BY WENDY PITLICK
Black Hills Pioneer
LEAD - Lead residents packed city hall Monday night to express their opposition to an ordinance that will limit the amount of time vehicles can be parked in one place.
The ordinance is a revision to the city's former abandoned vehicle law. The new law considers “stored vehicles” to be those which are not operated every seven days, and it states that no vehicle may be stored in public view for longer than six months. Exceptions include vehicles that are part of a vehicle repair business, for which the business owner has work orders on the cars, racing vehicles, and vehicles that are used for antique collection purposes and are currently licensed.
After a nearly two-hour discussion with area residents, city commissioners eventually changed the time limit from six to nine months, to allow for winter storage for some vehicles that are only operated when there is no snow.
City commissioners said the reason for the time limit is because under the old law residents with inoperable vehicles were licensing their cars and trucks and allowing them to sit as junk, in public view. The commissioners said they often received complaints from residents whose neighbors had these “junk cars,” which often had flat tires, broken out windows, and served as breeding grounds for cats or vermin.
But on Monday the commissioners' chambers was packed with residents who disputed the time limit. Several people who restore cars as a hobby, or use “junk cars” for parts in a legitimate repair business, spoke up to protect their investments. Others who have vehicles who they don't drive in the wintertime for various reasons also spoke out against the six-month time limit.
Wayne Newell, who has a “parts car” that he parks outside of his house to use while he is restoring a 1951 Buick, took exception to the city telling residents what they can do on their own property. While he was disputing the six-month timeframe on the ordinance he quickly discovered that since his parts car is screened from public view, he is exempt from the ordinance. Still, Newell said he disagrees with the proposed law.
“Why is it a nuisance to the city if it's on my property that I pay taxes on? I moved out here because there wasn't a whole lot of government here. There weren't a lot of laws and regulations that tell me what to do. I take care of my property. I take care of my vehicles. I have a hobby. I'm not a nuisance to anyone around me.
But Commissioner Les Roselles reminded the public that the city commission already regulates how residents should care for their property by enforcing weed and snow removal ordinances. Lead City Administrator Mike Stahl also said the intent of the new ordinance is to try and clean up the town.
“The intent of this is to keep people from just pushing, pulling and dragging a car in the back of their driveway and letting it sit there forever,” he said. “There are a lot of people (who have a problem) with that and that's why we've been asked to address this. I think that's what the intent of this is to get rid of those.”
Clarke Mack, owner of Performance One in Lead, and others told the commissioners they were trying to stop their business. Mack makes a living off of getting parts off of old cars to put on his customers' vehicles, and this ordinance could impede that, he said. But Commissioner Rose Burns said there should come a time when enough is enough.
“I can certainly appreciate that, but there comes a point to where that car that you might need (for) a part eventually it just becomes a nuisance,” Burns said. “It sits out there in the weather. If indeed that is a parts car, then strip the car, stores the parts and get rid of the tires that are going to go flat. I think we're asking for some concern for everyone else in the town who has to drive by it and see it. We're asking you to become a repair shop and not a junk lot.”
“But who is to decide what is junk,” Mack said, adding that many times he doesn't know what parts he'll need off of a car until different customer situations come up.
Commissioner Nick Krebs, whose family also repaired cars while he was growing up, said he was sympathetic to Mack. But, he said, “We get a lot of complaints from people in town who want us to do something about the appearance of the community as a whole. I think what we're trying to do is find a balance between what your needs are and the overall appearance of the community.”
“I don't think this is directed at a business,” Roselles said. “It's directed at people who just leave cars.”
Shannon Morrison, who lives in the Washington district, expressed opposition to the original six-month time limit. As a mother with several children who drive, but who doesn't allow them to drive in the winter, Morrison said the family purchased an empty lot that adjoins their house specifically to store their vehicles. Under the six-month time limit, Morrison said the family could stand to lose those vehicles.
“Winter is here a lot longer than six months, so as a resident, you need to look at the six month thing,” she said.
Shortly after Morrison's comments the city commission voted on a 3-1 decision to extend the ordinance timeline to nine months. However, since Lead Police Chief John Wainman, whose staff will be charged with enforcing the ordinance, was not present at Monday's meeting, the commission agreed to table further action on the ordinance. They will address the proposed law again at their next meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26.
NEWS SOURCE
Thursday 29 January 2009
East Bay Junkyard Fire Causes Big Smoke Plume
RODEO (CBS 5 / KCBS / BCN)
Contra Costa County firefighters worked Tuesday afternoon to put out a fire at an auto wrecking yard in Rodeo, authorities said.
The blaze sent a huge column of thick, black smoke into the sky over the East Bay. The plume was seen over a wide portion of the Bay Area, including from across the bay in San Francisco.
The fire was reported about 3 p.m. at JZ Auto at 700 Parker Avenue, according to a Contra Costa County fire district spokeswoman Emily Hopkins.
Hopkins said the blaze was "basically out" about 5:45 p.m., but added that firefighters would spend several additional hours conducting an extensive mop up.
Nearly 50 cars had burned out-of-control in the junkyard, located near the Carquinez Bridge off of Interstate 80.
The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials unit responded to the scene, but determined a shelter-in-place order would not be needed.
There was no indication that the blaze posed an environmental threat, Hopkins said.
No injuries were reported and officials said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
NEWS SOURCE
Contra Costa County firefighters worked Tuesday afternoon to put out a fire at an auto wrecking yard in Rodeo, authorities said.
The blaze sent a huge column of thick, black smoke into the sky over the East Bay. The plume was seen over a wide portion of the Bay Area, including from across the bay in San Francisco.
The fire was reported about 3 p.m. at JZ Auto at 700 Parker Avenue, according to a Contra Costa County fire district spokeswoman Emily Hopkins.
Hopkins said the blaze was "basically out" about 5:45 p.m., but added that firefighters would spend several additional hours conducting an extensive mop up.
Nearly 50 cars had burned out-of-control in the junkyard, located near the Carquinez Bridge off of Interstate 80.
The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials unit responded to the scene, but determined a shelter-in-place order would not be needed.
There was no indication that the blaze posed an environmental threat, Hopkins said.
No injuries were reported and officials said the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
NEWS SOURCE
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Towing ordinance still faces challenges
Frederick City Briefs by Erica L. Green | Staff Writer
While Frederick motorists can breathe easier knowing that an impending towing ordinance is on their side, the new city laws still face opposition.
A City of Frederick ordinance set to go in effect Feb. 2 will put a cap on impounding fees, require towing companies to inform registered car owners of a vehicle's removal if the car isn't retrieved in three days, and gives aggrieved customers avenues to take action against towing companies.
Clint Hoffman (R), a mayoral candidate and owner of Discount Towing — the towing company cited as the motivation for the ordinance against "predatory towers" — said that he is working with his attorney to file an injunction against some of constraints under which businesses have to comply with the new laws.
And Hoffman says it's not the once controversial $200 fee cap placed on companies for towing charges or the required 24-hour storage of the vehicle, or the $50 fee cap on additional 24-hour storage that bothers him.
"I'm happy with the prices, because it needed to be regulated," Hoffman said. "But they should have given us a few months to do everything we need to do. How do you get everything done in 22 days?"
Hoffman said he will challenge the requirements for signage. The ordinance requires towing businesses to replace current signs with larger, brighter ones, a task that Hoffman believes will take more time than the 22 days allotted. So far, Hoffman said he has purchased 20 new signs which cost $2,000.
Hoffman will also ask for more time to notify registered car owners of their car's towing. The law requires that if a car hasn't been claimed in 72 hours, the company notify the owner via certified mail—also an extra cost that Hoffman hopes to scale down.
Hoffman will also seek to eliminate the requirement that towing companies accept Visa and MasterCard because it adds extra cost to the company to buy the equipment.
Other towing company owners said they are adjusting to the requirements just fine. Dave Grimm, owner of Grimm's Automovation and a member of the city's towing advisory committee, initially objected to some of the financial burdens implied by the ordinance, but in the end said it all evened out.
"The way that the mayor and Board of Aldermen worked with the towing agencies — it was give and take. I think we resolved it as best as possible, it has to be fair for all parties," Grimm said.
County grant could give facelift to city neighborhoods
Partners of Frederick County's affordable housing agencies will be vying for funds that could give city neighborhoods a facelift.
The Frederick County Department of Housing and Community Development will apply for a grant from the state's housing department this month to rehab and resell foreclosed homes countywide.
Mike Spurrier, director of the Frederick Community Action Agency, presented the plan to the mayor and Board of Aldermen last week, asking for their support. The aldermen endorsed the program.
"While we don't get any funding, I think it's a good thing for the city," said Alderman Marcia A. Hall (D).
The county plans to apply for the funds by today's deadline; if granted, the $3.5 million initiative will be implemented by the spring. The cities of Frederick and Brunswick will be the benefactors of about 30 refurbished homes in areas identified to be plagued by foreclosures. The targeted neighborhoods in the city, listed as "severe" in the plans, are Hillcrest, Amber Meadows, Key Parkway and Whittier.
The majority of the funds will assist with down payments for homebuyers, while 25 percent of the funds will be used to acquire and refurbish the homes. The program looks to provide about 120 deferred loans to middle-class families.
"The minimum income is 120 percent of the median income for Frederick County," Spurrier said. "That's a significant income, so it's not necessarily targeted toward families with more modest incomes. But, it would fill a gap in workforce housing."
The program specifically cites providing affordable workforce housing for police officers, firefighters, teachers and city employees.
"We're hoping to get homebuyers that really have a stake in Frederick and consequently a stake in their new neighborhoods," Spurrier said. "If we can get more police officers and firefighters and teachers living locally, it adds to the safety and quality of our neighborhoods. And, it helps those families with commuting cost."
City residents and property owners embraced the idea, particularly as the city is grappling with issues such as overcrowding and housing code violations.
"Taking blighted properties off the market, and get them fixed up and usable is a win-win situation for everybody," said Steve Fox, owner of Fox Realty and a member of the Frederick County Association of Realtors. "It's really going to help communities get rid of some of the code problems like maintenance and it will get rid of eyesores."
NEWS SOURCE
While Frederick motorists can breathe easier knowing that an impending towing ordinance is on their side, the new city laws still face opposition.
A City of Frederick ordinance set to go in effect Feb. 2 will put a cap on impounding fees, require towing companies to inform registered car owners of a vehicle's removal if the car isn't retrieved in three days, and gives aggrieved customers avenues to take action against towing companies.
Clint Hoffman (R), a mayoral candidate and owner of Discount Towing — the towing company cited as the motivation for the ordinance against "predatory towers" — said that he is working with his attorney to file an injunction against some of constraints under which businesses have to comply with the new laws.
And Hoffman says it's not the once controversial $200 fee cap placed on companies for towing charges or the required 24-hour storage of the vehicle, or the $50 fee cap on additional 24-hour storage that bothers him.
"I'm happy with the prices, because it needed to be regulated," Hoffman said. "But they should have given us a few months to do everything we need to do. How do you get everything done in 22 days?"
Hoffman said he will challenge the requirements for signage. The ordinance requires towing businesses to replace current signs with larger, brighter ones, a task that Hoffman believes will take more time than the 22 days allotted. So far, Hoffman said he has purchased 20 new signs which cost $2,000.
Hoffman will also ask for more time to notify registered car owners of their car's towing. The law requires that if a car hasn't been claimed in 72 hours, the company notify the owner via certified mail—also an extra cost that Hoffman hopes to scale down.
Hoffman will also seek to eliminate the requirement that towing companies accept Visa and MasterCard because it adds extra cost to the company to buy the equipment.
Other towing company owners said they are adjusting to the requirements just fine. Dave Grimm, owner of Grimm's Automovation and a member of the city's towing advisory committee, initially objected to some of the financial burdens implied by the ordinance, but in the end said it all evened out.
"The way that the mayor and Board of Aldermen worked with the towing agencies — it was give and take. I think we resolved it as best as possible, it has to be fair for all parties," Grimm said.
County grant could give facelift to city neighborhoods
Partners of Frederick County's affordable housing agencies will be vying for funds that could give city neighborhoods a facelift.
The Frederick County Department of Housing and Community Development will apply for a grant from the state's housing department this month to rehab and resell foreclosed homes countywide.
Mike Spurrier, director of the Frederick Community Action Agency, presented the plan to the mayor and Board of Aldermen last week, asking for their support. The aldermen endorsed the program.
"While we don't get any funding, I think it's a good thing for the city," said Alderman Marcia A. Hall (D).
The county plans to apply for the funds by today's deadline; if granted, the $3.5 million initiative will be implemented by the spring. The cities of Frederick and Brunswick will be the benefactors of about 30 refurbished homes in areas identified to be plagued by foreclosures. The targeted neighborhoods in the city, listed as "severe" in the plans, are Hillcrest, Amber Meadows, Key Parkway and Whittier.
The majority of the funds will assist with down payments for homebuyers, while 25 percent of the funds will be used to acquire and refurbish the homes. The program looks to provide about 120 deferred loans to middle-class families.
"The minimum income is 120 percent of the median income for Frederick County," Spurrier said. "That's a significant income, so it's not necessarily targeted toward families with more modest incomes. But, it would fill a gap in workforce housing."
The program specifically cites providing affordable workforce housing for police officers, firefighters, teachers and city employees.
"We're hoping to get homebuyers that really have a stake in Frederick and consequently a stake in their new neighborhoods," Spurrier said. "If we can get more police officers and firefighters and teachers living locally, it adds to the safety and quality of our neighborhoods. And, it helps those families with commuting cost."
City residents and property owners embraced the idea, particularly as the city is grappling with issues such as overcrowding and housing code violations.
"Taking blighted properties off the market, and get them fixed up and usable is a win-win situation for everybody," said Steve Fox, owner of Fox Realty and a member of the Frederick County Association of Realtors. "It's really going to help communities get rid of some of the code problems like maintenance and it will get rid of eyesores."
NEWS SOURCE
Monday 26 January 2009
Cop admits taking bribes from tow-truck driver
By Jeff Coen | Tribune reporter
A tow-truck driver slipping cash to a police officer to get ahead in the business probably isn't new in Chicago, but one who wears a wire to catch a cop in the act of taking a bribe is a little rarer.
That's exactly what happened to Michael Ciancio, a former Chicago police officer who pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking money from a driver who was working undercover with the FBI.
Ciancio, who was charged last summer, admitted to pocketing about $100 a car.
Ciancio entered a "blind" plea—without making a deal with prosecutors—before U.S. District Judge John Darrah. A 21-year veteran who worked in the Jefferson Park District, Ciancio was accused of steering a favored company to accident scenes and thwarting other businesses, earning $600 and $800 a week. He resigned this month.
An ongoing investigation into similar bribery has seen federal authorities investigate at least five police districts in Chicago.
Ciancio's lawyer, Joseph Roddy, said his client made a terrible mistake and wanted to put the case behind him.
"We've all made mistakes," Roddy said. "He just wants out and to go on with his life."
Ciancio pleaded guilty to attempted extortion, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, but he likely faces a far less severe sentence. Sentencing is set for May 13.
jcoen@tribune.com
NEWS SOURCE
A tow-truck driver slipping cash to a police officer to get ahead in the business probably isn't new in Chicago, but one who wears a wire to catch a cop in the act of taking a bribe is a little rarer.
That's exactly what happened to Michael Ciancio, a former Chicago police officer who pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking money from a driver who was working undercover with the FBI.
Ciancio, who was charged last summer, admitted to pocketing about $100 a car.
Ciancio entered a "blind" plea—without making a deal with prosecutors—before U.S. District Judge John Darrah. A 21-year veteran who worked in the Jefferson Park District, Ciancio was accused of steering a favored company to accident scenes and thwarting other businesses, earning $600 and $800 a week. He resigned this month.
An ongoing investigation into similar bribery has seen federal authorities investigate at least five police districts in Chicago.
