Howard County Council District 5 News
July Edition
|
|
|
|
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.
Please share our newsletter and encourage others to sign up so they can also know what’s happening around the community.
David Yungmann
Howard County Council, District 5
|
|
We are getting lots of questions from property owners who have just received their new real estate tax bills. There are three likely contributors to an increase in your bill:
- The County Executive’s budget included a 6 cent increase in the Fire Tax. While not identified on the tax bill as a “property tax”, this is calculated the same and should be considered a property tax. I voted against this tax increase.
- The County Executive’s budget also included an increase in the trash fee. This fee is primarily a cost pass-thru of the various trash contracts. The fee was not increased the last time contracts went up and the county expects another increase next year. I attempted to have this increase phased in over multiple years, but was not successful.
- Most property assessments increase every year that market values are increasing. The assessment, which is established by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, is reset every 3 years. That new assessment is then phased in over a 3 year period. So, if all tax rates were held constant, the bill may still increase along with the value of the property.
|
|
|
|
All current and past legislation can be found using this
link
!
|
|
|
CB-17-2019 was tabled by the Council for the last time. This legislation would increase the number of years that a residential development project needs to take the school capacity test before it can move forward regardless of school status from 4 to 7 years.
|
|
|
|
CB-31-2019 (ZRA 187). This Zoning Regulation Amendment would require Age-Restricted Adult Housing Conditional Uses with densities that exceed the base zoning district to have frontage on and direct access to a collector or arterial road. This change would encourage Age-Restricted Housing to be placed near public transportation and public services plus prevent higher density developments from being accessed via small community roadways.
I proposed an amendment to CB-31 allowing the existing Conditional Use for Age-Restricted Adult Housing (55+) in the Residential Rural and Residential Conservation zoning districts. The purpose of my amendment is to encourage more senior housing that is affordable to local residents in the western half of the county. The amendment would allow single family detached and semi-detached (duplex) units only so the senior communities do not have a density that is incompatible with the surrounding areas. Both CB-31 and my amendment we approved.
|
|
|
|
The Council heard public testimony and held a work session on
CB-32-2019. CB-32 would require that a Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) designee appear at a Planning Board hearing under oath and can be subject to cross-examination.
I agree with the requirement that DPZ appear under oath but not that the public be able to cross-examine the DPZ staff member. DPZ serves as staff of the Planning Board not as a witness. Councilman Jones and I sponsored an amendment to eliminate that cross-examination language, which was approved in a 3 to 2 vote.
CB 32 failed the Council. I am committed to working on ways to correct the Planning Board proceedings.
|
|
|
|
CR-100-2019
passed the Council this month unanimously. CR-100 amends the Howard County Council Rules and Procedures by altering the time to sign-up to testify at a Public Hearing. The opportunity to sign-up to testify will now end at the start of the Public Hearing. Members of the community can sign-up to testify using this
link
.
|
|
|
|
Simulated Congressional Hearings
|
|
I was honored to participate in six
Simulated Congressional Hearings
this spring. Throughout the year,
Howard County Public School System
fifth graders study four units: The American Revolution, Building a New Nation, Challenges of a New Nation and We the People. It all comes together on SCH day when students provide formal testimony before “judges” that are seated as congressional committees. The entire school gets involved in this patriotic day celebrating America through outfits, decorations and performances.
This was my 11th year participating in SCH, and after mentoring teams and judging presentations for so many years, this was my first opportunity to be the keynote speaker at opening ceremonies! SCH continues to be one of my favorite activities of the year. Thank you to all of the teachers and parents that make this event such a success and congratulations to all of the students on your dedication and accomplishments!
To learn more about SCH in Howard County, click
here.
|
|
Government 101
Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant
|
|
I had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant in Savage with Councilwoman Mercer Rigby of the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant in Savage. This plant currently serves the central part of Howard County (56% of the County’s population). Septic tanks, like those in the western part of Howard County, have their waste transported to the plant by trucks.
For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, workers at the plant make it their mission to ensure environmentally responsible, reliable and cost-effective water reclamation for Howard County. This wastewater treatment plant uses an Enhanced Nutrient Removal System to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous discharges into the environment and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant is currently undergoing upgrades that was, until about 2 days ago, the largest capital project in Howard County. The $92 million dollar capital project allows for a new Biosolids Processing Facilities for the plant’s 8
th addition.
The plant offers tours to students and groups interested in the treatment of wastewater. I encourage you all to take a tour of this facility and get to know the faces behind this much needed facility in Howard County. For more information on tours please contact the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant office at 410-313-1200. You can also view a virtual tour of the plant
here.
|
|
|
|
Howard County no longer accepts recycling in plastic bags. Items should be placed loose in the recycling bin/cart. For details on the County's Recycling Collection click
here.
|
|
|
|
Veterans Foundation Dedication Ceremony
|
|
The Howard County Veterans Foundation held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Howard County Veterans Monument and Neighborhood Square. The Neighborhood Square, which will serve as home to the Howard County Veterans Monument, was named after Vivian C. 'Millie' Bailey, a longtime Howard County resident and World War II Veteran.
