* 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 McCray
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Fire Department - Office of the Chief - Annual Review
For the purpose of requesting that the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department come before the City Council to initiate the process of annually reviewing the duties of the Office of the Chief; requiring the review to include an evaluation of the Department’s efforts to meet performance goals; requesting that the Chief, in consultation with the City Council, establish goals and objectives for the upcoming year; and requesting that the Chief identify service delivery gaps that need to be addressed.
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Recitals
The duties of the Office of the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department are outlined in the City Charter and in ordinances passed by the Mayor and City Council. The Office of the Chief is responsible for supervising and directing the Fire Department. Within that authority, the Office shall take all proper measures for the protection of property, preservation of life, and observance of the laws of the State, ordinances of the City, and regulations governing fire and emergency medical services.
In recent years, the Fire Department has been faced with an increased demand for emergency medical services, staffing shortages, station closures, deteriorating facilities and fleet, and the health and safety of the Department’s workforce.
In 2015, the Office of the Chief released a report outlining the tragic death of Lieutenant James Bethea, who died in the line of duty. The report recommended the Department implement safety reforms. The following year, the Department partnered with the Center for Public Safety Excellence to bring together a number of external stakeholders, along with its members, to develop a long-term strategic plan for the years 2016 though 2021. The strategic plan was used to guide the Department as it pursued its goals of efficient service and professionalism.
In the spirit of transparency and oversight, the Council is requesting that the Chief present:
(1) the yearly goals and initiatives that have been the Office’s focus since the Chief was appointed;
(2) a status report on the health and safety reforms that were recommended and implemented after the death of Lieutenant Bethea.;
(3) an update on the implementation process of the goals that were set in the 2016-2021 strategic plan; and
(4) a briefing on the Chief’s 2022-2023 goals and initiatives.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council requests that the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department come before the City Council to begin the process of conducing annual performance evaluations of the Office of the Chief, including a review of the prior year’s performance and the establishment of goals and initiatives for the upcoming year.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the Baltimore City Council.