(A) In the event that neither the owner nor any lien holder timely claims an abandoned motor vehicle, watercraft or outboard motor seized pursuant to this chapter, the city as directed by City Council shall either:
(1) Sell the item at public auction after notice published in a newspaper of general circulation not less than two weeks before for the auction; or
(2) Use the item for any Police Department purpose; provided that, in the event that the Police Department shall subsequently cease using the item, the item will be sold at public auction in conformance with the provisions of division (A)(1) above.
(B) The City Police Department shall be entitled to reimbursement from the proceeds of sale of an item pursuant to this chapter for:
(1) The cost of the auction;
(2) Towing, preservation and storage fees resulting from the taking into custody; and
(3) The cost of notice or publication as required by this chapter or applicable law incorporated in this chapter by reference.
(C) After deducting the reimbursement allowed pursuant to division (B) above, the proceeds of sale shall be held for 90 days for the owner or lien holder of the item. Proceeds unclaimed after 90 days shall be deposited in an account that may be used for the payment of costs listed in division (B) above regarding other items taken into custody pursuant to this chapter, if the proceeds of sale of other items are insufficient to meets the reimbursable expenses.
(D) The city may transfer funds in excess of $1,000 from the account described in division (C) above to the city’s General Revenue Account to be used by the City Police Department.
(Ord. 990504, passed 5-4-1999)