Public Meetings - Howard County, Maryland

The Howard County Planning Board met on July 9, 2026, at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City, MD, both in-person and virtually. The primary agenda item was the presentation of the final report and recommendations from the New Town Task Force, a 21-member body appointed by the County Executive to evaluate and propose updates to the New Town zoning regulations (Section 125 of the Howard County Zoning Code). The meeting lasted approximately one hour, with a quorum present (Chair Seethe, Mr. Tilburg, Ms. Moore). The board unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 18, 2026 meeting. Consent Calendar - The meeting agenda was approved unanimously. - The minutes from the June 18, 2026 Planning Board meeting were approved by motion, with the recording adopted as the official minutes. Discussion Items: New Town Task Force Report - Sarah Latimer (Special Project Coordinator, Department of Planning and Zoning) introduced the presentation, noting the task force was a key implementing action from the HOCO by Design general plan. - Jennifer Ray (JMT, consultant) presented the task force process, findings, and recommendations. Key details from the presentation: - 25 stakeholder interviews were conducted in May-June 2025, revealing strong affirmation of diversity, open space, and access to amenities as core strengths. - A task force vision was developed to guide recommendations. - A Preserve-Strengthen-Enhance-Transform (P-set) analysis was performed. - Case studies of similar communities (Greenbelt, MD; Reston, VA; Montgomery Village, MD) informed the work. - Public engagement included a survey with 399 responses and a public meeting in October 2025, plus a subsequent technical survey. - From 42 initial potential recommendations, 28 were refined, and ultimately 32 formal recommendations were developed; 27 of these were voted to advance to the Department of Planning and Zoning for further research and evaluation. - Key categories of recommendations included: creating another New Town district, simplifying the PDP/CSP/FDP process, defining credited open space, redefining apartments, addressing the original petitioner role, simplifying downtown/village center processes, adjusting density caps, land use percentage requirements, moderate income housing requirements, and expansion of uses/materials/design guidance. - Notable votes: Recommendation 10 (maintain the 36% open space requirement) passed 10-0. - Final recommendations are published in the task force report and will inform future updates to the New Town zoning code, with any formal zoning changes requiring County Council action and additional public input. Board Discussion and Feedback - Board members asked clarifying questions and offered comments throughout the presentation. Key exchanges included: - Recommendation 1 (creating another New Town district): The board discussed the split vote (10-9 in favor) and the concern about using agricultural land for a new town. One board member (a farmer) strongly objected to dismissing agricultural preservation, noting Howard County's best soils and the irreversibility of land conversion. Other members noted the limited availability of contiguous 2,500 acres due to preserved easements and water/sewer constraints. - Public engagement streamlining (Recommendations 6, 7, 19): A board member expressed concern that public input often comes too late in the process, and recommended making engagement opportunities clearer and more impactful, especially ensuring early-stage feedback is transparently considered. Another member suggested that if best practices (e.g., universal design, landscape manual compliance) are met, certain steps could be administratively approved. - Credit open space definition (Recommendations 8-10): The board discussed the need for greater clarity in what counts as open space to avoid ambiguity, noting that the defining language came from Columbia Association's definition. - Density cap and affordable housing (Recommendations 20-24): A board member expressed concern that incentivizing affordable housing (rather than requiring it) may lead to developers opting out, as seen elsewhere. They emphasized that the original vision of diversity could be undermined if exemptions persist. Another member noted that downtown Columbia already has MIHU programs and that the task force's recommendation to maintain the MIHU exemption for Newtown was split (11-10), leaving the door open for future policy. - Design Advisory Panel (DAP) expansion (Recommendation 27): A board member supported expanding DAP's role so that projects meeting design guidelines could bypass Planning Board review, streamlining the process. - The board expressed appreciation for the thoroughness and intentionality of the task force process, noting the report was easy to follow and provided extensive detail. Key Outcomes - The New Town Task Force report, containing 27 recommendations to update Section 125 of the Zoning Code, was formally presented to the Planning Board for consideration. - The report has been provided to the County Council and administration. - Comprehensive rezoning to implement any code changes would occur no earlier than next year (2027), per staff comments. - The board offered feedback that will be taken into account during future research and evaluation by the Department of Planning and Zoning. - The meeting adjourned shortly after the discussion, with no further business.

