PILLAR: Safe
AGENDA DATE: November 12, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Emergency Management and Crisis Response
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a five-year agreement with the American National Red Cross (Red Cross), the Dallas Chapter - North Texas Region, to permit the temporary use of Park & Recreation Department facilities, as a Red Cross public shelter during a declared or undeclared natural disaster or other condition or event requiring the activation of the disaster relief functions of the Red Cross - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
For years, the Red Cross, in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management and Crisis Response, have utilized Park & Recreation Department (PKR) facilities as Emergency Shelters to house displaced citizens of Dallas, Dallas County and others as needed. This agreement was drafted to formally address the responsibilities of the Red Cross, the Office of Emergency Management and Crisis Response, and PKR. In January 2008, the Park and Recreation Board and the City Council approved the original shelter usage agreement which did not have terms but rather a convenience clause. In 2014, the City and the Red Cross entered into a three-year agreement with no renewals. An official agreement has been in place since January 2022.
The proposed shelter agreement provides that in the event of a disaster and/or evacuation to Dallas, the City PKR facilities may be used as shelter sites.
Proposed deal points:
1. The City will not charge the Red Cross a fee for use of the premises.
2. The Red Cross has primary responsibility for the operation of the shelter sites and will designate a Shelter Manager.
3. City will appoint a Facility Coordinator who will coordinate use of the City facilities with the Red Cross Shelter Manage
4. The Shelter Manager and Facility Coordinator will conduct a pre-inspection survey of the shelter(s) before they are turned over to the Red Cross.
5. The City’s Facility Coordinator will, on request and if feasible, appoint a Foodservice Manager and Facility Custodian. The Foodservice Manager will establish a feeding schedule and determine foodservice inventory and supply needs. The Facility Custodian will establish and direct the sanitation inventory and supply needs.
6. The Red Cross will pay or reimburse the City for all food and sanitation supplies as approved by the Shelter Manager and used in the course of operating the shelters.
7. The Red Cross will provide for safety and security inside of the shelters.
8. The Agreement is revocable upon 30 days’ notice by either party. Upon termination, the Red Cross will vacate the premises and repair any damages, ordinary wear and tear except, caused by its occupancy at its sole expense.
9. The Red Cross will indemnify the City, its officers, its agents and employees.
The Red Cross shall carry insurance coverage in the amounts specified by the City in addition to the City being named as additional insured on the Red Cross’ General Liability Coverage.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 7, 2014, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the agreement with the American National Red Cross.
On September 24, 2014, the City Council authorized a three-year agreement with the American National Red Cross via Resolution 14-1599.
On December 9, 2021, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a three-year agreement with the American National Red Cross.
On January 12, 2022, the City Council authorized a three-year agreement with the American National Red Cross via Resolution 22-0144.
On October 23, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board will consider the approval of a five-year agreement with the American National Red Cross
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.