Dear Friends,
Howard County and the State of Maryland are now in Phase III of the Governor’s reopening plan. Since we saw our first COVID-19 case in Howard County six months ago, we have made significant strides and progress as a community. Our HoCo RISE plan provides us with a guideline to combat COVID-19, and ensure the safety of our community.
As of 9:00 a.m. this morning and according to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), we have a 7-day average positivity rate of 3.26% and a total of 24.9% of our population has been tested. Although our current positivity rate, as calculated by MDH, remains below the Governor’s and CDC’s goal of under 5%, we have seen our 7-day average positivity rate increase from 2.76% last week, which is a cause for concern. The mean and median age of new COVID-19 cases has decreased with a significant increase in residents under the age of 22. Additionally, our 7-day average of cases per 100,000 of our population is at 8.9, according to MDH, and is trending upwards from 8.68 last week.
One of our top goals within our HoCo RISE framework was surpassing 6,500 administered tests per week. We are thrilled to have surpassed that goal for eight consecutive weeks, reaching 8,501 total administered tests last week. The median test result turnaround time in Howard County is two days, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
Another goal was to ensure adequate hospital capacity in the case of a possible surge. Howard County General Hospital has 133 staffed acute care beds, 33 ICU beds, and 38 ventilators. Today, there are 13 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care units, and we are seeing a continued decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations.
Finally, our goal included having 15 contact tracers per 100,000 residents. We have achieved this with 49 contact tracers in Howard County, in addition to the state’s efforts to help us track the spread of COVID-19.
Contact tracers continue to reach out to all cases and their contacts for residents who tested positive for COVID-19. For cases with phone numbers, 99% of cases are contacted within 24 hours of a positive result. These calls are important to prevent transmission to anyone who may have been exposed.
It’s extremely critical that residents understand that more openings do not mean the virus is gone. We must all hold ourselves personally responsible for the well-being of ourselves, our family, and our community. Please continue taking individual preventative measures – like washing our hands, wearing masks, and physically distancing. We will only get through this, together.
For more data and COVID-19 information, please click here. |
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We Want to Hear from You! |
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Our residents and businesses deserve a fast, user-friendly experience when visiting the Howard County Government website, so they can find critical information and access important services and resources.
As we undergo a re-design process, we want to first and foremost hear from you. Through this survey, we want to listen to your ideas and concerns, so we can provide you with better service and a more innovative and efficient government.
I encourage residents to take two minutes to complete our survey and help us build a website suited to your needs. Take it here.
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November Election Update
We want to ensure our residents are informed and empowered on the many options they have to vote this November. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and we must ensure that we are providing safe and easy methods to make sure that all Howard County residents are engaged and aware of how to vote in the general election this November.
I’m grateful for the staff at the Howard County Board of Elections who have been working around the clock to help ensure voters, of all abilities, are able to cast their vote in an easy, and safe manner. We will continue to work and assist our Board of Elections through consistent communications over the next two months ensuring that voter turnout Howard County is not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early voting begins October 26th through November 2nd, and election day is November 3rd. To see the full list of early voting sites, click here, and click here to see election day voting sites.
Unlike the 2020 Primary Elections, voters will NOT automatically receive a mail-in ballot. Instead, voters will receive an application to receive their ballot through the mail. Voters MUST submit a request in order to receive their ballot by mail.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard County voters are urged to cast their vote by mail. To request your ballot right now, please click here. The deadline to request your mail-in ballot is October 20th.
Please note, mail-in ballots can also be returned to a ballot drop box which will be located at the Howard County Board of Elections Office, Meadowbrook Atheletic Center, Marriotts Ridge High School, Reservoir High School, Long Reach High School, and Wilde Lake High School.
To update your voter registration, register to vote, or check your voting status, please visit the State Board of Elections website here. |
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Public Safety Townhall
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and calls for social change across our community, nation and world, I invite you to join myself and Howard County public safety and human rights officials for a discussion on public safety.
Ask questions in advance to TownHall@HowardCountymd.gov
Register to watch via WebEx at here or watch live on the Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Facebook page.
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There's a New Deli in Town!
