier for small businesses that want to compete as tnc's, and it may only be available to companies that are backed by multi-billion dollar joint venture funds like uber and lyft, who self-insure have shell companies that supply their insurance company and the applicability of that insurance has not been tested.

I

Finally, the definition of when vehicles are active on the dnc dispatch system is not clear and where a passenger man wittingly jumped into a mustache car on where it is not logged in, they may not be covered or protected, has ended. Thank you.

A

For your testimony, please state your name and address for the record.

X

Justin page and my work address is 431st avenue north suite 300 in minneapolis. I would just like to state I'm on the pro accessibility side. Thank you, members of the committee. My name is justin page, I'm the staff attorney at the minnesota disability law center statewide project of the minnesota legal aid minnesota legal aid is a federally mandated protection advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, and we represent individuals with disabilities in all types all throughout the state of minnesota. I worked on numerous cases involving accessibility cab companies in the 20s twin cities.

X

A few years ago. I settled the case with airport taxi that required it to provide accessible cabs on a 24 7 basis. I'm here to express my concern about the proposed regulation of uber and lyft in minneapolis, currently cab companies that operate in uber and lyft are required to provide wheelchair accessible cabs. I want to make it clear that there are still problems with the current system and it continues to be difficult to get an accessible taxi in minneapolis.

X

However, the proposed regulation will make that situation worse, as there is no requirement that uber and lyft provide wheelchair, accessible transportation.

X

This is a huge problem and, if implemented, will further erode the transportation options for people with disabilities, the ordinance as it relates to accessible, accessible or the ordinance as it relates to uber and lyft is inadequate. There is no requirement that uber and lyft provide accessible rides in the ordinance. There is only mentioned that a fee that lifting uber drivers may be required to pay if they do not provide accessible rides. However, there are a number of questions about how this operates.

X

What is the fee? Where does the fee go? How is enforced? How does a person with a disability request a ride? Get that ride? I urge the council to to table the ordinance uh for the time being and put together a working group involving the disability community, the cab industry and representatives from uber and left to come up with a proposal for a transportation system that will ensure individuals with disabilities.

A

Have access? Thank you for your testimony. Please step forward state, your name and address for the record. There are two more speakers on this side good afternoon.

E

Everyone, my name, is jamil kripps. I work for blue and white taxi 1400 van buren street northeast and I've been working there for eight years. I want to say that I depend on this job to pay my bills to take care of my son, I'm a single parent. I don't have a father to help me the baby, daddy. They help me. He doesn't pay child support anything. So I'm doing this on my own, I left one out of town thinking. It was going to be somewhere better. I came back.

E

My job opened me back up with open arms, so I've been there a total of eight years now and I I have a great boss. You know he he's lead to a lot of things. If I don't have transportation get back for the work because a lot of times, I don't have money, he'll pay for me to get a cab to go. I mean, let me get a cab on him to go home, so I depend on this job to pay all my bills and take care of my son. It's not easy!

E

Being a single parent out here- and I love my job love, what I do and I don't see why we all can be one audience. We should all be able to coexist with each other and all benefit from the whole situation. I don't see why we need to pick one company, this company, we we are a small business, I'm a little nervous. We are a small business, but we I mean it pays my bills. You know I'm saying without this job I won't have a job. I won't be able to pay my bills.

E

I won't be able to take care of my son. I don't get insurance, I pay for insurance on my pocket. I don't get welfare, I don't get food stamps all this, I'm doing with this job. It puts food on my table, pays to put a roof on my head and take push shoes on my side feet. So this job is very important to me and, like I said, I don't see why we can't all get along and work together.

E

We it can be one or this and I don't see, what's the fuss in the fight. It's about it, it don't need to be. We should all be able to work together and make money together, and we all should benefit from this together, and thank you very much and thanks for your time and have a good day and that's all I have to say.

A

Thank you very much for your very pleasant testimony.

Y

Madam chair council members, my name is steve, pint, 6750, brendan court. I own and operate airport taxi, town taxi and yellow cab. We have 500 taxis in this market. We are for one ordinance, one set of rules, one set of regulations. I want to talk specifically about the insurance. We all know that personal auto policies do not cover for hire transportation. That's a fact, commercial insurance that is in effect on the vehicle. 24 7 is at least 10 times the cost of personal, auto insurance.

Y

Commercial insurance is required to pee on the vehicle at all times for taxi companies or any other for-hire transportation in the city or state. Your proposal allows commercial insurance only to apply when the app-based driver is active on the platform. This raises many questions. Do you think a taxi should be insured commercially? When is not logged into or active on the taxi company's platform?

Y

If insurance is based on when the driver is active on the platform, how will the city enforce coverage will the will you will you have to subpoena the app based taxi service records to see drivers logged in or active status?

Y

What assurances do you have that information will be accurate if you read uber's terms and condition it basically, states uber is not responsible for anything at any time, as it relates to transportation services, provided I assume you all know now about the tragic death of a six-year-old girl on new year's eve in san francisco that was hit by an uber x driver. The uber denies all responsibility on that claim the driver claims he was looking for a passenger who's responsible.

Y

I wonder if that driver was distracted because he was looking at his cell phone as his means of income, by the way that same driver would not have would never have passed the background driving market checks in place for taxi companies because he had a reckless driving uh ticket in florida for driving 100 miles an hour on the shoulder.

Y

What if an app based customer calls the driver directly? I'm sure you know that uber lyft customers are showing the driver's cell phone number so the next time they might call that driver directly. If that driver is not logged into the system. Where's. The insurance.

