For safety and aesthetic reasons, it shall be unlawful to leave standing either on public property or on a public easement across private property a wooden or metal pole intended for utility or sign purposes that has been abandoned and is no longer used. Nonuse of a pole for a period greater than six (6) months shall be considered as demonstration of an intent to abandon. Before any criminal action can be taken by the city under this section, reasonable effort shall be made to ascertain ownership of the pole, and written notice shall be given the owner, if known, requesting that the pole be removed within thirty (30) days, from the date of the letter. Where poles are not removed within that time, or ownership cannot be ascertained, the city shall have the option of removing the pole itself or bringing charges against the owner, if known. In the event the pole is removed by the city, the cost thereof may be assessed against the owner who shall be liable for the reasonable expense thereof. If the owner is an electrical customer of the city, and the cost of pole removal is not paid within a reasonable time, the cost thereof may be added to and made a part of the owner’s electrical billing. (Ord. 10-2-90, 10-4-1990)