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Mounds View Planning Commission May 7, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ Chief Sommer said he does know that some stolen property ends up in pawnshops but he does not want to make the statement that a pawnshop is a legitimate fencing operation. Commissioner Zwirn indicated the City’s police department is stressed already and adding a pawnshop to Mounds View will take police man hours away from other duties and he is concerned that the fees being charged do not take into account the time for the police department. Chief Sommer indicated he is not able to say how many hours will be spent on it because he simply does not know what it will involve at this point. Commissioner Scotch asked whether Staff looked into how often police departments from other cities are called to pawnshops. Commissioner Zwirn asked whether adding the pawnshop will further stress the department because of the time involved. Chief Sommer indicated there would be more staff time used for managing pawnshops that was previously used on other tasks. Commissioner Hegland asked if a sworn officer has to do the tasks or if an administrative staff member can. Chief Sommer indicated the City does not have anyone to review the system so it would be extra duties given to someone that already has a full plate of duties. Commissioner Zwirn asked if, in discussions with other cities, Staff had learned whether the fees are high enough to pay for the extra man hours or if the cities are in a deficit situation where the city is picking up the tab for the extra requirements from a pawnshop. Chief Sommer indicated that cities fall into both those of those categories as some spend a lot more time than others. Commissioner Johnson commented that there are cites that have large pawnshops in excess of 20,000 square feet and the pawnshop proposed for Mounds View is a lot smaller. Commissioner Zwirn asked how many police calls are attributed to Mounds View Square for malicious mischief, theft and vandalism. Chief Sommer indicated he did not have that information with him. Commissioner Zwirn indicated he had learned from residents and business owners that there are a number of police calls to Mounds View Square.