Hot Fun in the Summertime!
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Fourth of July, cookouts, outdoor concerts, travel, swim team, dining al fresco and more: there is so much about summer to enjoy. I have tried to take advantage of all of those things (except swim team -- I don't miss those 6am Saturdays!). I participated in the Longfellow Fourth of July parade and a reception hosted by County Executive Calvin Ball at the Columbia Lakefront that evening, attended concerts at the
Chrysalis
and
Merriweather
, and traveled to Clarke County, NV, for the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) conference. There, I attended seminars on how to deal with flooding and the rebuilding of infrastructure, understanding a County's role with regard to legal cannabis, and generating new revenue for counties, among other topics. After returning from the conference, I wanted to see how the Boundary Adjustment process was proceeding. I went to the meetings held at Atholton and River Hill high schools. The parents and guardians were divided into groups of six people at each table and were asked to respond to a series of seven questions. It was great to see so many people talking about this emotional subject with thoughtfulness, showing respect to the others in their group, and focused on best outcomes for all students. It may be summer but there is still a lot happening in the County. Check out Councilmember Walsh's bill: the Patapsaco Lower North Branch Bill (
CB38-2019
)
.
This bill will provide much needed protection to the Tiber Branch Watershed. Look for the public hearing in September on this bill, as well as some other important bills that will be introduced on August 23rd.
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Tax Credit Help
Get help filing for County tax credits. A Maryland Access Point (MAP) counselor will be available at the Cashier’s Office at the George Howard Building on the following dates:
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School Boundary Review
The school system is reviewing school boundaries for adjustments.
Public Input
Community members have multiple opportunities and ways to provide input and recommendations. The first half of our process includes two primary ways to provide the Superintendent with your input over the Summer: an
online survey
and
four community input sessions
. After the Superintendent makes his recommendation to the Board on August 20, the BOE will provide opportunities for input online and via
three public hearings
scheduled for early Fall.
Read more here:
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Bon Appetit for Healthy School Lunches
Howard County won an
A+
for transparency in nutritional information, farm-to-school offerings, and availability of salads and fresh fruit by the Healthy School Fund Maryland in their "2018-19 School Food Environment Grades" report.
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Weekend Warriors Snack Pack Distribution
Free summer snacks are distributed to youth ages 18 and under
. The program is currently running until August 21.
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Summer Food Service Program
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will serve free meals to children on a first come, first served basis this summer.
When:
Weekdays, thru August 16th
Where:
D4 locations include
- Wilde Lake Middle School, 1-2 p.m.
- Atholton High School, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
When:
Weekdays, thru August 21st
Where:
D4 locations include
- Swansfield Elementary School parking lot, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Wilde Lake Tennis Club parking lot, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
- Howard County Library System-East Columbia Branch, 12-1:30 p.m.
Menus are available online
by selecting a specific location
- click
here
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Potholes Be Gone
Got potholes and other road and infrastructure repair requests? Report the problem and track the solution through
SeeClickFix
.
Create a login, set your location, and rest assured that the county is working on it for you.
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7/24 - KimCo, Hickory Ridge Village Center, before the Zoning Board to amend PDP in NT district
Subdivision final plan submissions
7/11 -- Maple Lawn Farms, final plan submitted
7/11 -- Columbia Town Center, Section 1, Lot 3 & Lot 27
Downtown Lakefront Core Neighborhood
7/15 -- Hilltop Landing II
Visit the county's interactive
pDox
tool for more.
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Legislative Update
On July 8, the Council held a
special public hearing
to discuss the code-required considerations for an exemption from APFO for new affordable housing units. CR97, which enables a payment in lieu of taxes for Robinson Overlook, is the first project to require such a hearing. Robinson Overlook is currently zoned for an over-capacity elementary school, Pointers Run. Under several of the school system's redistricting proposals, the polygon containing the new development could be reassigned to Clarksville Elementary, which has capacity. But these proposals are not guarantees and the Council, which approves housing policy decisions, plays no role in school redistricting. A public hearing in which these roles, responsibilities, and considerations are discussed are an important way to inform the citizens and involve all decisionmakers.
