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. To sign-up in advance to testify at the upcoming Public Hearing click here.
It is my pleasure to serve you, your family, and the 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.

Howard County Council Appointments and County Council Election Results for 2024

Howard County Council Chairpersons

Chair: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

Vice-Chair: Councilmember Liz Walsh, District 1


Zoning Board

Chair: Councilmember Liz Walsh, District 1

Vice-Chair: Councilmember Dr. Opel Jones, District 2


Board of License Commissioners

Chair: Councilmember David Yungmann, District 5

Vice-Chair: Councilmember Dr. Opel Jones, District 2


Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee

Representative: Councilmember Christiana Rigby, District 3

Alternate: Councilmember David Yungmann, District 5


National Associations of Counties

Representative: Christiana Rigby, District 3

Alternate: Councilmember David Yungmann, District 5

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.

Introduction

Appointments


CR152-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Arthur Gold- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Arthur Gold to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.


CR153-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment– Colin Fraser - Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Colin Fraser to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.


Reappointments


CR154-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Sue Bryant - LGBTQIA+ Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Sue Bryant to the LGBTQIA+ Commission.


CR155-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- David C. Jordan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP – Pension Oversight Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David C. Jordan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, to the Pension Oversight Commission.


CR156-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Ellen Flynn Giles – Historic Preservation Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Ellen Flynn Giles to the Historic Preservation Commission.


CR157-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Julianne Danna – Historic Preservation Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Julianne Danna to the Historic Preservation Commission.


CR158-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Gabriel Moreno- La Alianza Latina Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Gabriel Moreno to the La Alianza Latina Commission.


General


CB60-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Amendment - Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency. Title: AN ACT amending the membership of the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency to add an ex officio member and to amend the number of members accordingly; and generally relating to boards and commissions. expires – 01/13/2025; extended – 02/18/2025; extended twice – 03/24/2025


CR159-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Conveyance of a portion of a 20” public right of way easement – approximately 930 square feet Title: A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that a portion of a 20’ public right of way easement to make openings and excavations, and to lay construct and maintain drains, water pipes and other municipal utilities and services containing approximately 930 square feet is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to terminate the easement interest and convey the property to the fee simple owner, Trotter 5857, LLC; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code in order to convey the easement interest to Trotter 5857, LLC; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to terminate the easement interests if he finds that the easements may have a public use.


CR160-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Conveyance to Howard Community college - Approximately 4.848 Acres – 10650 Hickory Ridge Road Title: A RESOLUTION pursuant to Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code declaring that 4.848 acres of land owned by Howard County, Maryland located at 10650 Hickory Ridge Road, Columbia, is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to convey the property to Howard Community College; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code in order to convey the property; and providing that the County Executive is not bound to convey the property if he finds that it may have a further public use.


CR161-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Approving – Urban Renewal Project – Long Reach Village Center Title: A RESOLUTION approving the urban renewal project for the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia pursuant to Section 13.1106 of the Howard County Code.


CR162-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Conveyance – 7.71 acres located at 8775 Cloudleap Court to Columbia Concepts, LLC Title: A RESOLUTION declaring that certain real property containing approximately 7.71 acres located at 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia, Maryland and acquired by the County pursuant to the urban renewal project initiated by Council Resolution No. 22- 2014 is no longer needed by the County for public purposes; authorizing the County Executive to sell the property to Columbia Concepts, LLC or its subsidiary; waiving the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 4.201 of the Howard County Code; providing that the County Executive is not bound to sell the property if he finds that it may have a further public use.


