February 24, 2020
Dear friends,

Developed in the 70’s, the Long Reach Village Center was once a hub for residents serving a variety of neighborhood needs. Various civic spaces were developed to support commercial uses and provide focal points for social interaction. After years of challenges, I am proud to announce a swift short-term renovation and long-term renewal. 
Last week, about 200 residents gathered at the Stonehouse in the Long Reach Village Center to discuss the reactivation of the village center and how our Long Reach Rising plan addresses community needs from the 2012 and 2016 community plans. Thank you to all our residents, the Village Board, and  Columbia Association for your partnership during this process. To stay up to date on the Long Reach Rising plan, please visit our website here.
This Week in HoCo
State of Business

Howard County is home to a strong and prosperous business community. I am excited to invite you to Howard County's first State of Business address with the  Howard County Chamber of Commerce, tomorrow, February 25th, at 11:00am at Turf Valley Resort.

At this address, I will provide attendees the opportunity to hear direct updates on the County's fiscal and economic status. I'm excited to speak directly to many of our companies, discuss what we've accomplished and highlight the many more opportunities that lay before us to ensure we're building a better County for all.

For tickets to the event, please click here.
HB1 – Built to Learn Act Updates

Howard County has a longstanding history of prioritizing education and school construction funding to make us one of the nation’s leading school systems. There is a significant need for adequate infrastructure to continue serving our students, educators, and families to ultimately, create the best teaching and learning environment in which we can grow our future. This includes extensive renovations of our older schools and the construction of new ones to address capacity issues.

House Bill 1 – Built to Learn Act is an important piece of legislation to ensure our students are ready and successful across the state. Thank you to  Speaker Adrienne Jones, President  Senator Bill FergusonGovernor Larry Hogan, Mayor  Bernard C. "Jack" Young, and my fellow County Executives; Johnny olszewski, Barry Glassman, Jan Gardner, Angela Alsobrooks, and Steuart Pittman; for your bipartisan partnership and leadership on this bill. Now is the time to make critical investments in our public education and our infrastructure.
Mental and Behavioral Health Commission Meeting

I recently joined Lt. Governor  Boyd K Rutherford and members of the Mental and Behavioral Health Commission of Maryland at their meeting at  Howard Community College. Howard County is supportive of the Commission’s work to ensure that comprehensive mental and behavioral health services are affordable and available for all individuals struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder.

We remain dedicated to building out an integrated system of care that leaves no resident behind. I was glad for the opportunity to share our local initiatives for the Commission to consider in their final recommendations.

To learn more about the work of the Commission, please click here.
New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

These new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the  Charles E. Miller Branch Library are the first of several planned sites in partnership with  BGE. Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all. Adding EV infrastructure to our community is a testament of our ability to innovatively adapt to our changing climate. Read more about them here.
New Service Catalog

Do you need to find out what days trash and recycling are collected? Or maybe apply for a business license? We created a service catalog or 'one-stop-shop' to provide easier and more convenient access to all County information and services.

You can access the service catalog on the County website here
Check out the informative video above on how to use the service catalog and the wide array of services the County offers for residents, businesses, visitors, parents, and more.
Charter Review Commission

Under the County Charter, the Howard County Council is required to establish a Charter Review Commission every eight years. As its name suggests, the Commission is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations concerning our Howard County Charter. On Tuesday, March 3, the 2019-2020 Charter Review Commission will hold its final Public Hearing to receive any recommendations for changes to the Howard County Charter. The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Banneker Room of the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City. Those interested in speaking at the hearing, sign-up sheets will be available that afternoon starting at 3:00 p.m. Those testifying are asked to bring 20 copies of their written testimony for distribution at the public hearing.
 
For those unable to attend the hearing, but who still wish to submit testimony, any testimony submitted to charterreviewcommission@howardcountymd.gov 48 hours prior to the public hearing will be forwarded to the Commission members.
Departmental News
Budget Office
SAVE THE DATE: I will hold my second Resident's Budget Hearing for the FY2021 budget cycle on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City.

Beginning this Thursday, February 27th , residents will be able to sign-up ONLINE to speak at the hearing by going to  www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony . From the same link, residents will also have the option to provide online budget testimony. Residents who do not wish to sign-up online will still be able to sign-up in person on the night of the public hearing beginning at 5:00 p.m. The hearing will be broadcasted live on GTV and live streamed.
Department of Community Resources and Services

Have you taken our Age-Friendly Community Survey yet? Now available in five languages - English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Hindi, this anonymous survey allows you the opportunity to provide feedback on efforts you believe will make Howard County a more livable community for all.

