Title
Request to Execute Michigan Water/Wastewater Agency Response (MiWARN) Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement
Body
Agenda of: April 22, 2020
Item No.: 2020-119
Amount: N/A
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne Coffey, Chief Planning Officer
Randal M. Brown, General Counsel
DATE: March 25, 2020
RE: Request to Execute Michigan Water/Wastewater Agency Response (MiWARN) Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement
MOTION
Upon recommendation and opinion of Suzanne Coffey, Chief Planning Officer, and Randal M. Brown, General Counsel, the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA):
1) Supports GLWA becoming a MiWARN member by executing the MiWARN Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement; and
2) Authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
JUSTIFICATION
MiWARN is a statewide Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) of “members helping members” to prepare for the next natural or human-caused emergency. MIWARN provides utilities and public works agencies with a Mutual Aid Agreement for sharing resources in an emergency to a pre-determined and agreed manner.
In emergency situations, GLWA could assist other MiWARN members and/or require assistance from others. The Agreement establishes the means, methods and costs associated with providing aid to a MiWARN member.
MiWARN provides members with:
• A Mutual Aid Agreement and process for sharing emergency resources among water and wastewater agencies statewide.
• A mutual assistance program consistent with other statewide mutual aid and assistance programs and the National Incident Management System.
• The resources to respond and recover more quickly from a natural or human caused disaster.
• A forum for developing and maintaining emergency contacts and relationships.
BUDGET IMPACT
GLWA does not expect a budget impact from becoming a MiWARN member. Additional revenue would be generated if GLWA provides mutual aid to another member. GLWA has allocated funds for emergency repairs and operational support, which would be used if GLWA seeks aid from another member.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This matter was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on April 8, 2020. The Operations and Resources Committee unanimously recommended that the CEO take appropriate action to implement the resolution consistent with the provisions of GLWA Board Resolution 2020-114.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This request does not impact the Shared Services Agreement.