Applicant who disclosed felony convictions appeals Pocatello taxi-license denial; council debates public-safety rule
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Summary
An applicant who acknowledged multiple felony convictions and described rehabilitation efforts appealed the Pocatello Police Department's denial of a taxi business and driver license under a city code disqualifier. Police licensing staff cited code language barring applicants with felony convictions; council divided during debate and recorded roll-call votes.
James Coleman, who identified himself as the owner-operator of Northstar Taxi, appealed the city's denial of a taxicab business and employee license at the Dec. 8 Pocatello City Council meeting.
Coleman told the council he has multiple felony convictions, including an aggravated assault conviction in 2023, and that he is still on probation. He said he has completed anger-management programming, participates in ongoing therapy and medication management, and operates a taxi service in Twin Falls that provides late-night rides and coordinated bar-sponsored trips. "These are not hypothetical scenarios," Coleman said, describing instances in which his drivers have assisted people during overdoses and dangerous situations.
Mallory Bascom of Pocatello Police licensing told the council the city code (cited as 5.56.0.05 in staff remarks) disqualifies applicants who have felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, violence or controlled substances. Bascom reviewed Coleman's record for the council, noting prior convictions dating to 2008 and a 2023 conviction and probation term that extends into 2026.
Council members pressed Coleman on licensing and oversight. Coleman said he started his business in 2023, operates under state registration in Twin Falls (which no longer requires a city taxi license), and maintains four employees in his existing operation. Council members asked about his supervision plans, probation history and whether the state process reviewed convictions; Coleman said the state business registration required a $500,000 liability-insurance threshold but did not question his record.
Councilmember Mangum moved to overturn the police denial and grant the license; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Bates and taken by roll call. The roll call recorded Mangum (yes), Bates (yes), Cheatham (no), Florek (no), Nichols (no) and Paulson (yes). During subsequent remarks the mayor said he would vote no, citing a responsibility to protect public safety and uphold ordinances. The council discussion centered on weighing second-chance considerations against the city code disqualifier.
The council did not adopt any code change at the meeting. The record shows licensing staff relied on city code language when recommending denial; the council's debate highlighted both public-safety concerns and arguments in favor of rehabilitation and oversight. The council moved on to its next agenda item at the end of the discussion.