A

Thank you for your testimony. Thank.

Y

A

We'll start with speaker number two on the first side.

Z

Thank you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity here. My name is elvi and I'm my partner for uws, since this month.

Z

I'm also a member of national guard and, despite all the degree I have ever since I moved to uh here, I didn't care. It was hard for me to get a job. Well, I have a little story to tell you about for the opportunity that uber gave me almost two years ago. Unexpectedly, my son was born here in armenia, police, saint paul, when I was still living in nebraska.

Z

From that time, I felt the obligation to come here to fulfill my jury or my responsibility toward my son, so I decided to move and if to move, I need to get a job here. I've been looking for job for a long time. Almost it took me almost six months to get a job with the state, but this job didn't last because of my non-conflict schedule.

Z

According the schedule they were giving me they couldn't work. I was with this or the time I was spending with my son at home, so I tried to, I told them to uh help me uh to negotiate with this party schedule, but they didn't want it, so they have to. Let me go so here. I am again at the bottom of my life without any job, and I have to take off my responsibility and also which include my student loan to pay.

Z

Despite all those degree I have, I couldn't get any other opportunity. The only opportunity I have is uber, and I was a friend who introduced me to that. I've been working with them now for six months for six weeks, and I can tell you what I made from uber help me not only to take off what I have as a responsibility or as a uh uh obligation toward my stone, but also to help me pay pay. My student loan thank.

A

You for your testimony, speaker number two on the side.

AA

Good afternoon, madam chair and members of the committee, my name is jessen hunt. I live at 77 juneau avenue in saint paul and I'm here to tell you that lyft has changed my life, I'm a self-proclaimed unapologetic pedestrian in the twin cities. Lyft provides me with a safe, convenient and reliable option for transportation.

AA

When I moved to minneapolis a little under four years ago, I decided not to own a car, and I love, and I support public transportation, I'm a huge advocate and fan for metro transit, but there are times when public transportation isn't an option I find out about lyft and I was recruited as a passenger while actually standing at a bus stop in sub-zero attempts on my way to a doctor's appointment. While a bus was late, the lyft driver actually had a promotional card.

AA

I downloaded the app from his hot spot and I actually made it to my appointment on time. I work at a university. I work at hamline and midway my participation in the theatrical productions there. This winter required me to be on campus until 10 or 10 30 at night.

AA

The ability to request a lift, wait inside know exactly where the car is know exactly how long it's going to take to get to me know who's, driving the car and know what the car looks like are invaluable to my sense of safety and my security.

AA

Speaking of who is coming to pick me up, I have now built relationships with many of the drivers in the lyft community. I know them, they know me, I know their backstory, they know mine and I form bonds with them. I can't always rely on metro transit, although I love it, um but lyft fills that void. Thank you for your time.

A

Thank you for your testimony. Speaker number three.

AB

Hi, my name is mike schmidt, I'm a junior at the university of minnesota and I serve as a student body president, as many of you have seen, there's a petition here that was started by by students that has received over 3 200 signatures. Many of those signatures are also from students. There's a reason for that. As you guys probably saw this past fall on and around the university of minnesota campus, there was almost 30 robberies, so there was a lot of crime.

AB

Lots of students were really really scared about how they were curious about how they're going to get home. They were. You know, scared, walking home alone at night, and it's extremely important that we offer as many transportation options to these students as possible, so they can get home safe.

AB

I've personally used uber and lyft. Both I've had great experiences myself and as a as a student who's struggling to pay for tuition and for housing. uh These services offer me low-cost ride services um to and from the places that I need to be every day. So with that, I I encourage you to support this ordinance. Thank you.

A

Thank you, we'll move on to speaker number four.

AC

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, my name is earl, fuller, I'm from albertville 5419, kali avenue northeast.

AC

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express what uber means to me and the people I have served as uber partner, I'm currently unemployed and uber is the only source of income to support my family.

AC

About two months ago, when I applied to become an uber partner, my intention was to get supplemental income, but suddenly my wife, who was the main source of income for the past year, was laid off this month. Uber has now become our livelihood.

AC

Besides, the people who we use the people who use uber are extremely very happy with the service. Apart from the competitive pricing, they love the cashless transaction, the timeliness with which we operate and the familiarity friendliness and yet professional way. We serve them because both the driver and the rider know each other's first name. I feel like I'm giving a ride to a friend and the rider, on the other hand, feels safe and relaxed.

AC

As I said earlier on, I'm from albertville, but just yesterday I received a trip request and took someone from a remote part of brooklyn park into walk to downtown minneapolis. It is amazing how far this has already stretched. This is a great service to the community, benefiting both the rider and uber partner. Please allow us to continue to operate. I invite each one of you to try an uber service you'll, be amazed. Thank you.

A

Thank you for your testimony. The last person on this side, please step forward state your name and address for the record.

AD

Good afternoon, um chairman and council members, um my name is john dimmick and for the past eight months I've been working as a ride share driver first with lyft from september to december, 2013 and currently with yuba since december.

AD

It is without a doubt that these companies are appreciated by riders, who use uber all the time and wish to continue to do so because they track the vehicle. So they know where the request is accepted and when the car is arriving and constantly I hear I love uber.

AD

I hear from most riders that what they enjoy most about uber are the clean cars inside and out the high quality standard and the immediate response to requests within 10 seconds. They're, always aware of where their right is. Users can see where their uber is on route in the app and can communicate with driver by phone or text.

