The Emergency Services Commission was created and established by Resolution Number 1-04, on February 9, 2004. The Commission is comprised of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. In order to provide administrative continuity, three (3) members serve five-year terms and two (2) members serve three-year terms. The Chair of the Commission is elected annually by its members. The Commission is responsible to ensure that the citizens of Laurel receive effective service delivery of all Police, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical and Public Works services. In addition the Commission forwards recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding proposed changes in procedures necessary to provide and enhanced level of emergency services for the citizens of Laurel. The Commission provides recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for the Capital Improvement Program, as well as operating budgets for Police, Fire, Rescue and Departments of Public Works, Recreation, Technology and Citizens Emergency Response Team. The Commission further recommends to the Mayor and City Council programs to enhance recruitment and retention efforts within the City’s Police, Fire and Rescue Departments.
The Commission monitors “around-the-clock” staffing levels at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department & Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad to ensure adequate response capabilities are provided to the citizens of Laurel. If necessary, the Commission will recommend to the Mayor and City Council appropriate steps necessary to maintain adequate staffing levels. The Commission provides recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding the use of funds set aside in the City’s budget for emergency services. The Commission serves as the Board of Directors for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Commission also monitors and evaluates tax revenue utilized by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, Laurel Police Department and Department of Public Works.
History
The City of Laurel Emergency Services Commission was created and established by Resolution No. 1-04, passed by the Mayor and City Council on February 9, 2004. The Commission is made up of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The term of the members shall be three (3) members for five (5) year terms and two (2) members for three (3) year terms. The Chair of the Board is elected annually by members of the Board.
Authority
Ensure that the citizens of Laurel are getting effective service delivery of all fire, rescue, and emergency medical service operations. Ensure that the citizens of the City of Laurel are getting effective service delivery of police protection, crime prevention and public works services. Make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning changes in procedures necessary to provide better services to the citizens of the City in the areas of police, fire, rescue services and public works. Recommend to the Mayor and City Council any changes in the City’s Capital Improvement Program budget or Operating budget dealing with police, fire, rescue services and public works. Recommend programs to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers and paid emergency services personnel. Make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning the use of funds set aside for emergency services in the budget. To act as the Board of Directors for the Community Emergency Response Team Program. Recommend procedures for the Director of Emergency Operations and Mayor to approve regarding Emergency Operations Management, eligibility for City public safety funds and the like. Monitor and evaluate the use of tax monies by the volunteer fire department and volunteer rescue squad, police and public works.
Meetings
The Commission shall meet at least quarterly. Such meeting shall be open to the public. The Commission may utilize executive sessions when necessary and when allowed by to the State Open Meetings Law.
The Public is welcomed and encouraged to attend. For information regarding agendas or related information call the City Administrators Office at 301-725-5300, extension 2242.