Ciancio's lawyer, Joseph Roddy, said his client made a terrible mistake and wanted to put the case behind him.
"We've all made mistakes," Roddy said. "He just wants out and to go on with his life."
Ciancio pleaded guilty to attempted extortion, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, but he likely faces a far less severe sentence. Sentencing is set for May 13.
jcoen@tribune.com
NEWS SOURCE
Friday 23 January 2009
City cracking down on local snow removal, parked cars
Ordinance Enforcement
By Christine Laughren, Staff Writer
Starting Wednesday, Ypsilanti will be able to remove snow from private properties, at the property owner's expense.
But how well this new ordinance amendment and other ordinances also on the books are enforced is another issue entirely; and it is an issue that has been brought up at Ypsilanti City Council meetings time and again.
Council had the opportunity do discuss ordinances a little more in-depth at Tuesday night's special meeting. Administrative Service Director April McGrath presented background information on the purpose of ordinance enforcement, general categories of enforcement and standard procedures to new and senior members of council.
"I just think there is a need for some understanding in code enforcement," McGrath said Tuesday afternoon. "Every code has a different way it is enforced, it is not like somebody walks around with a ticket book and just gives tickets all day; it's more than that."
During the special meeting McGrath explained that Charles Boulard, who left the city last January, served as the building official, the building director and the building inspector for the city.
As part of the city's restructuring, in an effort to save funds, McGrath now oversees a building official and inspector, both contracted through Pittsfield Township, as well as the new Building Manager Frank Daniels, Jr.
"Mr. Boulard did a fantastic job of keeping the majority of these issues in the forefront and how to deal with them and I think when he left in January we started to see some of those things fall through the cracks," McGrath said.
McGrath said she has been utilizing a Nuisance Abatement Team, which meets bi-weekly, for complex ordinance enforcement. She said topics range from issues with one property, to a neighborhood, to dangerous buildings. The Fire Chief, Police Lt, City Attorney, Ordinance Officer, Rental Housing Inspectors and Planner all participate in these meetings.
Issues raised by council
Brian Robb, D-Ward 3, said he had a big list of items he thinks have fallen through the cracks. He said he wants to prioritize the problem areas council would like to address and understand why some things take so long to enforce.
Robb sited JC Beal's Thompson Block as an example of slow enforcement. He said the City Manager Ed Koryzno told him Ordinance Officer Ronnie Monroe wrote violations in August and September with no results.
"What happened to those violations?" Robb asked. "It's like he wrote them and nothing happened.
"What I'm looking for is what is the next step, why didn't the next step happen and how can we fix it."
Another code violation raised by several members of council was the issue of parked vehicles on city streets as well as in yards.
The city prohibits parking on city streets for more than 48 hours at a time. Residents are not prohibited to park vehicles in their front yard and parking is also prohibited on certain streets between 2 and 6 a.m. in order to facilitate the cleaning of streets and the removal of snow.
Mayor Pro-tem Trudy Swanson, D-Ward 1, said she has an issue with residents parking their cars in their yard. She said she knows of a house near her that has had a car in the yard for more than six months.
Michael Bodary, D-Ward 2, Robb as well as several community members have also taken issue with the lack of clearing the snow away from on-street parking on main thoroughfares. Michigan Avenue and Cross Street were pointed out as specific examples of trouble areas.
Bodary said he doesn't see any reason why parking citations can't be written at 4 a.m to get the cars off the street and the snow removed.
"A parking ticket takes, what, 30 seconds to write," Bodary said. "You could write a few of them and not take a lot of the officers time."
Dave Heikkinen, owner of Heikk's Decorated Apparel Studio at 133 W. Michigan Ave., said the city's ordinance process is "disjointed."
"They want us to be responsible for the sidewalks and look what happens to the on-street parking," he said.
Heikkinen also said the city has been slow to clear the parking lots as well. For instance snow that fell Saturday was not cleared away until Tuesday.
"I know there is a budget issue but still, we want people to feel comfortable coming downtown," he said.
Other business owners shared concerns about snow removal during the holiday shopping season. Sheila Miller, owner of Simply DeVine, said the parking lots were not cleared as quickly as they should have been during peak shopping days and customers were complaining that there was no parking.
Thoughts from residents
Most residents say they are sympathetic to the occasional snow-laden sidewalk, tall grass or even trash cans being placed by the curb a day or two early. Many say it is the repeat offenders who tend to raise their ire.
Kurt Anschuetz said the sidewalks around the former Motor Wheel plant, now Bay Logistics, is always full of snow. The plant sits at the corner of Norris Street and Forrest Avenue.
Anschuetz said the walk to Eastern Michigan University can be difficult for residents coming down Forrest Street.
"It's just a pain," he said.
Dan Meikle said he is tired of trudging through the snow in front of the train depot, owned by Dennis Dahlmann.
"I don't think that stretch of sidewalk is ever shoveled," he said.
Meikle said idle threats from the city aren't going to encourage property owners to follow city code.
"I'm a little disappointed some neighbors could bring the value of my house down because they choose not to mow or leave cars in the street," he said. "If you don't want to take care of your house, then buy a condo."
Moving forward
Mayor Paul Schreiber was relatively quiet throughout Tuesday night's special meeting.
"My concern is that staff is already burdened quite a bit and I don't want to put any more burden on them," Schreiber said.
The mayor said the city has made several cuts in recent years, closing 13 positions. He also said the city of Ann Arbor is going through similar changes. Calls made to Ann Arbor's Community Standards department were not returned.
Superior Township Supervisor William McFarlane said his municipality has a part-time ordinance enforcement officer, who works about 10 hours a week. McFarlane said the ordinance officer supplies a report to the Township board once a month but mostly provides warnings to residents who are not in compliance.
"The goal is to give people a chance to be successful," he said.
McGrath said the city, which has almost double the number of residents than Superior Township, used to lean toward education and warnings, but she said the trend seems to be shifting to enforcement.
She said council members should communicate with her the issues they would like see resolved in their ward because staff will never be aware of every ordinance issue in the city.
"In the winter (the ordinance officer) is going to be focusing on snow and sidewalks and in the summer he is crazy busy with lawn, grass and garbage," she said. "Don't ever assume...that we are aware of a parked car that has been in somebody's yard for six months because if he's not looking particularly for parked cars that might not be in the forefront but if at the time he is looking at long grass while he's out doing his rout he is going to be looking for long grass."
McGrath said she though she got a clear picture of what council's concerns and frustrations are regarding ordinance enforcement. She said she would start work right away with Assistant City Attorney Karl Barr as well as the Ypsilanti Police Department to address the parked car issue.
"The expectations are there, we just need to adapt to them," she said.
The purpose of ordinance enforcement is to achieve code compliance so that the residents of Ypsilanti may enjoy a cleaner, safer and better place to live. Areas of concentration include:
# Improvement of neighborhoods
# Integrity of property value
# Compliance with Zoning and Building Codes
Five categories of enforcement:
# Property Maintenance, Blight and Animal Control
# Building Codes
# Rental Housing Codes
# Zoning Codes
# Life and Safety and Fire Code
Who enforces what:
# Building/Construction - Pittsfield Township
# Mechanical, Electric, Plumbing - Outside contract through the City of YpsilantiRental Housing Codes - Ypsilanti Rental Inspectors
# Blight, Property and Animal Control- Ypsilanti's Ordinance Officer
# Zoning Codes-Ypsilanti Building Manager
# Fire Code - Ypsilanti Fire Department
What are people saying?
"I just think there is a need for some understanding in code enforcement. Every code has a different way it is enforced, it is not like somebody walks around with a ticket book and just gives tickets all day; it's more than that."
April McGrath, Administrative Service Director
"I'm a little disappointed some neighbors could bring the value of my house down because they choose not to mow or leave cars in the street."
Dan Meikle, Ypsilanti Resident
"They want us to be responsible for the sidewalks and look what happens to the on-street parking."
Dave Heikkinen, owner of Heikk's Decorated Apparel Studio
NEWS SOURCE
By Christine Laughren, Staff Writer
Starting Wednesday, Ypsilanti will be able to remove snow from private properties, at the property owner's expense.
But how well this new ordinance amendment and other ordinances also on the books are enforced is another issue entirely; and it is an issue that has been brought up at Ypsilanti City Council meetings time and again.
Council had the opportunity do discuss ordinances a little more in-depth at Tuesday night's special meeting. Administrative Service Director April McGrath presented background information on the purpose of ordinance enforcement, general categories of enforcement and standard procedures to new and senior members of council.
"I just think there is a need for some understanding in code enforcement," McGrath said Tuesday afternoon. "Every code has a different way it is enforced, it is not like somebody walks around with a ticket book and just gives tickets all day; it's more than that."
During the special meeting McGrath explained that Charles Boulard, who left the city last January, served as the building official, the building director and the building inspector for the city.
As part of the city's restructuring, in an effort to save funds, McGrath now oversees a building official and inspector, both contracted through Pittsfield Township, as well as the new Building Manager Frank Daniels, Jr.
"Mr. Boulard did a fantastic job of keeping the majority of these issues in the forefront and how to deal with them and I think when he left in January we started to see some of those things fall through the cracks," McGrath said.
McGrath said she has been utilizing a Nuisance Abatement Team, which meets bi-weekly, for complex ordinance enforcement. She said topics range from issues with one property, to a neighborhood, to dangerous buildings. The Fire Chief, Police Lt, City Attorney, Ordinance Officer, Rental Housing Inspectors and Planner all participate in these meetings.
Issues raised by council
Brian Robb, D-Ward 3, said he had a big list of items he thinks have fallen through the cracks. He said he wants to prioritize the problem areas council would like to address and understand why some things take so long to enforce.
Robb sited JC Beal's Thompson Block as an example of slow enforcement. He said the City Manager Ed Koryzno told him Ordinance Officer Ronnie Monroe wrote violations in August and September with no results.
"What happened to those violations?" Robb asked. "It's like he wrote them and nothing happened.
"What I'm looking for is what is the next step, why didn't the next step happen and how can we fix it."
Another code violation raised by several members of council was the issue of parked vehicles on city streets as well as in yards.
The city prohibits parking on city streets for more than 48 hours at a time. Residents are not prohibited to park vehicles in their front yard and parking is also prohibited on certain streets between 2 and 6 a.m. in order to facilitate the cleaning of streets and the removal of snow.
Mayor Pro-tem Trudy Swanson, D-Ward 1, said she has an issue with residents parking their cars in their yard. She said she knows of a house near her that has had a car in the yard for more than six months.
Michael Bodary, D-Ward 2, Robb as well as several community members have also taken issue with the lack of clearing the snow away from on-street parking on main thoroughfares. Michigan Avenue and Cross Street were pointed out as specific examples of trouble areas.
Bodary said he doesn't see any reason why parking citations can't be written at 4 a.m to get the cars off the street and the snow removed.
"A parking ticket takes, what, 30 seconds to write," Bodary said. "You could write a few of them and not take a lot of the officers time."
Dave Heikkinen, owner of Heikk's Decorated Apparel Studio at 133 W. Michigan Ave., said the city's ordinance process is "disjointed."
"They want us to be responsible for the sidewalks and look what happens to the on-street parking," he said.
Heikkinen also said the city has been slow to clear the parking lots as well. For instance snow that fell Saturday was not cleared away until Tuesday.
"I know there is a budget issue but still, we want people to feel comfortable coming downtown," he said.
Other business owners shared concerns about snow removal during the holiday shopping season. Sheila Miller, owner of Simply DeVine, said the parking lots were not cleared as quickly as they should have been during peak shopping days and customers were complaining that there was no parking.
Thoughts from residents
Most residents say they are sympathetic to the occasional snow-laden sidewalk, tall grass or even trash cans being placed by the curb a day or two early. Many say it is the repeat offenders who tend to raise their ire.
Kurt Anschuetz said the sidewalks around the former Motor Wheel plant, now Bay Logistics, is always full of snow. The plant sits at the corner of Norris Street and Forrest Avenue.
Anschuetz said the walk to Eastern Michigan University can be difficult for residents coming down Forrest Street.
"It's just a pain," he said.
Dan Meikle said he is tired of trudging through the snow in front of the train depot, owned by Dennis Dahlmann.
"I don't think that stretch of sidewalk is ever shoveled," he said.
Meikle said idle threats from the city aren't going to encourage property owners to follow city code.
"I'm a little disappointed some neighbors could bring the value of my house down because they choose not to mow or leave cars in the street," he said. "If you don't want to take care of your house, then buy a condo."
Moving forward
Mayor Paul Schreiber was relatively quiet throughout Tuesday night's special meeting.
"My concern is that staff is already burdened quite a bit and I don't want to put any more burden on them," Schreiber said.
The mayor said the city has made several cuts in recent years, closing 13 positions. He also said the city of Ann Arbor is going through similar changes. Calls made to Ann Arbor's Community Standards department were not returned.
Superior Township Supervisor William McFarlane said his municipality has a part-time ordinance enforcement officer, who works about 10 hours a week. McFarlane said the ordinance officer supplies a report to the Township board once a month but mostly provides warnings to residents who are not in compliance.
"The goal is to give people a chance to be successful," he said.
McGrath said the city, which has almost double the number of residents than Superior Township, used to lean toward education and warnings, but she said the trend seems to be shifting to enforcement.
She said council members should communicate with her the issues they would like see resolved in their ward because staff will never be aware of every ordinance issue in the city.
"In the winter (the ordinance officer) is going to be focusing on snow and sidewalks and in the summer he is crazy busy with lawn, grass and garbage," she said. "Don't ever assume...that we are aware of a parked car that has been in somebody's yard for six months because if he's not looking particularly for parked cars that might not be in the forefront but if at the time he is looking at long grass while he's out doing his rout he is going to be looking for long grass."
McGrath said she though she got a clear picture of what council's concerns and frustrations are regarding ordinance enforcement. She said she would start work right away with Assistant City Attorney Karl Barr as well as the Ypsilanti Police Department to address the parked car issue.
"The expectations are there, we just need to adapt to them," she said.
The purpose of ordinance enforcement is to achieve code compliance so that the residents of Ypsilanti may enjoy a cleaner, safer and better place to live. Areas of concentration include:
# Improvement of neighborhoods
# Integrity of property value
# Compliance with Zoning and Building Codes
Five categories of enforcement:
# Property Maintenance, Blight and Animal Control
# Building Codes
# Rental Housing Codes
# Zoning Codes
# Life and Safety and Fire Code
Who enforces what:
# Building/Construction - Pittsfield Township
# Mechanical, Electric, Plumbing - Outside contract through the City of YpsilantiRental Housing Codes - Ypsilanti Rental Inspectors
# Blight, Property and Animal Control- Ypsilanti's Ordinance Officer
# Zoning Codes-Ypsilanti Building Manager
# Fire Code - Ypsilanti Fire Department
What are people saying?
"I just think there is a need for some understanding in code enforcement. Every code has a different way it is enforced, it is not like somebody walks around with a ticket book and just gives tickets all day; it's more than that."
April McGrath, Administrative Service Director
"I'm a little disappointed some neighbors could bring the value of my house down because they choose not to mow or leave cars in the street."
Dan Meikle, Ypsilanti Resident
"They want us to be responsible for the sidewalks and look what happens to the on-street parking."
Dave Heikkinen, owner of Heikk's Decorated Apparel Studio
NEWS SOURCE
Town adds fines to junked car rules
FLETCHER – Fletcher leaders have added the possibility of fines for violators of the town's junked car rules.
The town made the changes to its ordinance at a recent meeting. The changes give the town the ability to issue fines for $50 a day for violations of the ordinance.
The town also established rules governing abandoned manufactured homes.
Fletcher Town Council member Bob Davy said the changes are meant to deal with the “really extreme, eyesore cases.”
“This will give us the teeth to go after those blatant abusers,” Davy said at a recent council meeting.