To take the survey and to learn more about Age-Friendly Howard County, visit  www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly . Paper copies are also available at our 50+ Centers and can be requested by calling our Office on Aging and Independence at 410-313-6410 or by emailing agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov .
The upcoming 2020 Census is important and benefits YOU. Read on to find out why.

States, counties, and communities in the U.S. receive federal funds and grants based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age and race, as well as other factors. We BENEFIT THE MOST from the Census when EVERYONE is counted. By doing your part and responding to the 2020, you help your community gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
 
This March 12th (or shortly after), when your household receives its invitation to participate in the 2020 Census, either online, by phone or by mail, please complete the survey and do your part to help ensure ALL #HoCoCounts this 2020. 
 
To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/2020census or contact our local Complete Count Committee at 410-313-6325 or email census2020@howardcountymd.gov .
Tax time is here. AARP and the IRS are once again offering personal income tax preparation for Howard County residents from February 3 through April 15, available to all middle- and low-income taxpayers, with emphasis on those age 60 and older. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, 2018 Federal and Maryland tax returns, and all 2019 tax documents. Self-employment returns with more than $10,000 in expenses and complex returns are not eligible. Appointments are necessary for all locations. To schedule your appointment today, call your desired location listed below.
Too many of Maryland’s youth and young adults go it alone to find stable and safe housing. From March 15 through 28, Howard County’s Youth Count will help identify housing and services needed for local youth and young adults who struggle to find a safe, reliable place to sleep at night. Contact Candace Ball at 410-313-6552 to volunteer and/or be counted!  #YouthReachMD
Office of Emergency Management
With flu season in full swing and the spread of the coronavirus worldwide, this quarter’s Office of Emergency Management’s  Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting, “Get Ready Maryland: Viruses, Virulence and Vaccines,” will focus on public health and recent global epidemic. Set to take place this Thursday, February 27th  from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the  Roger Carter Community Center , the meeting will feature special guest, Dr. Raimee Eck with the Maryland Public Health Association. Dr. Eck will discuss several common (and a few uncommon) public health hazards. His presentation will focus on identifying the most common community illnesses, how they spread and ways to protect yourself and your family. It will also review current global epidemics and the possible impact to us locally.
Department of Finance
County residents age 65 and older, applications are now being accepted for our Aging-In-Place Tax Credit. Designed to assist older adults “age in place” by providing a 20 percent credit on up to $500,000 of assessed property value, we hope this tax credit will allow residents the ability to financially, stay in their homes and a more affordable living. For eligibility requirements and/or for an application, visit our “Other Residential Credits” website today. While applications are being accepted through May 1st, I encourage you to apply as early as possible as applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. If you have questions and/or need assistance, please feel free to contact our Department of Finance's Tax Credit Office at 410-313-4076 or email taxcredit@howardcountymd.gov .
Department of Planning and Zoning

Last week, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development - Division of Neighborhood Revitalization informed the County that our application to renew and modify the boundaries for the Sustainable Community designation of North Laurel-Savage was approved by the Smart Growth Coordinating Committee. The designation has been extended until February 2024.

The North Laurel-Savage area will continue to be eligible to apply for funds from the following programs from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to revitalize and attract growth and development within its Sustainable Community:
Community Legacy Program – This program provides local governments and community development organizations with funding for essential projects aimed at strengthening communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization.

Strategic Demolition Fund – The Strategic Demolition Fund can be used to catalyze activities that accelerate economic development, job production and smart growth in existing Maryland communities. Funds can be used for capital predevelopment activities, such as, property acquisition, site development, and demolition and construction-level architectural engineering designs.

DPZ thanks the county agencies and citizens who participated in this renewal application process. The North Laurel Savage area is one of three designated sustainable communities in Howard County, the other two being Long Reach Village and Ellicott City.
Note:  Due to lack of quorum the Design Advisory Panel meeting scheduled for February 12, 2020 has been rescheduled to February 26, 2020.  On Wednesday, February 26, the Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will meet at 7:00 pm at 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, in the Columbia Ellicott Room (room subject to change) to consider Project #20-01.

