Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Police Department to donate abandoned bicycles to non-profit organizations. The Department recovers approximately 500 bicycles per year and currently returns them to their owners, or if the owner cannot be determined, the bicycles are auctioned or destroyed. The fiscal impact of allowing the Department to donate unclaimed the bicycles is anticipated to be minimal.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Authorizing the Police Department to Donate Abandoned Bicycles to Non-Profit Organizations.
Body
WHEREAS, The Madison Police Department regularly recovers and holds bicycles found unattended on the streets, highways, parks and other public areas throughout the City with the intent to return them to their rightful owners. Nonetheless, a significant number of these bicycles remain unclaimed and in the possession of the Department for a period in excess of forty-five (45) days; and
WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. ยง 342.40(3) allows municipalities to enact ordinances governing the disposal of abandoned vehicles; and Madison Governing Ordinance Sec. 12.761 allow the police department to dispose of abandoned bicycles according to law; and
WHEREAS, several of the abandoned bicycles are not appropriate for auction or resale; and
WHEREAS, there are several non-profit organizations that provide donated bicycles to individuals throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, The Madison Police Department desires to establish a regular and consistent mechanism to dispose of abandoned bicycles in an efficient manner that would also improve the lives of individuals throughout the City;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby authorizes the Police Department to donate abandoned bicycles each calendar year on a first-come, first-serve basis to any non-profit organization that applies for a donation of the above mentioned. Preference shall be given to non-profit organizations within the City. Bicycles shall be primarily donated to individuals wh...
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