Vehicle for Hire Licensing Board

Regular Meeting

Burlington, VT · July 11, 2024

Minutes

BURLINGTON VEHICLE FOR HIRE LICENSING BOARD SHARON BUSHOR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, 149 CHURCH ST. MINUTES OF MEETING July 11, 2024 Draft Members Present: Paul Hines Stephen Hamlin Youness Jamil Also Present: Hayley McClenahan Tenzin Chokden Meeting start time: 05:36 P.M 1. Agenda 1. Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda Motion to accept the agenda by Stephen Hamlin, seconded by Youness Jamil. Approved unanimously. 2. Approve Minutes 2. Approve Minutes 2.1. Approval of 05/30/24 Minutes Motion to accept the previous minutes by Stephen Hamlin, seconded by Youness Jamil. Approved unanimously. 3. Public Forum 3. Public Forum 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments No members of the public commented. 1 4. Hearings 4.1. Ride Easy Taxi Hayley McClenahan swore in Aziz Bakkali, the complainant, via Zoom. She also swore in Saadi AlJarah, the driver of Ride Easy Taxi, and Ali AlJarah, the business owner of Ride Easy Taxi. Ali AlJarah stated he is representing Saadi AlJarah who is his father, and also serves as a translator for Saadi AlJarah, who doesn’t speak English. Due to poor cell reception hindering the video conference, the board paused the hearing to allow Aziz Bakkali to find a more suitable location. The board decided to move on to item #6, New business, and discuss the vehicle for hire ordinance change proposal that was discussed with the airport commission at their meeting on Tuesday, July 2nd. The board acknowledged the written complaint but noted the complainant's absence from the hearing following a 5-minute recess. Due to this absence, the complainant's right to a hearing was waived. Youness Jamil asked if it is legal to allow Ali AlJarah to translate for Saadi. Hayley McClenahan advised it is up to the board's comfort, if the board wants to request a separate interpreter then the meeting will need to be rescheduled. Paul Hines hears no objections from the board and will hear from the respondents first. Ali AlJarah stated that he did not receive the full complaint and therefore he needs more time to review to respond. A copy of the full complaint was provided and time allowed for review. In a resumed video conference, Aziz Bakkali explained his complaint against Saadi. He accused Saadi of violating airport regulations by soliciting customers inside the terminal and stealing a client who had booked with Bakkali. Bakkali claims to have evidence that the customer repeatedly asked Saadi if he was Aziz, but Saadi feigned ignorance of English and kept answering affirmatively. The customer only realized the mistake after several minutes into the ride. Bakkali claimed the driver wasn't following the queue rules. He alleged the driver skipped taking his rightful fare and instead gave the customer to a friend who was last in line. He stated that this violates the system where drivers take turns serving customers. Saadi countered that the customer came up to him while he was waiting at the front of the queue and inquired about a taxi. The customer mentioned a long trip and asked if he could handle it. Saadi confirmed and had the customer enter the address on his phone. He claims she only asked his name after reaching exit 17, and he simply replied "Saadi." Unaware of any prior reservation, he completed the trip and gave the customer a business card. Saadi insisted he only learned it was Aziz's customer later from another driver. He denied any wrongdoing and alleged Aziz and Youness confronted him angrily upon returning from the trip. 2 Aziz Bakkali claimed to have witnesses who can testify about Saadi's rule violations at the airport and is ready to present them if needed. Although he has email reservation records from the customer, he failed to submit them before the hearing. Stephen Hamlin asked why didn’t he bring his witnesses to the hearing and submit the evidence. Ali AlJarah stated that the complainant was not taking the complaint seriously by not being present in person and disregarded the hearing’s importance by multitasking (phone) and not bringing relevant evidence. Due to a lack of evidence and inconsistencies, he believes the case should be dismissed. The board will deliberate on this hearing and a decision notice will be sent by mail. 5. Deliberative Session 5. Deliberative Session The board entered a deliberative session at 7:00 PM and ended at 7:15 PM. Youness Jamil recused himself from the deliberative session due to conflict of interest. 6. New Business Paul Hines requested that Hayley McClenahan share the airport commission's thoughts on the proposed ordinance changes related to vehicles for hire. He wanted to know if she could briefly summarize their feedback. Hayley McClenahan shared that there are suggestions for improving the signage on credit card payment. The signage is meant to inform passengers about the temporary cash-only period before credit card processing is available. The City Council is expected to discuss this on Monday to recommend sending the proposal to the Ordinance Committee for further review based on feedback from the airport commissioners. The committee's schedule and current workload will determine when they can review the ordinance. City Council rules allow the Council to take over the ordinance if the committee hasn't addressed it after 3 meetings. However, it's expected that the committee will likely review it within the next few meetings after it's officially referred to them. Hayley McClenahan informed the board they can attend the ordinance committee meeting to share further feedback on the draft. They should contact the chair of the committee. The next meeting will be held on 08/14/2024 @ 5:30pm. 7. Adjournment Motion to adjourn the meeting by Stephen Hamlin, seconded by Youness Jamil. Approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM. 3

