Baltimore County Council Work Session – January 30, 2026

The Baltimore County Council held a virtual work session on January 30, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:58 PM UTC. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items, including an appointment, multiple contracts, a small area plan adoption, zoning regulation changes, and two immigration-related bills (Bill 97-25 and Bill 98-25) that drew extensive public testimony. The session ran for several hours due to the number of speakers.

Consent Calendar

• Bill 94-25 (Professional Development Fund Grant, Department of Corrections) – Previously covered; no discussion.
• Bill 126-25 & Bill 2-26 (Supplemental Appropriations, Administration) – Previously covered; one speaker (Donna Batchis) testified in support of Bill 2-26 (perinatal care coordination).
• Landscaping Services Contracts (Lorenz Lawn, Classic Lawn, Strickland Services) – Total estimated cost $2,199,449.89; 20% MBE/WBE goal; one-year contract with four one-year renewals. Questions from Councilman Jones about vendor breakdown; Councilman Patoka praised the nominee Brian Shepherd.
• Hazen and Sawyer Contract (Lead and Copper Replacement Program) – 10-year contract, $110–120K per year, 20% MBE goal. Councilman Patoka inquired about a related study.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill 326 (Data Center Study) – Eight speakers. Union representatives (Carpenters, Plumbers & Steamfitters) supported the bill but urged a shorter moratorium (6 months instead of 1 year) and inclusion of responsible contractor language. The Maryland Technology Council and a property owner advocated for a shorter pause and allowing site plan processing. The Hanover Road Association supported the study with amendments.
• Bill 926 (Data Centers Partial Repeal) – Speakers opposed the repeal, arguing it would set back progress.
• Bill 97-25 (Office of Immigrant Affairs) and Bill 98-25 (Protections for Non-U.S. Citizens) – Approximately 40 speakers testified. Supporters included educators, healthcare workers, union representatives, religious leaders, and immigrant community members. They emphasized the need for a centralized office to coordinate services, protect immigrant families, and restore trust. Opponents (e.g., Ken Fitch, Deborah Hill, Tom Henry) argued the bills would create a sanctuary county, risk federal funding, and duplicate federal services. The last speaker for the evening, Naisha McCoy, supported the bills.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Brian Shepherd as Acting Director of Rec & Parks – Shepherd spoke about his 29 years of county service and passion for Rec & Parks. Council members Marks, Jones, Patoka, and Crandall expressed support, though concerns about rising fees for users were raised. The appointment was expected to be confirmed.
• Resolution 3-26 (SAP 11 – Middle River Small Area Plan) – Presented by Director Lafferty and Megan Oliver. Councilman Marks requested a delay, citing concerns about the Lockheed Martin site and the need for more input from the three council members representing the area. Councilman Crandall agreed. The matter was postponed for further discussion.
• Resolution 4-26 (Pikesville Sustainable Community) – Councilman Patoka explained the designation opens up resource opportunities. No opposition.
• Resolution 5-26 (Squatters – General Assembly Request) – Councilman Jones described the issue of people illegally occupying homes and the need for state law changes. He had engaged with the delegation chair.
• Bill 326 (Data Center Study) – Councilman Young, the sponsor, outlined the one-year moratorium and requirement for a planning board study by October 1, 2026. He noted that amendments from labor unions were being considered.
• Bill 426 (DR Zoning Updates) – Councilman Patoka explained the bill updates zoning for houses of worship in DR zones, which had not been revised since the 1970s.
• Bill 626 (Central Community Hub – Pikesville Armory) – Councilman Patoka said the bill allows appropriate signage and wayfinding for the Armory redevelopment.
• Bill 726 (Final Landmarks List – Larendale) – The nominator withdrew the application; the council was required to vote. Councilman Patoka recommended against landmarking.
• Bill 826 (Eco Park District Transportation Prerequisite) – Councilman Marks noted ongoing discussions with stakeholders and possible alternatives.
• Bill 926 (Data Centers Partial Repeal) – Councilman Marks explained it repeals data center language but retains battery storage regulations.
• Bill 95-25 (Downtown Towson Tree Replacement) – Councilman Ortell described the bill to balance tree replacement requirements in the DT zone. Amendments were being prepared.
• Bill 96-25 (Non-Conforming Dwelling Units) – Councilman Marks and Jones co-sponsored; the bill provides a process for owners to administratively prove continuous use of small apartments.
• Bill 97-25 (Office of Immigrant Affairs) and Bill 98-25 (Protections for Non-U.S. Citizens) – Councilman Patoka introduced both, emphasizing the need to codify the existing office and establish safeguards regarding ICE operations. He referenced recent ICE actions and the execution of Alex Predi. The bills generated extensive public testimony.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Brian Shepherd – Expected to be confirmed; no formal vote taken during the meeting.
• Resolution 3-26 (SAP 11) – Delayed to allow further coordination among Councilman Marks, Crandall, and Ortell.
• Bill 326 (Data Center Study) – Discussion continued; amendments to shorten the moratorium and include labor standards were under consideration.
• Bill 726 (Landmarks) – The council was required to vote; the nomination was withdrawn, and the bill was likely to be rejected.
• Bills 97-25 and 98-25 – No vote taken; the council heard extensive public testimony. Councilman Jones expressed deep concern about ICE behavior and called for patriotism in defending constitutional rights. Councilman Patoka urged action.