Greetings!

Welcome to my Legislative Newsletter, highlighting Council Resolutions and Council Bills proposed by the Howard County Council.
As your County Council representative, I encourage you to review this information and lend your voice by testifying via email or in person. To voice your support or opposition, please email [email protected]. The next Legislative Public Hearing will be Monday, April 19th at 7 PM off-site (meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants). To sign-up in advance to testify, click here.
It is my pleasure to serve you, your family, and residents of District 2. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office by calling (410) 313-2001 or by emailing [email protected]. I hope you will continue to stay engaged by visiting my council website at https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/Districts/District-2.

Sincerely,
The Process
The County Council is responsible for adopting the laws of the County. The legislative process generally follows a monthly cycle:

  • 1st Monday- New legislation is introduced; legislation from prior month is given final consideration
  • 3rd Monday- Legislative Public Hearing on legislation introduced that month
  • Following the Legislative Public Hearing a Legislative Work Session is held, if needed

Council Bills must be signed or vetoed by the County Executive within 10 days of the Council's presentation of passed legislation.
Council-Related Legislation
Howard County Council Legislation

Unless otherwise noted, the following legislation is introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
Highlighted Legislation
Introduced by: Opel Jones and Deb Jung; Co-sponsored by: Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh, and David Yungmann
AN ACT amending the eligibility requirements for a property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel in accordance with Chapter 332, Acts of the General Assembly of 2019; and generally relating to property tax credits.
Status: Tabled
Howard County Council Appointments and County Council Election Results for 2021
Howard County Council Chairpersons
Chair: Councilmember Elizabeth Walsh, District 1
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Opel Jones, District 2

Zoning Board
Chair: Councilmember Christiana Rigby, District 3
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

Board of License Commissioners
Chair: Councilmember David Yungmann, District 5
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee
Representative: Councilmember Opel Jones, District 2
     Alternate: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

National Associations of Counties
Representative: Councilmember Jones, District 2
      Alternate: Councilmember Jung, District 4
Introduced Legislation
Appointments
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Herman L. Charity to the Recreation and Parks Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Phillip Dodge to the Multimodal Transportation Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Frances F. LoPresti to the Howard County Animal Matters Hearing Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Reginald T. Avery to the Commission on Aging.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Patricia Branch to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David Drasin to the Multimodal Transportation Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Eric Shatzer to the Board of Electrical Examiners.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Young Ran Smith to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Sue Song to the Commission on Aging.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of William Stone to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Alan Whitworth to the Public Works Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David Zinner to the Multimodal Transportation Board.
Financial
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT transferring $500,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve and $1,175,000 from the Department of Police to the Department of Public Works for unanticipated expenses related to snow removal.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION amending the Howard County Board of Education Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021, as adopted by Council Resolution No. 63-2020 and amended by Council Resolution No. 106-2020, in order to increase the Grants fund appropriation by $22,273,259 so the Board of Education may receive additional federal, state and private grants; and generally relating to the Board of Education Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT approving and providing for a multi-year Installment Purchase Agreement by Howard County, Maryland to acquire development rights in approximately 30 acres of agricultural land located on the west side of Driver Road in Marriottsville, Howard County, Maryland, from Larry and Peggy Jo Sowell or any other owner thereof for a maximum purchase price of $786,000 or, if less, not more than $26,200 per acre or portion thereof, rounded to the next highest $100, plus interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price; providing that the County's obligation to pay such purchase price and interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price shall be a full faith and credit general obligation of the County; providing for the levying of taxes for such payments; authorizing the County Executive to modify such Agreement; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting Howard County’s Annual Action Plan for housing and community services to qualify for the receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Program funds.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION endorsing and authorizing the Howard County Executive to file an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation for grants under the Federal Transit Act and certain State transportation grants; indicating certain endorsement by the County Executive; and requiring certain copies be sent to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
General
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending the Howard County Retirement Plan in order to create an enhanced normal retirement benefit for Deputy Sheriffs hired on or after July 1, 2021, adding and amending certain definitions; increasing the amount of employee pick up contributions to be made by participating Deputy Sheriffs, changing the normal retirement age for participating Deputy Sheriffs and generally relating to the Howard County Retirement Plan.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION amending the rules that implement the Settlement Downpayment Loan Program established under Title 13, Subtitle 9 of the Howard County Code; to update and add certain definitions; to remove language related to lending pools and participating lenders; to add a method of calculation to determine self-employment; to update minimum down payment requirements and qualification for certain loan types; to update loan subordination requirements; and generally relating to the Settlement Downpayment Loan Program.
Legislation for Final Consideration
APPOINTMENTS

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Marlene S. Hendler to the Multimodal Transportation Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Vanita Leatherwood to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Dr. Mariana Izraelson to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Bita Dayhoff to the Howard County Local Children’s Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

