HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2026-5051_emergency vehicles TX transportation code 541.201ORDINANCE 2026-5051
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS,
DESIGNATING CITY OF LA PORTE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VEHICLES AS
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR PURPOSES OF TEXAS
TRANSPORTATION CODE SECTION 541.201 AND AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF
THE DESIGNATED VEHICLES TO THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD
AUTHORITY FOR AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE VERIFICATION;
FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, recognizes the importance of
maintaining timely and reliable emergency response, emergency management, disaster
coordination, and public safety support capabilities for the City of La Porte and the surrounding
community; and
WHEREAS, the La Porte Office of Emergency Management operates City -owned vehicles in
support of emergency management, disaster response, incident coordination, emergency
communications, severe weather operations, evacuation support, damage assessment, public
warning, and other emergency or disaster -related duties; and
WHEREAS, Texas Transportation Code Section 541.201 defines an "authorized emergency
vehicle" to include a municipal department or public service corporation emergency vehicle that
has been designated or authorized by the governing body of a municipality; and
WHEREAS, Texas Transportation Code Section 284.070(e) provides for the free passage of
authorized emergency vehicles on certain county toll road systems, including those operated by
the Harris County Toll Road Authority, when applicable requirements are met; and
WHEREAS, the Harris County Toll Road Authority requires authorized emergency vehicle
agencies to verify eligible vehicles by providing a fleet list that includes the official registered
license plate number for each vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the emergency management vehicles identified below are
used by the Office of Emergency Management and should be designated as authorized emergency
vehicles for purposes of Texas Transportation Code Section 541.201 and applicable Harris County
Toll Road Authority procedures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA PORTE, TEXAS:
Section I. The recitals set forth above are hereby found to be true and correct and are incorporated
into this Ordinance for all purposes.
Section II. The City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, hereby designates and authorizes the
following vehicles operated by the Office of Emergency Management for the City of La Porte,
Texas, as authorized emergency vehicles pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Section 541.201:
1. Vehicle No. 1
Year: 2015
Make: Ford
Model: F-150
TX LP: 121-1636
Fleet Unit No.: 54-04
2. Vehicle No. 2
Year: 2025
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe
TX LP: 146-0638
Fleet Unit No.: 54-02
3. Vehicle No. 3
Year: 2026
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe
TX LP: 164-5892
Fleet Unit No.: 54-09
Section I11. The City Council authorizes the City Manager or their designee to submit the above -
designated vehicles, together with any required vehicle identifiers or fleet list information, to the
Harris County Toll Road Authority for inclusion in its authorized emergency vehicle verification
process and non -revenue account database, as applicable.
Section IV. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a sufficient
written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted
at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required by law preceding
this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law, and that this meeting has been open to the
public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject matter thereof
have been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies,
approves and confirms such written notice and the contacts and posting thereof.
Section V. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and approval.
PASSED and APPROVED this 13th day of July 2026.
AT
APO
CITY OF LA PO$ITE, TE
Rick Helton, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
7-
Clark T. Askins, City Attorney