Agenda

Packet

Vehicle for Hire Licensing Board Thursday, July 11, 2024, 5:30 PM, Sharon Bushor Conference Room, City Hall, 149 Church St. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99726243187?pwd=HrRAqyjUd79TYu9PtcxfLdP2C1Yfyd.1 Meeting ID: 997 2624 3187 Passcode: 789663 --- One tap mobile +19292056099,,99726243187#,,,,*789663# US (New York) +13017158592,,99726243187#,,,,*789663# US (Washington DC) 1. Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda File Attachments 2. Approve Minutes 2.1. Approval of 05/30/24 Minutes 3. Public Forum 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments 4. Hearings 4.1. Ride Easy Taxi 5. Deliberative Session Page 1 of 11 6. New Business 7. Adjournment 7.1. Motion to adjourn Page 2 of 11 BURLINGTON VEHICLE FOR HIRE LICENSING BOARD QUEEN CITY ROOM, 3RD FLOOR, CITY HALL, 149 CHURCH ST. BURLINGTON, VT 05401 OR REMOTELY VIA ZOOM. MINUTES OF MEETING May 30, 2024 Draft Members present: Paul Hines (Chair) Youness Jamil Stephen Hamlin Also present: Hayley McClenahan Tenzin Chokden Meeting start time: 5:43 PM 1. Agenda 1. Agenda Stephen Hamlin made the motion to accept the agenda, seconded by Youness Jamil. Approved unanimously. 2. Previous Minutes 2. Previous Minutes Paul Hines noted an error in the last paragraph under Discussion for other updates to be corrected from “The Muhaideen” to “Mr. Muhaideen”. Tenzin Chokden said he will correct. Stephen Hamlin made the motion to accept the amended previous minutes, seconded by Youness Jamil. Approved unanimously. 3. Public Forum 3. Public Forum No members of the public commented. 4. Communications 4. Communications 4.1. Andrew Peissig Taxi Complaint Andrew Peissig stated that he frequently travels from the Burlington Airport. He said in pre-pandemic times taxis were straightforward, with airport fees and metered rates. Over the past 18 months, he has consistently experienced taxi drivers at the airport not using their meters. They have had negotiations over the fee or even been told upfront that it will be 35 dollars. He thought maybe he was unaware of Page 3 of 11 the change in taxi policies. This issue has been consistent, with him traveling from the airport four times this year. He has had friends with similar experiences. He requested that taxis start using the meters again. Stephen Hamlin asked: when was the last time he took a cab from the airport? Andrew Peissig replied: May 11, 2024. Paul Hines added that the meter rates have been updated and an ordinance change is being discussed to make it mandatory to use the meter when giving rides from the airport. If the passenger didn't agree to a rate before entering the vehicle, the driver should have been required to use the meter rate. He asked if there was a specific trip in which Andrew had experienced a driver not using a meter. Andrew Peissig stated he has receipts from three taxi companies recently from his email receipts record. Paul Hines informed Andrew that a specific date, like May 11th, would be beneficial for holding a hearing, as the board is aware of the issue and is working on amending the ordinance. Andrew Peissig acknowledges Paul's support and urges the board to address this issue in the future. Youness Jamil asked Andrew Peissig if he could give more information on the name of the cab company, time the ride was taken, color of the vehicle, or name of the driver. Andrew Peissig doesn’t remember the company’s name or color but stated it was a female cab driver and it was at 7:00 p.m. Youness Jamil said there is only one female driver who operates at the airport queue line and he knows her. 4.2. Complaints against Abdi Dhere The board discussed the two statements from the two drivers at the airport regarding Abdi Dhere skipping the queue line and taking customers from them. Abdi Dhere was not present at the meeting. Paul Hines asked Hayley McClenahan if there was a violation of the airport rules. Hayley McClenahan confirmed and the board can deliberate on this matter in deliberation session. 