Public Meetings - Howard County, Maryland

The Howard County Council held its final legislative wrap-up session on Friday, October 30, 2026, as a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting. The Council gave final consideration to previously introduced appointments and legislation, disposed of tabled bills, and delivered closing remarks. Councilmembers present were Opel Jones, Deb Jung, Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh, and David Yungmann. The agenda listed a 10:00 AM start. Consent Calendar - Approved, unanimously, the journal of the October 5, 2026 legislative session and the October 19, 2026 emergency legislative session. - Approved, unanimously, the minutes of the October 13 monthly meeting, the October 13 joint meeting with the Board of Education, the October 14 special meeting, and the October 19 legislative public hearing. - Approved, unanimously, a block of 24 appointment and reappointment resolutions: CR163-2026 through CR167-2026, CR169-2026 through CR179-2026, CR181-2026 through CR187-2026, and CR195-2026. These covered appointments to the Multimodal Transportation Board, Interfaith Advisory Commission, Opioid Restitution Fund Commission, Commission on Disabilities, Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board, Commission for Veterans and Military Families, Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel, LGBTQIA+ Commission, Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, SMART Data Center Task Force, Human Rights Commission, Pension Oversight Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission. - Approved, unanimously, CR168-2026 as amended, appointing Deacon Allen R. Greene to the Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board; Amendment 1 corrected the name used in the appointment. - Voted unanimously to withdraw CR180-2026, appointing Margaret Melikian to the Historic Preservation Commission. - Approved, unanimously, CR188-2026 (Department of Police adoption rates for cats and dogs), CR189-2026 (endorsing State financing for Saval Foods LLC), CR193-2026 (conveying about 0.477 acres along Route 1 to the State Highway Administration for the US 1 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan), and CR194-2026 (Board of Education FY2028 submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction). - Approved CB60-2026 by 4-0-1, with Councilmember Rigby abstaining, authorizing a multi-year installment purchase agreement to acquire development rights on approximately 62.98 acres at 2698 Jennings Chapel Road, Woodbine, from the Eugene A. Freeze Revocable Trust for a maximum purchase price of $2,363,100, or no more than $37,520 per acre. Discussion Items - CB61-2026 (FEMA/MDE floodplain provisions update): Amendment 1 corrected the agency reference to the Maryland Department of the Environment, required that floodway encroachment not increase flood levels, prohibited using Conditional Letters of Map Revision based on fill to justify otherwise prohibited floodway development, and allowed certain essential Department of Public Works functions such as wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations under conditions. The amendment and bill as amended passed unanimously. - CB62-2026 (FY2027 Pay Plan specialty pay for Police Captains): Approved unanimously. - CB63-2026 (new executive exempt Police Colonel position) and CB64-2026 (Pay Plan and Classification Plan amendment for Police Colonel): Both were tabled unanimously. Councilmember Jones said CB63 would expire on December 14, 2026, if not extended, and could be refiled. - CB66-2026 (Zoning Board procedures): Amendment 1, approved unanimously, made each of the four code changes contingent on the Zoning Board adopting corresponding rule changes at its meeting in two weeks; otherwise the code changes would have no further effect. The bill as amended passed unanimously. - CB67-2026 (senior property tax credit): An amendment added an annual statement of eligibility for automatic renewal of the senior tax credit, to be administered by the Department of Finance. The amendment and the bill as amended passed unanimously. Beginning in Tax Year 2027, the bill increases the maximum senior property tax credit from 25 percent to 50 percent of eligible county property taxes owed after the homestead credit is applied, and it adds the automatic renewal process. Councilmember Jones thanked HCCA and Alan Schneider for testimony and guidance; Councilmember Jung questioned the difference from the aging-in-place senior tax credit and later noted that the aging-in-place credit still requires a three-page application. - CB68-2026 (Public Ethics Law confidentiality and technical corrections): Councilmember Jung described the bill's origin in an Ethics Commission request and quoted Ethics Commission Chair Matthew Gallagher's public hearing testimony that the legislation would discourage weaponization of the complaint process. The agenda listed Councilmember Rigby as co-sponsor, but Jung stated Rigby had removed herself as co-sponsor. Councilmember Jones moved to table the bill for the next Council, citing concerns that the county ethics code is too narrow. The motion to table passed 3-2 (Jones, Rigby, and Walsh in favor; Jung and Yungmann opposed). - CB69-2026 (Inspector General as custodian of Howard County Government public records): Councilmember Jung argued the Inspector General has a right to full access, voters approved the Office of Inspector General charter amendment with 85 percent support in