Council Committee to Hold Hearings on City’s Public Safety Readiness

BALTIMORE, MD – On Wednesday, October 10, 2012, the Baltimore City Council’s Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee will hold two very important hearings related to fire protection and prevention.

The hearings, a result of legislation introduced by City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young, would require the Fire Department to hold a public hearing prior to consolidating, relocating or closing any fire suppression, emergency medical care or truck companies.

The first hearing begins at 5:00 p.m. and will consider an ordinance (12-0115) that would notify citizens of any these Fire Department changes. The ordinance would also provide citizens with information used to determine the outcome.

The second hearing, which will immediately follow the first, is on a resolution (12-0061R) that calls on Fire Chief James S. Clack, Finance Director Harry Black and City Solicitor George Nilson to explain how the recent fire company closures impact the city’s Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan.

Both hearings will take place at City Hall in Council Chambers.

The resolution also requests updates on the city’s level of compliance with national standards for training, safety and response to fire emergencies, and it requests the Fire Department to publicize copies of the city’s 2009 Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan.

“During the summer I attempted to save three fire companies slated for closure as part of my Plan for a Better Baltimore,” Council President Young said. “My proposal identified modifications to the Mayor’s proposed $2.8 billion budget that would have allowed the city to fully invest in public safety initiatives. And recently the administration discovered an extra $4 million in revenue collected from speed cameras – money that should be used to immediately re-open the two remaining closed fire companies.”

WHEN: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: City Hall, Council Chambers