Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 1770, Immobilization Ordinance CommissionMemorandum REPORTTO: HonorableMayorandCityCommission FROM: RichMcLane, Lieutenant ActingChiefMartyKent,ChiefofPolice ChrisKukulski,CityManager SUBJECT: InconjunctionwithBozemanParkingCommissionresolutionPC2009-01 recommendingapprovalofOrdinance1770,finallyadoptOrdinance1770,revisiontoBozeman MunicipalCode(BMC)Chapter10.32,Section410,toincludeguidancerelatedtotheissuance ofcitationsandviolationnoticesandtoincludeauthorizingtheimmobilization(booting)and impoundmentofvehiclesandprovidingfordueprocessandtoestablishthattamperingwithor removalofanimmobilizationdeviceisamisdemeanoroffense. MEETINGDATE:November2,2009 AGENDAITEMTYPE:Consent RECOMMENDATION: FinallyadoptOrdinanceNo.1770,includingCommission amendmentsandconditionsfromOctober12,2009. BACKGROUND: OnOctober12,2009,apublichearingandstaffpresentationoccurred regardingtheprovisionaladoptionofOrdinance1770.Atthathearing,anamendedmotionwas presentedtoprovisionallyadoptthisordinancewithoneminoradjustment. Thatadjustmentwas theallowanceofafterhoursreleaseofvehiclesuponreceiptofpaymenttotheBozemanPolice Departmentforallcostsassociatedwiththevehiclefines,immobilizationfeeandtowingfee. Thismotionwasseconded,witha4-0votetoprovisionallyadoptOrdinance1770. Thechangementionedinthemotionisnotedbelowinred: (J.1.)Theownerofanimmobilizedorimpoundedvehiclemaysecureitsrelease: i.PriortoImpoundment:bypayingallunpaidviolationsofthisChapterand alladministrativecosts,includingthecostsofimmobilizationasstatedin subsection(iii)ofthis sectionwiththeCityFinanceDepartment; ii.ImpoundmentDuetoCourtOrder:bypayingtheunpaidviolationsofthis Chapterandalladministrativecosts,includingthecostsofimmobilization and/orimpoundmentasstatedin10.32.410.H.4,totheCityFinance Department,orasdeterminedbytheBozemanMunicipalCourt;or iii.AfterImpoundment:bypostingabondwiththeCityFinanceDepartment inanamountequalto: 1.alloutstandingviolationsofthisChapterandalladministrative costs;  2.Theimmobilizationfeeof$150.00;and 3.Asumequaltotheimpoundfeeifthevehiclewasimpounded. iv.Afternormalbusinesshoursrelease:bypostingacashbondwiththe BozemanPoliceDepartmentthatincludesallcostslistedinSection2.iii. aboveforemergencyexceptions,asnecessary. FISCALEFFECTS: Theadoptionofthisordinancewillnecessitatethepurchaseoftwo(2) ormoreimmobilizationdevices,atapriceeachof$550.Additionallycostsrelatedtothe reprintingofmanualparkingcitationsandimmobilizationnoticeshasnotbeendetermined,but areexpectedtocostapproximately$4,000initially.Allofthesecostsareoff-setbyexpected increasesinoutstandingparkingfinerevenuereceivedasaresultoftheordinanceauthority. ALTERNATIVES: AssuggestedbytheCityCommission. Attachments:Ordinance1770 Reportcompiledon:October28,2009  ORDINANCENO.1770 ANORDINANCEOFTHECITYCOMMISSIONOFTHECITYOFBOZEMAN, MONTANA,AMENDINGSECTION10.32.400OFTHEBOZEMAN MUNICIPALCODE(BMC)TORECOGNIZEVIOLATIONSOFCHPT.10.32, BMCARECIVILVIOLATIONSEXCEPTFORVIOLATIONSOFNEW PROVISION10.32.410.L;AMENDINGSECTION10.32.410,BMCTOINCLUDE PROVISIONSRELATEDTOISSUANCEOFCITATIONSANDVIOLATION NOTICES;AMENDSECTION10.32.410,BMCTOINCLUDEPROVISIONS AUTHORIZINGTHEIMMOBILIZATION(BOOTING)ANDIMPOUNDMENT OFVEHICLESANDPROVIDINGFORDUEPROCESSFORVIOLATIONSOF CHAPTER10.32,BMC;AMENDSECTION10.32.410TOINCLUDE PROVISIONSSTATINGTAMPERINGWITHORREMOVALOFAN IMMOBILIZATIONDEVICEISANABSOLUTELIABILITYCRIME PUNISHABLEASAMISDEMEANOR;ANDPROVIDINGANEFFECTIVE DATEOFFEBRUARY1,2010. WHEREAS ,Sect.61-12-101(1),MCA,authorizestheCityofBozemantoregulatethe standingandparkingofvehicles;and WHEREAS ,Title7,Chpt.14,Part46,authorizestheBozemanCityCommissionto createaParkingCommissionwhichwasdoneandwhosepowersarecreatedpursuantto Resolutions1676,1839,3803,and3976;and WHEREAS ,Sect.7-14-4608,MCA,statestheresolutionscreatingaparking commission“shallclearlyspecifyareaswithinthecity…overwhichthecommissionandthe city,respectively,aretohavejurisdictionandcontrol;and 117 Pageof  WHEREAS ,pursuanttocityResolution3803,theBozemanParkingCommissionhas jurisdictionoverthreeparkingdistricts:thedowntownB-3ZoningDistrict,theMontanaState