N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 153

§ 153. Duty in case of peril to public health. In case of great and\nimminent peril to the public health of the city, by reason of impending\npestilence, it shall be the duty of the commissioner, with the sanction\nof the common council, if it be practicable to convene that body for\nprompt action, or if not, when approved by the board of estimate and\napportionment, to take such measures, and to do, order, or cause to be\ndone, such acts, and to make such extraordinary expenditures in excess\nof the sum appropriated to the department of health from moneys made\navailable pursuant to section seventy-six of this chapter or section\n29.00 of the local finance law, for the preservation and protection of\nthe public health, as he may deem necessary and proper. Such peril to\npublic health shall be deemed to exist only when and for such period as\nthe commissioner and the board of estimate and apportionment, by\nunanimous vote, shall determine.\n