Public Meetings - Howard County, Maryland

The Howard County Council held a hybrid legislative public hearing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to receive testimony on legislation introduced on February 2, 2026. The meeting was conducted in person and via WebEx, streamed on the council website and broadcast on Comcast/Verizon. Council members present included Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, David Yungmann, Liz Walsh, and Chair Opel Jones (arrived later). The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 2219. Appointments and Reappointments Multiple appointments and reappointments were considered, with testimony from most nominees: CR26-2026 – Jonathan D. Nelson – Opioid Restitution Fund Commission: Mr. Nelson testified in favor, citing his personal experience in the recovery field and his history in Howard County. CR27-2026 – Asaf Buchner – Advisory Board on Consumer Protection: Mr. Buchner testified in favor, noting 20 years of financial experience and a focus on consumer education. CR28-2026 – Darryl Burnett – Board of Health: Mr. Burnett testified in favor, highlighting his previous 11-year service on the board, master’s degrees in public health, and experience with FQHCs. CR30-2026 – Bryan Lee Thompson – Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board: Mr. Thompson testified in favor, describing his work on a farm, landscape business, and desire to bring a younger farmer’s perspective. CR31-2026 – Amanda Kristen Walker de Rodriguez – Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency: Ms. Rodriguez testified in favor, introducing herself as CEO of TurnAround (rape crisis and domestic violence center) and offering council members a tour. CR29-2026 – Meghan Stepanek – Board of Health: No testimony. Reappointments – Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission (CR32‑CR36): None of the reappointees (Khin Rupa Waddy Maung, M.D.; Jodie Wang; Misako Aoki; Naresh C. Das, Ph.D.; Dhaval Shah) signed up to testify. Tabled appointments (CR147-2025, CR176-2025, CR211-2025, CR1-2026, CR4-2026, CR5-2026, CR6-2026, CR8-2026): No sign-ups for testimony. Financial Items CB11-2026 – Multi-Year Grant Agreement Renewal – Howard County Housing Commission – NonProfit Collaborative: Administration (Felix Fashin, Deputy Chief of Staff): Stated strong support. The 10-year renewal (fiscal impact $4.65 million – a $2.2 million increase from the original) would expand the collaborative by 8,200 square feet to accommodate 12 additional nonprofits. 62% of rent is subsidized. A pending amendment reduces total cost by $380,000. Lois Mikola (ACS): Expressed full support, noting the collaborative is always fully occupied and has a waiting list of 12 nonprofits. Co-location reduces overhead and fosters collaboration. Peter Engel (Howard County Housing Commission): Supported the bill, calling the collaborative a “smart investment.” The commission holds the master lease and subleases to nonprofits. Melissa Rosenberg (Autism Society of Maryland): Described transformative effects, serving 18,000+ individuals annually, and cited examples of collaboration and resource-sharing. Sue Geckle (HopeWorks): Stressed that the subsidy ensures stability and allows funds to go to survivor services rather than facility costs. Jackie Ng (Cooksville resident, former ACS board member): Voiced strong support, recounting the collaborative’s evolution and urging continuation. Jennifer Broderick (Bridges to Housing Stability): Supported, noting the space allowed her organization to re-orient and share resources. Ryan Powers (Howard County Citizens Association): Supported but called for additional accountability measures, such as public advertising of tenant openings and selection criteria, and expansion of mailbox services. Lisa Markovitz (People’s Voice Columbia): Supported unequivocally, trusting the Housing Commission and NPC to manage terms. General Legislation CB12-2026 – Landlord Tenant Relations – Eviction Notice Requirement: Tracy Rezvani (Office of Consumer Protection): Supported, describing the bill as a simple extension of existing state law (from 6 to 14 days’ notice) with multilingual information requirements. James Bell (housing advocate, Ellicott City): Strongly supported, explaining that the typical 40–50-day gap between warrant and eviction means tenants need maximum notice to prepare. He noted the Howard County Sheriff’s office already provides about a week’s notice, and this legislation places the obligation on landlords. Jackie Ng (Housing Affordability Coalition): Supported, calling it “a good start” that promotes fairness and reduces homelessness. Jennifer Broderick (Bridges to Housing Stability): Supported, emphasizing that 14 days provides a realistic window for service providers to intervene and prevent eviction. CB13-2026 – Executive Reorganization – Department of General Services – Mail and Fleet: Dawn Tinker (Assistant CAO): Supported, stating the reorganization will align with other jurisdictions and improve continuity, with no immediate fiscal impact and one position reclassified. CR37-2026 – Height Variance – Elkridge Community Center and 50 Plus Center: Emily Ayaki (Bureau of Real Estate Management): Supported, explaining the 72,000 sq ft recreation center includes a 48-foot gymnasium that exceeds the 34-foot height limit, and alternative designs were considered but found less effective. CB14-2026 (ZRA 214) – Age Restricted Adult Housing Apartments – New Conditional Use (sponsored by Yale Presbyterian Church): Jonathan On (counsel for Yale Church): Supported, arguing the conditional use (not by right) allows context-sensitive senior housing, supporting age-in-place and faith-based stewardship. He stated the bill balances flexibility with oversight. Alan Schneider (Howard County Citizens Association, Clarksville): Opposed, citing 