Baltimore County Council Legislative Session – October 15, 2026

The Baltimore County Council held a legislative session on October 15, 2026, starting at approximately 1:56 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including appointments, resolutions, contracts, and bills addressing sewer infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety, animal services, procurement modernization, and compensation for elected officials. Public testimony was heard on several bills, and council members debated the merits of proposed salary increases. No final votes were taken during this session; most items are expected to be voted on at future meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Appointments to the Baltimore County Animal Hearing Board: Hilary Mushad was introduced and will be voted on next Monday. Dana Coleman's reappointment was noted but she was not present; follow-up will occur.
• Routine contracts and resolutions were introduced without opposition, including the Burton Avenue Sewer Extension (Resolution 3226) and various service contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Dungara (District 1 Democratic nominee) supported Bill 8426 (commercial house parties) but raised concerns about the exemption for nonprofit, religious, or political fundraising events, suggesting an amendment to prevent misuse.
• Linda Semeski supported Bill 8426 but urged the county to enforce existing code against illegal businesses as ongoing operations rather than per-event citations. She also raised concerns about Ridgedale LLC (Resolution 3326), noting it was a newly formed LLC with no public filings.
• David Abasi (Wilson Point community) strongly supported Bill 8826 (warehouse notice), sharing his community's experience with a surprise 156,000 sq ft warehouse. He urged expanding the bill to cover other large developments.
• Katie Fleury (Maryland SPCA) supported Bill 8526 (animal services advisory committee), praising the county's progress.
• Ann George (former commission member) opposed Bill 8526, citing lack of action on past recommendations and vacancies. She requested deferral to the new council.
• Michael McCusker (Parkville resident) opposed salary increases for county executive and council (Bills 9126 and 9226), arguing citizens cannot afford higher taxes and that council members knew the salary when they ran.
• Lasell Berger (DPWT employee) opposed salary increases, highlighting pay inversion for supervisors and the struggles of county workers who often work second jobs. He urged the council to prioritize worker compensation.
• Tim Fazenbaker (Dundalk resident) opposed salary increases, suggesting a merit-based or voter-determined system. He also questioned the timing of Resolution 3326 (Ridgedale).
• John Gontrum spoke on behalf of the Ramadka family, thanking the council for Resolution 3426 dedicating Campbell Boulevard to Robert Ramadka Sr.

Discussion Items

• Appointments: The council heard from Hilary Mushad (Animal Hearing Board appointee), who shared her background as a lawyer and law professor. Dana Coleman's reappointment was noted.
• Burton Avenue Sewer Extension (Resolution 3226): DPWT Deputy Director Lisa Eichholtz presented the project, connecting six properties to public sewer at a total cost of $591,544.85. County pays $274,226.19; property owners pay $317,318.66 over 40 years. Councilman Marks attended the community input meeting.
• Contracts: Several contracts were presented and discussed:
  • Pure Technologies (sole source) for pipe analysis and leak surveying (5-year term, no upset limit).
  • Land surveying services (three contracts awarded competitively).
  • Mobile Communications America for telecommunication services.
  • Jimmy's Two LLC and Independent Taxi Association for taxi services for eligible residents (5-year term, $44,000 estimated compensation).
  • Stryker for maintenance of CPR and cardiac devices (retroactive approval requested).
  • Insight Training for thermal imaging training (grant-funded, $40,000).
  • Rural reforestation contracts (four contractors) with extensive discussion on acreage, funding, and property selection.
• Ridgedale Pilot Agreement (Resolution 3326): DHCD Director Terry Hickey presented a 20-year PILOT for 40 townhomes and 80 senior apartments. Public comment raised questions about the LLC's transparency.
• Bill 8426 – Commercial House Parties: Proposed misdemeanor penalties for fee-based parties in residential zones. Discussion included enforcement gaps and the need for a broader approach.
• Bill 8726 – Zoning for Charter Schools: Introduced by Councilman Marks to allow charter schools in BM zones.
• Bill 8826 – Warehouse Notice: Requires notice and planning board review for limited exemptions/waivers for warehouses over 50,000 sq ft.
• Bill 8526 – Animal Services Advisory Committee: Renames and modernizes the committee, adding qualifications and term limits. Councilman Marks praised progress but opposed elimination of the Pedestrian Bicycle Advisory Committee (part of Bill 9426).
• Bill 9126 – County Executive Compensation: PSAB recommended $240,000 for the next term. Council members discussed comparisons with other jurisdictions and internal salary disparities.
• Bill 9226 – County Council Compensation: PSAB recommended $140,000 for members, $150,000 for chair. Council members debated the raise: Councilman Manjione stated he would vote no; Councilman Patoka and others argued the increase is modest and necessary for full-time positions. Councilman Marks noted the salary has been stagnant for years.
• Bill 9326 – Classification and Compensation Plan: Adjusts pay schedules for public safety, corrections, and other positions, effective January 1, 2027.
• Resolution 3426 – Robert Ramadka Sr. Road Dedication: Unanimous support; multiple co-sponsors added. Family and friends attended.
• Bill 9426 – Boards and Commissions: Updates membership for expanded council (7 to 9 districts), adds term limits for some committees, and provides a transition period for residency conflicts.
• Bill 9526 – Procurement Threshold Modernization: Raises council approval threshold from $25,000 to $150,000 for service contracts (or 3 years). Discussed as a recommendation from the Blue Ribbon Procurement Commission.
• Bill 9626 – Real Estate Thresholds: Increases purchase approval threshold from $5,000 to $100,000 and lease aggregate from $25,000 to $150,000. Also allows in-house appraisals up to $100,000.
• Bill 9726 – Gifts and Grants Acceptance: Streamlines acceptance via a 14-day letter process unless a council member requests a vote.

Key Outcomes

• No final votes were taken on bills; they remain in committee or pending future legislative sessions.
• Appointments to the Animal Hearing Board are expected to be approved at the next council meeting on October 19, 2026.
• Council members expressed clear positions on compensation bills: Councilman Manjione stated he would vote no; others expressed support for the increases.
• The administration agreed to an amendment preserving the Pedestrian Bicycle Advisory Committee in Bill 9426.
• Several bills (9526, 9626, 9726) are designed to streamline procurement and administrative processes, with implementation planned after council approval.
• The meeting adjourned after covering all agenda items.