Dear Friends,
As more residents are heading back to work and offices, we are aware of how challenging it is to find safe and accessible activities and child care. Our Recreation & Parks staff have been working around the clock to review safety guidelines, implement new procedures, and offer as many amenities that are safe to resume.
Beginning Monday, July 6th, Howard County Recreation and Parks will be opening their indoor facilities. The community centers’ gymnasiums and exercise rooms will be open; however, hours will be limited to evenings and weekends as the five facilities will be used for camps and childcare during the weekdays. Hours, safety guidelines, sign-ups, and the number of people able to access each facility will be restricted. Guidelines on each center’s use will be posted on each center’s web page prior to July 6th.
Howard County Recreation & Parks indoor camps will start on Monday, July 6; however, not all indoor camps will be offered, due to the inability to use public school buildings and new safety guidelines that include smaller groups and physical distancing. As Recreation & Parks works through safety protocols with its staff, camps that are running under COVID-19 safety recommendations will be listed on the Recreation & Parks’ website. Recreation & Parks outdoor camps are set to begin Monday, June 29th.
I urge residents to continue practicing physical distancing, wearing face coverings when interacting with others, and frequently washing your hands. To learn more and visit our COVID-19 Dashboard, please visit our website
here.
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National Pollinator Week
This National Pollinators Week, we continue our commitment to protect our pollinators as part of our
Bee City USA
designation. Did you know that one in three bites of food we eat is the result of insect pollination? The smallest creatures amongst us are critical to our health and our entire ecosystem. Tragically, these pollinators are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and the impacts of widespread pesticide use.
I invite you to follow
Howard County Bee City
on Facebook to learn more about our pollinators and how you can help protect them. Together, we can combat climate change and build a safe, livable future for our current, and future generations.
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Combating Racism and Stigma
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been disgusting, unacceptable stigma and racism against certain groups in our community. We must continue to fight and address hate in all its forms. During this challenging time, when many have lost someone dear to them, it’s important to show compassion and kindness to one another.
This virus is very real and has hurt many in our community. Please continue to take extra precautions to keep you, and your family safe by frequently washing hands, wearing a face covering when interacting with others, and maintaining adequate physical distancing. Together, we will continue to fight hate and save lives.
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Revisiting Body Cameras
The recent events in our country cannot be ignored, and there are growing calls to action for those in elected office to use their positions to implement change. In coordination with Police Chief Lisa Myers, we addressed the implementation of a body-worn camera program for the
Howard County Police Department
.
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Who can get Tested for COVID-19?
The
Maryland Department of Health
recently provided new directives on who should get tested for COVID-19. This includes any symptomatic individuals and asymptotic individuals where COVID-19 exposure may be possible.
If you have been to or around someone who has been in a large gathering, concerned that you may have come into contact with COVID-19, or are showing any symptoms, please get tested as soon as you are able. It is possible to have COVID-19 and not have any symptoms. Several locations around the county have walk-in testing available.
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What is Contact Tracing?
Last week, we announced the Howard County Health Department hired 45 contract tracers. In order to track and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, our contact tracers work around the clock to notify those who may have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
If you get a call from the Howard County Health Department, please take it seriously and answer the call. For more information, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website
here.
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Application Expanded - HoCo RISE Business Grants
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our local businesses have been significantly impacted due to prolonged closures. As our process has evolved, we’re pleased that we’re able to extend this grant opportunity to more Howard County businesses to assist them with responding to the pandemic. These grants are for locally-owned storefront retail, restaurants, and farmers that have experienced significant financial loss caused directly or indirectly by COVID-19.
Applications close
June 30th, at 11:59 p.m. I encourage qualified individuals to apply today at Howard County Economic Development Authority's website
here.
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Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program
The new Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program, has one more month to run, and gives people filing a state income tax return the option of checking a box and launching the process to enroll in free or affordable health insurance policies. The Easy Enrollment Program was recommended by the Health Insurance Coverage Protection Commission.
The Easy Enrollment program, which launched in January of this year and concludes July 15, has already produced great results. More than 40,000 people checked the box on their tax return to start the process, and more than 4,000 households have used the process to get enrolled.
For more information, please click
here.
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Construction Outreach Event
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Howard County Farmers' Markets are well underway this season. Currently, five markets are open across the county and are operating by drive-thru, pick up, and now walk-thru service. At these markets, you can find farm fresh fruits, vegetables, products and more.
