(A) Authority of Chief of Police. Upon discovering the existence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or parts thereof, on private property or public property within the city, the Chief of Police shall have the authority to cause the abatement and removal thereof in accordance with the procedure prescribed herein.
(B) Notice of intention. A ten-day notice of intention to abate and remove the vehicle, or parts thereof, as a public nuisance shall be mailed by registered mail to the owner of the land and to the owner of the vehicle; unless the vehicle is in such condition that identification numbers are not available to determine ownership.
(C) Public hearing.
1. Upon request by the owner of the vehicle or owner of the land received by the Police Chief within ten days after the mailing of the notices of intention to abate and remove, a public hearing shall be held by the City Council on the question of abatement and removal of the vehicle or parts thereof as an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, and the assessment of the administrative costs and the cost of removal of the vehicle or parts thereof against the property on which it is located.
2. If the owner of the land submits a sworn written statement denying responsibility for the presence of the vehicle on his or her land within such ten-day period, said statement shall be construed as a request for a hearing which does not require his or her presence. Notice of hearing shall be mailed, by registered mail, at least ten days before the hearing to the owner of the land and to the owner of the vehicle, unless the vehicle is in such condition that identification numbers are not available to determine ownership. If such a request for hearing is not received within said ten days after mailing of the notice of intention to abate and remove, the city shall have the authority to abate and remove the vehicle or parts thereof as a public nuisance without holding a public hearing.
(D) Exception. Upon discovering the existence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or parts thereof, on public or private property within the city which creates an immediate or imminent threat to the safety of any individual, the Chief of Police shall have the authority to cause the immediate abatement and removal thereof.
(Ord. 167, passed 4-30-1973; Ord. 298, passed 4-1-1986)