HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/95COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 28, 1995
3:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Getty, Jordan, Krizek, Anders.
Members absent: Murphy, Collier, Mollenhoff.
It was moved by Jordan, seconded by Krizek to approve the agenda as
proposed. Ayes: Four. Absent: Murphy, Collier, Mollenhoff.
Motion carried.
Mayor Rooff stated the purpose for the meeting was to allow
dialogue from the pawnbrokers regarding their concerns about the
ordinance because they didn't have knowledge of the first work
session.
Jay Roberts, attorney representing the pawnbrokers collectively,
stated that the pawnbrokers have concerns about the changes that
are being proposed and asked why input from them wasn't solicited
during preparation of the ordinance. Mr. Roberts asked if Officer
Marshall could name specific problems that precipitated the need
for changes to the ordinance.
Waterloo Police Officer Dave Marshall reported that the ordinance
was rewritten because over the years there were a number of
problems that have been faced by all officers working with the
ordinance. One of the problems which occurred was when a stolen
item was found in a pawnshop but there was no corresponding ticket
reporting it to the police department. Other instances include
employee's purchasing items for their personal use inside the pawn
shop. Officer Marshall reported that he had spoken to a few of the
pawnbrokers about some of the proposed changes informally and they
had not reported any concerns at the time.
John Hoffman, owner of Waterloo Jewelry, stated his opposition of
the ordinance because it singles out this business in a
discriminatory manner. Other businesses, such as jewelry stores,
can purchase and resell items without police intervention. Al
Levi, owner of Levi Bros Jewelry and Loan, informed the council
that the stigma of pawnshops is blown out of proportion and the
police department reinforces that perception by their treatment in
this ordinance. Levi stated concerns about customers refusing to
purchase pawned items if there is a risk of recovery of the item if
stolen. The customers will also be reluctant to allow their name
to be reported as purchasing pawned property. He stated that pawn
shops shouldn't be required to give any information about sales to
the police department.
Mayor Rooff asked that the pawnbrokers and the police department
sit down and work together on an ordinance form that is agreeable
to all. Al Levi volunteered to act as spokesperson for the pawn
brokers and stated that he would review the old ordinance and
create a list of items that they would recommend be changed.
Representatives from the rent to own dealers in town reported that
they were interested in the ordinance being proposed because they
have had problems in the past with rental items being pawned and
not returned in the same condition as when pawned. Mayor Rooff
stated that this concern would be a private issue between the
pawnbrokers and the rent to own dealers and suggested that they
work together on finding an agreeable manner of restitution.
With no further discussion it was moved by Jordan, seconded by
Anders to adjourn the meeting at 3:55 p.m. Ayes: Four. Absent:
Murphy, Collier, Mollenhoff. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 28, 1995
4:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Jordan, Getty, Krizek, Anders.
Members absent: Murphy, Mollenhoff, Collier.
Moved by Krizek, seconded by Jordan that the Agenda, as proposed,
be approved. Ayes: Four. Absent: Murphy, Mollenhoff, Collier.
Motion carried.
Agenda items for the council meeting to be held on Monday, October
2, 1995, were reviewed and discussed with representatives from
departments that have items on the agenda.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty,
seconded by Jordan that the meeting be adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Murphy. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk