A.
Abandoned or lost property may be received by the police department for storage in the lost and found section. The department is not required to search for the true owner:
1.
If property is not claimed within six months, it may be sold at public auction with the proceeds to go to the municipal general fund, unless the person who deposited it with the police indicates at the time of deposit in writing that they would wish the item.
2.
If an unredeemed item is to be returned to the finder, the finder must execute an instrument agreeing to surrender the item or its apparent value to the true owner should the true owner make application for the item within two years of original deposit with the police department.
3.
All knives, firearms, and items of apparent value of $200.00 or more shall be approved by the administrator or assembly prior to being released to a finder.
B.
An exception to this rule is abandoned bicycles. Any bicycle received by the police which does not have a current bicycle license may be disposed of at public auction after being held no less than 30 days, or may be donated to a charity for distribution to needy children. Bicycles may not be given to the finder.
C.
If a person claims ownership of an item in police custody and cannot conclusively establish ownership, the police chief may use his discretion in deciding if ownership is sufficiently established. Such a decision shall be in writing. Any party wishing to dispute the decision shall have the right to appeal to the assembly within 10 days of the election.
D.
Any property of little or no value may be destroyed without any waiting period, but a written list of such destroyed property shall be kept by the department.
(S.G.C. 18.24.010; Ord. 83-556 § 4, 1983; Ord. 84-625 § 4, 1984)