Baltimore County Council Work Session: October 2, 2025

This work session of the Baltimore County Council covered a wide range of administrative approvals, legislative bills, and public testimony. Key topics included contracts for water testing, residential substance abuse treatment, digital signage, CCTV systems, guardrail maintenance, and snow removal; bills addressing historic preservation, floodplain ordinances, zoning changes, and tax incentives; and a new redevelopment authority's support for a tax credit bill.

Discussion Items

• Water Sampling Contract (International Chemstar): The administration requested approval of a purchase order for $41,112.50 for potable water testing at 21 county locations (115 samples) to detect lead and other contaminants, as a proactive measure for buildings constructed before 1960.
• Residential Treatment Services (Gardenzia): A contract and lease for medium- and high-intensity substance use disorder services was presented, with a three-year initial term and three one-year renewals, serving up to 80 clients (female and male). Councilmember Tom Quirk noted the program has operated well for four to five years, with successful community integration.
• Bill 58-25 – AIDS Case Management Grant: A supplemental appropriation of $449,999 in state funding was requested for HIV case management, covering salaries/benefits for seven positions and subsidies (food, rental assistance, transportation) for eligible residents.
• Digital Display Signage: The Office of Information Technology requested a contract for digital signs via the Keystone Purchasing Network, initially replacing an old sign at the Woodlawn Police Precinct, with plans for up to 10 sites at about $50,000 each. Councilmember David Marks noted cost concerns but understood the pricing.
• CCTV Access Installation & Maintenance: Three contracts for design, installation, and maintenance of physical security and video surveillance at approximately 150 locations were presented. The new contracts enhance after-hours emergency response (1-hour support) over existing agreements with more favorable pricing.
• Guardrail Maintenance Contract: A five-year, $4 million contract for guardrail repair and installation was requested, with one bidder and price increases of up to 50% since 2020; the administration justified the cost due to market conditions.
• Snow Removal Contracts: Amendments to 13 existing contracts were requested to align with a new state pay structure, including a $3,000 guarantee for contractors not called in. A separate retroactive approval for a new contract with Alexander Cater (two one-ton pickup trucks) was also discussed.
• Bill 52-25 – Historic Preservation Demolition Permits: Councilman Todd Crandall introduced amendments: (1) require council action (approve/disapprove) within 90 days after a public hearing to prevent automatic removal from the landmarks list; (2) allow a 90-day delay of demolition permits for structures deemed of unusual importance, based on state law. Public speakers included Brad Crowner (supporting the bill) and Ann Greshon (supporting amendment one but opposing amendment two as too weak).
• Bill 53-25 – Floodplain Ordinance (Middle River): Councilman David Marks discussed withdrawing the bill due to administration opposition claiming it would violate state law. He expressed frustration that property owners caught in the review process were denied because of the enactment date of the original floodplain ordinance (Bill 62-24). Speaker John Stella, a waterfront resident, requested that future versions increase accessory structure square footage thresholds (300–600 sq ft). Marks indicated he would withdraw and reintroduce the bill after meeting with MDE.
• Bills 56-25 (Opioid Restitution) and 57-25 (Cold Case Testing): These were excused from testimony as sponsors had presented previously.
• Bill 59-25 – Zoning Exceptions (Jewish Day School Addition): An amendment was presented to specify an existing private school (Orthodox Jewish) at the location, allowing a one-time addition. Community agreement was noted.
• Bill 60-25 – Zoning Permitted Uses in RO Zones: Councilman Julian Jones introduced a bill to allow day spas in Residential Office zones, specifically to enable hair braiding services for a constituent.
• Bill 61-25 – Revitalization Property Tax Credit (Metro Center & Security Mall): The bill would extend tax credits from 10 to 30 years for improvements over $10 million at these two sites. Extensive discussion included questions about combining the two properties, the 30-year term, and potential double-dipping with TIFs. Councilman Crandall raised concerns about fiscal impact and precedent. Carla Nelson Chambers, Board Chair of the West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority, testified in support for Security Mall only. No final decision was made; further analysis requested.
• Bill 62-25 – Hookah/Vapor Lounge Security Requirements: Second reading; an amendment by Chairman Patoka would grandfather existing lounges regarding the 200-foot requirement. Discussion focused on specifying appropriate security personnel levels.
• Bill 63-25 – CCC Overlay District First-Story Apartments: A bill to eliminate the prohibition on first-floor residential uses in the CCC overlay district if commercial uses are elsewhere on the property or within 1,000 feet, reflecting changing retail habits.
• Bill 64-25 – Wastewater User Charge Review Period: Councilman Marks’ bill extends the review request window from 240 to 365 days for new property owners unaware of charges.
• Bill 65-25 – Historic Preservation Appeals: Provides a 30-day appeal process for decisions by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, allowing both property owners and preservation advocates to appeal. Ann Greshon supported the bill, preferring appeals only for declined nominations but accepting the broader approach.
• Bill 66-25 – Landmarks Commission Meetings: Councilman Marks proposed amendments to remove a requirement for in-person meetings and instead request the Department of Planning to explore hybrid options. Ann Greshon opposed, arguing that a mere request is inadequate and that hybrid meetings are essential for public participation. Councilman Marks remained undecided.
• Bill 67-25 – Construction Equipment Storage in OR1 Zones: Councilman David Young introduced a bill permitting storage of construction equipment related to state highway projects, with a sunset of November 1, 2027, citing a contractor cited for storing equipment near I-695 work. First consideration; possible backdated implementation may be amended.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brad Crowner (Administration representative): Expressed support for Bill 52-25 (historic preservation) and its amendments, and offered to facilitate meetings with MDE on Bill 53-25.
• Ann Greshon (Preservation advocate): Supported Bill 52-25’s first amendment but opposed the second amendment as too weak; supported Bill 65-25 (appeals) but opposed Bill 66-25’s amendment on hybrid meetings, arguing it fails to guarantee public participation.
• John Stella (Waterfront property owner, Middle River): Requested larger square footage thresholds for accessory structures in any future floodplain bill.
• Carla Nelson Chambers (West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority): Read a statement supporting Bill 61-25 specifically for Security Square Mall, citing its potential to spur redevelopment in the corridor.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 53-25 (Floodplain): Councilman Marks withdrew the bill and plans to reintroduce it after discussions with MDE and the state legislature. Further meetings will be arranged.
• Bill 66-25 (Landmarks Meetings): No consensus reached; Councilman Marks will continue discussions with stakeholders.
• Bill 61-25 (Tax Credit): No vote; further fiscal analysis requested. Questions about combining properties and double-dipping remain unresolved.
• Other Bills: Most items were discussed as second or first readings, with final votes expected at subsequent sessions. No formal votes were taken during this work session.