012-00
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION
STATEWIDE MUTUAL AID FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia Ernergency Services and Disaster Law of2000,
as amended, (Title 44, Chapter 3.2 of the Virginia Code) authorizes the Commonwealth and its
political subdivisions to provide emergency aid and assistance in the event of a rnajor disaster; and
WHEREAS, the statutes also authorize the State Ernergency Operations Center to coordinate
the provision of any equiprnent, services, or facilities owned or organized by the Commonwealth or
its political subdivisions for use in the affected area upon request of the duly constituted authority
of the area; and
WHEREAS, this resolution authorizes the request, provIsIon, and receipt of
interjurisdictional mutual aid in accordance with Title 44, Chapter 3.2 of the Code a/Virginia among
political subdivisions, other authorized entities and officers within the Commonwealth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors resolves that the
County of Frederick shall have the authority to participate in Statewide Mutual Aid in the event of
emergency or disaster in accordance with the following terms and conditions, which shall be in the
nature of a compact and agreement anlong participating entities which have adopted similar
executive orders, ordinances or resolutions. This Statewide Mutual Aid program may include
requests for and provision of personnel, equipment, materials, and other forms of assistance, or any
combination of assistance, to any entity within the Commonwealth, pursuant to the following terms
and conditions:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
A. "EVENT AGREEMENT" - a contract between two member political subdivisions entered into
at the time of emergency in which the Assisting Party agrees to provide specified resources to
the Requesting Party under the terms and conditions specified in the Agreement.
B. "REQUESTING PARTY" - the mernber political subdivision requesting aid in the event of
an emergency or disaster and participating in the Statewide Mutual Aid Program pursuant to
the terms and conditions of this resolution.
C. "ASSISTING PARTY" - the member political subdivision furnishing equipment, services
and/or manpower to the Requesting Party, and participating in the Statewide Mutual Aid
Program ("the Program") pursuant to terms consistent with those in this Resolution.
Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 2
D. "AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE" - an officer or employee of a member political
subdivision authorized in writing by that entity to request, offer, or provide assistance under
the terms of this Resolution.
E. "DEPARTMENT" - the Department of Emergency Management.
F. "EMERGENCY" - any occurrence, or threat thereof, whethernatural, or caused by man, in war
or in peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population,
substantial damage to or loss of property, or substantial harm to the environment.
~
G. "DISASTER" - any natural, technological, or civil emergency that causes damage of sufficient
severity and magnitude to result in a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor or
the President of the United States.
H. "IMPLEMENT A TION GUIDEBOOK" - Guidance document promulgated by the Department
to assist member political subdivisions with Statewide mutual aid activities, to provide
procedures and minimum standards for participation, and to provide for compliance with state
and federal reimbursement requirements. -
1. "MAJOR DISASTER" - a disaster which is likely to clearly exceed local capabilities and
require a broad range of state and federal assistance.
J. "MEMBER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION" - any political subdivision or authorized officer or
agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia which maintains its own emergency services
organization and plan and which enacts an ordinance or resolution or promulgates an executive
order with terms substantially similar to those set out in this Resolution, authorizing Statewide
mutual aid pursuant to Title 44 of the Virginia Code.
K. "STATE EOC" - the Virginia Emergency Operations Center from which assistance to
localities is coordinated when local emergency response and recovery resources are
overwhelmed. This facility is operated by the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management.
SECTION 2. PROCEDURES FOR PROVISION OF MUTUAL AID
When a member political subdivision either becomes affected by, or is under imminent threat of an
emergency or disaster and, as a result, has officially declared an emergency, it may request
emergency-related mutual aid assistance by: (1) submitting a Request for Assistanceto an Assisting
Party or to the State EOC, or (2) orally communicating a request for mutual aid assistance to an
Assisting Party or to the State EOC, followed as soon as practicable by written confirmation ofthe
request. Mutual aid shall not be requested by a member political subdivision unless resources
Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 3
available within the stricken area are deemed to be inadequate. All requests for mutual aid must be
transmitted by the Authorized Representative ofthe member political subdivision or the Director of
Emergency Management. No member political subdivision shall be required to provide mutual aid
unless it determines that it has sufficient resources to do so.
A. REQUESTS DIRECTLY TO ASSISTING PARTY: The Requesting Party may directly
contact the Authorized Representative of the Assisting Party and provide the information in
the Request Form prescribed in the SMA Implementation Guidebook. Each Assisting Party
mut communicate directly with the Requesting Party in order to execute an Event Agreement.
The Requesting Party shall be responsible for keeping the State EOC advised of the status of
mutual aid activities.
