11/14/1990
APPEAL TO CITY MANAGER re TAXI OPERATOR'S PERMIT - HARRY R. ZIETZ
November 14, 1990
Present: Michael Wright, Assistant City Manager
Sgt. Don Githens, Police Department
Lt. Michael Bruscell, Police Department
Cynthia E. Goudeau, City Clerk
Also Present: Harry R. Zietz, Appellant
Michael Wright, Assistant City Manager called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. He
stated that his understanding of the case is that Mr. Zietz is appealing the denial of the
issuance of a taxi operator permit, and that the denial was based on the fact that Mr. Zietz is on
parole. All parties agreed to this summary. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Zietz to make his statement.
Mr. Zietz stated that he has worked of Clearwater Yellow Cab for seven years. His
original permit was issued in July of 1984 and he renewed it in 1985. His permit expired and
he renewed it in July of 1987 under the new code which included the probation basis for denial.
He stated the reason for the lapses in his permit were due to his wife and him working at a
campground in Pennsylvania. He has provided his parole officer's name and a letter of
recommendation from Mr. Weatherilt,his supervisor at Yellow Cab. He indicated he also holds
a license to be a Charter Boat captain. He emphasized he has never violated his parole or
provisions of his taxi permit. He stated this is his livelihood and it would be difficult for him to
find another job.
Mr. Wright questioned how long the operator's permits were valid. It was indicated they
were good for one year and Mr. Zietz had failed to renew the '87 permit until now.
Mr. Zietz said he had been in prison for 21 years and on parole for 21 years. He
expects to be off parole next month.
Sgt. Githens questioned if Mr. Zietz had driven for Yellow Cab during the last two years.
Mr. Zietz indicated he had for a while last winter but he had not noticed that his permit had
expired. He stated he also had a permit to operate in Dunedin.
Mr. Wright verified Mr. Zietz's address and indicated he would make a ruling and notify
Mr. Zietz in the next couple of days of his decision.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
CM Appeal 11/14/90
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