Safety, Wellness, & Youth Committee Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE COMMITTEE MEMBERS DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2024 FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: APPEAL OF DENIAL OF VEHICLE FOR HIRE APPLICATION – MARQUISEAN DUNKINS ISSUE:
Consider the appeal and uphold the Police Department’s denial of the Vehicle for Hire Permit Application both submitted by Mr. Marquisean Dunkins.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee consider the appeal and uphold the Police Department’s denial of the Vehicle for Hire Permit Application both submitted by Mr. Marquisean Dunkins.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Riverside Municipal Code § 5.40.180(D)(4) Vehicle for Hire Permit provides that the Chief of Police may deny or revoke the issuance of a driver’s permit when “the applicant or driver’s permit holder has falsified, misrepresented, or omitted pertinent information in the application.” BACKGROUND:
In September of 2023, Mr. Dunkins submitted a Vehicle for Hire permit application to the Riverside Police Department. The Riverside Police Department conducted a thorough background investigation of Mr. Dunkins’ application pursuant to Chapter 5.40 of the Riverside Municipal Code, Vehicles for Hire, Taxicabs, and Animal-Drawn Vehicles.
In reviewing Mr. Dunkins’ criminal history, it was discovered he had failed to disclose the extent and type of his driving history in the Vehicle for Hire permit application.
Based on this investigation, the vehicle for hire permit for Mr. Dunkins was denied per Riverside Municipal Code Section 5.40.180. Mr. Dunkins received the Denial of the Vehicle for Hire Permit Application letter on January 9, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
On January 18, 2024, Mr. Dunkins submitted the attached letter of appeal through the City Clerk’s Office. The letter was accepted by the City Clerk’s Office on January 18, 2024, and the appeal for the denial of the Vehicle for Hire Permit Application is scheduled for review by the City Council Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee on February 21, 2024.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority No. 5 – High Performing Government and Goal No. 5.3 – Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
This item aligns with EACH of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The appeal process is transparent and reflects how decisions are based on sound policy with inclusive involvement of City Boards & Commissions.
Equity – The appeal process ensures that all applicants have equal access to the process and therefore share in the benefits available to all applicants.
Fiscal Responsibility – There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Innovation – The appeal process can adapt and grow with best practices and the changing needs of the community.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The appeal process is in line with the continued efforts to ensure businesses are in compliance with the RMC. Best practices are reviewed and implemented to ensure the highest level of compliance with City regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the receipt of this report.
Prepared by: Steve Goodson, Police Lieutenant
Approved by: Larry Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/ Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
RMC 5.40.180 and 5.40.185
Appeal Letter – Dunkins
Denial Letter - Dunkins
Appeal – Vehicle for Hire Permit Application Denial ● Page 2