Dear Friends, 

The past two years have been especially challenging for our students, families, and educators. The pandemic exacerbated already existing disparities in student learning levels. Today, I'm proud to announce a $2 million investment in support services for students and families to help close the achievement gap. The funding will support HoCo STRIVES (Strategies to Reach an Inclusive Vision and Equitable Solutions), which is an umbrella for the many initiatives in place to address the achievement gap, and now to address learning loss brought on by the pandemic.

Our $2 million investment is a 167% increase in funding compared to last fiscal year. This vital initiative includes afterschool and summer programming, mental health services, and free meals. The investments we are making now will have a positive impact on our children and families, especially those who have less opportunities and ensure they have the resources to be successful. 

Public Safety Town Hall

Howard County is a proud home to the Safest City in America, due to our efforts to keep public safety at the forefront of all our initiatives. However, we know that one crime is one crime too many. We still have work to do. 

Join me and our public safety, school, and other officials for a Public Safety Town Hall TONIGHT, June 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Savage Volunteer Fire Company to discuss our current public safety efforts. 

To ask questions in advance, please email TownHall@howardcountymd.gov. 

Creating Ready and Successful Students 

I'm proud that we made sure that by any measure, the school system will receive historic funding, which our children, families, and educators deserve. We are exceeding the minimum Maintenance of Effort. We are exceeding the requirements of the Blueprint. We are continuing our practice of providing well over half of county general fund revenue for the school system.

Students, parents, and educators can rest assured that we are providing resources needed to fulfill our number one priority. After much hard work and cooperation among partners, we have created a landmark plan to ensure the best education for all.

Read more here. 

Honoring Juneteenth

Each year on June 19th, communities across our County, State and Nation unite to acknowledge and celebrate Juneteenth. Around June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation came 2½ years earlier on January 1, 1863, many slave owners continued to hold their slaves captive after the announcement, so Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing African American freedom.

I was honored to join Senator Van Hollen, Congressman John Sarbanes, Senator Clarence Lam, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Delegate Terri Hill, Councilwoman Christiana Rigby, and other state and local elected officials for 22st Annual Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the Howard County Center of African American Culture Inc. While Juneteenth is sometimes referred to as “the other Independence Day,” it is a day that we can, and should all celebrate.  

Thank you to African American Community Roundtable of Howard County, Boy Scouts of America Troop 2016, Columbia Town Center, The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County, Howard County Public School System, Black Student Achievement Program, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, Jewish Community Relations Council - Howard County, Kittamaqundi Community Church, League of Women Voters of Howard County, MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission, Maryland State Conference NAACP, Howard County Branch NAACP #7020, PATH-People Acting Together in Howard, and Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club Of Howard County.

Celebrating Juneteenth 

It was great to celebrate Juneteenth National Freedom Day at the Columbia Lakefront. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Last year, we celebrated our first Junteenth, which became Howard County’s 13th holiday. This celebration, not just for African-Americans, provides the opportunity for our entire community to continue striving for equal rights for all Americans. 

Thank you to The 3rd, Columbia Association, The Howard Hughes Corporation, and Columbia Festival of the Arts for your collaboration.

Preserving Green Space 

Spaces like Camp Ilchester make up the fabric of our community – connecting neighbors and friends and allowing more of our residents’ close access to nature. This sale ensures that Camp Ilchester will always be green space, preserved as part of the Howard County Recreation & Parks system. We will always look to preserve open space, to preserve the legacy of organizations that serve our community, and to be good stewards of our land and our future.

Cleaning Ellicott City 

The increasingly severe summer storms we have seen in recent years can quickly cause a buildup of debris at multiple points in the watershed in and around Ellicott City. I'm pleased to announce that nearly 4 tons of debris was removed from streams and waterways as part of our Enhanced Stream Debris Removal Program following last week’s intense storm that dumped 2.5 inches of rain on Howard County in less than two hours. 