At 101 years of age, Ms. Bailey continues to be a true inspiration to our entire community. After serving in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps from 1943-1946, Ms. Bailey has remained active in the military community. She is currently a member of the American Legion Post 156 and she continues to support those serving by sending them personal gift packages.
There is no one more deserving of this honor. In Ms. Bailey's remarks she quoted Jackie Robinson who said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Ms. Bailey has and will continue to have a significant impact on our community. I look forward to the unveiling of the Howard County Veterans Monument in the Vivian C. 'Millie' Bailey Neighborhood Square!
|
|
HCPSS Boundary Review Process for 2020-2021 School Year
|
|
The Board of Education directed HCPSS to initiate a system wide school boundary review for the 2020-2021 school year. The County Council has
no authority over the redistricting process. However, the BOE and HCPSS will provide multiple opportunities for community members to provide input and recommendations during this process. If you wish to submit a question to HCPSS related to the boundary review process, click
here. This input form will be available June 14, 2019 through August 1, 2019.
- Wednesday, July 10, 7–9 pm at Oakland Mills High School
- Families currently zoned for Centennial High School, Howard High School, Mt. Hebron High School, Oakland Mills High School
- Saturday, July 13, 9–11 am at Long Reach High School
- Available to any family that is unable to attend their regional session
- Thursday, July 18, 7–9 pm at River Hill High School
- Families currently zoned for Glenelg High School, Marriotts Ridge High School, Reservoir High School, River Hill High School
For more information, please contact HCPSS
Office of School Planning
at email:
SchoolPlanning@hcpss.org
or phone: 410-313-1554.
|
|
Howard County Government announced last month that the County will be beginning a multi-year process to update the
General Plan. Under the previous administration, the Department of Planning and Zoning conducted 50 public meetings and received over 700 comments from the community as part of a General Plan update. This will be a collaborative update, with the help of residents and the business community. To get involved in this process, or to received General Plan Updates, sign-up
here. For more information on this update, click
here.
Below is the projected timeline and process for the General Plan Update.
|
|
Development in District 5
Pre-Submission Community Meeting
|
|
Project Name: Power52 Energy Solutions
Proposed Request: Conditional Use for commercial solar facilities
Address: 12855 Frederick Road, 5545 Broadwater Lane
Meeting Date: July 11, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: Glenelg United Methodist Church
13900 Burntwoods Road, Glenelg
To view District 5's development web-page, click
here
.
|
|
Recreation & Parks Month!
|
July is Recreation and Parks Month! From ghost tours to public star parties to free snowballs & ice cream sundaes, Howard County's Department of Recreation and Parks has tons of activities planned for all ages! To view the complete schedule of events, click
here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard County Farmers' Markets
|
Farmers Markets are open at various locations around the county. The 2019 Farmers' Market Schedule can be found
here.
|
|
|
|
The Howard County Police Department's Community Outreach Officers will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Thursday, July 11 from 1-3pm at Claret Hall. This is a great opportunity to discuss issues, ask questions, and build relationships with a cop, one cup of coffee (or tea) at a time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There will be a vendor & craft fair Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 from 9am-4pm at the Howard County Fairgrounds. There will be giveways, raffles, and a visit from Santa. Cost is $6:00 per day and kids under 10 are free.
|
|
|
|
Join the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department for Food Truck Tuesdays every Tuesday from 4-8 pm. Featuring over 12 Food Trucks offering both savory and sweet options. Bring the whole family and your friends and enjoy!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turf Valley Thursday Night Concert Series!
|
The Turf Valley Towne Square hosts
Free Thursday Concert Series through August 29th! For a full list of performers, click the link above. Also...don't forget a chair or blanket!
|
|
|
|
July Pancake Breakfast & Spaghetti Dinner!
|
Come out and support the Lisbon Fire Department as they work to raise money for their new building! Their famous
Pancake Breakfast will be on July 14th from 7:30-11:30 am. And the
All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner will be on July 24th from 4:30-7:30 pm!
To learn more, click
here!
|
|
|
|
|
74th Annual Howard County Fair!
|
Countdown to the 74th Annual Howard County Fair is on! The fair will run August 3rd - 10th. Click
here to learn more about this year's exhibits and events.
Senior Day for the Howard County Fair is Tuesday, August 6 from 10:00 am ! Free admission for adults 62 and over.
|
|
|
|
|
Howard County Government Calendar
|
|
County Council's Monthly Meeting followed by Special Public Hearing
Monday, July 8 at 2:00 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
County Council Public Hearing
Monday, July 15 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
County Council Work Session
Monday, July 22 at 10:00 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Zoning Board Hearing ZB 1119M
Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
County Council Wrap-Up Legislative Session
Monday, July 29 at 10:00 am
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
**The County Council is on recess the month of August**
|
|
Follow us on Social Media!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
