Aurora, Illinois

File #: 18-0445    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 5/16/2018 In control: City Council
On agenda: 1/15/2019 Final action: 1/8/2019
Title: A Resolution Amending All Fees Pertaining to Chapter 46 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Towing Services".
Attachments: 1. R08-250.pdf, 2. Tow Rate Comparisons.pdf, 3. Exhibit A.pdf, 4. Exhibit B.pdf
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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin

FROM: Sgt. Dan Woods #456

DATE: May 16, 2018

SUBJECT:
A Resolution amending R08-250, regarding maximum tow and storage charges for the City of Aurora.

BACKGROUND:
Chapter 46 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances calls for the city to maintain a "Tow Roster" (Sec. 46.4) of firms who have been selected and designated to provide services for the Aurora Police Department. Firms are required to apply and meet specific requirements in order to work with the city. The city in turn is responsible for setting and maintaining the fees firms are allowed to charge for services.

In May of 2008, the City of Aurora passed Resolution R08-250 (attached), amending the maximum fees which may be charged by any tow company permitted to tow for the City of Aurora. Resolution R08-250 commits to reviewing the fees every two years and changing when appropriate. The fees have not been adjusted since the 2008 adjustment.

DISCUSSION:
Given the passage of time since the last review, the Traffic Division of the Aurora Police Department conducted a survey of tow fees of neighboring and similarly-sized communities. The findings (attached) indicated Aurora's fees to be lower than most other communities.

The city's requirements for firms requesting to serve on the "Tow List" are stringent, and the list is reviewed every two years. As noted above, the amount they are able to charge for services has not been adjusted since 2008. The request is to adjust the tow fees as follows:

Proposed Tow Rates and Storage Fees





The increase in fees are appropriate for several reasons including:
* Rates of comparable municipalities
* Length of time since the last amendment (10 years)
* Increased costs incurred by tow companies due to mandates over the last several years including:
o Employee background checks
o Certified notification to lien holders
o Insurance requirements

Furthermore, I would propose these fees be reviewed every two years to ensure t...

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