Title
Amending Chapter 14 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to the disposal of abandoned and unclaimed property.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1
Chapter 14 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 14. - Impoundment Custody and Disposal of Abandoned or Unclaimed Property
Sec. 14.01. - Purpose.
(a)
The city has become aware of instances where personal property is found abandoned on public property within the city and also of instances where person have failed to remove personal property from public lands and buildings owed or controlled by the city. The council finds that the continued presence of this personal property causes inconvenience to the city and disrupts the delivery of necessary services and creates a nuisance and a risk to the city staff and other persons desiring to use the public property. Minnesota Statute Section 471.195 authorized the city to pass an ordinance providing for the custody and disposal of property coming into the lawful possession of the city in the course of municipal operations if the property remains unclaimed by the owner.
(b)
The city has also become aware of instances where personal property, including money, has been lost on public property within the city and turned into city officials by a finder. Often this property remains unclaimed for extended periods of time costing the city to provide safe storage for the property.
(c)
The council hereby declares its intention to minimize the impact of abandoned and unclaimed personal property on the delivery of service to the citizens and to provide for a swift and efficient method for the disposal of the property.
(d)
This Section does not apply to motor vehicles in the possession of the Saint Paul Police Department pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168B.
Sec. 14.02. - Definitions.
Abandoned: To relinquish or give up with the intent of not resuming or claiming one's rights or interes...
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