The Howard County Council met virtually on July 6, 2026, for its legislative session. The meeting included introduction of new legislation, final consideration of previously introduced bills, and votes on multiple appointments and financial measures. Key debates centered on a bill to establish official days of commemoration, a bill requiring administrative agency appearances before the Board of Appeals, and a bill requiring annual reporting of student yields from PILOT developments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Journal and Minutes: The journal from the June 1, 2026 legislative session and minutes from closed sessions on June 1 and June 8, 2026 and the public hearing on June 15, 2026 were approved. Councilmember Walsh abstained on the minutes due to lack of review. The rest voted yes (4-0-1). - Appointments (Final Consideration): Council Resolutions CR100-2026 through CR103-2026 (appointments to Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, Commission for Women, and La Alianza Latina Commission) were approved unanimously. - Financial Bills (Final Consideration): - CB40-2026 (lease of 38,285 sq ft at 7138 Columbia Gateway Drive) – approved unanimously. - CB41-2026 (fourth amendment to lease at 6095 Marshalee Drive, Elkridge) – approved unanimously. - CB42-2026 (issuance of up to $18,169,588 in water infrastructure bonds) – approved unanimously. - CR104-2026 (endorsing state financing for First Source Electronics) – approved unanimously. - CR105-2026 (adopting HUD Annual Action Plan) – approved unanimously. - Tabled Appointment: CR56-2026 (appointment of J. Jason Zhao to Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission) was removed from the table and approved unanimously. Introduced Legislation - Appointments: CR108-2026 through CR119-2026 (seven appointments and six reappointments to various boards and commissions) were introduced. - Financial: - CB46-2026 (emergency act increasing HCPSS capital budget by $6,068,000 due to additional state aid). - TAO1-FY2027 (transferring $2,947,000 among school roofing projects). - CB47-2026 (authorizing $2,947,000 in bonds for school capital projects). - CR120-2026 (amending Board of Education operating budget: general fund increase of $6,818,972, restricted funds increase of $21,287,647). - General: - CR121-2026 (endorsing Elkridge as a Sustainable Community). - CR122-2026 (delegating environmental review authority to Director of Housing). - CR123-2026 (conveying 48.635 acres at Troy Park to Board of Education for future school). - CB48-2026 (Clean Air Integrity Act, introduced by Councilmember Rigby, modifying smoking prohibitions). Discussion Items - CB43-2026 – Howard County Designated Days of Commemoration: Introduced by Council Chair Jones, this bill establishes an official list of days of commemoration to recognize the religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage of county residents. During debate, Councilmember Jung asked whether commemoration would trigger a prohibition on meetings (citing County Code §6-305). The Office of Law clarified that commemoration alone does not restrict meetings; separate action would be required for closures or meeting prohibitions. Councilmember Walsh noted that commemoration did not imply cessation of government business. The bill passed unanimously (5-0). - CB44-2026 – Board of Appeals: Administrative Agency Required to Appear: Introduced by Councilmember Walsh, this bill requires a representative from the administrative agency (e.g., Department of Planning and Zoning) to appear before the Board of Appeals when named as a party. An amendment clarifying circumstances was approved. During the final vote, Councilmember Jung explained her no vote, citing lack of similar requirements in other counties. Councilmember Walsh expressed strong support, arguing the Board of Appeals is “reckless and lawless” and that this was a needed process fix. The motion to approve CB44 as amended failed, despite a 3-2 vote in favor (Jung, Rigby, Walsh in favor; Jones, Yungmann opposed). (Note: The Chair declared the motion failed, though the tally showed a majority in favor – a discrepancy in the transcript.) - CB45-2026 – Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreements: Reporting Student Yields: Introduced by Councilmember Walsh, this bill requires the Director of Housing and Community Development to include annual reporting of student yields from housing developments with approved PILOT agreements. Two amendments were considered: Amendment One (from the administration) clarified that the director receives student generation data from the school system. Amendment One to Amendment One (sponsored by Councilmember Jung) required the director to obtain actual student yield data from HCPSS, modeled after the school capacity chart requirement. Both amendments passed. On final passage, Councilmember Rigby voted no, stating the bill unfairly targets affordable housing developments. Councilmember Walsh argued that data from PILOT projects (e.g., Robertson Overlook) is needed to inform school capacity costs. Councilmember Yungmann supported the bill, noting that targeting government-subsidized housing is fair. The motion to approve CB45 as amended passed (4-1, with Rigby opposed). - CR106-2026 – Adopting School Capacity Chart: Passed 4-1 (Walsh no). - CR107-2026 – Adopting Housing Unit Allocation Chart: Passed 3-2 (Jung and Walsh no). Key Outcomes - Approved: - Journal and minutes (with one abstention). - All introduced appointments (CR108-119) – set for public hearing July 20. - Final consideration appointments: CR100-103, CR56 (all unanimous). - Financial bills: CB40, CB41, CB42, CR104, CR105 (all unanimous). - CB43 (Days of Commemoration) – passed unanimously. - CB45 (PILOT student yield reporting) – passed 4-1. - CR106 (School Capacity Chart) – passed 4-1. - CR107 (Housing Unit Allocation Chart) – passed 3-2. - Failed: - CB44 (Board of Appeals administrative agency appearance) – motion failed even though three members voted in favor. The transcript shows a 3-2 vote but the Chair declared it failed. - Next Steps: A public hearing for introduced legislation is scheduled for July 20, 2026 at 7 p.m. (hybrid). A work session may be held July 27, 2026 at 10 a.m. if needed.

