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 councilmail@howardcountymd.gov. The next Legislative Public Hearing will be Wednesday, July 21st at 7:00 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 ojones@howardcountymd.gov. 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.
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 Reverend Regina M. Clay to the Howard County Local Children’s Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Rosa Angelica Maymi to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Chloe McGeehan to the Recreation and Parks Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Tiffany Murray Releford, Esquire, to the Human Rights Commission.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Michelle Rhodes-Brown, CFA, to the Pension Oversight Commission.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Charles Schuster to the Soil Conservation District.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Sabina Taj to the Board of Library Trustees.

Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION appointing the members of the Compensation Review Commission; providing that the Commission shall recommend the compensation and allowances of the County Council to be elected in November 2022 by Resolution not later than December 21, 2021; providing that the Commission shall make a recommendation concerning compensation and allowances of the County Executive to be elected in November 2022; and providing that the Commission shall terminate on April 30, 2022.

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
A RESOLUTION appointing Jean Xu to the Board of Appeals of Howard County, Maryland, to fill a term ending on December 31, 2021.
Reappointments
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Chuck Chandler to the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Jon Steuernagle to the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council.
Financial
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT transferring a total of $8,000,000 from C0214, Category Contingency Fund, to capital project N3108, Park Systemic Improvements, as a result of the award of $8,000,000 in grant funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT pursuant to Section 612 of the Howard County Charter, approving a multi-year Agreement between Howard County, Maryland and ePlus Technology, Inc. for certain ePlus services used by the County, authorizing the Executive to make changes to the Agreement, under certain conditions; authorizing the County Executive to execute the Agreement; and generally relating to the Agreement.
General
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT correcting state law references in a property tax credit; and generally relating to technical corrections to the Howard County Code.

Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION pursuant to the Maryland Public Ethics Law, Sections 5-852 through 5-854 of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, approving the forms for the Affidavit as to Contributions to Candidates and Business Engagements with Elected Officials and the Disclosure of Contribution; and generally providing for the approval by the County Council of the forms for the affidavit and the disclosure required under the Maryland Public Ethics Law.

Introduced by: David Yungmann
AN ACT to remove the minimum size criteria for a parcel on which a landowner’s dwelling could be built; and generally relating to agricultural preservation.

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
AN ACT adding new definitions to the Forest Conservation ordinance; establishing a “look-back” provision for the disturbance of certain trees; reducing the diameter threshold to 24 inches for forest retention; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County.

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
AN ACT providing for enhanced enforcement measures and penalties for violations of the Forest Conservation Act of Howard County; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County.
Legislation for Final Consideration
APPOINTMENTS

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Christina J. Bostick, Esquire, to the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council.
Status: Tabled

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Jonah Daniel Hornum to the Human Rights Commission.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Vinitha Nithianandam, to the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Jimmy Rhee to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Sahara Ukaegbu to the Human Rights Commission.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Anthony Carroll Wisniewski, Esquire, to the Board of Health.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Gerardus “Jerry” Wykoff, to the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving a list of Howard County residents to be sent to the Governor, in accordance with State law, so that the Governor may choose one of the residents from the list to fill a vacancy on the Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

REAPPOINTMENTS

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Richard Lombardo to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

FINANCIAL

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 24.6 acres of agricultural land located on Buckskin Lake Drive, Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland, from Karen Moore-Roby or any other owner thereof for a maximum purchase price of $629,800 or, if less, not more than $25,600 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: 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 39.25 acres of agricultural land located on Jennings Chapel Road, Woodbine, Howard County, Maryland, from JRNL, LLC or any other owner thereof for a maximum purchase price of $1,122,600 or, if less, not more than $28,600 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: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT pursuant to Section 612 of the Howard County Charter, approving a multi-year Lease between Howard County, Maryland and FV 9017 Red Branch, LLC, for the lease of 8,125 square feet of leasable space, commonly known as Suite E, located at 9017 Red Branch Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045; authorizing the County Executive to make changes to the Agreement, under certain conditions; authorizing the County Executive to execute the Agreement; and generally relating to the Agreement.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving supplemental appropriation and certain transfers between major categories in the Howard County Board of Education’s Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022, per request of the Board of Education; to increase the Board of Education’s General Fund appropriation by $12 million through adding $12 million in use of the School System’s Fund Balance, and include categorical transfers to align with spending needs; to increase Grant Fund appropriation by $58,506,702 to account for $43,506,702 in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III (ESSER III) and a $15 million increase in grant fund contingency; and to align the Board’s budget to the adopted Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget; and generally relating to the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget of the Board of Education.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

