Council considers using internet auctions to sell surplus city property

Council reviewed an ordinance that would allow the city to advertise and sell personal property (vehicles and equipment) via a contracted Internet auction platform in lieu of repeated newspaper advertising. The safety service director said the city would still bring individual sales to council for approval but could save advertising cost and reach a wider market by posting on an auction site and the city's website. "It saves us a lot of money in our advertising and hopefully... increase in the seller vehicles too," he said.

Council members asked whether the item is an ordinance or resolution and confirmed that state law requires annual renewal; they also sought assurances that the clerk can post notices on the city website. No final vote on a standing policy was recorded; staff said specific surplus sales would still come back to council for authorization.