A reworked recycling bill aimed at curbing thefts of restricted metals from residences and businesses received support from three City Council committees this week and now moves to full Council for final approval.
Original legislation on the issue was introduced Dec. 13 at the request of Sheriff John Rutherford, but had been deferred until the law enforcement agency and members of the recycling industry could reach a compromise on the bill.
Because of strong opposition to the initial legislation at the Jan. 17 Rules Committee meeting, committee Chairman Bill Bishop called a Jan. 24 workshop to discuss the issues.
The ordinance intends to deter thefts of “restricted regulated metals property.” The list of metals includes manhole covers, electric light poles, guard rails, street signs, funeral markers, railroad equipment, copper, aluminum condensing coils, stainless steel beer kegs and more.
Currently, secondary metal recyclers who purchase materials must send the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office a full description of the materials, the name and address of the transferer and license number of the vehicle that delivered the items, among other information. That remains in the legislation.
Some items were deleted from the initial legislation, including:
• The requirement of a transportation permit for sellers transporting more than 25 pounds of restricted materials.
• A requirement that payment by check or electronic funds transfer — the two methods recyclers can use to pay for such materials — be made no later than the close of business on the regular business day directly following the date of sale.
• The City’s entitlement to reasonable attorney fees and costs in actions where the City is successful in obtaining affirmative relief.
While those items were deleted, there were additions to the language. The ordinance will sunset in three years and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will issue an annual report, no later than Jan. 31, on the crime statistics of such thefts.
During a Dec. 10 public hearing on the proposed ordinance, JSO Assistant Chief Mike Bruno said 1,500 incidents of stolen air conditioners, resulting in a $6 million loss, were reported in 2010 through September 2011.
The JSO also will provide the recycling companies the necessary software, or will work with recyclers if they have software, to submit their reports.
A bill regarding the issue is making the rounds in the Florida Legislature, but Rutherford has emphasized the importance of passing a local measure.
The local legislation passed this week as a substitute in the Finance Committee, the Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety Committee and the Rules Committee.
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