Howard County Council District 5 News
October 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 our district and county 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
MD 99 Corridor Investigation Report
Howard County's Office of Transportation released the MD 99 Corridor Investigation Report last month. This interactive website covers public comments, traffic data collection, previous studies, existing conditions, and recommended mitigation strategies. The Department accepted public comment on the recommendations and actions throughout the month of September.

The Department will now develop estimates for selected construction recommendations, advance selected non-construction recommendations, and advance transportation demand management recommendations. A one page summary of the findings and recommendations can be found here.
Valley Mede and Chatham Flood Mitigation
DPW held a public meeting to discuss Valley Mede and Chatham Stormwater Management Projects in September. DPW staff discussed current drainage improvements, future improvements, and provided an updated timeline on much needed capital projects. You can view the presentation from the meeting here.

If you have any questions on the proposed drainage improvements, please contact Christine Lowe with Stormwater Management Division at cslowe@howardcountymd.gov
Council Legislation
Current and past legislation can be found using this link !
The County Council heard four nights of public testimony on September legislation last month. Thank you to all who submitted testimony, reached out to my office, or attended the public hearings. I appreciate your input on all matters. Written testimony can be emailed to councilmail@howardcountymd.gov (which will be received by all five council members).

The County Council held votes on several controversial pieces of legislation Monday evening. In the interest of time I declined to make long statements about my votes. Below is a summary of why I voted as I did.
Council Resolution-112: Redistricting Resolution
I was the sole NO vote for CR-112. While a series of amendments removed some of the most offensive racially-charged language from the original draft, many references to race remained along with numerous unproven statements about student achievement. I reject any redistricting policy based on income or race or not in accordance with BOE/HCPSS policy. 
Council Resolution-122, Council Resolution-123, and Council Bill-40
I voted in favor of the new stormwater management (SWM) requirements for the Tiber and Plumtree Watersheds. While these standards will impact individual property rights, I believe the need to protect residents and property in these unusually vulnerable areas from flash floods justifies this imposition. The new rules also strengthened the requirements that the SWM be achieved onsite and more than doubled the fees if the SWM can’t be achieved onsite. With the new regulations now in place, I voted against extension (CB-40) of the building moratorium that was imposed last year (CB-56-2018) so these new standards could be developed.  
Council Bill-38: Patapsco Lower North Branch Watershed
I was one of the three NO votes. Private property rights are one of the most important values in America. Before I support a restriction of those rights, I need to be clear on the problem we are trying to solve, why the restriction will solve it and what negative consequences will occur from the new rules. This bill was marketed from the beginning as needed to protect Ellicott City from flooding. Numerous professionals testified that the new standards we did approve last night would achieve that goal (CR-122/CR-123) and none were presented to support the need for CB-38. Much of the area covered by the bill is nowhere near Old Ellicott City or the Tiber Branch Watershed. Even after some good amendments, the bill would have impacted public projects, Rt. 1 redevelopment, community enhancements and other goals set forth in the general plan.
Council Bill-42: School Facilities Surcharge (Impact Fees)
The Council voted 3-2 to table CB-42 until next month. We are well aware that time is money, but there are tremendous costs, risks and opportunities in this policy, so we need to get it right. When the Council held its monthly work session of this session, neither school planning nor planning and zoning could attend. We are still working through what the State Delegation legally empowered us to do, enrollment projections, growth assumptions, how the money will be spent, how to leverage it, its impact on other county goals and making sure we keep Howard County regionally competitive. While advocates only need to push for the money, we need to evaluate all the moving parts to create the best policy.  
Council Bill-41: Zoning Case Navigator
My bill to create a Zoning Case Navigator position was defeated 3-2. CB-41 would have required the Council to establish a position dedicated to assisting the public with our complicated land use process. Because many parties to land use cases are represented by attorneys, and because the processes are complicated and many times quasi-judicial, unrepresented parties need support. The reasons for the no votes ranged from lack of budgeted funds to wanting to reconsider the position as part of a future reorganization of the Council administrative operations.
Government 101
National Fire Prevention Month
October is National Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise awareness about fire safety and to help ensure your home and family is prepared in the event of an emergency. Howard County's Fire Departments will be hosting Open Houses around the county so residents can learn fire safety tips and to meet your local firefighters and EMS.

