* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Porter
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Baltimore Public Sanitation - Homeless Encampments
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Baltimore City Health Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services to brief the City Council on potential strategies for mitigating waste left by homeless encampments, including a discussion regarding the procurement of a contracted service to clear hazardous waste from such encampments.
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Whereas, homelessness is a complex issue in Baltimore City, both for those who are unhoused as well as other local residents.
Whereas, homeless encampments have become more prevalent in the City as the number of unhoused residents increases, leading to more refuse in surrounding areas.
Whereas, refuse left around homeless encampments often contains bio-hazardous materials, including human and animal waste, non-regulated trash, and drug paraphernalia.
Whereas, no agency or contractor is currently designated to clear refuse left by homeless encampments, leaving local residents to undertake clean-up and presenting considerable environmental health risks.
Whereas, the City Council recognizes the need to designate an agency or contractor to clear refuse left by homeless encampments to alleviate the undue burden and potential health risks to local residents.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the City Council invites the Director of the Department of Public Works, the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services to brief the City Council on potential strategies for mitigating waste left by homeless encampments, including a discussion regarding the procurement of a contracted service to clear hazardous waste from such encampments.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Director of the Department of Public Works, the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department, the Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.