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Secondhand dealers could face city regulation

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer Updated 7:50 AM Wednesday, July 22, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — Secondhand dealers and swap shops may soon be under city regulation.

A draft ordinance to regulate secondhand dealers and swap shops was shared with Middletown City Council at its Tuesday, July 21, meeting. It was the result of a city task force established in May by City Manager Judy Gilleland in an effort to ensure these businesses are reputable and are not adding to the city’s crime rate.

Law Director Les Landen said the draft ordinance, which was modeled after Hamilton’s ordinance, would cover all secondhand items such as appliances, furniture, lawn equipment, bicycles, precious metals, jewels, currency and electronic devices.

Landen said it would require a $100 annual license and criminal record check. It also would require a daily transaction record and identification of sellers with all records being provided to police, he said.

The businesses would only be allowed to be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and any advertising must indicate the merchandise is secondhand, Landen said.

Councilwoman Anita Scott Jones expressed concerns about requiring the true owner of stolen property to reimburse the dealer for the amount paid for the stolen article.

The draft ordinance would not apply to pawn shops because they are regulated by state law, he said.

It also would not apply to garage or yard sales, motor vehicles, DVDs and CDs, charitable sales for charitable organizations, consignment shops, junkyards, estate sales or auctions or businesses that exclusively deal in antiques, secondhand clothes or secondhand furniture.

City Council will be reviewing the draft before it returns for consideration.

Detachment request

Resident Todd Bailey and several other residents from the Bridgewood Villas subdivision who are seeking to detach their properties from the city attended Tuesday’s meeting to hear an update on the request.

Bailey said the residents have submitted paperwork but have since learned it is not sufficient. He asked Landen for clarification on what is still needed and said the residents are “willing to take the next step.”

Landen said he has talked with the Warren County Commission office and said when that office advises the city that they have received the valid petitions and map, the process can move forward.

Landen said City Council eventually will vote on the matter.

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