A. Declaration: A local emergency may be declared by the Mayor by written order. A local emergency cannot be continued for a period in excess of three (3) days except by or with the consent of the City Council. Any order or proclamation declaring, continuing, or terminating a local emergency shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the City Clerk.
B. Use of Disaster Plans: A declaration of a local emergency shall invoke necessary portions of the response and recovery aspects of applicable disaster plans and may authorize aid and assistance under those plans.
C. Council Authority: Whenever reasonably necessary to meet a declared emergency or to prepare for such an emergency for which adequate regulations have not been adopted by the Governor or the City Council, the Mayor may by emergency written order adopt regulations governing the conduct of persons and the use of property during emergencies; the repair, maintenance, and safeguarding of essential public services; emergency health, fire, and safety regulation drills, or practice periods required for preliminary training; and all other matters that are reasonably necessary to protect public safety, health, and welfare in a declared emergency.
D. Resolution of Emergency Regulations: Every resolution adopting emergency regulations shall be in writing; shall be dated; shall refer to the particular emergency to which it pertains, if so limited; and shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk. A copy shall be kept posted and available for public inspection during business hours.
E. Time Limitation: The City Council may rescind any emergency declaration by resolution at any time.
F. Contracts and Obligations: During a declared emergency, the City may enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat the disaster by protecting the health and safety of persons and property and providing emergency assistance to the victims of the disaster. The City may do so without compliance and formalities prescribed by law for the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment, limitations upon tax levies, and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds