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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 89.28 Providing for the recovery of costs and fees associated with impound vehiclesORDINANCE NO. 89.28 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MARANA TOWN COUNCIL PROVIDING FOR THE IMPOUNDING OF VEHICLES AND PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF TOWING AND STORAGE THEREOF WHEREAS the Marana P01ice Department has the authority, under certain circumstances, to cause motor vehicles to be towed and stored, either in public facilities or on Town property; and WHEREAS the Town of Marana incurs monetary costs in the towing and storage of motor vehicles. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Marana, Arizona as follows: Section 1. The Police Department may take in charge, remove and keep in its custody under the direction of the Chief of Police or cause to be towed to and stored in a public storage facility, vehicles in the following circumstances: A. Any unoccupied vehicle of any kind or description found violating any of the Ordinances of the Town of Marana or the laws of the State of Arizona regulating the standing or parking of vehicles. B. When any person is arrested and taken into custody while in possession of a motor vehicle. C. Pending forfeiture action as prescribed by A.R.S. Section 13-3413, 13-2301 or 13-4305 or other applicable statutes. D. When a vehicle is left unattended upon any bridge, viaduct or crossway, or in any tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction of traffic. E. When a vehicle upon a highway or street is so disabled as to constitute an obstruction to traffic and the person in charge of the vehicle is by reason a physical injury incapacitated to such an extent as to be unable to provide for its custody or removal. F. When the vehicle is left unattended upon a street or alley and is parked illegally or constitutes a hazard or obstruction to the normal movement of traffic. G. When the vehicle is left unattended upon a public street, highway or other public property for a period in excess of 48 hours. H. When any person is cited for a violation of A.R.S. Sections 28-692, 28-411, 28-422.01, 28-471, 28-473 or 28-1075, and the person cited does not have a licensed driver capable of safely driving his vehicle available and gives his permission therefor. Section 2. Whenever an officer removes a vehicle from the street and the officer knows or is able to ascertain from the registration records in the vehicle the name and address of the owner thereof, the officer shall immediately give or cause to be given notice telephonically, in person or in writing to such owner of the fact of such removal and the reasons therefore, and of the place to which such vehicle has been removed. Section 3. Whenever an officer removes a vehicle from the street and does not know and is not able to ascertain the name of the owner, or for any other reason is unable to give the notice to the owner as provided in Section 2, and the vehicle is not claimed by the owner within a period of three days, the officer shall send or cause to be sent a written report of the removal by mail to the Motor Vehicle Division of the State Highway Department and shall file a copy of the notice with the proprietor of the public garage in which the vehicle is stored, in accordance with the Police Department's Rules and Regulations. The notice shall include a complete description of the vehicle, the date, time and place from which removed, the reasons for such removal, and the name of the garage or place where the vehicle is stored. Section 4. Unless the vehicle is being held for forfeiture proceedings or unless the vehicle is being held as evidence in a pending criminal case, the Police Department shall allow the return to the owner of said impounded vehicle when the owner has furnished evidence of his identity and ownership and signed a receipt. The owner shall be required to pay any towing and storage fees which have accrued. In the event that the vehicle is stored on Town property, the storage fee payable to the Town of Marana shall be $25.00 plus $10.00 per day or any fraction thereof that such vehicle is kept in the custody of the Police Department. Payment of any towing and storage fees shall not release the owner or driver of such vehicle of any other penalty which may be imposed for any violation of Town Ordinances, State laws or Federal laws. Section 5. In the event forfeiture proceedings are initiated and later discontinued, the vehicle will be released to the owner thereof upon payment of the towing and storage fees as set forth in paragraph 4 above. Section 6. In the event that a vehicle is being held as evidence in a pending criminal case, at the final conclusion of that criminal case (together with the conclusion of all available appeals) the vehicle shall be returned to the owner of said vehicle, subject to the payment of all towing and storage fees as set forth in paragraph 4 above. Section 7. If an impounded vehicle is not redeemed by its owner or agent within 30 days after it is subject to be released, it shall be sold for such charges and costs as set forth in paragraph 4, in the manner provided by A.R.S. Section 28-1401 et seq. This remedy is cumulative of all other penalties provided by this Ordinance. Section 8. This Ordinance and the various parts thereof are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase is adjudged to be unconstitutional or invalid, it is hereby declared that the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. W~EREAS the immediate operation of this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the Town of Marana, Arizona, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Marana, Arizona this ~ day of ~ ~T 1989. ATTEST: MAYOR Dated Signed: /TOWN C~ERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: ~DWN ATTORNEY/~