Baltimore County Council Legislative Session – August 5, 2026

The Baltimore County Council held its 15th legislative session on August 5, 2026. The meeting covered the introduction of 12 new bills, final passage of one bill, approval of multiple fiscal matters, consideration of a resolution regarding the Apple store closure, and public testimony on several topics including proposed smoke shop regulations, data centers, waste management, and development issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the journal from the meeting of July 6, 2026.
• Enrolled bills 64-26, 65-26, 66-26, and 62-26 (including one returned unsigned by the county executive).
• Read for introduction 12 bills: Bills 72-26 through 83-26, covering budgets, fire prevention, tenant notice, rental housing, electricians licensing, business development, inspector general, data centers, zoning, surplus commodities, and property tax credits.
• The secretary read 16 non-competitive awards for June 2026, including supplier contracts and purchase orders with various companies, with total values ranging from $8,322 to $1.5 million.

Public Comments & Testimony

• VJ Mayer (Northeast Wholesalers Association) testified against Bill 68-26, arguing the definition of "smoke shop" would inadvertently capture convenience stores and gas stations, and requested that the bill be amended to exclude them or define smoke shops based on primary business activity.
• Mike O'Halloran (Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association) echoed concerns, suggesting a percentage-of-revenue threshold and noting that state legislation (SB 820) is already addressing illegal vape products.
• Kirk McCauley (WMDA) requested that service stations and convenience stores be excluded, proposed raising the revenue threshold to 50%, and highlighted practical problems with setback requirements.
• Anita Bass (IAM Local 4538, representing former Towson Apple employees) thanked the council for Resolution 2026, urged support for unionized jobs, and requested a new Apple store in the county.
• Venetia Bell (Woodlawn resident) questioned Councilman Marks about his evolution from supporting data centers to supporting a moratorium.
• Rachel Kamullik encouraged the council to disengage from the BRESCO incinerator, citing health costs of $53 million annually and alternatives like composting and recycling. She urged passage of a "Skip the Stuff" bill and support for the Better Bottle Bill.
• Mara McNif (archaeologist) shared examples of effective recycling systems in Italy and Seattle, arguing that clear guidance and consistent expectations can build a culture of shared responsibility.
• Rowena Daly (Towson resident, mother of teens) supported Bill 68-26, noting 12 smoke shops in Towson and easy access for youth; she also criticized the loss of historic buildings and lack of green space in new developments, calling for developers to be held accountable.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to School Capacity Committee: Councilman Crandall nominated Megan Webber, praising her passion. Councilman Patoka highlighted the committee's importance in addressing school overcrowding (noting about 50 schools are over capacity). Webber was appointed unanimously.
• Bill 67-26 (Event venues in DR 5.5 zone): Councilman Patoka offered an amendment limiting outdoor events (e.g., concerts, fireworks) and setting hours from 10 a.m. to midnight, with incidental outdoor music allowed only 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The amendment passed 7-0. The bill then passed as amended, also 7-0.
• FY2027 Arts and Sciences Grants: Approved unanimously. Councilman Patoka and Marks emphasized the importance of arts and culture.
• Fiscal Matters: Fival Matter 6 (engineering services contracts) was separated because Councilman Patoka disclosed his wife works for one of the firms; he abstained from discussion and vote. All other fiscal matters (1-5 and 7-12) were approved en bloc. Fiscal Matter 6 passed with Patoka abstaining.
• Resolution 2026 (Apple Store closure): Councilman Patoka introduced the resolution, criticizing Apple for unfair treatment of employees and lack of a retail presence in the region. He noted that the Towson store was unionized and that employees were not offered transfers, unlike non-union stores. An amendment adding a call for compliance with severance agreements was adopted. The resolution passed 7-0.
• Property Tax Exemptions for Blind Residents: Resolutions 2126 (Gary Messman) and 2226 (Robert Wilson) were approved unanimously, granting partial refunds under state law.
• Introduction of Resolutions: Resolutions 23-26 (Baltimore County Code adoption), 24-26 (Agricultural Land Preservation), 25-26 (sponsored by Marks and Mangioni), and 26-26 (Jerusalem Mill) were introduced for later action.
• Data Center Moratorium Discussion: Responding to Venetia Bell's question, Councilmen Marks and Crandall explained the council's shift from earlier support for data center zoning to a moratorium, citing growing concerns over energy consumption, water usage, and infrastructure strain. The planning board is studying the issue.
• BRESCO Incinerator Comments: Councilman Patoka expressed opposition to renewing the contract with BRESCO (described as the ninth largest polluter on the East Coast), urging alternatives like composting. The administration noted the contract expires within the calendar year.
• Council Announcements: Councilman Young welcomed two blind interns from the Gold Star program, Ebony Garrett and Aaron Shrivers. Councilman Crandall raised concerns about 11 water main breaks in District 7 over the past few weeks, attributed to aging infrastructure and possibly system-wide pressure issues; he asked the administration to coordinate with Baltimore City.

Key Outcomes

• Megan Webber appointed to the School Capacity Committee (unanimous).
• Bill 67-26 (Event venues) passed as amended (7-0).
• Fiscal Matters 1-5 and 7-12 approved en bloc; Fiscal Matter 6 approved (6-0, Patoka abstaining).
• Resolution 2026 (Apple) passed as amended (7-0).
• FY2027 Arts and Sciences Grants approved (7-0).
• Resolution 2126 (Blind exemption) passed (7-0).
• Resolution 2226 (Blind exemption) passed (7-0).
• Public hearing on Bill 68-26 (smoke shops) held; council will consider amendments to address industry concerns.
• Council directed administration to investigate water main break issue.