AD

If needed, drivers are pleasant and able to hold a conversation if they need to give information to traffic to passions on any traffic hold ups or diversion they're knowledgeable, and the rating system is great for both passengers and drivers, quality checks, uberx and ride sharing. As a whole truly benefits the people of minneapolis. Thank you, madam.

A

Thank you we'll then move on to the first speaker on the next side.

A

Yep, well, we all know joan quite well no problem she's very familiar with the building. Why don't we have a second speaker speak first and joan will have an opportunity to come up and speak. Second, sir, are you next go ahead? No we're taking you and miss wilshere, I'm sure will not be insulted if she has to wait one minute or two minutes.

AE

uh Thank you man, madam chair. uh My name is yusuf ali um I'll leave at 3226 york, avenue south and that's in edina.

AE

Basically, I'm a driver and I've been driving for the last seven years and I'm also uh the vice president and the communication director of minneapolis cab drivers and owners association.

AE

uh We have been working closely with the city for probably over a little three years about the cab drivers, issues and it's very dear to us, since I'm also part of the team or the industry.

AE

um The main concern that we've been having all these times all of these years was uh the regulations that we had on the city admins that were very uh that we're creating very hostile uh environment for the drivers to to be on the street and and earn their living or livelihood for their families.

AE

um We do have families, I'm also a family man, I'm a I'm married and I have a wife and three kids, um and this is what I depend on in order to support my family and I dearly support the interest of the drivers and we are also the ambassadors of this city of minneapolis, and we want to make sure that we become a very uh impressive uh ambassadors for for this city, um as we all know that this um cab industry it it's, it's not a one.

AE

That only supports the drivers who are driving the the the the taxes. It's also a way of supporting their families and and we're talking about, uh uh if not hundred, but thousands of families that are dependent on it. So we are fully supporting whatever can uh bring all.

A

Of them for your testimony, I know it's fast. It.

AE

Was really fast, but thank you thank.

A

You for your testimony, miss wilshere, welcome good to see you.

AF

Yes, good to see all of you, I'm joan wilshire, um it's been a while, since I've been here so good to see you all council members, um I'm currently the executive director of the state council on disability, state agency, I'm also a long-time member of the minneapolis disability advisory committee and live in minneapolis for um 10 years. We're not going to go there in how many years anyway, um I'm still young um okay.

AF

So let me just tell you some of the talking points here um about um what we're talking about here today, um the people with disabilities. You know we strive to achieve equal services for all services for just for the disability community and continue to work towards this goal. Uberx and lyft have a functional, a fundamental disregard for wheelchair accessibility.

AF

They have made no accommodations to include wheelchair, accessible vehicles or to serve people with disabilities, and they have spread across the united states they're consistent with this theme, this theme continues to rings true in the proposed ordinance of in minneapolis as of april 18 2014..

AF

There are no provisions um that no provisions are made for providing wheelchair accessible vehicles in the companies that are permitted to, and they are continue to discriminate against. Individuals with disabilities, as and after that, uberx and lyft will be added um will be asked to pay an undisclosed fee for this failure to provide wheelchair accessible vehicles. This again, we will still have to wait for transportation, as it's figured out with this fee, and it's still not acceptable for people with disabilities.

AF

The unregulated taxi companies have demonstrated a wanton disregard for the disability community because these companies operate outside of regulation. They have no incentive or directive to provide accessible vehicles, training for drivers, sensitivity, awareness and accessibility standards and no means of providing accessible transportation.

AF

Uberx and lyft have shared their usage maps for cities across the globe, demonstrating that they serve wealthy neighborhoods joan.

M

Are you about ready, okay, well,.

AF

um Bottom line is people with disabilities need to be served and not discriminated against. Thank.

A

You we'll take the third speaker. Thank you, everyone for your being, very, very respectful. We appreciate that.

AG

um Hi, uh my name is yamane maprato. I am. I am the.

A

AG

The president for minneapolis taxi cab, drivers and owners association we've been closely working with the city of minneapolis.

AG

Specifically in the last three years we met all the members over here we've been cooperating to improve the tax cut industry to support the tax cut drivers by the way I live in prior lake minnesota, I'm a family man. I have four children, I've been in a taxi for over 15 years, and mainly for many years, I've been supporting my family by driving a taxi, but recently things has been changed because unlicensed unregulated transportation been interfering with our business.

AG

So we even been all the car drivers been put in over 12 hours, extend their time even to 16 hours, to make up for the day, because over here expenses, over twenty thousand dollars for a taxi cab drivers to operate in minneapolis for a year insurance over six thousand the service fee.

AG

The mechanics actually um all other equipments that they need also they are equipped with computerized gps with apps like just like an uber over, is not considered latest technology, because my company is a company that I drive for blue and white actually has all the starting from apps called pstxt, and the customer knows exactly where the taxi cab driver is how far it away all these things.

AG

So we don't want to make it that actually, where it's coming with the latest sophisticated technology or something like that and at the same time, over 5000 drivers are supported in a taxicab full-time job, and this is in twin cities, and the part-time drivers forever will affect this family, and I would say it would be good to consider. Thank you.

A

A

Next, speaker for.

AH

My name is shea eisenman. I live at 297 dayton avenue in saint paul as a young tech savvy cab driver. I want to see the cab industry leverage technology to better serve our community with apps. Like I hail, that is already happening in the city. I also want to see the cab experience. Enhanced part of my prosperity has come from improving the experience myself. So it's not the competition of uber and lyft that I have a problem with I'm not afraid of healthy competition, but allowing them to play by no rules.

