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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECEI~4BER 21, 1994 <br />this, such as requiring presentation of a valid ID, <br />security camera, daily reports to the Sheriff's <br />Department. Even with these precautions, the pawn shop <br />will occasionally take in some stolen property. In <br />doinq so, however, the pawn shop loses money. Once <br />merchandise is identified as stolen, the Sheriff's <br />Department picks it up. Mr. Wedemeyer stated that it <br />is his intention to never take stolen merchandise. <br />Wedemeyer reported that the Sheriff~s Department has <br />not made any suggestions for changes in procedures at <br />the pawn shop. The national average for amount of <br />stolen merchandise taken in by pawn shops is half of <br />one percent. That average is high by Little Canada <br />standards. Again, Wedemeyer pointed out that he loses <br />money when stolen merchandise is inadvertently taken in <br />and is open to any suggestions for improving his <br />procedures. <br />Wedemeyer reported that the City's Ordinance requires a <br />four-month holding period for pawned merchandise. <br />Wedemeyer estimated that four months was the longest <br />holding period that he was aware of. Wedemeyer pointed <br />out the Sheriff's comments that a 60-day holding period <br />would be adequate. Wedemeyer also reported that the <br />longer the holding period, the less a pawn shop can <br />offer someone for their merchandise. Wedemeyer stated <br />that 60 days was more than adequate for the police to <br />investigate whether or not merchandise was stolen. <br />Wedemeyer reported that merchandise records are on <br />computer and easily checked by the Sheriff's <br />Department. Wedemeyer reported that St. Paul has a 90 <br />day holding period, Bloomington and Blaine have 30 <br />days. <br />The City Administrator reported that Mr. Wedemeyer <br />would have to apply for a text amendment in order for <br />the Council to consider shortening the required holding <br />period. The cost of processing that amendment would be <br />borne by the applicant. <br />Morelan asked if the 120 day holding period was <br />associated with the fact that very little stolen <br />merchandise was taken in. <br />Wedemeyer replied that there was no connection. If <br />merchandise is stolen, that fact will become apparent <br />within 30 days. Wedemeyer reported that it was his <br />understanding that the City required the 120 day <br />7 <br />