UniversityResidentialParkingDistrict,andtheBozemanHighSchoolResidentialParking District;and WHEREAS ,theBozemanCityCommissionhasjurisdictionregardingparking enforcementinallotherareasoftheCity;and WHEREAS ,Sect.7-14-4622(7),MCA,authorizestheParkingCommission,having beenvestedtheauthoritybytheCityCommission,to“regulateonstreetparkingwhenitremains inuse,incoordinationwithoffstreetparking,subjecttotrafficregulationsimposedbythestate;” and WHEREAS ,Sect.7-14-4628authorizestheParkingCommissiontoissueregulationsfor onstreetparkingrelatedtothedeterminationofparkinglocations,variableparkingdurations, variableparkingrateschedules,andenforcementpoliciesandprocedures;and WHEREAS ,theBozemanParkingCommissionadoptedResolutionPC2009-01 adoptingthisOrdinanceasaparkingregulationforeachofitsthreedistrictsandrequeststhe CityCommissionadoptthisOrdinanceforeachofParkingCommission’sdistrictsandforall otherareasoftheCity;and WHEREAS ,theCityCommissionoftheCityofBozemanfindsthatconcernsregarding thepublichealth,safety,andgeneralwelfareofthecitizensandresidentsofBozemanrequires theestablishmentofordinancesfortheorderlyparkingofmotorvehiclesuponthepublicways oftheCityofBozeman;and 217 Pageof  WHEREAS ,theCityofBozemanhasadoptednumerousprovisionsincludedin Title10 oftheBozemanMunicipalCodetoregulateparking,includingtheissuanceoffinesfor violations;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionfindstheissuanceofcitationstothosewhoviolatethe parkingordinancesoftheCityofBozemanandtheprocessingofcitationsmustbedoneina mannerthataffordsadequatedueprocesstoallegedviolators;and WHEREAS ,theCityCommissionrecognizesthatinequityandalackoffundamental fairnessexistswhensomecitizenspayparkingcitationsinatimelymannerwhileothersignore thecitationsduetoaperceivedlackofenforcement;and WHEREAS ,theCityCommissiondesirestocreateasystemofenforcementthatallows violatorsadequatedueprocesstoaddressconcernsoverthevalidityofparkingticketsincluding theoptionforanadministrativeappealandanopportunitytoaddressaviolationbeforethe BozemanMunicipalCourt;and WHEREAS ,theCityCommissiondesirestocreateanenforcementprogramthat,upon adequatedueprocess,allowstheimmobilization(i.e.“booting”)ofvehicleswithancertain amountofunpaidviolationsofChapter10.32againstthevehicleorthevehicleownerandthat alsoallowsfortheimpoundmentofvehiclesundercertaincircumstances;and WHEREAS ,inthecaseofimmobilizationorimpoundment,theCommission understandssignificantprivateinterestsareatstakeincludingthataperson’sabilitytomakea livingandaperson’saccesstoboththenecessitiesandamenitiesoflifemaydependuponthe availabilityofavehicleyettheCommissionfindsacitizenincurstheriskoflosingaccessto theirvehicleonlyaftertheaccrualofsubstantialviolationsandsignificantopportunitiestoeither 317 Pageof  payfinesandfeesassociatedwiththeviolationsorcontestthoseviolationsthroughavailable procedures;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionrecognizesthatduetotheprocessrequiredpriorto immobilizationorimpoundment,theriskofanerroneousdeprivationissignificantlyreducedas notlessthansixviolationsmustbeissuedbytheCitytotheowneroroperatorofavehicle subjecttoimmobilization,reminderlettersaresenttoanownerwheninviolation,andapre- immobilization/impoundmentnoticeissentofferingthepersonanopportunitytopayall outstandingviolationsthusavoidingimmobilizationorimpoundmentandassuchthereis adequatenoticethatfailuretopayoutstandingcitationsmayresultinimmobilizationor impoundment;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionfindsthattowingandimpoundmentofvehiclesis warrantedundercertaincircumstancesincludingthoserelatedtorepairofcityservices,when necessitatedbyclearingstreetsduetoweatherconditions,orwhenanimmobilizationdeviceis placeduponavehiclebuttheownerdoesnotaddresstherequirementsforremovalofthedevice withinaspecifiedtimeframe;and WHEREAS ,theriskofanerroneousdeprivationofaperson’spropertyinterestisalso significantlyreducedbecausetheordinanceprovidesforanadministrativeappealprocess availabletoanypersoncitedforaparkingviolationandthisappealprocessisspecifically