Stop by one of these open houses:

  • Saturday, October 12th from 10:00am to 2:00pm - Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company
  • Saturday, October 12th from 1:00-4:00pm - Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department
  • Sunday, October 13th from 12:00-4:00pm - West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department

The Office of the Fire Marshal oversees the Community Outreach division. This division provides fire prevention, safety programs, and information to the public. You can sign up to CPR/AED Training, Narcan Training, and much more on the Department's website. The Office of the Fire Marshal can also assist with smoke alarm installation, inspection requests, and burn permits/recreational fire permits. I encourage you to take a look at the resources available through the Fire and Rescue Services. Howard County is fortunate to have one of the best Fire and Rescue Services in the Country!
District 5 Town Hall
Thank you to those who attended the Glenwood Town Hall last month. Special thank you to the Howard County Police Department for presenting an overview of decreasing crime trends and sharing helpful crime prevention tips.

I will continue to host town hall meetings throughout District 5 so stay connected with us for future dates!
16th Annual Farm-City Celebration!
My staff and I helped kick-off Howard County's 16th Annual Farm-City Celebration last month. Farm-City is a two-week celebration that helps bring rural and urban communities together across Howard County. To learn more about the Farm-City Celebration click here .
Did you know?
Did you know Howard County's Department of Fire and Rescue accepts car donations? With a new Trainee Class coming up, donated cars will help firefighters train and prepare for incidents. The Department can tow away your car and this donated is tax deductible. For more information click here.
District 5 Spotlight
Please join me in congratulating District 5 resident, Sgt. Gene Ryan, for being awarded the 2019 Cafritz Award. The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Awards honors the best in public service in the DC community.

Gene Ryan is a Sergeant Paramedic with the DC Fire and EMS Department. Gene joined the DC team in 2009, after serving as a paramedic in the New York City region. During his role with DC Fire and EMS, Gene founded a nonprofit called Disaster Preparedness DC Incorporated to help improve the search outcomes in his department. Gene understood the importance of firefighters being able to successfully search ruins from his work in New York City. He was committed to finding ways department's could help ease the trauma family members experience when victims' bodies are never recovered.

Gene rescued Kylie, a German shepherd, who joined the fire department as a cadaver dog. Gene and Kylie serve the DC community and the surrounding areas as part of the Human Remains Canine Team. Kylie is a huge asset to the DC Fire and EMS team.

In Gene's spare time, he serves as the chair of Howard County's Alcohol Beverages Hearing Board.

Thank you Gene and Kylie for your service and congratulations! To learn more about Gene and his work with DC Fire and EMS, watch the video below!
Road Enhancements
Route 32 Project
MDOT SHA is currently working on phase 1 of the Triadelphia Road bridge replacement. SHA plans to erect the steel bridge girders during the first week of October. The contractor will then place concrete for the bridge deck, parapet walls and sidewalk.

Upon the completion of phase 1, anticipated for March 2020, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the Triadelphia Road bridge in the eastbound direction using the newly constructed sidewalk.

SHA is working with Howard County to develop a new detour route for trucks that does not include Rosemary Lane. Signs will be in place by late October.

Construction has also started with clearing and erosion and sediment control for a new two-lane access road west of MD 32 from Vistaview Drive to Fox Chase Road.

You can view Route 32 project updates on MDOT SHA's website.
Development in District 5
Pre-Submission Community Meetings
Project: Grace Church
Planned Use: Church (possible residential use)
Proposed Location: 12720 Frederick Road
Meeting Information: October 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Glenwood Branch Library
2350 Route 97, Cooksville
______________________________________________________________________

Project: Lyhus Property
Proposed Request: Conditional use for age-restricted adult housing
Proposed Location: 12170 Lime Kiln Road
Meeting Information: October 3, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Emmanuel United Methodist Church
20755 Scaggsville Road, Laurel
_______________________________________________________________________

Project: McWhorter Property
Proposed Request: Commercial
Proposed Location: 16031 Ed Warfield Road
Meeting Information: October 10, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Glenwood Branch Library – Pindell Room
2350 Route 97, Cooksville
_______________________________________________________________________