AH

Different rules or less rules is a problem for everybody. Just because we are excited by their concept does not mean the rules should not apply to them. Insurance, regulation and licensing are serious things them operating without commercial insurance is hurting both cab drivers and limo drivers. In the city we pay a lot of money to be licensed legal and insured, also just with with cab drivers. Our vehicles are livelihood same with lyft and uberx drivers, so, if they're not covered in an accident, that's also an issue. Thank you.

A

Thank you for your testimony. I believe this would be the last person on this side. Welcome.

AI

Hello, council members, my name is paul slattery, I'm an organizer and also the political director for teamsters local 120, which is the largest teamster transportation, local in the state of minnesota.

AI

The reason I'm here today is I've worked with these cab drivers, minneapolis cab drivers here in minneapolis, as well as out at the airport, trying to work through some of their issues of ordinances regulations, and I will have to say, if you guys, don't know this already. The progress that we've made has been painstakingly slow to try to get ordinance change and what I notice is now that uber is in town.

AI

They have a very strong lobbying effort, as you can see in this building, they're very well organized they come to town and now, all of a sudden, the city is willing to change the ordinance.

AI

So my point is: if you're willing to change the ordinance for uber and lyft, please make the same changes for our minneapolis cab drivers who have stood with this city for so long. The the message that we're here to deliver today is one city, one ordinance, no special carve-outs for large corporations.

AI

One point I'd make like to make in a stark contradiction to uber and the taxi cab drivers is that the taxi cab drivers are not allowed to use their cell phones or bluetooth and that uber and lyft companies business models are based on using smartphones in their cars. How can this be safe? Uber and lyft drivers are going to operate their vehicles while looking at their smartphones, I don't see any other way of of doing it, so um that that concludes my testimony just one more time.

AI

One city, let's just have one ordinance for everybody. Thank you.

A

Thank you for your testimony. We'll switch to the other side with speaker number one.

AJ

Hello, thank you, council members, for allowing me to speak today. My name is gloria lewis and I live in saint paul minnesota address 767, maryland avenue east. I had experience in driving a cab for three years. Safety was a big issue for me.

AJ

Being a single parent and having the privilege to drive for uber has allowed me to have confidence of being safe from harm. These companies protect both drivers and customers. When safety is concerned, after each trip I get to rate the customer and the customer gets to rate me, and I hope that this that you guys support uber in minneapolis, because this is really my livelihood. I just graduated and it's hard for me to get into my field and with uber.

AJ

They can, with this experience with uber, will allow me to move forward with my degree and extra money. If I, if needed. Thank you.

A

Thank you for your testimony. Speaker number two.

AK

Hi, my name is amanda sochinski. I live at 2212, bryant avenue south in uptown, I'm a third year law student at william mitchell, college of law. I am a lyft driver and, I have to say, lyft embodies sharing in general. I share my car. We share a conversation. We share a community.

AK

I picked up my neighbor across the street in one of my first weeks of driving and now when I see her on the street we wave at each other and we've really gotten to know each other being a student. I need a flexible schedule.

AK

Not only do I do classes, I do externships all sorts of stuff and basically it allows me the flexibility to do those things I drive on friday and saturday nights a lot up until you know 4 4 30 in the morning making sure that everybody gets home safely, making sure that people get to their door. You know make sure that they get inside their house and that they feel safe and comfortable.

AK

um I get a lot of compliments. Passengers pay attention to our ratings they're, relying on us and I get a lot of customers that say, they're safe with me and I feel safe with them, and it really is a bonding experience. They sit in the front seat with us um and it's just really informal and really great way to get home. I take it as a passenger all the time I take it to get here downtown from uptown to get to my externship.

AK

I take it when I'm going out with friends and as a passenger as a driver. It really is a great um a great technology and innovation that this city could definitely use, and I hope that you guys will take this into consideration. Thank you. So much.

A

Speaker number three, just wanna make sure numbers four and five are lined up. Go ahead, sir.

AL

Hello, council members and thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is mordechai herstein and I live in ward, 8, council members, glidden's ward, it's a pleasure. For me, a lifetime resident of minneapolis who is familiar with city transit, needs to be here speaking as an uberx driver in my hometown.

AL

As a man of 64 years old, I recently joined the age of technology. I hear from rider after rider that it's the ease, timelessness timeliness and efficiency that have brought them to choose uberx. I'm excited to be part of this great alternative that supports the foundation of america. Capitalism through competition, because uber uses a five-star rating system for both the rider to rate the driver and the driver to rate the rider. I have much pride in my work and strive to provide a superior experience.

AL

There is nothing I do that any taxi driver couldn't also do, and it's very nice to get a weekly feedback from all my riders.

AL

It is much appreciated uh to provide the simple things like having water available to all the riders open the door for them manage their luggage, among many other things, to make them feel comfortable. The types of things that you would do for a friend with community so fragmented today. I believe this brings a bit of it back in a tradition of it being good for everyone.

AL

Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Thank.

A

You for your testimony, we'll take the fourth speaker.

AM

Hello, my name is sarah lindsay and I live at 5240 west 102nd street in bloomington I started I'm a passenger of lyft only and I started because I take the bus to work. I work in st louis park and what's a 10 minute drive is an hour and a half bus and that's during the week during the prime time on the weekend, it's anywhere from two hours, one way to two and a half three hours. One way and lyft has been awesome for me.

