Keeping Up with Christiana! |
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Greetings!
Welcome to our February Newsletter! I wanted to share a few key updates about Howard County's COVID-19 vaccine efforts.
Over the last month, I have heard from many community members who are concerned about getting the coronavirus vaccine. Residents 75 and older are having difficulties finding available appointments, and school staff are concerned about returning to in-person learning without receiving their vaccine.
These challenges are due to the very limited supply of vaccines that have been made available to the Howard County Health Department. For the past two weeks, Howard County Health Department has received 1,700 doses of vaccine per week from the State of Maryland, which is much less than the community need. I share your frustrations, and I will continue advocating to the Governor and State for improvements to this process and more vaccines for local Health Departments.
The Governor is continuing to direct more vaccines to mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies, and hospital operating clinics in the coming weeks and months. If you fall in Phase 1B and 1C, I recommend that you regularly check Maryland's COVID-19 Vaccine Website for available appointments.
All Howard County residents can also signal their interest in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by pre-registering with the Howard County Health Department here. If you have any specific questions related to the vaccine distribution or availability, please email me at [email protected].
As we continue into 2021, please don't hesitate to contact my office if you are experiencing any issues in your community or would just like to get in touch. We are here to help with your concerns and listen to your feedback. Wishing you a safe and healthy February!
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
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To date, there have been over 15,400 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Howard County, and 219 of our Howard County neighbors have lost their lives to this disease. Fortunately, Howard County's positivity rate and new case rate have decreased over the last month. Our community transmission numbers are heading in the right direction, and I encourage everyone to continue doing their part to limit the spread of coronavirus in Howard County.
I strongly encourage you to continue adhering to the Howard County Health Department's safety guidance by limiting interactions with non-household members, wearing a mask in all public settings, and practicing physical distancing. For information on COVID-19 testing locations and availability, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.
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January Legislative Wrap-Up |
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On February 1st, the County Council convened for our February Legislative Session to hold a vote on January legislation. The County Council took action on the following legislation:
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CB7-2021: legislation amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow structures within 750 feet of a MARC station platform to exceed 100 feet in height up to a maximum of 180 feet in height under certain circumstances. During our legislative session, I sponsored an amendment with Councilmembers Walsh and Jung that would require moderate income housing units (MIHU) to be built onsite in transit oriented developments, which was passed by the Council unanimously. The final legislation passed in a 3-2 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of Annapolis Junction Town Center, LLC.
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CB9-2021: legislation repealing a prohibition against the installation of certain multiuse sewerage systems; and generally relating to private sewer systems. The legislation passed in a 5-0 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by David Yungmann.
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CR12-2021: legislation adopting a new Forest Conservation Manual, following the Howard County Council's adoption of new forest conservation regulations in 2019. The legislation passed in a 4-1 vote. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
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February 2021 Legislation |
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On February 1st, the County Council held its February Legislative Session to introduce new legislation. I have included information on current legislation of interest below:
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CB13-2021: the Plastics Reduction Act. This legislation will reduce disposable plastic consumption and waste in our environment and landfills by reducing single use plastic straws and plastic food ware. This is a small step, but it is an important one that our local jurisdiction can take to reduce plastic waste, fight climate change, and promote clean waterways and wildlife. You can read more about the legislation here and here. Introduced by Christiana Rigby, Opel Jones, and Liz Walsh.
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CB14-2021: legislation allowing a landlord to show a model or similar unit to a prospective tenant if the unit to be leased is not vacant under specified circumstances; to alter the authority of a tenant to terminate a lease without penalty if certain violations are not abated within a certain time; to alter the authority of a tenant to terminate a lease because of an involuntary change of employment; to allow a lease to provide that a tenant will pay specified costs under specified circumstances; to alter the lease payment grace period; to allow for the collection of specified charges; to repeal the prohibition against a lease stating that it is a contract under seal; making a technical correction; and generally relating to landlord-tenant relations. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by David Yungmann.
