(A) An illegally moored or anchored watercraft or floating structure, a stolen or abandoned, junked, adrift, destroyed or salvaged watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor, a watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor for which the true owner is not determined, or a watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor on which the manufacturer's or assigned serial number has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered or defaced may be seized.
(B) Upon seizure of the watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor, the town shall notify a person claiming an interest in it, and the person has the right to prove his or her interest before the circuit court in the county where the property was seized. If no action is filed within 60 days of notification, the town may retain the property for official use or transfer it to another public entity for official use, sell it at public auction, or, if the watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor is determined to be unsafe, destroy it. The proceeds from such sales must be used by the town for administration of this chapter.
(C) When the town determines the owner of a seized watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor and related marine equipment, it shall notify the owner by certified mail of the procedure, the location, and the fact that he or she has not less than 30 days from the date of the certified letter to remove the equipment from the specific location designated by the town. If a security interest has been perfected, the town must notify the lienholder by certified mail, allowing 30 days to respond. Failure to respond within 30 days, or to remove the watercraft, floating structure or outboard motor by the date designated, forfeits the equipment to the town, to be used or disposed of according to law.
(Ord. 08068, passed 2-10-09; Am. Ord. 24013, passed 4-10-24)