The Howard County Hearing Examiner (Joyce Nichols) convened a hybrid hearing on June 24, 2026, at 5:30 pm to consider Case BA 26‑008C – ESC Triadelphia Road, LLC's conditional use petition for 26 age-restricted adult housing (ARAH) units on the 26.5‑acre Twig property at 12668 Triadelphia Road, Ellicott City. The petitioner presented three witnesses (developer, civil engineer, traffic engineer) in support. Susan Eitnyier, an attorney representing her husband (a neighboring property owner), cross-examined witnesses. The hearing was continued to July 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm for the opponent's case. No votes were taken. Discussion Items - Petitioner's Opening Statement (William Erskine): Asserted the proposal satisfies all general and specific criteria under Section 131 of the zoning regulations. The 26 units (one per net acre) represent the lowest density allowed for ARAH. The design was revised after Design Advisory Panel (DAP) feedback to increase open space from 50 % to 72.5 % (19.36 acres). Units are single-family detached homes in a condominium regime, fronting Triadelphia Road with 30‑foot spacing along the frontage. Shared water and multi-use septic systems are proposed, with final design and MDE approvals to come later. Covenants enforcing age restrictions are perpetual. - Jason Van Kirk (Regional Partner, Elm Street Development): Testified that the project meets HOCO by Design General Plan policies DN9 and DN10, provides a lower‑maintenance housing option for 55+ residents, and preserves rural character through clustering and extensive open space. The peak projected trip generation is 15 AM and 15 PM trips (based on ITE manual). Parking supply (115 spaces) exceeds the 57‑space minimum. Universal design features will be included. He stated that the development will not create adverse noise, dust, or lighting impacts beyond typical residential construction, and that safe ingress/egress is achievable without auxiliary lanes. - David Thompson (Project Manager, Benchmark Engineering): Confirmed the site's 12.6 acres of existing forest, 4 acres of clearing, and forest conservation obligation (1 acre planted on site). He described the site distance analysis: based on an 85th‑percentile speed of 34 mph eastbound and 35 mph westbound, intersection sight distance of 375 ft (eastbound) and 334 ft (westbound) can be achieved with proposed grading. He testified that the submerged gravel wetland will manage stormwater quality and quantity, and that all bulk setbacks are satisfied. - Mark Keeley (Senior Project Manager, Traffic Concepts Inc.): Conducted a speed study on July 22, 2025 (10:30 am–12:00 noon) and a crash history analysis (2020–2026) for Triadelphia Road from Frederick Road to Folly Quarter Road. The road's severity index averaged about 5 with no fatalities. He stated that due to low trip generation and adequate sight distance, auxiliary lanes are not warranted. The three studied intersections (Triadelphia at Folly Quarter, Rosemary Lane, and Lakeway Drive) will continue to operate at Level of Service A after development. - Cross‑Examination by Susan Eitnyier: Challenged the representative nature of the July speed study (off‑peak, no school buses) and asked whether higher actual speeds could affect safety. She questioned the spacing between proposed homes (30 ft, 20 ft, 15 ft) compared to existing houses on Triadelphia Road (40‑50 ft apart). She pressed on the lack of analysis of potential water‑well impacts on neighboring properties, the absence of a full traffic study, and the speculative nature of the shared water/septic design. She noted that the renderings show mature trees that will take years to grow. She also questioned the moderate‑income housing fee‑in‑lieu and the lack of analysis on groundwater flow changes from pond removal. - Petitioner's Rebuttal: Mr. Van Kirk clarified that the front‑lot spacing is 30 ft, and that clustering is incentivized by county regulations to preserve open space. Mr. Thompson emphasized that any future MDE permit limit (e.g., 20 units) would supersede the conditional use approval. Mr. Keeley defended the speed study methodology, stating off‑peak data best captures free‑flow speeds. Key Outcomes - The hearing examiner concluded the petitioner's case‑in‑chief and continued the hearing to July 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the same location for the opponent's case (testimony and evidence). No decision or vote was taken. - Continuation dates (if needed) were also reserved for July 16, 2026 at 5:30 pm.