14 issues. Key points: the ZRA is too substantial for a one-off amendment (affecting 57 parcels per DPZ, not <14 as claimed); should be handled in comprehensive zoning; lacks ADA criteria; and the applicant refused to increase MIHU from 15% to 20%. Councilmember Walsh asked about federal religious land use protections; Schneider acknowledged the law but maintained that comprehensive zoning should be used. CB15-2026 (ZRA 216) – Animal Hospitals – Permitted Use in M-1 Zoning District (sponsored by Southern Veterinary Partners/Mission Pet Health): Steven Rosenthal (Chief Medical Officer, CVCA Care for Pets/Mission Pet Health): Supported, stating the zoning update reflects modern veterinary medicine (fully enclosed, quiet, clean) and will support a state-of-the-art cardiac care facility, creating skilled jobs and activating commercial space. Tabled Legislation (No Testimony) ZRA 219 (CB4-2026) – Activity Centers – Age-Restricted Adult Housing: No testimony was offered. Key Outcomes No votes were taken at this public hearing. The council will hold a work session on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the C. Vernon Gray Room. Final consideration of legislation will occur at the legislative session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Banneker Room. Written testimony will continue to be accepted until council action.

The Howard County Council held a special hybrid meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to vote on whether to convene a closed session to discuss a personnel matter and obtain legal advice. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to close the session. Key Outcomes - Motion to Close Meeting: Council Chair Opel Jones moved to close the meeting in accordance with Maryland Code General Provisions, Section 3-305(b)(1) and (7) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom the County Council has jurisdiction, and to consult with counsel for legal advice on a legal matter. The topics specified were the performance and compensation of one or more specific employees and legal advice regarding that personnel matter. - Second and Vote: Councilmember Yungmann seconded the motion. The council voted by roll call: Chair Jones (yes), Ms. Young (yes), Mr. Yungmann (yes). No objections were raised. The motion passed unanimously. - Adjournment: The open session adjourned immediately after the vote, and the council proceeded to closed session in the Council’s Large Conference Room. The live stream ended at that point.

This meeting of the Howard County Inspector General Advisory Board was held virtually on February 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The primary agenda item was a presentation and discussion of the Office of Inspector General's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The board unanimously recommended that the proposed budget provides sufficient funding to meet the duties of the office. Discussion Items - Office of Inspector General Proposed FY2027 Budget Presentation: Inspector General Kelly Madigan presented the proposed budget for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). The total proposed budget is approximately $799,083, with personnel costs at $764,383 (about 96% of the total). Key changes from the FY2026 placeholder budget include: - Reclassification of the administrative assistant position to an investigator, increasing the investigative staff to four positions (IG, Deputy IG, Senior Analyst/Investigator, and one additional investigator). This reclassification is pending approval by the Office of Human Resources and the County Administrative Officer. - Contractual services increased from $5,000 to $28,700, including a $7,000 subscription for the investigative tool CLEAR (Thomson Reuters), $3,000 for printing (posters, magnets, branding), $10,000 for conference and seminar fees (including AIG certification and continuing education), and $7,000 for training services. - Supplies and materials increased from $3,000 to $5,000 for office supplies, plus a new line of $1,000 for subscriptions (e.g., digital subscriptions to The Post, The Sun, The Banner). - A vehicle purchase is planned using $150,000 in salary savings from FY2026; the vehicle will be a standard fleet car (e.g., Toyota or Hyundai). The ongoing vehicle charge (mileage/maintenance) is set at $6,100 annually. - Board members asked clarifying questions about salary ranges for new hires, membership dues for professional organizations (e.g., ACFE), and the vehicle purchase timeline. Madigan confirmed she will post for a Deputy IG within the next month and for investigators in late spring. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Board Chair David Salem moved that the Inspector General Advisory Board determine that the Inspector General's proposed FY2027 budget provides sufficient funding to meet the duties of the office. Vice Chair Mitchell Stahm seconded. The motion passed unanimously with no abstentions or objections. - Next Steps: The board will submit a letter to the County Executive and County Council reflecting the board's action and determination. The letter will be drafted by the chair and circulated to members before sending. - Future Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2026 (note: the transcript says March 5, 2005, but context indicates 2026), where the Inspector General will provide an update on activities since her start date of January 5, 2026.