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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Natalie E. Wiza, Emergency Management Coordinator
DATE: April 16, 2024
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval to enter into the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement (IPWMAN).
PURPOSE:
To obtain approval and sign the updated IPWMAN Agreement [Exhibit A].
BACKGROUND:
IPWMAN is one of the few organizations of its kind in the U.S., created to support public works agencies during disasters, which often exceed local response capabilities. After 9/11, public works personnel were recognized as first responders, playing a vital role from the onset of an emergency through long-term recovery. Disasters can damage local equipment and impact staff emotionally and physically, limiting their ability to respond effectively. Relying solely on neighboring communities is risky, as they may also be affected. Meanwhile, essential services like must continue. IPWMAN enables mutual aid by connecting agencies of all sizes, recognizing that even small contributions-like one truck and one person-can make a difference. The diversity of its membership ensures a wide range of equipment and expertise is available when needed. The City of Aurora has been a participating member of IPWMAN since 2009 [Exhibit B].
DISCUSSION:
Being a member of the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) provides significant benefits to both public works departments and the communities they serve. IPWMAN gives members access to a statewide network of trained personnel and specialized equipment, allowing for faster, more effective response when local resources are overwhelmed during emergencies. This support helps ensure continuity or quick restoration of vital services such as debris removal, road clearing, water and wastewater operations, and infrastructure repairs.
For the community, membership enhances resilience by minimizing service disruptions and accelerating recovery efforts. It also ensures access to coordinated assistance beyond neighboring jurisdictions-particularly important when those nearby may also be impacted. IPWMAN promotes statewide collaboration and reinforces the principle that no community is too large to need help or too small to provide it.
The annual membership due is $500 [Exhibit C]-a nominal cost compared to the potentially high expense of securing emergency assistance independently. Public Works Streets Division pays the annual dues. This small investment gives the City 24/7 access to mutual aid resources, making it a cost-effective and essential tool for emergency preparedness and response.
In 2024, IPWMAN members approved updates to the intergovernmental agreement and bylaws. These changes do not alter the core mutual aid operations but improve clarity and efficiency. Key revisions include:
Expanded Scope of Mutual Aid - The agreement now formally authorizes non-emergency, day-to-day support between members, reflecting existing practice.
Organizational Restructure - IPWMAN will no longer operate as a not-for-profit corporation. Governance will be managed directly through the intergovernmental agency, simplifying administration and legal considerations.
Revised Amendment Process - A new process allows any member to propose changes. If approved by the Board, proposed amendments will be reviewed and voted on by the full membership with clear timelines and thresholds for adoption.
These updates strengthen IPWMAN’s structure while preserving its core mission of providing reliable, cooperative support across Illinois.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not entering into the IPWMAN agreement could significantly limit the City's ability to respond effectively to large-scale emergencies or natural disasters. Without access to the statewide mutual aid network, the City would have to rely solely on its own staff and equipment, which may become damaged, insufficient, or overwhelmed during a major event. This could result in delayed response times, extended service outages, and slower recovery efforts-potentially putting public safety and community well-being at risk.
Additionally, assistance from neighboring municipalities may not be guaranteed, especially if they are dealing with the same disaster and unable to spare resources. Without IPWMAN, the City would also lose the opportunity to receive or provide coordinated support through a structured and well-established system and may face significantly higher costs for outside contracting in emergency situations.
Ultimately, opting out of IPWMAN reduces the City’s operational resilience and places a greater financial and logistical burden on local resources during a time when rapid, organized response is most critical.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City approve and enter into the updated IPWMAN agreement. Participation in IPWMAN provides critical access to statewide mutual aid resources, enabling rapid, coordinated support during emergencies and disasters. For an annual due of $500, the City gains a cost-effective tool to enhance public works response, improve community resilience, and ensure continuity of essential services. Approval of this agreement strengthens our emergency preparedness and reinforces our commitment to mutual aid and public safety.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Emergency Management Coordinator to sign the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement (IPWMAN)
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have the authority pursuant to Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act (5 ILCS 220/1 et.seq.,) to enter into Intergovernmental Agreements with the State of Illinois and any of its agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act (20 ILCS 3305/13 as amended) authorizes the Emergency Management Coordinator of a political subdivision to develop mutual aid arrangements between political subdivisions and taxing districts for reciprocal disaster response and recovery assistance; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 14 of the City of Aurora Municipal Code authorizes the Emergency Management Coordinator to negotiate mutual aid agreements with other cities or political subdivisions of the state on behalf of the city council and shall be effective when reviewed by the corporation counsel and approved by the fire chief; and,
WHEREAS, the parties hereto recognize that such an emergency, disaster or significant localized situation is likely to arise and desire to agree in advance to a system of mutual aid and assistance to meet such a situation, and at the same time to allocate risk and responsibility among themselves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Emergency Management Coordinator is hereby authorized to enter into the intergovernmental agreement known as the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”.