Elaine Pivirotto and Robert S. Walsh, both D-132, have proposed a measure that would apply to units of the fire and police departments.

The council forwarded their plan to its Ordinance Committee last week.

The suggestion follows last October's shutdown of an engine company — - a truck that carries water and its complement of firefighters — in a bid to plug the Fire Department's $1.2 million deficit. Union officials charged the decision could be a killer because it would lengthen firefighters' response times.

There was no opportunity for public comment when Fabrizi made his decision.

"We're trying to guarantee the public will have a say," Walsh said of future closings.

He blasted Fabrizi for failing to submit any rationale to back up the engine company closing, by submitting backup data such as response projections or a budget analysis.

The closed company was based on Congress Street and served densely populated minority neighborhoods. As a result, Walsh said, the decision to close the company in question was seen by some as "racially biased."

Even the administration of imprisoned Mayor Joseph P. Ganim submitted backup statistics to justify closings he made, Walsh said.

Under the proposal, the mayor would have to announce a pending closing in a legal notice 45 days before it occurs, and also announce the date of a public hearing before the council.

It would also require the mayor, or a designee, to submit written testimony outlining the economic reasons for the action, any potential negative impacts to public safety and possible alternatives.

Walsh said the council could take such steps as resolutions calling for alternatives or changing budget line allocations to thwart a planned closing.