November 2024, and the Inspector General has been denied access to 50 categories of records. She also said no case law prohibits designating the Inspector General as a custodian. County Office of Law counsel said the timing of rulings does not change the controlling effect of the 2011 Shropshire decision, that a circuit court ruling is lower than the Maryland Supreme Court, and that the county is preempted by state law; counsel also stated no case law prohibits making the Inspector General a custodian. Councilmember Jones opposed, saying the issue should be resolved under the Maryland Public Information Act at the state level, that Inspector General Kelly Madigan still has broad record access, and that the bill had not received legal sufficiency. Jung disputed that, saying the bill was not found legally insufficient. Councilmember Rigby opposed, saying county law is preempted by state law, two conflicting court decisions exist, and the bill would put county employees in conflict with state law. Councilmember Yungmann opposed, saying the state should fix the problem and he would testify for legislation by Delegate Chao Wu. Councilmember Walsh supported the bill. The bill failed 2-3 (Jung and Walsh yes; Jones, Rigby, and Yungmann no). Tabled Legislation Reconsidered - CR131-2026 (Mary O. Barton, Interfaith Advisory Commission) and CR149-2026 (Meg Boyd, SMART Data Center Task Force) were removed from the table and approved unanimously. - CB58-2026 (grants for construction and real property): The Council voted 3-2 to remove the bill from the table (Jung, Walsh, and Yungmann in favor; Jones and Rigby opposed). Amendment 1 to Amendment 1, approved 3-2, narrowed the bill to new requirements for grants involving purchase, construction, or redevelopment of real property, including a detailed scope of work, performance outcomes and metrics, long-term public-use requirements, financial performance security, at least a 25 percent private or non-county source match, no lump-sum grant disbursement in one payment, and a minimum two-year operating history for recipient nonprofits. Councilmember Jung cited the $25 million grant to Columbia Community Concepts for the Source Community Center as an example of insufficient oversight. Amendment 1 as amended passed 3-2, and CB58 as amended was approved 3-2, with Councilmember Rigby voting no and saying the matter deserved a more serious process and that nonprofits and the hospital had raised concerns. - CB59-2026 (solar collector facilities temporary hold): The Council unanimously removed the bill from the table. Amendment 1 to Amendment 1, approved unanimously, removed the moratorium language and the requirement to push existing projects back into the conditional use process. The amended bill instead requires an interagency meeting that includes the State Attorney General's office and County Office of Law, shortens the Department of Planning and Zoning report timeframe, requires an Agricultural Board meeting and a public meeting, and includes an uncodified request for an Attorney General opinion on whether the Renewable Energy Certainty Act (HB 1036) preempts County authority over Agricultural Preservation easement properties. The bill as amended passed 3-2 (Jung, Walsh, and Yungmann in favor; Jones and Rigby opposed). Chair Jones said he remained concerned about solar delays despite the removed moratorium; Councilmember Rigby said RECA still left unresolved issues and state advocacy would be needed. Key Outcomes - Senior property tax credit cap increased from 25 percent to 50 percent for Tax Year 2027, with an automatic renewal statement process; approved unanimously. - Police Colonel position and pay bills (CB63-2026 and CB64-2026) were tabled unanimously; CB63 is expected to expire December 14, 2026, unless refiled. - Inspector General records custodian bill (CB69-2026) failed 2-3. - Public Ethics Law confidentiality bill (CB68-2026) was tabled 3-2 for the next Council. - Grants oversight bill (CB58-2026) was approved as amended 3-2. - Solar review process bill (CB59-2026) was approved as amended 3-2 after the moratorium was removed. - CB60-2026 agricultural easement purchase was approved 4-0-1. - All other final-consideration appointments and uncontested resolutions/bills were approved. - This was the final legislative session for the outgoing council body, and members delivered farewell remarks before adjournment. Closing Remarks - Chair Opel Jones thanked residents, staff, and family, and highlighted legislation he sponsored or co-sponsored, including the racial equity task force, the disposable bag fee, minimum wage legislation, cannabis legislation, and days of commemoration. - Councilmember Deb Jung thanked county employees and staff, emphasized accountability and transparency, and said she would remain an advocate. - Councilmember Christiana Rigby reflected on the body's work during the pandemic, school investments, inclusion measures, complete streets, and the HoCo By Design general plan, and said she looked forward to working with new colleagues. - Councilmember Liz Walsh praised her District 1 office and staff, highlighted green space preservation and the creation of the Inspector General's office, and expressed continued belief in good government. - Councilmember David Yungmann thanked staff and colleagues, called the service the privilege of a lifetime, and said for the first bills of January, he and others had already planned to be the first to testify in opposition of something, jokingly.

