On the Agenda for March 19
Resolution 07-0272R Informational Hearing--Bureau of Vector Control To discuss the efficacy of current rat-patrol measures.
Public Interest Grade: D The council wants to hold hearings on "the status of outreach and educational rat abatement programs, and the efficacy of programs to control rat infestations." But we can cut to the chase and tell you right now that simply improving sanitation services--especially in poorer areas--and responding promptly when citizens call 311 with trash concerns would be a good start.
Resolution 07-0276R In Support of State Legislation--Education--Funding Formula for Adult Education and Literacy Grants Would ask the state to provide competitive adult-education and literacy grants.
Public Interest Grade: A We'd love to see more education grants in this city.
City Council Quote of the Week: "If we spent over budget what [the Bush administration] did on this war, our heads would be on stakes outside of this building." --Councilman James Kraft (D-1st District) on the City Council's support of legislation to bring U.S. troops back from Iraq.
City Council Fact of the Week: In April 1861, Southern sympathizers attacked Union troops on Pratt Street in Baltimore, resulting in the first bloodshed of the Civil War. The then-mayor and -governor both requested that President Lincoln send no more troops through the city, and the City Council agreed to raise $500,000 to build city defenses.
The next City Council meeting is on Monday, April 16, at 5 p.m.