designedtoaddresserroneouscitations;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionfindsadditionalproceduresinplaceadequatelysafeguard againstanerroneousimmobilizationorimpoundmentandthoseadditionalsafeguardsincludethe requirementsthattheCitysend,priortoimmobilizationorimpoundment,awrittennoticetoa vehicleownerthatthevehiclehasaccumulatedtherequirednumberofviolationsandisthus 417 Pageof  subjecttopendingimpoundmentorimmobilization,andfurthermorethesafeguardthatthe ownermaypreventimpoundmentorimmobilizationbypayingthenoticesofmunicipal infractionorappealingthenoticetotheBozemanMunicipalCourtisinplacetoprotectthe interestsofthevehicleowner;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionfindstheprocessesinplacesufficientlybalancetheCity’s needforefficiencyincollectingparkingfines,includingthedutytotaxpayerstominimize administrativeprocessesinvolvedwithcollectionofunpaidparkingfinesandtheneedtoensure fairnesstothosecitizenswhodopaytheirparkingcitationswiththelikelihoodthatcitizenswill contestthedeterminationthattheirvehiclehasreceivedenoughticketstobeimmobilizedor impounded;and WHEREAS ,inthecaseofimmobilizationorimpoundment,theCommissionfindsthe interestoftheCityofBozemanisgreatinimposingthecostsofimmobilizationorimpoundment uponthevehicleownerinthattaxpayersshouldnotsubsidizetheenforcementoftheCity’s parkingrequirements;and WHEREAS ,theCityCommissionrecognizesdueprocessrequiressufficientnoticetoa personthatimmobilizationorimpoundmentoftheirvehicleispossible,providesfortheability torecoverpropertyimmobilizedorimpoundedthroughbonding,andprovidesforanadequate andtimelypost-deprivationhearingbeforetheBozemanMunicipalCourtandthatthisordinance providesfortheabove;and WHEREAS ,theCommissiondeterminesitisinthepublicinterestthatwhenaperson tamperswithorremovesanimmobilizationdevice,whenapersonrelocatestheimmobilization devicefromitsoriginalinstallationposition,causesdamageofanykindtotheimmobilization deviceorremovesavehiclewithanimmobilizationdeviceattachedfromthevehicleslocationat 517 Pageof  thetimetheimmobilizationdevicewasattachedthepersonshouldbeabsolutelyliablefora criminaloffenseandshouldbeprosecutedtothefullestextentofthelawforamisdemeanorand shall,ifconvicted,bepunishedbyafinenottoexceed$500andsix(6)monthsintheGallatin CountyDetentionCenter;and WHEREAS ,theCommissionfindsittobeinthepublicinterestthatthecriminalacts describedaboveareactsthatareasonableperson,havingbeengivenadequatenoticeofa pendingimpoundment,shouldnottakeandassuch,theCommissionspecificallydeterminesthe actsdescribedabove shouldbeactsofabsoluteliabilityandnomentalstateneedbeproven. NOWTHEREFORE,BEITORDAINEDBYTHECITYCOMMISSIONOFTHE CITYOFBOZEMAN,MONTANA: Section 1 ThatSection10.32.400oftheBozemanMunicipalCodebeamendedtoreadasfollows, withadditionsunderlinedanddeletionsstricken: 10.32.400LegislativeIntent ItistheintentoftheCityCommissionthatthecriminaloffensesviolationslistedinthis chapter,exceptforaviolationof10.32.410(L)(tamperingwithorremovalofanimmobilization device),areoffensesinvolvingabsolutecivilliabilityandareconsideredmunicipalinfractions underChpt.1.24ofthiscode.ItisalsotheintentoftheCityCommissionthataviolationof 10.32.410(L)isamisdemeanorcriminaloffenseofabsoluteliabilityand Thoseoffensesshallnot requireproofofanyofthementalstatesdescribedinsubsections(33),(37)and(58)ofSection 45-2-101,MCA.(Ord.134,§6,1992;Ord.1140,§1(part),1983;Ord.1126§2,1983. Section 2 ThatthefollowingisherebyaddedtoSection10.32.410oftheBozemanMunicipal Code: C.MunicipalInfractionforImproperlyParkedVehicle. 617 Pageof  1.IfanymotorvehicleisfoundtobeinviolationofanyprovisionofthisChapter, thevehiclemaybecitedfortheappropriateparkingviolation.Thecitationshall beintheformofanoticeofmunicipalinfractionpursuantto1.24,BMC.The CityofBozemanemployeeissuingthenoticeofmunicipalinfractionshallnote thevehicle’slicenseplateorvehicleidentificationnumberandanyother informationconcerningthevehiclethatwillidentifyitand,ifthedriverisnot present,shallconspicuouslyaffixtothevehicleanoticeoftheparkingviolation, oralternativelyservedirectlyontheowner/operatorofthevehicleinpersonor forwardthecitationbyregularmailwithdeliveryconfirmationrequestedtothe registeredowner. 