The storage or retention of an automobile hulk and/or abandoned vehicle on private property is declared to constitute a public nuisance subject to removal and impoundment. The police shall inspect and investigate complaints relative to automobile hulks and/or abandoned vehicles, or parts thereof, on private property. Upon discovery of such nuisance, the police department shall give notice in writing to the last registered owner of record of the automobile hulk and/or abandoned vehicle and also to the property owner of record that a public hearing may be requested before the city council and that, if no hearing is requested within 10 days, the automobile hulk and/or abandoned vehicle will be removed. Costs of removal may be assessed against the last registered owner of the abandoned hulk and/or abandoned vehicle if the identity of such owner can be determined, or the costs may be assessed against the owner of the property on which the automobile hulk and/or abandoned vehicle is stored. (Ord. 456 § 1, 2012; Ord. 267 § 1, 1988)