Plans and Policies Committee

PLANS AND POLICIES COMMITTEE MEETING August 13, 2025 2:00 p.m. Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room (Busch Building, 4th Floor) 840 Boonville Avenue MEMBERS PRESENT: Abe McGull, Chair; Callie Carroll; and Craig Hosmer. MEMBERS ABSENT: Heather Hardinger*. *Heather Hardinger arrived at approximately 2:04 p.m. COUNCIL/ STAFF PRESENT: Councilmember Bruce Adib-Yazdi; David Cameron, City Manager; Collin Quigley, Deputy City Manager; Maurice S. Jones, Deputy City Manager; Eric Reece, Police Major; Chris Hoeman, Chief Litigator; Jordan Paul, City Attorney; Michelle Kaasa, City Clerk Senior Administrative Specialist; and Anita Cotter, City Clerk. GUEST: Marta Mieze, Springfield News-Leader. Councilmember Abe McGull, Chair, called the meeting to order at approximately 2:02 p.m. He welcomed everyone and reviewed the meeting topic which was a continued discussion of consideration of changes to General Ordinance 6913. Roll call was conducted. Present: Callie Carroll, Heather Hardinger, Craig Hosmer, and Abe McGull. Absent: None. Councilmember Carroll moved to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2025, Plans and Policies meeting as presented. Councilmember Hosmer seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote: Ayes: Carroll, Hardinger, Hosmer, and McGull. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None. Councilmember McGull began the continued discussion of General Ordinance 6913. He turned the discussion over to Deputy City Manager Collin Quigley. Mr. Quigley noted at the previous meeting there were six to seven questions over five categories. He further noted a handout was provided with answers to the questions. Mr. Quigley provided a brief overview of the questions and responses. Mr. Quigley noted the first question was the total number of tows. He further noted the data provided covered March through June. He added the total number of private tows was Approved by Plans and Policies Committee September 10, 2025 unavailable and the total number of custody tows was 2,164 vehicles. Mr. Quigley noted 24 of those tows was from the new ordinance. Mr. Quigley noted the number of registrations received for the time period was 51,142, up from 43,654 for the same time period the previous year. He further noted this was an increase of 15.8 percent. Mr. Quigley added the number of new personal property accounts was up 67 percent from March 2024 as compared to March 2025. He noted the prior year’s change was 12 percent. Mr. Quigley noted late assessment penalties increased 257 percent from March 2024 as compared to March 2025. He further noted the prior year’s change was 50 percent. Mr. Quigley noted of the 24 vehicles towed, 12 were released to the owner, 9 were not reclaimed and were transferred to Henry’s towing after 45 days, and 3 were awaiting pickup. Mr. Quigley noted for tow cost awareness a towing form was completed by officers with a copy provided to the vehicle owners at Police Headquarters. He further noted the form included tow cost and daily storage rate. He added urgency was emphasized due to daily fee accrual. Mr. Quigley noted this process was currently in place. Mr. Quigley noted an updated card was in process. T he card would provide necessary information through a QR code. He further noted the card was in the process of being finalized. Councilmember Carroll expressed her support for the card. Councilmember McGull also expressed his support for the card. He expressed his appreciation for the work staff had done. Councilmember McGull noted the card would give sufficient notice of necessary information regarding the tow. He further noted the addition of the card with QR code satisfied the changes he wished to see. Councilmember Hosmer expressed his belief there was no need to target something that was working and noted it was important for individuals to self-regulate and for everyone to pay what they were required to. Councilmember McGull expressed his belief there was no need to change the ordinance, only the need to add the informational card that would be provided to vehicle owners being towed. Councilmember McGull noted his recommendation was for the issue to go back to the full City Council with no changes to the ordinance and the addition of the informational card. Mayor Pro Tem Hardinger expressed her belief the ordinance was working as it was intended. Mr. Paul noted the recommendation that no changes be made to the ordinance could be sent to City Council. Councilmember Carroll moved the recommendation be sent to the full City Council that no changes be made to the ordinance and the new information be included. Mayor Pro Tem Hardinger seconded the motion, and discussion continued. Approved by Plans and Policies Committee September 10, 2025 Mayor Pro Tem Hardinger suggested a report be made to City Council with the findings that the ordinance was working. Councilmember McGull expressed his belief citizens would hear the information, and it would emphasize how important vehicle registration was. The motion was approved by the following vote: Ayes: Hardinger, Carroll, Hosmer, and McGull. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None. Councilmember Carroll moved to adjourn. Mayor Pro Tem Hardinger seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote: Ayes: Hardinger, Carroll, and McGull. Nays: Hosmer. Absent: None. Abstain: None. The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:17 p.m. Prepared by Michelle Kaasa Approved by Plans and Policies Committee September 10, 2025