Howard County Council District 5 News
May 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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The County Executive submitted his Capital Budget to the Council on April 1st and Operating Budget on April 21st. You can view a copy of the County Executive's Proposed Capital and Operating Budgets
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.
May Budget Calendar Below
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Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 pm
Public Hearing - Operating Budget
All departments except education
Monday, May 6, 9:30 am
Work Session - Operating Budget
On Public Safety, Legislative/Judicial
Friday, May 10, 9:30 am
Work Session - Operating Budget
On Public Facilities, General Government
Monday, May 13, 9:30 am
Work Session - Operating Budget
On Community Services, Non-Departmental Fees/Funds
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Monday, May 13, 1:00 pm
Public Hearing - Capital and Operating Budget
Wednesday, May 15, 9:30 am
Work Session (if needed)
Wednesday, May 22, 2:00 pm
Budget Amendment Prefile
Friday, May 24, 12:00 pm
Work Session - Budget Amendments
Wednesday, May 29, 10:00am
Legislative Session - Budget Adoption
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Please join me in congratulating Mount Airy’s own, Daniel Romanchuk, for securing a world title in the men’s wheelchair race at the 39th London Marathon on Sunday. Romanchuk finished in first with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes and 38 seconds. Since the race doubled up as the World Para Athletics Marathon Championships, Romanchuk was crowned a world champion!
Romanchuk also made history last October when he won the men’s wheelchair race at the Boston Marathon with the fastest time ever by an American. Romanchuk crossed the finish line with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes and 36 seconds.
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In its 12th year, the
Battle of the Books
had an astounding
1,575 students
participate last month. I had a great time as the Team Spirit Judge at Mt. Hebron High School! This event could not have been possible without the tremendous sponsors, including the Friends & Foundation of the Howard County Library System.
Click
here
to learn more about Battle of the Books!
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In March, I filed 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. The County Council will be voting on CR-51 this month.
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Government 101
Bureau of Environmental Services
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Under the Department of Public Works (DPW) is the Bureau of Environmental Services. This bureau
operates the County landfill, implements and manages recycling programs, oversees residential curbside collections and administers stormwater management.
The Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts both residential and commercial waste, including recyclables for Howard County residents. To view the Alpha Ridge Landfill hours, click
here
.
Do you know which holidays cause the Howard County's curbside collection to "slide?" No curbside collection occurs on these holidays: New Years Eve,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Below is the
2019 Holiday Slide Schedule.
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Save the Date!
Route 32 Informational Public Meeting
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The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will host an Informational Public Meeting on the widening of MD 32 on
Wednesday, May 15 at Glenelg High School from 6:30-8:30PM. SHA representatives will be present to discuss project improvements, replacement of the Triadelphia Road Bridge, and how traffic will be impacted during this time. For more information, please contact the MDOT SHA District 7 Office at (301) 624-8100.
***TRES and FQMS parents are encouraged to attend an informational meeting held by HCPSS to discuss the impacts the detour will have on bus routing next year. The two meeting dates are:
May 6 at 6:00 pm at TRES, and
May 15 at 6:00 pm at FQMS. Thank you, HCPSS, for keeping our parents informed!***
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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 Agricultural Community
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Last month, I had the privilege to attend the
Howard County Farm Bureau Legislative Dinner.
This dinner allows Farm Bureau members an opportunity to discuss current legislative matters with their elected officials. It is so important that we continue to work to support Howard County's agricultural community! A special thank you to Howie Feaga, President of the Howard County Farm Bureau, for putting together a terrific event!
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This group toured the Porch View Farm, a farm that raises heritage breeds of beef cattle, pigs, geese, rabbits, goats and sheep, and even bees! Thank you, Keith Ohlinger, for allowing us to learn more about your farm operations!
The Farm Academy is just one of Howard County's several programs that work towards increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of local farms. To learn more about the Farm Academy, click
here
.
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Last week, my colleagues and I spent the day learning from Howard County’s excellent firefighters and first responders at
Fire Ops 101.
Thank you Rich Ruehl and the Howard County Professional Fire Fighters Association for helping all of us gain an appreciation for the physical and mental demands of that job.
And thank you for your dedication to your careers and the safety of everyone in Howard County.
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HCPSS Commencement Ceremony Dates!
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In case you missed it, HCPSS has released the
2019 Commencement Schedule
! Congratulations to all seniors - I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!
To view this year's graduation schedule, click
here!
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On May 2nd in the Howard High School cafeteria at 7:00 pm, the public can provide community input on the plan's second phase. To learn more about the proposed plan options, visit:
https://www.ecsafeandsound.org/.
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3rd Annual FIRN International 5k and Family Fun Run/Walk!
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On Saturday, May 4 come out and support FIRN at the 3rd Annual International 5K! There will be a 1 mile family run/walk, followed by the 5k race. FIRN is a nonprofit organization here in Howard County that helps immigrants, refugees, and other foreign-born individuals access community resources and opportunities. To learn more/register online, click
here!
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Join the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department for their first Food Truck Tuesday on May 7 from 4pm-8pm. Featuring over 12 Food Trucks offering both savory and sweet options. Bring the whole family and your friends and enjoy!
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May Pancake Breakfast & Spaghetti Dinner!
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Stop by the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) for their famous
Pancake Breakfast on May 12 from 7:30-11:30am! LVFD's
All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner will be held on May 22 from 4:30-7:30pm! To learn more, click
here!
Please come out and support the Lisbon Fire Department as they work to raise money for their new building!
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Ellicott City Soak it Up!
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Nearly one year after the devastating 2018 EC flood event, EcoWorks is hosting a Community Gathering aimed at educating & engaging the community of the watershed, solutions & innovations to build a more resilient community. On May 18 from 1-4pm, join EcoWorks for walking tours, demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about the Tiber Hudson watershed! For more information, click
here
.
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Wine in the Garden, Beer in the Barn!
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Join the Howard County Conservancy for the 13th annual Wine in the Garden, Beer in the Barn on May 23! All proceeds benefit the environmental and preservation programs of the HoCo Conservancy. To learn more and buy tickets, click
here.
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Howard County Government Calendar
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Operating Budget Public Hearing
(all departments except education)
Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Operating Budget Work Session
(Legislative/Judicial, Public Safety)
Monday, May 6 at 9:30 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Council Constant Yield Hearing followed by Legislative Session
Monday, May 6 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Zoning Board - ZB 1116M, Elm Street
Wednesday, May 8 at 6:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Operating Budget Work Session
(Public Facilities, General Government)
Friday, May 10 at 9:30 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Operating Budget Work Session followed by Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 13 at 9:30 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
Capital & Operating Budget Public Hearing
(Education)
Monday, May 13 at 1:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
County Council Legislative Public Hearing
Monday, May 20 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Capital & Operating Budget Work Session
(Budget Amendments)
Friday, May 24 at 12:00 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
County Offices CLOSED
Monday, May 27
*slide schedule in effect*
County Council Legislative Work Session
Wednesday, May 29 at 4:30 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building
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