(A) Emergency powers. Following a declaration of emergency and during the continuance of such state of emergency, the Council is authorized to implement local emergency measures to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control. In exercising this authority, the Council may cause to become effective any town ordinance, county ordinance or state law. If any of these ordinances or laws is included in a declaration of emergency, the same shall be filed in the office of the Clerk-Treasurer and shall be in effect until the declaration of emergency has terminated.
(B) Authority to waive procedures and fees. Pursuant to a declaration of emergency, the Council has the authority to waive any local procedures and fees. The implementation of waivers shall be filed in the office of the Clerk-Treasurer.
(C) Additional emergency powers. The Council shall have and may exercise for such period as the declared emergency exists or continues, the following additional emergency powers:
(1) To direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area, for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery;
(2) To prescribe routes, modes of transportation and destinations in connection with evacuation;
(3) To make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing, emergency shelters and/or emergency medical shelters;
(4) To transfer the direction, personnel or functions of any town departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services;
(5) To utilize all available resources of the town and subordinate agencies over which the town has budgetary control as reasonably necessary to cope with the emergency or disaster;
(6) To commandeer or utilize public or private property when necessary to cope with the emergency or disaster or when there is compelling necessity for the protection of lives, health and welfare and/or the property of citizens;
(7) To suspend any law, code provision or regulation prescribing the procedures for conduct of town business, or the orders, rules or regulations of any town agency, if strict compliance with any ordinance, resolution, order, rules or regulations would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency or disaster; provided that such suspension shall provide for the minimum deviation from the requirements under the circumstances; and
(8) To perform and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population, including individuals with service animals, prior to, during and following a major disaster or emergency.
(Ord. 2-2020, passed 8-18-2020)