The Howard County Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board held a hybrid public hearing on June 23, 2026, beginning at 6:30 PM, to consider four applications for alcoholic beverage licenses. The board approved the minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting on a unanimous vote. The meeting included one continuation from February 2026 and three new applications. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the June 9, 2026 hearing. Discussion Items 1. Continuation – New Class B Beer, Wine & Liquor 7-Day On-Sale License (Golden Hub LLC t/a Royal Cuisine of India) - Applicant: Severine D'Souza and Aaron Souza for a 1,249 sq. ft. restaurant at 7500 Montpelier Road, 104, Laurel, MD. - Representative: Mel Kodensky. - Testimony: Ms. D'Souza testified about 25 years hospitality experience, previous licenses without violations, and the need for a liquor license to retain customers. She stated food-to-beverage ratio at 51% food / 49% beverage. The board noted 49% alcohol sales is allowable under Class B license. - Board Questions: Clarified experience, violations (none), hours, and manager certification. - Outcome: Approved unanimously. Applicants waived right to appeal. 2. New Class B Beer, Wine & Liquor 7-Day On/Off Sale License (Centre Park View, Inc. t/a Luna del Sea Steak & Seafood Restaurant) - Applicants: Kamran Sarlak and Kamran Assadi for a 5,735 sq. ft. restaurant with 624 sq. ft. exterior at 8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, MD. - Representative: Mel Kodensky. - Testimony: Mr. Assadi testified about 45 years in the business, plans for a steak and seafood menu with vegetarian/gluten-free options, 25-35% alcohol-to-food ratio, and 16-20 front-of-house and 8-10 back-of-house employees. - Issues Raised: Background check revealed a PBJ for DUI in 2009 and a 2018 violation for sale to a minor at a prior restaurant (Luna del C Bistro in Baltimore). The application had answered "no" to both questions (7 and 8). Mr. Assadi acknowledged the omissions, attributing them to advice from a previous lawyer. - Board Deliberation: Members expressed concern about the omissions but noted the violations were years old. The board decided to approve contingent on the applicants submitting an amended application correcting the responses to questions 7 and 8. - Outcome: Approved with condition (amended application required). Unanimous vote. Applicants waived appeal. 3. New Class B Beer, Wine & Liquor 7-Day On/Off Sale License (Hot Garbage Pizza, LLC t/a Hot Garbage Pizza) - Applicant: Geoff Gill for a 1,300 sq. ft. restaurant at 8069 Tiber Alley, Units Retail 1 and Retail 2, Ellicott City, MD. - Self-represented: Geoff Gill. - Testimony: Mr. Gill presented the concept, inspired by family tradition ("garbage pizza" made from leftovers). Menu includes four standard pizzas with a rotating seasonal pizza using local farm ingredients. Expected carry-out 65%, alcohol-to-food ratio 30/70. He will be onsite 95-99% of operating hours initially. General Manager Dave Williams has 25+ years experience, will oversee beverage program. Staff training includes alcohol awareness certification for all employees. The restaurant will be closed Monday and Tuesday; open Wed/Thu 4-8 PM, Fri/Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun 11 AM-8 PM. No outdoor seating; alcohol served only to seated guests and with carry-out food purchases. - Community Involvement: Plans partnerships with local farms, schools (Northfield Elementary, Dunlogan Middle), and ADA accessibility efforts. - Board Questions: Clarified operations, alcohol monitoring via cameras, carry-out policy, and employee certification. - Outcome: Approved unanimously. Applicants waived appeal. 4. Transfer of Class B Beer, Wine & Liquor 7-Day On-Sale License (WIBS, LLC t/a Shin Chon Garden) - From: WIBS, LLC (Clara Heejin Kim and So Yeong Chun) to WIBS, LLC (Youn Sock Kim and Gina Kim) for a 3,000 sq. ft. restaurant at 8801 Baltimore National Pike, 27, Ellicott City, MD. - Representative: Martin Johnson. - Testimony: Gina Kim testified about purchasing the established Korean BBQ restaurant, which has operated for over 20 years. She previously held a license for Chosun War (2020-2022) without violations. Expected alcohol sales 8-10% of revenue. She will manage front-of-house; her husband Yun Kim will handle daily operations (payroll, ordering, inventory). All 20 employees (including 7 involved in alcohol service) are staying on – a point commended by the board. Alcohol awareness certified. Policy on age verification (under 40 requires ID; no vertical licenses accepted). The restaurant will continue closed on Tuesdays. - Board Questions: Mr. Kim is proposed resident agent; he acknowledged responsibility. Board noted continuity of staff as positive. - Outcome: Approved unanimously. Applicants waived appeal. Key Outcomes - Application 1 (Royal Cuisine of India): New Class B 7-day on-sale license granted. Unanimous. - Application 2 (Luna del Sea Steak & Seafood): New Class B 7-day on/off sale license granted contingent on submitting amended application correcting omissions in questions 7 and 8. Unanimous. - Application 3 (Hot Garbage Pizza): New Class B 7-day on/off sale license granted. Unanimous. - Application 4 (Shin Chon Garden transfer): Transfer of Class B 7-day on-sale license granted. Unanimous. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 21, 2026.

