A. When any abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed property has been in the possession of the city for ninety (90) days and the same has not been claimed by the lawful owner, then the city may dispose of same as hereinafter provided.
B. Any such property, except firearms, valued at over two hundred dollars ($200.00), shall be sold at public sale to the highest bidder. Notice of the time and place of the sale shall be posted in a conspicuous place or three (3) public places within the city at least ten (10) days prior to the sale. If the police department has the name and address of the purported lawful owner, at least ten (10) days prior to the sale, a copy of such notice shall be sent by certified mail to the owner at his or her last known address.
C. All property, except firearms, valued at less than two hundred dollars ($200.00), may be sold at public sale as provided above, or may be donated by the city to a charitable or nonprofit organization for its use or further distribution to the needy.
D. All firearms may be retained by the police department for use in its arsenal. Any such weapons that are deemed unusable or not fit for such arsenal may be destroyed, at the discretion of the chief of police.
E. Whenever any property is sold, disposed of or destroyed pursuant to this section, a report of such transaction will be maintained by the police department for a period of one year from the date of the action taken.
F. The proceeds of any public sale of property, after the deduction of the cost and expenses of sale, shall be deposited in the general fund of the city treasury.
G. Any police officer, city employee or other agent shall not be held to answer or be liable for any damages and any action brought by the lawful owner, his legal representative or any other person legally entitled to the possession of any property which was sold or disposed of as provided by this section. (Ord. 78-14; amd. Ord. 88-2)