By David Heitz / NewsBreak Denver
(Aurora, Colo.) Aurora may open an impound lot so the city could reduce or eliminate fees for people recovering stolen vehicles.
On Monday, the city council advanced the proposal by Councilmember Juan Marcano to have staff examine the feasibility of creating an impound lot.
According to Marcano, people recovering stolen vehicles paid almost $1 million in the past year to M&M Impound and Towing. M&M runs Aurora’s only impound lot, and the state regulates its fees, including $125 for towing, $35 notice fees and $30 for storage fee.
Aurora police can waive impound fees on a case-by-case basis, but to do so for all car theft victims isn't financially feasible under the contract between M&M Impound and Towing and the city, Marcano's resolution says.
Denver, Colorado Springs operate impound lots
According to the resolution, Denver, Colorado Springs, and other large cities nationwide operate impound lots.
Although upfront costs historically obstruct establishing a city-owned impound lot, an appropriate fee schedule would let Aurora recuperate those costs and eventually make the lot self-sustaining.
In the beginning, the lot would only serve the police department. But eventually, it could serve homeowners associations and other customers that tow vehicles, according to city staff.
City staff will search for a location for the impound lot and return to the council within six months with a proposal and fee structure.
Policies advance regarding bar games, speeding
Also, at Monday's study session, the council:
· Advanced a proposal to eliminate fees on bar and arcade games. Councilmembers Danielle Jurinsky and Steve Sundberg operate the machines at their bar businesses. A formal vote on the proposal will occur at an upcoming council meeting.
· Advanced a plan to crack down on speeders using laser photo enforcement crews. Revenue from citations would help pay for traffic-calming measures in the city. The council will vote on the proposal at an upcoming meeting.
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