The Davenport City Committee of the Whole meeting on April 16, 2025, featured a passionate plea from a resident regarding the need for stricter regulations on scrap metal dealers. The resident recounted a distressing incident where a valuable family heirloom, an antique blacksmith forge, was stolen from their property. This theft occurred just days prior to the meeting, prompting the resident to urge city officials to consider an ordinance that would hold scrappers to the same standards as pawnshops.

During the meeting, the resident detailed their experience with local recycling businesses, specifically mentioning Midwest Recycling, which assisted by taking a photo of the stolen item. However, they expressed frustration with another scrapper, Altered, which refused to engage without a police report. The resident highlighted the challenges faced when trying to recover stolen property, noting that the police were overwhelmed and unable to address what they deemed "stupid stuff."

The resident's testimony underscored a broader concern about theft in the community, referencing a recent incident where over $5,000 worth of brass plaques were stolen from Ben Butterworth Park. They called for immediate action from the city council to implement an ordinance that would deter scrappers from operating in Davenport without accountability.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the resident: the city must take steps to protect its constituents from theft and ensure that scrappers are held responsible for their actions. The committee's response to this request and any subsequent actions will be closely watched by the community.