Project Title: Chick-Fil-A on Route 40
Address: 10055 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043
 
Did you know that you can use an interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review?
 
The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization, and to enhance property values. The DAP Rules of Procedure can be found here. For questions please contact the DAP at dap@howardcountymd.gov | 410-313-2350
Police Department

Join HCPD’s Community Outreach Division tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Wegmans in Columbia for its monthly “  Coffee with a Cop .” This community outreach program offers county residents an opportunity to meet face-to-face with our police personnel in a neutral environment to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know our officers one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house!
HCPD's Collision Avoidance Training (CAT) 2020 classes are open for registration; sign your teen driver up TODAY! Available sessions: March 21, April 18, May 9, June 20, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 12

The CAT program is a defensive driving and vehicle control program for young drivers developed by the National Traffic Safety Academy. During the one-day course, adapted from law enforcement training, young drivers learn how to better handle their vehicles in various situations. Participants must be ages 16-20, possess a valid Maryland "Class C" driver’s license (no learner's permit) and bring a vehicle to drive during the practical exercises.

Cost is $95. Participants must register in advance by contacting 410-313-3216 or CATprogram@howardcountymd.gov. Let’s keep our communities safe, one driver at a time!
Department of Public Works

SAVE THE DATE: On Thursday, March 12, DPW will hold a public meeting from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the media center at  Centennial Lane Elementary School , to discuss plans for a sidewalk connection project that will involve the installation of sidewalk along the eastbound lane of Frederick Road between Centennial Lane and Gray Rock Drive. While there will be no formal presentation, the concept design will be available for public view and DPW staff members will be on hand to explain the proposed work, answer any questions and gather public comments. The project is expected to begin fall 2020. To learn more, click  HERE .
Department of Public Works Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects have been announced. For a full list of previously announced projects, please refer to the   February 18, 2020  newsletter.

Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change

Ellicott City

  • Ellicott City North Tunnel Investigation (Capital Project C-0337) – Project to conduct soil borings in Ellicott City’s Historic District. The findings from these soil boring will aid in developing the final design of North Tunnel, part of my “EC Safe and Sound” plan. Originally expected to be completed by early February, weather permitting, this project is now expected to be completed by mid-March.
  • Storm drain culverts repair (Capital Project D-1169) - project to repair storm drain culverts at the Brampton Parkway/Red Hill Way/Yorkshire Drive traffic circle in Ellicott City is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, March 2. Culvert failures at the site have caused roadway failures which are currently covered with steel plates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-March.

To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit   https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email   publicworks@howardcountymd.gov  for further assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s   website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.

Also, be sure to follow the County’s   Facebook  and   Twitter  pages every Monday morning for upcoming maintenance projects happening that week, weather permitting. On these social media pages, you’ll also find information regarding the county’s   street sweeping  schedule, which generally begin in the months of January, April, July and September.
Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services
Come get it before its gone. For the FIRST TIME EVER, our Bureau of Environmental Services is GIVING AWAY shredded wood at the Alpha Ridge Landfill to County residents and contractors. Available on a first come, first served basis, this product can be used for garden paths, weed prevention, base wood for dyed mulch, erosion control, temporary access roads and soil amendment. To find out more, click HERE or call 410-313-6444.
 
This giveaway is just another example of the many organic products our Bureau of Environmental Services’ offers to help ensure a clean and sustainable environment and I hope you will take advantage of it, while helping us reduce our shredded wood stockpile at the Landfill.
Office of Purchasing
Are you a local construction or technology company interested in doing business with County Government , the Howard County Public School System , Howard Community College , Howard County Library System and/or the Columbia Association ? If yes, I encourage you to check out our upcoming business outreach events, held in part to promote the growth and success of local businesses like you and to increase the percentage of County procurement dollars flowing to local businesses. 
 
Our first outreach event, "Information Technology Local Business Event," will take place on Thursday, March 5. At this event, attendees where learn about the different types of hardware, software and technology services utilized by each of the above-listed entities and about projects each has on the horizon. Two weeks later, on Thursday, March 19, is our second outreach event, "Construction & Paving Local Business Outreach Event." At this event, attendees will learn about the various construction and paving projects happening at each entity and what lies ahead in their capital project forecasts.
 
