Baltimore County Council Legislative Session - August 27, 2025

The Baltimore County Council held its 14th legislative session on August 27, 2025, starting at 1:57 PM. The packed agenda included appointments to the Animal Hearing Board, fiscal agreements for affordable housing, numerous zoning and policy bills, and a lengthy public hearing on the council redistricting map. Key discussions focused on expanding Inspector General oversight to schools, creating a Department of Agriculture, and adjusting historic preservation procedures.

Appointments

• The council heard testimony from Amanda Serafini (veterinary technician, 21 years) and Michelle Silwick, both reappointees to the Animal Hearing Board. Serafini serves as chair. Both were approved without opposition.

Fiscal Matters

• Towson Town Place PILOT (Res. 38-25 & 39-25): Director Terry Hickey presented a PILOT agreement for the 828-unit Towson Town Place apartments. A $2.8 million loan from the Housing Opportunity Fund would combine to preserve 414 affordable units for 20 years: 147 at 60% AMI or below (133 at 60% AMI, 14 at 30% AMI) counting toward the VCA, and 267 at 80% AMI for workforce housing. This would bring county VCA-approved units to 1,055. The PILOT is retroactive to July 1, 2025, lasts 20 years, with tax payments at 25% of assessed value escalating 3–4% annually. Default allows recapture of abated taxes.
• Lakeside Homes at Holiday Heights PILOT (Res. 39-25?): A PILOT for the 303-unit HUD-subsidized property with a history of neglect. New owner New Veen has invested $8 million in renovations. The PILOT is shorter-term: $300/unit first year, escalating 3%, then $400/unit from year six with 3% escalator. The previous 1991 PILOT had ambiguous language; the new PILOT will have a fixed term.
• Other fiscal items: Contracts approved for the Image Center of Maryland (2,000 elderly/disabled clients annually), 39 senior assisted living subsidies, snow removal amendments (minimum guarantee up to $394,000 annual cost for 36 contractors), a behavioral health contract for transitional age youth ($79,329 initial, total $396,645), and easements for a sewer relief project in Parkville ($10,320 and $5,136). The council also approved donating a 0.044-acre parcel to the State Highway Administration.
• Bill 51-25 (Victim Witness Unit): State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger presented a grant-funded request for $49,891 to add a victim advocate for District Court, with no county money.

Resolutions and Legislation

• Resolution 40-25 (Inspector General Oversight of BCPS): Councilman Marks introduced a resolution urging the General Assembly to extend the Inspector General's jurisdiction to Baltimore County Public Schools. Supporters argued the $2.98 billion budget lacks independent oversight. Public testimony from Meg O'Hare (former school board trustee), Mary Taylor (League of Women Voters), and Amy Adams (Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition) strongly supported it, citing past scandals like the ransomware attack. Councilman Crandall and Ketch supported; Councilman Jones questioned the need. No vote was taken.
• Bill 43-25 (Voluntary Camera Registry): Councilman Jones' bill creates a voluntary security camera registry for police. Scheduled for a vote on September 2.
• Bill 44-25 (Commercial Film Production Zoning): Councilman Marks' bill updates 1990 regulations to require a use permit for commercial film production in residential zones and mandates community notice.
• Bill 45-25 (Prohibited Uses in MD 43 Overlay): Councilman Marks' bill would prohibit roll-off dumpster businesses as principal uses unless 1,000 feet from residences. Extensive testimony: Patricia Malone (developer) supported the ban; Harold Hedley (Al Metals) opposed, arguing unfair targeting; Tamara Gunter (resident) cited noise and smell; Josh Sines supported with amendments. The bill also reiterates an existing prohibition on scrap metal processing in the overlay district.
• Bills 46-25 & 47-25 (Historic Preservation Appeals & LPC Meetings): These bills would allow appeals of Landmarks Preservation Commission decisions to the Board of Appeals and require in-person meetings. Planning staff, Director Lafferty, LPC members, and Preservation Alliance opposed, citing harm to CLG status and accessibility. Councilman Patoka suggested extending the bills and forming a working group.
• Bill 48-25 (Solar Facilities on Prime Farmland): Councilman Ketch's bill would prohibit solar installations on prime farmland. Patricia Fallon testified about toxic materials and soil degradation. Michael Sonnenfeld supported. An amendment exempting agrivoltaics was discussed.
• Bill 49-25 (Department of Agriculture): Councilman Ketch and Marks proposed a charter amendment to create a Department of Agriculture. Supporters argued it would provide advocacy and streamline services. The administration's legislative officer Brad Kroener opposed, citing $1.2 million annual cost and existing coordination efforts. Councilman Ketch countered that the cost is small relative to the ag center's expenses.
• Bill 50-25 (Inspector General Appointment Board): Councilman Patoka's charter amendment establishes a seven-member board to appoint/reappoint the Inspector General. Public testimony included Peter Richkiss supporting and Fred Homan detailing an alleged IG failure to investigate a fraud case involving sick leave and pension manipulation.
• Bill 52-25 (Historic Preservation Demolition Protection): Councilman Patoka's bill would delay demolition permits for properties on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Places, National Register, or Preliminary Landmarks list. Planning officials warned it could jeopardize CLG status. Preservation Alliance's Brian Fisher supported it, citing recent demolitions of the Chote House and Jacob Seiden House.
• Bill 53-25 (Floodplain Ordinance Effective Date): Councilman Marks' bill adjusts the effective date of the model floodplain ordinance. JC Sheckles testified her project was denied due to a new 300 sq ft limit. DPWT director Buckler warned changing the ordinance could risk FEMA compliance and affect flood insurance for 4,700+ riverine properties.
• Bill 54-25 (Corrective Zoning Map): Councilman Marks' bill provides an alternate process for correcting zoning map errors.
• Bill 55-25 (Redistricting Map): Over an hour of public testimony on the council's proposed map. Supporters (Keith Dorsey, Mary Taylor, Josh Sines, Pat Hook, Aaron Barrett) argued it keeps communities together and gives Woodlawn focused representation. Opponents (Sheila Ruth, Andrew Miller, Charlotte Wood, Tamara Gunter, Kathy Wolfson, Peter Richkiss) argued it packs black voters into two districts, violates the Voting Rights Act, and ignores the commission's work. Councilman Crandall defended the process. A next work session on redistricting is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments to the Animal Hearing Board were approved.
• PILOT agreements for Towson Town Place and Lakeside Homes were presented; approval is pending.
• Fiscal contracts for the Image Center, senior subsidies, snow removal, and youth mental health services were approved.
• Several bills and resolutions were heard and will proceed to future work sessions for further consideration.
• The next work session on the redistricting map is set for September 9, 2025.