2.Theregisteredownerofavehicleatthetimetheviolationoccurredshallbeliable forallfines,feesandpenaltiesrelatedtothespecificviolation(s)ortoprevious violation(s)whichtheregisteredownerhasnotpaid. 3.Theregisteredowneratthetimeavehicleisfoundtobeinviolationofany provisionsofthisChaptershallremainliableforallviolationsdespitehaving subsequentlysold,transferred,orotherwiseconveyedthevehicle. D.NoticeofMunicipalInfraction. 1.TheformofthenoticeofthemunicipalinfractionshallbedesignatedbytheCity, butshallcontaininsubstancethefollowinginformation: i.Astatementthatthenoticeofthemunicipalinfractionrepresentsa determinationthataviolationofthisChapterhasbeencommittedbythe owneroruserofthevehicleandthatthedeterminationshallbefinal unlesscontestedasprovidedbythisChapter; ii.Astatementthatfailuretopayaviolationmayresultinimmobilization and/orimpoundmentofthevehicleforwhichtheownermaybeliablefor apenalty,administrativefees,includingtowing,handlingandstorage costs; iii.AstatementofthespecificprovisionofthisChapterviolatedandfor whichthecitationwasissued; iv.Astatementofthemonetarypenaltyestablishedfortheparkingviolation, includingthattheviolationmaysubjecttheownertoadditional administrativefeesifnotpaidwithinten(10)workingdaysofthedateof issuanceofthecitation;and v.Astatementoftheoptionsprovidedhereinforrespondingtothenotice andtheproceduresnecessarytoexercisetheseoptions. 2.Thenoticeofmunicipalinfractionrepresentsadeterminationthatamunicipal infractionhasbeencommitted,andsuchdeterminationshallbefinalunless contestedasprovidedherein. 717 Pageof  3.Nothinghereinshallbedeemedtoinvalidateanypreviousnoticeorcitation issuedbytheCityregardingaviolationunderthisChapter. 4.Noticeofamunicipalinfractionaffixedtoavehicleisnotserviceofthe municipalinfractionasrequiredby1.24.Serviceofamunicipalinfractionin compliancewith1.24.020isnotrequireduntil(i)anoticeofmunicipalinfraction hasnotbeenpaidwithinthetimeperiodsestablishedinthisChapteror(ii)ifan administrativeappealmadepursuantto10.32.410.Fhasbeendeniedormodified andthetimeperiodsforpayingthemunicipalinfractionidentifiedin10.32.410.F haverun.ServiceofamunicipalinfractionforviolationsofthisChaptershallbe madeincompliancewith10.32.410.G. E.ResponsetoNoticeofMunicipalInfractionRequired. 1.Anypersonwhoreceivesnoticeofamunicipalinfractionforaviolationofthis Chaptershallrespondtosuchnoticeasprovidedhereinwithinten(10)business daysofthedateoftheissuanceofthenotice,byeitherpayingthepenaltysetforth inthenoticeorrequestinganadministrativeappealpursuantto10.32.410.F. Withinten(10)businessdaysifthepersonreceivingnoticefailstoeitherpaythe penaltyorrequestanadministrativeappealsaidfailureshallresultinthe assessmentofa$20.00administrativefeewhichshallbeinadditiontothe penalty. 2.Iftheownerofavehiclecitedforaparkingviolationhasnotrespondedtothe noticeofmunicipalinfractionwithinten(10)businessdaysasprovidedin subsection(1)ofthissection,theCityshallsendawrittennoticebyregularmail withdeliveryconfirmationrequestedtothelastknownaddressoftheregistered ownerofthevehicle.Suchnoticeshallstatethatiftheownerofthevehicledoes notrespondtothenoticebyeitherpayingthepenaltyandadministrativefeeorby requestinginwritinganadministrativeappealpursuanttotheseprocedureswithin ten(10)businessdaysofthedateofthenotice,theownershallbedeemedtohave waivedhisorherrighttoanadministrativeappealandthedeterminationthata violationwascommittedshallbeconsideredfinal.Anypersonwhofailsto requestanadministrativeappealorpaythefinewithintheten(10)businessdays ofthenoticedescribedinthissubsectionshallbedeemedtohaverefusedtopay thefineleviedbythecitationandshallauthorizetheCitytoproceedtocollectthe fineandalladministrativefeesinanymanneravailabletotheCity. 3.Allpaymentsmadebyapersonregardinganoticeofamunicipalinfractionunder thisChaptershallbepaidonlytotheCityFinanceDepartment. F.AdministrativeAppealofParkingCitation. 