14-ON CALL WRECKER SERVICE�ne�zo�andunz
TO: City Council
John Godwin, City Manager
FROM: Bob Hundley, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: ON CALL WRECKER SERVICE
DATE: May 23, 2013
BACKGROUND: On May 9`h, 2011, Council passed ordinance 2011-11 regulating incident
management towing in the city of Paris. The ordinance, codified as Section 35 in the Code of
Ordinances set forth requirements for the police department to manage the ordinance as well as
requirements for wrecker services who wished to conduct incident management tows. Incident
management towing occurs when the police make an arrest of an individual from a motor
vehicle, when motor vehicles are involved in a crash, or when motor vehicles are abandoned in
certain situations.
At the time of the passage of this ordinance, Paris had four wrecker services which applied for
incident management towing permits, and these applications were granted. These four services
are now on a 24 hour on call rotation schedule.
STATUS OF ISSUE: Staff was contacted by two of the currently permitted services who have
asked that a limit be placed on the number of wrecker services allowed by ordinance. Currently,
the ordinance does not set a limit on the number of wrecker services allowed.
BUDGET: NA
RECOMMENDATION: For discussion only.
m•
05/28/2013
Bob Hundley
Paris Police chief
2910 Clarksville ST
Paris, TX 75460
Dear Bob Hundley
Currently we have five (5) strong well estabiished wrecker services serving C'rty of Paris and Lamar county rotation.
Adding any additional service to the rotation would significantly hinder the established businesses. We the
undersigned would like to propose that there be a limit placed on the number of wrecker services able to be on
rotation with the city and county. By limiting the number of wrecker services on c'rty rotation you will secure the jobs
and five (S) small businesses that already adequately serve Lamar County area.
With a set number of five (5) wrecker services rotating 24 hours shifts, gives each business an even number of days a
year. Each company will equally serve the community seventy-three (73) days per calendar year. Atl frve (5) wrecker
services wouid be able to turn over a seven (7) day week quickly, as opposed to having an unlimited number of
towing services. Services are not always needed and can be far and few between, some week days tend to be more
active than others and having a reasonable turnaround gives each wrecker service an opportun'rty to be on rotation
during peak days of the week.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lamar County in 2D10 was 49,789 and 49,811 in
2012 estimates; this data shows aimost no growth in Lamar County over the course of two years. There is no potential
need for more wrecker services on rotation. With a volume of 0-5 wrecker calls per tweMy-four (24) hour period, "the
needs of the City of Paris and Lamar County are adequately being met by the current number of wrecker services on
rotation.
limiting the wrecker rotation to five (5) would allow for equal opportunity for all wrecker services serving the cities
rotation to fairly distribute potential opportunity. Placing a limit on the number of wrecker services allowed on
rotation will sustain the established businesses already assigned to city rotation and effedively serve our community
With the addition of another wrecker service to the city and county rotation, the current frve (5) businesses would see
a sign"rficant financial strain, and would hinder their abil'tty to do business effectively. The City of Paris call volume for
wrecker services does not justify needing more than frve (5) wrecker services on rotation.
Sincerely,
Eric WhiWker ' 1
Owner: Whfiakers Towing and Auto Recovery �� /� /�—�
K�
David Cochran
Owner. DC Towing & Roberts Wrecker
Paul Lester
Owner: Poul Lesier Wrecker Servlce O�j��i���s��.�
Jerry Pitcock
Owner: Jerry Pitcock Wrecker Service
5