Bell Municipal Code Ch. 2.80 Unclaimed Property

All lost, abandoned or unclaimed personal property coming into the possession of the city or any officer or employee thereof shall immediately be turned over to the custody of the chief of police. Such personal property shall be held by him or her for a period of at least three months unless sooner claimed and restored.

(Prior code § 2700; Ord. 1127, 1997)

If, at any time prior to the sale or destruction thereof, as hereinafter provided, any such property is claimed by any person who establishes his or her right to the possession thereof to the satisfaction of the police chief, such personal property shall be delivered to such person, provided, such person shall first pay to the city the reasonable cost of holding, protecting and returning such property.

(Prior code § 2701)

If any such property shall remain unclaimed and unrestored for at least three months, such property shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at such time or times as the police chief shall determine. Such auction shall be conducted by the police chief. Such property may be sold separately or in such lot or lots as the police chief may determine. The purchasers at such auction sale shall take a clear title to the property purchased free of any right of redemption.

(Prior code § 2702; Ord. 1127, 1997)

Notice of each such auction sale shall be given by the police chief at least five days and not more than 20 days before the time fixed therefor.

(Prior code § 2703)

If any such property shall be so offered for sale at such public auction as herein provided, and shall not be sold, such property shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of, by the police chief.

(Prior code § 2704)