Fulshear City Council on Jan. 7 approved a waiver and release of liability allowing Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4 (the county fire district) to assist the city during elevated water testing at two city buildings that previously sustained water damage.

Staff explained the city had earlier selected a contractor for repairs but could not reach contract terms, and subsequently retained PGAL, a consultant with regional experience in water testing and building‑repair assessment. PGAL will conduct the testing; the fire district will loan ladder trucks and personnel to provide elevated access so PGAL can perform pressure and spray tests without the city renting special equipment. Staff clarified the fire district would assist with elevation and positioning only; the consultant will handle the actual testing and sample collection.

Council members asked for clarification about the fire district’s role and qualifications and whether firefighting‑level pressures would be used. Staff said the consultants will perform testing and the fire district will not use full fire‑post pressure because of the volume and force that would cause additional damage. Staff also said city personnel will assist PGAL during tests to monitor and mitigate any water intrusion.

Councilmember Utterkar moved approval and Councilmember Powers seconded; the council approved the waiver by voice vote. Staff said the waiver is limited to the testing described and is intended to let the city use the ESD’s equipment for safe elevated access without exposing the district to liability for testing‑related water damage.

The council did not direct immediate repairs in this item; staff indicated repairs and mitigation plans will proceed after testing identifies leak sources.