Politics & Government

LIVE BLOG: Increased Penalties for Illegal Dumping Goes Before Council

Follow what's going on in Monday's meeting live.

City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young said legislation he sponsored, which was passed by the Baltimore City Council Monday, will give residents a new weapon in the fight to keep their city clean.

“Residents have continuously told me that they have been unsuccessfully fighting against people who come into their neighborhoods and illegally dump debris and garbage,” Young said in a statement released after the meeting. “Our residents deserve relief from these disrespectful lawbreakers.”

The legislation increases the fine for dumping garbage less than 25 pounds and 10 cubic feet from $150 to $500. It also increases the fine for garbage dumped illegally in quantities greater than 25 pounds and 10 cubic feet from $250 to $1,000.

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6:14 p.m. — A bill requesting the mayor appoint a Lead Abatement Review Commission is adopted.

6:10 p.m. — Councilman William "Pete" Welch introduces a resolution requesting YouthWorks be turned into a year round program.

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6:05 p.m. — Councilwoman Helen Holton calls for an informational hearing to find a basic level of "sustainable funding" for the city jobs program YouthWorks.

6:01 p.m. — Councilman Bill Henry introduces a resolution asking Baltimore's General Assembly delegation introduce legislation that would require the mayor's and governor's appointments to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners be approved by the Baltimore City Council.

5:56 p.m. — The Baltimore City Council approves a resolution supporting Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke's "return to sender" petition drive. The goal of the drive is to remove eight city post offices from a list of offices being considered for closure. 

5:48 p.m. — Councilwoman Belinda Conaway introduces legislation to look at getting rid of speed cameras in the city. She said the increase in revenues year after year is proof they aren't changing drivers' behavior. She said that stricter enforcement of illegal dumping laws could help offset the loss of revenue if speed cameras are removed.

"We'd like to do something different that brings some relief to the neighborhoods," Conaway.  

5:47 p.m. — Councilwoman Belinda Conaway introduces legislation calling for an anti-gang commission to develop a five year plan to address gangs in the city.

"We know that gangs are a problem in this city even though it hasn't been at the forefront of the media," Conaway said.

Bill is assigned to the Public Safety Committee

5:40 p.m.— Councilman James Kraft sponsors legislation altering the way the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals operates. The bill would require more detailed minutes be kept, that appeals board members attend meetings to vote and that matters before the board be decided within 30 days. The bill is assigned to the Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee. 

5:32 p.m. — Councilman Robert Curran introduces a 62 page piece of legislation overhauling the city's animal abuse laws. He said he hopes the bill will get a hearing by October and that the council will approve it during this term. 

"The bottom line is that animal cruelty will cease in Baltimore," Curran said.

5:25 p.m. — Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke introduces a bill that would amend the city's current littering law as it applies to circulars. The bill would alter the law so that it's presumed a resident doesn't want an advertising circular. It would also increase the fine for subsequent violations. The fine for the first violation would be $50 per circular. But the fee will increase to $100 per circular for second offense an $500 per circular for a third offense. The bill is assigned to the Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee.

5:15 p.m. — The City Council approves four executive nominees to the BMore Streets Advisory Board and Civilian Review Board.

The Baltimore City Council is scheduled to consider a bill sponsored by City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young that would increase penalties for the illegal dumping of trash.


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