§ 2-5. Consolidations, closings, or relocations.

(a) Hearing required.

Before a final decision is made to consolidate, close, or relocate for longer than 3 months any fire suppression company or unit, emergency medical care company or unit, or truck company or unit, the Chief must hold a public hearing in the community that will be impacted, to provide citizens with an opportunity to submit oral or written testimony or other information on the proposed closing.

(b) Notice of hearing.

(1) At least 2 weeks before the hearing, notice of the hearing must be:

(i) published in at least 2 newspapers of general circulation in the geographic area of the company or unit proposed for consolidation, relocation, or closing;

(ii) posted on the websites of the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore City Fire Department; and

(iii) posted prominently outside that unit or company. The sign is to be not less than 4 feet long and 3 feet wide with black lettering 2 inches high on a white background.

(2) The notice must include:

(i) a statement of the procedures that will be followed in making the final decision; and

(ii) any time limits imposed on the submission of testimony or other information.

Any final decision to consolidate, relocate, or close a company or unit must be:

(1) in writing; and

(2) accompanied by a statement of the factors considered in making the decision.