Enforcement will be complaint driven, according to town officials.
Fletcher's ordinance does allow one junked vehicle, but it must be concealed.
According to the ordinance, “One junked motor vehicle, in its entirety, can be located in the rear yard if the junked motor vehicle is entirely concealed from public view from a public street and from abutting premises by an acceptable covering. … Any other junked motor vehicle(s) must be kept in a garage or building structure that provides a complete enclosure so that the junked motor vehicle(s) cannot be seen from a public street or abutting property.”
Under the changes, the town can issue fines to those violating the ordinance before taking the step of towing a junked vehicle, according to Eric Rufa, Fletcher's planning director.
Under the ordinance, those with “abandoned, junked or nuisance vehicles,” on their property are notified via mail. If an on-site meeting with the owner determines a violation, the property owner has 30 days to comply with the ordinance. The town can grant an extension to the 30-day period if that property owner is making a “good faith” effort to deal with the problem.
“If the vehicle(s) is/are not brought into compliance within the 30-day period, then the administrator may issue a civil penalty in the amount of $50 per day per vehicle for every day the violation continues to exist,” according to the ordinance.
After that, the town can have the problem vehicle towed.
The ordinance defines an abandoned mobile home as one “that has not had legal power or was not properly connected to a permitted septic or sewer system and water supply in the last six months, not to be interpreted to include a manufactured home parked or stored in accordance with a valid zoning permit.”
Like junked cars, the owner has a 30-day period to remove an abandoned mobile home if the town determines there is a problem. After that, the owner can be fined $50 a day.
Rufa said complaints about junked cars average just two to four a year.
“I've not come across a situation where we've towed any vehicles,” he said. “We usually work with folks.”
Contact Ball at 232-5851 or jball@PISGAHMOUNTAINNEWS.com
NEWS SOURCE
The town made the changes to its ordinance at a recent meeting. The changes give the town the ability to issue fines for $50 a day for violations of the ordinance.
The town also established rules governing abandoned manufactured homes.
Fletcher Town Council member Bob Davy said the changes are meant to deal with the “really extreme, eyesore cases.”
“This will give us the teeth to go after those blatant abusers,” Davy said at a recent council meeting.
Enforcement will be complaint driven, according to town officials.
Fletcher's ordinance does allow one junked vehicle, but it must be concealed.
According to the ordinance, “One junked motor vehicle, in its entirety, can be located in the rear yard if the junked motor vehicle is entirely concealed from public view from a public street and from abutting premises by an acceptable covering. … Any other junked motor vehicle(s) must be kept in a garage or building structure that provides a complete enclosure so that the junked motor vehicle(s) cannot be seen from a public street or abutting property.”
Under the changes, the town can issue fines to those violating the ordinance before taking the step of towing a junked vehicle, according to Eric Rufa, Fletcher's planning director.
Under the ordinance, those with “abandoned, junked or nuisance vehicles,” on their property are notified via mail. If an on-site meeting with the owner determines a violation, the property owner has 30 days to comply with the ordinance. The town can grant an extension to the 30-day period if that property owner is making a “good faith” effort to deal with the problem.
“If the vehicle(s) is/are not brought into compliance within the 30-day period, then the administrator may issue a civil penalty in the amount of $50 per day per vehicle for every day the violation continues to exist,” according to the ordinance.
After that, the town can have the problem vehicle towed.
The ordinance defines an abandoned mobile home as one “that has not had legal power or was not properly connected to a permitted septic or sewer system and water supply in the last six months, not to be interpreted to include a manufactured home parked or stored in accordance with a valid zoning permit.”
Like junked cars, the owner has a 30-day period to remove an abandoned mobile home if the town determines there is a problem. After that, the owner can be fined $50 a day.
Rufa said complaints about junked cars average just two to four a year.
“I've not come across a situation where we've towed any vehicles,” he said. “We usually work with folks.”
Contact Ball at 232-5851 or jball@PISGAHMOUNTAINNEWS.com
NEWS SOURCE
Homeless man found shot to death in Blue Island junkyard
FROM SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP WIRE REPORTS
A homeless man who allegedly spent much of his time living in a Blue Island junkyard was found fatally shot in the south suburban yard Thursday afternoon.
Ryan Briggs, 36, was found fatally shot in the chest in a junkyard at 13715 S. Sacramento Ave. in Blue Island, a spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said.
Briggs, with no known home address, was pronounced dead at 5:40 p.m., the spokesman said.
According to a web listing, J & D Auto Wrecking & Towing Service is located at the Sacramento Avenue address, but the company could not be reached for comment.
Briggs was allegedly allowed to live in the junkyard and “watch over the place” since he had no home, a source said.
Blue Island police declined to comment on the shooting Thursday night.
An autopsy for Briggs is slated for Friday.
NEWS SOURCE
A homeless man who allegedly spent much of his time living in a Blue Island junkyard was found fatally shot in the south suburban yard Thursday afternoon.
Ryan Briggs, 36, was found fatally shot in the chest in a junkyard at 13715 S. Sacramento Ave. in Blue Island, a spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said.
Briggs, with no known home address, was pronounced dead at 5:40 p.m., the spokesman said.
According to a web listing, J & D Auto Wrecking & Towing Service is located at the Sacramento Avenue address, but the company could not be reached for comment.
Briggs was allegedly allowed to live in the junkyard and “watch over the place” since he had no home, a source said.
Blue Island police declined to comment on the shooting Thursday night.
An autopsy for Briggs is slated for Friday.
NEWS SOURCE
Thursday 22 January 2009
Metal Thefts Drop With Price, But Remain a Problem
by Randy J. Stine
Even with plummeting recycled metal prices, the theft of copper and other non-ferrous metals from radio transmission sites across the country continues to plague broadcasters.
Radio stations have lost copper strapping, coax, antennas, even entire HVAC units to bandits looking to cash in on the copper and other metal scrap boom, which at one time saw copper prices top $3 per pound in mid-2008.
Copper was down well over 50 percent in the past several months, garnering about $1.30 per pound late in the year, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Despite the cost of such commodities being dramatically lower, industry observers say they believe copper thefts will persist as the world economy tanks.
"I don't have any solid documentation, but from purely anecdotal evidence it appears copper thefts have slowed a bit. As the price drops so too does the high-risk, high-reward ratio," said Chuck Carr, vice president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.
"We always knew price was the main driving force, but people are still desperate because of the economy."
Stories of copper thefts from radio transmitter sites over the past year are plentiful. Brazen crooks have ripped copper tubing from buildings, taken transmission line and even stole an entire broadcast tower in southwestern Pennsylvania, according to various reports.
Carr's group, which consists of companies that process and broker scrap commodities, has launched a Web site aimed at tracking metal thefts. The site, http://www.scraptheftalert.com, aids law enforcement in their efforts to combat the problem.
ISRI "has theft prevention meetings and summits planned for all over the country in 2009. We offer a metal theft training program for law enforcement to show them how to build relationships between metal scrap recyclers and the industries that are being impacted by the thefts," Carr said.
Local task forces are crucial to limiting copper thefts, Carr said, but in addition to prevention training, ISRI is supporting efforts to pass a national law penalizing copper theft. Twenty-six states have copper theft laws.
NEWS SOURCE
Even with plummeting recycled metal prices, the theft of copper and other non-ferrous metals from radio transmission sites across the country continues to plague broadcasters.
Radio stations have lost copper strapping, coax, antennas, even entire HVAC units to bandits looking to cash in on the copper and other metal scrap boom, which at one time saw copper prices top $3 per pound in mid-2008.
Copper was down well over 50 percent in the past several months, garnering about $1.30 per pound late in the year, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Despite the cost of such commodities being dramatically lower, industry observers say they believe copper thefts will persist as the world economy tanks.
"I don't have any solid documentation, but from purely anecdotal evidence it appears copper thefts have slowed a bit. As the price drops so too does the high-risk, high-reward ratio," said Chuck Carr, vice president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.
"We always knew price was the main driving force, but people are still desperate because of the economy."
Stories of copper thefts from radio transmitter sites over the past year are plentiful. Brazen crooks have ripped copper tubing from buildings, taken transmission line and even stole an entire broadcast tower in southwestern Pennsylvania, according to various reports.
Carr's group, which consists of companies that process and broker scrap commodities, has launched a Web site aimed at tracking metal thefts. The site, http://www.scraptheftalert.com, aids law enforcement in their efforts to combat the problem.
ISRI "has theft prevention meetings and summits planned for all over the country in 2009. We offer a metal theft training program for law enforcement to show them how to build relationships between metal scrap recyclers and the industries that are being impacted by the thefts," Carr said.
Local task forces are crucial to limiting copper thefts, Carr said, but in addition to prevention training, ISRI is supporting efforts to pass a national law penalizing copper theft. Twenty-six states have copper theft laws.
NEWS SOURCE
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Car to be removed from river today
The St. Clair County Sheriff Department Marine Division Dive Team is expected to remove a car from the Black River today.
Sheriff Sgt. Scott Braun said deputies responded to the river on the 3200 block of Strawberry Lane in Port Huron Township about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The driver, who was unharmed, told police he was looking for his dog that had gotten loose when the car became stuck in the snow.
When he got out of the car he locked the keys inside with the engine running, Braun said.
When he left the vehicle the heat from the car melted the ice.
Braun said the car was on loan to the driver from a collision shop.
NEWS SOURCE
Sheriff Sgt. Scott Braun said deputies responded to the river on the 3200 block of Strawberry Lane in Port Huron Township about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The driver, who was unharmed, told police he was looking for his dog that had gotten loose when the car became stuck in the snow.
When he got out of the car he locked the keys inside with the engine running, Braun said.
When he left the vehicle the heat from the car melted the ice.
Braun said the car was on loan to the driver from a collision shop.
NEWS SOURCE
Midtown property used as a junkyard, neighbor complains
Tucson, Arizona
The property next door to Travis Jane Sherbourne's home in the Midtown Dodge-Flower Neighborhood is an eyesore, but that's not really the problem.
The owner uses the property, which is vacant, as a junkyard, she said, and it's become a health hazard.
During the monsoon, mosquitoes breed and swarm and bite. And all year long, junk vehicles that still have gasoline in them fill the property. Neighborhood kids hide out on the property and smoke marijuana there.
"If they set a fire, there is a lot of dead grass," she said. "A fire near a tank of gasoline? Or just a fire on the property? It's not a good situation."
Sherbourne has complained repeatedly about the property to the city's Department of Neighborhood Resources. The city took the owner to court in 2006, and in 2007 did a court-ordered cleanup and placed a lien on the property.
The home has been uninhabited since a house fire several years ago.
According to Sherbourne, the owner started hauling trash and old vehicles back to the property a few months after the cleanup in 2007 and comes by periodically to deposit other junk.
She filed three complaints in 2008 and exchanged phone messages with a city inspector who kept asking to verify the address. She said she supplied the address each time, but no action has been taken on the property.
City Code Enforcement Administrator Teresa Williams said the city does have a record of the three complaints — two for junk vehicles and trash and one for bees. She said the city removed the bees but couldn't verify the junk vehicles and trash.
She said the house looks fine from the street, and inspectors aren't allowed to climb fences to look in backyards.
She said the file doesn't show whether the inspectors asked Sherbourne if they could go on her property. Sherbourne readily gave Taxpayer Watch access to her property to view the neighbor's property.
Williams said people are allowed to keep junk vehicles, provided they are screened from the street, which these are, but trash cannot take up more than 25 percent of the entire property.
Williams said Sherbourne will need to file another complaint if she wants another inspector to come out because the last complaint was in June 2008 and was not verified.
— Erica Meltzer
NEWS SOURCE
The property next door to Travis Jane Sherbourne's home in the Midtown Dodge-Flower Neighborhood is an eyesore, but that's not really the problem.
The owner uses the property, which is vacant, as a junkyard, she said, and it's become a health hazard.
During the monsoon, mosquitoes breed and swarm and bite. And all year long, junk vehicles that still have gasoline in them fill the property. Neighborhood kids hide out on the property and smoke marijuana there.
"If they set a fire, there is a lot of dead grass," she said. "A fire near a tank of gasoline? Or just a fire on the property? It's not a good situation."
Sherbourne has complained repeatedly about the property to the city's Department of Neighborhood Resources. The city took the owner to court in 2006, and in 2007 did a court-ordered cleanup and placed a lien on the property.
The home has been uninhabited since a house fire several years ago.
According to Sherbourne, the owner started hauling trash and old vehicles back to the property a few months after the cleanup in 2007 and comes by periodically to deposit other junk.
She filed three complaints in 2008 and exchanged phone messages with a city inspector who kept asking to verify the address. She said she supplied the address each time, but no action has been taken on the property.
City Code Enforcement Administrator Teresa Williams said the city does have a record of the three complaints — two for junk vehicles and trash and one for bees. She said the city removed the bees but couldn't verify the junk vehicles and trash.
She said the house looks fine from the street, and inspectors aren't allowed to climb fences to look in backyards.
She said the file doesn't show whether the inspectors asked Sherbourne if they could go on her property. Sherbourne readily gave Taxpayer Watch access to her property to view the neighbor's property.
Williams said people are allowed to keep junk vehicles, provided they are screened from the street, which these are, but trash cannot take up more than 25 percent of the entire property.
Williams said Sherbourne will need to file another complaint if she wants another inspector to come out because the last complaint was in June 2008 and was not verified.
— Erica Meltzer
NEWS SOURCE
Monday 19 January 2009
Teens steal car from junkyard, lead police chase
NEW IBERIA, La. - Louisiana State Police say three teenage brothers broke into a junkyard next door to their house, stole a car, led a police chase, and were chased down on foot after the 1993 Ford Taurus ran into a ditch.
State police spokesman David Anderson says 17-year-old Lynn J. Champagne was released on $25,000 bond after being booked with simple burglary and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The juveniles are his 16- and 14-year-old brothers. Anderson says they were given summonses for juvenile court after the chase early Monday.
Anderson says the chase on Louisiana 329 and on parish roads hit speeds above 80 mph.
NEWS SOURCE
State police spokesman David Anderson says 17-year-old Lynn J. Champagne was released on $25,000 bond after being booked with simple burglary and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The juveniles are his 16- and 14-year-old brothers. Anderson says they were given summonses for juvenile court after the chase early Monday.
Anderson says the chase on Louisiana 329 and on parish roads hit speeds above 80 mph.
NEWS SOURCE
Washington wants to pay you thousands to junk your jalopy
By Tom Barlow
I'm not sure if this goes into the category of greening America or bailing out Detroit, but U.S. Senators Feistein, Collins and Schumer have introduced a measure to set up a voucher program for American auto owners that would pay them thousands of dollars to junk their old, low-mileages vehicles and buy new high-efficiency models. As the owner of a 1995 Dodge Caravan, I'm intrigued.
The 'Cash for Clunkers' proposal would reward drivers with a $2,500-$4,500 voucher for sending their jalopies to the scrapyard. Since the program is designed to get the vehicles off the road permanently, no credit would be given for selling a rustbucket to another person who intends to keep driving it.
To qualify for the credit, the junker must have had a fuel economy rating of no more than 18 mpg when new, still be in drivable condition, and have been registered in the U.S. for a minimum of the past 120 days. The proposal calls for the program to run for four years, until 2013, with the expectation that it will consign as many as a million cars a year to an early grave.
Participants would be given a voucher good toward the purchase a new or used higher-efficiency car or truck, or for rides on participating public transportation. The proposed amounts for scrapping:
* Vehicles from 2002 and later- $4,500 for the purchase of a new vehicle, $3,000 toward a used car/truck or transit fares.
* Vehicles 1999-2001: $3,000 toward a new car/truck, $,2000 for a used one or transit fares.
* Vehicles 1998 and earlier: $2,000 toward a new car/truck, $1,500 for a used one or transit fares.