AM

I um actually can have a social life or I can just come home and relax. Instead of getting into my everything that I need to do at home, I really like the community sense that I get from lyft.

AM

I why I haven't honestly gone back to a taxi service. I just find the response time. I love being able to see my driver, the car, seeing where they're coming from how long it'll take to get there. I just know. What's going on, I feel safe, I feel um happy.

AM

I've had many drivers provide me with water refreshment, they're, happy to see me, I'm the job that I do is very much customer service based and I have never received in my many years of public transportation, the service that I get with lyft, um maybe aside from a few bus drivers, but um I actually have a personal cabbie that I used regularly and kind of neglected him a little bit he's a nice guy, but as a whole, lyft has been wonderful for me. um It just feels like a co-op for transportation yeah hold on there.

AM

A

You we'll take the last person on this side. Please hello,.

AN

Brian strong 1029, 22nd avenue, councilman breit, always a pleasure. uh I am a customer of uh the ridesharing and I think it's quite clear that this is a market solution to a service that is needed.

AN

They would not be here they could not be used if they said the market as long as minneapolis wishes to be a business friendly and innovative city, I hope they jump on with this and allow for both to equally happen. Also on the safety concerned issues. I've noticed that there are already laws on the book for reckless driving, drunk driving. What not, and also you get to rate your drivers would simply remove them from the pool if they are unwanted. So thank you appreciate it.

A

Okay, we'll start with the first speaker on the second side. Please.

AO

My name is albert lenoir: I've been in the cab business since 1989..

AO

I work for a blue and white taxi, I'm the operations manager and I have seen the taxi service change a lot since I've been, I used to drive cab too regulations.

AO

Things like this for the service should be the same, for the simple fact is: there are people out there on both sides, really that has families and that's what this is all about: taking care of families taking care of your kids and for you guys to give us a fair chance, just like you give them when it was back in 1989. When I started as come out of the military.

AO

Looking for a job I gave to the service blue and white taxi gave me a chance.

AO

I need you know the city council to look at that. This is a one track thing here. This is the type of thing that needs to be where, if hoover x, get it blue and white and the rest of the taxi services should get it too. It should be all the same for everyone and it's a lot of business out there for everyone to take. But fairness is right and that's the way it should be.

A

Please step forward and state your name and address for the record.

AP

uh My name is margaret: I live in 1385 in a circle in carapace. Actually, most of the thing has been mentioned, but I just want to go over about the parking mana taxi stand in this city.

AP

You know the number of the taxi stand in this city is uh is completely very short, relatively the number of cops on the road because of this issue, we've been having hard time with policing inspectors.

AP

On top of that, there is some taxi stand is being in this city, which is a completely wrong place and wrong times. For example, there is a taxi stand between like 11 and 5 30 in the morning. Those things completely has to be changed.

AP

The other things I need to mention is the confrontation between the hotels and the taxi drivers. When I say that most of the hotels in this city, they don't even have a taxi standist, even if they have one, is completely out of sight. They can the customer, don't even have an opportunity to see taxi to get them in. If we, if you guys, really consider us an ambassador to this city, we would love to. We would love you, we would love you guys to create equal competition level with black cars, which is taxi limousine.

AP

When I say about the taxi stand well about that, you know the the town cars which is a you know, over eggs or uber, whatever they can freely park their car on the meters in everywhere they want to. But if we park our cars in meters will be tickets. So if you guys really consider us an ambassador to ccd, we would love you guys to change this rule. We need equal level to compete this business.

AP

I know there is enough market out there, but you know the the the level is not leveled, yet we want you guys to work and support our business. Thank you very much. Could.

A

You repeat your name: please, the clerk had a hard time hearing it, and maybe you should just go over and tell her that. Thank you so much we'll take the next speaker. Please.

AQ

Madam chairperson members of the council, I'm zach williams. This is my daughter gwendolyn. We live at 3805, lindale avenue south of minneapolis and she just wants to participate.

AR

AQ

Heard a lot of nice warm fuzzy stories from the lyft and uber drivers and they're making my case for me: they're cab, drivers. I got warm and fuzzy stories just like that, and I can give you 30 years worth. If you get, if you have the time for it, uh we need one ordinance for all of this transportation because we're the exact same business.

AQ

You've got billions of dollars of outs, state money out of the city, money coming in to try and skirt regulation and don't be fooled by them.

AQ

We're not asking for anything more or less than you give them, but exactly what you do give them. You got a driver that spoke the other night at the meeting that we had last thursday.

AQ

He used to work for my taxi cab company and the city did everything they could do to revoke his license and he's found a happy home at uberx. Is this truly the kind of regulation that you want to get rid of? I, I don't think so. It won't make it safer.

AQ

Freshman, council members, you have a lot of power power, you don't even realize yet. I want you to be very careful with the decision that you make. It could shape the kind of politician that you're going to be in the future, with you back the billions of dollars out of town or the citizens of the city right here bring on the competition I've been in this business for 30 years as long as it's a level playing field which you promised us, then I can compete with them, I'm not afraid of them. Thank you. Thank.

A

You for your testimony, we'll take the next speaker. Please.

A

I just want to remind everyone who spoke to make sure you sign the sign-in sheet with the clerk. If you didn't do that at the beginning. Welcome sir yeah.

