Baltimore County Council Legislative Session - October 21, 2025

The Baltimore County Council convened on October 21, 2025, for Legislative Day 17. The meeting included approval of the prior meeting's journal, enrollment of multiple bills, introduction of new bills, final reading and vote on Bill 67-25, approval of fiscal matters, and consideration of several resolutions. Public testimony was heard after the formal session adjourned.

Consent Calendar

• Journal Approval: The journal for the meeting of October 6, 2025, was approved unanimously.
• Enrollment of Bills: Bills 52-25 through 65-25 were enrolled after passage by the council and signature by the executive.
• Fiscal Matters 1-4: Approved unanimously (7-0). These included a contract of sale with Verizon Maryland LLC, amendments to contracts for DNA and marijuana testing services, a contract with GMC Contractors Inc., and a purchase order with Lewis Construction.
• Miscellaneous Business (Contracts): Four contracts over $25,000 awarded by non-competitive process were announced: a medical supplies contract for the harm reduction program ($200,000 over 5 years), emergency pump parts ($36,801), GPS stealth tracking devices for police ($153,600 over 5 years), and 911 training software ($77,000 over 5 years).
• Resolution 47-25: Approved authorization for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) with Prescott Square Apartments LLC.
• Resolution 48-25: Approved acceptance of a donation from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
• Resolution 50-25: Approved correction of certain 2024 CZMP (Comprehensive Zoning Map Process) issues.
• Resolution 52-25: Approved public disclosure of county employee Don Scarpula's request for a zoning variance (height variance for an accessory structure).

Public Comments & Testimony

(Testimony occurred after the formal meeting adjourned, as per customary practice.)

• Noreen Starr (resident of Kenwood Gardens for 20 years): Opposed Bill 67-25, which would allow the owner of a nearby property to store construction vehicles and equipment. She described ongoing noise, dirt, and debris since at least March 2025, with backup alarms starting as early as 5 a.m. and activity up to six days a week. She argued the bill benefits only the property owner and bypassed resident concerns, alleging a conflict of interest with the Kenwood Gardens Condominium Board. She urged a no vote.

• Tamara Gunter (Greenleigh community): Spoke about the Middle River library project. She expressed frustration with conflicting information from candidates running for office and emphasized that developer Neil Greenberg has already pledged funding for the library. She asked the council for clarity on alternative funding sources. Councilmembers Patoka, Marks, and Crandall responded, offering guidance on capital budget processes, affirming developer support, and acknowledging election-season misinformation.

• Sharonda Hoffman (Essex resident, running for office): Addressed library funding for both Essex and Middle River, suggesting an ad hoc committee, bond bills, federal infrastructure funds, and partnerships. She also raised domestic violence awareness month and questioned the council's silence on a councilmember's personal issues (referring to sobriety). Councilman Crandall clarified his earlier comments were about politics in general, not directed at her, and noted the council's limited budget authority.

• Serena Richard (treasurer of HOA at Perry Hall Place, a 55+ community): Expressed support for Bill 72-25, which would restrict 24-hour establishments within 250 feet of senior communities. She cited health impacts of noise and commotion on aging residents, and urged passage of the bill.

Discussion Items

• Bill 67-25 (Final Reading): Sponsored by Councilman Young, this bill would rezone a property to allow storage of construction vehicles and equipment for up to two years (until October 2027). Councilman Young noted no changes after two work sessions. The bill passed unanimously (7-0) despite public opposition.

• Resolution 49-25 (Days Cove Rubble Landfill Permit): Sponsored by Councilman Marks and co-sponsored by all council members, this resolution urges the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to deny a permit for Days Cove Reclamation Company. Councilman Marks noted that nearly 200 people attended a September 16, 2025, public hearing, with only one person (the company representative) in support. He cited the company's 25-year history of renewals, failure to engage community, and the need to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Councilman Crandall praised the council's environmental record, including efforts on water quality in the Gunpowder River. The council initially voted on the resolution, but immediately realized an amendment was pending. A motion to reconsider passed unanimously. Councilman Marks introduced an amendment (suggested by the Gunpowder Riverkeeper) requesting a second public hearing due to the company's amended wastewater permit application. The amendment passed unanimously, and the resolution as amended passed unanimously (7-0).

• Library Funding Discussion: During public testimony, councilmembers responded to concerns about the Middle River and Essex libraries. Councilman Patoka advised residents to submit capital project requests to the Planning Board for the FY2027-2033 six-year window. Councilman Marks read a supportive message from developer Neil Greenberg, reaffirming continued partnership. Councilman Crandall noted the Essex library is ahead in planning, with property purchased and design funding approved. The council discussed the lack of budget authority to add funds, but encouraged advocacy through state bond bills and federal infrastructure funds.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Bill 67-25 passed (7-0).
  • Fiscal Matters 1-4 passed (7-0).
  • Resolution 47-25 passed (7-0).
  • Resolution 48-25 passed (7-0).
  • Resolution 49-25 passed as amended (7-0) after reconsideration.
  • Resolution 50-25 passed (7-0).
  • Resolution 52-25 passed (7-0).
• New Bills Introduced: Bills 73-25 (artisan manufacturing zoning), 74-25 (uses in BMCCC district), 75-25 (rental property inspections), 76-25 (energy storage devices temporary controls), 77-25 (sewerage project planning). Councilman Marks added his name as co-sponsor to Bill 73-25.
• Resolutions Introduced: Resolution 53-25 (donation to Bureau of Animal Services) and Resolution 54-25 (setting local open space waiver fees, companion to Bill 71-25) were introduced for future consideration.
• Next Steps: Bills introduced will be scheduled for work sessions and future votes. Resolution 54-25 and Bill 71-25 are expected to be voted on at the next council meeting on November 3, 2025.