Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Denton County CERT

Established to benefit the citizens of Denton County which consists of 993 square miles, the Denton County CERT team is trained in all aspects of CERT such as Fire Rehab, Crime Scene Preservation, CPR/AED, American Red Cross Shelter, NMIS as well as search techniques for missing children and adults. The team also has Trained Storm Spotters and Ham Radio Operators. We are able to help any Fire or Police entity in Denton County and NCTCOG Region. One of our many goals is to provide CERT training to residents of Denton County. The Denton County Emergency Response Team meets monthly for continuing education, Please see the Calendar of Events for our next training.

Denton County Medical Reserve Corps.

The mission of the Denton County Medical Reserve Corps is to assist the local community during a public health emergency or natural disaster with health implications by providing a rapid, coordinated and specific response.

In January, the Town Council accepted the resignation of Alderman Eddie Army, Place 1. We appreciate Alderman Army’s contributions to the town while he served on the council and wish him well as he pursues new professional opportunities in the Northwestern United States. The remaining council members will move forward with the process of appointing his replacement, per Chapter 22 of the Local Government Code, and will introduce the new Place 1 Alderman in the next newsletter.

BUILDING INSPECTION and CODE ENFORCEMENT

The town has adopted the International Building Code, which has been adopted at the State and/or Local level in all 50 States and D.C., including the State of Texas and Denton County.  Assuming we were still in unincorporated Denton County, these codes would still apply to our community.  The commonly cited benefits of the International Codes are safety, energy efficiency and quality construction for current and future property owners and their neighbors.  These components contribute to property value retention/improvement.

The mechanism utilized to ensure that the building code standards are being met is the building inspection process.  The process is funded through fees such as application fees, inspection fees, plan review fees, etc.  While there is no consistent fee structure from city to city, our town has adopted a simplified fee structure that accommodates the costs associated with the inspection process in its entirety, including compliance.

The Contractor Registration process is designed to attract qualified contractors to work within the town limits.  The process validates that the contractor has the necessary licenses and certifications required to competently complete their work and that the contractor carries the proper financial liability for their line of work.  Once registration with the town is complete, the contractor will receive a registration card indicating they have met these requirements.  A list of registered contractors can be obtained at Town Hall.  The fees associated with Contractor Registration support the process and compliance.  This process helps ensure that contractors who operate in our community are following the International Building Code which protects current and future property owners and their neighbors.

A Certificate of Occupancy is required when an occupier of a property changes.  This process is in place to ensure that the property still meets the minimum standards for safe habitation at the time of transition.  The fees associated with the “CO” support the process, including the inspection.

Code Enforcement works with many different types of ordinance violations from general nuisances (tall grass and abandoned vehicles) to dilapidated structures.  They also work with the day to day construction requirements in the community and certificate of occupancy inspections.  This role is supported by revenue generated through Certificate of Occupancy, Building Inspection and Contractor Registration fees.  This function contributes to a safer community and a greater quality of life for our residents, which help to retain/improve property values.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Over the next couple of months, residents will have the opportunity to vote in several elections with local, State and Federal implications.  The Town Council urges all residents to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues before them in order to make an educated and informed vote.  Historically, Providence Village, and the 380 Corridor in general, has been under-represented at the polls.  While we understand the difficulty in adequately assessing all of the variables, we do want to remind voters that individually and collectively your vote and voice does count!

As always, please check the town website for the latest information on our progress, at www.TownOfProvidenceVillage.com, or feel free to contact one of your council members or Town Hall with any questions you may have.