Number
091187
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. HINES
Title
Substitute resolution establishing a task force to review City regulation of private alarm systems and providers.
Analysis
This resolution establishes a Private Alarm System Task Force to study sales and servicing of private alarm systems, to evaluate existing regulation, and to make recommendations for changes or improvements of private alarm system sales and servicing. The task force shall present its findings and recommendations to the Common Council within 5 months following the first meeting of the task force. Upon submission of the report of findings and recommendations, the task force shall be dissolved.
Body
Whereas, The Common Council finds that current regulation of private alarm sales and services may be improved to protect consumers from coercive or undesirable sales practices and to assure that high quality and effective private alarm systems and services are available to those who need or desire them; and
Whereas, Private alarm systems have the potential to protect property from theft or damage and to protect residents of the City from physical harm and the threat of harm; and
Whereas, Allegations have been made that some private alarm businesses have engaged in sales practices that include coercive, deceptive or other unfair methods; and
Whereas, Sales of private alarm systems together with servicing contracts provide unique challenges for effective regulation due to factors that include the location of many businesses outside the City and the State, and the potential interference with the contract rights of innocent members of the public if a private alarm business license should be suspended, not renewed or revoked; and now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, an Alarm Service Business Task Force be created consisting of:
1. The President of the Common Council or his alternate
2. One member of the Public Safety Committee appointed by the President to chair the Task Force
3. One member from the Office of the City Attorney designated by the City Attorney
4. One member from the Police Department designated by the Chief of Police
5. One member from the staff of the City Clerk designated by the City Clerk
6. Two members representing the private alarm service business appointed by the President of the Common Council.
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the task force is directed to review the regulation of the private alarm service business by the City including sales, installation, entry into servicing contracts, activities relating to the servicing of alarm systems and related practices; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the task force provide a report to the Common Council of its findings and recommendations on or before the expiration of 5 months from the date of its first meeting; and, be it
Further Resolved that the task force shall be dissolved upon the submission of its report of findings and recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk's Office shall provide staff support to the task force.
Drafter
LRB09512-2
RLW
1/4/2009