On October 30, 2026, the Howard County Council held a hybrid special meeting to consider whether to exercise the one-year renewal option in the Zoning Counsel contract with Nathaniel Foreman of O'Malley, Miles, Nylon, and Gilmore. The contract was set to expire on December 31, 2026. After discussion, the Council voted 3 to 2 to extend the contract through December 31, 2027. Discussion Items - One councilmember expressed support for continuing the contract but suggested asking the Zoning Counsel attorney to resign as treasurer of the Maryland Building Builders Industry Association, saying it could appear as a potential conflict of interest. - Another councilmember questioned the time sensitivity, noting that the incoming council/zoning board would not be hearing cases, and asked why the decision should not be left to the next council. That councilmember also said that if the contract were extended, it should be for a much shorter period than one year. - A third councilmember argued that it was wisest to move ahead with the one-year extension because it would give the new body time to understand the position, decide how they want it to run, and discuss the matter with Mr. Foreman. That councilmember made the motion to extend the contract for one year through December 31, 2027. Key Outcomes - The motion to extend the Zoning Counsel contract for one year through December 31, 2027, passed by a vote of 3 to 2. - Voting yes: Chair Opel Jones, Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, and Councilmember David Yungmann (listed as Mr. Youngman in the transcript). - Voting no: Councilmember Deb Jung (referred to as Ms. Young in the transcript) and Councilmember Liz Walsh. - Councilmember Jung stated that she voted no without the contingency she had mentioned—asking the attorney to resign from the Maryland Building Builders Industry Association—because that condition did not appear to be of interest to the majority of the council. - The Council then recessed to a legislative wrap-up session using the same WebEx link.

The Howard County Board of Appeals met in hybrid session (Banneker Room and WebEx) on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to about 2:00 p.m. Vice Chair Lynn Feerkow presided. The sole substantive matter was BA829D, Donna Gorhan's appeal concerning 10450 Waterfowl Terrace, Columbia, Maryland (Council District 5, Tax Map 30, Lot 144). The agenda identifies the appeal as from the Hearing Examiner's June 15, 2026 Decision and Order dismissing the petition; the case call also identified the underlying agency action as DPZ's March 10, 2026 decision finding no zoning violations in response to the appellant's complaint (case CE 2617). A written minutes packet was not provided, but the Board approved the October 15, 2026 minutes on the record. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously the October 15, 2026 meeting minutes by motion, second, and roll-call vote (all Board members voting approved). Discussion Items - Case call and standard of review: The Board stated the appeal proceeded de novo under Board Rule 2.210A, with the appellant bearing the burden of proving by a preponderance that the agency's decision was clearly erroneous, arbitrary and capricious, or contrary to law. Each Board member confirmed having visited the subject property. - Subpoena issue: The appellant asked that absent subpoenaed witnesses be carried to November 17, 2026, and that the record remain open for their testimony; the Board later confirmed that subpoenaed witnesses remain required on November 17. - Motion to dismiss: DPZ counsel, David Moore, moved to dismiss the appeal as an untimely challenge to the 2025 building permit, arguing DPZ had already assessed the same zoning question before issuing the permit, the property owner built according to a valid permit and approvals, and allowing the later no-violation appeal would permit endless re-litigation. The appellant responded that she was appealing DPZ's March 10, 2026 decision closing code enforcement case CE 2617, that she filed within 30 days, and that the Board had jurisdiction under Section 130.0.B.4. - Closed session: The Board voted to close the meeting briefly under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Md. Code, General Provisions § 3-305(b)(7), to consult with counsel about the motion; it then returned to open session. - Ruling and scope limitation: The Board unanimously denied DPZ's motion to dismiss. It clarified that it would not re-evaluate the issuance of the building permit; its review was limited to the March 10, 2026 no-violation decision, including whether the construction complied with the building permit or whether the inspection was mistaken. - Opening statements: The appellant argued the decisive issue was whether DPZ had a factual basis to treat the old shed as part of the house; if the shed was not part of the dwelling, the new garage was not entitled to the existing-dwelling setback encroachment under Section 128.0.B.2. DPZ argued that the structure was a properly permitted replacement of a connected part of the house occupying the same footprint, which is why DPZ found no violation. - Appellant's testimony: Ms. Gorhan testified that she was not challenging the building permit, but the March 10 closure decision. She contended the demolished shed was free-standing and nonconforming, and that the new garage protrudes further into the setback than the shed did. She also noted that the face of the permit did not list a setback number. - Jeff Goens testimony: The former DPZ zoning official confirmed that in November 2023 he responded to the property owner's emailed description and photos without a site visit or shed measurement. The Board largely limited this testimony as pre-permit and outside the scope of the 2026 complaint. - Inspector Blanding testimony: The DPZ inspector described his March 2, 2026 inspection. He measured 4.8 feet from the front corner of the garage, the closest point to the neighboring property, using a roller tape; no property line markers were present. The approved file materials, including a survey, indicated a 4.8-foot side setback was allowed, while the general side-yard setback was 7.5 feet. He took still photos and a short video, did not take other measurements along the approximately 27-28 foot garage wall, and concluded the structure was consistent with the approved permit; after review with his supervisor, no notice of violation was issued. On cross, he acknowledged that no survey marker was present at the time of his March measurement, but a later survey and property marker were in place; he would have pursued a violation if he had found noncompliance. - Evidentiary rulings: The Board admitted Exhibit 21 (inspection photos and approximately 20-second video) after DPZ stated no objection, and admitted Exhibit 5 (residential building permit) into evidence. Exhibit 30 (survey packet) was marked for identification only, not admitted as substantive evidence, with one page accepted for reference. The Board sustained relevance objections to several older documents, including the 1969 plot plan, Wild Lake association emails, and the November 2023 email exchange, as predating the 2025 permit and 2026 complaint. Key Outcomes - The Board unanimously denied DPZ's motion to dismiss. - Admitted DPZ inspection video/photos (Exhibit 21) and building permit (Exhibit 5); marked survey set (Exhibit 30) for identification only. - No final decision on the merits; hearing adjourned to November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. - Record remains open for absent subpoenaed witnesses; subpoenaed witnesses remain required on November 17. - Witnesses Goens and Blanding were excused; the appeal remains pending.

