Morton Grove will reportedly not replicate Park Ridge’s newly-enacted regulation on scrap-metal scavengers.
Members of Morton Grove’s finance committee had a lengthy discussion on the topic in July after reading news articles about Park Ridge aldermen showing interest. However, now that Park Ridge sorted through the details and passed an ordinance, Morton Grove’s finance chair says the topic is dead.
“I still think it’s a good idea,” said Doug Steinman, chair of the finance committee. “I do my best to generate ideas to discuss and maybe pass along to our trustees, but I always leave it up to the group and I don’t feel like this one got enough support.”
Phillip Gera, another member of the committee, and Steinman introduced the idea for safety and revenue purposes, suggesting a $10 to $50 registration fee per scavenger so police are aware of who is on the road and how to find them if thefts were reported.
Park Ridge did just that on Dec. 2, requiring scavengers to register with the city, undergo criminal background checks and pay a $50 annual fee in order to collect items left for disposal on residential or commercial parkways and alleys.
Applicants convicted of felony or misdemeanor theft within the last five years will not be given a license, according to the ordinance.
The ordinance defines a “scavenger/junk hauler” as someone who removes and collects trash, metal, bricks, furniture, bottles or other items through the use of a motorized vehicle.
Any unlicensed scavengers will be subjected to a city fine.
One prime example of the crime Park Ridge hopes to prevent came just days after the ordinance was finalized, when police caught a scavenger stealing three manhole covers from the city’s materials storage yard at Elm Street and Greenwood Avenue.
Similar events occur in Morton Grove, as a scavenger was arrested on Dec. 15 for taking a grill from the backyard of a house in 6100 block of Crain Street. However, the police department declined to comment on hypothetical ordinances.
The original discussion by Morton Grove’s finance committee was broad. The group also discussed requiring snowplows and landscaping companies to register with the village. Some members worried about “big brother” perceptions.
The committee agreed to wait and see what happens in Park Ridge, but Steinman said the topic is dead.
Pioneer Press Staff Reporter Jennifer Johnson contributed to this story.
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