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Case <br /> <br />Secondhand Goods Ordinance and <br />Implementation of Automated Pawn System® <br />by Chief Jim Way <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />The Ramsey City Code 7.13 currently covers pawn dealers and secondhand goods dealers. <br />Both businesses include the selling of previously owned property that is purchased by the <br />business. One of the major differences is that pawn dealers are allowed to make loans and <br />secondhand goods dealers are not. Another difference is that some of the items that a <br />pawn shop can receive, a secondhand goods dealer cannot. Secondhand goods dealers <br />consign or purchase goods for resale. Sporting goods, clothing, antiques, and media are <br />commonly sold by these dealers. <br /> <br />Staff has reviewed the pawnbroker code and determined that because of the differences in <br />these businesses, a new ordinance should be created specifically for secondhand dealers. <br /> <br />Staff has also determined that implementing a computerized record system would enhance <br />thc police department's investigative capabilities, in a cost effective manner. This system <br />would be utilized by both pawn and secondhand dealers. The Automated Pawn System®, <br />would be used by pawn and secondhand dealers to report pawn activity into a central <br />repository. APS enables law enforcement agencies to share pawn/secondhand transaction <br />information electronically; and increased the recovery of stolen property. (Ref: March 4, <br />2003 Work Session). <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends that council adopt a new Secondhand Dealer ordinance and authorize <br />the implementation of the Automated Pawn System® to enhance the investigative <br />capabilities within the department. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion by City Council to introduce an ordinance amending City Code to add Section <br />7.94 Secondhand Goods Dealers. <br /> <br />Motion by City Council to introduce an ordinance amending City Code, Section 7.13, <br />Pawnbrokers, by excluding Secondhand Goods Dealers and adding the implementation of <br />the Automated Pawn System®. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Police Chief Jim Way <br />City Attorney Bill Goodrich <br />City Administrator Jim Norman <br /> <br /> <br />