Howard County Council District 5 News
April Edition
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David Yungmann
Howard County Council, District 5
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Thank you for signing up to receive our District 5 newsletter, which I hope will give you a better understanding of what’s happening in the community and government.
It will have overviews of development activity in our district, certain legislation being considered by the County Council and other significant projects. A government department or function will be featured each month to help you gain a better understanding of our local government. We will also feature community partners and let you know about community events.
Please share our newsletter and encourage others to sign up so they can also know what’s happening around the community.
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Fiscal Year 2020 April Budget Calendar
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The County Executive submitted his Capital Budget to the Council on April 1st. You can view a copy of the County Executive's Proposed Capital Budget
here.
The Howard County Council welcomes community participation in the budget process for Fiscal Year 2020. Below lists the public meetings at which the Council will consider the County Executive's proposed budget. All public meetings will be held in the Banneker Room and work sessions will be held in the C. Vernon Gray Room. The Operating Budget is due to the Council by Sunday, April 21.
April Budget Calendar Below:
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Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 pm
Public Hearing - Capital Budget
Monday, April 15, 9:30 am
Work Session - Capital Budget
Monday, April 22, 9:30 am
Work Session - Capital Budget (if needed)
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Monday, April 22, 7:00 pm
County Executive's Budget Presentation to the County Council
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 pm
Public Hearing - Capital and Operating Budget
Monday, April 29, 9:30 am
Work Session - Capital and Operating Budget
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Last month, I prefiled legislation
(CR-51) that would amend the County's Charter and create a public confirmation process for the appointment of all department directors. Currently, a public hearing and council confirmation is only required for the approval of the County Solicitor, Health Officer, Cable Administrator, and the dozen of citizens on the County's Boards and Commissions. This legislation would align Howard County with other charter counties including Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Prince George's, Montgomery, Talbot, and Baltimore City. I believe this amendment will increase transparency in county government.
If passed by the Council, the amendment will be sent to a referendum vote in the 2020 election cycle. CR-51 will have a public hearing on April 22, 2019 at 7:00pm.
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A special
'thank you' to
Troop 761 for inviting me to speak on the legislative process in Howard County. I was impressed with your questions and knowledge of local government. I know you all will make great leaders in our community! Thank you, again!
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My office received an update from the State Highways Administration (SHA) on the scheduled Triadelphia Road bridge replacement (Phase II of Route 32 widening). This project is a portion of the Route 32 expansion that is set to be completed in 2022. The soon-to-be new Triadelphia Road Bridge will include a sidewalk and a 6-8 foot shoulder.
SHA has confirmed that the Triadelphia Road Bridge construction will begin July of 2019 and be completed July of 2020. During the full year of construction, a partial closure of the bridge will occur. Traffic will be allowed on Triadelphia Road Bridge in the westbound direction, however, eastbound traffic will be detoured along Ten Oaks Road, northbound MD 32, and Rosemary Lane. SHA assured us that all options concerning the bridge closure and detour routes have been explored. Construction work is not scheduled to take place between the Burntwoods Road Interchange and Rosemary Lane during this year-long period.
SHA will be working with the County, Howard County Police, Emergency Medical Services and HCPSS to ensure the safety of all students and residents during this period (especially on Rosemary Lane). SHA will hold a community meeting within the coming months to discuss this project. Meeting information will be sent out shortly via hard copy to all nearby residents. The District 5 office will continue to update you when more information is provided.
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The Maryland State Highway Administration has officially lowered the speed limit along MD 99 from MD 32 to Woodstock road to 40 MPH. SHA expects the previous 50 MPH signs to be replaced with 40 MPH signs by the end of May or sooner.
In addition, MDOT SHA District 7 replaced the existing school signs at the school campus along Woodford Drive with new signs featuring yellow/green color sheeting.
Thank you Maryland State Highway Administration for working to make MD 99 safer. Also, thank you former State Senator Gail Bates for initiating this important request after much discussion with concerned Marriott's Ridge High School parents. Speed has been a recurring topic as the County, SHA, and the community have worked together to improve the safety of MD 99.
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Development in District 5
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My office understands that development is a key concern among many Howard County residents. We have created a separate page on my council website to provide up-to-date information on development plans and presubmission community meetings in District 5. To view our development web-page, click
here
.
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Howard County Tax Credits
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Howard County offers a variety of
Tax Credit
opportunities for residents! Tax payers should explore Howard County's
website for a full list of credits and applications.
