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.
(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.
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.
Good evening, everyone. Uh legislative day 17 will now come to order. Um I'd ask if you would please pause for a brief moment of silent meditation. I will now call uh call upon uh councilman uh young to lead us in the one yeah of the United States of America and two to Republic look at my side one to God side look at my side I think there's some new words to the pledge we didn't know. Sounds like something to do with Councilman Ketch. Maybe he muted. Is there a motion to approve the journal for the meeting of October 6, 2025? So moved. Second. Uh all in favor? Aye. Okay, the journal is approved. Um next we have enrollment of bills, bills uh 52 25, 56 25, 57 25, 58 25, 59, 25, 60 25, 61, 25, 62, 25, 63, 25, 64, 25, and 6525 were passed by the council, signed by the executive, and are hereby enrolled. We've been busy. That's a lot of bills. Uh Mr. Secretary, will you now read all bills for introduction? Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman. First is Bill 73-25, zoning regulations, artisan manufacturing. Next is bill 74-25, sponsored by Councilman Urtell zoning regulations, uses permitted in the BMCCC district. Next is Bill 7525, also sponsored by Councilman Urtell, rental property inspections, authorizations and enforcement. Bill 7625, sponsor sponsored by Councilman Marks, zoning regulations, energy storage devices, temporary controls, and bill 77-25, also sponsored by councilman marks. Planning of sewerage projects, property owner obligations. Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Councilman Marks. Yes, I'd like a Mr. Secretary. Can you add my name to uh Bill 7325 as a sponsor? Yes. Thank you. Okay. All right. Um we will now move on to final reading and vote of bills, Mr. Secretary. First item, please. First item, uh the only item actually for final reading and vote of bills is Bill 67-25, sponsored by Councilman Young. Zoning regulations, uses permitted in the office building, residential known as the OR1 zone. Okay. Are there uh Councilman Young? Did you want to answer any questions if anyone has any but uh two work sessions and bills stayed the same, there have been any changes. Okay. Um is there a motion to approve bill sixty-seven twenty-five? Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Mr. Secretary, please call the roll on bill sixty-seven twenty-five. Mr. Urtel, aye. Mr.