757.01 DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) "State of emergency" means a natural or manmade emergency resulting from an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, storm, drought, plant or animal infestation, disease, or other natural or manmade disaster for which a state of emergency has been declared by the President of the United States or the Governor.
(b) "Local emergency" means a natural or manmade emergency resulting from an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, storm, drought, plant or animal infestation, disease, or other natural or manmade disaster for which a local emergency has been declared.
(c) "Consumer food item" means any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal.
(d) "Emergency supplies" includes, but is not limited to, water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers.
(e) "Medical supplies" includes, but is not limited to, prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products.
(f) "Building materials" means lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property.
(g) "Goods" has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (A)(8) of section 1302.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.
(h) "Petroleum products" includes, but is not limited to, petroleum, as defined in subdivision (J) of section 3737.87 of the Ohio Revised Code, and heating oil and kerosene, as defined in subdivisions (G) and (H) of section 4901 :5-29 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
(EOrd. 2020-4-43. Passed 4-22-20.)
757.02 PURPOSE.
During a state of emergency or local emergency, including, but not limited to, an earthquake, flood, fire, riot, storm, drought, plant or animal infestation, disease, or other natural or manmade disaster, some merchants have taken unfair advantage of consumers by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services. While the pricing of consumer goods and services is generally best left to the marketplace under ordinary conditions, when a declared state of emergency or local emergency results in abnormal disruptions of the market, the public interest requires that excessive and unjustified increases in the prices of essential consumer goods and services be prohibited. It is the intent of the City in enacting this Chapter to protect residents from excessive and unjustified increases in the prices charged during or shortly after a declared state of emergency or local emergency for goods and services that are vital and necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers. Further, it is the intent of the City that this chapter be liberally construed so that its beneficial purposes may be served.
(EOrd. 2020-4-43. Passed 4-22-20.)