Both events are scheduled to take place from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Gateway Innovation Building, located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. To learn more about either and/or to register for an event, I encourage you to contact our Office of Purchasing at 410-313-6370 or email purchasing@howardcountymd.gov today!
Department of Recreation & Parks
This Saturday at 10am and 11am, head to the Robinson Nature Center for this month's Saturday Puppet Theater! For our February program, little visitors will enjoy a special puppet performance of "Bear Snores On", then make an easy craft to take home! For more information, click here.
Are you looking to play baseball? Registration for the Howard County Adult Baseball League is now open! Join the League for an eight-week season with playoffs beginning June 14. Games are played on Sunday mornings and afternoons at Cedar Lane Park in Columbia. For more info, please visit our website here
On Saturday, March 7, head to the North Laurel Community Center for Super STEAM Saturday! From 10:00am – 1:00pm, your child can enjoy special hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities from special guests including Abrakadoodle, Bricks4Kidz, Chess Wizards, Club Sci Kidz, Little Medical School and more! Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, visit our website here to purchase your tickets today!
Howard County Recreation and Parks is taking a trip on March 2nd to the Philadelphia Flower Show! With a 2020 “Riviera Holiday” theme inspired by exotic Mediterranean gardens, join us as we spend the day exploring the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event. To purchase your tickets, click here.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
February 25 | State of the Business Address

I am excited to invite you to Howard County's first State of Business address with the  Howard County Chamber of Commerce, tomorrow, February 25th, at 11:00am at Turf Valley Resort.

At this address, I will provide an overview our accomplishments over the last year and shed light on the year-to-come goals and priorities. This open forum also provides attendees the opportunity to hear direct updates on the County's fiscal and development status.For tickets to the event, please click here.
February 25 | Coffee with a Cop
 
Join Howard County Police Department (HCPD) for its monthly Coffee with a Cop at the Wegmans in Columbia. Come meet face-to-face with HCPD's Community Outreach Officers in an informal and neutral space to discuss issues, ask questions and build relationships one cup of coffee at a time. As always, coffee and conversation are on the house. For more information and/or questions, contact HCPD's Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2207.
February 27 | Drop-In Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) Training
 
Join in the fight against the opioid epidemic by learning how you can help save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Health headquarters. Simply show up and Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click  HERE  to learn more.
February 27 | Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

This quarter’s Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting will focus on public health and recent global epidemic. Feature special guest, Dr. Raimee Eck with the Maryland Public Health Association, will discuss several common (and a few uncommon) public health hazards To register and/ for more information, click HERE .
February 29 | Art and A Prelude to JAZZ

In case you haven't heard, the African Art Museum of MD (AAMM) is moving back to Columbia, MD on February 29th, 2020. We invite you to join AAMM for a preview of "Art and A Prelude to JAZZ" to celebrate the move at their new location in the Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Court - Suite 12 in Columbia. This event will take place from 1:00pm - 3:00pm with special guests - descendants of the first 20 Africans from Angola to reach today's Fort Monroe, Virginia 400 years ago.
March 3 | Drop-In Opioid Overdose Response (Narcan) Training
Join in the fight against the opioid epidemic by learning how you can help save someone’s life from an opioid overdose. The first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, the Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program (Narcan) trainings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., on a drop-in basis, at Health headquarters. Simply show up and Health Department employee will teach you how to administer Narcan, the opioid reversing medicine. Click   HERE  to learn more.
March 5 | Information Technology Local Business Event

Howard County is committed to fostering a strong and prosperous business community. I invite you to join the Howard County Office of Purchasing and me for an Information Technology Local Business event on Thursday, March 5, from 8:00am-11:00am at the Gateway Innovation Building. At this event, local businesses will learn how to engage in business with Howard County entities.

I encourage you to register today by emailing our Office of Purchasing at Purchasing@HowardCountyMD.gov 
March 5 | CAREAPP: Find Howard County Services

Join the Howard County Library System for a presentation about the CAREAPP. At this presentation, attendees will learn more about available health and other social services available to Howard County residents. This Presentation will take place on March 5 th, at 2:00pm at the Elkridge Branch Library. Register here.
March 5 | Valley Road Storm Drain Improvement Project Public Meeting

Join the Department of Public Works for their public update meeting to discuss plans for a project (Capital Project D-1158) to upgrade the existing storm drain system with a new larger storm pipe near 3605-3621 Valley Road. The informal meeting will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2020.

Roger Carter Community Center, Caplan Room, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City / 6 pm / Contact: Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email  publicworks@howardcountymdgov