The city may sue and be sued in its corporate name; may plead or be impleaded in all courts of law or in equity and in all actions whatsoever; may contract and be contracted with; may acquire by condemnation, purchase, lease, construction, gift, or otherwise, any property, real, personal and mixed, and hold, lease, use and dispose of the same, whether the same may lie within or without its boundaries. In any emergency when the necessities of life may not be obtained or essential services performed necessary to the health or welfare of the people, the city may take charge of, and supply such necessities or services, but shall not do such acts for gain or profit.