[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
This chapter is enacted to set out and clarify the authority of the City and its officers with regard to emergency situations. It is intended to grant as broad a power as permitted by constitutional and statutory authority.
[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
When used in this chapter, the following words shall have the definitions set forth below:
CIVIL EMERGENCY
An unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting consequences thereof calling for immediate action to protect the public. Civil emergencies shall include, but not be limited to, any condition of unrest, riot, civil disobedience, affray, unlawful assembly, hostile, military or paramilitary action, war, terrorism, and sabotage. This definition should not be applied rigidly to exclude civil emergencies not enumerated.
DISASTER
A sudden event, such as an accident or natural catastrophe, that causes extensive property damage or loss of life. Disasters shall include, but not be limited to, flood, fire, cyclone, tornado, earthquake, severe high or low temperatures, water contamination or pollution, land contamination or pollution, air pollution, blizzard, landslide, mudslide, hurricane, building or structural collapse, high water table, drought, snow, ice, windstorm, hazardous substances, chemical, petroleum, biological matter spills or releases, radiation releases or exposures, infestation, explosions, and mass transportation accidents. This definition should not be applied rigidly to exclude disasters not enumerated.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY
The imminent threat or occurrence of a disaster, civil emergency, or public health emergency affecting the City and its residents where the Mayor determines that the exercise of emergency powers is necessary to save lives or to protect public health and safety.
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
There is an impending threat to the health of the citizens of the City which may result in serious illness or death if emergency measures are not taken. Public health emergencies include pandemics, epidemics, and biological, radiological, nuclear, or chemical threats to the public. "Pandemic" means an epidemic disease that is occurring throughout a very wide area, usually several countries or continents, and usually affecting a large proportion of the population. "Epidemic" means sudden widespread cases of an infectious disease within the City or surrounding areas at a particular time.
[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
(A) 
All other City ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding, when the Mayor determines in the Mayor's sole discretion that a state of public emergency exists within the City, the Mayor may by proclamation declare a state of public emergency and exercise emergency powers, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1) 
Directing emergency response activities by City personnel, including, but not limited to, the Police Department.
(2) 
Executing contracts for the emergency construction or repair of public improvements, when the delay of advertising and public bidding might cause serious loss or injury to the City or its residents.
(3) 
Purchasing or leasing goods and services that the Mayor deems necessary to the City's emergency response.
(4) 
Leasing or borrowing real property, or structures, or both, that the Mayor deems necessary for the continued operation of City government.
(5) 
Promulgating rules and orders to implement the Mayoral proclamation of public emergency and furthering the purpose thereof.
(6) 
Appointing any commissioned law enforcement officer in this state as a temporary commissioned officer of this City.
(7) 
Transferring, appropriating, or lending among City funds as may be necessary in the circumstances.
(8) 
In a public health emergency: a) declaring individuals quarantined as provided in Missouri statutes; b) limiting the number of people who may be permitted to gather in public places; c) limiting noncritical public services; d) closing City facilities to the public; e) temporarily waiving City's fees and charges for the City's critical services; and f) providing a moratorium on the interruption of City utilities, with the approval of the Board of Aldermen.
(B) 
In the event the Mayor is unavailable, the President of the Board of Aldermen shall have the authorities listed in this chapter, followed by the most senior-ranked member of the Board of Aldermen.
[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
In the event of public emergency, the Mayor is authorized to procure all services, supplies, equipment or materials necessary to continue the effective operation of emergency response without regard to procedures or formalities normally prescribed by ordinance. The Mayor shall, within three months of the conclusion of the public emergency, formally communicate these emergency expenditures in a full written accounting to the Board of Aldermen and the public.
[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
Proclamations, rules, and orders issued pursuant to § 37-03 shall be effective upon issuance and shall remain in effect for a period of up to 30 days or until terminated by the Mayor or Board of Aldermen, whichever comes first. This period may be extended by the Mayor only upon approval of the Board of Aldermen.
[Ord. No. 31.009, passed 4-8-2020]
The violation of a proclamation of public emergency, a subsequent proclamation exercising emergency powers, or a rule or order issued pursuant to § 37-03, shall be an ordinance violation. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 per occurrence, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or any combination thereof.