Ordinance - #16-12 - 11/07/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

4.6 Emergency Purchases Under Minnesota's Emergency Management Act, the city has the authority to enter into contracts during an emergency without following many normally required procedures. An emergency is defined as "an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent a disaster from developing or occurring". A disaster is "a situation that creates an actual or imminent serious threat to the health and safety of persons, or a situation that has resulted or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment, and for which traditional sources of relief and assistance within the affected area are unable to repair or prevent the injury or loss". During an emergency or disaster, the City Council may waive compliance with the time-consuming procedures or formalities concerning: 1. The performance of public work 2. Contracting 3. Incurring obligations 4. Renting equipment 5. Purchasing supplies and materials Emergency purchases will only be allowed when the mayor issues a proclamation declaring an emergency, and the steps listed in Minn Statute 12.29 are completed. 4.7 Cooperative Purchasing Agreements Where a purchase contract has been awarded by the State of Minnesota, another local government, a cooperative of local governments, or a federal agency in compliance with applicable State Statutes, and where it is legally permissible for the City of Ramsey to participate, a purchase may be though the vendor named in that contract without advertising for bids or obtaining quotes. 4.8 Credit Card Use According to Minn. Statute 471.382, the City Council may authorize the use of a credit card by any city officer or employee otherwise authorized to make a purchase on behalf of the city. Authority for Credit Card Holder City staff having authority to make certain purchases will be eligible credit cardholders. A department director may request a credit card for city authorized purchasers when there is a demonstrated efficiency to be gained. The Assistant Finance Director must review and approve each request before the card is issued. Before any credit card is issued, the authorized cardholder will be required to acknowledge and agree to the terms of use by signing the form entitled "Terms of the City of Ramsey MasterCard". The department director is responsible for notifying the Assistant Finance Director when any changes occur to the cardholder's status. Types of Purchases Allowed by Credit Card A purchase by credit card must comply with all statutes, rules, and city policies applicable to city purchases. Specifically: 1. All purchases must be made by the authorized card holder 2. All credit card purchases must comply with the city's Purchasing Policy guidelines for quotes and bids 3. All expenditures must be within the limits established by the department budget. 5