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