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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Final Consideration

Appointments


CR108-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Carlton J. Brown- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Carlton J. Brown to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR109-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Xavier V. Bruce- Commission for Veterans and Military Families Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Xavier V. Bruce to the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR110-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Nancy Chang, MD- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Nancy Chang, MD to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR111-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- David Ennis- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of David Ennis to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR112-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Robin Jones Gillispie- LGBTQIA+ Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Robin Jones Gillispie to the LGBTQIA+ Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR113-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Cristiana Little- Human Rights Commission. Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Cristiana Little to the Human Rights Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR114-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment – Daniel Medinger- Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Daniel Medinger to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR115-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Samuel Oak Renner Quick – Multimodal Transportation Board. Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Samuel Oak Renner Quick to the Multimodal Transportation Board.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR116-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment – Pedro Ramirez- Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Pedro Ramirez to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR117-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Andrea Rizkallah- La Alianza Latina Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Andrea Rizkallah to the La Alianza Latina Commission.

Status: Tabled


CR118-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Allison L. Robinson- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Allison L. Robinson to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR119-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Georgia M. Royalty- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Georgia M. Royalty to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR120-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Johanna Clay Souder- Board of Health Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Johanna Clay Souder to the Board of Health.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR121-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Lisa L. Steptoe- Commission for Veterans and Military Families Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Lisa L. Steptoe to the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR122-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Mark Stevens- Planning Board. Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Mark Stevens to the Planning Board.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR123-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Appointment- Paul I Turlington- Commission for Veterans and Military Families Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Paul I. Turlington to the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


Reappointments


CR124-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Brooke Abercrombie- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Brooke Abercrombie to the Board to Promote Self Sufficiency.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved 


CR125-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Ishaan Busireddy- Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Ishaan Busireddy to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR126-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Tabitha Dixon- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Tabitha Dixon to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR127-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Amma Felix- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Amma Felix to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR128-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Dr. Mariana Izraelson- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Dr. Mariana Izraelson to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR129-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Rosa Angelica Maymi- Advisory Board on Consumer Protection Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Rosa Angelica Maymi to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR130-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Tiffany Murray Releford, Esquire- Human Rights Commission Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Tiffany Murray Releford, Esquire, to the Human Rights Commission.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR131-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- David M. Woodruff- Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David M. Woodruff to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


CR132-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Reappointment- Arnettia Wrye, Esquire, MBA - Police Accountability Board Title: A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Arnettia Wyre, Esquire, MBA, to the Police Accountability Board.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Approved


Financial


CB49-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Emergency Appropriations- Economic Development Authority – Farmer Grants Title: 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 2025 to provide additional spending authority in the Economic Development Authority for farmer grants; and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property. expires – 11/12/2024; extended – 12/17/2024; extended twice – 01/21/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CB50-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Amendment to Pay Plan – Fire Management and Dispatcher pay scales Title: AN ACT amending the Pay Plan for Howard County; amending pay scales for certain positions within Fire Management; correcting certain pay scales applicable to members of the Howard County Public Safety Dispatchers Association; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to the Pay Plan for Howard County. expires – 11/12/2024; extended – 12/17/2024; extended twice – 01/21/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CB51-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Amendment to Howard County Retirement Plan – Creation of a Deferred Retirement Option Program for Participating Deputy Sheriffs. Title: AN ACT amending the Howard County Retirement Plan in order to create a Deferred Retirement Option Program for Participating Deputy Sheriffs (Deputy Sheriffs DROP); defining certain terms; establishing certain deadlines; setting forth the eligibility for Deputy Sheriffs DROP to include certain employees of the Office of the Sheriff; providing for the term of Deputy Sheriff DROP participation; providing for the termination of participation in Deputy Sheriffs DROP; requiring that certain accounts be established and maintained; setting forth provisions related to the disability, death, or retirement of Deputy Sheriffs DROP participants; and generally relating to the Howard County Retirement Plan. expires – 11/12/2024; extended – 12/17/2024; extended twice – 01/21/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed as amended


General


CB52-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: LGBTQIA+ Commission – Amendment to membership Title: AN ACT amending the membership of the LGBTQIA+ Commission to add that up two members can work or attend school in the County; amending the appointment requirements for the college student; and generally relating to the LGBTQIA+ Commission. expires – 11/12/2024; extended – 12/17/2024; extended twice – 01/21/2025

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed



CR133-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Department of Planning and Zoning Fees – Correction Title: A RESOLUTION amending a fee schedule previously adopted by the County Council to correct a fee charged by the Department of Planning and Zoning for Approved Plan Revisions.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed


CR134-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive Short Title: Supporting an Application – Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone designation Title: A RESOLUTION supporting an application to the State of Maryland for the designation of the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone as part of the Maryland Enterprise Zone Program.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Passed as amended

Tabled

Appointments


CR90-2024 - Introduced by The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive

A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Christopher Maynard to the Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel.

My Vote: Yes

Status: Removed from table and passed


General


CB46-2024 - Introduced by The Chair at the Request of the Citizens' Election Fund Commission Co-sponsor(s) Liz Walsh, Christiana Rigby, Deb Jung Short Title: Citizens’ Election Fund, Certified Candidates AN ACT amending the Citizens’ Election Fund provision of the Code to clarify the role of certified candidates for County Executive or County Council in the Citizens' Election Fund system; and generally related to the Citizens’ Election Fund system. expires – 09/09/2024; extended – 10/15/2024; extended twice – 11/18/2024

My Vote: Yes

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


  • Office Closed - Indigenous Peoples' Day: Monday, October 14th
  • Council Joint Meeting with Board of Education: Wednesday, October 16th at 9:45 AM
  • Legislative Public Hearing: Monday, October 21st at 7 PM
  • Legislative Work Session: Tuesday, October 29th at 9:30 AM
  • Legislative Session: Monday, November 4th 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.