Title
Authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety to allow the City of Mesquite to administer Commercial Driver License skills tests to City employees on behalf of the State of Texas.
Body
The City of Mesquite has approximately 160 Commercial Driver License (CDL) drivers on staff and tests approximately 40 new employees for CDL licenses each year. The skills testing portion of the CDL licensing process is time consuming, taking up to four hours for a driver to take the skills test, as well as taking two employees (the applicant and a licensed CDL driver) and a Commercial Motor Vehicle away from work for up to half a day. In response to the considerable inconvenience experienced by the public during this part of the CDL licensure process, the Texas Department of Licensing has developed a Third-Party Skills Testing Program to allow public and private entities to administer the "Skills Test" portion of the CDL exam in-house. Staff feels that the City would benefit from participating in this program, saving considerable time and expense.
The attached agreement is part of the process for the City of Mesquite to become a Third-Party Skills Testing Provider. The primary departments to benefit from this program include the Parks Department and Public Works (Equipment Services, Solid Waste, Streets and Utilities).
Financial Implications
There are no fees associated with becoming a Third-Party Skills Testing Provider; however, there will be some training costs incurred as the City goes through the process certifying employees to become examiners. There will also be a long-term positive financial impact to the City, for time and expense saved in streamlining the CDL process for the City.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Attachment(s)
DPS Agreement
Drafter
Steven Glass, P.E....
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