HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-2021_Open Session_General Comment_James, Clay_re Police Vehicle Release Fee_RedactedFrom:publiccomments@sbcity.org
To:Public Comments
Subject:Contact Information
Date:Monday, August 2, 2021 11:42:15 PM
Notice Text
First Name Clay
Last Name James
Subject San Bernardino Police Vehicle Release Fee
Telephone
Email
Comments Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council, Thank you for holding this
public meeting to discuss the concerns of the community. Please accept this comment as a
request to improve the City's law enforcement and financial activities. I find it unreasonable
that the police department would tow a vehicle without noticing the registered owner or
without leaving a warning on the windshield. I find it unreasonable that this systematic act
disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, which can result in overall fees
surpassing thousands of dollars. I request that this policy change to a compliance approach. I
should add that we fell victim to this and were forced to pay $1700 for a 2000 Frontier. This is
unacceptable and reconciliation should be made. I should also add, poor customer experience
was entangled throughout our experience, making the situation worse. To add to the equation,
the police department unlawfully charged us a release fee of $349. The fee was not established
by resolution, nor was it incorporated in the City's master fee schedule. The police should not
have charged the fee because it does not have authority from it's governing body. City staff
will claim that resolution 2011-80 establishes the fee, but there is no Council action officially
setting the fee. I request a refund. Lastly, this fee is substantially higher than neighboring
agencies. For example, San Bernardino County is at $155. Riverside County is at $92.
Conclusion can be drawn that San Bernardino is charging an illegal and overly burdensome
tax. This needs to change. I request an assessment be done according to prop 26 and that the
city cease charging until a fee is officially established. I look forward to hearing more about
this matter and request it be placed on the next agenda for council direction before staff brings
a recommended action for consideration.