FINANCIAL

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT approving and providing for a multi-year Installment Purchase Agreement by Howard County, Maryland to acquire development rights in approximately 34.5 acres of agricultural land located on the south side of McKendree Road, Glenwood, Howard County, Maryland, from William Lowrey and Jennifer Lowrey or any other owner thereof for a maximum purchase price of $1,011,600 or, if less, not more than $29,320 per acre or portion thereof, rounded to the next highest $100, plus interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price; providing that the County's obligation to pay such purchase price and interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price shall be a full faith and credit general obligation of the County; providing for the levying of taxes for such payments; authorizing the County Executive to modify such Agreement; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving a Financial Assurance Plan for Howard County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit programs, in accordance with Section 4-202.1 of the Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland; and requiring certain copies be sent to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

GENERAL

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT to update and add definitions related to solar collector equipment; to eliminate the requirement for a glare study; to add certain reviews by the Agricultural Preservation Board; to allow rooftop commercial and accessory ground mount solar collectors in all zoning districts; to allow commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities in certain zoning districts ; to limit the size of commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities on certain parcels that are in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program; and generally relating to the Howard County Zoning Regulations.
Status: Tabled

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT removing the requirement that the Office of Transportation establish a Transit and Pedestrian Advisory Group; amending the qualifications to serve on the Multimodal Transportation Board; amending the powers of the Multimodal Transportation Board; and generally relating to transportation and the Office of Transportation.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION correcting the conveyance of certain easements that were granted to the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company by the passage of Council Resolution No. 140-2020.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of Dean Dubbe
A RESOLUTION to close a portion of Roxbury Road as shown in Exhibits A and B in accordance with Section 18.204 of the Howard County Code.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
A RESOLUTION encouraging the County Executive to implement a “Shared Streets Program” to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and the safe use of outdoor space during the State of Emergency due to COVID-19; and generally relating to implementing the “Shared Streets Program”.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: David Yungmann
AN ACT to alter the method to calculate the number of one-acre lots that could be subject to release of easement; removing the minimum size criteria for a parcel on which a landowner’s dwelling could be built; and generally relating to agricultural preservation.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Failed

Introduced by: Christiana Rigby
AN ACT to require that certain single-user restrooms in Howard County be made available to all individuals regardless of gender; requiring that certain single-user restrooms use gender-inclusive signage to identify the restroom; establishing a certain penalty; and generally relating to the availability of single-user restrooms to all individuals regardless of gender.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chair at the request of Kimberly Kepnes
AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to add certain uses permitted as a matter of right in HO (Historic: Office) zoning districts.
Status: Withdrawn

Introduced by: Christiana Rigby
AN ACT requiring the developer of a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) District site to provide the required moderate income housing units on the TOD site; prohibiting certain actions by the developer relating to optional methods or alternative compliance to optional methods; and generally relating to Moderate-Income Housing Unit requirements.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: Opel Jones and Deb Jung; Co-Sponsored by Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh and David Yungmann
AN ACT amending the eligibility requirements for a property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel in accordance with Chapter 332, Acts of the General Assembly of 2019; and generally relating to property tax credits.
Status: Tabled

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
AN ACT to prohibit action on certain zoning applications while a new General Plan is in process; requiring a specified report related to disclosure of certain contributions and business relationships in compliance with the Maryland Public Ethics Law; and generally relating to Zoning matters.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT requiring a license for private animal shelters; defining certain terms; authorizing the adoption of certain regulations; providing for certain exemptions; requiring that a license application contain certain information; requiring an application fee; requiring that certain fees be adopted by Resolution of the County Council; providing for inspections; providing that a denied application can be resubmitted under certain conditions; providing for a license term; providing the conditions under which the license can be suspended or revoked; providing for appeals and license renewals; requiring certain records; providing standards of care for private animal shelters; providing for certain penalties; adding to the duties of the Animal Matters Hearing Board; and generally relating to private animal shelters in Howard County.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving a nonrefundable application fee and a license fee for an annual Private Animal Shelter License.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Gudell L. Ward to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: David Yungmann
AN ACT to allow a landlord to show a model or similar unit to a prospective tenant if the unit to be leased is not vacant under specified circumstances; to alter the authority of a tenant to terminate a lease without penalty if certain violations are not abated within a certain time; to alter the authority of a tenant to terminate a lease because of an involuntary change of employment; to allow a lease to provide that a tenant will pay specified costs under specified circumstances; to alter the lease payment grace period; to allow for the collection of specified charges; to repeal the prohibition against a lease stating that it is a contract under seal; making a technical correction; and generally relating to landlord-tenant relations.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended
Upcoming Council Meetings
Unless otherwise noted, the County Council will hold its meetings in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD. The next meetings are as follows:

  • Wednesday, April 7, 2021 - Monthly Meeting (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Monday, April 19, 2021 -The County Executive’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget presentation to the Council (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Monday, April 19, 2021 - Legislative Public Hearing (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Tuesday, April 20, 2021 - Public Hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget at 4:00 pm (excluding Education Projects) and at 6:30 pm (for Education Projects) (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Friday, April 23, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Monday, April 26, 2021 - Public Hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget, if needed (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)

Please note these dates are subject to change. To access the most up-to-date calendar of meetings in its entirety, click here.

Can't attend a meeting but still want to stay involved? You can stream the Council's sessions online and click on the meeting you would like to watch. The Council's sessions are also streamed in real time on this website.