Baltimore County Council Work Session: November 13, 2025

This was a work session of the Baltimore County Council, chaired by Council Chair, held on November 13, 2025, in preparation for the legislative session scheduled for November 17, 2025. The meeting was disrupted by a solar storm that caused wireless systems and cameras to malfunction, leading to some reliance on in-person audio and a delay in starting. The council considered multiple fiscal items, zoning bills, resolutions, and public testimony on a sewer project. No formal votes were taken during the work session; most items were presented for discussion and will be voted on at a later session.

Administrative & Technology Issues

• The meeting was delayed due to a solar storm that impacted wireless systems and cameras. The CAO sent technical support, and the council proceeded with in-person audio. Councilman Jones appeared on camera later.

Fiscal Items & Contract Amendments

• Director Lafferty (Planning) – Bill 73-25 & Red Gate Contract Amendment: Presented Bill 73-25 on zoning regulations for artisan manufacturing. Also requested approval of a second amendment to the contract with Redgate Real Estate Advisors ($180,000 for 9 months at $20,000/month) to continue advisory services for redeveloping the Social Security Mall property in Western Baltimore County. The contract supports a partnership with Security Square Holdings to market 69 acres. The RFP was issued October 23, 2025. Funds come from pre-development monies.
• Deputy Director Buckler (DPWT) – RK&K Contract Amendment: Presented an addendum to the on-call sanitary sewer pipeline design services contract with Rummel Klepper & Kahl LLP. The amendment removes the compensation cap to allow additional task amendments for real estate acquisition services needed to meet consent decree deadlines. The MBE goal is 20%. Councilman Patoka disclosed his wife works for the firm and will abstain from voting.
• Director Gutwald (PAI) – Derelict Building Cleanup Contracts: Requested approval of two contracts with JL Santos, LLC and P2 Cleaning Services for cleanup of derelict buildings, funded from the neglected property fund ($1.5M annually from liens/fines). Total over 5 years is $7.5M for grass cutting and trash removal.
• Deb Schindle (Property Management) – Chiller Maintenance Contract: Requested approval of a sole source contract with Dagan Applied America Inc. for service and repair of chillers at the Courts Building and Historic Courthouse, a one-year term with nine one-year renewals, total $300,000.
• Chris Martin (OIT) – CDW & Microwave Networks Contracts:
  • CDW Contract Modification: Modification to extend the existing hardware/software contract by one year (through Fairfax County cooperative agreement). Estimated compensation increased from $21M to $38M due to cybersecurity enhancements, inflation, and software licensing changes. The office justified continued use of the cooperative agreement.
  • Microwave Networks Contract: Sole source modification for maintenance of the digital microwave system for the P25 public safety radio system. Add five one-year renewal options; total estimated spend $38,178.

Resolutions & Zoning

• Councilman Jones – Resolution 51-25 (Red Run Meadows PUD): Presented a plan for 153 townhouses on Red Run Boulevard. Community benefit negotiations are ongoing; expects to finalize before Monday’s vote. Development includes adequate parking and green space.
• Director Hickey (Housing) – Resolutions 56-25, 57-25, 58-25 (Lock Raven Overlook): Three resolutions for a 122-unit affordable housing community on Lock Raven Boulevard in Towson. Includes 18 units at 30% AMI, 98 at 60% AMI, and 6 at 80% AMI. Resolutions 56-25 and 58-25 authorize 20-year PILOT agreements ($300/unit escalating). Resolution 57-25 authorizes a $3.5 million, 40-year loan at 0% during construction and 2% thereafter. Project redevelops a problematic hotel. Construction timeline: Q1 2026 demolition, 16.5 months build.
• Director Smith (Rec & Parks) – Donation from Rotary Club of Catonsville: Accepted $8,300 donation for pathway connections at Catonsville Community Park. No matching funds required.
• Bureau Chief Francis (Fire) – Donation from Wawa Foundation: Accepted $1,000 donation for community risk reduction efforts, from Hoagies for Heroes event.
• Council Chair – Resolution Amending Towson Commercial Revitalization District: Adds property behind Goucher College to the district, including the upcoming Whiteing Turner headquarters and senior building development.
• Councilman Jones – Zoning Regulations, Animal Boarding (Bill): Proposed to allow animal boarding (including dogs) in BM zone in a commercial revitalization district or CCC district, specifically for a small business in Rices-town. Concerns raised about noise and proximity to residences. Council clarified it would apply countywide when in those overlay zones.
• Council Chair – Bill 74-25 (Commercial Kitchen): Allows commercial kitchens in BMCC district in Overly/Rossville CRD, for a building being renovated into an office co-op.
• Council Chair – Bill 75-25 (Rental Property Inspections): Authorizes code enforcement to investigate unauthorized rooming/boarding houses, fire safety violations, and unauthorized alterations. Clarifies ability to obtain warrants with tenant permission.
• Councilman Marks – Bill 76-25 (Energy Storage Devices): Withdrawn after agreement with administration that the Department of Planning will study the issue administratively.

Public Comments & Testimony – Bill 77-25 (Sewer Projects, Property Owner Obligations)

• Councilman Marks introduced Bill 77-25: Requires transparency for sewer projects when property owners do not have failing septic systems. An amendment was proposed by the administration (Brad Croner) to change from an opt-in to an opt-out mechanism after 95% design review. Councilman Marks accepted the compromise.
• Rosemary Lazati (Perry Hall Manor resident): Testified that the process lacks mandated transparency. She criticized DPWT for withholding cost information and providing conflicting data. She argued that the grinder pump project (100% grinder pumps) will cost homeowners ~$14,000, a 300% increase from earlier estimates. She urged mandatory disclosure and property rights protections.
• William Smith (Perry Hall Manor resident): Argued that septic systems in the neighborhood are functioning well (only 8% failed in 55 years). He claimed grinder pumps fail every 5–7 years, making public health worse. He advocated for public water instead of sewer, as it would be cheaper and safer.
• Robert Swidersky (Vice President, Citizens to Preserve the Community of Perry Hall Manor): Reiterated the cost increase from $4,000 to $14,000 per home. He stated the annual tax fee would rise from $300 to $1,400. He blamed DPWT for delays and poor project management. He thanked Councilman Marks for support.

Discussion Items

• Personnel Law – Director Coleman (Bill 79-25): Implements classification and compensation plan changes for FY2026, including pay schedule adjustments (3% for sheriff’s office, 2% for others), new longevities, and adding safety officers and emergency operations coordinators to standby/callback pay. FY2026 budget impact is $3.7 million, already funded.
• Police Grant – Captain Miller (Bill 80-25): Accept an additional $1,000 from Maryland SHA for commercial vehicle safety enforcement, total grant $36,000. No county match required.
• Other Items: Councilman Marks thanked the administration for cooperation on Bill 77-25 amendment. The meeting adjourned with thanks to attendees.

Key Outcomes

• No votes taken; all items are scheduled for the legislative session on November 17, 2025.
• Bill 76-25 was withdrawn by sponsor.
• An amendment to Bill 77-25 was agreed upon in principle (opt-out mechanism).
• Several fiscal items and resolutions are expected to be approved with additional discussion on Bill 73-25 and Bill 77-25.
• Public testimony highlighted significant opposition to the Perry Hall Manor sewer project, calling for mandatory transparency and an opt-out option for non-failing septic owners.