Baltimore County Council Work Session - December 15, 2025

The Baltimore County Council held a work session on December 15, 2025, at 5:16 PM. The session included reappointments, fiscal matters, and discussions on several bills, including a major property tax incentive for a proposed container terminal at Sparrows Point, zoning adjustments for sidewalks and electric vehicle centers, and a pilot program to limit rental density near Towson University. Public testimony was heard on multiple items.

Consent Calendar

• Reappointments: The Council considered appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board (Mark Travers absent, Brenda Stromer reappointed with strong support from Councilman Jones), the Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission (Katie Rouse, Selisa Jefferson, Dr. Takoya Farrakhan), and the Planning Board (Derrick Johnson, who spoke about his service). All were favorably received and expected to proceed.
• Fiscal Matters: Two contracts were presented without opposition: a prisoner transportation contract with Urban Development Solutions Inc. (lowest bidder, term through Dec 2026 with renewal options) and on-call HVAC services contracts with Temp Air Company, Denver LIC Inc., and Patapsco Mechanical LC (total $19,719,043.96, with MBE/WBE 20% participation). An auditor’s question on HVAC contract award methodology was addressed by Deb Schindle.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill 88-25 (Port Tax Credit): Six speakers testified in support: Scott Cowan (President, ILA Local 333) emphasized job creation and port competitiveness; Mark Anthony Thomas (Greater Baltimore Committee) called it a competitive tool; Ray Baker (Baltimore DC Building Trades) highlighted the project labor agreement; Sharon Keene (Chesapeake Gateway Chamber) noted economic benefits; Wally Pinkard (World Trade Center Institute) stressed regional prosperity. One speaker, Alexander Pappas, opposed on behalf of Fort Howard community, arguing the tax deal unfairly benefits corporations while neglecting infrastructure in the 9th district. Christopher Mudd (Trade Point Atlantic attorney) expressed willingness to work on amendments.
• Bill 92-25 (Rental Density Pilot): Three speakers addressed the bill. Kevin Young (Towson Green HOA) asked to be excluded, citing their HOA’s enforcement. Ed Kilcullen and Elizabeth Eck (Berkeley Square residents) supported the bill, describing neighborhood degradation due to investor-owned student rentals, including parking issues, trash, and code violations.
• Bill 90-25 (Sidewalks in Honeygo): Brett Frankis spoke in support, noting the unique dead-end street with existing trails.

Discussion Items

• Bill 88-25 (Property Tax Credit for Port Properties): Samir Sid (Deputy County Administrative Officer) presented the bill, which would provide a 50-year tax credit for a privately operated container terminal at Sparrows Point. He projected $1.1 billion investment, 8,000+ jobs, and $528 million gross revenue increase from surrounding development over 50 years. Councilman Crandall proposed amendments from the auditor, including a deadline for credit application (within 5 years of construction commencement). Sid noted the administration is open to discussion but prefers modeling after existing CRD tax credit. Councilman Marks clarified the credit begins only when terminal is operational.
• Bill 90-25 (Zoning – Sidewalk Exception in Honeygo): Councilman Marks explained the bill would exempt three lots at the end of Rexis Avenue from sidewalk requirements, as the street terminates into a hiker-biker trail and has unique conditions.
• Bill 91-25 (Electric Vehicle Centers in ML Zone): Councilman Ketch introduced a bill to allow electric vehicle centers (not dealerships) in manufacturing-light zones, with prohibitions on used vehicle sales. He offered to limit applicability per district if members prefer.
• Bill 92-25 (University Housing District Rental Density Limits): Councilman Ciraldo (Chair) described a pilot program within one mile of Towson University to cap rental licenses at 30% per block, with exemptions for temporary hardship (e.g., owner relocation). Pete Gutwald (Permits, Approvals & Inspections) raised numerous technical concerns about definitions (temporary/supportive housing), license renewals, enforcement of code violations, and feasibility of tracking multiple LLCs. Ciraldo agreed to work with Gutwald and County Attorney Brad Croner on revisions. Councilman Young questioned early engagement with PAI; Gutwald noted he received the bill only recently.
• Bill 93-25 (Development Impact Fees Exemption for Affordable Housing): Councilman Ciraldo presented a bill to exempt affordable housing projects receiving county financial support from development impact fees, using an example of a senior building and townhomes in Rosedale. It was noted the bill is not project-specific.

Key Outcomes

• Reappointments and fiscal contracts are expected to advance.
• Bill 88-25: Continued support with ongoing discussions on amendments; Councilman Crandall will confer with Trade Point and administration on codifying a 5-year application deadline. Bill appears likely to pass with modifications.
• Bill 92-25: Councilman Ciraldo will work with PAI to address technical issues before final consideration. No vote taken.
• Bills 90-25, 91-25, 93-25 were presented and will proceed to future work sessions; no opposition noted.
• Councilman Patoka raised interest in revisiting regulations on impervious surfaces in residential yards to address flooding and parking concerns, separate from the bills before the Council.