GENERAL

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT pursuant to Section 1.111(e) of the Howard County Code, approving provisions in a collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the International Association of Firefighters, Howard County Local 2000 that are in conflict with the provisions of Title 1 “Human Resources” of the Howard County Code or the Employee Manual; approving a multi-year collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the International Association of Firefighters, Howard County Local 2000 that will be effective through the end of Fiscal Year 2023 and that includes payment of certain compensation in future fiscal years; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to the collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the International Association of Firefighters, Howard County Local 2000.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending the Pay Plan for Howard County; providing pay scales for certain employees based on certain recently negotiated agreements; amending certain pay scales; amending overtime and compensatory time provisions relative to certain police employees; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to the Pay Plan for Howard County.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending Recreation and Parks provisions of the County Code; prohibiting discrimination in accordance with the County Code; providing that certain activities may be conducted upon a permit required by the Director; clarifying the reserved use of park property; clarifying, amending and adding activities that require a permit; incorporating provisions related to electronic bikes and scooters; prohibiting ice skating, off-road vehicles, and standup paddle boarding on park property; providing that wading is only allowed in certain areas as deemed appropriate; prohibiting certain conduct related to cultural and historic resources on park property; requiring certain actions with regard to animals on park property; adding that certain recording devices shall be considered an encroachment on park property; prohibits the verbal or physical harassment of an individual or park employee; prohibits smoking and vaping on park property; requires that unmanned aircraft shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations; prohibits certain mowing and the release of certain wildlife; allowing that a person may be banned from park property for a certain period of time; amending certain civil penalties; and generally related to recreation and parks.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending Council Bill No. 59-2018 to provide an additional two years before certain adjustments will be null and void unless certain conditions are met related to Zoning Board approval and the connection to public water and sewer related to the development of Property located west of Clarksville Pike (Md Route 108) and south of Sheppard Lane, in Clarksville, Howard County, Maryland; and generally relating to PlanHoward 2030.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting the Housing Unit Allocation Chart for Fiscal Year 2022 pursuant to the Adequate Public Facilities Act of Howard County.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting the School Capacity Chart, pursuant to the Adequate Public Facilities Act of Howard County, to designate the elementary school regions, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools constrained for new residential development during each of the following years as based on the definition of program capacity as defined by Howard County Public School System policy.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that a portion of land containing a total of 0.288 acres owned by Howard County, Maryland located on Maryland Route 103 at Fire Station No. 2 is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to convey, upon certain consideration, fee simple title to and permanent easement interests in the property to the State of Maryland; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to convey the Property if he finds that the County may have a use for the property.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that a portion of land owned by Howard County, Maryland and located at Centennial Park, along Centennial Lane and Maryland Route 108, is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to convey, upon certain consideration, fee simple title to 0.8344 acres and permanent easement interests in 0.1514 acres to the State of Maryland; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to convey the property if he finds that the County may have a use for the property.
Status: Withdrawn

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that a portion of land containing a total of 1.120 acres owned by Howard County, Maryland located at Maryland Route 103 at Old Stockbridge Drive and Wesley Lane is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to convey fee simple title to the property to the State of Maryland; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to convey the property if he finds that the County may have a use for the property.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed
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, July 21, 2021 - Public Hearing (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - Legislative Session Wrap-up (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.