On Tuesday afternoon, Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr signed a joint Declaration of Emergency with the Cole County Commission.
The declaration established the current winter storm as an emergency and authorizes the mayor to exercise "exceptional authority" to help deal with the expected demands from the emergency.
The declaration also allows the city and county to request the assistance of state and federal authorities. It will remain in effect until removed by the mayor and County Commission or by ordinance.
According to the declaration, Chapter 11 of the city code allows the mayor to exercise certain exceptional powers because of an emergency, and the county commission is authorized by law to declare a state of emergency.
This declaration gives the mayor the power to direct emergency response activities by city departments, including, but not limited to, the police and fire departments.
It also gives the mayor the power to execute contracts for emergency construction or repair of public improvements, when the delay of advertising and public bidding might cause serious loss or injury to the city.
The mayor is also given the power to purchase or lease goods and services under this declaration that would be deemed necessary for the city's emergency response or for the repair of city facilities, or both, and to acquire and distribute, with or without compensation, supplies, materials and facilities.
Under this declaration, the mayor and commissioners call upon all residents to comply with necessary emergency measures and to avoid driving, if possible.