The Howard County Planning Board met on October 22, 2026, at 12:15 PM, in-person and virtually. The meeting began with the establishment of a quorum, approval of the agenda, and adoption of the October 1, 2026 meeting minutes. The board then addressed two major agenda items: the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) FY 2028 Capital Budget and a quasi-judicial hearing for PB 464 Selby Estates, LLC. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 1, 2026 meeting via WebEx recording. Public Comments & Testimony - Selby Estates (PB 464): Two residents of Julia Manor Way provided informal testimony expressing concerns about the project. Michelle Berkowitz asked about construction timeline, impacts on well and septic systems for neighboring homes, construction traffic and parking on Julia Manor Way, potential road repaving, and boundary treatment (fencing/trees). Debbie Green echoed concerns about snow removal, school bus stops, road width (currently narrow and unpaved), and the need for road widening. The board acknowledged the concerns but noted they may be addressed in later stages or by other agencies, as the current hearing was limited to environmental criteria under Senate Bill 236. Discussion Items - HCPSS FY 2028 Capital Budget: Dan Lubley, Executive Director of Capital Planning and Construction, presented the school system's proposed state capital projects for FY 2028. The state target funding allocation is approximately $14.5 million, a decrease of about $10 million from FY 2027. Four projects were proposed: Dunloggin Middle School renovation and addition, roof projects at Ilchester Elementary and Hollyfield Station Elementary, and a roof and envelope project at Long Reach High School. Board member Mr. Cecil expressed frustration with the timeline (projects already submitted to the state on October 6, before this review), lack of alignment with the General Plan (Hoco by Design), insufficient funding for new schools to serve planned growth, and delays in the P3 study. He noted that the budget only addresses deferred maintenance, not new capacity needed for increased density called for in the General Plan. The board voted 3-0-1 (3 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention) to recommend an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council, citing inconsistency with Policy PS1 (identifying school sites meeting student population needs) as the projects focus on deferred maintenance rather than new schools for growth. - PB 464 Selby Estates (Quasi-Judicial Hearing): The petitioner, Selby Estates LLC (represented by Joseph Rutter and engineer Paul Sill), seeks to subdivide a 60-acre farm in Tier 3 (Rural Residential) into 14 residential lots, one buildable preservation parcel, and three non-buildable preservation parcels. Staff presentation (Derek Jones) detailed the environmental review: the site contains wetlands, streams, floodplains, and steep slopes; alternative compliance was approved to construct a shared driveway with a box culvert crossing a stream; 4 of 150 specimen trees will be removed (mitigated by planting 8 trees); forest conservation will be met on-site via easements. The sole criterion for the Planning Board under Senate Bill 236 is potential environmental issues or natural resources inventory. The applicant argued that environmental features have been maximally protected. Board members asked about driveway alternatives and tree removal locations. The board found the layout preserves environmental features to the extent possible given density, and unanimously approved PB 464. Key Outcomes - HCPSS Capital Budget: The board voted 3-0-1 to recommend an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council, citing inconsistency with Policy PS1 (deferred maintenance does not address growing student population needs). A letter will be drafted for board review. - PB 464 Selby Estates: The board unanimously approved the preliminary equivalent sketch plan (SP 25003) for 14 lots, one buildable preservation parcel, and three non-buildable preservation parcels, based on compliance with environmental criteria under Senate Bill 236.