Since the beginning of the program, nearly 35 tons of debris have been removed from stream channels. This is the second debris removal for weather this year, and the 14th since our Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan was implemented. This process is so important to prevent downed limbs and other debris from blocking culverts and causing overflow. We’re so grateful to our Department of Public Works team and Howard EcoWorks crews who inspected waterways and removed debris this week.

Happy Birthday Kings Contrivance! 

Kings Contrivance remains a connected and engaged community in Columbia. One of of my favorite parts of this engaging village is the strong sense of welcoming. 

Whether you’re a Golden Bear or Raider, a fan of Daisy the Clown, a loyal customer of Trattorias Pizzeria, or a new family discovering everything this village has to offer, all are welcome and accepted here. 

Congratulations to the staff and volunteers on the Village Board for their outstanding dedication to this community and our residents. Without you, none of this would be possible. I enjoyed celebrating with you and Councilwoman Christiana Rigby. I wish you all much success and a thriving future for decades to come.

Visiting Impyrian 

I was glad to visit Impyrian located in Maple Lawn. Impyrian is an engineering, technology and program management firm delivering high performance solutions to federal, state and commercial clients. Thank you Matt McCathorine and the Impyrian team for making Howard County your home. 

Let’s continue to support our local businesses who help our economy thrive. Learn more about them here. 

An Age-Friendly Howard County

When we make our community more walkable, provide better options to connect and engage with one another, and support more accessible housing – people of all ages benefit. This week, we launched the first of several discussions with community members on our Age-Friendly Action Plan. 

Age-Friendly communities foster independence, allowing residents of all ages and abilities to have great access to our amenities and services. With these discussions, we want to inform our community about how the plan will be implemented and how to stay involved to keep us on track to be an Age-Friendly Howard County. 

To learn more about upcoming events, please click here.

A Crazy New Business! 

I’m so excited to welcome Robert and Erin of The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Old Ellicott City to our community! With so many great shakes, desserts and ways to customize them, the choices are endless. I encourage residents to stop by to grab a crazy creation of their own, while also supporting our Main Street businesses. 

To learn more about them, please click here.

Acknowledging Our History 

In Howard County, we’re extremely grateful to have students who continue to make us proud on the national scale. I was excited to congratulate River Hill High School’s Nathan Zhong for winning second place in the Maryland History Day Competition for his paper “Exemplar or Crusader? The Date Over Philippine Annexation and America’s Departure from Isolationism.” I’m certain that Nathan will continue to soar to great heights!

Hitting the Mark

Please, join me in congratulating our Class 2A Baseball State Champions – the mighty Glenelg High School Gladiators! This is their sixth state title and first 2A championship since 1995. Throughout the season, our Gladiators have persevered with excellent pitching, stellar fielding and a clutch hit. 

I wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors as they continue to achieve excellence and make us all proud!

Landing on the Moon

I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Elina Pulim from Clarksville Middle School about her winning the Maryland History Day competition exhibit, “The Space Race: The Fight for the Moon.” Her sophisticated analysis of the issues around this great race helps remind us of the multitude of considerations leaders have to take into account as we reach for new heights. I couldn’t be more proud and I wish her the best of luck at nationals! 

While at Clarksville Middle School, I was also pleased to congratulate Principal Lisa Smith on her new appointment as Principal of Hammond Middle School for upcoming school year. Its my honor to welcome Kimberly Scaife who will serve as our Comet’s new Principal. I know our students will continue to have a positive impact from their leadership, and I wish them the best!

Dominating the Swamp

Please join me in congratulating our Reservoir High School baseball team for making it to the Class 3A State semi-finals! I was thrilled to join their amazing Principal, Dr. Karim Shortridge, and Coach Adam Leader to celebrate our Gators’ second state championship in program history and the first since 2014. 

These exceptional students have demonstrated how both determination and teamwork pays off, and I know they will continue to dominate the Swamp!

Fair Elections 

Throughout my career, I have been a demonstrated and steadfast supporter of publicly funded political campaigns. After the previous administration blocked legislation and took no action to implement the Citizens’ Election Fund, I established the fund administratively in my first year in office as County Executive, creating the Citizens’ Election Fund Commission to oversee the fund in May 2019. In my last three budgets, I have allocated $2 million to the fund, ensuring the viability of this program for many years to come for all County Executive and County Council candidates at a time of fiscal uncertainty. 

