Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxi Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Woodburn council upholds taxi-license denial for Martha Monroe, directs ordinance changes
Summary
The Woodburn City Council affirmed staff’s denial of a taxi‑license renewal for Martha Monroe because the city’s ordinance requires a 10‑year lookback for suspensions; the council directed staff to draft ordinance amendments and signaled a potential emergency provision to allow reissuance once changes are adopted.
The Woodburn City Council on June 22 voted to affirm the finance director’s denial of a taxi‑license renewal for local driver Martha Monroe, and directed staff to prepare amendments to the city’s taxi ordinance.
Tony Turley, the city’s finance director, told the council staff had found a suspension in the applicant’s driving record that fell within the ordinance’s 10‑year lookback period and said, “we had no other alternative but to deny the application,” under the code as written. Deputy Chief Andy Shatran clarified that the record also included a short driving restriction in 2024 but described that as “not a suspension, just a restriction.”
The applicant submitted a written appeal; her daughter translated at the meeting and indicated the applicant “stands by what she wrote in the letter.” Michelle Underwood, who identified herself as a supporter, asked whether the council could reinstate the license sooner or grant a provisional permit while the ordinance was corrected, noting the cited suspension dated to 2019.
The city attorney advised the council it has three options—affirm, reverse, or modify staff’s decision—but cautioned that reversing a decision that aligns with the ordinance’s plain language could expose the city to liability. Staff and legal counsel recommended text changes to make lookback periods consistent (reducing or aligning the suspension lookback with other five‑year provisions) and said they could bring proposed language back by the next council meeting on July 14. Council members discussed using an emergency provision so an updated decision could take effect immediately after adoption.
Councilor (voice 1) moved to affirm the finance director’s denial; the motion was seconded and the council voted in favor. The council also moved to direct staff to prepare ordinance modifications and place the item on the July 14 agenda so the council could consider a short effective date to allow reissuance if the amended language is adopted.
The council’s action leaves the denial in place pending the ordinance amendment process and any subsequent council action to lift or modify that outcome.
