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21 <br /> MEMO <br /> DATE: October 1, 2002 <br /> TO: Sue Hall, Assistant City Manager <br /> FROM: Capt. John Ohl <br /> SUBJECT: Pawn and Second d Goods Ordinance <br /> Pawn broker businesses, by nature, provide an opportunity for the commission of crimes, <br /> and have the ability to receive and transfer property stolen by others easily and quickly. <br /> There are also consumer protection regulations warranted, and we have an obligation to <br /> comply with basic consumer protection standards, thereby protecting the public health, <br /> safety, and general welfare of the citizens we serve. To help the police department better <br /> regulate current and future pawn businesses, and increase identification of criminal <br /> activities in the pawn industry, a pawn ordinance is a must. <br /> Many concerns associated with pawn shops have equal weight when discussing second <br /> hand goods dealers. The police department and city administration need time to research <br /> a suitable ordinance for both pawn brokers and second hand goods dealers. We also need <br /> to set fee schedules, and create an application process. Pawn shops may require up to <br /> 25% of an officer's time, and we need to discuss revenues generated by licensing and the <br /> additional burden on the police department itself. <br /> For these reasons, a moratorium on these types of businesses should be imposed, until we <br /> have had time to review the aforementioned process. <br />