My support of the Citizens’ Election Fund as County Executive follows my work to provide for publicly funded elections as a County Councilmember, where I supported ballot question A, voted in favor of legislation creating the fund via charter amendment, and voted to override the veto of the charter amendment of the prior County Executive.

Shooting for Success

Our scholar athletes continue to soar across the county. I was thrilled to congratulate some of our River Hill High School Maryland Basketball Coaches Association 2022 Academic All-Star honorees. This achievement is evidence that anything is achievable when you put your heart and mind to it. I’m so excited to see what these students will continue to achieve in the future.

Bread and Rose

Learning about history is important to understanding the problems of today and finding the solutions for tomorrow. I was pleased to stop by Reservoir High School to celebrate Claire Williams and Milan Ta for winning the State History Day competition for their Senior Group Website “Bread and Roses; The Lasting Achievements of Lawrence Mill Strikers.” 

Their success encourages our students across Howard County to share their passion and skills for history, and I’m excited to see their continued impact in our county, state, and nation!

Become a Community Ambassador

Are you interested in becoming a Community Ambassador? 

I invite you to join us for a one-day training which will equip community members with information on specific topics to share with their neighborhoods and organizations. Get equipped by esteemed community and subject matter experts on safety, health education, and human services.

Register today here.

The AAPI Cultural Center 

Join us this Thursday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Bain 50+ Center to learn about and discuss the future launch of Howard County's first-ever Asian-American and Pacific Islander Cultural Center. 

We want to gather feedback from residents. Please RSVP to aapiworkgroup@howardcountymd.gov if you're planning to attend.

Quality of Life

We are conducting an online survey of County residents. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share their opinions with County Government on the services we provide. This survey is one way for us to assess how we are doing and identify areas for improvement. The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on June 30th.

The survey is available here.

COVID-19 Update

Today, per the Maryland Health Department, our positivity rate is 11.8% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 31.9. Our case rate has remained steady and is attributable to the highly transmissible sub variant BA2.12. 

There are currently 12 COVID-19 patients in the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 352 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is LOW. COVID-19 layered prevention strategies can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. Residents should get tested if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with vaccines.

Staying up to date with the vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Howard County is a state leader with 91.6% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 33% of our eligible residents have not yet received a first booster shot. 

The vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years-old has been approved. Supply may be limited for the next few weeks. The Howard County Health Department urges you to speak to your child’s pediatrician first, as we expect their offices to account for most of the vaccine supply. We do not expect vaccine for this age group to be available from pharmacies, pop-up clinics, or other outlets. The Health Department is offering clinics, which can be found here.

Find a vaccine near you, and give yourself the best protection against COVID-19 at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

June Issue of The 50+ Connection Now Available

Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) The 50+ Connection newsletter is now available online. Published monthly as a two-page insert in the Howard County Beacon, this newsletter provides valuable information regarding programs, services and events of interest to older adults. You can find the current and past issues on OAI’s “Publications & Reports” website or join OAI’s email subscriber list to receive the current issue each month straight to your inbox. Subscribe today to ensure you are among the first to hear about upcoming OAI special events and informative programs.

“Getting Ahead” Graduates and Program Supporters Recognized

Congratulations again to this year’s “Getting Ahead” program graduates and local non-profit organizations who were recognized this past Wednesday, June 15^th by our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS).

Offered by DCRS’ Office of the Local Children’s Board, the “Getting Ahead” program helps individuals in poverty build resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Since its inception in 2013, the program has graduated more than 400 county residents.

Also, for the first time this year, the Getting Ahead program also presented Recognition Awards to five longtime community partners whose intervention and outreach efforts support program participants at every step of their journey to self-sufficiency.

To read about this year’s winners, click HERE.

