Number
100121
Version
substitute 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI, Dudzik, Bohl, Kovac and donovan
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to a moratorium on the issuance of precious metal and gem dealer licenses.
Sections
Analysis
This ordinance amends the city’s precious metal and gem dealer license regulations to establish a 120 day moratorium on the issuance of new licenses in light of the proliferation of “cash for gold” license applications to give the city time to evaluate its licensing and reporting policies, and safeguard the health and safety of city residents.
Body
Whereas, The market price of gold has increased significantly in recent years and there has been a proliferation of precious metal and gem dealer license applications for “cash for gold” type operations from parties anxious to exploit this market condition; and
Whereas, The presence of “cash for gold” type business in a neighborhood is linked by many to increased home burglaries in the region surrounding the “cash for gold” location, thereby depressing home values and threatening the health and safety of city residents; and
Whereas, The issuance of additional precious metal and gem dealer licenses and a corresponding significant increase in the number of “cash for gold” type storefront business in Milwaukee neighborhoods may not be consistent with the growth goals and quality of life sought by these neighborhoods and the City as a whole; and
Whereas, A concentration of business operations such as “cash for gold” operations, tattoo parlors, pawnshops, payday and title loan outlets, taverns and liquor retailers may be perceived by many City residents as having a deleterious affect on the surrounding neighborhood; and
Whereas, It is in the City’s best interest to review and evaluate the City’s Code of Ordinances relating to licensing and zoning, recordkeeping and reporting, and police activities relating to “cash for gold” establishments in light of the proliferation of “cash for gold” type license applications; and
Whereas, The City has no intention of permanently denying a precious metal and gem dealer license to any qualified person, but seeks only a brief and temporary interval in license issuance to consider if trends in the precious metal and gem marketplace threaten to undermine the health, safety and welfare of Milwaukee residents; now, therefore
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. A temporary moratorium on the granting of new precious metal and gem licenses under section 92-10, Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, is established commencing on the effective date of this ordinance July 1, 2010 and terminating 120 days after the effective date of this ordinance, October 29, 2010.
Part 2. The Office of the City Clerk shall review precious metal and gem dealer licensing policy, and all affected departments and personnel shall cooperate and participate in this review and evaluation process. The Office of City Clerk shall report review findings and recommendations not later than 90 days after this moratorium takes affect.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB #10210-1
ANC
06/02/10