CR 98-153 Towing And Impounding 1998-99 Rate IncreaseSeptember 30, 1998
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve the proposed increase in
towing and impound fees effective November 1, 1998.
Adoption of this motion will increase the towing rates according to the attached proposal.
Overview
Towing and impounding rates under the current service agreement with Matt's Auto Service
have remained unchanged for the past 5 years. Matt's proposes to increase the towing fee from
$48.00 to $58.00 and daily storage from $10.00 to $15.00.
Primary Issues to Consider
TOWING AND IMPOUNDING 1998 -99 RATE INCREASE
Council Report 98 -153
What justification is there for the increase?
This year Matt will have a new Snow Emergency Lot at 11001 Excelsior Blvd. -
behind NAPCO and across from Hopkins Public Works. Other improvements include
a mobile office located on -site for more convenient release of cars, and a new phone
messaging system. These improvements, plus a standard cost of living increase
account for the request for a rate adjustment for 1999.
How do the proposed rates compare with other cities' rates?
Proposed rates are consistent with those of other cities in the area. Most other cities
issue a citation in addition to a tow for snow emergency. Storage charges apply the
first day and generally accrue at 24 -hour intervals thereafter.
Supporting Information
Letter from Matt's Auto Service, Inc. proposing the rate increase
Table, comparison of towing and impounding fees in the area
Heather M. Al -x
Administrative Services Manager
"ci
ATTN: Heather Alex
City OfHopkins
Morals cotato &trice, Pm.
14821 EXCELSIOR BLVD. MINNETONiu, MN 55343
OFFICE 9336119
SHOP 9386936
September 30, 1998
FROM: Matt's Auto Service, Inc,.
RE: Impound/Storage Fees
This notice is to outline the rate increase for Hops impounds and to inform you of the
new Hopkins Snow Emergency lot and its location,
Towing rate are increased as follows: 1993 -97 1998 -99
Towing (regular truck) $ 45,00 58.0 ►
Towing (flatbed) $ 60.00 72.00
Storage $ 10,00 1 5.00
Location of the new Snow Emergency lot is: 11111 Excelsior Blvd - Behind NAPCO
and across from Hopkins City Shops.
This year we will have a on site mobile office at the lot. This will make it more convenient
for the registered owners to retrieve their cars. This lot has the capacity of holding 125
vehicles.
The new lot location as well as the mobile office h as played a large roll in the increase to
our rates along with a standard cost of living increase. Hopkins towing charges have not
been increased for 5 years, The cost of the new lot and mobile office are about
$12,000.00 per year. There will also be a new phone number with an automated message
system stating how, when and where to pick up their vehicle. (612) 949-2385.
Matt's Auto Service has appreciated the good working relationship we have had with you
and the Police .Department. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns
you may have. If I'm not available feel free to speak with Lori,
Sincerely,
Matt Strodel
President
.055886 Ol(1d S,11204 Odd WdLE' Z i 866L-06-6
COMPARISON OF TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES
1998
CITY
TOW
STORAGE
Minneapolis
$70
$10
New Hope
$65
$18
Robbinsdale
$65
$18
Golden Valley
$65
$18
Brooklyn Center
$60
$15
Edina
$50
$10
Plymouth
$45
$15
Richfield
$32
$10
COMPARISON OF TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES
1998