[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Elverson as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 11-5-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-01]
The Twin Valley Fire Department is recognized as the official fire company to provide fire protection and related services to the Borough of Elverson. The fire company, in addition to its primary firefighting activities, often responds to hazardous material incidents, environmental incidents, safety, rescue and similar incidents, either in response to 911 requests, as a public service, or in coordination with the emergency management agency.
It is the intention of the Borough to authorize the Twin Valley Fire Department to seek collection and reimbursement for the reasonable costs of responding to hazardous material incidents, environmental incidents, safety, rescue and similar incidents and, under certain circumstances, firefighting activities, either directly or in coordination with agencies which provide invoicing services.
The Fire Company is hereby authorized to recover the reasonable costs and expenses incurred for firefighting materials, equipment, personnel hours, hazardous abatement materials, equipment use and damage, and similar expenses relating to hazardous material incidents, safety, rescue and similar incidents, including vehicular accidents or incidents.
Where insurance coverage is available with respect to incidents involving firefighting activities of commercial and residential properties, the fire company is similarly authorized to recover its reasonable costs and expenses or to receive a contribution in lieu thereof to the extent that such insurance policies provide coverage for such expenses.
The costs and expenses permitted hereunder may be billed or directly charged by the fire company to the responsible person or owner or to the appropriate insurance company, or in the alternative the fire company may engage the services of a company which provides such collection services.
Under no circumstances shall the fire company in any way limit its activities or make a condition of providing its services the payment or collection of a fee or charge either for current or past services.
In addition to the aforementioned costs and expenses, the fire company is authorized to collect reasonable interest and a reasonable administrative fee as may be authorized by law.