1.AnypersoncitedforaviolationofthisChaptermaycontestthedetermination thataviolationoccurredbysubmittingtotheCityofBozemanaNoticeof 817 Pageof  AdministrativeAppealofParkingCitation.TheNoticeofAppealmustcontaina writtenstatementdetailingtheappellant’sargumentthatthecitationwasissuedin errorandmayincludephotographs,oranyotherinformationtheappellantwishes torelyupon.Thecitingemployee’ssupervisorshallreviewtheinformation submittedand,withintwentyone(21)daysofsubmittaloftheNoticeofAppeal, theCityofBozemanshallinformtheappellantviaregularmailwithdelivery confirmationrequestedwhetherthecitationisaffirmed,modified,ordismissed. Ifthecitingofficer’sdecisionisaffirmedormodified,thepetitionershallhaveten (10)businessdaysfromthedateofmailingofthedecisiontopaythepenalty. Failuretopaywithinten(10)businessdayperiodshallresultintheassessmentof a$20.00administrativefeewhich shallbeinadditiontothepenalty. G.ServiceofaMunicipalInfraction/NoticetoAppear. 1.If,withinthetimelinesestablishedin10.32.410.Eand(F),thecitationisnotpaid, ifnoadministrativeappealisfiled,oriftheadministrativeappealisdeniedand thepenaltiesandfeesarenotpaid,theCityshallforwardthenoticeofmunicipal infractiontotheMunicipalCourtbyservingbycertifiedmailthemunicipal infractionupontheownerofthevehicleatthevehicleowner’slastknownaddress incompliancewith1.24.020.ItisthemailingofthecertifiedletterbytheCity thatconstitutesserviceunder1.24.020ratherthanreceiptbythedefendant. 2.Theserviceshallclearlystatethedate,time,andlocationatwhichtheperson mustappearbeforetheMunicipalCourt.Inaddition,thenoticeshallstatethedate oftheoriginalcitation,thenatureoftheviolation,theamountowed,including anyadministrativefees,andastatementthatthenoticeofamunicipalinfraction foraparkingviolationhasnotbeenpaidandthepersonmustthereforeappear beforetheMunicipalCourt.Finally,thenoticemuststatethatfailuretoappear mayresultinanentryofjudgmentagainstthepartynamedonthenotice. 3.TheCourtmayconsidertheparkingcitationandanyotherwrittenreportmade underoathbytheissuingCityemployeeinlieuoftheissuingemployee’s appearanceatthehearing. 4.UponafindingthatthedefendantcommittedtheviolationbytheMunicipalCourt Judge,ortheirdesignee,thedecisionshallbefinal,withoutrightofappeal,in accordancewithSect.25-30-108,MCA. 5.Paymentbyadefendantofanyjudgmentonamunicipalinfractionenteredbythe CourtshallbepaidtotheCityFinanceDepartment. 917 Pageof  H.ImmobilizationofVehicle. 1.TheCitymayimmobilizeusinganyimmobilizationdevice(i.e.a“boot”)any vehiclewhileparkedlegallyorillegallyuponthewaysofthecityopentothe publicwhen: i.Thevehicleissubjecttosix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthisChapter asdeterminedby10.32.H.3regardingthatvehicle; ii.Anownerofthevehiclehassix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthis Chapterasdeterminedby10.32.H.3andthoseviolationswereissuedfor anyvehiclethepersoncurrentlyownsorhasowned;or iii.AMunicipalJudgehasorderedthevehicleimmobilizedorimpounded. Ifimmobilizationisconductedpursuanttosubsections(i)or(ii),above,a judgmentororderofthemunicipalcourtisnotrequired. 2.Priortoimmobilization,thecityshallsendviaregularmailwithdelivery confirmationrequestedanoticetothelastknownaddressoftheownerofany vehiclehavingsix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthisChapterasdeterminedby 10.32.H.3thatthevehiclemaybeimpoundedorimmobilizedwhenlocatedupon thewaysofthecityopentothepublic.Thenoticemustreferencealltheunpaid violationsofthisChapteragainstthevehicleortheownerandallowtheperson ten(10)businessdaysfromthedateofmailingofthenoticetopayallunpaid violationsofthisChapterorcontestthedeterminationthevehicleissubjectto immobilizationintheMunicipalCourt.Ifthevehicleownerdoesnotrespond withinten(10)businessdaysofthedateofthemailing,thecitymayimmobilize orimpoundthevehicle. 3.OnlythefollowingviolationsofthisChaptermaybeconsideredindetermining thenumberofviolationsthatsubjectavehicletoimmobilization: i.Allviolation(s)occurringafterJuly1,2007; ii.Anyviolation(s)occurringpriortoJuly1,2007whereinasummonsand complianthasbeenlawfullyservedonthevehicleowner;and iii.Anyviolation(s)ofthisChapterforwhichajudgmenthasbeenenteredby theBozemanMunicipalCourtaslongasthejudgmentoccurrednomore thanten(10)yearspriortothedatethenoticeofapendingimmobilization issentpursuantto10.32.H.2. 4.Costsofimmobilizationorimpoundment,includinga$150.00immobilization fee,willbeassessedagainsttheownerandmustbepaidpriortorelease. 