G

Thank you very much council members for holding us here. My name is henry cashy and I'm a cab owner and driver in the city of minneapolis they've have I guess that makes me a small business person and uh every year I have to struggle and work my tail off and um with a huge overhead, and I can tell you for a fact that I pay no less than a thousand dollars towards licensed fees and inspections alone in the city of minneapolis, not to add the other costs mechanical.

G

You know, repairs, gas and what else most of us that drive cabs in minneapolis. We have to deal with a lot of difficulties um and a lot of unfair competition as it is.

G

Currently, we have to compete against uh limousines.

G

Limos are not licensed in the city, um they're, regulated or licensed by the state on a different jurisdiction, but they can sit everywhere in any way they want they parade as taxicabs sometimes, and they don't get sanctioned by the minneapolis police us cab drivers do we also have to deal with uh shuttles and super shuttles that come in and go as they like. Now you are asking to add another angle to that.

G

We up to our next already yesterdays it's hard to make a living driving in the city of minneapolis. We are over regulated on weekends alone. Drivers cannot have access to certain streets first avenue, namely uh the business district where people are at. We can't they're barricaded and we get ticketed everywhere.

A

G

Your testimony I just want to you know, say that I'm not here to put on an act. This is not about theatrics or historics. This is real and this country was built built on one thing: one principle: equal rights, equal laws, equal regulations, caught justice and that's.

A

All we're asking for thank you for your testimony. We have one more speaker on this side. Thank you.

AS

Hi, my name is luis pavkara, I'm an honor, a new star tax in minneapolis. I have this company small business about like 10 years ago, so it's good. The competition is good, but the thing is you have to regulate whatever you mandatory on it say is regulations for people. You have to be treated the same. You have to be fair with everybody and um really like when I start my small business they're gonna. They ask for everything.

AS

If you are illegal in this country whatever, but the thing is, it has to be equal for everybody. If you change the ordinance, you have to be fair for everybody. That's what I want to say and, like I say, they're already operating in minneapolis, they are killing our small business already. So so I like to see, remember consistent members, I like to support a small business. Please I really appreciate it. That's what I'm gonna tell you thank.

A

You for your testimony, so we have 10 minutes left in the public hearing each side is taking about 10 minutes, I'm open to the idea of two more one set of speakers on each side. Are you open to that?

A

Yes, okay, so we're going to take five more speakers on one side and five more speakers on the other side and then we're going to close the public hearing. So I know you probably want to be selective in saying things. Other people haven't said at this point to make sure all of the points both sides would like to make are addressed.

A

AR

Thank you, steve doberstein, 1259 ottawa in west saint paul. I actually am a driver for lyft and I started driving for lyft on the the pioneer weekend of february 27th, which happened to be my birthday. I turned 61.

AR

the next day after I started driving. I received the a little note in my inbox that told me how well I drove the day before I actually found that a couple people didn't like how I drove I learned from that experience real fast.

AR

The one part about the apps that are available both to the passenger and the driver is the rating system. Presently I have had over 400 rides, I'm very proud and honored to have given every single ride and at this time on a 5 star rating, I am 4.85 star rated, which I think is fairly high.

AR

I'm excited to continue to provide lifts for people.

AR

Lifts in just in its name alone is not only about giving a ride, but it's helping people lift them up through the day and lift and all the drivers and lift, and many of them that I have driven for here, also feel that comfort and that just enthusiasm that takes place from being in lived.

AR

I know that taxi regulations are hard and they're tough. I hope that that can change. I hope that we have good competition between all of us that is fair, honest and truthful, including with the drivers on how they are being rated as drivers for their company or as independent.

AR

We all need to be there. Thank you.

A

Thank you for your testimony. Speaker too. Please.

AT

My name is steve nelson. I live in robbinsdale at 4245th, avenue, north department 209 and uh little did. I know in 2010 when I was laid off from my customer service job, that I'd be spending three and a half years. Looking for something else to do, I had been a courier, but my career company had folded in the meantime, so I was very glad to start working with uber. I had been steadily driving because I was the family chauffeur and we had a I've got a granddaughter.

AT

I've got a great granddaughter now and a friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with cancer and his in the early stages of treatment. So he needs to get to the doctor, and clinics and uber provides the flexibility to get out there and do something positive and to do something, that's rewarding for myself or family financially and it I have been a cab driver and this isn't cab driving.

AT

I mean I can't sit in a cab stand. I can't pick up people who flag me down. I've had people get in my car when my party uh didn't show up where they were supposed to be. While I was waiting and try and convince me to take them somewhere. No, I work for uber members folks who have taken the time to sign up to be a member of uber and we share good times.

AT

We have get to meet a lot of good people, but uh I can understand the request for some regulation on us, but we're not the same and equality is not an issue here, because we can't do what they can do.

AT

A

Thank you for your testimony, speaker three. Please.

AU

Madam chairman, members of the committee, my name is michael labross. I live in 3945, 12th avenue, south minneapolis there's just three things. I'd like to committee to consider when you're thinking about this regulation first is ride. Sharing is going to help you and others fulfill your primary commitment to the city, which is public safety.

AU

So many of my writers are people who have um were very intoxicated and and they're I'm either taking them either taking them home that way because they choose to have a uber car because it's inexpensive or I'm picking them up the next morning because they're taking they want to go, get their car, um that's it that has reducing the amount of pain and suffering going on in the city by some significance.

AU

uh Secondly, um I have a lot of flexibility as an uber driver. I have a professional life and urban driving is just fun and it's a good hobby for me and I used to be an ambulance driver and so this kind of fulfills, an old fantasy of mine, to continue to drive, and I the car is my own car. It's not a taxi, I'm not a taxi driver.