Office of Emergency Management

June is Pet Preparedness Month

In honor of Pet Preparedness Month, all month long OEM will be sharing helpful tips and tricks on how better to prepare yourself and your pets for an emergency on its social media page (Facebook and Twitter). Making sure you are prepared and know what to do now, will help mitigate any stress and worry you may face when a disaster strikes in the future.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Department

Private Firework Show Tomorrow

Per our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS), at approximately 9:15 p.m. tomorrow, June 22^nd, there will be a private firework event at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. The show is permitted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and DFRS fire marshals will be present.

Never Leave a Child or Pet Alone in a Car

With summer upon us, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Police Department (HCPD) is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of taking the necessary steps to make sure no child – or pet, is ever left in a vehicle alone. While it may seem hard to believe that a caregiver could forget a child is in the car, a majority of child hyperthermia fatalities in vehicles occur due to a change in the driver’s routine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise. When parked in direct sunlight, the inside of a car can reach up to 131° to 172°F when outside temperatures are 80° to 100°F. Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise.

REMEMBER, a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and a body temperature of 107 degrees is fatal. Children overheat easily, and those under four are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness and death.

As for pets, pets can sustain organ damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes when left in an unattended vehicle. Beating the heat for dogs is especially tough because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

To ensure this unthinkable tragedy does not occur, DFRS and HCPD is offering up these tips:

• Place something that you’ll need at your next stop – such as a purse or briefcase – near the child safety seat. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it’s another parent or caregiver your spouse or partner who drops them off, have the caregiver, your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan. Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. A vehicle can heat to dangerous, life-threatening levels in only 10 minutes.
• Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach.

COVID-19 1^st, 2^nd and Booster Doses Available at HCHD Clinics

The FDA and CDC have authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages five to 11 years old, to be administered five months after the original vaccine series. HCHD is now offering these boosters shots to eligible children at all upcoming pediatric Pfizer vaccine clinics (appointment required). Parents can also contact their child's pediatrician to ask about booster shot availability. It is recommended that everyone in this age group receive a booster shot when eligible.

Additionally, Pfizer and Moderna second boosters are now recommended for adults age 50 and older and people age 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago. Also, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may now receive a second booster dose using either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

To find an upcoming HCHD COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you and to schedule an appointment, visit HCHD’s “COVID-19 Vaccine” website today.

Department of Housing and Community Development

Wondering What Resources Are Available to You as You Buy a Home in Howard County?

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases that many consumers will make in their lifetime. Knowing that the process can be overwhelming for many buyers, our Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to making sure homebuyers are informed, educated and equipped with the necessary tools to help them along their path to homeownership.

If you are in the market to buy a home or plan to be in the near future, I invite you to join DHCD next Tuesday, June 21^st at 6:00 p.m. for its “Buying a Home in Howard County: What Resources Are Available to Me?” virtual workshop. Participants will learn more about DHCD’s Moderate-Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program, Settlement/Downpayment Loan Program (SDLP) and more. To register for this event, click HERE.

In the meantime, you can also learn more about DHCD’s MIHU and SDLP programs online.

Nominations Sought for 2022 Human Rights Award

The Howard County Human Rights Commission is now seeking nominations for its 2022 Jim Henson and Jean Toomer Individual, the Dr. Murray Simon Student, and the Colette Roberts Organization awards. Presented annually, these awards honor individuals and community organizations who have made significant contributions to human and civil rights in Howard County.

The nomination form can be found online or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by calling 410-313-6430 or emailing hrc@howardcountymd.gov. Self-nominations are accepted. The nomination deadline is August 14, 2022.

Winners will be recognized at the 2022 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.

For questions and/or more information about this year’s award, contact OHRE at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Human Rights Commission, check out the OHRE’s Commissions and Workgroups website.

June’s Reading Human Rights to Feature Two Books Discussions: On Juneteenth and Tomorrow Will Be Different

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns.

For the month of June, OHRE and HCLS will be hosting two Reading Human Rights discussions, the first on June 23^rd in honor of Juneteenth and the second on June 28^th in honor of PRIDE Month. On June 23^rd, participants will discuss Annette Gordon-Reed’s On Juneteenth, which tells the story of Juneteenth’s integral importance to American history, from its origins in Texas to the enormous hardships African-Americans have endured in the century since.

