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RELEVANT LINKS: <br />League of Minnesota Cities Handbook for Minnesota Cities 10/15/2018 <br />Expenditures, Purchasing, and Contracts Chapter 22 | Page 32 <br /> Since the Emergency Management Act expressly applies to cities, it seems <br />the preferred method for cities to use. In the alternative, if a city decides to <br />use township authority, before doing so, it should first consult the city <br />attorney. <br /> D. Local sanitary districts <br />Minn. Stat. § 12.37. <br /> <br />Minn. Stat. § 442A.21. <br />Unless otherwise provided in state law, as political subdivisions, sanitary <br />district boards may exercise the powers provided to statutory cities, as <br />necessary, to accomplish the district’s purpose. That includes sanitary <br />districts having the authority to execute emergency contracts under the <br />Emergency Management Act. <br />Minn. Stat. § 458D.21, subd. <br />2. <br /> <br /> <br />The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District has specific statutory <br />authority for emergency contracting. If that board determines, by <br />resolution, that an emergency exists requiring the immediate purchase of <br />materials or supplies or in making emergency repairs, it need not advertise <br />for bids. The statute, in this instance, does not define the word <br />“emergency.” <br />Minn. Stat. § 645.08 (1). <br />See The American Heritage <br />Dictionary of the English <br />Language, 4th Ed., 2006. <br />As a result, a court likely would interpret the word emergency according to <br />its common usage or dictionary definition. One dictionary, for example, <br />defines an emergency as a serious situation that happens unexpectedly and <br />demands immediate action. <br /> E. Housing and Redevelopment Authorities <br />(HRAs) <br />Minn. Stat. § 469.015, subd. <br />2. An HRA may make some emergency contracts without using the <br />competitive bidding process if four-fifths of its members declare the <br />existence of an emergency. This exception applies to: <br /> • Contracts for the purchase of any equipment, material or supplies that <br />cost more than $175,000, but not more than $262,500. <br />• Contracts for making emergency repairs. <br />Minn. Stat. § 469.015, subd. <br />2. The statute, in this instance, defines an emergency as “unforeseen <br />circumstances or conditions that jeopardize human life or property.” <br /> F. Port Authorities <br />Minn. Stat. § 469.068, subd. <br />1. Port authorities also may execute certain contracts without using the <br />competitive bidding process if two-thirds or five-sevenths of its members <br />declare that an emergency exists. This applies to: