Greetings!
Welcome to our October Newsletter! As the weather starts to get colder, flu season is starting to pick back up. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months should get an influenza (flu) vaccine. You can find more information on the seasonal flu, as well as several walk-up flu clinics from the Howard County Health Department, here.
This week, Howard County also recognized and honored Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 11th. To celebrate this holiday, the Howard County Office of Human Rights hosted a virtual storytelling event with award-winning Howard County poet, Edgar Silex, who read original works and discussed the meaning and significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. You can find and watch the event here.
As we continue into the Fall, 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, happy, and healthy October!
|
|
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
|
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
|
Vaccine Update
Howard County residents have continued to get their COVID-19 vaccinations in record numbers. The most recent data available from the CDC indicates that 93.7% of residents over 12 years old have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 87.4% of the population over 12 years old are fully vaccinated. We are continuing to see progress in the numbers of individuals who are getting vaccinated, but there is still more work to be done and more vaccinations to administer!
If you haven't yet been vaccinated, there are opportunities to get your shot every day of the week! The Howard County Health Department is offering dozens of vaccine clinics over the next several weeks at locations across the County, including appointments for anyone age 12 and older. You can find a full list of vaccine appointments here.
The Delta Variant & Mask Guidance
The Delta variant remains the predominant strain of the COVID-19 virus present in the United States. With the rise of the Delta variant in substantial and high transmission areas, the CDC has recommended the reinstitution of prevention strategies, like wearing masks in public indoor spaces. These new recommendations are aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended as a proven method to counter the spread of the virus and provide protection against serious illness and death.
The CDC encourages that individuals who live in substantial or high transmission areas continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces, regardless of your vaccination status. Wearing a mask indoors helps maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. Howard County is currently experiencing a "substantial" level of community transmission. Please consider wearing a mask in public indoors spaces to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
The Howard County Health Department and our private partners are continuing to offer COVID-19 tests across Howard County on a regular basis. If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, please visit this website for a list of nearby testing clinics and locations.
|
|
September Legislative Wrap-Up |
|
On October 4th, the County Council convened for our October Legislative Session to vote on legislation. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:
-
SAO1-FY2022: AN ACT transferring $476,969 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve to the Department of Police, Office of the State’s Attorney and Sherriff’s Office for the Body Worn Camera Program. This legislation, along with an additional dedication of funds from County Executive Ball, will allow Howard County's Body Worn Camera program to proceed starting this October. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
-
CB64-2021: AN ACT prohibiting the cutting or clearing of certain specimen trees; providing that a property owner may proceed under certain conditions and upon the submission and approval of certain applications; providing for the contents of certain applications; providing for the criteria to use in the review of certain applications; providing for certain exemptions; requiring certain compliance; providing certain penalties for noncompliance; requiring surety for forest retention; defining certain terms; and generally related to forest conservation and the preservation of natural cover in Howard County. This legislation was tabled by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
-
CB65-2021: AN ACT requiring the posting of an information sign on certain parcels of land that are affected by a petition for a Zoning Regulation Amendment; specifying the content of the sign; prohibiting the Department of Planning and Zoning from submitting its Technical Staff Report under certain circumstances; adding a penalty for a violation of a certain provision of law; and generally relating to Zoning Regulation Text Amendment petitions. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Deb Jung.
-
CB66-2021: AN ACT removing exemptions from the Forest Conservation Plan requirements for certain Planned Unit Developments and Planned Business Parks; and generally relating to forest conservation in the County. This legislation was tabled by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
-
CB67-2021: AN ACT altering the date by which a store must remit the fees collected for disposable bags to the Director of Finance; and generally relating to disposable bag fees in the County. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Opel Jones and Christiana Rigby.
-
CR140-2021, CR141-2021, CR142-2021, and CR143-2021: These four resolutions would approve four separate solar energy PILOT agreements. These resolutions pertain to expanding solar energy production in Howard County. These resolutions were tabled by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
-
CR144-2021 and CR145-2021: These two resolutions would approve PILOT agreements for the redevelopment of the Roslyn Rise Apartments in Columbia at 10401 Twin Rivers Road. This is a mixed-income, rental housing redevelopment project that would significantly enhance the standard of living for residents of Roslyn Rise and provide additional affordable units in the community. These resolutions were tabled by the County Council in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
-
CR146-2021: A RESOLUTION endorsing the Howard County Executive’s intent to apply for membership with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
|
|
On October 4th, the County Council convened for our September Legislative Session to introduce new legislation. I have included information on several pieces of legislation of interest that are under consideration this month:
-
CB77-2021: AN ACT to provide for a hearing examiner to hear certain matters in the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board; specifying the powers and duties of, and the procedures to be used by, the hearing examiner, including the requirement to issue a certain report; specifying the contents of the report; specifying the duties of the Zoning Board with respect to the actions of the hearing examiner; clarifying when certain mediation occurs; providing for the rights of the parties, including the right to file exceptions, in matters heard by the hearing examiner; and generally relating to Piecemeal map amendments and development plan approvals. Introduced by Christiana Rigby and Deb Jung.
-
CB80-2021: AN ACT prohibiting the physical harassment of Department of Public Works employees; prohibiting a person from addressing certain words or statements to certain employees or persons; authorizing a certain temporary ban of an individual from certain property under certain circumstances; and generally relating to the regulation of conduct on County property managed by the Department of Public Works and on park property managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Introduced by Liz Walsh.
Late-Filed Legislation
-
CB81-2021: AN ACT establishing a local minimum wage for employees working in Howard County; and generally relating to Howard County minimum wage requirements. Councilmember Jones and I hoped to late-introduce this legislation for consideration in the month of October. Unfortunately, our legislation failed to be introduced in a 3-2 vote (late-filed bills need 4 votes to be introduced). Councilmember Jones and I plan to re-introduce this bill as CB82-2021 for the consideration in November. Introduced by Opel Jones and Christiana Rigby.
|
|
Community News, Events, and Updates |
|
Howard County Living Wage Campaign |
|
Today in Howard County, one in four families struggles to put food on the table, and over 13,000 households are severely burdened by the cost of housing. These residents are our neighbors, our friends, our-coworkers, and our family members. Many of them are the essential workers that we have relied on to keep our community safe, fed, and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. These families deserve a higher minimum wage.
That is why Councilman Opel Jones and I have filed legislation that would strengthen the local minimum wage in Howard County. Our legislation, CB82-2021, would gradually raise Howard County’s minimum wage from its current rate of $11.75 to $16 per hour over the next several years. This increase would benefit nearly 40,000 people who work in Howard County and contribute to our local economy.
Families are facing rising costs for basic needs such as housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, and other expenses. A stronger minimum wage will put more money into the pockets of working families in Howard County who need it most. It’s good for our community, it’s good for our economy, and it’s simply the right thing to do.
Our legislation will be formally introduced at the Council’s next legislative session on November 1, 2021. If you would like to submit written testimony on CB82-2021, you may do so by emailing [email protected]. You can read more here.
|
|
American Rescue Plan Survey! |
|
Howard County Government has been allocated $63.2 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act that was passed by Congress and President Biden earlier this year. This funding is intended to provide support to our local government as we continue to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on our communities, residents, and businesses.
As the county decides how best to use these relief funds, County Executive Ball is seeking YOUR feedback on how this funding should be used.
I am advocating for Howard County to dedicate ARP funds to address the childcare shortage that so many families are experiencing in our community. The severe lack of available and affordable childcare options is one of the greatest challenges that I hear from constituents and neighbors on a daily basis.
Whether you would like to see more funding for childcare or whether there are additional priorities that you would like to share, I hope you will consider sending in your thoughts, feedback, and recommendations with the County through this online survey.
|
|
Guilford Quarry Cemetery Clean-Up |
|
|
|
Friends of the Guilford Industrial Historic District is hosting an annual clean-up of the Guilford Quarry Cemetery this weekend!
This is a great opportunity to give back to our community by cleaning up and maintaining an important historic landmark in District 3.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 16 between 10am - 4pm
Sunday, October 17 between 10am - 4pm
WHERE: behind 9125 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046
You can find more event details here.
|
|
Help Make Our Streets Safer! |
|
For the past 22 months, I have participated in Howard County's Complete Streets Implementation Team, which is tasked with updating Howard County's transportation design guidelines to ensure that residents of all ages and abilities are able to safely travel around Howard County.
Throughout this process, we have worked hard to refocus our transportation system so that Howard County residents will be able to walk, bike, roll, and ride safely around our community.
We would like to hear from YOU with your priorities and feedback for our streets in Howard County. There will be two public workshops on October 14th and October 21st.
I strongly encourage you to attend either session and complete the Complete Streets survey to share your feedback on making our streets safer in Howard County!
|
|
|
Savage 7K Run and 1-Mile Historic Walk |
|
This weekend, the Carroll Baldwin Memorial Institute will be hosting their annual Savage 7K Run and 1-Mile Historic Walk! The run and walk will be taking place on Sunday, October 17th from 8am to 10am.
Funds raised from the event will benefit the Historic Carroll Baldwin Hall in Savage and help pay for renovations and improvements to the building. Please consider joining members of the nearby community in support of Carroll Baldwin Hall this weekend!
You can find more information and register for the event here.
|
|
The Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development is currently accepting applications for their Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program! The MIHU program is designed to provide affordable homeownership and housing opportunities to eligible Howard County residents.
Residents who are interested in applying for the MIHU program can find and submit an application online. The enrollment period for MIHU homeownership applications is from October 1, 2021 through October 29, 2021. You can find the MIHU application and more information here.
|
|
The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) seeks a Graduate Fellow. This fellow will work closely with staff to support MACo’s mission of representing the 24 counties of Maryland during the 2022 legislative session. The program will last from December 2021 through mid-April 2022. This will be a paid position. If applicable, the fellowship may be eligible for course credit.
Fellows will primarily be based in MACo’s Annapolis office, with some telework opportunities. This is not an entry-level position, but all applicants demonstrating an ability to meet the requirements will be considered. You can find more info and apply here.
|
|
While groceries were pre-bagged during the height of the pandemic in an effort of extreme caution, CAC feels strongly that it's important for families to choose the items they want, and it is ready to reinstate this model. All shopping trips are once again be family-choice. Fresh items such as milk, eggs, hygiene products, meats, produce are all on hand each time. Families who may qualify should visit www.CAC-HC.org or call 410-313-6440 for more details.
|
|
Head Start and Pre-K Opportunities
from Community Action Council
|
|
|
|
CAC offers FREE Head Start and Pre-K programming to eligible 3- to 5-year-old children. Programs provide family engagement services, speech & language therapy, mental health consulting, hearing & vision screening, and nutritional counseling.
CAC operates four sites across the county, including at The Bauder Education Center in Long Reach. Learn more at www.CAC-HC.org or by call 410-313-6440.
|
|
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention |
Howard County Government is offering Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants to Howard County residents who need assistance paying their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19.
Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance from:
Maximum housing assistance per household is up to 15 months of past due rent and utility bills and up to 12 months of mortgage assistance. Residents that previously received housing assistance ARE eligible to apply for additional assistance. You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
|
|
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 by visiting here or by calling 410-313-6440.
|
|
|
Emergency Broadband Benefit |
|
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
Households can apply in three ways:
-
Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
-
Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits from the State of Maryland here.
You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance from Howard County's Office of Workforce Development here.
|
|
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.
|
|
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings |
|
There are currently no community pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3. |
|
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3
410-313-2001
|
|
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant
410-313-2421
|
|
Felix Facchine
District Aide
410-313-3108
|
|
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 regular updates on county news, legislative priorities, and community initiatives! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