B.
REQUESTS ROUTED THROUGH, OR ORIGINATING FROM THE STATE EOC: The
Requesting Party may directly contact the State EOC, in which case it shall provide the
information in the Request Form in the SMA Implementation Guidebook. The State EOC may
then contact other member political subdivisions on behalf of the Requesting Party. Once
identified, each Assisting Party must communicate directly with the Requesting Party in order
to execute an Event Agreement.
C. ASSESSMENT OF AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES AND ABILITY TO RENDER
ASSISTANCE: When contacted by a Requesting Party, or by the State EOC on behalf of a
Requesting Party, the Authorized Representative of any member political subdivision agrees
to assess local resources to determine available personnel, equipment and other assistance.
D. SUPERVISION AND CONTROL: When providing assistance under the terms of this
Agreement, the personnel, equipment, and resources of any Assisting Party will be under the
operational control of the Requesting Party, which shall advise supervisory personnel of the
Assisting Party of work tasks, for assignment to personnel. Direct supervision and control of
personnel, equipment and resources shall remain with the designated supervisory personnel
of the Assisting Party. The designated supervisory personnel of the Assisting Party shall:
maintain daily personnel time records, material records, and a log of equipment hours; be
responsible for the operation and maintenance ofthe equipment and other resources fumished
by the Assisting Party; and shall report work progress to the Requesting Party. The Assisting
Party's personnel and other resources shall remain subject to recall by the Assisting Party at
any time, subject to reasonable notice to the Requesting Party. At least twenty-four hour
advance notification of intent to withdraw personnel or resources shall be provided to the
Requesting Party unless such notice is not practicable, in which case such notice as is
reasonable shall be provided.
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Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
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E. FOOD, HOUSING, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY: Unless specifically instructed otherwise, the
Requesting Party shall have the responsibility of providing food and housing for the personnel
of the Assisting Party from the time of their arrival at the designated location to the time of
their departure. However, Assisting Party personnel and equipment should be, to the greatest
extent possible, self-sufficient while working in the emergency or disaster area. The
Requesting Party may specify only self-sufficient personnel and resources in its request for
assistance.
F. COMMUNICATIONS: Unless specifically instructed otherwise, the Requesting Party shall
have the responsibility for coordinating communications between the personnel of the
Assisting Party and the Requesting Party. Assisting Party personnel should be prepared to
furnish communications equipment sufficient to maintain communications among their
respective operating units.
G. RlGHTS AND PRlVILEGES: Whenever the officials, employees and volunteers of the
Assisting Party are rendering aid pursuant to this Agreement, such employees shall have the
powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities, and shall receive the compensation,
incidental to their employme~t or position. .,
H. TERM OF DEPLOYMENT: The initial duration of a request for assistance is normally seven
days and may be extended, if necessary, in seven day increments. However, the duration may
be shorter or longer as reflected in the Event Agreement.
1. SUMMARY REPORT: Within ten days of the return of all personnel deployed under SMA,
the Requesting Party will prepare a Summary Report ofthe event, and provide copies to each
Assisting Party and to the Department. The Report shall be in a format prescribed by the
Department and shall include a chronology of events and description of personnel, equipment
and materials provided by one party to the other.
SECTION 3. REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
The terms and conditions governing reimbursement for any assistance provided pursuant to this
Resolution shall be in accordance with the following provisions, unless otherwise agreed upon by
the Requesting and Assisting Parties and specified in the Event Agreement.
A. PERSONNEL: During the period of assistance, the Assisting Party shall continue to pay its
employees according to its then prevailing ordinances, rules and regulations. The Requesting
Party shall reimburse the Assisting Party for all direct and indirect payroll costs and expenses
(including travel expenses, benefits, workers' compensation claims and expenses) incurred
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Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 5
during the period of assistance, unless agreed to otherwise by the parties in the Event
Agreement.
B. EQUIPMENT: The Assisting Party shall be reimbursed by the Requesting Party for the use
of its equipment during the period of assistance according to either a pre-established local or
state hourly rate or according to the actual replacement, operation, and maintenance expenses
incurred. For those instances in which some costs may be reimbursed by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, the eligible direct costs shall be determined in accordance
with 44 CFR 206.228, or other regulations in effect at the time ofthe disaster. Each Party shall
maintain its own equipment in safe and operational condition. At the request of the Assisting
Party, fuels, miscellaneous supplies, and minor repairs may be provided by the Requesting
Party, ifpractical. If the equipment charges are based on a pre-established local or state hourly
rate, then these charges to the Requesting Party shall be reduced by the total value of the fuels,
supplies, and repairs furnished by the Requesting Party and by the amount of any insurance
proceeds received by the Assisting Party.
C . MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES: The Assisting Party shall be reimbursed for all materials and
supplies furnished by it and used or damaged during the period of assistance, except for the
costs of equipment, fuel and maintenance materials, labor and supplies, which shall be
included in the equipment rate established above, unless such damage is caused by gross
negligence, or willful and wanton misconduct ofthe Assisting Party's personnel. The measure
of reimbursement shall be determined in accordance with 44 CFR 206.228 or other regulations
in effect at the time of the disaster. In the alternative, the Parties may agree that the Requesting
Party will replace, with like kind and quality as determined by the Assisting Party, the
materials and supplies used or damaged. If such an agreement is made, it shall be reduced to
writing and transmitted to the Department.
D. RECORD KEEPING: The Assisting Party shall maintain records and submit invoices for
reimbursement by the Requesting Party in accordance with existing policies and practices.
Requesting Party and Department finance personnel shall provide information, directions, and
assistance for record keeping to Assisting Party personnel. Later, Department personnel will
provide assistance to the Requesting Party in seeking federal/state reimbursement.
E. PAYMENT: Unless otherwise mutually agreed, the Assisting Party shall bill the Requesting
Party for all reimbursable expenses with an itemized statement as soon as practicable after the
expenses are incurred, but not later than sixty (60) days following the period of assistance,
unless the deadline for identifying damage is extended in accordance with applicable federal
or state regulations. The Requesting Party shall pay the bill, or advise of any disputed items,
not later than sixty (60) days following receipt ofthe statement, unless otherwise agreed upon.
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Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 6
F . WAIVER OF REIMBURSEMENT: A member political subdivision may assume or donate,
in whole or in part, the costs associated with any loss, damage, expense or use of personnel,
equipment and resources provided.
SECTION 4. INSURANCE
A. WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE: Each member political subdivision shall be
responsible for its own actions and those of its employees and is responsible for complying
with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act.
B. AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY COVERAGE: Each member political subdivision shall be
responsible for its own actions and is responsible for complying with the Virginia motor
vehicle financial responsibility laws. Member political subdivisions agree to obtain
automobile liability coverage with a limit of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit and
coverage for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles. It is understood that the local government
may include in the emergency response volunteer companies that have motor vehicles titled
in the name of the volunteer company. It is the responsibility of each member political
subdivision to determine if the volunteer company has automobile liability coverage as .~
outlined in this section.
C. GENERAL LIABILITY, PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law and without waiving sovereign immunity, each
member political subdivision shall be responsible for any and all claims, demands, suits,
actions, damages, and causes for action related to or arising out of or in any way connected
with its own actions, and the actions of its personnel in providing mutual aid assistance
rendered or performed pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Resolution. Each member
political subdivision agrees to obtain general liability, public officials liability and law
enforcement liability, if applicable, with minimum singe limits of no less than one million
dollars.
SECTION 5. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Department shall, during normal operations, provide staff support to political subdivisions,
officers and authorized agencies, serve as the central depository for agreements, resolutions,
ordinances and executive orders, maintain a current listing of member political subdivisions, and
provide a copy of this listing to each on an annual basis. The State EOC shall, during emergency
operations, (I) request mutual aid on behalf of a member political subdivision, under the
circumstances identified in this Agreement, (2) keep a record of all Requests for Assistance and
Acknowledgments, (3) report on the status of ongoing emergency or disaster related mutual aid as
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Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 7
appropriate, and assist participants in meeting all procedural and other requirements, including those
pertaining to federal and state cost reimbursement.
SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY AND THE EFFECT ON OTHER RESOLUTIONS
Should any portion, section or subsection of this Resolution be held to be invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, that fact shall not affect or invalidate any other portion, section or subsection;
and the remaining portions ofthis Resolution shall remain in full force and effect without regard to
the section, portion, or subsection or power invalidated. In the event that any parties to this
Resolution have entered into other mutual aid agreements, those parties agree that said agreement
will remain in effect unless they conflict in principle with this Resolution in which case they are
superseded by this Resolution. In the event that two or more parties to this Resolution have not
entered into another agreement, and the parties wish to engage in mutual aid, then the terms and
conditions of this Resolution shall apply between those parties.
ADOPTED this 25th day of October 2000.
Upon motion made by W. Harrington Smith, Jr. and seconded by Sidney A. Reyes, the above
resolution was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle
Aye
Robert M. Sager
Aye
Charles W. Orndoff, Sr.
