HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0005) M&C 19-0077City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/27/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0077
LOG NAME: 35AMEND MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCE
SUBJECT
Adopt Ordinance Revising Section 22-1 of the City Code to Define Vehicles Utilized in the Police Department's Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement
Unit and Emergency Management Office as Authorized Emergency Vehicles (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance to revise the definition of Authorized Emergency Vehicle, to include vehicles
from the Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement Unit and The Emergency Management Office.
DISCUSSION:
Chapter 22 "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Article I "In General," Section 22-1 "Definitions" of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015), as
amended, defines "Authorized Emergency Vehicle". The Texas Transportation Code, Section 541.201, authorizes the governing body of a
municipality to further designate additional vehicles as "Authorized Emergency Vehicles", which are not included in the Texas Transportation Code
The Fort Worth Police Department is recommending amending Chapter 22, Article I, Section 22-1 "Definitions" to include vehicles operated by the
Fort Worth Police Department's Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the City of Fort Worth's Emergency Management Office.
Designating these vehicles as "Authorized Emergency Vehicles" will allow the respective departments to equip these vehicles with emergency
lights and other safety equipment and will allow for these vehicles to be included as emergency vehicles for purposes of state laws designed to
protect drivers of authorized emergency vehicles in the course of their duties.
A Form 1295 is not required for this contract because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that the proposed changes will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head: Ed Kraus 4231
Additional Information Contact: Vincent Brown 4312