§ 2-181. Emergency powers of mayor regarding offenses.

(a)

In addition to any other emergency powers set forth in the ordinances of the city, the mayor, as chief executive of the city, shall have the emergency power to declare an emergency to exist when, in the mayor's opinion, any one or more of the following conditions exist:

(1)

There is extreme likelihood of danger of destruction of life or property due to unusual conditions;

(2)

Unusual or extreme weather conditions, making use of city streets or areas difficult or impossible;

(3)

Civil unrest, commotion or uprising is imminent or exists; or

(4)

There is a stoppage or loss of electrical power affecting a major portion of the city.

(b)

After declaration of such emergency, the mayor, as chief executive, shall have the right to exercise any or all of the following powers:

(1)

To use employees of the city other than employees of the department of police to assist in the safety and preservation of life, limb and property of the citizenry of the city.

(2)

To close streets and sidewalks and to delineate areas within the city wherein an emergency exists.

(3)

To impose emergency curfew regulations.

(4)

To close business establishments within the affected area.

(5)

To close any and all city-owned buildings and other facilities to the use of the general public.

(6)

To do any and all acts necessary and incidental to the preservation of life, limb and property of the citizenry of the city.

No emergency power as set forth in this section may be effective for more than 72 hours after the declaration of an emergency. Powers as set forth in this section may be exercised during such further emergency period, but never for more than 72 hours in one declared emergency period. No emergency period shall extend beyond the next regular or special meeting of the council.

(c)

The declaration of an emergency as to a portion of the city shall specify with exactness the area in which the emergency is declared to exist.

(d)

Any person willfully and knowingly violating any curfew regulations or any other order of the mayor issued under this section shall be deemed guilty of an offense, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in section 1-8.

(Code 1977, § 17-6001)

Cross reference

Offenses and miscellaneous provisions, ch. 106.