This was a brief administrative session of the Howard County Board of Appeals held on June 18, 2026. The board approved previous meeting minutes and then voted to enter closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding rules of procedure for decisions and orders. No public comments or substantive discussion items were addressed. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from June 4, 2026, via a roll call vote (Chair Ryan, Ms. Fearcall, Ms. Harris, Ms. McCurdy, Ms. Phillips all voted to approve). Closed Session - The board moved to enter closed session in accordance with Maryland Code General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on the topic of rules of procedure regarding decisions and orders. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with no objections from attendees. The board then paused the live stream and conducted the closed session. Key Outcomes - The closed session concluded at 10:28 AM, and the board returned to open session. No further business was conducted, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Howard County Planning Board met on June 18, 2026, to consider two site development plans: SDP-26-024 for three single-family homes in Elkridge and SDP-25-035 for a 160-foot communication tower in Turf Valley. Both plans were approved unanimously after presentations from staff and petitioners. One member of the public provided testimony expressing concerns about architectural quality and environmental aesthetics. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Verdant (pseudonym), of 6796 Dorsey Road, Elkridge, expressed dissatisfaction with the "cookie cutter" design of the residential homes proposed in SDP-26-024 and the overall lack of creativity and appreciation for nature. She also noted concerns about the communication tower project. The Board acknowledged her comments and explained the limits of their authority over architectural specifics, directing her to other avenues such as the Design Advisory Panel and Historic Preservation Commission for more direct input. Discussion Items - SDP-26-024 Burkard Homes: Presented by staff (Jason Lanker) and petitioner (Sam Alomar). The plan proposes three single-family dwellings on R-ED zoned lots at the terminus of Old Landing Road in Elkridge. Staff reviewed three criteria: protection of environmental/historic resources (addressed by dedicating open space lot to County Rec & Parks), location of features to limit clearing/grading (lots are flat with no environmental features), and buffers from adjacent neighborhoods (landscaping and privacy fence provided). Board members asked about the use of the 1993 Landscape Manual (grandfathered due to 2022 technically complete status) and HOA management of stormwater facilities (new HOA for four lots). No other questions. - SDP-25-035 Mangione Enterprises Turf Valley: Presented by staff (Nicholas Haynes) and petitioner (Paul Cavanall). The plan seeks to construct a 160-foot communication tower and compound on Parcel 8 of Turf Valley, adjacent to the golf course driving range. Staff noted that the tower is accessory to the principal golf use and meets required setbacks, landscaping, and environmental criteria. Board members questioned screening options (staff acknowledged a 160-foot tower cannot be fully screened but landscaping will buffer the base), impact on the golf course (tower location avoids ball paths), and tree removal (one specimen tree with disturbed critical root zone counted as removed with mitigation). The Board discussed the difficulty of applying standard criteria (e.g., buffering existing dwelling units) to this use, but found the location acceptable. Key Outcomes - SDP-26-024 Burkard Homes: Approved unanimously (voice vote). Motion by a board member, seconded, all in favor. - SDP-25-035 Mangione Enterprises Turf Valley: Approved unanimously (voice vote). Motion by a board member, seconded, all in favor. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion made and seconded, all in favor. The Board noted the county office would be closed the following day for the Juneteenth holiday.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM (hybrid meeting), Hearing Examiner Joyce Nichols convened a session to hear four administrative appeals (BA 823D, BA 825D, BA 826D, and BA 830D) all related to the Maryland International School’s expansion at 6135 Old Washington Road, Elkridge. The appeals were filed by David Marc and other neighboring property owners challenging various approvals by the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) and related agencies. The meeting included testimony from witnesses, legal arguments, and a motion to dismiss one appeal. Preliminary Motion – Respondent Naming - At the start, Christopher DeCarlo, counsel for the applicant (Maryland International School), raised a defect in all appeal petitions: the appellants named the Maryland International School as respondent instead of the administrative agencies (DPZ, Public Works, Office of Community Sustainability). He argued this was fatal and warranted dismissal. Appellants’ counsel (Ms. Votaw) argued custom in Howard County is to name the applicant as respondent. The hearing examiner took the motion under advisement, allowing both parties to file memoranda by a later date (proposed July 10 or July 17). The record was closed on this issue. BA 823D – Appeal of Alternative Compliance (Specimen Tree and Steep Slope Disturbance) Witnesses: David