Sponsor
Alderman Helding
Title
Moratorium on Pawnbrokers
Whereas, the City of Racine currently has no licensed pawnbrokers; and
Whereas, current ordinances concerning pawnbrokers were last updated 15 years ago and still require written paper and ink records; and
Whereas, the services offered by pawnbrokers provide an opportunity for individuals to readily transfer stolen property to those businesses; and
Whereas, tracking pawnbroker transactions and investigating claims of stolen property could increase the workload of the Racine Police Department and increase the financial burden to all property taxpayers; and
Whereas, consumer protection regulation is warranted in transactions involving these businesses; and
Whereas, the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Racine should be protected by legislation restricting the location and record keeping requirements of such businesses and establishing consumer protections pursuant to the authority granted in Wis. Stat. sec. 134.71.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Common Council of the City of Racine hereby imposes a 90 day moratorium upon the granting of any occupancy permit for a pawnbroker business or pawnbroker's license to provide time for the Common Council to develop and implement ordinances containing appropriate restrictions for the establishment of such businesses.
Recommendation of the Public Safety & Licensing Committee of 09-25-06: That the Moratorium on Pawnbrokers be adopted with amendments.
Fiscal Note: N/A