IDAHO FALLS - The city council passes two ordinances that help IFPD do their job. The first ordinance concerns graffitti removal. And it gives the police the authority to remove it whether or not they've been able to get in touch with the property owner.

The second ordinance was an ammendment to a law to require pawnbrokers and second hand dealers to log all serial numbers of merchandise they buy. This one was basically just a clarification of the law making it more specific, but it wasn't without a little controversey.

As of tonight, the Idaho Falls Police Department has the power to remove graffiti within 48 hours despite whether or not they've been able to get ahold of the property owner. Chief Steve Roos says this will help make Idaho Falls a safer place. "What this ordinance does is it takes away the voice of the person who's trying to get recognition for what they're doing."

The volunteers who work long hours to remove the graffiti are thankful it will make their job easier. Michelle Smith is the Idaho Falls Police Volunteer Coordinator, "You have to find out who the actual owner is. You have to get permission. It's amazing, just to make sure that it's done legally and correctly so this will shorten that up and will be able to cover more area in less time."

The 2nd item of interest on tonight's city council agenda is the amendment to the pawnbroker ordinance. This just clarifies the existing amendment by requiring pawn brokers and second hand dealers to provide all available serial numbers to police. But it wasn't without a little controversy. The owner of Variety Mart, David Nygard, told City Council that he wants better cooperation with police. "I do not have a problem with serial numbers. It's a good idea. It needs to be done. I'd rather catch the bad guy, but I would like better cooperation with police. Is that possible? Here's what happens. Three policemen came in about a month ago. Walked in and said, I want that tool, that tool and that tool. The customer said that's mine, that's mine and that's mine. They picked up the items, took them, no serial numbers, no Id's, no nothing."

Idaho Falls Police Chief Steve Roos, says this is the first he's heard of this and he is open to a meeting with Mr. Nygard. "You know whenever we get some complaints, I want to know what they are. I want to understand them and just investigate and find out if they're valid and if we need to change the way we do business, we'll change the way we do business."

Mr. Nygard was invited to come to the city council police committee meeting to bring up those concerns and to meet with police.
Now despite that, both the graffitti ordinance and the ammendment to the pawn broker ordinance passed.