Marc (appellant, professional engineer and neighbor) and Robert Vogel (applicant’s engineer). - David Marc: Testified that environmental features (steep slopes, streams, forest) are not unique to the subject property, as adjacent properties have similar characteristics. He argued the applicant could reduce the scale of expansion to avoid removing specimen tree 6 and disturbing steep slopes, and that the approval was based on economic hardship. He also noted the applicant failed to obtain Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) approval for the site’s location within four miles of BWI Airport, citing a pre-submission requirement. - Robert Vogel: Testified that the property’s combination of features (85-foot vertical grade, historic school building, stream buffers, and specimen trees) is unique, making development challenging. He explained that the retaining wall and athletic field were designed to minimize disturbance and retain forest buffer for neighbors. The specimen tree 6 already has 46% of its critical root zone compromised by existing improvements. He disputed the MAA requirement, stating it is only needed before signature approval, not at this stage. - Closing Arguments: Appellants argued the agency erred legally by failing to evaluate self-created hardship and lacking substantial evidence on uniqueness and hardship; they requested reversal. Applicant argued the decision was not clearly erroneous, and the board’s prior findings on uniqueness in the conditional use case should stand. The hearing examiner closed the record and indicated a decision and order would be forthcoming. BA 825D – Appeal of Design Manual Waiver (Complete Streets) Key Points: The applicant sought a waiver from the design manual for road improvements along Old Washington Road. The waiver was approved by DPZ’s Development Engineering Division conditioned on constructing a shared use path and curb adjustments. - David Marc: Testified that the applicant misidentified the road type (town center connector instead of neighborhood street), and that the waiver lacked clear criteria. He argued the improvements (shared use path) would require easements and may not be feasible on private property. - Robert Vogel: Acknowledged a typo in the submitted letter (referencing Table 1-2 instead of Table 1-7) but stated the substance was correct. He explained that the county determined the road to be “neighborhood street with parking” and that the waiver process allows DPZ to dictate improvements for safety and consistency. - Legal Arguments: Appellants argued the waiver should have been evaluated under Howard County Code Section 16.104 (waiver criteria for subdivision regulations), not just the design manual’s engineering evaluation. Applicant countered that design manual waivers are different and that the county’s practice is to treat them as engineering decisions. The hearing examiner accepted additional exhibits (design manual section, code section) and closed the record. BA 826D – Appeal of Necessary Disturbance (Stream Buffer and Steep Slope) Key Points: The applicant requested approval to extend a stormwater outfall 20 linear feet into a 100-foot priority retention area and 75-foot stream buffer. The county approved the request based on soil conservation comments. - David Marc: Testified that the actual disturbance area is larger than the 20 linear feet described, encompassing significant portions of stream buffer and forest. He argued the county’s approval was vague and failed to address the full extent of impact. - Robert Vogel: Testified that the 20 linear feet refers to the width of the stream disturbance, and the limit of disturbance (LOD) shown on the plan graphically indicates the full area. He stated the work was necessary to prevent erosion and was required by the Soil Conservation District and MDE (which granted an authorization to proceed). He also noted that steep slope disturbance was already approved under the alternative compliance case. - Closing: Appellants argued the approval lacked detailed justification and failed to consider reasonable alternatives. Applicant argued the exhibit and testimony sufficiently justified the action. The hearing examiner closed the record. BA 830D – Appeal of Technically Complete Letter (SDP-24-2024) - Motion to Dismiss: Applicant moved to dismiss the appeal, arguing that a technically complete determination is not an appealable order under Section 130.0.B.4 or 16.301(B). The letter merely allows the applicant to proceed with final approvals and does not interpret or apply zoning regulations. - Appellants’ Response: Contended that the determination is a decision by DPZ interpreting and applying regulations, and that the hearing examiner has broad authority to hear such appeals. They argued it would be more efficient to address issues now. - Ruling: Hearing Examiner Nichols granted the motion, finding that she lacked jurisdiction over a technically complete letter. The appeal was premature until final SDP approval. She ordered a written decision (DNO) on the dismissal. Key Outcomes - BA 823D, 825D, 826D: Records closed; decisions and orders forthcoming. - BA 830D: Dismissed for lack of jurisdiction; written order to follow. - Preliminary Motion: Taken under advisement; parties to file memoranda on respondent naming issue by a date to be set. - The hearing examiner dismissed BA 830D and indicated that decisions on the remaining appeals would be issued in due course.

