The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPR 24746: MOU WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR THE USE OF FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY City of r rthu�� Texas www.PortArthurTx.gov INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: January 15, 2026 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager, CPM From: Timothy W. Duriso, Chief of Police &WlT RE: PR 24746—Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the Use of Firearms Training Facility. Introduction: The intent of this agenda item is to obtain City Council authorization for the City Manager to formally execute a Memorandum of Agreement(MOA)between the City of Port Arthur Police Department(PAPD) and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO)to authorize PAPD personnel to utilize the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Firearms Training Range and related facilities for law enforcement training and qualification purposes. Background: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office operates and maintains a certified firearms training range and associated facilities suitable for law enforcement firearms training, qualification, and instructor development. The proposed MOA as shown in"Exhibit A"is entered into pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act(Texas Government Code, Chapter 791) and establishes the terms, conditions, scheduling procedures, and safety requirements under which authorized PAPD personnel may use the JCSO range facilities. Budget Impact: No cost is associated with execution of this agreement. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager execute the Memorandum "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 ctry rf� _ = , „r/ rthur 7r sci,c www.PortArthurTx.gov of Agreement between the City of Port Arthur Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office authorizing use of the JCSO Firearms Training Range and related facilities. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R.No. 24746 01/15/2026 JLH-TNR RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (JSCO) AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE JCSO FIREARMS TRAINING RANGE AND RELATED FACILITIES. WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur Police Department is required to maintain access to certified firearms training facilities to conduct law enforcement training, firearms qualification, and proficiency activities in compliance with applicable state standards; and WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office owns, operates, and maintains a firearms training range and related facilities suitable for such training purposes; and WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office are authorized to enter into interlocal agreements pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code; and WHEREAS, the proposed Memorandum of Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit "A," sets forth the terms and conditions under which authorized personnel of the City of Port Arthur Police Department may utilize the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office firearms training range and related facilities; and WHEREAS, approval of the Memorandum of Agreement promotes intergovernmental cooperation, enhances officer safety and training readiness, and ensures the efficient and cost- effective use of public resources. NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Port Arthur Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the use of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office firearms training range and related facilities, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit"A." Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of February, A.D., 2026, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: P.R. No. 24746 01/15/2026 JLH-TNR Mayor: ,Councilmembers: NOES: Charlotte M. Moses Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo City Attorney APPROV 1 FOR ADMINISTRATION: =UMW- -a` 6 Ronal. .0__• Vr. Timo y W. Du *so City Ma.._er Chie of Police P.R. No. 24746 01/15/2026 JLH EXHIBIT 66 ,, MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) This Memorandum of Agreement("MOA") becomes effective upon approval by the governing bodies of Jefferson County and the City of Port Arthur. This MOA is entered into by and between the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office("JCSO"), a political subdivision of the State of Texas, and the Port Arthur Police Department ("PAPD"), also a political subdivision of the State of Texas, for the purpose of authorizing the use of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office firearm training range and related facilities. 1. Authority This MOA is entered into pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act,Texas Government Code Chapter 791, which authorizes local governments to enter into interlocal contracts to increase efficiency and to perform governmental functions jointly. The Parties acknowledge that each participating governing body must authorize the agreement in accordance with applicable law. 2. Purpose The purpose of this MOA is to set out terms and conditions under which JCSO will permit authorized personnel from the PAPD(s)to use the JCSO Firearm Training Range and Range House (collectively "Range Facilities") for firearm qualification, training, and related activities. 3. Definitions • "Authorized Personnel"—sworn officers, certified instructors, and school guardian/security officers that are authorized in writing by their agency to use the Range Facilities. • "Range Facilities" —JCSO shooting range, range house, classrooms, and related support areas. • "Scheduled Use"—use of the Range Facilities during time slots reserved 4. Term This MOA shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for a period of,unless earlier terminated as provided in §11. The Parties may extend this MOA by written amendment, subject to requisite governing-body approvals. 5. Authorized Uses Permitted uses of the Range Facilities under this MOA include: • Agency firearm qualification and re-qualification; • Instructor development and firearm training courses; iiPage • Departmental tactical firearms training (when pre-authorized); • Other uses as agreed in writing by the Parties. Prohibited uses include private commercial activities not related to official law-enforcement duties unless explicitly agreed and approved. 6. Scheduling & Reservations 1. All use must be scheduled in advance through JCSO Training Division. 2. JCSO will maintain a master schedule; reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate scheduling requests, but JCSO reserves the right to prioritize its own operations. 3. Cancellations must be made at least [481 hours before the scheduled time unless an emergency exists. 7. Training Standards & Safety 1. All Authorized Personnel must comply with JCSO Range Safety Rules. 2. A certified Range Safety Officer(RSO) must be present for all live-fire training sessions. 3. Each Agency is responsible for ensuring its participants meet applicable qualifications and certification requirements before participation. 8. Liability Each Party shall remain responsible for acts or omissions of its own officers, employees, and agents. Nothing in this MOA waives any immunities or defenses available under Texas law. 9. Property, Maintenance & Repairs 1. JCSO remains the owner/primary custodian of the Range Facilities and is responsible for regular maintenance. 2. Requesting Agencies are responsible for damage caused by their use and shall reimburse JCSO for repair costs (reasonable documentation required). 10. Compliance with Laws & Policies All activities under this MOA must comply with federal, state, and local law, and with JCSO policies and Range rules. This MOA does not authorize any Party to act outside the scope of its statutory authority. The Parties further acknowledge that interlocal agreements must be authorized by governing bodies as required by the Texas Government Code, Chapter 791. 11. Termination 21Page 1. Either Party may terminate this MOA for convenience upon [30] days written notice to the other Party. 2. Immediate termination may occur for safety violations, failure, or breach of material terms. Any such termination shall be provided in writing with reasons. 12. GENERAL PROVISIONS This MOU represents the full understanding between the parties concerning the matters addressed herein. Any amendments must be made in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both counties. IN WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have executed this Memorandum of Understanding Port Arthur Police Department Jefferson County Sheriff's Office By: By: Signature: Signature: Title: Title: Date: Date: Local City (Mayor/City Manager) Jefferson County Judge By: By: Signature: Signature: Title: Title: Date: Date: Wage