On the 28^th, participants will discuss Sarah McBride’s Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality, which chronicles McBride’s story of love and loss and a powerful entry point into the LGBTQ community’s battle for equal rights and what it means to be openly transgender.

Both discussions will take place at HCLS’ Miller branch starting at 6:30 p.m.

Pronouns & Policies: Combating LGBTQIA+ Discrimination in Employment

In honor of Pride Month, join OHRE on Tuesday, June 28^th at noon as OHRE Administrator, Yolanda F. Sonnier, moderates a virtual webinar designed to educate attendees on the discrimination those in the transgender and gender non-binary communities face. This webinar will speak to the importance of culture and policies in the workplace that protect a person’s chosen pronouns, as well as explain the ways such persons are protected when these rights are violated. To participate, click HERE to register.

Nou Pap Bliye Ayaiti: We Will Never Forget Haiti

In addition to Pride Month, this June OHRE will also be commemorating Caribbean American Heritage Month with a lunch and learn virtual presentation on Thursday, June 30^th, featuring artist, educator and racial justice strategist, Regine Romain. Romain will speak on the history of Haiti’s legacy of resistance and independence in the shadow of Juneteenth and the light of July 4^th.

To participate, just tune in to OHRE’s Facebook page or the Howard County Government YouTube channel at noon on the 30^th.

Caribbean American Heritage Month aims to recognize the contributions of all Caribbean-American people and to teach people more about their culture and history

Police Department

Body Worn Camera Program Update

In case you missed it, last week HCPD provided an update on its Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. With HCPD's BWC equipment finally in, training of HCPD personnel is underway and new BWC administrative staff members are finalizing preparations for the programs full launch. HCPD will be working through the summer to launch its BWC program.

To find out more, including HCPD's BWC policy and frequently asked questions, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

Make Your Home Vacation Ready

If you are heading out of town this summer (or really, anytime of year) for vacation, be sure to follow these safety tips from HCPD to make sure your residence is safe and secure while you are away. Before you leave:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch you home;
• Stop any mail or deliveries that you have or have a trusted neighbor get them;
• Lock your windows and doors, including the garage door; and
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that you are home.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to wait until you get home to post any photos from your vacation on social media. Posting photos while you are away simply alerts others that you and your family are not home.

For additional property specific safety tips, request a home security survey through HCPD’s Community Outreach Division. Officers perform a detailed security analysis of your home or business and provide you with a list of recommendations. To request a survey, click HERE.

VIN Etching Event

Engraving your car's unique vehicle identification number (VIN) on all major pieces of glass is a highly effective deterrent and assists police in returning a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner. That's why I encourage you to stop by HCPD’s FREE VIN Etching for Auto Theft Prevention event on Saturday, July 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Running Brook Neighborhood Center, located at 5730 Columbia Road in Columbia. Open to all, it takes just minutes to do at no cost to you; no appointment needed. For questions and/or more information about VIN etching or this event, contact HCPD's Auto Theft Unit at 410-313-4759.

Beware Warm Weather Scams

The warm weather brings everyone out of hibernation – including scammers. Reports of scams and deception burglaries typically increase during spring and summer months. Scammers often will take your money and do shoddy work, or never do the work at all. They may also pose as a utility worker. Common types of scams that pop up during these warmer months are driveway paving and resealing scams, tree trimming and removal scams, utility service for gas or water problems, and roof repairs or inspection. That’s why HCPD is offering up these tips to avoid falling victim to a scam, particularly if you are looking to have work done in your home:

• Request references from prospective contractors;
• Be suspicious of unsolicited offers and services;
• Don't feel pressured to decide on the spot;
• Ask to see contractors’ required license;
• Always obtain a written contract for the work;
• Don't share personal or financial information with prospective contractors;
• Verify the phone number and physical location of the business before agreeing to any work; and
• Jot down the license plate of the company vehicle, just in case.

