LIVE BLOG: Baltimore City Council Considers Charter Amendment

A bill that would place a referendum issue on the ballot to create a non-lapsing fund for school construction and maintenance is one step closer to landing on the mayor's desk.

The Baltimore City Council approved the bill on second reader Monday night. But an amendment was added to the bill. The amendment, introduced by Councilman Ed Reisinger, removed the council's ability to allocate money from fines and fees to the proposed fund.   

5:45 p.m. The charter amendment will move onto third reader. However, the bill is approved with an amendment from Councilman Ed Reisinger, D-District 10. The amendment removes the Baltimore City Council's ability to direct funds from fines and fees.

The bill allows the fund to be paid for through an allocation in the mayor's budget or donations.

5:35 p.m. The council is debating a series of amendments to the charter amendment bill.

5:21 p.m. Councilman Bill Henry, D-District 4, introduces a bill to modify the Board of Licenses for Towing Services.

The bill would also give the board the power to deny, suspend or revoke a license if a towing company received enough complaints during a set time period.

"Sometimes the problem is the [towing company] is a jerk and it's really hard to legislate against that," Henry said.

5:15 p.m. The bill seeking to add the Waverly Town Hall to the city's landmark list has picked up an additional sponsor. Councilman James Kraft, D-District 1, said his family lived in the Waverly area and has a sentimental attachment to the hall. 

The bill will be heard by the Urban Affairs and Aging Committee.

The Baltimore City Council is considering legislation naming Waverly Town Hall to the city's landmark list, and a bill that would place a referendum issue on the ballot to amend the Baltimore City Charter to create a permanent fund for public school construction and maintenance.