February 2023 Newsletter

Greetings!

In February, we honor and celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn and reflect on Black history and culture in Howard County and the United States. This history is often untold in our classrooms and textbooks, which is why it is so important that we amplify Black history and Black voices not just this month, but throughout the year. You can join and celebrate Black History Month with events and offerings from our Library system, visit to the newly opened Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, or the Howard County Center of African American Culture.

Earlier this month, the County Council recognized several of Howard County's "Living Legends" for Black History Month. The Council honored Mavis Ellis, former Board of Education member, and Dr. Daria Willis, President of Howard Community College. I am grateful to Council Chair Jones for lifting up their voices and centering their contributions to Howard County during our Legislative Session. You can watch their recognition here.

As we continue into 2023, 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 February!

Yours in service,

Christiana Rigby (she/her)

Councilwoman, District 3

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February 17, 2023

January Legislation Wrap-Up

On February 6th, the Council Council convened for our February Legislation Session. The County Council took action on several pieces of legislation, including the following:

CB3-2023: An act amending the Clean Energy Loan Program by defining certain terms; amending the scope of eligibility to receive a Clean Energy Loan; adding improvements that are eligible under the Program; and generally relating to the Clean Energy Loan Program. This bill passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.

CB4-2023: An act imposing an assessment on each trip generated by a Transportation Network Service company originating in the County; providing for collection of the assessment; creating a Transit Services Improvement Fund; specifying the components and uses of the Fund; requiring a certain Report; and generally relating to for-hire transportation network activities. This bill was tabled in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

CB5-2023: An act requiring the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits to report to the County Council with recommendations about changes to the Howard County Building Code that would be needed to require all-electric buildings, requiring the Department to consider specified exemptions and considerations; setting a certain deadline, and generally relating to the Howard County Building Code. This bill was tabled in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Christiana Rigby.

CB6-2023: An act amending the Howard County Zoning Regulations to allow Age-Restricted Adult Housing as a permitted use in the Office Transition (OT) zoning district, under certain conditions; and generally relating to Age-Restricted Adult Housings. This bill passed in 3-2 vote. Introduced by the Chair at the request of Demirel Plaza, LLC.

February Legislation

On February 6th, the County Council convened for our February Legislative Session. Several pieces of legislation were introduced, including the following:

CR33-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County; Chaberton Solar Lime Kiln LLC; and Jo-Ann Middleton, Katherine Robinson and Janet Srock, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 11959 Lime Kiln Road, Fulton, Howard County, Maryland.

CR34-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Community Power Group, LLC, and Dale Haylett, Jr. for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located on Roxbury Road, Glenelg, Howard County, Maryland.

CR35-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Chaberton Solar Catherine LLC, and St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Maryland, Inc, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 2000 St. Mary Drive, Cooksville, Howard County, Maryland.

CR36-2023: A resolution approving the terms and conditions of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement by and between Howard County, Chaberton Solar Catherine ANEM LLC, and St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Maryland, Inc, for the construction and operation of a solar array located on property located at 2000 St. Mary Drive, Cooksville, Howard County, Maryland.

At the upcoming Public Hearing, on February 21st at 7:00 PM residents can offer testimony on this legislation. The legislation will be up for a vote at the Council's Legislative Session on March 6th at 7:00 PM.

VIEW COUNCIL LEGISLATION

TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING

VIEW COUNCIL CALENDAR

Community News, Events, and Updates

Howard EcoWorks Open House

Howard EcoWorks is hosting an open house on Thursday, February 16th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Attend the open house to learn more about job opportunities, summer youth jobs, volunteer opportunities, upcoming projects, and more!

Reserve your spot here!

Active Transportation Open House

The Office of Transportation is hosting an Active Transportation Open House! Visit the Elkridge Branch Library on Tuesday, February 21, between 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM to share your feedback and learn about future transportation improvements. Topics of discussion include biking, walking, complete streets and shared micro mobility.

Transportation Priority Meeting

The County is hosting an open house to receive feedback and comments about overall transportation priorities for the Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Priority Letter. This letter is presented to the Maryland Department of Transportation, who evaluates and adjusts their budget for State transportation projects.

The 2023 open house will be held in the Columbia/Ellicott room in the George Howard Building on Thursday, March 2, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Read the Final Consolidated Transportation Program for Fiscal Year 2023 - 2028 here.

Work for Howard County

Come work for the Howard County Government! Many different jobs are available, including part-time and full-time positions, as well as summer jobs for students. It is always a great time to consider a future working in the Howard County Government!

If you are interested in employment opportunities with the County, search here.

Christiana's Climate Corner

Welcome to Christiana's Climate Corner, where I will be sharing updates on environmental and sustainability efforts in Howard County, including information on legislation, events, and opportunities for you to support sustainability efforts in our community!

The Fight for Building Electrification and Better Public Transit

Climate change is one of the key issues of our times and it is imperative that we take bold steps to reverse the trends and help our County become resilient to the changes ahead.

The two bills I introduced to help us take steps towards climate resiliency, the Clean New Buildings Climate Act (CB5-2023) and the Transit Investment Act (CB4-2023) were tabled at the February Legislation Session.

The Clean New Buildings Climate Act requires the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits to prepare a report by the end of the year with recommendations to make sure new buildings in the County are all-electric (vs. fossil fuels). We hope that this report will help inform the County’s building code when it is slated for an update in Spring of 2024. Several amendments were voted for at the Council's February Legislative Session, including two amendments I sponsored to strengthen the bill. An enrolled version of the bill, including the amendments that passed, can be accessed on the Council's website here.

The Transit Investment Act requires rideshare companies to send 25 cents of each ride originating in Howard County to our Office of Transportation to help boost our fixed-route transit system. This would mean extra buses, expanded routes, and better bus stop infrastructure for us in Howard County!

Additional testimony will be accepted on CB5-2023 at our upcoming Public Hearing in February. Please consider testifying online or in-person. And if you can't make it, please email the Council at [email protected]!

Nominees Sought for “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” & “Green Community Leadership” Awards

The Bureau of Environmental Services is accepting applications for the "Business Recycling and Waste Reduction" and "Green Community Leadership" awards program. All businesses, community groups, and

organizations in Howard County are welcome to apply.

The program seeks to recognize businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts during 2022. Community groups and organizations who demonstrate efforts, projects, or programs that protect Howard County's natural environment and preserve resources.

Nomination forms are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24th and emailed to [email protected]. View nomination forms here!

COVID-19 Information

Bivalent Booster Shots Available

Bivalent Booster Shots Available

The Howard County Health Department is offering the updated Omicron-specific (Bivalent) booster shots.

Appointments are available at the Howard County Health Department's website. Vaccines are also available at local pharmacies, urgent care centers, and retail stores. You can visit the Maryland Vaccine Locater to find a vaccination location convenient to you.

Not sure if you are eligible for a booster shot? You can check your eligibility by visiting the CDC's website.