Published: May 07, 2008 10:26 am         

Jewelers voice concerns over measure

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Some Gardendale jewelers expressed concern this week to Mayor Kenny Clemons and police chief Mike Walker over a recently amended precious metals ordinance.

Several jewelry store and pawn shop owners were at Monday’s city council meeting to address concerns about the ordinance.

The ordinance amendment, approved at the April 21 council meeting, requires any business owner that purchases gold, silver or other precious metals to keep the product in the store for up to 30 days.

Chief Mike Walker said last week that requiring a longer wait time to sell the items and requiring owners to obtain identification of the seller will help the department identify stolen property. The original ordinance, passed in 1980, also required store owners to fingerprint sellers.

Jewelry store and pawn shop owners have called the ordinance and the amendment unfair to business owners and want the city to ease restrictions.

Jeff Dennis, owner of Jeff Dennis Jewelers in Gardendale, said the fluctuating price of gold may hurt business owners in the long run.

“We could lose thousands each month because of the 30-day wait,” Dennis said. “We’re trying to pay top dollar for people’s old jewelry and the market is up and down.”

Dennis said a 14-day waiting period would be a good compromise for store owners and the police department.

On Tuesday, Mayor Kenny Clemons said the city would be willing to work with business owners to reach a middle ground. He said the council would likely reconsider amendment restrictions at the next council meeting on May 19.

“We’ll adjust it at the next council meeting,” Clemons said. “You have to have something in place just in case someone does bring in something that’s stolen.”

Kevin Park of K&K Jewelers in Gardendale said he was pleased that the city was willing to work with store owners on the ordinance.

“That was a positive that they’re willing to listen,” Park said. “They’re very open minded about it and I believe they’ll loosen up a little.”

However, Park said he understands the police department’s position and said there does need to be an ordinance in place. He said it was better to be safe than sorry.

“I can understand their point,” he said. “There’s no sense in trying to make $50 off something that’s possibly stolen.”

Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker was unavailable for comment.