AU

I keep it clean, I keep it working operating properly and you know, and they the primary thing here is that the uber experience is very interpersonal. We ride around and we get to know each other. We greet each other by name when I get to the door um and we uh we talk along the way when we when we can and we listen to music.

AU

Thirdly, there are many out-of-state driver uh customers uh from other countries as well. When they come to minnesota, they expect to see and ride uber it's in a hundred countries around the world and in this country, and we uh they really do expect to see it and it's important that we keep it here as long as we can thanks very much. Thank.

A

You for your testimony, um this is the will be the last speaker on this side. Is that correct this? Yes, yes,.

AV

Good afternoon my name is ahmed: hey hmd, my dad is 27 43 first I've been stopped.

AV

I drove a cab for 14 years many hours and I have driving with uberx for just two weeks now and I love world war x over to me with safety and freedom.

AV

The baron thanks my security with uberx, I'm not worried about who is getting my cab and also I got more time with my family and I'm still making more money than what I used to make a cab.

AV

Freedom, I used to harass a lot by the city, spectres, police traffic controller, hotel, employee. Everybody was harassing me, including grant wilson. So thank you very much.

A

Thank you, sir I'll note that the experts have told me there is in fact one more speaker on this side so we'll take that last speaker, then thank you for your patience.

AW

No, no problem man. Thank you. um My name is tom johnson. I live at 1903rd avenue, south apartment b in council member warsami's district, very nice to meet you. I got started in lyft the way most people did. I was looking for a way to get home. I'm a year long biker, I don't have a car. I appreciate the resources that the city of minneapolis offers that allows people like me to not have a car such as lyft such as ride sharing car to go even nice ride.

AW

I also appreciate that the city council, as councilmember frye said earlier, is not taking a heavy-handed approach to this is hearing this discussion. So one of these for all of you guys here today, I appreciate it um as a year-round biker, uh I'm very interested in the development of our transportation network. uh I support lyft and uber in the way that they use resources efficiently. They don't introduce new cars on the road, they take people who have rides and they take and they give them to people who need them, and they do that with technology.

AW

It's a fantastic service. Anyone who has ever used it has only ever said it's clean. It's efficient, it's intuitive, it's a great service for minneapolis. I only hope that the regulation is worked out in in an equal way, um also as someone uh who's involved in a tech startup as well. um This the what what it represents the sharing economy as opportunities for entrepreneurs as opportunities for people in the city who are looking to connect resources in a different way.

AW

I think that this decision right here will speak a lot and people are going to be very paying very close attention to it. As somebody mentioned before, it's a system that's offered in a lot of other cities, and I think if minneapolis were to disbar it or to regulate it in an overburden some way, it would significantly hurt our ability to compete.

AW

So I'd like to see lyft and uber continue in the future. I hope that the city council will come to a fair agreement, and thank you for your time.

A

Thank you we'll take the first speaker on the second side. Please.

AX

My name is fred anderson. I live at 1110, east 15th street I've been in the taxi business 21 years for eight years. I was an instructor of the certified cab training program. Uber and lyft has many amateurs driving professionally, and that is dangerous.

AX

That's from a from a teacher's standpoint. I can tell you that is a fact. It takes at least a year for a driver, a cab driver to learn the business when in my first year I probably almost got killed a couple of times and I'm serious and I was actually fairly good compared to other drivers. Council members. This is not a good deal for minneapolis uber and lyft. Uber and lyft have been kicked out of many cities all over the world.

AX

For many reasons, and a lot of people here believe that there are unanswered too many unanswered questions. For example, what uber and lyft provide is, by definition, taxi service. Why won't they compete on a level playing field? Some minneapolis taxi companies already use software nearly identical to uber and lyft's.

AX

Why does the council propose giving them preferential treatment or uber and lift preferential treatment? Uber and lyft uber lifts insurance is insufficient, among other things. It has not in the past covered the driver on his way to an order. That's a very dangerous part of driving taxi. You don't drive fast when you have a customer in the cab, at least you shouldn't, but a lot of cab drivers drive fast skating to the order.

AX

Ask the ask the family of the the six-year-old in san francisco should should minneapolis allow uncertain, uber and lyft driver training and background checks to present unnecessary risk for customers.

AX

Uber and lyft will not comply with minneapolis wheelchair accessible taxi requirements if, if what they do is taxi service, why is that surge pricing illegal for taxis can be arbitrarily initiated by uber and lyft? Why should one customer pay eight dollars and another pay? Eighty dollars for the same ride that has happened.

AX

There are reports of uber and lyft drivers being intoxicated, stalking, customers, cheating, customers and violating the american disabilities act. Has the council examined these accusations.

A

Sorry, sir, I know it's fast. Thank you for your testimony. It was very interesting, we'll take the second speaker, then.

AY

The only thing that I wanted to mention from the people from hoover that they're here.

AY

In my point of view, we all should have access to have a business, and I think of the sun, the sun, when it shines, shines off over all of us.

AZ

AY

I'm requesting from you is, we have the same plain level feel that we have licensing and all the requirements for for both sides.

AY

I want to mention the dark card black cars that have the stinted windows.

AZ

AY

My name is luis saccardo, I'm sorry for forgetting thank you.

AZ

AY

A taxi as a small business owner.

AZ

AY

Have problems because I live in the south, south south syria area of minneapolis.