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A public hearing on the following current legislation occurred July 15:
CB34
-- Changes to the lease agreement for smart water meters
SAO1
-- Transfer of funds to the Department of Community Resources & Services.
SAO2
-- Transfer of funds to Department of Public Works
CR107
-- Transfer of funds within categories, Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS)
CR108
-- Enable a performance audit for HCPSS through
the Maryland State Department of Education at the request of the County Executive.
CB35
-- Update the fire code
CB36
-- Alter the calculation of open space for the Tiber Watershed to include high-intensity related stormwater management
CR109
-- Waive the competitive bidding process for the Davis Avenue stormwater improvements
CR100
-- Convey property on Route 1 near the Elkridge library to the State Highway Administration.
CB37
-- Alter the calculation for the number of communal spaces for electric vehicle charging stations
The HCPSS audit will focus on the following financial categories:
- Health & Dental Fund
- Budgeting and Actual Expenditure variances
- Personnel Cost calculations
- Supplemental Income/Non-Salary Benefits
MSDE has previously audited Prince George's County graduation rates through an independent auditing firm that conducted follow-up reviews of recommendation implementation. The cost of the audit has not been released and is not currently included in the resolution. Howard County will assume 100% of the financial responsibility for the audit.
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Real Estate Tax Bills
Valuations of residential properties are reviewed by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation on a three-year cycle. Resulting tax increases are phased in over a three-year period.
Also as a part of the FY2020 budget passed on May 29, 2019, there has been a 6-cent increase in the fire tax, bringing it to 23.6 cents per $100 assessed value. This increased fee will help support the Fire Department’s efforts to maintain safety in a growing county.
The trash fee also increased by $100 to reflect rising contract costs for refuse collection.
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Watch Your Speed
District 4 boasts many walkable neighborhoods, where kids, seniors, dog walkers and everyone else in between can get about on two feet, two wheels, or four paws. Remember to adhere to posted speed limits so that these communities stay safe and livable.
We have received many reports of speeding from residents on
Eliots Oak Road
. The Howard County Police Department has added patrols, both marked and unmarked, as well as a speed board to the road to deter aggressive driving. Do your part by following posted speed limits.
Speeding (primarily in residential areas) is the number one complaint received at all levels of the Police Department. The department receives many requests for speed boards, additional patrols, or automated enforcement than it is possible to provide.
Here is an overview provided by the Police Department on the use of speed deterrents and enforcement in the County.
Speed cameras:
This is a specialized program that is limited by statute to designated school zones. These zones are identified by the Department of Public Works-Traffic Engineering Division.
Speed boards:
The Department has a limited number of 'informational' speed boards that display a vehicle's speed as they pass. These boards help raise public awareness and change driver behavior but are not enforcement tools. These signs are also in high demand and are rotated throughout the County.
Enforcement:
The presence of patrol cars in the area when calls and staffing levels permit has the most significant impact on driving behaviors. However, there is a misconception that the fines collected can be directly attributed to local projects or to off-set other budgetary issues.
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Roadway Resurfacing
- Hickory Ridge Road
- Towering Oak Path
- Rising Waves Way
- Ocean Shore Lane
- Gleaming Sand Chase
- Ranging Hills Gate
- Early Lily Row
- Folded Leaf Square
- Sundown Trail
- Distant Melody Trail
- Evensong Mews
- Enchanted Solitude Place
Trail News
The South Entrance Trail project
is now underway, and updated design documents will be presented to the public at around late 2019 as the completion of this phase of design is completed. A timeline for construction has not yet been determined, as it will be dependent on funding availability. The trail would connect Downtown Columbia to Stevens Forest Road Pathway and would cover 1.3 miles generally following an existing sewer alignment along the Little Patuxent River.
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BWI Noise Case Development
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) filed a motion to hold Maryland's case in abeyance while the agency reconsiders its September 2018 letter challenging the State's case. The Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, issued the following statement: "This latest development is welcome news for the thousands of Maryland residents who are miserable in their own home. Our Administration remains committed to bringing relief and restoring the quality of life for our citizens living around our airports."
Howard County Executive, Calvin Ball issued the following statement: "
Today’s news moves us closer to a permanent solution and we will continue working to make things right.”
