* 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 Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Informational Hearing - Department of Public Works - Leaf Vacuuming Program
FOR the purpose of requesting the Director of Public Works and the Bureau Head of Solid Waste to address the City Council on the Leaf Vacuuming program, to share feedback from citizens in the neighborhoods that have received services in the past, the plans for expansion of the program in future years, and to explain the selection process that determines which neighborhoods receive service and the order of priority in which service is rendered.
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Recitals
Under the 2009 Leaf Vacuuming Program, the City of Baltimore conducted leaf vacuuming in 13 heavily-wooded neighborhoods. Communities receiving leaf vacuuming services this fiscal year included in November: Guilford, Roland Park, Homeland; in December: Mt. Washington, Howard Park, Hunting Ridge, Westgate, WestHills, in January: Ten Hills, Beverly Hills, Original Northwood, and in February: Arcadia, Morgan Park.
Residents are notified by postcard and signs are posted throughout the community prior to the scheduled week for specific areas. Residents who wish to continue to bag their leaves may do so, and the bagged leaves are collected on the regular trash day. Vacuuming service runs Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. After a street is vacuumed only bagged leaves will be collected, and residents are asked to move cars during the hours of the vacuuming operation.
The Baltimore Sustainability Plan, Chapter 7, "Greening", approved by the City Council March 2, 2009: "Trees are not plentiful in many areas of Baltimore City, yet urban forestry provides a host of very valuable benefits. Studies have shown that areas with more trees have lower asthma rates among children. Trees provide welcome shade in the summertime, reducing the urban heat island effect and reducing air conditioning needs for buildings and cars. In addition, urban forestry offers bird habitat, improves air quality, and absorbs greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce climate change."
"The TreeBaltimore Initiative is our city's effort to double Baltimore's tree canopy from 20-40% by 2037. With this initiative, Baltimore joins the ranks of other cities across the country that are aggressively working toward building a sustainable urban forest. The initiative will give both the public and private sectors an opportunity to take part in improving the quality of urban live. Education and outreach along with innovative incentives for private landowners will be required to reach this bold goal."
Because the Leaf Vacuuming Program supports this private/public partnership by assisting in the care and nurturing of our urban forest, it is imperative that the program be equally available to all neighborhoods regardless of location or socio-economics.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Director of Public Works and the Bureau Head of Solid Waste are requested to address the City Council on the Leaf Vacuuming program, to share feedback from citizens in the neighborhoods that have received services in the past, the plans for expansion of the program in future years, and the selection process that determines which neighborhoods receive service and the order of priority in which service is rendered.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of Public Works, the Bureau Head of Solid Waste, the organizations listed in the Department of Planning Directory of Community Associations, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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