(1) If no claim has been made before the time set for the sale of the personal property, the chief of police shall, at the time appointed, within view of the property to be sold, offer the property for sale to the highest bidder for cash. In default of bids from others, the chief of police may dispose of the property in his or her discretion without the necessity of taking further bids.

(2) On the consummation of a sale, the chief of police shall make, execute and deliver on behalf of the city, a bill of sale signed by the chief of police, conveying the property in question to the purchaser, and delivering possession of the property to the purchaser.

(3) The sale and conveyance shall be without redemption. The proceeds of the sale shall be first applied upon storage, towing bills, publication fees and other costs of the keeping and sale, and the balance shall go to the general fund of the city. No claim for storage and towing shall exceed the proceeds from the sale of personal property.

(4) The owner or operator of a place in which personal property has been stored by the police department shall not release a vehicle, animal or property without first having obtained a written release from the police department.