DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY 2022-03

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, DECLARING A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY, EFFECTIVE 3:30 PM ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Nicole constitutes a significant threat to the residents of the City of Palatka; and 

WHEREAS, forecasting specific to Putnam County indicates a strong likelihood of significant impact on the City of Palatka; and

WHEREAS, the City of Palatka requires significant lead time in order to prepare and/or evacuate residents from the hazards of a tropical storm and

WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Nicole has the potential for causing extensive damage to public utilities, public buildings, public communication systems, public streets and roads, public drainage systems, commercial and residential buildings and areas; and

WHEREAS, on November 8, 2022, the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners issued a Proclamation declaring a State of Local Emergency due to Tropical Storm Nicole, as provided by Chapter 252, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, provides authority for a political subdivision such as the City of Palatka to declare a State of Local Emergency and to waive certain procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivisions by law including, but not limited to:

1. Performance of public work and taking whatever action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community;

 2. Entering into contracts;

 3. Incurring obligations;

 4. Employment of permanent and temporary workers;

 5. Utilization of volunteer workers;

 6. Rental of equipment;

7. Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials and facilities;

 8. Appropriation and expenditure of public funds; and

WHEREAS, the City of Palatka, pursuant to its home rule powers has adopted certain emergency procedures as well as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by way of Resolution No.7-146 passed and adopted on August 25, 2005.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAMED AND DECLARED by Terrill L. Hill, Mayor of the City of Palatka, as follows: 

 Section 1. Tropical Storm Nicole poses a serious threat to the lives and property of residents of the City of Palatka and there is hereby declared a State of Local Emergency to be effective at 3:30 P.M. on NOVEMBER 8, 2022, in and upon all areas within the legal boundaries of the City of Palatka. Said State of Local Emergency may be terminated by the Mayor of the City of Palatka, in writing, or by Resolution of City Commission. 

Section 2. This Declaration is an emergency measure necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare and safety, due to the proximity of Tropical Storm Nicole.

Section 3. That the City Manager, or his designated agent(s) is authorized to take all action necessary and appropriate to secure resources to protect human life and property and to utilize all lawful authority granted to the City under State, County and Municipal laws as necessary to accomplish same. 

Section 3 That all City of Palatka assets are hereby ordered to be placed at the disposal of the Palatka Police Department and Palatka Fire Department;

Section 4. That any City regulations prescribing procedures for the conduct of city business, if strict compliance would hinder necessary action in coping with the emergency, are hereby suspended. Suspension shall be at the direction and discretion of the City Manager and/or the Mayor, with concurrence from the Chief of Police and/or the Interim Fire Chief;

Section 5. This Declaration of a State of Emergency shall take effect at 3:30 PM on NOVEMBER 8, 2022, and is effective through November 15, 2022, and may be extended in seven day increments by the Mayor or City Manager.

DULY DECLARED AND ISSUED THIS 8th DAY OF NOVEMBER, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-TWO.

 CITY OF PALATKA

 By: Terrill L. Hill, Its MAYOR

ATTEST:

 Sunni Krantz, CITY CLERK    Date filed with City Clerk: 11/8/2022

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