BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) -- — Cities around the metro are discussing what they can do if an emergency needs to be declared. Now, other metro cities are making sure they have similar powers.
The Bellevue City Council unanimously passes an Emergency Declaration Ordinance.
The ordinance allows the police chief to enact a curfew and gathering restrictions. The mayor could prohibit alcohol sales, or stop gasoline and flammable liquid sales.
The ordinance will not prevent the right to bear arms which was initially suggested.
Mayor Rusty Hike says they have similar language as Omaha and Sarpy County. He understands people’s rights to rally, but wants to protect when public safety is at risk.
“We actually encourage it we’ve had several protests down here, we got very involved in it. Protest is good and the things that cause us to enact it are things probably beyond protests,” Mayor Hike explained.
The Emergency Declaration Ordinance will go into effect immediately. If someone is convicted of that violation they could face up to 6 months in jail or a $500 fine.