The Howard County Council held a hybrid legislative public hearing on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (meeting started at 7:00 p.m. ET) in the George Howard Building, Ellicott City, and via WebEx. The hearing was broadcast on channels 44 and 1071 and live-streamed. Councilmembers present: Opel Jones (Chair), Christiana Rigby (Vice Chair), Liz Walsh, Deb Jung, and David Yungmann. The agenda included appointments, financial items, general legislation, and one tabled appointment. No votes were taken; written comments remain open, and final consideration is scheduled for July 6, 2026. Appointments - CR100‑2026 – Eileen Yao Wu (AAPI Commission): Wu, a rising junior high school student from Clarksville, testified in support of her appointment, citing her co‑founding of the AAPI Angle and work with the Villager of River Hill. Position: Support. - CR56‑2026 – J. Jason Zhao (AAPI Commission) (Tabled): Zhao, a 13‑year county resident, testified in support, expressing a desire to serve as a bridge between the 20% Asian population and government agencies. Position: Support. - CR101‑2026 – Elizabeth A. Leiba (Commission for Women): Leiba, an author and professor, testified in support, focusing on workplace equity, pay inequity, and AI’s impact on women. She holds 20 AI certifications. Position: Support. - CR102‑2026 – Lucia Reyna (La Alianza Latina Commission): Reyna, an immigration paralegal and lifelong county resident, testified in support, emphasizing her work with Hispanic families and desire to improve language access, education, and economic stability. Position: Support. - CR103‑2026 – Wanda I. Colon Canales (La Alianza Latina Commission): Canales, associate director for Ambiciones at Howard Community College, testified in support, sharing her background in education and community service, including LULAC and YMCA roles. Position: Support. Financial Items - CB40‑2026 – Lease Agreement – 38,285 sq. ft. at 7138 Columbia Gateway Drive: Emily Ayaki (Bureau of Real Estate Management) testified in support for a 12‑year lease (with two 5‑year options) and a 365‑day rent abatement. The space consolidates two existing Board of Elections leases (21,688 sq. ft.) into one larger footprint. Position: Administration support. - CB41‑2026 – Fourth Amendment to Lease – 12,477 sq. ft. at 6095 Marshalee Drive: Ayaki also testified in support of a 5‑year extension (through June 30, 2032) for the police automated enforcement program. Position: Administration support. - CB42‑2026 – $18,169,588 Bonds – Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration: Rafiu Igile (Director of Finance) testified in support of a 20‑year, 2‑3% interest loan for the Ellicott City Improvement and Enhancement Project (C0737). The bonds were already approved by the State Board of Public Works and the FY26 capital budget. Position: Administration support. - CR104‑2026 – Endorsing State Financing – First Source Electronics: Jennifer Jones (Economic Development) testified in support of the expansion along Route 1, which creates and retains jobs. The county provides a 10% workforce training grant match. Position: Administration support. - CR105‑2026 – Adopting HUD Annual Action Plan: Kelly Simoneau (DHCD) testified in support. The FFY26 plan allocates approximately $1.3 million in CDBG and $500,000 in HOME funds. Since 2018, the county has administered $10M CDBG and $4M HOME, funding rental assistance for 6,000 households, housing repairs for 1,200 homeowners/renters, and emergency shelter for 4,000 homeless clients. New affordable housing includes a potential 55‑unit townhome development by Fellow (pre‑development) and accessible units by iHomes (acquisition). Councilmember Walsh asked about new units; Simoneau clarified Fellow’s 55‑unit proposal is for affordable three‑bedroom townhomes (site not yet selected). Position: Administration support; no public opposition. General Items - CR106‑2026 – Adopting the School Capacity Chart: Tim Rogers (HCPSS School Planning) testified that the board approved the chart on May 19, 2026. For the test year 2029‑2030, seven elementary schools and four middle schools are constrained (Dunloggin, Hammond, Patuxent Valley, Thomas Viaduct). No high schools are constrained. Councilmember Jung asked why four middle schools were removed from the 2025 chart and now relisted; Rogers cited enrollment fluctuations post‑pandemic. Brent Loveless (public) testified that the chart’s format understates overcrowding and warned of pending upzoning impacts. Positions: Administration support; Loveless critical of adequacy. - CR107‑2026 – Adopting the Housing Unit Allocation Chart: Jeff Bronow (DPZ) testified in support, noting the chart is based on the HOCO by Design general plan with rolling average adjustments. Brent Loveless testified that the unit count is derived without relation to infrastructure capacity and has grown excessively due to carryovers and exemptions. Positions: Administration support; Loveless critical. - CB43‑2026 – Howard County Designated Days of Commemoration: Council Chair Opel Jones introduced the bill to codify days honoring religious, ethnic, and cultural traditions. Joe Hurwitz (public) testified with concerns about the process (adding days by CAO, removing by County Executive) and the list being shorter than Montgomery County’s. Jones noted the CAO works in tandem with the County Executive. Positions: Sponsor support; public with questions. - CB44‑2026 – Board of Appeals – Administrative Agency Required to Appear: Councilmember Walsh introduced the bill to require the administrative agency (e.g., DPZ) to appear as a party before the Board of Appeals. She noted that DPZ rarely appears, leading the Board to interpret non‑appearance as the agency’s admission that its decision is indefensible. Testimony in support: Stu Cohn (HCCA president) strongly supported, citing the WR Grace, Manor Hill, and go‑kart cases and recommending the bill also apply to hearing examiners. Lisa Krauss (Stop