Committee recommends scrap-metal dealer license renewal for Alternative 2 LLC at 700 W. Chippewa Ave.

The Community Investment Committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the full Common Council for resolution 25-27, renewing a scrap-metal dealer license for Alternative 2 LLC at 700 West Chippewa Avenue.

Shell Adams, Department of Community Investment, told the committee that "the property was inspected by the following departments and found to be in compliance with all of the requirements." Adams said the application had been routed to the South Bend Police Department, the Fire Department, Neighborhood Resources and Zoning for review and recommendation.

The nut graf: The review found the site met zoning and safety standards and the Police Department recommended issuance while imposing operational conditions required by municipal code. The committee voted 6-0 to send the resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

City staff described checks each department performs: the code inspector verifies fencing, exterior litter and parking; the Fire Department inspects for combustible materials, proper fire extinguishers and secondary containment around waste-oil tanks; Zoning confirmed the property is legally nonconforming but allowable for the proposed use. Adams told the committee the Police Department "investigates the applicant and makes a recommendation as to whether the license should be granted" and that police require surveillance and daily electronic reporting of activities.

Committee members asked about scope and follow-up. Council member Bridal Road asked how post-issuance criminal activity would be tracked; Adams said the city does not run periodic background checks during the year and that subsequent criminal issues would typically be addressed at renewal. Council member White confirmed this application was a renewal and staff said this license had awaited a final fire department inspection before being processed.

No members of the public spoke on the item. Committee vice chair White moved to send resolution 25-27 to the full council; the motion carried on a roll call vote recorded as six ayes (Committee Member Gooden Rogers; Committee Member Bolden Simpson; Citizen Member Kane Kujeski; Citizen Member Thomas Gray; Committee Vice Chair White; Committee Chair Warner).

The matter will appear on the full council docket at 7 p.m. for final action.