All lots, abandoned or unclaimed personal property, other than
live animals, coming into the possession of the city or any officer
of department thereof shall immediately be turned over to the custody
of the police department. Such personal property shall be held by
the police department for a period of at least three months unless
claimed within a shorter period of time.
(Prior code § 2725; Ord. 1202 § 1, 1968)
If, at any time prior to the sale or destruction thereof as
hereinbefore provided, any such property is claimed by any person
who establishes his or her right to the possession thereof to the
satisfaction of the chief of police or authorized deputy in charge
of such property, such personal property shall be delivered to such
person provided said person shall first pay to the police department
the reasonable cost to the city of holding, protecting and returning
said property.
(Prior code § 2726)
If any such property remains unclaimed and unrestored for at
least three months, said property shall be sold at public auction
to the highest bidder at such time as the chief of police shall determine.
Such auction shall be conducted by the chief of police or by any agent
appointed by him or her for that purpose. Such property may be sold
separately or in such lots as the auctioneer may determine. The purchaser
at such auction sale shall take a clear title to the property purchased
free of any equity of redemption.
(Prior code § 2727; Ord. 1202 § 1, 1968)
Notice of each such auction sale shall be given by the chief
of police at least five days and not more than twenty days before
the time fixed therefor by publication at least once in a newspaper
of general circulation, printed, published and circulated in the city.
(Prior code § 2728)
If any such property is so offered for sale at such public auction
as herein provided, and is not sold, such property shall be destroyed
by the chief of police.
(Prior code § 2729)