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Howard County Hearing Examiner convened a hybrid meeting (Banneker Room and WebEx) at approximately 10:30 a.m. (agenda listed 10:00 a.m.) to consider case BA 25-022V, a residential variance petition by Structures R Us for a setback change to 5 feet to build a pool and shed at 3704 Red Oak Lane, Ellicott City. The hearing examiner, Joyce Nichols, granted a continuance requested by the opposition, and the matter was rescheduled to March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. No substantive discussion or public testimony occurred. Notes - The agenda lists the case as BA 25-022V, while the hearing examiner's opening statement referred to BA 25-02V. This discrepancy is noted without resolution. Key Outcomes - Continuance granted. Next hearing: March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board met on February 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM in a hybrid format (Banneker Room and WebEx). Board members present: Chair Steve Chen, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Hunt, and Ms. Johnson. The board approved the minutes of the February 27, 2026 meeting (date as stated in the transcript, though it follows the meeting date) and considered one application for a change of resident agent and licensee for Mission BBQ Columbia. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting (referenced as February 27, 2026). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Application for Change of Resident Agent & Licensee – Mission BBQ Columbia The application sought to change the resident agent and licensee for a Class B Beer 7-Day On Sale license at 6270 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045 (4,500 sq. ft. restaurant with 1,199 sq. ft. patio) from the current licensees (Jonathan Kendrick, William Kraus, Stephen Newton) to John Bezold and Randall Riniker. Applicant was represented by counsel Nicholas Callas. - During testimony, it was revealed that John Bezold is not an employee or officer of Mission BBQ and has no ownership interest; he is a frequent patron. Per Board Rule 2.06, a resident agent must be a 10% owner or a full-time manager/supervisor physically present. Randall Riniker holds a 10% Series B interest and is an experienced operator (12 years with Mission BBQ). - Board counsel Jay noted the application error and presented two options: (1) continue the hearing for an amended application, or (2) approve with a contingency that the application be corrected. The board and applicant preferred the latter, agreeing to remove John Bezold and have Randall Riniker as the sole resident agent. - Board members expressed comfort due to low alcohol sales (less than 1% of gross revenue) and the presence of trained on-site managers (general manager David and assistant managers). No prior violations were reported. - A question about health department inspection was raised; it was noted as a separate process to be handled later. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve (by Chair Chen, seconded): Approved the petition for change of resident agent and licensee to Randall Dean Riniker for Mission BBQ Columbia, contingent upon submission of an amended application removing John Bezold and correcting the resident agent listing. The license is for a 4,500 sq. ft. restaurant with a 1,199 sq. ft. patio at 6270 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045. - Vote: Unanimous (4-0). - Applicants waived their right to appeal. - The board scheduled its next hearing for February 24, 2026.

The Howard County Council met in hybrid session on February 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to give final consideration to two emergency bills: CB16-2026, amending the Howard County Building Code to restrict I-3 use group permits to government agencies, and CB17-2026, requiring the County Executive to issue guidance on immigration enforcement at county facilities. Both bills were emergency legislation and required four votes for passage. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were taken at this session. Council members referenced hundreds of resident letters and calls, and testimony delivered at the prior day’s hearing (February 4), with residents urging action against a proposed private ICE detention center in Elkridge. Discussion Items CB16-2026 – Emergency Legislation Amending Howard County Building Code (I-3 Use Group) Council members expressed strong support, citing community opposition, proximity to schools and parks, and the need to prevent private detention centers. Chair Opel Jones, Vice Chair Christiana Rigby, and Councilmembers Deb Jung and Liz Walsh spoke in favor, emphasizing values of inclusion, safety, and local control. Councilmember Yungmann also voted yes, though no extended remarks were noted. CB17-2026 – County Executive Immigration Enforcement Guidance – Emergency Act Councilmember Liz Walsh introduced the bill, which would codify guidance for county employees on handling ICE interactions. Several amendments were considered: - Amendment 1 limited the contracts section to public contracts with the county and its departments. Passed unanimously. - Amendment 2 added co-sponsors County Executive Calvin Ball, then Councilmembers Rigby and Jones. Passed unanimously. - Amendment 3 made technical corrections. Passed unanimously after debate. - An amendment to Amendment 3 (Young) would have changed designated reporting contacts to department heads; failed 2-3, with Jones, Rigby, and Walsh opposing and Young and Yungmann supporting. - A second amendment to Amendment 3 (Young) would have exempted certain AFSCME bargaining units; failed 2-3, with the same split. Councilmember Yungmann opposed the main bill, arguing it burdened 8,000 county employees without input from HR, unions, or non-union staff, and placed them in difficult situations. Councilmembers Rigby, Walsh, Young, and Jones supported the bill as a necessary step, with Young expressing reservations about employee input but voting yes. Key Outcomes - CB16-2026 passed unanimously (5-0). - CB17-2026 passed 4-1 (Jones, Rigby, Walsh, Young in favor; Yungmann opposed), after adopting Amendments 1, 2, and 3. - A motion to table CB17-2026 failed.