HCPD is also reminding residents that sometimes criminals are looking to distract you, i.e., while one keeps you occupied, the other sneaks into your house. If someone seems eager to look inside your home or seems to be trying to distract you, close and lock your door and call 911 immediately. Note, non-emergency solicitor complaints should be directed to the County’s non-emergency phone number at 410-313-2200.

While some reputable companies do offer their services door-to-door, they are required to possess a Howard County peddler and solicitor card. Residents should request to see this ID in addition to a company ID. To report an unregistered salesperson or get more information about shopping for home improvement services, contact DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov

If you still have your doubts? Contractors and landscapers must be registered through Maryland state agencies. Ask for their license numbers and verify through the Maryland Department of License and Regulation using their Licensing Queries function at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/pq/.

Department of Public Works

Caution, WET PAINT!

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2022 painting season, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.

 What’s with Those White Fire Hydrants?

Do you have a white fire hydrant in your community? No need to fret, our Department of Public Works' Bureau of Utilities is currently in the process of touching up hydrants throughout the county and that white paint color is just the primer.

To give our hydrants a fresh new look, the Bureau must first remove all the cracked and chipped paint from the hydrant with a wire brush. Those areas that have been brushed, then receive a layer of primer to ensure the final coat of paint sticks. Once the primer has dried/cured, the hydrant is covered in a fresh coat of bright orange paint. Weather permitting, the process all together takes about a week to complete.

If you have any questions, are looking for more information and/or wish to speak to someone further about this maintenance project, please feel free to give the Bureau a call at 410-313-4900.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report

Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.

Past Project Updates – Completed

Mount Airy

• Beetz Road Drainage (Capital Project J4240-41) – Project to improve a storm water infrastructure near 860 Beetz Road. The project included the installation of approximately 400 linear feet of new storm drain pipe and inlets and resurfacing along the southbound lane.

Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change

Columbia

• Hyla Brook Road Drainage (Capital Project D1124-40) – Project to improve a failed storm drain system near 10102 and 10106 Hyla Brook Road. Although the project is not impacting the general flow of traffic, lane shifts can be expected as the pipe construction crosses the roadway. The sidewalk within the project zone is also closed to pedestrians for a portion of the project. Originally expected to be completed by early June 2022, now weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-July.

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. 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 (SHA) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

Starting today, June 21^st, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a project to improve the driving surface on the northbound I-95 bridge over MD 32. Work will include repairing cracks and potholes in the concrete bridge deck and on the eastbound MD 32 ramp to northbound I-95.

Crews will work overnight, Sunday evenings through Friday mornings, 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Signs, cones, electronic arrow boards and barrels will be in place to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and detours as the right lane of the northbound I-95 bridge over MD 32, northbound I-95 ramp to westbound MD 32 and eastbound MD 32 ramp to northbound I-95 will be CLOSED during work hours. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take two weeks to complete.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for its crews as well as its customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Remembers to drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or visit SHA’s website.

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect This Week

While Howard County Government offices were CLOSED yesterday, June 20^th in observance of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday, there was REGULAR Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection on the 20^th. The County’s holiday slide schedule is therefore NOT in effect this week as Juneteenth National Freedom Day is not one of the six holidays that affect curbside collection. Those six holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To learn more about the County’s holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule. 

July 4^th Fireworks Celebration

In case you missed it, last week I announced that together, our Department of Recreation & Parks and the Columbia Association, will be hosting this year’s Howard County July 4^th Firework celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. This year’s celebration will feature onsite food trucks (starting at 5:00 p.m.), live music (beginning at 6:00 p.m.) and a 20-minute firework show, set to start around 9:20 p.m. Residents and visitors who wish to place blankets out for the firework show may do so after 3:00 p.m. on the 4^th.

Free public parking for this event will be located at The Mall in Columbia; however, please note that HCPD may close Little Patuxent Parkway in the vicinity of the Lakefront around 7:00 p.m. due to expected high traffic volume from this event. 

For more information about this year’s July 4^th Firework celebration, click HERE.

