The City Council Dec. 12 approved a five-year memorandum of understanding with a fledgling disaster-relief organization.
The document outlines how Greater Taylor Community Organizations Active in Disaster and Taylor will work together through four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
“The City and COAD will work together in a unified and cooperative manner to achieve common goals for community resilience,” reads the memorandum, part of a consent agenda during last week’s council session.
While the city provides logistical support, resources and coordination in the event of a disaster, the nonprofit aims to supply volunteers, resources and community services to help residents.
The group also wants to offer volunteer and donation data so the city can apply for cost-share contributions under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance grant program guidelines.
In addition, the city and Greater Taylor COAD will combine forces to educate and prepare the community for calamities.
“Our goal is really this simple: In our worst hours, we want to be able to put forth our finest efforts. That’s it,” Greater Taylor COAD Chairman Thomas Martinez said during a presentation at the Greater Taylor Foundation luncheon Dec. 12.
COAD functions as a committee under the foundation and began through the efforts of founder Diana Phillips.