The Howard County Council held a hybrid legislative public hearing on Monday, October 19, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., to hear testimony on legislation introduced on October 5, 2026. Chair Opel Jones presided in the George Howard Building, with Councilmembers Christiana Rigby (virtual), Liz Walsh, Deb Jung, and David Yungmann participating. Sign-up to testify closed at 7:00 p.m. The hearing covered dozens of appointment and reappointment resolutions, agricultural preservation, animal adoption fees, floodplain updates, police pay and classification changes, a senior tax credit increase, zoning procedure updates, ethics law changes, and Inspector General records access. Comcast broadcast technical issues were noted; viewers were directed to the live stream. No votes were taken; a Council work session is set for Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and a legislative session for final consideration is set for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Appointments and Reappointments Candidates generally testified in support of their own appointments. Notable testimony included: - CR131-2026 – Mary O. Barton (Interfaith Advisory Commission): described 19 years in Adult ESL at Howard Community College and helping an unhoused student; stressed faith communities can help residents navigate services. - CR149-2026 – Meg Boyd (SMART Data Center Task Force): noted the Conservancy holds 52 conservation easements on 22,000 acres across the county. - CR163-2026 – Danyell Diggs (Multimodal Transportation Board): cited more than 25 years of transportation experience at local, state, and federal levels; 27-year Howard County resident. - CR164-2026 – Rev. C. Paige Getty (Interfaith Advisory Commission): former lead minister of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia; served on the working group that proposed the commission. - CR165-2026 – Divine David Jimeto Alachebe (Opioid Restitution Fund Commission): Centennial High School senior who lost a friend to a drug overdose; recommended by a school social worker. - CR166-2026 – Elizabeth W. Ndungu (Commission on Disabilities): born with clubfoot in Kenya; runs businesses employing people with intellectual disabilities; established nonprofit UESO. - CR167-2026 – Jamie L. Ferguson, Ph.D. (Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board): historian managing 16 burial sites for Montgomery Parks; confirmed she does not live or work in Howard County, but noted the position was advertised as open to non-residents. - CR168-2026 – Deacon Allen R. Greene (Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board): spoke about St. Mary's Cemetery in Turf Valley, resting place of about 167 people including enslaved and formerly enslaved individuals; his three-times great-grandmother is buried there. - CR169-2026 – Kathryn Adkins Walker Robinson (Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board): testified on the importance of preserving cemeteries as irreplaceable time capsules of history. - CR170-2026 – Saphronia "Sophie" Lang-Bradford (Commission for Veterans and Military Families): did not sign up beforehand but was allowed to testify by the Chair; cited her father's 35 years in the Army, her husband's 30 years in the Air Force, her own USAF service, and 20+ years of program management. - CR171-2026 – Rita Kristine Bernardo (Multimodal Transportation Board): recent Harvard Graduate School of Design master's in urban planning; works at Baltimore Metropolitan Council on transportation safety. - CR172-2026 – Kari Andresen (Multimodal Transportation Board): electrician apprentice; described dangerous pedestrian conditions near BJ's on Snowden, including at least one death of an employee walking to work. - CR173-2026 – Rachael MacMurray (Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel): 10 years in regulated retail; passionate about community reinvestment and repair. - CR174-2026 – Saraniya Tharmarajah, Ph.D. (Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel): public health researcher at Johns Hopkins; raised in Howard County. - CR175-2026 – Quinton Askew (Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel): overcame technical difficulties; former Howard County government staffer and current executive director of Ohana of Howard County. - CR176-2026 – Francesca Valencia (LGBTQIA+ Commission): community leader and arts advocate. - CR177-2026 – Marina Lambrinou, Ph.D. (LGBTQIA+ Commission): educator in HCPSS, openly queer, Democratic Central Committee member. - CR178-2026 – Gemma Holgate (LGBTQIA+ Commission): transgender parent of queer HCPSS students; president of Community Allies of Rainbow Youth. - CR179-2026 – Jeminetu Usman (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission): Nigerian immigrant, social worker, wants to advance MLK's legacy. - CR180-2026 – Margaret Melikian (Historic Preservation Commission): no testimony noted. - CR181-2026 – Jonathan Shin (SMART Data Center Task Force): 25-year resident; nearly 15 years in building lifecycle and data center infrastructure experience. - CR182-2026 – Sandra M. Price (Human Rights Commission): former community educator at HopeWorks of Howard County; five years on Consumer Protection Advisory Board. - CR195-2026 – Chris Anderson (SMART Data Center Task Force, introduced by Councilmember Rigby): business agent for Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486, which represents more than 3,000 workers; supports responsible data center development. Reappointments were read without individual testimony: CR183-2026 Michelle Rhodes-Brown, CFA (Pension Oversight Commission); CR184-2026 Regina V. Lee (Commission on Disabilities); CR185-2026 Gift Gunaraj Jayakar (Commission on Disabilities); CR186-2026 Bryan Weinstein (Commission on Disabilities); CR187-2026 Ben S. Barlow (Historic Preservation Commission). Agricultural, Financial, and Public Safety Legislation - CB60-2026 – James Zoller (Administrator, Office of Agriculture) supported a multi-year installment purchase agreement to acquire an agricultural preservation easement on a 62.98-acre equine farm at 2698 Jennings Chapel Road, Woodbine, for a maximum purchase price of $2,363,100 (not more than $37,520 per acre). The property has 99% Class 1, 2, and 3 soils, a current soil conservation plan, and would add to over 23,380 acres of preserved farmland. - CR188-2026 – Sherry Fox (Animal Control Administrator) and Fran Lepresti (Animal Matters Hearing Board) supported