I encourage all residents, neighbors, and visitors to support our local farms and businesses by visiting one of our amazing Farmers’ Markets this season. Please remember to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when interacting with others, and frequently wash your hands.
For more information, click
here.
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Older Adults Teleconference
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Providing timely and transparent updates on services for our residents demonstrates Howard County’s commitment to establishing an Age-Friendly community. I invite older adults, caregivers, and interested community members to join us for a teleconference on Monday, June 29th, at 4:00 p.m.
We will provide updates on the County’s COVID-19 response as it relates to older adults, including health tips, impact within the long-term care and assisted living facilities, available resources, and reopening plans.
Residents interested in joining the meeting are encouraged to pre-register
here and submit questions to townhall@howardcountymd.gov
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Take the Census!
We have seen approximately 75.4% of Howard County residents complete their census since its launch in March, and we’re optimistic about ensuring all our residents are counted.
This year is the first time the Census questionnaire can be completed online, making it even easier than ever for residents to respond. Information from the census impacts the federal funding that supports critical services and personnel in healthcare, education, emergency management, workforce development and more. If you have not taken your census yet, I encourage you to do so
right now. If you have completed your census, encourage five of your neighbors to do the same. It takes only five minutes to complete.
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Howard County Government
County government public services will be offered throughout this pandemic, but we are moving what we can online and via phone. At this time, all County buildings are closed to the public.
Access to County buildings is restricted to only County employees. Further, County agencies and facilities will be changing their operating schedule or closing to help stop the spread of the virus.
The following services and offices will remain operational:
- All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services
- Inspections of buildings, roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure
- Trash and recycling collection
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)
As a reminder, all DCRS group programs, events, and activities are suspended. All 50+ Centers are closed, and all home visit and consultation services for older adults, children and families are also suspended. Some training and certification classes may be made available online.
The onsite lunch program at the 50+ Centers has been suspended. If you are in need of meal services or have concerns about food availability please contact MAP at (410-313-1234) or through map@howardcountymd.gov
For more information on continuing services, please contact:
- The Maryland Access Point Line (MAP) 410-313-1234 or email map@howardcountymd.gov
- CARELINE – 410-313-CARE (2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov
- DCRS Headquarters – 410-313-6400
For more information, please visit DCRS' website
here.
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Department of Finance
To help our customers, the County has suspended all water disconnections. The Department of Finance is moving all payment options online. You may still send checks in to the following address:
Howard County Department of Finance
Attention: Tax Credit
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Please do not email sensitive personal information such as W-2s or tax information.
If you have questions, please call 410-313-2058. Guidance on alternative payment options, tax credits, water and sewer questions, recordation, lien certification, and tax sale notices can be found
here.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS)
As businesses and retail begins to open in Howard County and Beyond, it's important for owners and managers are aware of the various maximum occupancy calculations for each businesses. These maximum occupancy calculations for businesses and other places of assembly are for use during the COVID-19 State of Emergency only. The Office of the Fire Marshal will NOT be issuing maximum occupancy signs. That responsibility falls to the facility's management personnel.
For questions concerning maximum occupancy please email howardfirecode@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6040.
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Department of Housing and Community Development
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Last fall, we launched the Housing Opportunities Master Plan Task Force to evaluate housing in Howard County for the first time in over a decade. As our region continues to grow, it is critical that we have a better understanding of how to preserve housing opportunities for all ages, abilities, and income levels and create a Master Plan that will improve the quality of life for all residents.
I encourage our community to participate and share the survey with their neighbors, businesses, organizations, and community groups, so our Task Force is equipped with a wide scope of feedback.
Take the survey now.
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Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (DILP)
DILP is operating remotely, delivering services
online. Customers who are unable to use online services or who have service requests that cannot be conducted via mail, will be by appointment only.
Please call (410) 313-2455, option #4 for more information and direction. The Department will continue to inspect construction projects and properties with modified processes to limit person to person contact.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
Howard County Design Advisory Panel
On Wednesday, June 24, the Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will meet virtually at 7:00 pm to consider the following project:
- Review of Project #20-01
- Project Title: Crested View, Ellicott City MD
- Public Attendee Registration link: www.howardcountymd.gov/DAP
- Public Call-in toll number: 1-650-479-3207 / Access code: 160 955 5921
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Did you know that you can use our interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review?