The Kelly Blue Book lists the value of my current ride at $1,635, so I'd stand to make a grand on this proposal. I suppose then that I should be more excited than I am.
The reason I'm not doing cartwheels over the possible largess is that I don't see the environmental advantage of scrapping vehicles that still have a reasonable road life ahead. Yes, we will burn less gas, but at the cost of wasting part of the effort put into making the car in the first place, and the cost of more new cars than we really need. This seems like more consumerism run amok.
It also strikes me as a bill destined to create a whole new black market, smuggling cars back from Mexico.
NEWS SOURCE
I'm not sure if this goes into the category of greening America or bailing out Detroit, but U.S. Senators Feistein, Collins and Schumer have introduced a measure to set up a voucher program for American auto owners that would pay them thousands of dollars to junk their old, low-mileages vehicles and buy new high-efficiency models. As the owner of a 1995 Dodge Caravan, I'm intrigued.
The 'Cash for Clunkers' proposal would reward drivers with a $2,500-$4,500 voucher for sending their jalopies to the scrapyard. Since the program is designed to get the vehicles off the road permanently, no credit would be given for selling a rustbucket to another person who intends to keep driving it.
To qualify for the credit, the junker must have had a fuel economy rating of no more than 18 mpg when new, still be in drivable condition, and have been registered in the U.S. for a minimum of the past 120 days. The proposal calls for the program to run for four years, until 2013, with the expectation that it will consign as many as a million cars a year to an early grave.
Participants would be given a voucher good toward the purchase a new or used higher-efficiency car or truck, or for rides on participating public transportation. The proposed amounts for scrapping:
* Vehicles from 2002 and later- $4,500 for the purchase of a new vehicle, $3,000 toward a used car/truck or transit fares.
* Vehicles 1999-2001: $3,000 toward a new car/truck, $,2000 for a used one or transit fares.
* Vehicles 1998 and earlier: $2,000 toward a new car/truck, $1,500 for a used one or transit fares.
The Kelly Blue Book lists the value of my current ride at $1,635, so I'd stand to make a grand on this proposal. I suppose then that I should be more excited than I am.
The reason I'm not doing cartwheels over the possible largess is that I don't see the environmental advantage of scrapping vehicles that still have a reasonable road life ahead. Yes, we will burn less gas, but at the cost of wasting part of the effort put into making the car in the first place, and the cost of more new cars than we really need. This seems like more consumerism run amok.
It also strikes me as a bill destined to create a whole new black market, smuggling cars back from Mexico.
NEWS SOURCE
City of Aiken likely to lose money under new 'junk car' ordinance
By APRIL BAILEY
Staff writer
Those with abandoned vehicles outside City residences may be hearing from City officials in the very near future.
Monday, Aiken City Council members unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance which aims to reduce the number of inoperative, junk cars parked outside homes throughout the City.
The new ordinance outlines procedures for the removal of the vehicle and includes an incentive program for its owners. The program is modeled after one implemented in Anderson several years ago. The City will purchase the vehicle from its owner for $75 and then tow the vehicle to a scrap metal facility where it will be sold.
When the proposal was introduced to Council members in a work session this past October, the City looked to benefit from the program as well. It was described as self-financing. Depending on the weight of the vehicle sold, City officials expected to sell the cars for anywhere from $342 to $600.
However, City Manager Roger LeDuc said that was before the prices for scrap metal dropped drastically. He said he recently spoke with a scrap metal dealer and learned that prices for junk cars have declined 60-80 percent.
"We certainly will not be making any money off of this; if anything, we will be losing money," he said.
The program will cost the City $175 per car, which includes the purchase of the vehicle and about $100 in towing costs.
While the project may end up costing the City extra cash, LeDuc said it is a part of a larger effort to improve neighborhoods. He said his office frequently gets calls from local residents complaining about abandoned cars in their neighbors' yards.
The City's most problematic area has been neighborhoods on the Northside, according to LeDuc.
"In a lot of cases, a person may have a car or a number of cars that they plan to have fixed, but never do," said LeDuc.
In most cases, City officials will contact vehicle owners about participating in the program; however, people are welcome to contact the City as well, he said.
While participation in the program is optional, if the vehicle owner decides to keep the automobile and it is left in an abandoned state, other measures may be taken by the City.
"The adverse thing is if they decide to do nothing; we may have to take them to livability court," said LeDuc.
Those interested in participating in the program should contact the City of Aiken's office of Neighborhood and Development Services at 642-7779.
NEWS SOURCE
Staff writer
Those with abandoned vehicles outside City residences may be hearing from City officials in the very near future.
Monday, Aiken City Council members unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance which aims to reduce the number of inoperative, junk cars parked outside homes throughout the City.
The new ordinance outlines procedures for the removal of the vehicle and includes an incentive program for its owners. The program is modeled after one implemented in Anderson several years ago. The City will purchase the vehicle from its owner for $75 and then tow the vehicle to a scrap metal facility where it will be sold.
When the proposal was introduced to Council members in a work session this past October, the City looked to benefit from the program as well. It was described as self-financing. Depending on the weight of the vehicle sold, City officials expected to sell the cars for anywhere from $342 to $600.
However, City Manager Roger LeDuc said that was before the prices for scrap metal dropped drastically. He said he recently spoke with a scrap metal dealer and learned that prices for junk cars have declined 60-80 percent.
"We certainly will not be making any money off of this; if anything, we will be losing money," he said.
The program will cost the City $175 per car, which includes the purchase of the vehicle and about $100 in towing costs.
While the project may end up costing the City extra cash, LeDuc said it is a part of a larger effort to improve neighborhoods. He said his office frequently gets calls from local residents complaining about abandoned cars in their neighbors' yards.
The City's most problematic area has been neighborhoods on the Northside, according to LeDuc.
"In a lot of cases, a person may have a car or a number of cars that they plan to have fixed, but never do," said LeDuc.
In most cases, City officials will contact vehicle owners about participating in the program; however, people are welcome to contact the City as well, he said.
While participation in the program is optional, if the vehicle owner decides to keep the automobile and it is left in an abandoned state, other measures may be taken by the City.
"The adverse thing is if they decide to do nothing; we may have to take them to livability court," said LeDuc.
Those interested in participating in the program should contact the City of Aiken's office of Neighborhood and Development Services at 642-7779.
NEWS SOURCE
Sunday 18 January 2009
Worker pleads guilty to theft of $32,000 worth of scrap metal
A nine-year employee of Regional Refuse Disposal District No. 1 in Barkhamsted pleaded guilty Friday to stealing more than $32,000 in scrap metal from his workplace.
Neil E. Church, 43, of Winsted, likely will spend five years on probation and have to pay restitution to his former employer when he is sentenced April 7, including turning over a pension fund in his name that contains about $20,000.
Church, who appeared in Litchfield Superior Court on Friday, could have faced a maximum of 20 years in prison for the crime. Police said Church made $32,537 from selling scrap metal stolen from the dump at Albert Bros. in Water bury from April 2006 to July 2008. When questioned by police, Church expressed disbelief at how much they said he stole, claiming he thought he’d only taken about $16,000 worth.
NEWS SOURCE
Neil E. Church, 43, of Winsted, likely will spend five years on probation and have to pay restitution to his former employer when he is sentenced April 7, including turning over a pension fund in his name that contains about $20,000.
Church, who appeared in Litchfield Superior Court on Friday, could have faced a maximum of 20 years in prison for the crime. Police said Church made $32,537 from selling scrap metal stolen from the dump at Albert Bros. in Water bury from April 2006 to July 2008. When questioned by police, Church expressed disbelief at how much they said he stole, claiming he thought he’d only taken about $16,000 worth.
NEWS SOURCE
Friday 16 January 2009
Lawmakers push "clunker" plan to spur auto sales
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional lawmakers proposed a consumer incentive on Wednesday to help revive slumping auto sales and get the oldest, most polluting and less fuel efficient vehicles off U.S. roads.
Industry executives and automaker lobbyists believe bipartisan "Cash for Clunkers" initiatives introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate offering up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle is likely destined for economic stimulus legislation now taking shape.
"We face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles, particularly in this tough economic climate," said Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat.
A congressional aide said no decision has been made about whether to include the measure in stimulus legislation.
The approach would permit consumers to collect a voucher from dealers designed to offset the cost of a new car. Vouchers could be used to cover transit costs in some cases. Old cars would be scrapped.
Environmental groups agree that older sport utilities, pickups and vans are among the worst polluters and reducing their population will reduce greenhouse gasses.
Proposed Senate legislation would fund the program through 2012, potentially targeting up to one million vehicles annually.
Similar programs are underway in Texas and California and in Europe.
NEWS SOURCE
Industry executives and automaker lobbyists believe bipartisan "Cash for Clunkers" initiatives introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate offering up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle is likely destined for economic stimulus legislation now taking shape.
"We face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles, particularly in this tough economic climate," said Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat.
A congressional aide said no decision has been made about whether to include the measure in stimulus legislation.
The approach would permit consumers to collect a voucher from dealers designed to offset the cost of a new car. Vouchers could be used to cover transit costs in some cases. Old cars would be scrapped.
Environmental groups agree that older sport utilities, pickups and vans are among the worst polluters and reducing their population will reduce greenhouse gasses.
Proposed Senate legislation would fund the program through 2012, potentially targeting up to one million vehicles annually.
Similar programs are underway in Texas and California and in Europe.
NEWS SOURCE
Thursday 15 January 2009
Buena Vista moves forward on Citywide clean-up ordinance
Buena Vista City News Release
Junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, unkept lots and unsafe structures will be a thing of the past in the City of Buena Vista. In response to citizen complaints and advise, the city’s newly adopted nuisance and public safety code becomes effective on January, 18th.
Larry Coffey, the city’s new code enforcement officer said, “The goal is to make the city as clean, safe and as pleasant as possible—something we call all be proud of.”
“Most of the property in Buena Vista is well kept,” said Coffey, “but there are exceptions and we are addressing those exceptions one at a time.” If the city receives a complaint or if one is observed by police, the code enforcement officer will make an immediate inspection and meet with the property owner or tenant for remediation of the issue. If the violation is not promptly cleaned up, a summons will be written and the district court judge will hear and rule on the matter. Fines up to $500 per violation can be imposed. Inoperable and unregistered vehicles, however, will receive an immediate summons. “We want unlicensed and inoperable vehicles out of the city,” Coffey said.
Coffey came to the Code Enforcement position with 30 years of service in law enforcement. He was Chief of Post Police at Virginia Military Institute, retiring in May of 2006. He served as Assistant Director of Public Safety at Southern Virginia University until the fall of 2008. Coffey is a sworn law enforcement officer of the City of Buena Vista.
The Nuisances and Public Health and Safety Code Enforcement Ordinance was adopted to promote a safe, healthy and desirable living and working environment throughout the city. It specifically addresses unsightly and unsafe exposed exterior property; inoperable motor vehicles, litter, old tires, dilapidated structures and unkept lots, garbage and rubbish, household appliance and furniture; infestation of insects, vermin and other pests, and weeds in excess of 10 inches tall.
Citizens registering complaints with the city can remain anonymous in the investigation and remediation process. Coffey said, “My plan is to knock on the door, inform and explain the violation to the resident, and depending on their response, issue a summons or develop a plan and opportunity to fix the problem without a fine or going to court.”
NEWS SOURCE
Junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, unkept lots and unsafe structures will be a thing of the past in the City of Buena Vista. In response to citizen complaints and advise, the city’s newly adopted nuisance and public safety code becomes effective on January, 18th.
Larry Coffey, the city’s new code enforcement officer said, “The goal is to make the city as clean, safe and as pleasant as possible—something we call all be proud of.”
“Most of the property in Buena Vista is well kept,” said Coffey, “but there are exceptions and we are addressing those exceptions one at a time.” If the city receives a complaint or if one is observed by police, the code enforcement officer will make an immediate inspection and meet with the property owner or tenant for remediation of the issue. If the violation is not promptly cleaned up, a summons will be written and the district court judge will hear and rule on the matter. Fines up to $500 per violation can be imposed. Inoperable and unregistered vehicles, however, will receive an immediate summons. “We want unlicensed and inoperable vehicles out of the city,” Coffey said.
Coffey came to the Code Enforcement position with 30 years of service in law enforcement. He was Chief of Post Police at Virginia Military Institute, retiring in May of 2006. He served as Assistant Director of Public Safety at Southern Virginia University until the fall of 2008. Coffey is a sworn law enforcement officer of the City of Buena Vista.
The Nuisances and Public Health and Safety Code Enforcement Ordinance was adopted to promote a safe, healthy and desirable living and working environment throughout the city. It specifically addresses unsightly and unsafe exposed exterior property; inoperable motor vehicles, litter, old tires, dilapidated structures and unkept lots, garbage and rubbish, household appliance and furniture; infestation of insects, vermin and other pests, and weeds in excess of 10 inches tall.
Citizens registering complaints with the city can remain anonymous in the investigation and remediation process. Coffey said, “My plan is to knock on the door, inform and explain the violation to the resident, and depending on their response, issue a summons or develop a plan and opportunity to fix the problem without a fine or going to court.”
NEWS SOURCE
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Scrap rules coming to Humboldt County
Sean Garmire/The Times-Standard
A series of new laws intended to foil the theft of scrap metal have gone into effect in Humboldt County.
The regulations hold businesses that purchase scrap metals to many of the same standards as pawn shop dealers. Those buyers -- or “processors,” as they are known in the industry -- are now ordered to identify scrap metal sellers by taking photo identification, proof of address and a thumb print, as well as inventorying the purchased metal and withholding the check payment for three business days.
The five bills went into effect on Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, and now, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is spreading the word about the new rules.
Sheriff Gary Philp said the sheriff's office has not yet begun enforcing the regulations, but they will soon.
”We want to make it workable, and not real intrusive,” he said. “We're trying to work with (processors) so they're learning the law.”
According to Brent Finkel, legislative director for Assemblyman Tom Berryhill, R-Modesto, who authored one of the bills, the legislation was written to combat metal theft across the state -- primarily in the Central Valley.
As the market value of copper and aluminum spiked from 2004 to 2005, so too did the instances of metal theft.
According to information from the California Office of the Governor, police agencies across the state reported thefts of fire hydrant bolts, manhole covers, farming equipment and highway guardrails, among other things.
Finkel said the impact of that metal theft increased the prominence of the scrap metal bills.
During last year's legislative session, Finkel said bills addressing scrap metal theft “became one of the issues-of-the-day” among lawmakers.
Philp said although the instance of scrap metal theft was not as problematic in Humboldt County as in other parts of the state, it has been an issue for area law enforcement.
”It has been a real problem, and (law makers) have been trying to get that tightened up,” he said.
Brian Sollom, operations manager for Humboldt Sanitation, said now that the market for scrap metal has plummeted, the new regulations create an undue hassle for buyers like him.
In September 2008, Sollom said processors were getting $500 per ton for plastic. By December, the price dropped to $40. In that same time period copper dropped from $3 per pound to $1, aluminum from 80 cents per pound to less than 40 cents, and baled cardboard dropped from $115 per ton to $20 in December.
”It cost me $35 per ton to ship it (cardboard),” Sollom said.
Sollom said he does not plan to uphold the new regulations unless he is told to by law enforcement.
”If they tell me I got to do it, then I'll do it,” he said.
But the new rules, he said, not only breach his customers' privacy, but create a bureaucratic strain by requiring his staff to pay with checks, and hold that payment for three days while maintaining files on each scrap metal seller for two years.
”The owners here do not want to be tracking 150 checks per day, given out to people who might lose them,” he said. “That's just a nightmare.”
Philp said he understands some processors may be hesitant to begin operating under the amendments to the California Business and Profession Code, but organizations that don't uphold the rules are subject to fines.
