Legislative
Calendar
Wednesday, February 16
3:30 PM – Land Use and Transportation Committee Hearing (Inclusionary Housing Requirements-Repeal of "Sunset").
*Rescheduled from February 15, 2011
5:00 PM – Committee of the Whole Hearing (Mayor's Redistricting Plan)
*BROADCAST LIVE ON TV25
All hearings in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Thursday, February 17
4:00 PM – Labor Subcommittee Hearing (Hiring Preferences for Persons with Disabilities).
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Wednesday, February 23
2:00 PM – Land Use and Transportation Committee Hearing (Rezoning-511 South Clinton Street).
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
CONNECT TO JACK
 Friend on Facebook
 Follow on YouTube
 Email Jack
 See the Latest News
Important Links
Baltimore City Council
Baltimore City Employment
Baltimore City Services: 
Contact Us
Unsubscribe
|
Council President Working for Safer Streets
Dear Baltimoreans,
I traveled to Annapolis on Thursday, February 10, 2011, to testify in support of two state bills that aim to strengthen the penalties associated with carrying illegal, loaded guns in Maryland.
The two bills, SB239 and SB240, were introduced to the Maryland General Assembly on the city’s behalf on January 31, 2011.
I testified before the Maryland Senate's Judicial Proceedings Committee, urging lawmakers to strengthen sentences for illegal gun crimes.
 |
| Council President Young testifies before the Maryland Senate's Judicial Proceedings Committee, urging lawmakers to strengthen sentences for illegal gun crimes. |
The first bill, SB239, would establish an 18-month minimum sentence for individuals arrested with an illegal, loaded gun. The second bill, SB240, would create tougher sentencing guidelines for felons in possession of a gun by establishing a sentencing range of five years to 15 years. These tougher sentencing guidelines would provide judges with additional options for dealing with repeat gun offenders.
In Baltimore City, we have been doing our part to reduce crime. The Baltimore City Council has worked with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to ensure that the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has the resources it needs to function effectively. We have passed a number of pieces of legislation designed to support the efforts of the BPD to crack down on crime. But, it only takes one. One bullet shot on our streets is one too many. One tear shed because of the loss of a life is a tear too many.
During a January press conference, Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld noted the shocking statistic that 44 percent of homicide suspects in 2010 had a previous gun-related arrest. But 82 percent of the jail time handed down for gun offenders was suspended, and the average amount of jail time served by misdemeanor gun offenders amounted to only four months.
The message these bills sends is clear: if you are a bad guy, you will be held accountable. That is an important message for both the offenders and the victims to hear.
Those who are grieving, those whose bodies are struggling to heal from gunshot wounds need to know that we care about them. They need to know that we are doing the job that they elected us to do.
In December 2010, I introduced City Council Resolution 10-0237R supporting Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s efforts to seek tougher penalties for those individuals arrested in the possession of an illegal firearm. The resolution was cosponsored by 11 Council members and should be adopted by the full City Council on February 28, 2011.
I encourage you to contact your state representatives to urge them to support this legislation. Click here to find your representatives.
Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council
Everyday Heroes: Finding Strength in Numbers
Several years ago, members from a handful of small clean water advocacy groups in Baltimore began tossing around an idea that seemed like a long shot: the possibility of combining resources to form one mega group to advocate for improving the health of area waterways that feed into the Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Bay.
Over the years, the individual groups helped to educate the public about ways to take better care of our local rivers, streams and harbor. But they could not escape the feeling that a collective voice could do what their individual cries never could – attract and maintain interesting improving Baltimore’s waterways.
 |
| Blue Water Baltimore formed in 2011 to advocate for improving the health of area waterways. |
On January 27, 2011, that one-time dream became a reality with the announcement of the merger of the Jones Falls Watershed Association, Herring Run Watershed Association, Gwynns Falls Watershed Association, Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association and Baltimore Harbor WATERKEEPER into Blue Water Baltimore. Blue Water Baltimore covers all of Baltimore City’s and much of Baltimore County’s waterways.
Bob Gray, Blue Water Baltimore’s Executive Director, was quoted saying in a recent press release that the newly formed nonprofit will push for “stronger state and local watershed policies and for stricter enforcement of anti-pollution laws.”
“Streams such as the Jones Falls and Herring Run are vital to the health of the bigger rivers downstream like Back River and the Patapsco,” Gray said. “We know that if we can continue to improve the quality of these waterways, over time the Chesapeake Bay will recover, and it will pay off for the entire Baltimore region.”
Blue Water Baltimore has a team of experienced and dedicated employees and volunteers working to improve the health of our local waterways, but you can do your part too by promoting or joining the following initiatives:
- Rain Barrels: A rainwater collection system is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce your water bill and minimize pollution.
- Tree Planting: Planting native trees helps filter polluted runoff, air pollution, and cool our neighborhoods.
