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Attorney O'Brien advised that this ordinance was requested by <br />Sheriff Wheeler. <br />Sheriff Gary Wheeler explained that the objective of the <br />ordinance is to provide a standard in the wrecker service industry <br />in Indian River County. It sets a limit on charges to consumers <br />and keeps the rates fair and competitive because law enforcement <br />uses a rotation list of wreckers. It also provides law enforcement <br />the opportunity to check into complaints. The Florida Highway <br />Patrol (FHP) has a state statute and Vero Beach Police Department <br />has an ordinance covering this subject. The rates will follow <br />those established by FHP and will be reviewed annually in October. <br />The maximum number of wrecker service providers will be set and <br />reviewed annually also. Currently we have a list of 18 wrecker <br />service providers and by attrition the number will decrease to 14. <br />The reason for limiting the number of wrecker service providers is <br />that their facility, trucks and equipment must be inspected <br />regularly, which takes law enforcement manpower hours. The rates <br />for wrecker service on the rotation list are higher because they <br />must drop whatever they are doing and respond. If an individual <br />calls a wrecker when there is no emergency, the response time may <br />be 15 minutes or several hours. However, an individual involved in <br />an accident and requiring a wrecker still has the choice of <br />following the rotation schedule or calling a wrecker service of his <br />or her choice. <br />Commissioner Adams led discussion regarding the necessity for <br />inspection of the equipment, and Sheriff Wheeler responded that the <br />facility, trucks and equipment must meet certain standards. The <br />FHP, the Vero Beach Police and the Sheriff's Department call the <br />wreckers on a rotation basis and must have the assurance that they <br />will have appropriate equipment. <br />Commissioner Macht preferred to allow economics and the market <br />set the limits. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone <br />wished to be heard in this matter. There being none, he closed the <br />public hearing. <br />ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Adams, the Board unanimously adopted <br />Ordinance 94-24, adding a new section concerning a <br />wrecker operator system for removal and storage of <br />wrecked, disabled, impounded or abandoned vehicles <br />in Indian River County. <br />45 �- <br />July 26, 1994 <br />