Sun Valley council adopts emergency powers ordinance

The Sun Valley City Council adopted Ordinance No. 561, an emergency powers ordinance, during a special meeting on Sept. 14, 2021. Council President Michelle Griffith moved to read the ordinance by title only, waive the remaining readings and adopt it; Council Member Jane Conard seconded and the motion passed by roll call vote.

Council Member Jane Conard said the ordinance was timely and appropriate: "it is reasonable for us to act and adopt this emergency powers ordinance." The mayor opened a public hearing before the vote; resident Darcy Creech asked what "emergency power" means and the mayor read three names into the record before closing the hearing.

Griffith asked staff to add language to the last WHEREAS clause to reference the COVID-19 pandemic "and the resulting limitations on public health care delivery," a change noted on the record during the motion. City Administrator Femling read the ordinance by title after the council adopted it. The meeting minutes do not specify an effective date or implementation steps for the ordinance.