Bonnie Branaman, owner of Arcata Scrap and Salvage, said she has begun to fully operate under the new guidelines, and has found the most difficult task is organizing her payments to comply with the three-day waiting period.
She said she understands why she has to do it.
”I lost 5,000 pounds of copper a couple years ago. It's a problem for me, so I know how they feel,” Branaman said.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.
NEWS SOURCE
A series of new laws intended to foil the theft of scrap metal have gone into effect in Humboldt County.
The regulations hold businesses that purchase scrap metals to many of the same standards as pawn shop dealers. Those buyers -- or “processors,” as they are known in the industry -- are now ordered to identify scrap metal sellers by taking photo identification, proof of address and a thumb print, as well as inventorying the purchased metal and withholding the check payment for three business days.
The five bills went into effect on Dec. 1 and Jan. 1, and now, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is spreading the word about the new rules.
Sheriff Gary Philp said the sheriff's office has not yet begun enforcing the regulations, but they will soon.
”We want to make it workable, and not real intrusive,” he said. “We're trying to work with (processors) so they're learning the law.”
According to Brent Finkel, legislative director for Assemblyman Tom Berryhill, R-Modesto, who authored one of the bills, the legislation was written to combat metal theft across the state -- primarily in the Central Valley.
As the market value of copper and aluminum spiked from 2004 to 2005, so too did the instances of metal theft.
According to information from the California Office of the Governor, police agencies across the state reported thefts of fire hydrant bolts, manhole covers, farming equipment and highway guardrails, among other things.
Finkel said the impact of that metal theft increased the prominence of the scrap metal bills.
During last year's legislative session, Finkel said bills addressing scrap metal theft “became one of the issues-of-the-day” among lawmakers.
Philp said although the instance of scrap metal theft was not as problematic in Humboldt County as in other parts of the state, it has been an issue for area law enforcement.
”It has been a real problem, and (law makers) have been trying to get that tightened up,” he said.
Brian Sollom, operations manager for Humboldt Sanitation, said now that the market for scrap metal has plummeted, the new regulations create an undue hassle for buyers like him.
In September 2008, Sollom said processors were getting $500 per ton for plastic. By December, the price dropped to $40. In that same time period copper dropped from $3 per pound to $1, aluminum from 80 cents per pound to less than 40 cents, and baled cardboard dropped from $115 per ton to $20 in December.
”It cost me $35 per ton to ship it (cardboard),” Sollom said.
Sollom said he does not plan to uphold the new regulations unless he is told to by law enforcement.
”If they tell me I got to do it, then I'll do it,” he said.
But the new rules, he said, not only breach his customers' privacy, but create a bureaucratic strain by requiring his staff to pay with checks, and hold that payment for three days while maintaining files on each scrap metal seller for two years.
”The owners here do not want to be tracking 150 checks per day, given out to people who might lose them,” he said. “That's just a nightmare.”
Philp said he understands some processors may be hesitant to begin operating under the amendments to the California Business and Profession Code, but organizations that don't uphold the rules are subject to fines.
Bonnie Branaman, owner of Arcata Scrap and Salvage, said she has begun to fully operate under the new guidelines, and has found the most difficult task is organizing her payments to comply with the three-day waiting period.
She said she understands why she has to do it.
”I lost 5,000 pounds of copper a couple years ago. It's a problem for me, so I know how they feel,” Branaman said.
Sean Garmire can be reached at 441-0514 or sgarmire@times-standard.com.
NEWS SOURCE
Law to stop theft of catalytic converters
LANSING -- The following is a message from Governor Granholm:
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation to help stop the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles by increasing the penalties for theft from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment or a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.
“The larceny of catalytic converters, copper and other metals has become a very serious problem,” Granholm said. “We are committed to putting an end to this kind of destructive criminal activity by vandals trying to make a quick buck at the expense of others.”
Since the value of a catalytic converter is less than the felony threshold for most larcenies, this increasingly common and very invasive crime was only a misdemeanor offense. The new laws will provide a more severe punishment with hopes of deterring thieves in search of easy money from scrap metal.
The theft of various types of metal has been on the increase due to rising scrap prices. Most often, this results in the theft of copper tubing from construction sites or copper wiring from telephone or utility lines or other facilities. However, as metal prices continue to rise, thieves have begun to target catalytic converters.
“The theft of catalytic converters is on the rise,” said Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police. “This type of crime occurs both day and night, and we’ve seen thieves target areas where numerous cars are parked, such as parking garages and shopping malls.”
Catalytic converters are emissions control devices required to be installed on all motor vehicles since 1975. They contain small amounts of precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium.
The governor recently signed legislation to help stop illegal sales and purchases of copper and other stolen metals. The new laws strengthen regulation and oversight of scrap metal dealers and sales. Under the new law, a person who knowingly buys or sells stolen scrap metal will be subject to felony penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
The new laws take effect April 1, 2009.
NEWS SOURCE
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation to help stop the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles by increasing the penalties for theft from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment or a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.
“The larceny of catalytic converters, copper and other metals has become a very serious problem,” Granholm said. “We are committed to putting an end to this kind of destructive criminal activity by vandals trying to make a quick buck at the expense of others.”
Since the value of a catalytic converter is less than the felony threshold for most larcenies, this increasingly common and very invasive crime was only a misdemeanor offense. The new laws will provide a more severe punishment with hopes of deterring thieves in search of easy money from scrap metal.
The theft of various types of metal has been on the increase due to rising scrap prices. Most often, this results in the theft of copper tubing from construction sites or copper wiring from telephone or utility lines or other facilities. However, as metal prices continue to rise, thieves have begun to target catalytic converters.
“The theft of catalytic converters is on the rise,” said Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the Michigan State Police. “This type of crime occurs both day and night, and we’ve seen thieves target areas where numerous cars are parked, such as parking garages and shopping malls.”
Catalytic converters are emissions control devices required to be installed on all motor vehicles since 1975. They contain small amounts of precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium.
The governor recently signed legislation to help stop illegal sales and purchases of copper and other stolen metals. The new laws strengthen regulation and oversight of scrap metal dealers and sales. Under the new law, a person who knowingly buys or sells stolen scrap metal will be subject to felony penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
The new laws take effect April 1, 2009.
NEWS SOURCE
Impounded in snow, vehicles left for scrap
St. Paul auctions about 500 cars each plowing season, a costly hassle for staff
By John Brewer
jbrewer@pioneerpress.com
At the front of the Cathlin Street impound lot, a buttercup-yellow '73 Buick Century with Minnesota plates sits next to a green Mazda MX-6 from Tennessee.
Nearby, a maroon 1990 Cadillac DeVille sedan, its black hood lashed with a bungee cord, has a dried rose on its dashboard.
In the back lot, a primer-gray 1966 Dodge pickup shares a long row with a lone Ford F-150 (it's for sale).
They are the forgotten — or abandoned — cars of St. Paul's most recent snow emergency.
And they're a pain for the city.
While 1,006 cars were towed in St. Paul as part of the emergency announced Dec. 20, most were picked up by their owners from St. Paul police impound lots within a day.
But two weeks later, more than 130 stragglers sit, snow-covered, in the Cathlin Street lot south of the State Fairgrounds. Another couple dozen hold on at the Barge Channel Road lot near downtown.
Most are bound for the scrap heap by way of a Jan. 22 auction, but not before the city must notify owners by certified mail, clean out the cars (making sure no personal documents, contraband or weapons are inside) and auction them off.
"To us, it's really a headache to auction these cars," said Loren Dhar, a city employee who helps organize the sale. "I'd rather have you pick up the car."
At the same time, staffers said storing and auctioning the vehicles is a public service, clearing St. Paul's roads of "street junk."
In a typical snow emergency, the impound lots handle about 1,200 cars. At the end of most snow seasons, about 500 snow-emergency cars end up being auctioned.
The only way to solve the abandoned car issue would be to make the towing and stowing service free to the public, Dhar said. But then, he asked, how would the lots pay their own fees?
Costs to the city include hiring 40 to 50 seasonal staff members at the impound lots, renting land from the State Fair and Port Authority for storing cars, and holding auctions.
The reasons cars are left at the lots vary.
Some owners can't afford the $258 for the tow, ticket and storage fee at the lot.
Some pay the fees to collect personal items from their autos but then can't afford to have a vehicle towed if it's not running.
Some cars were just left on the street to rot.
Impound lot supervisor Brett Smith said his department needs three snow emergencies in a season — November to April — to break even on operating costs.
"We'd prefer that people pick their cars up," he said, "but you're going to find that a lot of them are pretty junky."
Minimum bids are set by market price for scrap, Smith said. But that market fluctuates wildly — in spring, the minimum bid on a car was set at $375. Later in the fall, it was at $75. The price hasn't been set for the Jan. 22 auction on Cathlin Street.
The number of snow emergencies — declared by the city's public works department after 3 inches of snowfall — varies widely.
For the 2005-06 snow season, the city declared four snow emergencies.
The next winter brought two; last winter brought four.
There has been one this season.
And the break-even point is just for the impound lots — public works reports each snow emergency costs about $500,000.
The owner of the black Ford F-150 at the Cathlin Street lot, who did not wish to be identified, said it was circumstance that landed his truck there. (His nephew translated his statements from Spanish.)
The owner said the truck wasn't running when the emergency was declared. He had stored it on the street in hopes of scraping up enough money to fix it or at least sell it.
Then it was towed.
While he'd like to get the truck back, he has other bills to pay — phone, cable, utilities — and can't get the money together for the lot fees.
Anyway, it doesn't run.
He'll likely leave it for auction.
John Brewer can be reached at 651-228-2093.
NEWS SOURCE
By John Brewer
jbrewer@pioneerpress.com
At the front of the Cathlin Street impound lot, a buttercup-yellow '73 Buick Century with Minnesota plates sits next to a green Mazda MX-6 from Tennessee.
Nearby, a maroon 1990 Cadillac DeVille sedan, its black hood lashed with a bungee cord, has a dried rose on its dashboard.
In the back lot, a primer-gray 1966 Dodge pickup shares a long row with a lone Ford F-150 (it's for sale).
They are the forgotten — or abandoned — cars of St. Paul's most recent snow emergency.
And they're a pain for the city.
While 1,006 cars were towed in St. Paul as part of the emergency announced Dec. 20, most were picked up by their owners from St. Paul police impound lots within a day.
But two weeks later, more than 130 stragglers sit, snow-covered, in the Cathlin Street lot south of the State Fairgrounds. Another couple dozen hold on at the Barge Channel Road lot near downtown.
Most are bound for the scrap heap by way of a Jan. 22 auction, but not before the city must notify owners by certified mail, clean out the cars (making sure no personal documents, contraband or weapons are inside) and auction them off.
"To us, it's really a headache to auction these cars," said Loren Dhar, a city employee who helps organize the sale. "I'd rather have you pick up the car."
At the same time, staffers said storing and auctioning the vehicles is a public service, clearing St. Paul's roads of "street junk."
In a typical snow emergency, the impound lots handle about 1,200 cars. At the end of most snow seasons, about 500 snow-emergency cars end up being auctioned.
The only way to solve the abandoned car issue would be to make the towing and stowing service free to the public, Dhar said. But then, he asked, how would the lots pay their own fees?
Costs to the city include hiring 40 to 50 seasonal staff members at the impound lots, renting land from the State Fair and Port Authority for storing cars, and holding auctions.
The reasons cars are left at the lots vary.
Some owners can't afford the $258 for the tow, ticket and storage fee at the lot.
Some pay the fees to collect personal items from their autos but then can't afford to have a vehicle towed if it's not running.
Some cars were just left on the street to rot.
Impound lot supervisor Brett Smith said his department needs three snow emergencies in a season — November to April — to break even on operating costs.
"We'd prefer that people pick their cars up," he said, "but you're going to find that a lot of them are pretty junky."
Minimum bids are set by market price for scrap, Smith said. But that market fluctuates wildly — in spring, the minimum bid on a car was set at $375. Later in the fall, it was at $75. The price hasn't been set for the Jan. 22 auction on Cathlin Street.
The number of snow emergencies — declared by the city's public works department after 3 inches of snowfall — varies widely.
For the 2005-06 snow season, the city declared four snow emergencies.
The next winter brought two; last winter brought four.
There has been one this season.
And the break-even point is just for the impound lots — public works reports each snow emergency costs about $500,000.
The owner of the black Ford F-150 at the Cathlin Street lot, who did not wish to be identified, said it was circumstance that landed his truck there. (His nephew translated his statements from Spanish.)
The owner said the truck wasn't running when the emergency was declared. He had stored it on the street in hopes of scraping up enough money to fix it or at least sell it.
Then it was towed.
While he'd like to get the truck back, he has other bills to pay — phone, cable, utilities — and can't get the money together for the lot fees.
Anyway, it doesn't run.
He'll likely leave it for auction.
John Brewer can be reached at 651-228-2093.
NEWS SOURCE
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Junkyard catches fire; arson suspected
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A Broward County junkyard went up in flames early Monday morning, and fire investigators think the fire may have been intentional.
The business, located near Northwest Sixth Street and 12th Avenue in Pompano Beach, somehow caught fire.
In the light of day, investigators said they suspect arson, as two sheds housing carnival equipment were damaged.
A viewer sent in video of the heavy smoke and flames filling the sky.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and put the blaze out, and they now must investigate what ignited it.
Crews had to cut a fence in order to get in because no one was at the business at the time of the fire.
NEWS SOURCE
The business, located near Northwest Sixth Street and 12th Avenue in Pompano Beach, somehow caught fire.
In the light of day, investigators said they suspect arson, as two sheds housing carnival equipment were damaged.
A viewer sent in video of the heavy smoke and flames filling the sky.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and put the blaze out, and they now must investigate what ignited it.
Crews had to cut a fence in order to get in because no one was at the business at the time of the fire.
NEWS SOURCE
Alleged scrap metal thief in court
A Boston man charged with stealing scrap metal from a Pembroke business last March was in court on Monday for a pretrial hearing.
David A. Grimm, 49, of Boston was a passenger in a vehicle Pembroke police pulled over for revoked registration on March 16, 2008. When police checked out the vehicle, they found a large amount of scrap aluminum and copper, according to reports. When questioned, Grimm allegedly told police he had taken the metal from Dorchester Awning Company in Pembroke.
Grimm was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and larceny over $250. He later was released on personal recognizance but is being held at MCI Norfolk for other cases out of Suffolk Superior Court. He is due back in Plymouth District Court on March 4.
NEWS SOURCE
David A. Grimm, 49, of Boston was a passenger in a vehicle Pembroke police pulled over for revoked registration on March 16, 2008. When police checked out the vehicle, they found a large amount of scrap aluminum and copper, according to reports. When questioned, Grimm allegedly told police he had taken the metal from Dorchester Awning Company in Pembroke.
Grimm was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and larceny over $250. He later was released on personal recognizance but is being held at MCI Norfolk for other cases out of Suffolk Superior Court. He is due back in Plymouth District Court on March 4.
NEWS SOURCE
Opposition to 'Cash for Clunkers' program grows
Seven trade associations representing the automotive aftermarket are opposing inclusion of a "Cash for Clunkers" program within the economic stimulus plan currently being considered in Washington, D.C.
Related
* ASA makes 'Cash For Clunkers' recommendations to Congress
* SEMA speaks out against 'Cash for Clunkers' program
* Discuss this topic in our forum
According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Cash for Clunkers would use taxpayer dollars to purchase and crush older vehicles into blocks of scrap metal. "There is no evidence that the program will achieve the stated goal of boosting new car sales."
In a show of solidarity, the seven groups submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Congress urging lawmakers to reject a program that "for no proven value would do significant harm to the automotive aftermarket," a $285 billion industry that employs approximately 4.5 million Americans in all 50 states.
The seven groups are: SEMA, the Tire Industry Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association, the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association.