Aye
Margaret B. Douglas
Aye
W. Harrington Smith, Jr.
Aye
Sidney A. Reyes
Aye
RESOLUTION NO.: 012-00
ADOPTED BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION:
COUNTY OF FREDERICK, VIRGINIA
DATE: October 26, 2000
I certify that the foregoing is an accurate copy ofthe Resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors
for the County of Frederick, Virginia on October 25,2000.
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Resolution - Statewide Mutual Aid for Emergency Management
October 25, 2000
Page 8
BY ~<f-
Jo . Riley, Jr.
TITLE: County Administrator
DATE:
******************************************************************************
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
(Name of Official)
(Title)
DATE:
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COUNTY OF FREDERICK. VIR(;I~I.\
FIRE ANf) I{ES( 'I il: 1l1:I'I\RT:'vlE"IT
MEMORANDUM
107 Norlh K~nl SIr"",
Wi nchc'kr. V r\ 221>0 I
(;ary A. Oulkuclcr
Director
September 2 I. 2000
Denn" D. LlI1uhurg
Fire Mar,hal
TO: Board of Supervisors
County of Frederick
THROUGH: John R. Riley, Jr., Administrato~
County of Frederick.,. n
FROM: Gary A. DuBrueler, Director./~
Fire and Rescue Department
SUBJECT: Statewide Mutual Aid
The Virginia Genera[ Assembly in its 2000 session approved a Statewide Mutua[ Aid program. This
is a significant event for all local emergency services providers and managers. [t puts cities and
counties and their emergency services providers across the commonwealth in a much better position
to help each other in response to a major disaster.
The need for having such a capability in place was an important lesson learned from the disasters
in recent years. A[though much needed assistance was provided from cities and counties to hard hit
communities, it could have been accomplished much more efficiently. Procedures for appropriate
reimbursement of deployment related costs were especially inadequate.
With the adoption of this resolution. we will have the capability to make disaster assistance happen
quickly and efficiently and can eliminate most uncertainties and concerns related to liabi[ity and
reimbursement. It also makes available the services of all local govemmentofficials, not just police.
tire and rescue services.
The Statewide Mutual Aid Program has the active support of [ocal government management and
professional responder organizations statewide and they constitute the Statewide Mutual Aid
Committee.
[ fully endorse this resolution and hope each of you will also see the importance of this program and
implement it for our citizens and community. If you have any questions, I will be available to assist
you.
GAD/gad
Director (540) 665-5613
.
Fire M.lrshal (540) 665-6J50
Fax C)400 67X-47W
Pr..., ,...ent
Ferris M. Belman. Sr.
Stafford County
President- Elect
Jackson T. Ward
Hanover County
First Vice: President
Gerald W. Hyland
Fairfax County
Second Vice: President
Oliver H. Bennert
Northampton County
Secretary-Treasurer
Wayne A Acors
Caroline Coun ty
Immediare Pasr President
Wanda C. Wingo
Borerourt County
Executive Director
James D. Campbell. CAE
General Counsel
C. Flippo Hicks
1001 East Broad Streer
Suite II 20
Richmond. Virginia
23219-1928
(804) 788-6652
FAJ<(804) 788-0083
E-mail: mail@nco.org
Web site: www.vaco.org
*
VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
CONNECfING COUNTI" GOVERNMENTS SINCE 1934
August 14,2000
Mr. John R. Riley Jr.
County Administrator
Frederick County
107 N Kent St.
Winchester V A 22604
Dear John:
Last fall the Hurricane Floyd disaster accentuated the need for improved mutual aid
agreements in Virginia as we responded to the destruction and devastation in the city of
Franklin, Southampton County and the surrounding areas. Under long standing agreements
(written and/or verbal), many counties and municipalities came forth with assistance to their
area in that time of need. However, this incident pointed out a need for better procedures for
implementing broad based mutual aid and for the federal/state/local reimbursement of
deployment-related costs.
V ACo and VML have been actively involved with the Statewide Mutual Aid (SMA)
Committee for a number of months, developing a guidebook and documentation to help
counties and municipalities provide and receive assistance in the event of a major disaster
using pre-established. mutually pre-approved, and standardized procedures.
Attached is a copy of the Statewide Mutual Aid Implementation Guidebook, which is a
collaborative effort of the SMA Committee that includes all the major emergency services
providers as well as the local govemment attorneys. We urge you to review this document
and have your governing body formally adopt the authorizing resolution that is included as
Attachment 1. Please send a certified eopy of your resolution to me as soon as possible.
Should you have further questions. please contact me.
Sincerely.
-f~~~~
James D. Campbell
Ex.ecutive Director
Ene\.
JDC/ks
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