Project: Furry Friends Farm
Proposed Request: Conditional use for pet grooming and daycare facility
Proposed Location: 11762 Carroll Mill Road
Meeting Information: October 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Kahler Hall
5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia
_______________________________________________________________________

Project: Clear View Farm
Proposed Request: Commercial Solar Facility
Proposed Location: 13370 Route 144
Meeting Information: October 30, 2019 at 6:00 pm
West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department
12535 Old Frederick Road, Sykesville
_______________________________________________________________________

Project: MHGH&S Property
Proposed Request: Commercial Solar Facility
Proposed Location: 13300 Route 144
Meeting Information: October 30, 2019 at 6:00 pm
West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department
12535 Old Frederick Road, Sykesville
_______________________________________________________________________

Project: Hair and Nail Salon
Proposed Request: Beauty Salon; Conditional Use
Proposed Location: 12345 Scaggsville Road
Meeting Information: November 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Good Hope Presbyterian Church
12131 Scaggsville Road, Fulton

To view District 5's development web-page, click here .
Residents can also view local development plans on Howard County's Search Development Plans Website.
Community Events!
Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company's Breakfast and Dinner!
In addition to their Open House on October 12th, Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company will host their famous Pancake Breakfast and Spaghetti Dinner in October.

The Pancake Breakfast will be on October 13th AND the Spaghetti Dinner will be on October 23rd! Proceeds go towards their new fire house.
Two Paper Shredding Events!
Howard County is offering TWO paper shredding events this fall! On October 12th from 9:00am to 1:00pm, residents may bring up to three bags/boxes of paper to be shredded at the Gary Arthur Community Center. This event will also be held on October 19th at the Long Gate Park and Ride. For more information and a list of what can and cannot be shredded, click here.
2019 More Than Pink Walk
The 2019 Komen Maryland More Than Pink Walk will take place on Sunday, October 13th starting at 7:00am at Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. Formally the Race for the Cure, this event will continue to help raise money for those living with breast cancer and for research to find the cures.

For more information on this year's event, click here.
Master Aging - 50+ EXPO
The Office on Aging and Independence will host the "Master Aging: Engage, Educate and Inspire" on October 19th from 10am-3pm. This conference-style event will include 62 vendor and sponsor booths, all day seminars and workshops, food cart vendors, performances, and a keynote speaker. For event information click here.
2019 Mental Health Film Festival
Join the Horizon Foundation on Wednesday, October 23rd from 6-9pm for the 2019 Mental Health Film Festival. Four films will be shown in one night at the Regal UA Snowden Square Theater.

This event helps to bring awareness and compassion for members of our community living with mental health challenges. This event is free, however, registration is required. Click here to register.
Truck or Treat!
Kids of all ages are invited to join the County for this year's "Truck or Treat!" Enjoy trick-or-treat at trucks, tractors, and emergency vehicles. Also, there will be hayrides, face painting, giveaways, story time and much more! Truck or Treat will take place on Saturday, OCtober 26th from 10am to 1pm. Click here to purchase tickets!
Howard County's Farmers Markets
Did you know that Howard County offers farmers markets five days a week throughout the county? Come support local vendors and buy local! 2019 Farmers Market season ends in November. Click here to view locations & times!
Food Truck Tuesdays!
One month left of West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department's Food Truck Tuesdays! Every Tuesday from 4-8 pm food trucks offering both savory and sweet options will be at West Friendship. Don't miss out!
Howard County Government Calendar
County Government Offices CLOSED
Alpha Ridge Landfill is OPEN
October 14, 2019
(slide schedule is not in effect)

County Council's Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 15 at 2:00 pm
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building

County Council Legislative Public Hearing
Monday, October 21 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building

Zoning Board (ZB 1116M)
Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building

Thursday, October 24 at 7:00 pm
Gary J. Arthur Community Center

County Council Legislative Work Session
Monday, October 28 at 10:00 am
C. Vernon Gray Room, George Howard Building

County Council Legislative Session
Monday, November 4 at 7:00 pm
Banneker Room, George Howard Building
Councilman Yungmann | dyungmann@howardcountymd.gov  | 410.313.2001 | Website