5.Atthetimeavehicleisimmobilized,theCityshallconspicuouslyaffixtothe vehicleawrittennoticeviaahighlyvisiblestickerorothermaterialwithan adhesivebackingthatcanbefastenedtothedriver-sidewindowcontainingthe followinginformation: 1017 Pageof  Thisvehiclehasbeenimmobilizedforsix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofTitle10,Ch. 32oftheBozemanMunicipalCodeorbyOrderoftheMunicipalCourt.Releasefrom immobilizationmaybeobtainedbypayingallunpaidviolationsatCityHall,121N. RouseAve.,Bozeman,orbyappearinginBozemanMunicipalCourt,Law&Justice th Center,615S.16Ave.,Suite123,toanswertotheunpaidviolations.Allassessedfees, includinga$150.00feeforimmobilization,mustbepaidpriortoreleaseofthisvehicle. Ifthevehicleremainsimmobilizedformorethantwenty-four(24)hours,thevehicleis subjecttobeingtowedandimpoundedasprovidedin10.32.410.I,BMC,withadditional .Removalorattemptedremovaloftheimmobilization feesassessedatthattime devicebeforeareleaseisobtainedisunlawfulandmaybepunishableasacriminal offenseasprovidedinSect.10.32.410.L,BMC. Theownermaycontesttheactionof immobilizationand/orimpoundmentbyfilingarequestforahearingwiththeBozeman MunicipalCourtwithinten(10)businessdaysoftheimmobilization/impoundment. Pleasecall406-582-2303duringnormalbusinesshoursforinformationonhowtorelease thisvehicle.Afterhours,pleasecall406-582-2000. Ifthevehiclehasbeenimmobilized,andhasremainedimmobilizedfora periodofTwentyFour(24)hoursorlonger,andareleasehasnotbeen obtainedfromtheCityofBozemanortheMunicipalCourt,thentheCity mayimpoundthevehicleasprovidedforin10.32.410.I. 6.NothinghereinshallprohibittheCityfromprovidingalternativemethodsof noticethatavehicleissubjecttoimmobilizationorthatavehiclehasbeen immobilized. I.Removal/ImpoundmentofVehicle. 1.TheCity,orauthorizedagentofthecity,isauthorizedtoremoveortowavehicle fromthewaysofthecityopentothepublicpursuantto10.60.020orthissection tothecityimpoundlotortoalocationassociatedwiththetowcompanywhere thevehiclewillbestoreduntiltheownerofsuchvehicleappearsandclaimsthe sameorthevehicleissoldatauctionincompliancewith§25-13-701,MCA, through§25-13-709,MCA,underthefollowingcircumstances: i.Whenanyvehicleisleftunattendeduponanybridge/viaductorcauseway orinanytubeortunnelwheresuchvehicleconstitutesanobstructionto traffic; ii.Whenavehicleisleftunattendedandthatvehicleconstitutesan obstructiontothesafeandefficientremovalofsnow,ice,otherweather causedobstructionsorthevehiclemustberemovedtofacilitatetherepairs orreplacementofCityservices; iii.Whenavehicleuponastreetconstitutesanobstructiontotrafficandthe personinchargeofthevehiclefailstoorisunabletoprovideforits custodyorremoval; 1117 Pageof  iv.Uponissuanceofajudicialorderforanyreasonincludeanyoffenses underthis Titleor Title61,MontanaCodeAnnotated;or v.WheneveranyvehicleisfoundbytheCityparkedorleftstandinginthe streetsoralleysofthecityand: 1.Thevehicleissubjecttosix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthis Chapterasdeterminedby10.32.H.3regardingthatvehicle; 2.Anownerofthevehiclehassix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsof thisChapterasdeterminedby10.32.H.3andthoseviolationswere issuedforanyvehiclethepersoncurrentlyownsorhasowned;or 3.AMunicipalJudgehasorderedthevehicleimmobilizedor impounded. Priortotowingavehicleundersubsection(v),theCitymusthaveserved uponthelastknownregisteredownerofthevehicleafinalwrittennotice ina similarformtothatrequiredin10.32.410.H. 2.Wheneveracityemployeeauthorizestheremovalofavehiclefromthewaysof thecityopentothepublicasauthorizedinthissection(H)andtheemployee removingthevehicleknowsorisabletoascertainfromtheregistrationrecordson thevehiclethenameandaddressoftheownerthereof,andincompliancewith §61-12-402,MCA,suchofficershallsendanoticebycertifiedmailwithin seventytwo(72)hourstosuchownerandlienholder,ifapplicable,ofthefactof suchremovalandthereasonsthereofandoftheplacetowhichsuchvehiclehas beenremoved.Ifanysuchvehicleisstoredinapublicgarageorotherstorage facility,acopyofsuchnoticeshallbegiventotheattendantorownerofthe facility.Further,acityemployeeauthorizingtheremovalofthevehicle,shall adequatelyupdatewrittenorelectronicrecordsoftheimmobilizationand/ortow toprovideforlateridentificationofallfeesrelativetothereleaseofthevehicleto theregisteredowner. 