A. When a vehicle seven (7) years of age or newer remains unclaimed by the owner for thirty (30) days after notice has been given as required in this title, the village administrator or her designee shall cause it to be sold at public sale to the highest bidder. Notice of time and place of sale shall be posted in a conspicuous place for at least ten (10) days prior to the sale on the premises where the vehicle has been impounded.
B. At least ten (10) days prior to the sale, the village administrator or her designee shall cause a notice of the time and place of sale to be sent by certified mail or personal service to the owner and lienholder if such owner can be found as provided in this part and as otherwise required by law. Notice shall also be given to the dealer in the event the vehicle has dealer license plates, as provided herein. Such notice shall contain a complete description of the vehicle to be sold and the steps to be taken to reclaim the vehicle.
C. Where notification required by this subsection has been returned by postal authorities to the police department due to the addressee having moved, or being unclaimed at the address obtained from the registration records, the sending of a second certified notice shall not be required.
D. All costs not recovered in a sale authorized by this part shall be paid by the owner of such vehicle if it is found, after a hearing, that he or she is responsible for such costs.
E. No member of the police department or any other employee of the village, directly or indirectly, shall purchase or participate in the bidding for the purchase of any vehicle so offered for sale. (Ord. 2010-79, 10-19-2010)