Summer Concert Series Returns

Recreation & Parks summer concert series is back! Starting next Wednesday, June 29^th at 7:00 p.m., Recreation & Parks will kick-off its series with a FREE concert by “Live Fire” at its Gary J. Arthur Community Center. The Maryland National Guard’s 229^th Army Band, “Live Fire" captures the essence of America's favorite musical pastime, playing recognizable songs from all decades.

On Wednesday, July 13^th, Recreation & Parks summer concert series will return to Centennial Park, where the series will finish out the summer with Back To Rock – Music School showcase on the 13^th, country/pop artist (and Howard High School graduate) Risa Binder on July 20^th and Howard County native Damon Foreman & Blue Funk on July 27^th.

For more information about this summer concert series and performers, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summerconcerts.

Now Hiring!

If you or someone you know is looking for a full-time job, then I encourage you to check out these three employment job opportunities (note: application process closes at 11:59 p.m. this Friday, June 24^th) with our Department of Recreation & Parks: 

• Park Ranger – Natural Resources Division
• Recreation Services Supervisor – North Laurel Community Center Facility Manager
• Engineering Specialist III – Capital Projects and Parks Planning

To view all current job opportunities with Recreation & Parks, visit HERE. 

DRP Launches New 6v6 Women’s Lacrosse League 

Registration is now open for Recreation & Parks’ new “Sixes” women’s lacrosse league. A new style of lacrosse set to be on display at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Sixes is a fast-paced, six versus six style of lacrosse featuring five field players and one goalie and played on a shortened field for high tempo play. Teams will play an eight-game regular season (with two games per night) Monday evenings, followed by playoffs. Geared toward players 18 and older, rosters will be limited to 12 players per team. To register for this coming inaugural Sixes season, click HERE. For questions and/or more information, contact Ricky DuBois at 410-313-4736 or email rdubois@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Transportation

Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets Project Underway

As previously shared, a Howard County construction project to improve pedestrian access and safety, while providing roadway improvements along Oakland Mills Road in Columbia has begun. This Oakland Mills Road Complete Street project will be completed in two phases.

During Phase I, which is now underway, improvements will be made to the curbs, sidewalks and pedestrian ramps at or near the following Oakland Mills Road intersections: Kilimanjaro Road/Helen Dorsey Way; Farewell Road; Dawn Day Drive/Sewells Orchard Drive; Fairmead Lane/Loring Drive; Malindy Circle; Malindy Circle/Homespun Drive; Dasher Court; Downdale Place; and Dobbin Road.

Immediately following the conclusion of Phase I in mid-June (weather permitting), crews will begin roadway work along Oakland Mills Road from Old Montgomery Road to Dobbin Road. During this phase, Oakland Mills Road will be reconfigured with the addition of a three-lane cross section with a center turn lane. Two-way protected bike lanes will also be added, as will new pedestrian crossings, and existing pedestrian crossings will be improved. The roadway will also be resurfaced as part of the project. Weather permitting, the second phase is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Signs and temporary traffic control devices will be in place to alert motorists of the project, as temporary lane shifts and single lane closures can be expected during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For questions or concerns about this work, please contact our Office of Transportation at 410-313-4312 or email transportation@howardcountymd.gov.

Pilot E-Scooter Program Now in Columbia

Have you heard about the new way to get around Downtown Columbia? Earlier this month, SPIN launched a six-month pilot e-scooter program in Downtown Columbia through a permit provided by our Office of Transportation and in partnership with Downtown Columbia Partnership, Brookfield Properties (owner of The Mall in Columbia), Columbia Association and The Howard Hughes Corporation.

For use in a predetermined, geofenced operating zone (meaning outside the zone, SPIN scooters are not operational), residents can use SPIN to scoot around Downtown Columbia and Oakland Mills, Wilde Lake, Harpers Choice and Hickory Ridge Villages. There are currently 13 e-scooter marked parking corrals set up throughout the operating zone, with more corrals to come in the future.

For a map of the operating zone and parking corral locations, click HERE. Customers who park their e-scooter in a corral at the conclusion of its use, will be provided a credit towards their next ride by SPIN.

To learn more about the permit process and current e-scooter operations, click HERE.