§ 420-4. Investigation of applicant.

A. 

The holder of a jitney license pursuant to the provisions of this article shall be responsible for any violations of this article and of the laws of the State of New Jersey. Every licensed driver is the agent, servant and employee of the holder of the license of the vehicle being operated by said licensed driver.

B. 

The Chief of Police or his designee, or an investigating agency, shall be responsible for the conduct of an investigation into each applicant for a jitney license hereunder. Initial applicants for a jitney license shall submit to a fingerprint background check by the investigating agency. For each of the three years following the initial year that an applicant obtains a jitney license from the City, the City will conduct a computer-based background check of the applicant through the New Jersey State Police if the applicant applies for another jitney license from the City. For example, an initial applicant in 2017 will be required to undergo a full fingerprint background check. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the applicant's background check will be conducted through the State Police through the computer check. In 2021, the applicant will again undergo a fingerprint background check.

C. 

If the applicant is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, then the following individuals shall be subject to a background check:

(1) 

In the event that the applicant is a corporation, the background investigation shall include all officers of the corporation and the shareholders who own 10% or more of the issued stock in the corporation.

(2) 

In the event that the applicant is a limited liability company, such investigation shall include all officers of the limited liability company and the members who own 10% or more of the ownership interests in the company.

(3) 

In the event that the applicant is a partnership, such investigation shall be required of each partner, whether full or limited partners.

D. 

The investigation shall concern all matters stated in the application and shall determine whether the applicant for such license has any criminal record and, if so, the circumstances of such record, including the date, and the results of such investigation, together with recommendations by the Chief of Police as to whether such license should be granted or denied supported by the reason(s) for such recommendation, which shall be forwarded to the licensing clerk, who shall deliver a copy the report to the City Council. A copy of the report shall also be sent to the applicant.