"These programs have been generally rejected by the states since they are not a cost-effective means to improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, or spur to new car sales," the groups wrote. "Conversely, Cash for Clunkers programs threaten jobs in the automotive aftermarket since they remove the opportunity to repair and upgrade existing cars and raise the price of used cars and parts."
According to the aftermarket letter, Cash for Clunkers is a "sounds good" idea that has been around for at least two decades. Upon closer scrutiny, it has always been rejected by Congress for the following reasons:
1. Clunker programs focus on a vehicle's age rather than a vehicle's emissions, based on the erroneous perception that all older cars are dirty cars. However, there are no actual emissions measurements taken for cars that are scrapped. Rather, the programs "estimate" emissions reductions, numbers that are significantly overstated.
2. Clunker programs rarely capture the "gross polluter," an improperly maintained vehicle of any model year, which puts out dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance. Those seeking a quick fix through vehicle clunker programs ignore this reality.
3. Clunker programs diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and older cars are crushed. Most low-income individuals will not be able to afford to purchase new vehicles, let alone more fuel efficient or cleaner vehicles, with the money provided by clunker programs.
4. Clunker programs compete with charitable organizations such as Melwood Industries, the Congressionally-chartered Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Salvation Army that rely on used car donation programs to fund their programs.
5. Auto restoration, customization and repair shops nationwide will suffer with the loss of older cars, trucks and parts they need to supply and service their customers, according to the group.
6. Cash for Clunkers programs risk destroying classic, historic and special interest vehicles. "America safeguards its artistic and architectural heritage against indiscriminate destruction. Our automotive and industrial heritage deserves the same protection."
7. Clunker programs do not guarantee that a scrapped vehicle will be replaced with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. In fact, many older vehicles get better fuel mileage than the newer models.
8. Cars turned in for scrappage often are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
9. There is no evidence that clunker programs boosts demand for new vehicles, drives traffic to new car dealerships or creates or retains jobs. The aftermarket associations pledged support for legislation to provide tax incentives to purchase new cars such as allowing deductions for interest on car loans and state sales tax. The groups also support tax credits to help upgrade, repair or maintain an older vehicle.
"A number of commercially available products and technologies exist that will substantially lower the emission rates of older vehicles while also offering the owner added performance, drivability and fuel mileage. These innovative solutions drive product sales, produce American jobs and secure tax revenues for the government -- all while sustaining the multi-billion dollar motor vehicle aftermarket," the groups concluded.
NEWS SOURCE
Related
* ASA makes 'Cash For Clunkers' recommendations to Congress
* SEMA speaks out against 'Cash for Clunkers' program
* Discuss this topic in our forum
According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Cash for Clunkers would use taxpayer dollars to purchase and crush older vehicles into blocks of scrap metal. "There is no evidence that the program will achieve the stated goal of boosting new car sales."
In a show of solidarity, the seven groups submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Congress urging lawmakers to reject a program that "for no proven value would do significant harm to the automotive aftermarket," a $285 billion industry that employs approximately 4.5 million Americans in all 50 states.
The seven groups are: SEMA, the Tire Industry Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association, the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association.
"These programs have been generally rejected by the states since they are not a cost-effective means to improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, or spur to new car sales," the groups wrote. "Conversely, Cash for Clunkers programs threaten jobs in the automotive aftermarket since they remove the opportunity to repair and upgrade existing cars and raise the price of used cars and parts."
According to the aftermarket letter, Cash for Clunkers is a "sounds good" idea that has been around for at least two decades. Upon closer scrutiny, it has always been rejected by Congress for the following reasons:
1. Clunker programs focus on a vehicle's age rather than a vehicle's emissions, based on the erroneous perception that all older cars are dirty cars. However, there are no actual emissions measurements taken for cars that are scrapped. Rather, the programs "estimate" emissions reductions, numbers that are significantly overstated.
2. Clunker programs rarely capture the "gross polluter," an improperly maintained vehicle of any model year, which puts out dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance. Those seeking a quick fix through vehicle clunker programs ignore this reality.
3. Clunker programs diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and older cars are crushed. Most low-income individuals will not be able to afford to purchase new vehicles, let alone more fuel efficient or cleaner vehicles, with the money provided by clunker programs.
4. Clunker programs compete with charitable organizations such as Melwood Industries, the Congressionally-chartered Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Salvation Army that rely on used car donation programs to fund their programs.
5. Auto restoration, customization and repair shops nationwide will suffer with the loss of older cars, trucks and parts they need to supply and service their customers, according to the group.
6. Cash for Clunkers programs risk destroying classic, historic and special interest vehicles. "America safeguards its artistic and architectural heritage against indiscriminate destruction. Our automotive and industrial heritage deserves the same protection."
7. Clunker programs do not guarantee that a scrapped vehicle will be replaced with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. In fact, many older vehicles get better fuel mileage than the newer models.
8. Cars turned in for scrappage often are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
9. There is no evidence that clunker programs boosts demand for new vehicles, drives traffic to new car dealerships or creates or retains jobs. The aftermarket associations pledged support for legislation to provide tax incentives to purchase new cars such as allowing deductions for interest on car loans and state sales tax. The groups also support tax credits to help upgrade, repair or maintain an older vehicle.
"A number of commercially available products and technologies exist that will substantially lower the emission rates of older vehicles while also offering the owner added performance, drivability and fuel mileage. These innovative solutions drive product sales, produce American jobs and secure tax revenues for the government -- all while sustaining the multi-billion dollar motor vehicle aftermarket," the groups concluded.
NEWS SOURCE
Monday 12 January 2009
Waymart to pursue junk vehicles
By Steve McConnell
Wayne Independent
WAYMART
Got a junk car or maybe a Junk yard on your property in Waymart Borough?
That will change if borough council passes an ordinance next month that cracks down on abandoned vehicles.
"We're not going to let ... properties turn into junkyards," said councilwoman Jane Varcoe in a phone interview. "It's creating a nuisance, creating a health hazard (and) ... it's unsightly. We've always had an ongoing problem with this."
The borough has an abandoned vehicle ordinance already on the books, but it lacked authority.
This law, which will be considered for approval at council's February meeting, gives the borough police authority to remove vehicles deemed junk or abandoned from a resident's property, if the owner does not take appropriate action to correct it, she said.
Vehicles that fall under the language of the law include those lacking a valid registration and inspection sticker, no license plate, or in a completely inoperable condition, such as four-flat tires.
"They can have a vehicle they are working on over a couple of months" like a water-pump replacement, she noted. "We're talking about habitual vehicles being left month after month, year after year."
It also extends police authority for abandoned vehicles left on borough roadways.
The intent of the new law is to crack down on some residents who insist on blatantly having junk vehicles on their properties without taking any legitimate course of action to repair them, she said.
Owners of these vehicles will receive a notice prior to removal. They can appeal the notice to the borough police - such as explaining their situation.
If, however, it seems the vehicle will remain abandoned, the police will have it towed.
The owner can regain possession of the vehicle, but would have to follow the letter of the law thereafter.
For a first offense violation of the new ordinance, the owner will receive a fine between $100 and $500, and pay for the removal costs.
The ordinance will be publicly advertised in January.
It was discussed at borough council's Jan. 6 public meeting.
Waymart Council meets on the first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., at Borough Hall on South Street.
NEWS SOURCE
Wayne Independent
WAYMART
Got a junk car or maybe a Junk yard on your property in Waymart Borough?
That will change if borough council passes an ordinance next month that cracks down on abandoned vehicles.
"We're not going to let ... properties turn into junkyards," said councilwoman Jane Varcoe in a phone interview. "It's creating a nuisance, creating a health hazard (and) ... it's unsightly. We've always had an ongoing problem with this."
The borough has an abandoned vehicle ordinance already on the books, but it lacked authority.
This law, which will be considered for approval at council's February meeting, gives the borough police authority to remove vehicles deemed junk or abandoned from a resident's property, if the owner does not take appropriate action to correct it, she said.
Vehicles that fall under the language of the law include those lacking a valid registration and inspection sticker, no license plate, or in a completely inoperable condition, such as four-flat tires.
"They can have a vehicle they are working on over a couple of months" like a water-pump replacement, she noted. "We're talking about habitual vehicles being left month after month, year after year."
It also extends police authority for abandoned vehicles left on borough roadways.
The intent of the new law is to crack down on some residents who insist on blatantly having junk vehicles on their properties without taking any legitimate course of action to repair them, she said.
Owners of these vehicles will receive a notice prior to removal. They can appeal the notice to the borough police - such as explaining their situation.
If, however, it seems the vehicle will remain abandoned, the police will have it towed.
The owner can regain possession of the vehicle, but would have to follow the letter of the law thereafter.
For a first offense violation of the new ordinance, the owner will receive a fine between $100 and $500, and pay for the removal costs.
The ordinance will be publicly advertised in January.
It was discussed at borough council's Jan. 6 public meeting.
Waymart Council meets on the first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., at Borough Hall on South Street.
NEWS SOURCE
Friday 9 January 2009
Child Towed Away with Van
By TAMMY VIGIL
KDVR.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY - Lakewood police are considering charges against the parents of a 5-year-old girl who was left sleeping in their van Tuesday night.
That van was then towed to Denver with the child inside.
Skyline Towing took the van from the Harlan Hills Apartments at 1679 Harlan St. to its impound lot at 3800 Wynkoop St.
The family had been visiting a cousin and parked in the lot--which requires a parking permit. They didn't want to wake their 5-year-old daughter, so they left her sleeping inside the van.
"They went to get bread for coffee," says David Meraz, cousin of the girl's mother.
The husband had left for a few minutes. And when his wife looked outside-- she didn't see the van. But she figured her husband took it. It wasn't until he got back that their hearts dropped.
"She ‘asked here is the van?’ Her husband said, 'I don't know. Did someone move it?' It wasn't there. The mom got so scared," says Meraz.
"We received a phone call from the parents, telling us their vehicle was gone and their daughter had been inside the vehicle when it was taken. They had no idea it had been towed," says Steve Davis with Lakewood Police.
"I've never had this happen to me. I've been towing cars since 1976," says the tow truck driver Mike Weihrouch.
He did a cursory check at the apartments, flashing a light through the windows, which he says have an extreme tint. But he didn't see the girl. She was laying down under a blanket in the last row of the minivan.
It wasn't until he got back to Denver he found the stowaway.
"All of a sudden out of the backseat, her head pops up. And I had to look at it 3 times before I realized it was a small child. I just freaked out," says Weihrouch. Police say all ended well. But it might not have.
"It is never a good idea to leave a child unattended in a car, whether it's running or not, whether it's hot or cold out, whether it's daytime or nighttime. It makes no difference," says Davis. He says the child was in the van for over an hour by the time the family was reunited at the Lakewood Police Department.
"We could have had a totally different ending to this story and the good news is she's okay. She's back home with mom and dad. We can go on from here," he says.
Police say the parents face potential child abuse or child neglect charges.
The family's cousin says they are good parents and they deeply regret what happened.
NEWS SOURCE
KDVR.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY - Lakewood police are considering charges against the parents of a 5-year-old girl who was left sleeping in their van Tuesday night.
That van was then towed to Denver with the child inside.
Skyline Towing took the van from the Harlan Hills Apartments at 1679 Harlan St. to its impound lot at 3800 Wynkoop St.
The family had been visiting a cousin and parked in the lot--which requires a parking permit. They didn't want to wake their 5-year-old daughter, so they left her sleeping inside the van.
"They went to get bread for coffee," says David Meraz, cousin of the girl's mother.
The husband had left for a few minutes. And when his wife looked outside-- she didn't see the van. But she figured her husband took it. It wasn't until he got back that their hearts dropped.
"She ‘asked here is the van?’ Her husband said, 'I don't know. Did someone move it?' It wasn't there. The mom got so scared," says Meraz.
"We received a phone call from the parents, telling us their vehicle was gone and their daughter had been inside the vehicle when it was taken. They had no idea it had been towed," says Steve Davis with Lakewood Police.
"I've never had this happen to me. I've been towing cars since 1976," says the tow truck driver Mike Weihrouch.
He did a cursory check at the apartments, flashing a light through the windows, which he says have an extreme tint. But he didn't see the girl. She was laying down under a blanket in the last row of the minivan.
It wasn't until he got back to Denver he found the stowaway.
"All of a sudden out of the backseat, her head pops up. And I had to look at it 3 times before I realized it was a small child. I just freaked out," says Weihrouch. Police say all ended well. But it might not have.
"It is never a good idea to leave a child unattended in a car, whether it's running or not, whether it's hot or cold out, whether it's daytime or nighttime. It makes no difference," says Davis. He says the child was in the van for over an hour by the time the family was reunited at the Lakewood Police Department.
"We could have had a totally different ending to this story and the good news is she's okay. She's back home with mom and dad. We can go on from here," he says.
Police say the parents face potential child abuse or child neglect charges.
The family's cousin says they are good parents and they deeply regret what happened.
NEWS SOURCE
Sparse crowd shows up at meeting over proposed salvage yard
By Tracy Moss
DANVILLE – Bryant Industries on Wednesday addressed the concerns of six local residents regarding the company's plans for a new auto-parts salvage area.
The salvage area would be on Bryant's property west of Danville.
Bryant officials hosted the meeting to communicate with neighbors about the project and their current scrap-metal and recycling operation and look for some common ground.
"We're here to listen and work toward an amicable solution," said Erik Plotner, chief financial officer for Bryant Industries.
One neighbor, Jeanne Scott, has been outspoken against the Bryant plan for expansion, speaking at a zoning meeting in October, when Bryant was seeking a special permit from the city to continue with its salvage-yard project.
Bryant Industries plans to take the special-permit issue back before the city council for approval at its Jan. 20 meeting.
Scott, whose main complaint about the project is that it creates noise, attended Wednesday's meeting but said little.
After the meeting, she said her group of residents, those who signed a petition in October against the expansion, told her to attend, but to tell Bryant officials that they would do their talking at the city council meeting on Jan. 20.
Plotner told Scott he was disappointed that her group did not attend the meeting.
Other residents asked questions, but most were about the company's current operation, not the planned expansion.
Plotner and Brent Richards, general manager of Bryant Industries, explained their vehicle salvage-yard process, detailing why they want to store inoperable vehicles on 3 or 4 acres of existing property just east of their current operation on Warrington Avenue.
Richards assured the neighbors it would be a while before the level of activity the site enjoyed last summer returned. because the price of scrap metal has dropped so significantly in recent months.
Plotner said if the city doesn't approve the special permit, Bryant officials are already discussing other ways to utilize that piece of property, including putting a warehouse there or a can- recycling operation.
The planning and zoning commission approved the special use permit by a 7-1 vote, but the council must grant final approval and a vote there is expected on Jan. 20.
NEWS SOURCE
DANVILLE – Bryant Industries on Wednesday addressed the concerns of six local residents regarding the company's plans for a new auto-parts salvage area.
The salvage area would be on Bryant's property west of Danville.
Bryant officials hosted the meeting to communicate with neighbors about the project and their current scrap-metal and recycling operation and look for some common ground.
"We're here to listen and work toward an amicable solution," said Erik Plotner, chief financial officer for Bryant Industries.
One neighbor, Jeanne Scott, has been outspoken against the Bryant plan for expansion, speaking at a zoning meeting in October, when Bryant was seeking a special permit from the city to continue with its salvage-yard project.
Bryant Industries plans to take the special-permit issue back before the city council for approval at its Jan. 20 meeting.
Scott, whose main complaint about the project is that it creates noise, attended Wednesday's meeting but said little.
After the meeting, she said her group of residents, those who signed a petition in October against the expansion, told her to attend, but to tell Bryant officials that they would do their talking at the city council meeting on Jan. 20.
Plotner told Scott he was disappointed that her group did not attend the meeting.
Other residents asked questions, but most were about the company's current operation, not the planned expansion.
