Amending Chapter 20 Abandoned Vehicles

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G ORDINANCE NO. (0$33 -?9 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 3, ABANDONED VEHICLES OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT The Common Council of the City of South Bend recognizes that several problems have arisen regarding the interpretation of our present abandoned vehicle ordinance. The Council believes that these problems can only be eliminated by enacting a strong and enforceable law which specifies the entire procedure relating to abandoned vehicles. The Council believes that the procedure outlined by the State Legislature which authorizes removal after a seventy -two (72) hour notice procedure would be much more effective than the seven (7) day notice period, presently in effect. Therefore, in the interest of eliminating the scenic blight which results from abandoned vehicles, and in the interest of furthering the public safety and welfare, the following bill is introduced: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: SECTION I. Chapter 20, Article 3 of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, Indiana, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: ARTICLE 3. ABANDONED VEHICLES. SEC. 20 -27 Legislative Findings; Nuisance Declared; Public Agency Designated; Revolving Fund Established. (a) The South Bend Common Council hereby finds that a quick and efficient method of disposing of abandoned or junk vehicles which remain on public or private property without permission is necessary. (b) Such abandoned or junk vehicles are detrimental to the health and safety of the general public and are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and a health and safety hazard. (c) The Board of Public Works is hereby designated the pub - lic agency responsible for the removal, storage, and disposal of abandoned and junk vehicles. Said Board may enter into contracts with private towing firms, scrap processors, or auto wreckers to provide the equipment and facilities for removal and disposal. (d) There is hereby created a "Junk Vehicle Fund" into which all proceeds from the sale of abandoned vehicles or parts and all handling expenses recovered shall be placed. The Common Council shall annually appropriate sufficient tax moneys to said fund, and any monies remaining in the fund at the end of the year shall not revert to the general fund.