The Department of Finance and the Maryland Assess Point (MAP) will be available throughout the spring & summer to help you apply for tax credits! Check out this
website
for information on the assistance program.
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Government 101
Howard County Fire & Rescue Services
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The Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services is a combination of nearly 900 career and volunteer providers operating from twelve stations across the County. District 5 is home to four of those stations; Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department, Glenwood Station, Bethany Station, and West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department. The department is responsible for fire suppression and prevention, fire training, arson investigation, rescue services, and emergency medical services. Howard County continues to remain safe for all residents with the work of both the Howard County Police Department and Fire & Rescue Services.
Last month, the administration filed legislation that would allow the County to impose a charge for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The County Council passed this legislation earlier this week. With the cost of medical supplies continuing to increase each year, this program will allow for the County to be reimbursed for providing EMS services. Similar programs have been implemented in surrounding jurisdictions. Charges for EMS will be billed to the patient's insurance company and Howard County residents will not be expected to pay out-of-pocket expenses. The Department of Fire & Rescue has put together a FAQ sheet for residents to learn more about the EMS Insurance Reimbursement Program. To learn more about this program, click
here.
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Councilman Yungmann to-be Guest Judge at Battle of the Books!
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Save the date!
Councilman Yungmann will be a guest judge for the Battle of the Books at Mt. Hebron High School on Friday, April 5! Battle of the Books is a great countywide event sponsored by the Howard County Library System. To learn more visit their
website
!
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HCPSS & Horizon Foundation Host Free Film & Discussion!
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Throughout April, HCPSS and the Horizon Foundation will be hosting a film and discussion night at four locations throughout Howard County. A free documentary screening on anxiety in youth will be shown, followed by a panel discussion. To view the show dates and to RSVP online, click
here!
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Howard County Veterans Fair!
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On April 8 stop by the Year of the Veteran Resource fair from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Howard Community College. This event will provide local veterans and military families an opportunity to learn about local services that are available to them. To learn more about this event, click
here.
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On April 9th at 11:00 am, Leadership Howard County will host a community event featuring Liz Murray, a young woman with a powerful story of determination and perseverance. Don't miss out on this inspiring story and to celebrate leadership in our county. You can register for the event
here.
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On Saturday, April 13th join Howard County in celebrating the 12th Anniversary of GreenFest! GreenFest is free & open to the public. Enjoy numerous exhibits, demonstrations & outdoor activities.
FREE shredding event will be available from 10:00am-2:00pm. Learn more
here!
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Howard Astronomical League (HAL) Public Star Party!
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On April 13th from 7:45pm-11:00pm attend the Public Star Party at the HAL Observatory at Alpha Ridge Park! Enjoy the first quarter Moon and other celestial objects through telescopes, as well as live images on a big screen. Event is
free. Visit
www.howardastro.org to learn more!
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Howard County Recreation and Parks is looking for volunteers to plant trees at Rockburn Park on Saturday, April 20th. This is a fun event for individuals, families and groups.Registration is required. Please visit
hocovolunteer.org
to find out more and register.
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Ellicott City SpringFest!
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Come celebrate the spring season in Old Ellicott City at its annual SpringFest on April 27th! Enjoy the tunes from more than 20 bands, local food, wines, and locally brewed craft beer. This family-friendly event includes free family crafts & much more! For more information click
here.
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"
Save Money, Save Your System, Save Our Water"
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Septic Savers is a Howard County program that aims to promote proper septic maintenance. They offer a $100 reimbursement to residents who pump their septic tanks every 3-5 years. The
Howard County Health Department recommends having your tank pumped every 3 years. Apply for your reimbursement by visiting this
website and clicking "I Agree".
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Howard County Government Calendar
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Joint Council and Board of Education Meeting
Monday, April 8 at 8:30 am
Board of Education Office
Howard County Council Monthly Meeting
Monday, April 8 at 2:00 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Capital Budget Public Hearing
Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Capital Budget Work Session
(all Departments except Education)
Monday, April 15 at 9:30 am
C. Vernon Gary Room, George Howard Building
County Offices CLOSED
Friday, April 19
*regular curbside collections*
Presentation of the County Budget
followed by the Council's Legislative Public Hearing
Monday, April 22 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Capital & Operating Budget Public Hearing
(Education)
Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Budget Work Session
Monday, April 29 at 9:30 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Howard County Council Legislative Work Session
Monday, April 29 at 4:30 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
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