§ 15-33. Same—Redemption, sale, etc.

(a)

The towing company during the time the vehicle is impounded shall not permit the vehicle to be removed or released to the owner until the required impounding and storage fees provided have been paid. At the time of the return of the vehicle the towing company shall release the same by a release in writing which will state the date of such release together with the charges enumerated thereon and the purpose for which such charges were made.

(b)

Any motor vehicle which is impounded pursuant to any ordinance or statute and which is not released within 30 days of mailed notice to the owner, or any vehicle found and removed under circumstances which do not give the police department or the towing company knowledge or means of inquiry or any other vehicle or property unclaimed or abandoned by any owner for a period of 30 days from and after impounding shall be sold by the city at public sale.

(c)

Reasonable published notice of the sales of the vehicle shall be given. The proceeds of any such sale shall first be applied toward the cost of handling, storing and sale of such vehicle. The net proceeds shall be placed in the general fund. If within six months of such sale, the former owner applies to the finance director/deputy clerk for payment of such net proceeds, and if satisfactory proof of ownership is presented, the net proceeds shall be paid to the former owner.

(Code 1985, §§ 1401.09, 1401.11, 1401.12)