From
Ron McCuller
Title
Public Works Emergency Response Team Mutual Aid Agreement
Presenter
Ron McCuller, Public Works Director
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
In an effort coordinated through NCTCOG, North Central Texas participating Public Works Departments have put together a more formal means of providing mutual aid in the event of natural and /or man made disasters through the creation of a Public Works Emergency Response Team (PWERT) supported by "Mutual Aid Agreements". While we have always responded as needed, this effort brings a more organized, coordinated and efficient approach.
The North Central Texas PWERT is a part of the statewide Texas Mutual Aid System and will provide resources for local governments to assist one another during emergencies beyond the scope of local resources. It sets up a way for us to provide as well as obtain assistance but does not require us to respond if we choose not to do so for any reason.
Under the agreement requests for assistance will:
A. Be made only with a Declaration of a state of Local Civil Emergency or Declaration of Disaster by a Requesting Party pursuant to Section 418.108, Texas Government Code or after a proclamation of a State of Emergency under Section 433.001, Texas Government Code,
B. Be made only without a Declaration of a state of Local Civil Emergency or Declaration of Disaster if the requesting agency expects to use the resource(s) for less than one operational period or if the declaration of emergency is expected to be issued during the first operational period.
C. Be made by the highest ranking authority of Requesting Party available at the time of need,
D. Be made to the highest ranking authority of the Responding Party available at the time of need, and
E. Specify to the greatest extent possible the nature of the problem requiring assistance and the resources requested.
A Requesting Party shall not be required to reimburse a Responding Party for costs incurred during the first Operational Period (36 hours) as defined in Section 2 of the Agreement. A Requesting Party shall be required to reimburse a Responding Party for costs incurred after the first 36 hour Operational Period. A Party may choose not to render aid and assistance at any time for any reason, or to recall aid that has been deployed at anytime.
We believe it is to the benefit of the City to participate in this effort. Ronnie Bates, Street Services Manager, has been appointed the Chair of the North Texas PWERT.
Financial Consideration
There is no cost to entering into the Mutual Aid Agreement. As indicated, costs may be incurred for the first 36 hours in the event of an actual emergency while others may expend similar resources on our behalf should the emergency occur in our jurisdiction.