a maximum adoption fee for dogs and cats. Current charges can reach $291 for dogs and $241 for cats. In 2025, 655 animal adoptions generated $41,384; proposed flat fees would lower collections by an estimated $16,254, but lower fees are expected to increase adoptions and reduce shelter costs. - CR189-2026 – A county economic development representative (identified as Ms. Jones) supported endorsing state financing for Saval Foods, LLC. Saval Foods plans to consolidate two Elkridge locations in Gateway and add approximately 100 jobs; it has been in the county about 40 years. - CB61-2026 – Yosef Cabetta (Director, Department of Public Works) supported updating floodplain provisions to meet FEMA/MEMA requirements. Howard County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and has a Community Rating System Class 5, giving residents a 25% flood insurance premium discount. The update began in 2020; the county is in a 90-day appeal period. No fiscal impact is expected. - CB62-2026 – Ann Coshi (Deputy Administrator, Office of Human Resources) presented specialty pay of $5,000 per year for police captains; with eight captain positions, the fiscal impact is approximately $40,000. The Personnel Board approved CB62. - CB63-2026 / CB64-2026 – Ms. Coshi presented a new Police Colonel executive exempt position and its classification and pay grade. The Personnel Board tabled votes on both bills that day. Council discussion raised questions about the need for the position, whether it would replace an existing assistant administrator position, and total costs; the pay range cited was approximately $145,000-$281,000 excluding benefits. - CR193-2026 – Emily Ayaki (Chief, Bureau of Real Estate Management) supported conveying approximately 0.477 acres of county-owned parcels along Route 1 to the State Highway Administration for the US 1 (Washington Boulevard) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The total appraised value is $102,950; the bill waives advertising and bidding requirements. - CR194-2026 – A Howard County Public School System representative and Brent Lovellis (PTA Council of Howard County Legislative Chair) supported the Board of Education's FY2028 state capital construction submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC). Projects include Dunloggin Middle School renovation/additions and roofing projects at Ilchester Elementary and Hollyfield Station Elementary. The total state funding request is about $18.6 million; the estimated local share is $22.5 million, for a total of $41.1 million. The IAC target allocation is about $13.8 million, with another $1.5 million in reserve funds. - CB66-2026 – Introduced by Councilmember Yungmann at the request of the Zoning Board, this bill amends Zoning Board procedures. Stu Cohn (President, Howard County Citizens Association) offered detailed suggested revisions and requested changes to majority requirements, notice provisions, and deadlines. Shemika Preston asked why the exception-filing period would be shortened from 20 days to 10 days and whether residents would have adequate time to respond. Another resident suggested 15 days as a compromise. - CB67-2026 – Chair Jones introduced this bill to increase the senior property tax credit maximum from 25% to 50% of eligible county property taxes after the homestead credit, beginning in Tax Year 2027. Alan Schneider (Howard County Citizens Association) supported the bill's purpose but raised concerns about the fiscal analysis, application complexity, and whether the average benefit of roughly $1,000 per applicant is sufficient. - CB68-2026 – Introduced by Councilmember Jung and co-sponsored by Councilmember Rigby, this bill clarifies confidentiality of Ethics Commission complaints and makes technical corrections, modeled on Anne Arundel County. Matthew Gallagher (Ethics Commission Chair) supported it, saying confidentiality deters weaponized complaints. James Bell opposed it, arguing sanctions for disclosure would discourage legitimate complaints. Ryan Powers supported it but asked for defined sanctions. Councilmember Rigby proposed a broader review of ethics laws. Inspector General Records Access (CB69-2026) Councilmember Jung introduced CB69-2026 to designate the Inspector General as a custodian of Howard County government public records. Inspector General Kelly Madigan testified in support, stating the OIG has received 113 complaints and has 35 open cases. She said she has been denied access to records under the Maryland Public Information Act, citing more than 50 categories of exempt records, and has requested access to roughly 30 of about 400 county systems. She argued the current county code already promises full and unrestricted access, and that designating her as custodian is a local solution authorized by MPIA. The Office of Law's written advice stated that 'the sufficiency of CB69 is not free from legal doubt,' while Inspector General Madigan said her office's impression, after months of discussions, is that the bill is legally sufficient. Numerous members of the public and members of the Inspector General Advisory Board spoke in support, including advisory board chair David Salem, Katie Sedney, Mitchell Stom, former County Executive Alan Kittleman, Kia Green, Andrea Levinson, Daniel Waters, Cindy LaFollette, Nadia Kane, Angela and Robert Bruce, Ryan Powers, Ryan O'Connor, Alan Schneider, and Haley Hendrick. Speakers invoked the 85% voter approval of the 2024 charter amendment establishing the OIG, with 145,000 votes in favor, and argued that an IG without records access cannot perform independent oversight. No public testimony opposing CB69 was heard. Key Outcomes - No final votes were taken during the October 19, 2026 hearing. - The Council will hold a work session on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; agenda items are due by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. - A legislative session for final consideration of legislation heard this evening is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Banneker Room. - Written testimony will be accepted and considered by the Council prior to action. - The Personnel Board tabled its recommendations on CB63-2026 and CB64-2026; the Council will need to determine the effect of that tabling on its consideration. - Regarding CB69-2026, the Council asked the Inspector General to circulate supporting materials and received Office of Law advice that legal sufficiency is not free from legal doubt.