3.Thecostoftowingorremovingsuchvehicleandcostsofstoringthevehicleshall bechargeableagainstthevehicleandshallbepaidbytheownerofthevehicle beforethevehicle shallbereleasedpursuantto10.32.410.J. 4.Thevehiclemaybestoredinapublicoraprivateplace;ifaprivateplace,the storagechargesshallbetheamountchargedforsuchprivatestorage;ifstoredon publicproperty,thestorageshallbeasprescribedfromtimetotimebyCity Commissionresolution.Theownerofavehicleimpoundedandtoweddueto unpaidparkingticketsmustsecurethereleaseofthevehicleasrequiredby 10.32.410.J. 5.TheCityassumesnoresponsibilityfortheconditionofthevehicleupontowingto impoundorafacilityprovidedbyaprivatetowingentity. 1217 Pageof  J.ReleaseofVehicletoOwnerforImmobilizationorImpoundment. 1.Animmobilizedorimpoundedvehiclemaybereleasedfromimmobilizationor impoundmentonlytotheownerorauthorizedagentoftheownerofthevehicle. 2.Theownerofanimmobilizedorimpoundedvehiclemaysecureitsrelease: i.PriortoImpoundment:bypayingallunpaidviolationsofthisChapterand alladministrativecosts,includingthecostsofimmobilizationasstatedin subsection(iii)ofthis sectionwiththeCityFinanceDepartment; ii.ImpoundmentDuetoCourtOrder:bypayingtheunpaidviolationsofthis Chapterandalladministrativecosts,includingthecostsofimmobilization and/orimpoundmentasstatedin10.32.410.H.4,totheCityFinance Department,orasdeterminedbytheBozemanMunicipalCourt;or iii.AfterImpoundment:bypostingabondwiththeCityFinanceDepartment inanamountequalto: 1.alloutstandingviolationsofthisChapterandalladministrative costs; 2.Theimmobilizationfeeof$150.00;and 3.Asumequaltotheimpoundfeeifthevehiclewasimpounded. iv.Afternormalbusinesshoursrelease:bypostingacashbondwiththe BozemanPoliceDepartmentthatincludesallcostslistedinSection2.iii. aboveforemergencyexceptions,asnecessary. 3.Atthetimethevehicleisreleased,theownershallstateinwritingwhetherthe paymentsmadeareinfullsatisfactionofalldebtsandjudgmentsorwhetherthe ownerismakingpaymentasabondandwillchallengetheimmobilizationor impoundmentwiththeMunicipalCourt.Iftheownerpostsabondandfailsto challengetheimmobilizationorimpoundmentpursuantto10.32.410.K,thebond shallbeforfeitandconsideredasfinalpaymentforalldebtsandjudgments. K.HearingforVehicleImmobilizationorTowing/Impoundment. 1.Withinten(10)businessdaysofnotificationofapendingimmobilizationunder 10.32.410.H.2,orwithinten(10)businessdaysafteranimmobilizationor impoundmenttheowneroroperatorofavehiclewhichisthesubjectofthenotice ortheactionmayfileawrittenpetitiontochallengethenoticeoractionin MunicipalCourt. 2.Uponreceiptofapetition,theMunicipalCourthasjurisdictionandshallsetthe matterforhearingonanexpeditedschedule.TheCourtshallgiveatleast48 hourswrittennoticeofthehearingdatetothecitingCityemployeeordesignated representative,theCityAttorney’sOffice,andthePetitioner. 3.Uponfilingthepetition,ifthepetitionisfiledbaseduponthenotice,andan immobilizationorimpoundmentactionhasnotyettakenplace,thenanyfuture 1317 Pageof  immobilizationorimpoundmentwillbestayedpendingtheoutcomeofthe hearing.AnappropriateordershallissuefromtheCourt. 4.TheCourtshallnotrequirearesponsetothepetitionfromtheCity,butshalltake testimonyandexaminethefactsofthecase,exceptthattheissuesarelimitedto: i.Forimmobilizationunder10.32.H: 1.Whetheratthetimeofanimmobilizationthevehiclewaseitherthe subjectofsix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthisChapter,an ownerofthevehiclehassix(6)ormoreunpaidviolationsofthis Chapterasdeterminedby10.32.H.3andthoseviolationswere issuedforanyvehiclethepersoncurrentlyownsorhasowned,or thevehicleorowneristhesubjectofanorderofimmobilizationin BozemanMunicipalCourt;and 2.WhetherarepresentativeoftheCityhadsent,priorto immobilization,totheregisteredownerofthevehicleawritten noticecomplyingwith10.32.H.2. ii.Forimpoundment:Whetherthevehiclewasproperlythesubjectofanact ofimmobilizationortowingasprovidedinunder10.32.I. 5.Basedupontheissuesinsection10.32.410.K.4theCourtshalldeterminewhether thePetitionerisentitledtorescissionofthenoticeoractionofimmobilizationor impoundment.IfthePetitionerisentitledtorescission,thentheCourtmayorder theCitytopayorreimbursethefeesforimmobilizationorimpoundment.Ifthe Petitionisdenied,thenthePetitionerissubjecttotheactionofimmobilizationor impoundmentandmustpaythecostsofsuchaction,iftaken,togetherwithany costsassociatedwiththehearingshouldtheCourtfindthePetitionwaswithout merit. 