Agenda Cover Memorandum - Park Ridge, Illinois

Agenda Cover Memorandum

Meeting Date: November 11, 2013
Meeting Type: COW (Committee of the Whole) City Council Budget Workshop
Item Title:
Action Requested: Modifications to Article 12 Chapter 1 and Adding a New Chapter 18 of the
Municipal Code Regarding Scavengers
Staff Contact:
Phone Number: Approval
Email Address: For discussion
Feedback requested
For your information
Frank Kaminski, Chief of Police
(847) 318-5261
[email protected]

Background:
This item came before the Council at the October 14, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting as a
discussion item. The Council agreed to place it on the next Committee of the Whole meeting agenda as
an action item.

Alderman Milissis requested that the Department investigate how other communities handle
scavengers/scrappers. Attached are copies of four local ordinances regarding scrappers/scavengers.
The municipalities are as follows: Niles, Illinois, Cary, Illinois, Barrington, Illinois and Munster, Indiana.

These ordinances are fairly similar. The common requirements are as follows:
 Application / Vehicle information
 Background Check
 License Required (Renewed annually)
 Fee (Niles: $250, Cary: $0, Barrington: $0 and Munster, IN: $25 background check and once
approved: $50 annual fee)
 License in possession at time of scavenging
 Possible restriction as to time of day and day of week

There are two sides to this issue. Scrappers provide a service to residents, getting rid of unwanted items.
On the other side, some scrappers tend to take things that are not being discarded. Over the years we
have experienced a number of complaints. In 2012, we had nine. So far in 2013, we have had 10
complaints.

Based on the information presented, an ordinance similar to the ones presented would be beneficial for a
number of reasons. It would send a message to those scrappers that do not follow the rules. Also, the
information provided during the licensing process could provide investigative leads if an incident did
occur.

A draft ordinance developed by City Attorney Henn is attached. The draft ordinance requires scrappers to
secure an annual license for $50. This license needs to be in possession of the licensee when scrapping.
A background check is required for the applicant. The Police Department would handle the licensing and
enforcement.

Rev 03/01/2013

Agenda Cover Memorandum

Questions were raised regarding the yearly fee schedule and the number of classifications and fees
associated with the various transient businesses. After examination of the existing Ordinance and
Department policy, it was agreed to change the annual fee for all transient businesses listed under 12‐1‐2 
to $50.00.  Jim Testin, Community Preservation and Development Director and City Attorney Henn have
reviewed and approved the Ordinance.

At the October 14, 2013 COW, a question was asked about the penalties for violations of the Code.
Article 12, Chapter 17, Section 5 contains the penalties for operating without a license or for violating a
section of the Park Ridge Municipal Code. For operation without a license, the person shall be fined
between $100.00 and $500.00 per day. In addition to the procedures for revoking or suspending a
license, a person shall also be fined between $100.00 and $2,500.00 for violating the Park Ridge
Municipal Code.

Recommendation:
Move approval of modifications of an Ordinance amending Article 12 Chapter 1 and Adding a New
Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code Regarding Scavengers and place on the next City Council agenda for a
first reading.

Budget Implications:

Does Action Require an Expenditure of Funds: Yes No
Requires Budget Transfer
If Yes, Total Cost:

If Yes, is this a Budgeted Item: No
Yes

If Budgeted, Budget Code (Fund, Dept, Object)

Attachments:

 Draft Ordinance - Scavengers/Scrappers
 Niles Ordinance on Scavengers/Scrappers
 Barrington Ordinance on Scavengers/Scrappers
 Cary Ordinance on Scavengers/Scappers
 Munster, Indiana Ordinance on Scavengers/Scrappers

Rev 03/01/2013

 

ORDINANCE NO. _____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARK RIDGE
AMENDING ARTICLE 12, CHAPTER 1 AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18

OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF PARK RIDGE

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Park Ridge, Cook County,

Illinois, pursuant to its home rule authority provided under Article VII of the Illinois

Constitution of 1970 as follows:

SECTION 1: That Article 12, “Businesses and Occupations,” Chapter 1,

“Transient Businesses,” Section 1 entitled “Definitions” of the Park Ridge Municipal

Code is hereby amended to delete the definition of “Junk Hauling” in Paragraph A and

to replace it with the definition of “Scavenger/Junk Hauler,” to read in its entirety as

follows:

6. Scavenger/Junk Hauler: the collection, hauling, delivery, carrying and removal of
residential or commercial garbage, refuse, junk, trash, rubbish, debris, wood, oil, grease,
paper, metal, bricks, clothes, furniture, bottles or glassware for disposal, sale or
otherwise.

SECTION 2: That Article 12, “Businesses and Occupations,” Chapter 1,

“Transient Businesses,” Section 2 entitled “Amount of Fee” of the Park Ridge Municipal

Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

Yearly License Fees shall be as follows:

Classification License Unit Yearly Fee
Building Contractor Per firm $ 50.00
Food Truck Firm Per truck $ 540.00
Scavenger/Junk Hauler Per firm1 to 5 trucks $100.0050.00
Scavenger/Junk Hauler Over 5 trucks $300.00
Estate Salesperson Per person $ 250.00
Merchandise Truck Firm Per truck $ 540.00
Residential Services Firm Per firm $ 50.00

 314887_3 

 

SECTION 3: That Article 12, “Businesses and Occupations,” is amended to add

a new Chapter 18, entitled “Scavengers,” to read in its entirety as follows:

12-18-1 License Required; Application

12-18-2 Regulations

12-8-1 License Required; Application

It shall be unlawful to engage in the business of scavenger/junk hauler without having

first secured a license from the City. Application for the license shall be made in

accordance with Chapter 17 of this Article except that the application will be processed

and issued by the Police Department. As part of the application process, the applicant

shall agree to a criminal background check to be performed by the Park Ridge Police

Department and shall provide information about each vehicle to be used.

12-8-2 Regulations

A. Any vehicle used for scavenging and hauling shall be equipped with a cover or

covers that may be securely fastened to prevent refuse from coming loose or leaking.

All vehicles, boxes or containers used or leased by a scavenger shall be kept securely

closed during hauling.

B. Each licensed scavenger must have its license when engaged in the activities of

scavenging or junk hauling and shall produce the license upon request to any law

enforcement officer or inspector from the City.

C. A license shall not be issued to any applicant who has a warrant outstanding for

any criminal offense or who has been found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor

involving theft within 5 years prior to application.

 314887_3 

 

SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage, approval and publication according to law.

SECTION 5: The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish said
Ordinance in pamphlet form according to law.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Park Ridge, Illinois this ____ day of _____,
2013.

VOTE:

AYES: _______________________

NAYS: _______________________

ABSENT: _______________________

Approved by me this _____ day of _____, 2013.

___________________________
Mayor

Attest:

_________________________
City Clerk

 

 

 314887_3