Section 153. Duty in case of peril to public health

In case of great and
  imminent peril to the public health of the city, by reason of  impending
  pestilence,  it shall be the duty of the commissioner, with the sanction
  of the common council, if it be practicable to  convene  that  body  for
  prompt  action,  or  if  not, when approved by the board of estimate and
  apportionment, to take such measures, and to do, order, or cause  to  be
  done,  such  acts, and to make such extraordinary expenditures in excess
  of the sum appropriated to the department of  health  from  moneys  made
  available  pursuant  to  section  seventy-six of this chapter or section
  29.00 of the local finance law, for the preservation and  protection  of
  the  public  health,  as he may deem necessary and proper. Such peril to
  public health shall be deemed to exist only when and for such period  as
  the  commissioner  and  the  board  of  estimate  and  apportionment, by
  unanimous vote, shall determine.