CB61-2024 - Introduced by Liz Walsh, Christiana Rigby, Deb Jung, David Yungmann Short Title: Inspector General – Establishment Title: AN ACT establishing the Office of the Inspector General; specifying the selection, term, qualifications, and responsibilities of the Inspector General; providing for the referral of certain matters; specifying the funding and powers of the Office of the Inspector General; requiring certain reports; establishing the Inspector General Citizen Board; specifying the composition, term, and responsibilities of the Inspector General Citizen Board; amending the whistleblower protection statute; and generally relating to the Office of the Inspector General. expires – 01/13/2025; extended – 02/18/2025; extended twice – 03/24/2025


CB62-2024 (ZRA 208) - Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of Demirel Plaza, LLC Short Title: (ZRA 208) To allow School, Commercial as a permitted use in the OT zoning district. Title: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow School, Commercial as a permitted use in the Office Transition (OT) zoning district; and generally relating to the OT zoning district. expires – 01/13/2025; extended – 02/18/2025; extended twice – 03/24/2025


CB63-2024 (ZRA 209) - Introduced by The Chair at the request of The Weinman Company Short Title: (ZRA 209) To allow Self Storage, Indoor as a permitted use, allow for the reduction of retail square footage, and allow for residential uses in the CAC zoning district. Title: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Self Storage, Indoor as a permitted use in the Corridor Activity Center (CAC) zoning district; to allow for the reduction of first floor retail space in the CAC zoning district; to allow for certain residential uses in the CAC zoning district; and generally relating to the CAC zoning district. expires – 01/13/2025; extended – 02/p18/2025; extended twice – 03/24/2025


CB64-2024 (ZRA 210) - Introduced by The Chair at the request of Tradepoint Atlantic, LLC Co-sponsor(s) Liz Walsh, Opel Jones, Christiana Rigby, David Yungmann Short Title: (ZRA 210) To allow Warehousing, within a flex space as permitted use in Corridor Employment (CE) zoning district. Title: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Warehousing, within a flex space as a permitted use in the Corridor Employment (CE) zoning district. expires – 01/13/2025; extended – 02/18/2025; extended twice – 03/24/2025

Final Consideration

Appointments


CR135-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–James Lewis Aikens III- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of James Lewis Aikens III to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR136-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–Brandon Cogdell- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Brandon Cogdell to the AdultUse Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR137-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Daniela Flores- La Alianza Latina Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Daniela Flores to the La Alianza Latina Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR139-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–Mark A. Gretz- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Mark A. Gretz to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR140-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–Brent Guyton- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Brent Guyton to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR141-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Jean Sunmi Kim- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Jean Sunmi Kim to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR142-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Lois Mikkila- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Lois Mikkila to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR143-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–Toyin Opesanmi, M.D- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Toyin Opesanmi, M.D, to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR144-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Janeé M Pelletier- LGBTQIA+ Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Janeé M Pelletier to the LGBTQIA+ Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR145-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Kyle Popkey- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Kyle Popkey to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR146-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Saran Djimini Toure- LGBTQIA+ Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Saran Djimini Toure to the LGBTQIA+ Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR147-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment–Justin Vereen- Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Justin Vereen to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR148-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Gabriel Zaldivar- Commission for Veterans and Military Families Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Gabriel Zaldivar to the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


Reappointments


CR149-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment – Kathryn Valentine – Housing Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Kathryn Valentine to the Housing Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR150-2024 - Introduced by David Yungmann Short Title: Reappointment -- Gene Thomas Ryan - Board of Appeals Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment Gene Thomas Ryan to the Board of Appeals Financial.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR138-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Bruce Fulton- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Bruce Fulton to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

Status: Tabled


Financial


CB53-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Multi-year lease – Board of Elections Title: AN ACT pursuant to Section 612 of the Howard County Charter, approving a Lease Agreement between Howard County, Maryland and AAK Einstein, LLC for the lease of space located at 7031 Albert Einstein Drive, Columbia, Maryland to be used by the Board of Elections; and authorizing the County Executive to take certain actions in connection with the Agreement. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

