Greetings!
Welcome to my Legislative Newsletter, highlighting Council Resolutions and Council Bills proposed by the Howard County Council.
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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 Monday, June 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.
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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.
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Council-Related Legislation
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Howard County Council Legislation
Unless otherwise noted, the following legislation is introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
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Howard County Council Appointments and County Council Election Results for 2021
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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
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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.
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Jonah Daniel Hornum to the Human Rights Commission.
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.
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.
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Sahara Ukaegbu to the Human Rights Commission.
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.
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.
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.
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Introduced by: 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.
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Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT making emergency appropriations pursuant to Section 610(b) of the Howard County Charter and amending the Annual Budget and Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 in order to receive additional grant funding from the United States Department of the Treasury to provide rent and utility assistance; from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the HOME Grant; from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Howard County Health Department to provide funding to the County for costs associated with staffing community vaccination clinics led and funded by the Howard County Health Department and to fund the County’s Mobile Integrated Community Health Program; and the first half of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recover Funds from the American Rescue Plan from through the United States Department of the Treasury, and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Introduced by: The Chairperson
AN ACT to permit motor vehicle fueling facilities in the PGCC Multi-use Subdistrict subject to Planning Board approval and under specified conditions; and generally relating to the Howard County Zoning Regulations.
Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION calling the County Council of Howard County, Maryland into legislative session on a specified date.
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Legislation for Final Consideration
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REAPPOINTMENTS
Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Joan Hash to the Human Rights Commission.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved
Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Dr. Kathleen Hetherington to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved
Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Peter K. Hwang to the Human Rights Commission.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved
Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Archana G. Leon-Guerrero to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved
Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Nikki Young to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved
GENERAL
Introduced by: Deb Jung
AN ACT requiring the Department of Planning and Zoning, in collaboration with specified County agencies, to establish a system of data collection; requiring the Department of Planning and Zoning, in collaboration with specified County agencies, to recommend actions to improve the retention of existing forest areas and effectiveness of mitigation measures; and generally relating to the Forest Conservation Act.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed
Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION calling the County Council of Howard County, Maryland into legislative session on a specified date.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed
BUDGET (FY2022)
Introduced by: Liz Walsh and Co-Sponsored by Deb Jung and Christiana Rigby
A RESOLUTION increasing the fees charged by the Department of Planning and Zoning for Zoning Regulation Amendment petitions; and generally relating to fees.
Status: Withdrawn
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Upcoming Council Meetings
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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:
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Monday, June 14, 2021 - Joint Meeting with Board of Education (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
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Monday, June 21, 2021 - Public Hearing (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
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Monday, June 28, 2021 - Legislative Work Session (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.
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