Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution updating the Interlocal Automatic Aid Agreement for Fire and EMS Services with the City of Harker Heights.
Summary
DATE: April 19, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: James Kubinski, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Harker Heights FD Automatic Aid Agreement Update
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
With the annexation of areas in Southwest Bell County into the City of Killeen, the Killeen Fire Department needs additional stations and resources to provide timely fire and EMS response to the newly annexed areas. During the time between the annexations and the build out of the annexed areas, the Killeen Fire Department recommends that the City of Killeen enter into an Automatic Aid agreement with the Harker Heights Fire Department. This agreement will allow the fire department to continue to provide needed services while the planning and building process for the placement of future fire stations is completed.
The Harker Heights Fire Department has been providing fire, emergency medical, and hazardous material response services to areas annexed by the City of Killeen through an existing aid agreement that was last updated in 2008. The City of Harker Heights Fire Department and City of Killeen Fire Department have established a long standing, mutually beneficial relationship through this agreement to provide the citizens of both cities with full fire, emergency medical, and hazardous material response capabilities. The areas outlined in this agreement have been modified to match areas that have been annexed by both cities over the last fourteen years.
Harker Heights Fire Station 2 is strategically located to assist with providing fire and EMS response to the southeast areas of the City of Killeen. Additionally, the Harker Heights Fire Department maintains equipment at other stations that can be requested by the Killeen Fire Department in the event of a large-scale incident or whenever the need arises. It is the desire of the Killeen Fire Department to continue working with the Harker Heights Fire Department to provide timely fire and EMS response to citizens of both cities when the need arises. The agreement also outlines joint training, communications, initial dispatch to responses, and guidelines for borrowing/lending equipment by either entity.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Approve the Updated Automatic Aid Agreement with Harker Heights Fire Department
Not Approve the Updated Automatic Aid Agreement with Harker Heights Fire Department
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Approve the Updated Automatic Aid Agreement with Harker Heights Fire Department. Automatic Aid Agreements allow both fire departments to provide critical fire and EMS service to respective residents of each entity in a manner that is mutually beneficial.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The agreement conforms to all current city policies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The fiscal impact of this agreement will be minimal but is not able to be precisely measured. It will provide fire and EMS response to areas of both cities that will be mutually beneficial to residents in both cities.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Recurring
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes. Fire and EMS units are staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Already staffed units will be utilized for this agreement which are provided for in the annual budget.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the updated Automatic Aid Agreement and allow the City Manager to sign all necessary documentation to execute the agreement.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Fire Department
Legal
City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Interlocal Agreement
Auto Aid Map