An emergency legislative session (Day 13) of the Howard County Council was held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual via WebEx), streamed online and broadcast on local channels. The sole purpose was to introduce and give final consideration to Council Resolution CR196-2026, confirming the nomination of Antigone Vickery, MPH, as Interim Health Officer for Howard County. Three council members were present: Chair Opel Jones, Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, and Councilmember David Yungmann. Discussion Items - CR196-2026 – Confirming Nomination of Antigone Vickery, MPH, as Interim Health Officer: The resolution was introduced by the Chair at the request of the County Executive. After a brief reading, Councilmember Jones moved to approve, and the motion was seconded. There was no substantive debate; Councilmember Rigby expressed gratitude to Dr. Vickery for stepping up to serve. The vote was called immediately. Key Outcomes - Vote on CR196-2026: The council voted 3–0 in favor of the resolution (Chair Jones yes, Vice Chair Rigby yes, Councilmember Yungmann yes), confirming Antigone Vickery, MPH, as Interim Health Officer for Howard County. The emergency legislative session concluded, and the council paused the livestream before resuming at 7:00 PM for the October legislative public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Howard County held a public hearing on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to receive testimony on recommended changes to the Rules of Procedure for the Zoning Board and the Rules of Procedure for the Zoning Board Hearing Examiner. The hearing was conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual). The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 14 and 16, 2026 meetings. Three members of the public testified. The board accepted written comments until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, and scheduled a meeting to vote on the final rules for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board voted unanimously (4-0, with Vice Chair Walsh absent) to approve the minutes of the September 14, 2026 and September 16, 2026 zoning board meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Cohn (testified via WebEx due to vertigo): He raised several concerns about the draft rules: (1) The rules do not define what constitutes a "party" for filing exceptions; he suggested that sign-up sheets clarify whether a person is a "party of record" or "person of record." (2) He noted that public notification signs for the Maple Lawn hearing examiner case were incorrect, referring to the wrong meetings. (3) He recommended using "majority" or "supermajority" instead of a fixed number (e.g., 3 of 5) to allow for potential changes in board size. (4) He pointed out that the hearing examiner rules use "decision and order" but should state "recommendation." (5) He asked about consequences if a subpoena is quashed. He offered to meet with the board to discuss further. - Joel Horowitz: He argued that the rules regarding administrative appointment of the zoning counsel and hearing examiner violate the Howard County Charter (Sections 216 and 603), citing a county attorney's statement that the charter overrides zoning board rules. He also expressed concern that the zoning counsel should not advise the hearing examiner on legal matters and criticized side-bar discussions. He noted formatting issues (unnumbered paragraphs) in the draft rules, recommended consistency between "working days" and "business days," and addressed the need for affidavits of political contributions to be updated when new members take office. He agreed with Mr. Cohn on the need to define "party" and suggested that anyone who files motions or cross-examines becomes a party. - Chris Oliva (of Columbia): He expressed reservations about the administrative handling of appointments for the hearing examiner and zoning counsel, suggesting a public hearing to vet appointees. He also recommended that the hearing examiner conduct declaratory rulings on citizen petitions under current provisions, citing an example where a use not permitted in commercial zones required such a ruling. Discussion Items - Future Meeting Date: Following testimony, the board discussed scheduling a meeting to vote on the final rules. They considered Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The board selected Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to expedite the process. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the September 14 and 16, 2026 meeting minutes. - The public hearing on the proposed rules of procedure was conducted; written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026. - The board decided to hold a meeting to vote on the final rules of procedure on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. - The meeting adjourned, to be followed by a county council public hearing at 7:00 p.m. and an emergency legislative session at 6:30 p.m.

