* 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: President Young
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Investigative Hearing - Fire Department - Company Closures and the Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan
FOR the purpose of calling on the Fire Chief, the Director of Finance, and the City Solicitor to report to the City Council on the effect of the proposed disbandment of three fire companies and the effect of that policy on the delivery of fire suppression and rescue services to City residents; the status of the positions identified for demotion in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget in conjunction with the disbandment of fire companies; the levels of compliance with national standards for training, safety, and response to fire emergencies; and to furnish the City Council with copies of the current Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan and a detailed plan for future development of the required Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan.
body
Recitals
During the Fiscal Year 2013 budget process, it came to light that the Fire Department intended to disband three fire companies, relocate three companies, and demote certain members of the Fire Department for an undetermined period of time.
Following the June 29, 2012 storm, and over a week of excessive heat, the Administration opted to postpone the fire company disbandments and relocations, choosing to disband two companies on Monday, July 9, 2012 and postponing the disbandment of a third company until October 2012.
In 1989, the City Council passed a law (codified in Article 9. Fire Department, Subtitle 2 Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan) that states "Commencing January 1, 1989, and every 5 years thereafter, it shall be the duty of the Board of Fire Commissioners to present to the Mayor and City Council a written, Comprehensive Baltimore City Fire Protection Plan in which the City is regarded as 1 territorial unit". The law goes on to state the plan will include:
(1) specific recommendations for equipment and personnel and their locations for the fire suppression companies, truck companies, and the emergency medical care companies for the next 5 fiscal years;
(2) proposed future consolidations, relocations, or reductions of fire suppression and emergency medical care units; and
(3) the criteria used by the Board in determining that a fire suppression unit, a truck company, or an emergency medical care unit should be closed or consolidated.
The residents of Baltimore rely on public safety personnel to protect them and ensure their safety during emergencies. The public safety personnel that train and join the Baltimore City Fire Department unselfishly provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Baltimore.
It is prudent to address the concerns of both the residents of Baltimore City and Fire unions and identify changes to law and policy that are needed to ensure the safety of residents and firefighters alike.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Fire Chief, Director of Finance, and City Solicitor are requested to report to the City Council on the effect of the proposed disbandment of three fire companies and the effect of that policy on the delivery of fire suppression and rescue services to City residents; the status of the positions identified for demotion in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget in conjunction with the disbandment of fire companies; the levels of compliance with national standards for training, safety, and response to fire emergencies; and to furnish the City Council with copies of the 2009 Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan and a detailed plan for future development of the required Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Fire Chief, the Director of Finance, the City Solicitor, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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