We have turned the corner into 2023 which promises to be a busy Council year. In addition to the next county budget, the Council will hold several work sessions and hearings on the proposed update to the General Plan.
Read about our featured community service partner, The Arc Howard County, and our featured government agency, The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits. The Arc, in addition to providing semi-independent housing for the people they serve, works with local employers to provide opportunities to those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is responsible for the enforcement of code and issuance of permits for commercial and residential buildings to licenses for our pets.
I hope that you will share our newsletter and will encourage others to sign up so they can stay apprised of what is happening around the community and in county government. Be sure to like the District Five Facebook Page to keep current on news and announcements.
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David Yungmann
Howard County Council, District 5
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Building Electrification CB5-2023
There is much discussion nationwide on how to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The issue is once again in front of the County Council. The current bill requires the generation of a report that includes data from studies being conducted and required at the state level; it is not yet dealing with requirements being adopted into County Code. While I am not against finding better ways to do things, they need to make sense after considering the costs, benefits and consequences. There are significant unanswered questions about the capacity and reliability of our electric grid, giving up diversification of our overall energy sources, where to get the most benefit for the cost, etc. Hopefully this report along with the findings of the State will provide some guidance as we work to adopt a balanced common sense policy.
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A draft of the full General Plan has been released for public review. The Council will be holding work sessions and public hearings for comment regarding the plan beginning within the next couple of months.
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District 5 Pre-submission Meetings |
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Project: Nivia Jacobs Properties, 15947 Frederick Road
Date/Time: February 23, 2023, 6:00 pm
Location: Lisbon Fire Company, 16104 Frederick Road
Purpose: Addition of a storage building
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Project: Witching Hour Farm; 15475 Old Frederick Road, Woodbine
Date/Time: March 7, 2023, 6:00 pm
Location: Howard County Library - Glenwood Branch, Studio B Meeting Room
Purpose: Limited
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The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) is responsible for the approval and issuance of various permits, licenses and the enforcement of county building codes and standards. But did you know that the agency also issues licenses for rental properties, electricians, plumbers, utility contractors, and even your new puppy?
DILP is the agency responsible for updating building codes in Howard County so that we adhere to state, federal and, in some cases, international guidelines and best practices. While there is a cost to get systems inspected and construction work approved to meet standards, that cost is invaluable when compared to the alternative of an addition that may come complete with design flaws, hazards or substandard workmanship. Save yourself the headache and do the right thing when doing anything that involves construction, electrical, plumbing or other construction work.
Moving on to a new home, but want to hold on to your current home and rent it? The DILP team ensures compliance with anything related to rentals, from life safety and inspections to overall property maintenance. Have a question about what is permitted in the zone where your property is located? Check in with DILP to review code requirements prior to making any final decisions or signing a lease.
In short, anything that involves digging, building, renovating, upgrading or renting will involve DILP. Working with licensed contractors familiar with Howard County building codes and other requirements may save you from some delays, change orders or just a lot of extra money! If you are unsure where to start, visit the DILP website or call the agency directly at 410-313-2455, option #4.
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The Arc of Howard County is a grassroots organization established in 1961 by parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The founders’ goal at inception was for their children to live a more normal and fulfilled life, one not dependent on the typical institutional model.
Over the years, the organization has grown into a multi-service agency that provides support for nearly 300 individuals. Today’s mission is to achieve full community inclusion for the people they support, one person at a time. A wide range of community-based services assimilate people into the Howard County community, providing families with the confidence that these opportunities will allow their loved ones to thrive and grow as individuals.
The Arc, tucked away in our very own District 5, is an active member of our community, with some amazing statistics. In addition to providing semi-independent living arrangements in 40 homes within our community, the team of professionals has placed nearly 100 people in The Arc’s well-established employment program. Its success, which places 8 out of every 10 people they serve, is dependent on employers dedicating the time necessary to prepare these talented individuals. If you are interested in supporting the effort, they welcome the opportunity to speak with you. In addition to the employment program, interns from Project SEARCH are also very active in the community, working with Howard County Public Schools, Howard County Government, Applied Physics Laboratory, and many others.
Not only is The Arc able to boast about the employment program, but the nearly 300 talented staff members work to create structured environments and opportunities so that the people they support can enjoy meaningful days, not just in the community, but by actively participating in it. They are proof that, with dedication and determination, individuals with disabilities offer unique talents and are valuable members in our Howard County community.
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SAFETY REQUEST FOR VALLEY MEDE |
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HCPD Releases Online Traffic Reporting Tool
The Traffic Enforcement Section of HCPD has released its online reporting for traffic complaints. This tool is for non-emergency issues, complaints and/or requests for new or increased traffic enforcement. No account is necessary to complete the submission online.
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Is Your Teen Looking For Service Hours? |
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If your teen needs community service hours to add to their college applications, HCPD's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is back and looking for members!
The YAC is designed to provide youth with a safe and engaging environment to interact with local law enforcement.
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This is a great opportunity to not only earn service hours, but to take a leadership role for your peers, share youth concerns with the police department and to learn exceptional life skills in the process.
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The planned replacement of the bridge deck on MD 94 (Woodbine Road) over I-70 in Lisbon is underway. The above link to the project will provide additional details as this project progresses.
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Work continues on Centennial Lane with the outside lanes blocked off using concrete barriers to allow crews to safely work on pipe installation as part of area drainage improvements.
For more information on this project, you can find updates here.
For all updates on major state roadways projects, check the Maryland State Highways Administration website. For county projects in District 5, check our website.
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Want To Be More Involved
In Howard County?
Howard County Boards and Commissions play an important role in fostering citizen involvement in our government. Opportunities cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the environment, fire and rescue services and cable, just to name a few.
A listing of the different boards and commissions can be found on the County website. Many of the appointed positions are highly competitive, so getting involved with and attending meetings for those in which you have interest is recommended.
Interested residents should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Board to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Paul Thompson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
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