The Howard County Board of Appeals convened on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9:00 am in a hybrid meeting format. The board first approved the minutes from its October 1, 2026 meeting on a unanimous 4-0 vote. The primary agenda item was the continued hearing of Case BA823D, an appeal by David Marc et al. against the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning concerning the Maryland International School's request for an alternative compliance and alternative variance for the removal of a specimen tree and the disturbance of steep slopes at 6135 Old Washington Road, Elkridge, MD. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (October 1, 2026): The board unanimously approved the minutes via roll call vote (4-0). Discussion & Deliberations: Case BA823D The board heard closing summations from the parties regarding the two main issues. Summation by Appellant's Counsel (Alex Votar, representing citizen appellants): - Argued that the property is not unique under Maryland case law (Dan's Mountain Wind Forest), as surrounding properties share the same topographical features. - Contended that the hardship justifying the steep slope disturbance was economic in nature, driven by a desire to maximize development (including an auditorium, parking garage, gymnastics gym, indoor pool, and soccer field) rather than being driven by practical difficulty unrelated to profit. - For the specimen tree, argued the hardship was self-created because the tree was planted by a prior owner, and the analysis must consider the entire property, where other developable areas exist. - Asked the board to reverse the department's approvals. Summation by Applicant's Counsel (Christopher DiCarlo, representing Maryland International School): - Emphasized the appellants' burden of proof to show the agency decision was clearly erroneous, arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law. - Argued that the uniqueness criteria is met by unique topographical conditions (85 feet of vertical grade, historic building, stream buffers, pump station, 44,000 square feet of steep slopes) and that zoning variance case law (Baragaba v. Prince George's County) does not apply to these environmental waivers. - Noted only 8,500 of the property's 44,000 square feet of steep slopes would be disturbed for an approved athletic field and required stormwater management. - For the specimen tree (Tree 6, one of nine on the site), argued removal is essential for ADA access, as 46% of its critical root zone is already compromised (double the county's 23% threshold), and self-created hardship is not a codified criterion for this waiver type. Board Deliberations: - Specimen Tree (Section 16.126): All members agreed the agency's decision was rational based on the tree's compromised condition, precarious location on a steep slope, and the ADA compliance requirement. The appeal was denied 4-0. - Steep Slopes (Sections 16.104 & 16.116): A split emerged over criterion 16.104A1(ii) (uniqueness/practical difficulty). Board member McCurdy argued the agency's written decision lacked a clear rationale for finding the property unique, making it appear arbitrary, and that the appellants met their burden. Vice Chair Feercub and members Harris and Phillips found the decision was supported by the evidence of unique topographical constraints and that the appellants failed to prove the decision was clearly erroneous. The appeal was denied 3-1. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Minutes: Approved (4-0). - Appeal on Specimen Tree Removal (Alternative Variance): Denied. The board upheld the agency's approval (4-0). - Appeal on Steep Slope Disturbance (Alternative Compliance): Denied. The board upheld the agency's approval (3-1). - Adjournment: The board concluded the case and the hearing stood adjourned.

The Howard County Council held a special in-person meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the George Howard Building, Banneker Room, with video streaming online. The meeting was convened as a hearing under Section 903 of the Howard County Charter regarding the removal of Gene Ryan from the Board of Appeals, followed by a motion to enter closed session under Maryland Code General Provisions § 3-305(b)(1) and (7), and a report on the closed session. Hearing under Section 903 - Gene Ryan, accompanied by attorney Lydia Lawless, said that a lawsuit was filed the previous day against the Council and the County Solicitor. He asked that his formal objections be entered into the record and that his complaint be accepted as his written statement. - Ryan argued that the Council did not lawfully convene on September 16, 2026, when a majority voted to remove him immediately from the Board of Appeals, and that the current hearing was likewise not lawfully convened. - Ryan said the Office of Law had described the hearing as non-evidentiary and had told him it was not subject to normal public hearing rules, including the three-minutes-per-person rule, which he argued deprived him of due process. - Ryan objected to any closed session, citing the public hearing requirement in Section 903 and the Open Meetings Act, and he objected to receiving advice from County Solicitor Cook, asserting a conflict of interest requiring disqualification of the Solicitor and the Office of Law. - Ryan stated that he would not answer factual questions about the personnel complaint or removal proceedings, and he argued that Councilmembers Rigby, Walsh, and Jung had prejudged the matter, preventing a lawful quorum for removal proceedings. Council and Staff Discussion - Council Chair Opel Jones read the September 16, 2026 removal letter and the text of Charter Section 903, which gives a removed board or commission member the privilege of a public hearing if requested within 10 days after receiving a written statement of reasons. - An Office of Law representative stated that the proceeding was the public hearing under Section 903, but not a legislative public hearing under Council Rule 1.012, and said the meeting had been properly noticed as an open public meeting at least three days in advance. - A council administrator confirmed that the meeting was noticed as an open public meeting at least three days in advance. - Councilmembers Jones and Yungmann said the proceeding did not feel like a real public hearing, argued that Section 903 had not been followed, and expressed concern that Mr. Ryan was not receiving due process. - Councilmembers Jones and Yungmann also criticized the September 16 meeting, saying it had been called with very short notice, that two council members were not properly informed, and that Mr. Ryan should have continued serving on the Board of Appeals pending the hearing. - One councilmember said the relevant issue was conduct, not public feelings about Board of Appeals decisions, and noted that previous board removal processes had occurred; another councilmember said there had been time to fill the vacancy but it was not done. - Another councilmember said the public was harmed by the Board of Appeals operating with four members instead of five while the matter remained unresolved. Closed Session Motion - A councilmember moved, and another seconded, to close the meeting under Maryland Code General Provisions § 3-305(b)(1) and (7) to discuss personnel matters and obtain legal advice. - The motion passed by a vote of 3-2. Chair Jones and Councilmember Yungmann voted no and objected publicly, and Mr. Ryan's counsel recorded an objection, arguing that the public hearing requirement removed any legal authority to close the session. - Chair Jones stated his intention to return to open session after the closed session. Key Outcomes - After the closed session, Chair Jones announced that it ended at 11:37 AM and that a vote was taken to remove Gene Ryan from the Board of Appeals by a vote of 3-1. - Chair Jones said the Council would work to fill the Board of Appeals vacancy, either during the current session or with the next Council, and acknowledged the pending lawsuit.