Resolutions-2021-013

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-013 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ENACTMENT OF SENATE FILE 331 AND SENATE FILE 333 RELATING TO AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES WHEREAS, the Iowa Legislature is considering passing Senate File 331, which allows authorized emergency vehicles to be equipped with a variety of lighting devices; and, WHEREAS, the Iowa Legislature is considering passing Senate File 333, which allows the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle to exercise privileges when operating the vehicle in certain situations, and grants immunity to drivers of authorized emergency vehicles and municipalities for injury or loss arising from the operation of an authorized emergency vehicle in certain situations, provided it is not done so with a reckless disregard for the safety of persons and property; and, WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin, Iowa, has determined that the Iowa Legislature should pass Senate File 331 to increase the safety of emergency response personnel, the residents of Tiffin, Iowa, and the public; and, WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin, Iowa, has determined that the Iowa Legislature should pass Senate File 333 to increase the ability of emergency response personnel to operate authorized emergency vehicles in emergency situations, which promotes the safety, protection, and welfare of the residents of Tiffin, Iowa, and the public; and, WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin, Iowa, has determined that the Iowa Legislature should pass Senate File 333 to grant immunity to drivers of authorized emergency vehicles and municipalities for injury or loss arising from the operation of an authorized emergency vehicle in emergency situations, provided it is not operated with reckless disregard for the safety of persons and property, in order to encourage people to volunteer to become and remain emergency response personnel, and promote prompt responses to emergencies, which improves the safety, protection and welfare of the residents of Tiffin, Iowa, and the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, that this Council reaffirms its commitment to the safety of emergency response personnel and the public, and respectfully requests that the Legislature and the Governor of the State of Iowa enact Senate File 331. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, that this Council reaffirms its commitment to encourage people to volunteer to become and remain emergency response personnel, and to promote the safety, protection, and welfare of the residents of Tiffin, Iowa, and the public, and respectfully requests that the Legislature and the Governor of the State of Iowa enact Senate File 333. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Tiffin, Iowa, hereby authorizes and directs the City Administrator to forward copies of this Resolution to all Iowa State Legislators and the Governor of the State of Iowa.