The DAP process encourages excellence in project architecture and site design to improve design compatibility with surrounding development, to promote revitalization, and to enhance property values. The DAP Rules of Procedure can be found here. For questions please contact us at dap@howardcountymd.gov | 410-313-2350
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Howard County Police Department (HCPD)
Here in Howard County, we are dedicated to treating every member of our community with the dignity, respect and equality that every human being deserves. The recent deaths of George Floyd and others at the hands of police officers have put focus on how police departments across our country use force, how officers are held accountable, how they are trained and what steps can be taken to make policing better for everyone in the community. Over the last couple weeks, our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) has heard from you on these topics. In its ongoing commitment to transparency, HCPD has compiled a list of
frequently asked questions
with open, honest answers to the things you want to know about our County’s Police department.
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Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP)
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As our Department of Recreation and Parks continues to gradually reopen its amenities across the county, visitors are reminded to please remember to take precautions and help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when possible and avoiding large gatherings.
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Community Centers and Indoor Facilities begin to reopen on July 6
Beginning Monday, July 6, Recreation and Parks will begin to reopen many our of indoor facilities on a limited basis. This includes the Roger Carter Community Center, North Laurel Community Center, Gary J. Arthur Community Center, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, and Robinson Nature Center. Community center gymnasiums and exercise rooms will be open; however, hours will be limited to evenings and weekends as the five facilities will be used for camps and childcare during the weekdays. The pool at the Roger Carter Community Center will also reopen on July 6, but with restrictions and limited hours. Hours, safety guidelines, sign-ups, and the number of people able to access each facility will be restricted. Guidelines on each center’s use will be posted on each center’s web page prior to July 6th.
Starting Saturday, July 11, the Patapsco Female Institute and the Firehouse Museum will be open Saturday and Sunday’s from 1-4pm each day. Set to open Wednesday, July 8, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will be open Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 10am-3pm and Friday’s and Sunday’s from 10am-5pm.
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Indoor and Outdoor Camps
In addition to a limited selection of outdoor summer camps which will begin Monday, June 29, Howard County Recreation and Parks will begin offering indoor camps on Monday, July 6. Due to the inability to use public school buildings and new safety guidelines that include smaller groups and physical distancing, many previously announced indoor camps may not be offered.
For additional details on reopenings and schedule adjustments, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or by following them on
Facebook or
Twitter.
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Office of Human Rights
Stand. Speak. Act.
Back by popular demand, the Howard County Office of Human Rights is offering virtual Bystander Intervention Classes.
Learn how to safely step up and be supportive when fellow community members and face harassment and hate speech. All classes are free and open to the public.
For more information, please email OHROutreach@HowardCountymd.gov
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Reopening
Howard County BikeShare
has been moved to mid-July. While we are currently awaiting updated use information and guidelines from our vendor, in a nutshell, our operations team will disinfect bikes and kiosks daily according to CDC guidelines; however, members are also encouraged to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by:
- Before and after using a bike, be sure to wipe down the handles and saddle before and after to disinfect;
- Before using the kiosk screen, and after, wipe down the screen to disinfect; and
- Remember to wash your hands frequently with water and soap (or with hand sanitizer if water and soap are not readily available), especially before and after riding.
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During the current road resurfacing effort, Howard County is proposing to implement the recommendations of BikeHoward, the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan, for bike lanes on
North Ridge Road.
Please join us for a virtual, public input meeting on
Tuesday, June 30th or contact us at Transportation@howardcountymd.gov to learn more and let us know your thoughts.
To attend, please send your name and affiliation to
Transportation@howardcountymd.gov. Webex meeting instructions will be sent to you.
Written comments can be sent to Transportation@howardcountymd.gov by July 14, 2020.
For more information, click
here.
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During the current road resurfacing effort, Howard County is proposing to implement the recommendations of BikeHoward, the Howard County Bicycle Master Plan, for bike lanes on
Marshalee Drive.
Please join us for a virtual, public input meeting on
Wednesday, July 1st or contact us at Transportation@howardcountymd.gov to learn more and let us know your thoughts.
To attend, please send your name and affiliation to Transportation@howardcountymd.gov. Webex meeting instructions will be sent to you.
Written comments can be sent to Transportation@howardcountymd.gov by July 15, 2020.
For more information, click
here.
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