Leaders wanting more LMPD tow truck drivers to address abandon vehicles (KY) "UPDATED"

[TowNews]

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The disposing of abandoned vehicles in Louisville has been a major problem for many years, but with only two LMPD tow truck drivers tackling all of the abandoned vehicles across the entire city, it's been even worse.

 

Some vehicles at the LMPD Impound Lot on Frankfort Avenue are pressed against the gate and have been collecting rust, green moss and algae.

 

Hundreds of the vehicles occupying the full lot are abandoned while the city's streets are becoming the new home to ones abandoned in recent months.

 

In October 2020, more than 5,000 were scattered throughout the city, according to Louisville Metro Council President David James.

"We have five vacancies and so it's going to be very difficult," said James. "Even if we have space to put them to get those vehicles towed with only two tow truck drivers."

 

Metro Council approved an ordinance that would allow people to pick up their vehicles without being punished, but before that LMPD was questioned by the Public Safety Committee about tow truck driver recruitment.

 

LMPD officials said, “We discussed looking at their pay rate and raising the rates up to make the job more appealing."

James says competitiveness in the private sector has changed.

 

"It used to be, prior to the state legislator changing the pension plan to what it is now, that people would stay for a much lower pay because they would have a pension, but now that they don't have that pension, there's nothing for them to stay for and they go other places," said James, who says now it comes down to competitive pay.

 

"If you're going to be a tow truck driver for x amount of dollars – you can go work at Amazon or UPS or someplace else for a lot more," he said.

 

At last check, there are no tow truck driver positions listed on LMPD's website, but there is a Tow-In Equipment Operator position that starts out at $21 an hour. The department notes that the time from application to hiring can range from two to four months.

 

Resource Link

[rreschran]

Having read the job description, to me, it reads more like a wanted: yard person", with a splash of towing cars. Unless there are added retirement and possible advancement opportunities, I'd consider elsewhere.

[TowZone]

@rreschran There are actually 2 job classifications. The one is for a lot attendant proper position title

STORAGE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 5-DAY

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ensures the safety of vehicles at the Vehicle Impoundment Lot and maintains basic records of vehicle disposition according to established rules and regulations

Examples of Duties

UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION
Queries the National Crime Information Center, Kentucky Law Information Network Systems, and local court or public safety systems for related information
Changes tires and jump starts or changes batteries to maintain vehicles
Unlocks locked vehicles
Answers phones and assists callers in locating their vehicles and maintains tow logs
Collects impounded vehicle fees
Releases impounded vehicles to the owners
Logs impounded vehicles and records license numbers
Operates wreckers to move impounded vehicles
Watches vehicles to prevent vandalism
Prepares vehicles for auction and tows vehicles to the auction site
Takes wreckers to shop for repairs
Performs related work

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or the equivalent

WORK EXPERIENCE
Six months of work experience involving a towing service

EQUIVALENCY
Six months of work experience operating medium to heavy vehicles and/or equipment
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must be a US Citizen
Applicants who have bought, sold, or used marijuana within one year of application, or have bought, sold or used any controlled substance or narcotic drug without a prescription within six years of application will be disqualified 
Must not have been convicted of a felony
Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis
Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening
Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be certified as a LINK/NCIC Basic Operator (inquiry access) in the State of Kentucky or obtain within six months of employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime and performing related work
Lifts and carries items weighing up to 75 pounds

Supplemental Information

Minimum Starting Salary: $19.62/hour
Salary Grade: U46/20
Filing Deadline: CONTINUOUS UNTIL FILLED
Equal Opportunity Employer

 

The second is for a Wrecker Driver aka Tow Truck Operator proper position title

Tow-In Equipment Operator 5day

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Operates wreckers and related equipment

Examples of Duties

UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION
Tows illegally parked cars, cars from accident and crime scenes and stolen cars to the Vehicle Impoundment Lot
Tows damaged or broken down police vehicles and city equipment
Changes tires and jump starts or changes batteries to maintain vehicles
Unlocks locked vehicles
Answers phones and assists callers in locating their vehicles and maintains tow logs
Collects impounded vehicle fees
Releases impounded vehicles to the owners
Logs impounded vehicles and records license numbers
Prepares vehicles for auction and tows vehicles to the auction site
Takes wreckers to shop for repairs
Performs related work

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or the equivalent

WORK EXPERIENCE
Two years of experience in the operation of wreckers or heavy equipment

EQUIVALENCY
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must not have been convicted of a felony
Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis
Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening
Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test
Applicants who have bought, sold, or used marijuana within one year of application, or have bought, sold, or used any controlled substance or narcotic drug without a prescription within six years of application will be disqualified
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime and performing related work
Lifts and carries items weighing up to 75 pounds

Supplemental Information

Minimum Starting Salary: $21.02/hour
Salary Grade: U46/25
Filing Deadline: CONTINUOUS UNTIL FILLED
Equal Opportunity Employer

 

Test Weights:
Performance Exam: 100%
Written Exam: Pass / Fail

 

Benefits

Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

Full Time Regular

·         Medical

·         Dental

·         Vision

·         Group Term Life

·         Supplemental Life

·         Accidental Death & Dismemberment

·         Sick Leave

·         Vacation

·         Holiday Pay

·         Bereavement Leave

·         Kentucky Public Pensions Authority

·         457 Deferred Comp

·         Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits

·         Tuition Assistance

·         Qualified Adult Benefits

·         Childcare Assistance

·         Free TARC Use
·         Paid Parental Leave

 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky?keywords=tow

[TowZone]

Inaccuracies in the report. There are in fact currently 8 Tow Truck Operators and not 2 as stated. Perhaps they were referring to 2 that may be detailed to tow in abandoned vehicles. The first vehicle shown in the report are in fact Burn Outs on Hold for Arson. Since these vehicles rust much faster then regular wrecks they appear to have been sitting much longer. More than half of the vehicles currently in the Tow Lot are on some type of Hold. Many of them have been there more than a year.

