Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is established by the Commission in accordance with the Charter. The Committee consists of the Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Standing Committee Chairs or their designated representatives. The Committee has and can exercise the powers and duties of the Commission between meetings as appropriate. It meets at the call of the Chair. The presence of three members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The committee will also assist the county board to ensure that appropriate membership is maintained for the EPAC. While identifying interested and talented volunteers for the EPAC is a duty of the entire commission, this committee will oversee that effort.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
The LEPC was an existing organization when the commission was established. Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC’s) were established by the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, as Title III of the Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act of 1986. The EPAC Charter charges the commission with coordinating the efforts of the LEPC. The role of LEPC is to form a partnership between local government and industry as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. Local governments are responsible for the integration of hazmat planning and response within their jurisdiction. This includes ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents; incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes; assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid and contractors; training responders; and exercising the plan. The LEPC Chair is the OEM Director or designee.
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee is established by the Commission in accordance with the Charter. The Committee consists of not less than four Commission members appointed by the Commission Chair. The Committee:
- Reviews items of special interest to the EPAC in the annual proposed Arlington County budget and formulation process. This review is comprehensive and includes all sources of income as well as grants. Submits recommendations through the Commission for evaluation and provides recommendations to the County for consideration;
- Performs such other budgetary duties as assigned by the Commission Chair
Emergency Preparedness Review and Assessment Committee
The Emergency Preparedness Review and Assessment Committee is established by the Commission in accordance with the Charter. The Committee consists of not less than four Commission members and other volunteers appointed by the Commission Chair. It assesses the general status of emergency preparedness policies, organizations, equipment, training, and procedures that contribute to the overall readiness and resiliency of the County and it residents. It identifies areas which require attention, conducts assessments, and fact finding as required, and makes recommendations to the Commission for appropriate action.
Public Outreach Committee
The Public Outreach Committee is established by the Commission in accordance with the Charter. The Committee consists of not less than four Commission members appointed by the Commission Chair. Its mandate is to promote emergency preparedness education and readiness among county residents, businesses, schools, and other county based organizations. The Committee also develops and implements outreach and information programs which provides persons in Arlington County with knowledge of and access to available services, activities, and programs, including educational opportunities. It makes recommendations to the Commission for appropriate action. A primary task of this committee will be the planning and execution of an annual public forum and its work will be closely aligned with efforts to bring community leaders, together to coordinate the involvement of community members in emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. In accordance with the Charter, the Committee will coordinate with the following Citizen Corps programs: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Volunteer Emergency Support Team (VEST), Pet Corps, Fire Corps, Volunteers in Police (VIP), NET Guard, and Neighborhood Watch. This effort will also include supporting the efforts of all citizen organizations able to assist with the emergency preparedness of the County.
Ad Hoc Teams & Committees
The above committees and organization are consider enduring, however the Commission reserves the right to establish teams or committees to pursue a specific task as needed to advise the commission. The Committee consists of not less than four Commission members appointed by the Commission Chair.
Liaisons From: These will be some number of non-voting members from local organizations with a significant role or interest in emergency preparedness.
Liaisons To:
Site Plan Review Liaison: This commission member – liaison is responsible to coordinate closely with the Site Plan Review Committee of the County Planning Commission and to return to the EPAC any plans requiring review. The commission will then assemble a team most appropriate to review the site plan.
Fiscal Affairs Liaison: This commission member – liaison will come from the EPAC Budget Committee and is responsible to coordinate closely with the County Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission and to return to the Budget Committee and the EPAC any budget issues of interest to the commission requiring review. The commission will then assemble a team most appropriate to review the budget item.
Information Technology (IT) Advisory Commission Liaison: This commission member – liaison will come from the EPAC and is responsible to coordinate closely with the County IT Advisory Commission and to return to the EPAC any IT issues of interest to the commission requiring review. The commission will then assemble a team most appropriate to review the IT item. Note one of the goals of the IT Advisory Commission is: Emergency and Disaster Communications Goal: To advise with respect to effective, comprehensive and modernized emergency communications, E911 and IT systems — through both public and private channels for Arlington and the Metro area.