6.IftheimmobilizationorimpoundmentwasdeemedjustifiedbyCourt,theCourt shallforfeitthebond.Anyfinesorfeesremaininginexcessoftheamountofthe bondpostedshallbeorderedbytheCourttobepaidbytheownerofthevehicle totheCourt. 7.TheCourtmayconsideraparkingcitationandanyotherwrittenreportmade underoathbytheissuingCityemployeeinlieuoftheissuingemployee’s appearanceatthehearing. 8.ThePetitioner’sfailuretoappearatthehearingmayresultinajudgmentagainst thepetitionerpursuanttoproceduresestablishedbylawandanordermaybe issuedbytheCourtrequiringalldebts,judgments,andadministrativecosts, includingcostsrelatedtoimmobilizationorimpoundmentandcostsoftheCourt, andsaidordershallbecompliedwithpriortoreleaseofthevehicle. 1417 Pageof  L.TamperingwithorRemovalofImmobilizationDeviceProhibited–Penalty 1.Apersoncommitstheoffenseoftamperingwithorremovalofanimmobilization deviceif,beforeareleaseoftheimmobilizationdeviceisauthorizedbytheCity ortheMunicipalCourt,theperson: i.removesorattemptstoremoveanimmobilizationdevicefromavehicle; ii.relocatestheimmobilizationdevicefromitsoriginalinstallationposition; iii.causesdamageofanykindoramounttotheimmobilizationdevice;or iv.removesanimmobilizedvehiclewithorwithouttheimmobilization deviceattachedfromthevehicleslocationatthetimetheimmobilization devicewasattached. 2.Apersonconvictedofthisoffenseisguiltyofamisdemeanorandshallbefined nottoexceedfivehundreddollars($500)orimprisonedinthecountyjailfora periodnottoexceed six(6)monthsorbothsuchfineandimprisonment. 3.Asanalternativetoincarceration,thepersonmaybeorderedtoparticipateina supervisedcommunitycorrectionsprogramorcommunityservicepursuantto §46-18-201,MCA. 4.Inaddition,thepersonsoconvictedshallbeorderedtopayrestitutionforthe damagescausedinanamounttobedeterminedandsetbytheCourt.TheCourt shallgivefullanddueconsiderationtotheperson’sabilitytopaytherestitution, andmaymodifytheorderupongoodcauseshownbytheperson.Restitution mustbepaidinfullpriortoreleasefromjurisdictionoftheCity. Section 3 Repealer. AllprovisionsoftheordinancesoftheCityofBozemaninconflictwiththeprovisionsof thisordinanceare,andthesamearehereby,repealedandallotherprovisionsoftheordinances oftheCityofBozemannotinconflictwiththeprovisionsofthisordinanceshallremaininfull forceandeffect. Section 4 SavingsProvision. Thisordinancedoesnotaffecttherightsanddutiesthatmatured,penaltiesthatwere incurredorproceedingsthatwerebegunbeforetheeffectivedateofthisordinance. 1517 Pageof  Section 5 Severability. Thatshouldanysentence,paragraph,subdivision,clause,phraseorsectionofthis ordinancebeadjudgedorheldtobeunconstitutional,illegal,orinvalid,thesameshallnotaffect thevalidityofthisordinanceasawhole,oranypartorprovisionthereof,otherthanthepartso decidedtobeinvalid,illegalorunconstitutional,andshallnotaffectthevalidityoftheBozeman MunicipalCodeasawhole. Section 6 CodificationInstruction. TheprovisionsofSection2shallbecodifiedasappropriateinChapter10.32ofthe BozemanMunicipalCode. Section 7 EffectiveDate. Thisordinance shallbeinfullforceandeffectonFebruary1,2010. PROVISIONALLYPASSED bytheCityCommissionoftheCityofBozeman, th Montana,onfirstreadingataregularsessionheldonthe12dayofOctober,2009. ____________________________________ KAARENJACOBSON Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ STACYULMEN,CMC CityClerk 1617 Pageof  FINALLYPASSED,ADOPTEDANDAPPROVED bytheCityCommissionofthe nd CityofBozeman,Montanaonsecondreadingataregularsessionthereofheldonthe 2dayof November,2009. TheeffectivedateofthisordinanceisFebruary1,2010. _________________________________ KAARENJACOBSON Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ STACYULMEN,CMC CityClerk APPROVEDASTOFORM: _________________________________ GREG SULLIVAN CityAttorney 1717 Pageof