§ 14-23. Emergency regulations.

(a)

Definition of civil emergency. When used in this section, the term "civil emergency" includes, in addition to the meaning given in section 14-20, disasters caused by fire, flood, windstorm or other natural causes.

(b)

Mayor to promulgate regulations. Whenever necessary to meet a civil emergency for which adequate regulations have not been adopted by the governor or the council, the mayor may by proclamation promulgate regulations, consistent with applicable federal or state laws or regulations to protect public safety, health and welfare in civil defense emergencies.

(c)

Written proclamation of regulations. Every proclamation of emergency regulations shall be in writing and signed by the mayor, shall be dated, shall refer to the particular civil emergency to which it pertains, if so limited, and shall be filed in the office of the clerk, where a copy shall be kept posted and available for public inspection during business hours. Thereupon the regulation shall take effect immediately or at such later time as may be specified in the proclamation. By like proclamation the mayor may modify or rescind any such regulation.

(d)

Rescinding emergency regulations. The city council may rescind any such regulation by resolution at any time. If no sooner rescinded, every such regulation shall expire at the end of three days after its effective date except by or with the consent of the city council or at the end of the civil emergency to which it relates, whichever occurs first. Any provision of this Code, rule or regulation inconsistent with an emergency regulation promulgated by the mayor shall be suspended during the period of time and to the extent that such conflict exists.

(e)

Contracts. During a civil emergency, the city is, notwithstanding any statute or provision of this Code to the contrary, empowered, through its governing body acting within or without the corporate limits of the city, to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster by protecting the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster. The city may exercise such powers in the light of the exigencies of the disaster without compliance with time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by state law pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and materials, limitations upon tax levies, and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds, including, but not limited to, publication of ordinances and resolutions, publication of calls for bids, provisions of civil service laws and rules, provisions relating to low bids, and requirements for budgets.

(Code 1970; Code 1992, § 505.05; Ord. No. 502)

State law reference

Declaration of local emergency, Minn. Stats. § 12.29; extension of declaration of civil emergency declaration, Minn. Stats. § 12.29(1).