§ 66-229. Disposition of derelict vessel.

(a)

It is unlawful for any reason to allow a vessel or housebarge to become derelict as described in section 66-228.

(b)

The city may, in addition to filing a notice of violation, cause a derelict vessel or housebarge to be immediately taken into custody. Upon taking custody of a derelict vessel, or housebarge, the city shall concurrently publish a notice of intended disposition, once in a newspaper of general circulation; when possible, post a notice of intended disposition on the vessel, or housebarge; and serve a duplicate original of the notice of intended disposition by certified mail, return receipt requested on the registered owner of the vessel, or housebarge, if known, at his last known address or the address on record in the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Customs, and all lienholders who have filed a financial statement indexed in the name of the registered owner or who are shown on the records of the U.S. Department of Transportation or U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Customs. If the vessel, or housebarge is not repossessed within 20 days after the publication or mailing of the notice, whichever occurs later, the vessel or housebarge may be disposed of by negotiated sale; except that, when two or more purchasers indicate an interest in purchasing the vessel or housebarge, the vessel or housebarge will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. If no purchaser expresses a desire to purchase the vessel or housebarge, the vessel or housebarge may be destroyed by the city.

(Code 1964, § 7-84)