- Rain Gardens: Designed to capture rain runoff from a hard surface and help limit the amount of polluted runoff that winds up in storm drains and streams.
- Conservation Landscaping: Conservation landscaping is done with the specific goals of reducing pollution and improving the local environment.
- Pavement Reduction: Pavement prevents rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground, a process that naturally filters and cools the water, and recharges groundwater supplies.
- Downspout Disconnection: Learn how easy it is to help keep trash and chemicals out of your neighborhood streams by redirecting your downspout to flow into your yard or garden.
- Indoor Water Audit: A trained team of professionals will help you assess and reduce your water usage at home.
For more information about how you can help improve the city’s waterways visit www.bluewaterbaltimore.org.
Go Red for Women's Health
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women (GRFW) – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.
For more information, call 410-637-4569 or visit goredforwomen.org.
Information provided by the American Heart Association.
Council Redistricting Initiative Underway
Baltimore City is currently in the process of dividing the city into districts of approximately equal population for the election of members to serve on the City Council. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for redrawing City Council districts. Baltimore redistricts every 10 years after the decennial census is completed.
On Monday, January 31, 2011, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake introduced her redistricting plan to the City Council.
Click HERE for an overview of the Mayor's plan.
Click HERE to view a PDF file of the Mayor's proposed plan in a map layout.
The City Council will hold public hearings to discuss the redistricting plan.
The full City Council will hold a hearing to discuss the Mayor's plan on:
Wednesday, February 16, 5:00 PM
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street
Check the City Council's 2011 redistricting website at baltimorecitycouncil.com/redistricting.html for updates.
Tenants in Foreclosure Workshop
Wednesday, February 16 at 6:00 PM
The Public Justice Center, 1 North Charles Street
Did you know that when a residential property is sold at foreclosure, most renters have the right to continue renting until the end of the lease or at least 90 days? At this free workshop at the Public Justice Center, attorneys and paralegals will provide general
information and individualized advice on how to contact the bank or the court to assert your rights; negotiate a “cash-for-keys” deal with the bank; file a motion in court to protect your rights; obtain the return of your security deposit, and more!
For more information or to RSVP, call 410-625-9409 ext. 235.
Keep the Beat: Dance for Your Heart
Thursday, February 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Vollmer Center at Clyburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Join us for this heart healthy senior line dance event! Free heart healthy screening, dancing demonstrations and more! Keep your heart beat up, keep your feet moving, and dance your way to better heart health! Space is limited, call early and be sure to wear your athletic wear!
For more information or to RSVP, call 410-367-2217.
"It's More Than History!" Brown Bag Lecture Series
Fridays in February (February 18 and 25) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
City Hall, Board of Estimates Room, 100 North Holliday Street
Bring your favorite brown bag lunch and enjoy this series of lectures about Maryland's history. February 4 will focus on Harriet Tubman's "Freedom Quest" as an underground railroad conductor and civil rights activist, February 11 will explore Baltimore's musical legacy through film and jazz, and February 18 will concentrate on the 1814 defense of Baltimore against the British army. A photo ID is required.
For more information, call 443-984-2369.
1st-Time Homeownership Workshop
Saturday, February 19 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
To register for this free workshop or schedule an appointment, call 443-388-9809.
Urban Birds
Saturday, February 19 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Come and learn which ones stay for the winter, how to identify them, and how to help them survive cold weather! No pets please. Please pre-register. Admission is $4/ adults, $2 children 5 and under.
For more information or to register, call 410-396-0808.
Baltimore City Truck Study Public Meetings
Wednesday, February 16 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Barclay Elementary Middle School Auditorium, 2900 Barclay Street
Tuesday, February 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road
Thursday, February 24 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
AFYA Center, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building, 4151 Park Heights Avenue
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has conducted a
study intended to better manage truck traffic throughout
Baltimore City. Four public meetings have been scheduled to
present the citywide plan in its entirety. Previous meetings
during 2010 focused on each geographical area of the city. The February 2011 meetings will outline proposed truck movements
from one end of the city to the other. The same presentation will
be given during each meeting.
Community Greening Resource Network Volunteer and Seed Planting Day
Saturday, February 19 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Real Food Farm, 701 St. Lo Drive
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. as volunteers will assist the staff at Real Food Farm with preparing the farm. At noon, there is a break for a potluck lunch, and at 1:00 p.m., seed planting begins. The plants will be distributed to community gardens across the city during the CGRN Give-Away Day in March. Join for the entire day or just a few hours – your choice! Water and tools will be provided, but please bring a water bottle and appropriate clothing for outdoor work.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Katie Dix, CGRN Coordinator, at 410-448-5663 ext 128 or community.greening@parksandpeople.org.