 

Question for Private Tow Companies. How many vehicles are currently on Hold in your Storage Lot? Is there a time limit on those Hold Vehicles?

[rreschran]

Hey Ron ... one of our Southern California tow companies had the same problem with releasing vehicles. It was corrected only by looking at each vehicle case independently. What worked for some local tow companies was simple. The investigators or agencies that placed vehicle hold's are responsible to release holds so vehicles can be destroyed for lien or the city sends them to auction? Good luck on getting a decent scrap sale in today's market, but it could help to solve the over-flow problem.

 

As of last year, weren't there 4,000 or more cars overflowing Louisville's impound yards? I sent a lengthy letter to Louisville's Mayor (last December) with lien and abatement ideas as they apply to California and abandoned vehicles. The letter was never answered. So, perhaps the bigger picture asks why they need more tow truck operators if they have no room to store towed vehicles?

 

Perhaps someone from the police department should work-up a cold case file on those vehicles that are remaining and get busy getting rid of the surplus? For burn-out's, the arson investigations should be responsible to either solve the arson case or release the hold unless someone has been named a suspect for the arson or pending insurance fraud case.

 

The problem of hiring tow operators is only a drop in the bucket to a far bigger problem. Someone's not on the ball. Attached is a link to last year's problem.

 

https://www.wave3.com/2020/11/12/abandoned-cars-stacking-up-louisville-streets-called-an-embarrassment/

[TowZone]

Hey Randall, selling the vehicles at Auction or Scraping them has not been the issue. In general between 300 and 400 cars a month are being sold. It's the fact many vehicles are not picked up, even insurance companies dump them. The Holds are due to the fact the cases are either still pending or the Officer with the Hold has changed units within the department. Things are slowly getting better and there is the possibility of a second lot next year. However with 2000 to 3000 abandoned vehicles on the streets I am sure it will fill up both lots quickly. That is with the division is fully staffed. Getting replies from any Mayors Office is like a roll or the dice.

[rreschran]

You've likely hit the proverbial nail on the head,saying, "The Holds are due to the fact the cases are either still pending or the Officer with the Hold has changed units within the department." Someone within the Louisville department should be assigned the task of reviewing cases. I guess pointing fingers works better that seeking an easy solution right? And yes ... I'm sure my letter never reached the mayor or his council. Best regards.     R. 

[TowNews]

City of Louisville files plans for new LMPD auction lot off 7th Street Road

 

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville filed development plans to create a new auction lot just inside Interstate 264 near the Taylor Berry neighborhood.

In a news release Tuesday, Mayor Greg Fischer announced the city sent plans to Metro Government's Planning and Design Services for the 5.32-acre site at 3502 7th Street Road, just east of Dixie Highway. The plot of land, which the city called "undeveloped," would help alleviate crowding at the much-maligned impound lot on Frankfort Avenue.

 

Broken down and abandoned cars have long been a problem in Louisville. By Oct. 2020, there were more than 5,000 scattered throughout the city, according to a newsletter from Metro Council President David James. For years, however, there was nowhere to put the cars.

 

"Our existing impound lot is a challenge that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic because of the slowing and stopping of auctions that, in normal circumstances, would help us get cars out of the lot and off the streets," Fischer said in a news release. "We have floated nearly a dozen potential sites to relocate the impound lot, but for one reason or another -- cost, location, flooding -- these locations weren't suitable. Creating a separate auction lot is an innovative solution that will allow us to more quickly move abandoned vehicles off roadways, further addressing my No. 1 priority, public safety."

 

The city said it plans to "beautify" the new lot by planting trees and shrubs, staffing 24-hour security and adding lights and screened fencing. It's a triangular lot that is bordered by two businesses, a vacant lot, a residential property and train tracks, the city said.

 

"LMPD is pleased to move forward with development of a new auction lot and we are appreciative of Metro Facilities for its work to make this a reality," LMPD Maj. Emily McKinley said in a news release. "Abandoned vehicles throughout our community present an extreme safety risk for everyone -- residents, wrecker drivers and police officers. LMPD is committed to improving the safety of our streets and community, and this is one step in that direction."

 

The contract to construct the lot was awarded last month to Louisville-based Auctions ASAP, the city said. The lot would hold in-person auctions twice per month, announced up to a week in advance.

 

"We've been working together for years with our LMPD, Facilities, Louisville Forward, Metro Council and residents, to find solutions to the complicated issues plaguing our impound lot," Fischer said. "The new amnesty ordinance and the development of an auction lot are examples of Louisville Metro Government's commitment to finding innovative solutions to our challenges."

 

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