A flat fee for the towing of vehicles is likely to be set by the DeKalb City Council when it votes tonight on amendments to the existing towing policy.

The council will again consider revisions to the municipal towing ordinance, including recommendations by City Manager Mark Stevens, at its regular meeting at 8 p.m.

Stevens is recommending a flat fee of $45 as opposed to the $35 rate proposed by the council at its March 2 special meeting.

Stevens said the recommendation comes after a survey of rates charged by towing companies in the northern Illinois area indicated a $45 fee is more appropriate.

Stevens stated in his written recommendation to the council that a fee of $35 would be on the low end of the range of rates the survey found are being charged, and that a $45 fee would be the same rate as is charged in Normal, Ill.

Another proposed ordinance revision would require relocators to provide vehicle owners with a statement prepared by the city of their rights before accepting payment of towing fees.

In addition, the proposed new ordinance defines “immediate release” as within one hour of demand in the case of night, Sunday and holiday tows.

Carey Ward, Student Association Tenant Union Advisor, said he was pleased the council would be voting on keeping the lots open 24 hours so those whose cars are towed can get them back when they need to.

The Tenant Union also wanted a reasonable fee that students can afford, Ward said. However, he said compromising on the fee in return for keeping the lots open 24 hours is acceptable. The Tenant Union proposed a fee of $30 for towing.

Ward said he is very concerned about people having their cars towed without being clearly warned of the risk. He said members of the Tenant Union have asked that posting of signs at the entrance and exit of each lot be required to make sure people know of the tow risk.

The proposed new ordinance does not include this requirement, Ward said. He said, in view of the fact that the post tow hearing will have been eliminated, “we feel it’s imperative that signs be posted in such a way that the tow risk is made very clear” before any cars are towed.

Ward was among several interested parties who spoke on the issue of towing at the March 2 meeting. He said he would also speak about the posting of signs requirement at the meeting tonight.