AZ

Con los texas, just a ritual and.

AY

With taxes they have license in richfield.

AZ

AY

Working in minneapolis.

AZ

AY

AZ

AY

Limos are arriving the door, the door, people from the hotels.

AY

If it's to be allowed to park in the taxi stand near the limos.

AZ

AY

I am sure that we will be able to take three customers, while they only can take one of them.

AY

They cannot see us, they put us in hiding.

AZ

AZ

AY

That causes a lot of losses in our income and we have to stay by their parking waiting for affair for about six to seven hours.

AY

And then sometimes my my right is probably five or six dollars at the most.

AY

I can blame the first hotel is the hilton hotel who is saying no rights for rice for you to the airport.

AZ

AY

If it would be impossible to switch the tax that the stand to park, because uh I believe that the owner of this limo is the door person from the hotel is the same person.

AZ

AY

Had a problem with four of them.

A

Thank you for your testimony. I just want to know we allowed him to go four minutes because of the translation.

AY

I'm sure everyone caught on.

A

Thank you for your help. Thank you.

AY

A

Next number: three: please.

BA

ah My name is mohammed mohammed, how you doing council members very.

A

BA

Been driving taxi in this city since 1996., I see a lot of changes. uh This is, I think, these days, the city taxi they get abused. uh Do I first of all: do the city get the inspection fee in the taxicab license or leftist on uber? Did they get 135?

BA

I don't think they get the city get that inspection, money and driver license new the city get money for us, and then we have insurance. We pay insurance.

BA

I don't think the city uh taxi get a lift to get insurance uh higher, so they they they pay in shortage for fifty dollars, something like that they're coming on the street. So that's what I know. So when I start driving taxi in this city, the taxi cab goodwill will be 30, 000 and right now is a zero because of the city councils.

BA

They did that thing.

BA

uh How many minutes I have.

A

40 seconds.

BA

40 seconds can I can I talk more. Thank you.

A

You have 40 37 seconds, you can talk till the end of that.

BA

Yeah I uh I'm voting for the council city in uh northeast, which word is that number three economy.

A

We're not answering questions. Oh.

BA

Sorry so mike have to make decision for this. Thank you. Thank.

A

You for your testimony, we'll take the. What number are we? This will be. The final speaker.

BB

BC

Thank you, hello. uh My name is sarit farah.

BC

I live 145 mount airy, I've been driving a taxi for about 10 years and I have a few taxicab license and I spend each license over two to three thousand dollars every year for the inspection and to to maintain and also a couple of thousand dollars each cars for inspection every six months, and also uh one of my cub have failed an inspection and uh I was driving street and and I get tall because I failed an inspection and that one cost me about thousand dollars with the banishment, because I don't have no sticker on it and also still I haven't replaced it because I don't have no money of it.

BC

So now I I don't know what's going on, they allow people with no sticker or no numbers working on it. But mine is legally sexy, but actually spell the inspection, so I'll get trouble, and I I'm paying all of that.

BC

So I'm just trying to see if they can make all the commercial vehicle or the public transportation for same rights or if they can just like make lower for the old one. You know, or they keep the the big one you know growing and then killing the small businesses.

BC

That's what I'm thinking for the uh the new system coming up now, and actually um we have a big different policy. We've been over sixty seven thousand dollar each car and actually we're suffering. For that one. Also, I'm trying to see uh what kind of decision you will make for that one. Thank.

A

You for your testimony. Thank you.

BC

A

This will be the last speaker.

BD

Hi everybody, my name is janelle bain. I live at 3326, vincent avenue, north in minneapolis, I'm a long time, minneapolis resident and I'm proud to call this city home. I've been working at blue and white taxi for five years next month. In this time, I've worked my way through the office and I'm now the billing and payroll coordinator.

BD

It's a great job and a really great place to work. I've gotten to know an incredibly diverse group of people over the years and I'm thankful for it. Diversity is one of the things about minneapolis. I love so much. I'm also very invested in my city and my community, I'm a homeowner in north minneapolis and a member and substitute cashier at the east side. Food co-op in northeast I'm also a lesbian.

BD

I bring up this last fact because it's important to me to assure that everyone here uh that the taxicab industry is indeed inclusive of the lgbt community.

BD

If anybody feels it is not, I think that we can all work together to to make it to to make it better.

BD

I believe wholeheartedly in the fostering of community and I can't think of a better symbol that embodies the spirit of one minneapolis than the taxi cab. One minneapolis, one ordinance, no second-class citizens. Thank you so much! That's all. I have to say.

A

Thank you for your testimony, so we're going to conclude the testimony at this point. I want to thank everybody for your very respectful tone. The fact that everyone in the room was, I thought, really everyone who spoke and everyone who sat very patiently and quietly. This could be a very heated and passionate issue, and I think you handled it with the utmost of respect towards each other.

A

I hope you felt respected by the city and the committee, and I hope you felt heard from our point of view, it's important for you to know that what we wanted to do today was listen to you not lecture you, as we move forward, trying to figure out what the next step would be. We appreciate everybody being here. As I said, there will be no vote or discussion on this today.

A

The authors and those who are working on this will continue to work with the interested stakeholders and we will have something published well in advance of whenever we determine to take this up, it could be in two weeks it might be in four weeks. Is there any other business in front of the committee? Ask the clerk if we've concluded everything and thank them for their hard work, as well as our lovely translator, who's done such a good job for us today, I'm seeing no business before us, no further business. We are adjourned.

A