Plotner and Brent Richards, general manager of Bryant Industries, explained their vehicle salvage-yard process, detailing why they want to store inoperable vehicles on 3 or 4 acres of existing property just east of their current operation on Warrington Avenue.
Richards assured the neighbors it would be a while before the level of activity the site enjoyed last summer returned. because the price of scrap metal has dropped so significantly in recent months.
Plotner said if the city doesn't approve the special permit, Bryant officials are already discussing other ways to utilize that piece of property, including putting a warehouse there or a can- recycling operation.
The planning and zoning commission approved the special use permit by a 7-1 vote, but the council must grant final approval and a vote there is expected on Jan. 20.
NEWS SOURCE
Scrap Metal Burns Again at Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Steel Recycling
The Honolulu Fire Department responded to a fire in a pile of scrap metal at Schnitzer Steel Hawaii for the second time in a month.
Schnitzer is a metal recycling firm located at 91-056 Hanua Street in Campbell Industrial Park.
Winds carried the smoke towards the West but there were no reports of anyone affected by the smoke,according to the fire department.
Capt. Terry Seelig said HFD dispatched two alarms to this fire. Seven Fire Companys about 70 personal to fight the fire.
NEWS SOURCE
Schnitzer is a metal recycling firm located at 91-056 Hanua Street in Campbell Industrial Park.
Winds carried the smoke towards the West but there were no reports of anyone affected by the smoke,according to the fire department.
Capt. Terry Seelig said HFD dispatched two alarms to this fire. Seven Fire Companys about 70 personal to fight the fire.
NEWS SOURCE
Stolen Sculpture Retrieved from Scrap Heap
LOS ANGELES—A six-foot, 512-pound sculpture cut from its base in a busy intersection in Los Angeles last February has been recovered in a local scrap yard and will be reinstalled in the next two weeks, city officials say.
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Departement's art theft detail tracked down the sculpture of a gold miner, which had been cut in half and purchased by the scrap yard for $900.
Two men, Sebastian Espana, 22, and Jessie Hernandez, 23, were later arrested on suspicion of grand theft in connection with a series of thefts of bronze statues in the area.
NEWS SOURCE
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Departement's art theft detail tracked down the sculpture of a gold miner, which had been cut in half and purchased by the scrap yard for $900.
Two men, Sebastian Espana, 22, and Jessie Hernandez, 23, were later arrested on suspicion of grand theft in connection with a series of thefts of bronze statues in the area.
NEWS SOURCE
Scrap yard nixed by Hattiesburg council
By TERRY L. JONES
Hattiesburg City Council decided Tuesday there was no room in Ward 5 for a scrap metal salvage yard.
The decision thoroughly pleased the residents in Irene Chapel and Palmer's Crossing who spent weeks trying to convince city officials the facility they called a junkyard had no place in their community.
"I don't think there's any neighborhood or community in town that wants that there," Council President Kim Bradley said before Tuesday night's vote to deny an open storage variance for developers seeking to erect the salvage yard in the 100 block of Dixie Pine Road.
The council heard arguments from both sides Monday during a public hearing on appeals filed by Palmer's Crossing resident Frankie Benton and Irene Chapel resident David Rankin.
Residents of Irene Chapel and Palmer's Crossing have protested the facility since the Hattiesburg Planning Commission approved a request on Dec. 3 for an open storage variance for David Hickman of Hattiesburg Concrete Products.
The property is currently zoned light industrial, which the owner and developers said Monday they thought made it the perfect location for the facility.
The council agreed both communities are struggling to rebuild their communities and to allow entry of a salvage yard into the area would downgrade their efforts.
"We've been begging and fighting for so long," Rankin told the council after Tuesday's vote.
"This is just one small battle that was won. I'm sure there will be others that come along."
NEWS SOURCE
Hattiesburg City Council decided Tuesday there was no room in Ward 5 for a scrap metal salvage yard.
The decision thoroughly pleased the residents in Irene Chapel and Palmer's Crossing who spent weeks trying to convince city officials the facility they called a junkyard had no place in their community.
"I don't think there's any neighborhood or community in town that wants that there," Council President Kim Bradley said before Tuesday night's vote to deny an open storage variance for developers seeking to erect the salvage yard in the 100 block of Dixie Pine Road.
The council heard arguments from both sides Monday during a public hearing on appeals filed by Palmer's Crossing resident Frankie Benton and Irene Chapel resident David Rankin.
Residents of Irene Chapel and Palmer's Crossing have protested the facility since the Hattiesburg Planning Commission approved a request on Dec. 3 for an open storage variance for David Hickman of Hattiesburg Concrete Products.
The property is currently zoned light industrial, which the owner and developers said Monday they thought made it the perfect location for the facility.
The council agreed both communities are struggling to rebuild their communities and to allow entry of a salvage yard into the area would downgrade their efforts.
"We've been begging and fighting for so long," Rankin told the council after Tuesday's vote.
"This is just one small battle that was won. I'm sure there will be others that come along."
NEWS SOURCE
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Commissioners take on junkyard, planning board issues
Robert Boyer / Times-News
Two controversial votes marked the Alamance County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday.
In one, the board unanimously rejected an appeal from Dewey Smithey, who runs a junkyard at 4825 Union Ridge Road, near Lake Cammack north of Burlington.
The commissioners also filled four of five vacancies on the county planning board, unanimously voting for incumbent Thomas Jones and newcomers Tommy Bray, Brenda Loy and Kevin Clarke.
Spurred by a request from two other incumbents seeking to remain on the board, the vote, though, paved the way for possible changes regarding the number of board members and how long they can serve.
The junkyard is illegal, county planners say.
Planning Manager Jason Martin said Smithey's business, D&W Motors, failed to follow the county's previous ordinance regarding car graveyards and its current and more restrictive High Impact Land Uses/Permanent Industries Ordinance.
Businesses that complied with the earlier ordinance could remain in operation after the commissioners passed the latter ordinance in 2006.
According to the high impact ordinance's preface, it was enacted "for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Alamance County," and establishes "certain criteria" for industries that "by their very nature produce objectionable levels of noise, odors, vibrations, fumes, light, smoke, and/or other impacts upon the lands adjacent to them."
The ordinance requires buffers, setbacks, and spacing requirements, among other things. Violation is a misdemeanor that can lead to fines and jail time.
Martin showed photographs of several vehicles among trees and tangled in vegetation, and some that were on a neighbor's property.
Smithey said he tried and failed to get permits from the county after opening his business in 1980 and asked the board to resolve the situation "in a sensible way."
Losing the appeal would end his business, he said.
County Attorney Clyde Albright said Smithey could have sought an court injunction to halt the county's actions, but didn't.
Smithey also acknowledged that a neighbor and the county Environmental Health Department had sued him over his business, and that he hasn't completely complied with a court order from several years ago requiring him to remove the cars off the neighbor's property.
Smithey said the junkyard doesn't "hurt anybody" and isn't a threat to the environment. Tony Cox, who moved his business to Caswell County from northern Alamance County after losing a similar appeal, said the ordinance is being used to "destroy businesses, to destroy families."
Martin presented a petition signed by at least 50 Union Ridge residents who want the junkyard closed. He recommended rejecting Smithey's appeal, which went against the county Planning Board's recommendation of a waiver for Smithey.
The board eventually voted 5-0 in favor of Martin's recommendation.
Smithey said after the vote that he will appeal the commissioners' decision to Superior Court.
NEWS SOURCE
Two controversial votes marked the Alamance County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday.
In one, the board unanimously rejected an appeal from Dewey Smithey, who runs a junkyard at 4825 Union Ridge Road, near Lake Cammack north of Burlington.
The commissioners also filled four of five vacancies on the county planning board, unanimously voting for incumbent Thomas Jones and newcomers Tommy Bray, Brenda Loy and Kevin Clarke.
Spurred by a request from two other incumbents seeking to remain on the board, the vote, though, paved the way for possible changes regarding the number of board members and how long they can serve.
The junkyard is illegal, county planners say.
Planning Manager Jason Martin said Smithey's business, D&W Motors, failed to follow the county's previous ordinance regarding car graveyards and its current and more restrictive High Impact Land Uses/Permanent Industries Ordinance.
Businesses that complied with the earlier ordinance could remain in operation after the commissioners passed the latter ordinance in 2006.
According to the high impact ordinance's preface, it was enacted "for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Alamance County," and establishes "certain criteria" for industries that "by their very nature produce objectionable levels of noise, odors, vibrations, fumes, light, smoke, and/or other impacts upon the lands adjacent to them."
The ordinance requires buffers, setbacks, and spacing requirements, among other things. Violation is a misdemeanor that can lead to fines and jail time.
Martin showed photographs of several vehicles among trees and tangled in vegetation, and some that were on a neighbor's property.
Smithey said he tried and failed to get permits from the county after opening his business in 1980 and asked the board to resolve the situation "in a sensible way."
Losing the appeal would end his business, he said.
County Attorney Clyde Albright said Smithey could have sought an court injunction to halt the county's actions, but didn't.
Smithey also acknowledged that a neighbor and the county Environmental Health Department had sued him over his business, and that he hasn't completely complied with a court order from several years ago requiring him to remove the cars off the neighbor's property.
Smithey said the junkyard doesn't "hurt anybody" and isn't a threat to the environment. Tony Cox, who moved his business to Caswell County from northern Alamance County after losing a similar appeal, said the ordinance is being used to "destroy businesses, to destroy families."
Martin presented a petition signed by at least 50 Union Ridge residents who want the junkyard closed. He recommended rejecting Smithey's appeal, which went against the county Planning Board's recommendation of a waiver for Smithey.
The board eventually voted 5-0 in favor of Martin's recommendation.
Smithey said after the vote that he will appeal the commissioners' decision to Superior Court.
NEWS SOURCE
Council shelves fence for junkyard
By HALEY HUGHES
Staff writer
A proposal to erect a fence in front of a salvage yard along U.S. Highway 1 was shot down Tuesday by Aiken County Council.
Council voted unanimously against the proposed resolution, which in effect "kills the allocation of funds" for construction of the fence, said Councilman Scott Singer.
The proposal called for the County to enter into a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Aiken for a screening fence to be designed and constructed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation to shield B&W Auto & Truck Parts from the view of passing traffic. The cost was not to exceed $50,000.
Singer, who by his own admission has been "pushing vigorously" for the fence since the beginning, made the initial motion opposing the resolution.
He then made a follow-up motion asking that the South Carolina Department of Transportation recommit itself to following state right-of-way laws. The motion passed by majority with Councilman Charles Barton voting in opposition.
"It is ridiculous, in my opinion," Barton said. "That part died so leave it alone. I don't understand why Scott Singer keeps harping on it. How are we benefitting from it (asking SCDOT to follow state laws)? We've got things we need to take care of ourselves instead of asking SCDOT to take care of them."
An SCDOT motion for a permanent injunction against B&W Auto & Truck Parts in 1986 failed because both parties reached an agreement outside court. The parties agreed that salvage yard owner PeeWee Willing would not allow any "junk vehicles" or "junk equipment" to be parked in SCDOT rights-of-way for any extended period of time. The phrase "extended period of time" was never defined, leaving it free to interpretation.
Singer said that the proposal considered by County Council "shook the cages, so to speak. There now seems to be a political will to address the problem. Appropriate enforcement authorities are looking into this. The best solution to this problem is enforcement of the laws."
In other business, Council heard first reading of a proposal that would amend the fiscal year 2009 budget to increase funding to emergency services.
In December, Assistant County Administrator Todd Glover gave a presentation to Council's Judicial and Public Safety Committee which focused on the system's current needs. He offered up three options he said would help provide better service to the County's citizens.
The committee agreed at the time to back option two, which would add 15 emergency services positions to the budget, put an additional five ambulances on the road and add two quick-response vehicles to the fleet at a net budget increase of $715,000.
NEWS SOURCE
Staff writer
A proposal to erect a fence in front of a salvage yard along U.S. Highway 1 was shot down Tuesday by Aiken County Council.
Council voted unanimously against the proposed resolution, which in effect "kills the allocation of funds" for construction of the fence, said Councilman Scott Singer.
The proposal called for the County to enter into a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Aiken for a screening fence to be designed and constructed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation to shield B&W Auto & Truck Parts from the view of passing traffic. The cost was not to exceed $50,000.
Singer, who by his own admission has been "pushing vigorously" for the fence since the beginning, made the initial motion opposing the resolution.
He then made a follow-up motion asking that the South Carolina Department of Transportation recommit itself to following state right-of-way laws. The motion passed by majority with Councilman Charles Barton voting in opposition.
"It is ridiculous, in my opinion," Barton said. "That part died so leave it alone. I don't understand why Scott Singer keeps harping on it. How are we benefitting from it (asking SCDOT to follow state laws)? We've got things we need to take care of ourselves instead of asking SCDOT to take care of them."
An SCDOT motion for a permanent injunction against B&W Auto & Truck Parts in 1986 failed because both parties reached an agreement outside court. The parties agreed that salvage yard owner PeeWee Willing would not allow any "junk vehicles" or "junk equipment" to be parked in SCDOT rights-of-way for any extended period of time. The phrase "extended period of time" was never defined, leaving it free to interpretation.
Singer said that the proposal considered by County Council "shook the cages, so to speak. There now seems to be a political will to address the problem. Appropriate enforcement authorities are looking into this. The best solution to this problem is enforcement of the laws."
In other business, Council heard first reading of a proposal that would amend the fiscal year 2009 budget to increase funding to emergency services.
In December, Assistant County Administrator Todd Glover gave a presentation to Council's Judicial and Public Safety Committee which focused on the system's current needs. He offered up three options he said would help provide better service to the County's citizens.
The committee agreed at the time to back option two, which would add 15 emergency services positions to the budget, put an additional five ambulances on the road and add two quick-response vehicles to the fleet at a net budget increase of $715,000.
NEWS SOURCE
‘Junk’ ordinance may be amended in Belfield
Ashley Martin - The Dickinson Press
An amendment to a Belfield city ordinance, referred to unofficially as the “junk” ordinance, passed the first reading at the Belfield City Council meeting Tuesday.
The ordinance is an effort to keep Belfield properties free of clutter including junk and abandoned vehicles and auto parts.
The “junk” ordinance passed in July and the proposed amendment deals with the language of it. The ordinance currently would allow a licensed “junk dealer” to store accumulated vehicles, and the proposed amendment would delete this section of the ordinance.
“The idea is you’re not going to have licensed junk dealers,” said Bob Keogh, the council’s attorney. “There’s no provision that is present, anyway, for a license of a junk dealer.”
If the amendment is passed, the ordinance is to remain unchanged except the sections on “licensed junk dealers” will be removed.
Under the “junk” ordinance, any motor vehicle which is not licensed and sits idle for 30 days or a licensed vehicle which is inoperative for 180 days can be removed or a fine may be issued. If the police department removes the property it can impound and retain the property until the expenses of removal, storage and impounding is paid, along with any fines accumulated.
Further discussion on the amendment is expected to take place at future city council meetings.
NEWS SOURCE
An amendment to a Belfield city ordinance, referred to unofficially as the “junk” ordinance, passed the first reading at the Belfield City Council meeting Tuesday.
The ordinance is an effort to keep Belfield properties free of clutter including junk and abandoned vehicles and auto parts.
The “junk” ordinance passed in July and the proposed amendment deals with the language of it. The ordinance currently would allow a licensed “junk dealer” to store accumulated vehicles, and the proposed amendment would delete this section of the ordinance.
“The idea is you’re not going to have licensed junk dealers,” said Bob Keogh, the council’s attorney. “There’s no provision that is present, anyway, for a license of a junk dealer.”
If the amendment is passed, the ordinance is to remain unchanged except the sections on “licensed junk dealers” will be removed.
