HAMMOND | The sponsor of the proposed ban on scavenging in the city said Friday he doesn't plan on making changes to the ordinance under consideration by the Hammond City Council.
“It's a public safety issue. It's a crime issue, and in the neighborhood meetings I attend it comes up consistently,” said City Councilman Mark Kalwinski, D-1st.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Monday.
City Council President Michael Opinker, D-5th, said earlier in the week that he had planned to speak with Kalwinski to amend the ordinance to set requirements licensed scavengers must follow, instead of totally banning the practice.
Opinker said he wants scrappers to mark their vehicles and display a phone number while they're combing streets and alleys for items.
“There are people out there doing it legitimately, and I agree with them that times are tough,” Opinker said.
"As long as they are doing it correctly, I don't have a problem with it. It does help out. The city would have to send extra guys out there and stuff would be standing in alleys a lot longer," Opinker said.
More than 30 people have active scrapping licenses in the city. The proposed ordinance would end the city license, but would allow those currently permitted to keep scavenging until Dec. 31.
Two scrappers came to the City Council meeting earlier this month when the proposed ban was introduced to tell city officials that banning the practice would impact their ability to provide for their families.
Laws on scrapping vary depending on municipality. Whiting places strict regulations on scrapping, which in essence bans the practice. The city prohibits scrappers from sorting through materials in alleys and leaving unsightly messes. Scavengers also can't remove recyclable items or store or transfer salvageable materials in residential areas.
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Munster currently requires a scavenging permit like Hammond, while Highland doesn't place any regulations on the activity.
City Councilman Bill Emerson, D-4th, said he needs more data before deciding where he stands on the ordinance. Emerson estimated 90 percent of the constituents he's spoken with about the proposed ban don't have a problem with scrappers in the city.
“I know other people say it's a quality-of-life issue,” Emerson said, "and then I think metal being in the alley because we can't pick it up as fast, then that's a quality-of-life issue.”
Still, Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said he's in favor of a citywide ban.
“I'm very much behind the ordinance. We have numerous incidents of subjects portraying to be scrappers stealing from yards and garages or casing houses for further crimes,” Miller said.
The City Council will meet 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 5925 Calumet Ave.
