Baltimore City Council Live Blog

(UPDATE 5:58 p.m.) —The council gives final approval to repealing a length-of-service requirement for the minimum benefit provided to spousal beneficiaries. 

The move is met with a round of applause from residents in attendance.

Urban Renewal Plans Amended

A laundry list of amendments to urban renewal plans for various communities including Poppleton, Reservoir Hill and Park Heights are approved.

Water Meter Bill Moves Towards Final Approval

Theby Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke that requires a water meter be read before a residential customer is billed, as opposed to being estimated, goes before the council on second reader.

The bill is passed and moves on to a third and final read before council approval.  

"The problem is, read the meters before you bill," Clarke said.

Council Passes Resolution Asking to Decrease War Spending

Councilman James Kraft introduces resolution asking Congress to redirect money being spent on military to domestic priorities. Resolution is adopted.

Resolution Seeks Hearing on Hazardous Waste Disposal

Councilwoman Rochelle "Rikki" Spector introduces a resolution creating a hearing on household hazardous waste removal. The hearing would look into the effectiveness of the city's current disposal method.

Teacher of the Year Recognized

a teacher at Mount Washington Elementary School, is congratulated by the council for being named Baltimore City Schools 2011 Teacher of the Year.

Apparently one of Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke's grandchildren is a student in May's fifth grade class.