(A) The Mayor or Police Chief, or their designee, after possession has been taken by the city of the herein-described property, shall furnish notice, as notice has been defined in this chapter, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner of the property in question at his or her last known address within 15 days of the date the city has taken possession. In the case of removal from private property, such notice shall also be given to the owner/occupant of the private property from which said vehicle or trailer was taken.
(B) The Mayor or Police Chief, or their designee, shall also contact the Department of Public Safety of Oklahoma, or of whatever state is applicable, and such other agencies within the state or of whatever state is applicable, as may be reasonably necessary, to ascertain the names and addresses of any other persons or companies that may have a lien interest or other interest of record in the vehicle or trailer. If such interest holder is identified, then notice shall be given to such party by certified mail, return receipt requested, in the same manner as other notices are required under this chapter.
(C) (1) Such notice shall be legally and factually sufficient so as to properly identify the vehicle or trailer and shall include the make, model, color, serial number, location and owner’s name. The notice shall also include information concerning the location where the property was taken and its condition and operability. Such information shall include where the property is being stored and the contact information with the city in the event that said party wishes to redeem the vehicle or trailer, including all information concerning costs and charges incurred by the city for towing, removal, transporting, notification, mailing and storage.
(2) The notice shall further inform all such notified parties that in the event that redemption or reclamation by any party so notified is not made within 30 days after the date of the notice, the right to reclaim such property, as well as any and all right, title and interest to said property, shall be legally deemed to have terminated, and said party shall be deemed to have consented to the sale or disposition of such property and to the termination of any and all of his or her rights, title and interest to said property.
(D) If unable to identify the last registered owner of any wrecked or inoperable vehicle or trailer, or if unable to obtain, with reasonable certainty, the names and addresses of the owner or other interested parties, it shall be sufficient notice to publish the notice as described herein in a newspaper in general circulation within the city and county. Such notice by publication may concern multiple listings at the discretion of the city. A copy of any such published notice shall be forwarded to the Department of Public Safety of the applicable state.
(Prior Code, § 15-516) (Ord. 2008-03, passed 7-7-2008)