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Community Initiatives and Events |
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Happy Black History Month! |
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This month, we celebrate and honor Black History Month in Howard County. During the month of February, Howard County's Office of Human Rights and Equity is offering several opportunities to participate in virtual events for Black History Month.
On February 23rd and 25th, County Executive Ball and the Office of Human Rights and Equity are hosing a Virtual Black Excellence Expo, which will have a collection of different events that put the spotlight on Howard County Government, Community Organizations and Black Businesses. You can learn more about the Expo events and register to attend here.
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Racial Equity Task Force - Share Testimony |
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Do you have experiences, information, or recommendations to share about racial equity in Howard County? The Racial Equity Task Force wants to hear from you!
You can submit written testimony to the Task Force by emailing [email protected] or you can sign up to give verbal testimony at the Task Force's upcoming Public Hearing on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 6:00pm. You can find more information on the Public Hearing and how to sign up here.
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Advance Racial Equity in Howard County: Share Your Stories |
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HCLS wants to provide community engagement and education that advances equity and connects people to opportunities to make a difference. You’ll have two options to make your story part of something bigger.
You can share your story with the Library for a new HCLS collection on local racial experiences. You also can share your stories and experiences with the Howard County Council’s Racial Equity Task Force. These stories will be official testimony, which the Task Force will consider as they recommend legislation to advance equity to the County Council.
The next virtual gathering is scheduled for this Saturday, February 20th at 1 pm. You can register here.
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Transportation Open House |
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The Howard County Office of Transportation is hosting its 2021 Active Transportation Open House! The Open House will cover biking, walking, micromobility, and Complete Streets in Howard County.
The Open House will be held virtually over eight days from February 19 to 26 for people to explore as their schedules allow. You can visit the Open House website for more information on how to participate and share feedback.
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Lake Elkhorn Pathway - Temporary Closure |
Beginning Wednesday February 17, the Lake Elkhorn pathway is partially closed for the following renovation work: replacement of an existing drain pipe, widening the path, and asphalt surface overlay.
The section of the pathway between Angelina Circle and Swan Point will be closed between 7am and 4pm Monday through Friday for approximately the next four weeks (weather permitting).
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Leadership U - Applications Open |
Leadership U is an experiential leadership development and community service opportunity. Eligible students must either live or attend school in Howard County.
Students apply as sophomores and participate in the fall of their junior year. This unique four-month program involves a week-long summer program of hands-on activities, as well as involvement in a student-driven, team community service project. By providing experiential learning, mentoring, and unique opportunities, these students become confident, caring leaders in their communities.
Students can learn more at an information session being conducted via Zoom from 7-8 pm on the following evening: March 2. Students must register on this website to attend. Applications are due March 11, 2021.
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Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention |
Howard County Government is offering Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.
Maximum assistance per household is six (6) months of housing expense. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
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Food and Utility Assistance |
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Howard County Government has dedicated additional funding to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for energy/utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are in imminent danger of utility cut-off and need assistance paying your utility bills, you can apply for assistance from the Community Action Council here.
CAC also provides food assistance to Howard County families in need. You can find more information and fill out an application for food assistance here.
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Virtual Assistance Portal |
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.
You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
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If you or a family member lost a job or experienced reduced income due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the state of Maryland.
You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits here. You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance here.
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Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.
If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of resources, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
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District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
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There is currently one pre-submission meeting scheduled in District 3. |
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Name: Emerson Community Association Clubhouse
Council District: 3
Acres: 3.193
Planned Use: Community Center Clubhouse
Number of Units: 1
Zoning: PEC-MXD-3
Meeting Date: March 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM
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Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
410-313-2001
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Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant
410-313-2421
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Felix Facchine
District Aide
410-313-3108
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Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post daily updates on events, county news, legislative priorities, and Christiana's activity! Don't miss out on any District 3 news! |
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