Grace Coalition) supported, urging an amendment to include hearing examiner hearings; she reported four recent odor complaints near the WR Grace plastic pyrolysis facility. She criticized DPZ for not appearing in previous zoning complaints. Testimony in opposition: Ashley Asbury (public) vehemently opposed, attacking Walsh personally and calling the bill “political theater.” Joel Hurwitz (public) expressed support for the sentiment but raised questions about definitions (violation appeals vs. conditional use) and fiscal analysis hours. Walsh responded that she had never seen the county appear before the Board of Appeals until the WR Grace case, where Office of Law attorney David Moore sat with WR Grace counsel. Positions: Most speakers support with clarifications; one strongly opposed. - CB45‑2026 – PILOT Agreements – Reporting Student Yields: Councilmember Walsh introduced the bill to require DHCD to include annual reporting of student yields from PILOT‑facilitated housing in the existing Annual Analysis of Moderate Income Housing programs. Testimony in opposition: Jackie Ng (Housing Affordability Coalition) questioned why only PILOT projects are targeted, recommended that HCPSS collect the data instead of DHCD, and noted privacy concerns. Jennifer Leonard (Enterprise Community Development) opposed, stating that affordable housing does not generate more students than single‑family homes and that HCPSS is best positioned to provide enrollment data. She reported Enterprise is preserving almost 450 affordable homes through PILOTs, including redevelopment of Ranley Court and Waverly Winds (opening summer 2026). Testimony in support: Brent Loveless (public) supported the bill as a “critical first step” for data-driven decisions, citing a recent forum where a housing authority official could not answer whether large PILOT projects receive APFO exemptions. Councilmember Rigby referenced the pupil yield analysis of 2024 (partnership between DPZ and HCPSS) as a potential alternative. Positions: Coalition and developer oppose; public supports; councilmembers seek better data mechanism. Tabled Appointment - CR56‑2026 – J. Jason Zhao (AAPI Commission): Heard earlier under Appointments (see above). Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the public hearing is for testimony only. Written testimony remains under consideration. - The Council will hold a work session on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Seaburn Gray Room to discuss agenda items. - A legislative session for final consideration of these bills and resolutions is scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Banneker Room (hybrid participation).

This training session, held on June 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC, introduced Howard County staff to the new Live Manager Web application, which replaces Live Manager Classic following the installation of a new Osprey encoder in the CVG room. The session was led by a Granicus representative (Kirsten) and attended by staff including Isaiah, Michelle, Charity, Trish, Virginia, Roz, and others. The training covered key features for recording meetings, taking minutes in real time, managing agendas, roll calls, motions, votes, and public speakers. Staff also discussed the transition from the old system, template creation, and practical implementation steps. Discussion Items - Live Manager Web Overview: The new application allows remote access to launch and manage meeting recordings from any location via the media manager site (howardcounty.granicus.com), unlike the previous on-network restriction. - Real-Time Minutes Features: The interface includes three quadrants: a video preview (with a 30–45 second delay), meeting metrics (time remaining), and an agenda section. Staff can add agenda items on the fly, take attendance, record motions and votes, and manage public speaker times using a stopwatch. - Attendee and Speaker Management: Staff can preload attendees (voting and non-voting) and speakers before a meeting. The roll call function marks members as present, absent, or excused, and allows second recordings for late arrivals. Speaker time warnings (yellow at 30 seconds, red at 5 seconds) are internal only, not displayed on the live stream. - Motion and Voting: The system records movers, seconders, motion text, and vote outcomes (yes, no, recuse, abstain). It supports multiple motions (e.g., substitute motions) and can calculate pass/fail based on tallies or force a result. - Pause and End Functionality: Unlike the prior system, pausing now stops both the live stream and recording, preventing accidental broadcast. The meeting can be ended and an archive generated. - HTML Minutes Templates: Granicus has existing templates (e.g., council minutes). Staff noted inconsistencies in past minutes due to varying formats and manual hyperlink removal. The group agreed to create a standardized, ADA-compliant template for all council and board meetings. Staff also requested training on HTML editing for future template adjustments. - Integration with Existing Workflows: Staff clarified that the new system does not change current post-meeting timestamping or minute-taking practices, though real-time minutes may be optional. The CVG room encoder was installed May 29, 2026; the Banneker room will transition later. Key Outcomes - Standardized Minutes Template: The group decided to collaborate on a single approved template for all meetings, removing hyperlinks and ensuring consistency. Michelle will send a sample to Granicus for template updates. - Future Testing: Staff will conduct internal tests of Live Manager Web before full rollout, focusing on timestamp accuracy and workflow integration. - Training Recording: The training session will be recorded and distributed to attendees, and can be posted to an intranet site. - Next Steps: Granicus will follow up on creating templates for specific boards (planning, liquor, etc.) and provide guidance on HTML code editing for staff.