Chapter 2.24
DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Sections:

2.24.010    Delivery of unclaimed property to police department.

2.24.020    Property disposition standards.

2.24.030    Methods of property disposition.

2.24.040    Use of certain property by city.

2.24.050    Return of property to finder—Conditions.

2.24.010 Delivery of unclaimed property to police department.

Unclaimed property found, recovered or held by, delivered to or otherwise coming into the possession of an officer, employee or agent of the city shall be delivered to the police department. (Ord. 298 N.S. § 1, 1971)

2.24.020 Property disposition standards.

All such property, the disposition of which is governed by federal law or the Vehicle or Penal Codes of the state, shall be disposed of according to such law or codes. All such property which the chief of police determines to be dangerous or perishable may be disposed of immediately, without notice, in such manner as he determines to be in the public interest. (Ord. 298 N.S. § 2, 1971)

2.24.030 Methods of property disposition.

Except as provided in Section 2.24.020, unclaimed property in the possession of the police department shall be disposed of as follows:

A. The property shall be released to the owner thereof upon proof of ownership and if the owner makes claim therefor within a period of four consecutive months commencing on the date of possession by the police department, or a period of three consecutive months in the case of unclaimed bicycles. Prior the return of such property or bicycle, the owner shall be required to pay a reasonable charge to defray the cost of storage and care of the property as a condition to the release thereof, and as shall be determined by the chief of police.

B. In the event the property is not claimed by the owner as provided above, then such property may be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, after notice given therefor by the chief of police at least five days before the time fixed for such sale by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county setting forth the time and place of such auction.

C. In the event no bid is offered for the property at such auction, the same shall be retained, used, or disposed of as shall be determined by the chief of police. (Ord. 298 N.S. § 3, 1971)

2.24.040 Use of certain property by city.

The foregoing notwithstanding, and in lieu of public auction, such property may, by resolution of the council, be found to be needed for a public use, and upon adoption of such resolution such property shall be retained by the city for such public use. The resolution may provide, upon recommendation of the chief of police, that the property may be used in any program or activity, the purpose of which is to prevent juvenile delinquency or, upon such determination, in support of youth activities; provided, however, that the property so used or so donated shall be limited to bicycles, toys, children’s clothing, or other property of a like or similar nature. (Ord. 298 N.S. § 4, 1971)

2.24.050 Return of property to finder—Conditions.

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the true owner does not appear during the four-month period commencing on the date of possession by the police department or three-month period in the case of bicycles, and claim the property, it may be delivered back to the person who delivered it to the chief of police if, at the time of the delivery or prior to disposition of the property, such person has indicated in writing that he wishes to assert a claim to the property as a finder, provided that no property delivered to the police department by an employee or an officer of the city shall be returned to such officer or employee.

B. If the finder does not collect the property within ten days of notification of the end of the holding period, the property shall be treated as other property under this chapter.

C. This section shall not affect the disposition of the articles mentioned in Section 2.24.020 of this chapter. (Ord. 298 N.S. § 5, 1971)