Composting in the City
Thursday, February 24 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Parks & People Foundation, 800 Wyman Drive, Suite 010, 21211
Afraid that starting a compost pile will attract rats or other pests? Not sure exactly what you can and can't add to your pile? Join Master Composter Angela Smith to learn how to compost in the city.
Please RSVP to Katie Dix, CGRN Coordinator at 410-448-5663 or community.greening@parksandpeople.org.
Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini-Grant Program
Applications due February 25
The Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grant Program awards up to $5,000 to support activities at schools and non-profit organizations that help promote awareness of and participation in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. The Mini Grant Program is supported by a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Bay Watershed Education and Training Program.
For more information or to apply, visit cbtrust.org.
Poetry Out Loud
Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street
Aaron Henkin of WYPR-FM hosts the Maryland State Poetry Out Loud finals, sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council and featuring nine regional winners who will compete for the championship. The Poetry Out Loud competition awards more than $100,000 in prizes to students and schools at the state and national levels.
For more information, email cstwewart@msac.org.
Fest-Of-All Gala and Fashion Show
Saturday, February 26 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway
Fest-of-All is a celebration of everything Federal Hill. It features fine food & drink (open bar) from great restaurants and taverns and the newest spring fashions from award-winning boutiques. Music and dancing follow the fashion show, and a silent auction offering bargains galore rounds out the evening. Proceeds go to the national award-winning nonprofit Federal Hill Main Street program for its community revitalization efforts, driven by volunteers. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be set aside for a new small business revolving microloan fund that Federal Hill Main Street is establishing to assist local businesses in gaining access to capital. Tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door, and include all the fine food and drink from Federal Hill establishments.
For more information, call 410-727-4500, email janeseebold@historicfederalhill.org or visit historicfederalhill.org.
Classic Sounds of New Orleans
Sunday, February 27 at 2:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street
From street parades to night clubs, from church houses to dance halls, music is key to New Orleans' uniqueness. Robert Cataliotti, producer of the new recording, Classic Sounds of New Orleans, talks about the music of New Orleans.
For more information, call 410-396-5430.
University of Maryland Medical Center "From the Heart" Annual Health Fair
Monday, February 28 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street
FREE! An afternoon of heart health education for the entire family sponsored by the University of Maryland Medical System.
For more information, call 1-800-492-5538.
Small Business Seminar Series
Monday, February 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307, 3rd Floor
This series is designed to provide intense training to small business owners that want to understand the City of Baltimore’s contracting process. The February 28 session is "How to Market to the City of Baltimore" and costs $25.
For more information and to register, call 410-396-3818.
Open Society Institute-Baltimore Community Fellowships
Applications accepted through March 21 at 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Community Fellowships program seeks dynamic activists and social entrepreneurs interested in implementing projects that address problems in undeserved communities in Baltimore City. The fellowship spans a term of 18 months beginning Fall 2011. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend information sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays in February.
For more information, call 410-234-1091.
CollegeBound Foundation Scholarship Applications
Applications due March 1
The CollegeBound Foundation is accepting applications for its Last-Dollar Grant award (up to $3,000). To qualify, a student must be a 2011 graduate from a Baltimore City Public High School and demonstrate an economic need. Also available are over 60 scholarships based on academic merit or service learning, ranging from a one-time $400 award to a four-year full tuition award. Applications are due by March 1 and are available online at scholarships.mycbf.net/stars.
For more information, call 410-783-2905 or email dcarr-davis@collegeboundfoundation.org.
Maryland Science Center Scholarships
Applications accepted through March 2
The Maryland Science Center awards the Dr. H. Bentley Glass Scholarship to two Baltimore City high public school students who will enter either a community or 4-year college in the fall. Each scholarship provides $1500 to help defray the considerable costs of post-secondary education. To be eligible for consideration, students must meet the following criteria: Attend a Baltimore City public high school; have a cumulative average of 80 or above; demonstrate financial hardship; and intend to pursue the study of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Full details and the application can be found at http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org/programs/GlassScholar/Main.html.
Fells Point's Harbor Ball
Saturday, March 19 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Thames Street Wharf
The Fell’s Point Residents Association and Bozzuto Development present this event with proceeds going to repair/replace the windows in 1732 Thames Street, an historically significant building on one of Fell’s Point’s main thoroughfares.
The 4th annual Harbor Ball, with the theme of Party Like a Sailor, promises lots of fun with live entertainment from the band That’s What She Said, DJ Don Koenig, beer, wine, a premium cash bar, great food from Pierpoint, dancing and a huge silent auction. Dress is black tie/festive. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at harborball.org or at One Eyed Mike’s, Long and Foster’s Fell’s Point office, BB&T Harbor East/Fell’s Point location and the Fell’s Point Visitors Center.
For more information, call 410-960-7038 or visit harborball.org.
|