5. Hearings 5. Hearings 5.1. Airport Winooski Cab - Abdi Dhere Abdi Dhere was not present for the hearing. Paul Hines asked if the board could proceed with the hearing with just the complainant who was Page 4 of 11 present. Hayley McClenahan confirmed the board can proceed, as notices were sent to both parties. Tenzin Chokden said that both parties were sent email notices by certified mail on May 21, 2024. The certified mail sent to Abdi Dhere was refused by the addressee on May 23, 2024. The complainant, Muhaideen Batah, was sworn in by Hayley McClenahan. Muhaideen Batah first encountered Abdi Dhere at the Winooski post office, where Abdi Dhere came in and started cursing at him. Paul Hines asked if he had known Abdi before. Muhaideen Batah said he knew Abdi when he used to work in the taxi business. He described the incident in the airport men’s restroom between him and Abdi Dhere as stated in the police report attached in the agenda packet. Paul Hines told Muhaideen Batah he appreciated him coming to the hearing. 6. Deliberative Session 6. Deliberative Session The board entered the deliberative session at 18:05. The board ended the deliberative session at 18:21. 7. New Business 7. New Business Youness Jamil reported that some drivers are unhappy with the updated metered rates as of April 15th, as they are struggling to cover insurance costs and are complaining about inflation. Some drivers refuse to use meters and charge flat-rate fees, sometimes having only one customer in four hours for approximately $20. Paul Hines' understanding of December rates compared to other cities is that our new rates are slightly higher, with more money going to drivers. However, he acknowledges insufficient business due to customer’s bad experiences. Youness Jamil acknowledges the slow taxi business at the airport due to its bad reputation and observes families opting for pick-up instead of taxis. Stephen Hamlin stated that people can now post on websites and arrange their pick-up instead of taking a cab. Paul Hines stated the new rates set in April are good and stated that there's no need to alter rates, but rather there is a need to enhance the overall experience. Page 5 of 11 Youness Jamil is doing well in his business, but he also addresses the struggles of other drivers who are leaving or are considering leaving. Youness Jamil commented Blazer Transportation has been criticized for not using their meters by other drivers. Paul Hines reported using a Blazer Transportation cab today, with a meter being used for his trip. Paul Hines shared that Councilor Barlow will present the ordinance changes drafted by Hayley McClenahan at the next TEUC meeting on June 11, 2024. Hayley McClenahan gave an update that the TEUC committee's review is scheduled for June 11th, followed by the city council's decision on whether to proceed with the necessary meter piece at the airport. The next meeting will be on July 2nd. 8. Adjournment 8. Adjournment 8.1. Motion to adjourn Stephen Hamlin motioned to approve. Youness Jamil seconded. Approved unanimously. The meeting ended at 6:32 p.m. Page 6 of 11 Page 7 of 11 Page 8 of 11 Page 9 of 11 Page 10 of 11 Page 11 of 11