Under the “junk” ordinance, any motor vehicle which is not licensed and sits idle for 30 days or a licensed vehicle which is inoperative for 180 days can be removed or a fine may be issued. If the police department removes the property it can impound and retain the property until the expenses of removal, storage and impounding is paid, along with any fines accumulated.
Further discussion on the amendment is expected to take place at future city council meetings.
NEWS SOURCE
Land use, metal theft top list of new state laws
By Steve Adler
The arrival of the new year signals the implementation of several new laws that will have an impact—mostly positive—on farmers and ranchers in California.
The legislation signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger covered a wide range of topics, including metal theft, land use, transportation, invasive pests and agricultural sales.
Perhaps the most significant for all farmers and ranchers are two new laws aimed at curbing metal theft, a chronic problem that has resulted in substantial losses for farmers and ranchers, much greater than the value of the metal being stolen. Thefts of such items as brass valves, copper wire and aluminum pipes have resulted in missed or delayed irrigation and subsequent reduction in crop yields.
Two of the new laws are the result of the governor signing Assembly Bill 844 (Berryhill ) and Senate Bill 691 (Calderon). Because the two bills contained urgency clauses, they actually went into effect on Dec. 1.
AB 844, co-sponsored by Farm Bureau, puts an end to a pattern of quick cash for metal thieves by requiring recyclers to hold payment for three days, take a thumbprint of anyone selling scrap metal, photograph the metal and document its origin. It also requires anyone convicted of metal theft to pay restitution for the materials stolen and for any collateral damage caused during the theft. Recyclers who break the law face suspension or revocation of their business licenses, and increased fines and jail time.
SB 691, which Farm Bureau also supported, is identical to AB 844.
"Combating metal theft has been a top priority for Farm Bureau on behalf of our members," said California Farm Bureau Federation Administrator Rich Matteis. "The success of these bills is very gratifying and shows how grassroots work by Farm Bureau members and staff can bring meaningful improvements in state law."
Another bill, SB 447 (Maldonado) also addresses the problem of metal theft. Existing law requires junk dealers and recyclers to keep specified written records of all sales and purchases made in the course of business. This new law would require a junk dealer or recycler to report that information daily to the chief of police of the city or the sheriff of the county in which the junk dealer or recycler sold or purchased the junk. (See Page 28 for more information about the new metal-theft laws.)
NEWS SOURCE
The arrival of the new year signals the implementation of several new laws that will have an impact—mostly positive—on farmers and ranchers in California.
The legislation signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger covered a wide range of topics, including metal theft, land use, transportation, invasive pests and agricultural sales.
Perhaps the most significant for all farmers and ranchers are two new laws aimed at curbing metal theft, a chronic problem that has resulted in substantial losses for farmers and ranchers, much greater than the value of the metal being stolen. Thefts of such items as brass valves, copper wire and aluminum pipes have resulted in missed or delayed irrigation and subsequent reduction in crop yields.
Two of the new laws are the result of the governor signing Assembly Bill 844 (Berryhill ) and Senate Bill 691 (Calderon). Because the two bills contained urgency clauses, they actually went into effect on Dec. 1.
AB 844, co-sponsored by Farm Bureau, puts an end to a pattern of quick cash for metal thieves by requiring recyclers to hold payment for three days, take a thumbprint of anyone selling scrap metal, photograph the metal and document its origin. It also requires anyone convicted of metal theft to pay restitution for the materials stolen and for any collateral damage caused during the theft. Recyclers who break the law face suspension or revocation of their business licenses, and increased fines and jail time.
SB 691, which Farm Bureau also supported, is identical to AB 844.
"Combating metal theft has been a top priority for Farm Bureau on behalf of our members," said California Farm Bureau Federation Administrator Rich Matteis. "The success of these bills is very gratifying and shows how grassroots work by Farm Bureau members and staff can bring meaningful improvements in state law."
Another bill, SB 447 (Maldonado) also addresses the problem of metal theft. Existing law requires junk dealers and recyclers to keep specified written records of all sales and purchases made in the course of business. This new law would require a junk dealer or recycler to report that information daily to the chief of police of the city or the sheriff of the county in which the junk dealer or recycler sold or purchased the junk. (See Page 28 for more information about the new metal-theft laws.)
NEWS SOURCE
Read complaints, report messy neighbors online
By Preston Sparks | Staff Writer
Want to see whether your neighbor was cited for a trashy yard or junk vehicle?
In Augusta, it simply takes a visit to the Richmond County Marshal's Office's online complaint database.
The site has been tracking complaints and citations for about two years, and officials say it has become a helpful tool for residents and landlords.
"We initially set it for landlords to check potential tenants to see if they had been evicted from another location before they rented to them," Marshal Steve Smith said.
Simply click on "Search complaint database" or "Search service database," agree to a disclaimer and then type in an address or case number.
But how about filing your own complaints? The site has a link for that, too. Just click on "Litter Complaints," then enter your name, phone number, e-mail and home address and the location where you saw litter and what type of litter it was.
Those without an Internet connection can call the office's citizens litter line at (706) 821-2555.
A search engine separate from the complaint database gives details on such things as where the office has served evictions or lawsuit notices.
Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 823-3338 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
NEWS SOURCE
Want to see whether your neighbor was cited for a trashy yard or junk vehicle?
In Augusta, it simply takes a visit to the Richmond County Marshal's Office's online complaint database.
The site has been tracking complaints and citations for about two years, and officials say it has become a helpful tool for residents and landlords.
"We initially set it for landlords to check potential tenants to see if they had been evicted from another location before they rented to them," Marshal Steve Smith said.
Simply click on "Search complaint database" or "Search service database," agree to a disclaimer and then type in an address or case number.
But how about filing your own complaints? The site has a link for that, too. Just click on "Litter Complaints," then enter your name, phone number, e-mail and home address and the location where you saw litter and what type of litter it was.
Those without an Internet connection can call the office's citizens litter line at (706) 821-2555.
A search engine separate from the complaint database gives details on such things as where the office has served evictions or lawsuit notices.
Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 823-3338 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
NEWS SOURCE
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Brainerd Businessman Says Off Duty Officer Pulled Gun On Tow Truck Driver
A Brainerd businessman who owns three buildings near the controversial Deep Blue club said an off duty Chattanooga Police officer came out of the club when his car was being towed and pulled a gun on the tow truck driver.
Jeff Whitley said the officer approached him with the gun and "got in my face numerous times until he finally was told by other officers to go home."
He said he was advised the officer is Phil McClain.
City Police said an internal affairs investigation is underway regarding the incident last Saturday night.
A group of Brainerd citizens, including Mr. Whitley, former City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford and attorney Robin Flores, have been going to a section near the club after midnight on Saturday on recent weekends to try to keep club patrons from parking on nearby business lots.
Mr. Whitley said a driver from All About Towing had removed several cars from his property and was about to move the last one when an irate man came up with three females. He said the driver had backed up to the Cadillac and had hooked it up to be towed.
He said the man demanded that the driver not move his vehicle, and he said the man reached inside the vehicle. He said the man then pulled out a handgun as he continued to resist the towing.
Mr. Whitley said the tow truck driver then got out of his vehicle and told the man he was going to file charges of assault against him.
He said the driver said he wanted police called, and the man told him, "I am the police."
Mr. Whitley said he became so alarmed by the incident that he drew his own handgun. He said the man then approached him and continued to angrily berate him.
Mr. Whitley said, "I have never seen anything like it in my life. It was completely out of line for an off duty police officer to draw a gun in that situation."
He said he is awaiting a police report about the incident before deciding whether he will take some sort of action against the officer.
Mr. Whitley said Ms. Rutherford arrived at the scene soon after the ruckus took place.
Ms. Rutherford was contacted about the incident, but she said she is speaking only through her public relations agent, Albert Waterhouse.
Mr. Whitley said he has suffered property damage from the club patrons, including having a dumpster set on fire.
Attorney Flores said the citizens began taking actions in their own hands because he said "we were not getting any response from the current councilperson (Carol Berz) and we did not feel the mayor or the police had much concern about it."
He said patrons of Deep Blue and the nearby Club Millennium park in nearby business lots, damage property of business owners and make a lot of noise as late as 4 a.m. on Sundays.
He said the group finally hired a county deputy, Jeff Baker, to try to help protect the property of nearby business owners.
He said that has forced the patrons to park further down Brainerd Road
and up along streets and yards of Missionary Ridge.
Attorney Flores said the two clubs are mainly "black" clubs, but he said he does not feel it is a black-white issue. He said the clubs are located near many homes, while "white" clubs further down Brainerd Road are in more of a business area away from homes.
Mr. Whitley said he learned that the officer did not come from Deep Blue, but from a "private party" held at the Ephesians salon on the corner of Rosemont and Seminole (just behind Deep Blue).
Deep Blue is on Brainerd Road near the Comedy Catch and near the Brainerd Tunnel.
NEWS SOURCE
Jeff Whitley said the officer approached him with the gun and "got in my face numerous times until he finally was told by other officers to go home."
He said he was advised the officer is Phil McClain.
City Police said an internal affairs investigation is underway regarding the incident last Saturday night.
A group of Brainerd citizens, including Mr. Whitley, former City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford and attorney Robin Flores, have been going to a section near the club after midnight on Saturday on recent weekends to try to keep club patrons from parking on nearby business lots.
Mr. Whitley said a driver from All About Towing had removed several cars from his property and was about to move the last one when an irate man came up with three females. He said the driver had backed up to the Cadillac and had hooked it up to be towed.
He said the man demanded that the driver not move his vehicle, and he said the man reached inside the vehicle. He said the man then pulled out a handgun as he continued to resist the towing.
Mr. Whitley said the tow truck driver then got out of his vehicle and told the man he was going to file charges of assault against him.
He said the driver said he wanted police called, and the man told him, "I am the police."
Mr. Whitley said he became so alarmed by the incident that he drew his own handgun. He said the man then approached him and continued to angrily berate him.
Mr. Whitley said, "I have never seen anything like it in my life. It was completely out of line for an off duty police officer to draw a gun in that situation."
He said he is awaiting a police report about the incident before deciding whether he will take some sort of action against the officer.
Mr. Whitley said Ms. Rutherford arrived at the scene soon after the ruckus took place.
Ms. Rutherford was contacted about the incident, but she said she is speaking only through her public relations agent, Albert Waterhouse.
Mr. Whitley said he has suffered property damage from the club patrons, including having a dumpster set on fire.
Attorney Flores said the citizens began taking actions in their own hands because he said "we were not getting any response from the current councilperson (Carol Berz) and we did not feel the mayor or the police had much concern about it."
He said patrons of Deep Blue and the nearby Club Millennium park in nearby business lots, damage property of business owners and make a lot of noise as late as 4 a.m. on Sundays.
He said the group finally hired a county deputy, Jeff Baker, to try to help protect the property of nearby business owners.
He said that has forced the patrons to park further down Brainerd Road
and up along streets and yards of Missionary Ridge.
Attorney Flores said the two clubs are mainly "black" clubs, but he said he does not feel it is a black-white issue. He said the clubs are located near many homes, while "white" clubs further down Brainerd Road are in more of a business area away from homes.
Mr. Whitley said he learned that the officer did not come from Deep Blue, but from a "private party" held at the Ephesians salon on the corner of Rosemont and Seminole (just behind Deep Blue).
Deep Blue is on Brainerd Road near the Comedy Catch and near the Brainerd Tunnel.
NEWS SOURCE
Friends, family gather at wake for slain towing company owner
By Rebecca Baker
The Journal News
COLD SPRING - John Marcinak spent his life in his hometown of Garrison where, like his tow truck-driving father, he dedicated his life to pulling friends out of trouble.
"He'd give you anything he had and never expected anything in return," said Bob Maurice, one of Marcinak's childhood friends. "His father was like that."
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Maurice was among scores of mourners yesterday to pay their respects to Marcinak, who was found with gunshot wounds in front of his towing business last week.
Marcinak, the 49-year-old owner and operator of Garrison Garage, was discovered mortally wounded on the side of Route 9 Wednesday afternoon. He leaves a wife, Janet, their daughter and two young sons.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Department is investigating.
The line of mourners yesterday stretched down the block and around the corner from the Clinton Funeral Home in Cold Spring, where longtime buddies remembered Marcinak as a loving father and a good friend whose passion for cars led him to rebuild a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air as a young man and to cheer for NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr.
But his dedication to towing was what his oldest friends remembered yesterday. Maurice, a truck mechanic from Beacon, said Marcinak was constantly at his father's side growing up, even going out on calls with his dad. Marcinak inherited the tow-truck business from his father, John C. Marcinak, who died in 2000.
"That tow truck never left without him," he said.
Hugh Moss, a landscaper from Cold Spring, said just two weeks ago, Marcinak offered to drive up to New Paltz to help Moss' 20-year-old daughter after she got into an accident.
"He was always on call," Moss said. "Everyone knows his phone number by heart. He really knew his business."
Bob Anthony, a construction-truck driver who lives in Toms River, N.J., remembered drinking Pepsi with Marcinak in his parents' home after church on Sundays. He, like others at yesterday's wake, never knew Marcinak to have a single enemy and were baffled that anyone would want him dead.
"He was a Good Samaritan struck down," he said.
John McDonald, another childhood friend who is a New York Police Department detective, said he was confident Putnam County investigators would find Marcinak's killer but that an arrest couldn't make up for the loss to his family or community.
"There's going to be a big hole in Garrison," he said.
Calling hours will continue from 5 to 8 p.m. today and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrott St., Cold Spring. The Garrison Volunteer Fire Department is collecting donations for a fund dedicated to Marcinak's children.
Reach Rebecca Baker at rebaker@lohud.com or 914-694-5064.
NEWS SOURCE
The Journal News
COLD SPRING - John Marcinak spent his life in his hometown of Garrison where, like his tow truck-driving father, he dedicated his life to pulling friends out of trouble.
"He'd give you anything he had and never expected anything in return," said Bob Maurice, one of Marcinak's childhood friends. "His father was like that."
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Maurice was among scores of mourners yesterday to pay their respects to Marcinak, who was found with gunshot wounds in front of his towing business last week.
Marcinak, the 49-year-old owner and operator of Garrison Garage, was discovered mortally wounded on the side of Route 9 Wednesday afternoon. He leaves a wife, Janet, their daughter and two young sons.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Department is investigating.
The line of mourners yesterday stretched down the block and around the corner from the Clinton Funeral Home in Cold Spring, where longtime buddies remembered Marcinak as a loving father and a good friend whose passion for cars led him to rebuild a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air as a young man and to cheer for NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr.
But his dedication to towing was what his oldest friends remembered yesterday. Maurice, a truck mechanic from Beacon, said Marcinak was constantly at his father's side growing up, even going out on calls with his dad. Marcinak inherited the tow-truck business from his father, John C. Marcinak, who died in 2000.
"That tow truck never left without him," he said.
Hugh Moss, a landscaper from Cold Spring, said just two weeks ago, Marcinak offered to drive up to New Paltz to help Moss' 20-year-old daughter after she got into an accident.
"He was always on call," Moss said. "Everyone knows his phone number by heart. He really knew his business."
Bob Anthony, a construction-truck driver who lives in Toms River, N.J., remembered drinking Pepsi with Marcinak in his parents' home after church on Sundays. He, like others at yesterday's wake, never knew Marcinak to have a single enemy and were baffled that anyone would want him dead.
"He was a Good Samaritan struck down," he said.
John McDonald, another childhood friend who is a New York Police Department detective, said he was confident Putnam County investigators would find Marcinak's killer but that an arrest couldn't make up for the loss to his family or community.
"There's going to be a big hole in Garrison," he said.
Calling hours will continue from 5 to 8 p.m. today and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrott St., Cold Spring. The Garrison Volunteer Fire Department is collecting donations for a fund dedicated to Marcinak's children.
Reach Rebecca Baker at rebaker@lohud.com or 914-694-5064.
NEWS SOURCE
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