Status: Tabled


CB54-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Issuance, sale and delivery – up to $150,000,000 consolidated public improvement bonds and up to $50,000,000 metropolitan district bonds Title: AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of up to $150,000,000 consolidated public improvement bonds and up to $50,000,000 metropolitan district bonds, pursuant to various bond enabling laws; providing that such bonds shall be general obligations of the County; authorizing the County Executive to specify, prescribe, determine, provide for or approve the final principal amounts, maturity schedules, interest rates and redemption provisions for such bonds, and other matters, details, forms, documents or procedures and to determine the method of sale of such bonds; providing for the disbursement of the proceeds of such bonds and for the levying of taxes to pay debt service on such bonds; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CB55-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Issuance – Maryland Consolidated Public Improvement Refunding Bonds and Metropolitan District Refunding Bonds Title: AN ORDINANCE authorizing and providing for the issuance of Howard County, Maryland Consolidated Public Improvement Refunding Bonds and Howard County, Maryland Metropolitan District Refunding Bonds; providing that such bonds shall be general obligations of the County; providing for the disbursement of the proceeds of such bonds and the levying of taxes to pay debt service on such bonds; providing for the private (negotiated) sale of such bonds; providing for an escrow deposit agreement and a continuing disclosure agreement; authorizing the County Executive to specify, prescribe, determine, provide for or approve the final principal amounts, maturity schedules, interest rates and redemption provisions for such bonds, the final list of refunded bonds, and certain other matters, details, forms, documents or procedures; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CB56-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Issuance, sale and delivery - $23,500,000 bonds - Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration Title: AN ORDINANCE authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of up to $23,500,000 bonds, pursuant to a bond enabling law; providing that such bonds shall be general obligations of the County; authorizing the County Executive to specify, prescribe, determine, provide for or approve the final principal amounts, maturity schedules, interest rates and redemption provisions for such bonds, and other matters, details, forms, documents or procedures and to determine the method of sale of such bonds; providing for the disbursement of the proceeds of such bonds and for the levying of taxes to pay debt service on such bonds; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CB57-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Multiyear Agreement and related quotes – Hurricane Electric, LLC – highbandwidth internet services and wi-fi Title: AN ACT pursuant to Section 612 of the Howard County Charter, approving a multi-year Agreement and related Quotes between Howard County, Maryland and Hurricane Electric, LLC for high-bandwidth internet services to support Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System, and the County’s Public Safety System, and for complimentary wi-fi service provided to the County’s residents at various locations; 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. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


General


CB58-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Animal Control- Appeals to the Animal Matters Hearing Board or the District Court Title: AN ACT amending the process for the issuance and appeal of citations for violations of animal control provisions of the County Code; providing that appeals may go to the Animal Matters Hearing Board or to the District Court; providing that the Board may take certain actions; and generally relating to the enforcement of animal control provisions of the Code. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed as amended


CR151-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Title: A RESOLUTION pursuant to Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, approving the Howard County Board of Education’s Capital Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and Capital Improvement Program Request for Fiscal Years 2027-2031 for the purpose of submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed as amended


CB59-2024 (ZRA 207)- Introduced by The Chair at the request of Normandy Venture Limited Partnership Short Title: To allow Self-Storage Facilities, Indoor as a conditional use in the B-2 zoning district Title: AN ACT amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Self-Storage Facilities, Indoor as a conditional use in the Business: General (B-2) zoning district, under certain conditions; and generally relating to Self-Storage Facilities, Indoor uses. expires – 12/16/2024; extended – 01/21/2025; extended twice – 02/24/2025

Status: Tabled

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. Meetings will be held in person and virtually. The next meetings are as follows:


  • Office Closed - Veterans Day: Monday, November 11th
  • Council Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, November 12th at 10 AM
  • Legislative Public Hearing: Monday, November 18th at 7 PM
  • Legislative Work Session: Friday, November 22nd at 9:30 AM
  • Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday: Thursday, November 28th
  • Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday: Friday, November 29th
  • Legislative Session: Monday, December 2nd at 7 PM

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