All unclaimed property that has been in the possession of the chief of police not otherwise disposed of or required to be held and which is no longer needed as evidence shall be disposed of by the chief of police in one of the following ways:

(a) It shall be destroyed, if so directed by federal, state or city laws, and may be destroyed if authorized by the law;

(b) All guns or firearms which are not required or authorized to be destroyed by federal or state laws shall be disposed of in the manner specified in the Dangerous Weapon Control Law of the state of California;

(c) If the use of any such property is requested by any department of the city and the property so requested is not subject to destruction under applicable federal, state or city laws. or as provided in this chapter, said property shall be turned over to the city administrator who shall sign a receipt therefor, for distribution to the department making the request;

(d) All such property which is not disposed of as hereinabove provided shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, such public auction to be fixed by the chief of police. The chief of police will give notice of the auction sale, at least five days before the time fixed therefor, by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation within the city. The notice shall state the day and hour when such sale shall commence, the place at which it is to be held, and shall contain a general description of the property to be sold, or shall refer to a list thereof on file with the city clerk. The notice shall be signed by the chief of police. The proceeds of such sale shall, together with all moneys unclaimed for a period of three months, be delivered by the chief of police to the city clerk or other appropriate city officer for deposit in the general fund of the city;

(e) Any property advertised and offered for sale but not sold and not suitable for appropriation for use of the city shall be deemed to be of no value and shall be disposed of in such manner as the city administrator directs. No such items shall be given or sold to employees of the city. (Ord. No. 1483 § 1 (part).)