(A) Procedure. Except for abandoned and junked vehicles, all property lawfully coming into possession of the city shall be disposed of as provided in this section which is adopted pursuant to M.S. § 471.195, as it may be amended from time to time. Abandoned and junked vehicles shall be disposed of according to the procedures of §§ 33.15 et seq.
(B) Storage. The department of the city acquiring possession of the property shall arrange for its storage. If city facilities are unavailable or inadequate, the department may arrange for storage at a privately-owned facility.
(C) Claim by owner. The owner may claim the property by exhibiting satisfactory proof of ownership and paying the city any storage or maintenance costs incurred by it. A receipt for the property shall be obtained upon release to the owner.
(D) Sale. If the property remains unclaimed in the possession of the city for 60 days, the property shall be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction conducted by the City Clerk or his or her designee after two weeks’ published notice setting forth the time and place of the sale and a summary of the property to be sold.
(E) Disposition of proceeds. The proceeds of the sale shall be placed in the general fund of the city. If the former owner makes application and furnishes satisfactory proof of ownership within six months of the sale, the former owner shall be paid the proceeds of the sale of the property less the costs of storage and the proportionate part of the cost of published notice and other costs of the sale.