What’s the connection between manhole covers, guard rails, street signs, communication wiring, funeral markers and vases, copper and aluminum condensing coils and stainless steel beer kegs?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identified them as items that are often stolen from homes and businesses and then sold — and that need to be more strictly regulated.
City Council President Stephen Joost introduced legislation Dec. 13 at the request of Sheriff John Rutherford that applies to 18 “regulated metals property.”
Council Rules Committee Chairman Bill Bishop said at the start of the committee meeting Tuesday that a workshop will be scheduled, possibly Jan. 24, to discuss the issue.
During a Dec. 10 public hearing on the proposed ordinance, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Mike Bruno said 1,500 incidents of stolen air conditioners, resulting in an estimated $6 million loss, were reported in 2010 through September 2011.
“It’s affecting every district,” Bruno said. “Everyone is affected by this.”
Currently, recyclers who purchase materials must send the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office a full description of the materials with a trademark or registered name, if marked, the name and address of the transferor and the license number of the vehicle that delivered the materials.
Under the charter, there is also a “holding period for junk” section that states dealers are to issue written receipts to the seller and hold payment and the materials for five business days after that report is made to the sheriff, for possible investigation.
Recyclers who buy the metals face restrictions, but the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office wants more.
The ordinance calls for recyclers to obtain “reasonable written proof of ownership,” electronically scan images and preserve such proof for five years and pay sellers with checks, bank drafts or electronic transfers instead of cash.
In addition, sellers transporting more than 25 pounds of restricted materials must acquire a transportation permit.
There are several exemptions, but recyclers who violate the proposed ordinance would be subject to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
Bruno said the ordinance brings regulation of secondary metal recyclers in line with pawn shops in reporting standards. The reported data would then be entered into a sheriff’s office database and be “an incredible tool” to combat crime, Bruno said.
Several recyclers voiced opposition during the public hearing to the proposed new standards and called for more discussion before action.
Bruno said the sheriff’s office has met with the three largest recyclers on the issue.
“I do realize that something has to be done and that my business does need regulation,” said Eric Berman, co-owner of Berman Bros. Inc. and one of the three recyclers.
A similar bill pending in the Legislature does not include the transportation permit requirement.
Rutherford warned the Rules Committee members Tuesday about the state’s version, which he said precludes local government
from passing additional legislation on the issue.
“If we don’t get this passed by March 1, we won’t be passing anything,” Rutherford said, referring to the end of the Legislative session.
The session ends March 9.
“And our constituents here will be exposed to only those regulations the state believes are necessary and proper and not what this body believes is necessary and proper,” he said.
The Council Finance Committee and the Recreation, Community Development, Public Health & Safety Committee have the proposed ordinance on their agendas today.
Also from Tuesday’s Rules Committee:
• Mayor Alvin Brown’s appointments are being considered for confirmation at the Council committee level. Planning Director Calvin Burney and Intra-Governmental Services Director James Cole Cartledge presented their backgrounds and were asked about their experience, desire for the position and departmental goals, among other topics. After lengthy discussions with both, the committee voted unanimously, 6-0, for Cartledge, with Council member Clay Yarborough not present. Burney was approved 5-2, with Council members Bill Bishop and Matt Schellenberg opposing. Bishop said he was looking for more vision from the planning position instead of just policy-setting. The full Council will vote on both Jan. 24.
• The committee approved another Brown appointment, John Newman, to the Jacksonville Port Authority board of directors. If approved by the full Council, Newman will replace David Kulik for a term that expires Sept. 20, 2015. Several Council members said they were concerned with Newman’s background, as a pastor, on the board of an economic development organization, but changed their minds after meeting with him individually. Newman said he is in tune with the community and will be their voice on the board.
• A resolution of support for a local bill to amend language in the City Charter regarding the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission was approved. If approved at the state level, the City could amend or eliminate the commission and take control of its economic development function.
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