Howard County has filed their reply to FAA’s answer to their principal brief in the NextGen Case and they expect oral argument in the fall or winter. In the other FAA 4th Circuit case, concerning the Midfield Cargo Improvements, Howard County expects briefing to close around the end of October and oral argument in the late winter or spring. There is also a third matter, the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for 2016-2020 Proposed Improvements that is being monitored.
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Howard County Commission On Disabilities Seeks Annual Awards Nominees
Nomination forms are now available for the 2019 awards program, recognizing outstanding efforts by individuals, businesses and community organizations that advance full participation in community life for all residents, while promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability rights laws. To be eligible, nominees must live, work or conduct business in Howard County. The deadline for nominations is
August 14, 2019
.
Click
here
for nomination forms.
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Congratulations to the new Community Sports Hall of Fame inductees: Tim Arnett, Joe Dougherty, Doug Hamilton and Alex Pagnotta. Each year, the Community Sports Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals for their commitment or notable contribution to community sports in Howard County.
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2019 Seniors Resource Guide
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Click
here for digital version
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On July 18, the Office of the Fire Marshal swore in K-9 Sowell who will team up with Lt. Matthews identifying the crime of arson in the Howard County area. K-9 Sowell will assist investigators by sniffing out ignitable liquids used to start fires.
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State's largest outdoor kinetic sculpture installed in Columbia
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The sculpture is the largest outdoor kinetic piece in Maryland and was named after a character in
C.S. Lewis
' fantasy novel
The Chronicles of Narnia
. It was created in collaboration over the past several years with the Walla Walla Foundry in Washington and it overlooks Symphony Woods and Merriweather Post Pavilion.
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Below are some of the events and meetings I have recently attended. Let me know about your community activities so I can stop by, if my schedule allows.
07/04 - Longfellow 4th of July Parade
07/04 - July 4th VIP Reception
07/09 - Howard County Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
07/09 - Hackground, STEM programs
07/09 - BWI Roundtable Meeting
07/11 - NACo Conference-Clarke County
07/16 - Public Input Meeting on School Boundary Readjustments
07/17 - Columbia Downtown Housing Commission Board Meeting
07/18 - Florence Bain Renovations Meeting
07/18 - Public Input Meeting on School Boundary Readjustment
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Left:
Swearing-In Ceremony for K-9
Sowell, Hackground, NACo conference panel on Partnerships in National Regional Water Resiliency & Innovation;
Right
: Longfellow 4th of July Parade, Howard County 4th of July Reception, Boundary Adjustment meeting at River Hill High School
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Urgent Pantry Needs
Can You Help?
HopeWorks’ Emergency Pantry
accepts in-kind donations to help our clients meet their needs. Because of the generosity of our community we work to keep our pantry stocked throughout the year with essential non-perishable food items, personal-care, and household products.
The Emergency Pantry serves our crisis shelter residents, including women, men, and children impacted by sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as the clients of our advocacy, legal, clinical, and community engagement departments.
*****Items Urgently Needed!*****
·
Toilet paper (packs of 4 or 6 units)
·
Paper towels
·
Canned tuna/chicken
·
Cold cereal
Deliver to:
inside the Nonprofit Collaborative
9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 300, Columbia
(410) 997-0304
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July is Parks and Recreation Month
Click
here
for more information
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A celebration of multi-cultural independent film in Columbia, Maryland. This event will bring the artistry and excitement that only cinema can bring.
With the beautiful area of Downtown Columbia as the backdrop, film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience over 40 new independent multicultural narrative features, documentaries, animation, web-series, short films and studio preview screenings
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click
here
to see the full movie schedule
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Be a part of the Lakefront Film Fest from the first scene until the final credits!
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Senior Day at the Fair
Tuesday, August 6, 10am - 3pm
Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship
Free
fair admission for all age 62+
Exercise demos, healthy aging information, Games and entertainment in the 4-H Building.
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Concert season has begun!
Check out the full 2019 calendar of live music for an endearing Howard County tradition.
Click
here
for the calendar.
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Chrysalis Events
More outdoor shows, more intimate setting. Columbia is blessed with fine arts and cultural performances.
Click
here
for the calendar.
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