Police staff told the council an audit of the evidence room found roughly 33,000 items and about 800 firearms identified for disposal, some dating back decades. Chief (presenter) said the department wants direction on whether the city should declare those weapons surplus and either destroy them or dispose of them through a sale, trade or contracted auction.

Staff outlined disposal options: (1) destroy weapons with altered or fictitious serial numbers (which state law requires); (2) contract with an auction company (for example, public auction platforms that vet buyers) to sell lawfully to vetted purchasers; (3) arrange a governmental trade‑in with a licensed dealer or company that can provide credit for new equipment or ammunition; or (4) work through a dealer or pawn shop (council noted pawn shops risk placing firearms back on local streets). Staff said funds from sales of abandoned items would go to the city’s general fund; forfeiture proceeds must go into the city’s forfeiture fund.

Council members sought clarification about the procedures and whether sales would put guns back into circulation in the community. Several council members said they were wary of any route that could reintroduce weapons into circulation without rigorous vetting. Staff said contracted auction platforms and dealers commonly perform background checks and that items with altered serial numbers must be destroyed. Staff said the city can also pursue a trade that yields credit for equipment or ammunition. No final decision was recorded; staff offered to return with contract language and a firmer inventory breakdown for council review.

Council members asked for a written memo and for staff to identify which items are forfeiture property versus abandoned property, the age and condition of weapons, and the recommended disposition process with legal counsel.