To pay homage to their dad and granddad, the Magden brothers opened Mikey & Mel's Deli to share the traditions they grew up with. Their goal is to bring the tradition of good food and family atmosphere to this new classic deli, which will support our local farms and businesses. We are thrilled to welcome them to our community.
To learn more about Mikey and Mel’s, please visit their website here.
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Apply for an Art Grant
While COVID-19 has disrupted so many facets of our daily lives – it has hit our arts and creative community especially hard. A season of empty seats, hollow halls, and quiet studios has caused lasting economic damage.
Artists and art organizations, who have lost income from performances, workshops, classes, touring, and more, can now apply for our HoCo Rise Artist Relief funds. We want these grants to provide a bridge of support, to get this community through this moment, and come back stronger than before.
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Eviction and Rent Support
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county, and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all that we can to keep people safely housed.
I'm pleased to announce a second round of HoCo RISE rental assistance funding, providing an additional $800,000 in CARES Act funds to support residents struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here.
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Eviction Support
With the Courts re-opening this week, there is an immediate need for legal assistance to support tenants in demonstrating substantial loss of income-related to COVID-19. At the recommendation of Attorney General Brian Frosh’s Access to Justice COVID-19 task force, Howard County has provided funding for Maryland Legal Aid to assist residents facing eviction and other legal challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve seen more than 46,000 residents file for unemployment since March, and there are many of our neighbors who are unable to afford private attorney assistance on top of their daily needs.
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Mental Health During COVID-19
Mental health is just as important as physical health. We know that times have been extremely tough due to COVID-19. Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.
Talk to someone today.
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Crisis Prevention
We are here to help every member of our community, one step at a time.
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Utility Moratorium
The moratorium on utility shutoffs and late fees has now been extended through October 1st.
During this global pandemic, many of our neighbors are still having difficulty making ends meet. Especially with the approaching school year being virtual, we’re thankful to the Public Service Commission for recognizing there are many Marylanders, including Howard County residents, who are still struggling to pay their utility bills.
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16 Days Left!
The Census provides critical federal funding to Howard County communities for important initiatives. There are only 16 days left to take the Census.
For every person NOT counted, we lose over $18,000 in funding, which can go toward important community programs like sensory friendly initiatives, healthy living, services for our older adults, our education, affordable housing, infrastructure, and so much more.
It only takes five minutes to complete.
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Food Distribution Map
No one should have to choose between paying rent or purchasing food for themselves or their family, and COVID-19 has forced many of our residents into unimaginable financial situations. Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 44,000 Howard County residents have filed for unemployment or pandemic assistance, it’s clear access to food and groceries is one of the most urgent needs our residents are facing.
We’ve seen our community organizations, non-profits, and neighbors step-up to support one another, and we saw an opportunity to make it easier for folks to find what they need. This map clearly shows the daily options for groceries, food pantries, and meal pickups, and will hopefully reduce the stress for many people trying to figure out where to find the resources they need.
Visit the map today here. |
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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Ask a Pharmacist
Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) “Ask a Pharmacist” event has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 1st. I invite you to join OAI on the 1st from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for this virtual Q&A session with Pharmacist Ruth Ayuk of DiscoverU Health, to learn more about medication safety, prescription drug interactions, considerations pertaining to COVID-19 and other pharmaceutical topics and concerns. To register for this FREE WebEx event, visit https://bit.ly/3eMwwjo or contact Malarie Burgess with OAI at 410-313-6073 for more information.
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Keep Up with OAI
From social engagement to exercise, cooking and lifelong learning classes, DCRS' OAI is working hard to ensure our older residents have the resources they need to remain active and engaged while at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest schedule of virtual programs and activities to help you learn, get moving, get cooking and stay social while at home, check out OAI’s website today for its September Virtual Offerings Guide. For questions and/or more information, please feel free to contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Office of Emergency Management
September 1st marked the start of National Preparedness Month. As our nation continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and following the recent devastation and destruction of Hurricane Laura, we cannot stress enough the importance of planning ahead and being prepared. To help you prepare, we will be sharing facts and helpful tips throughout the month on how you, your family and/or organization/business can prepare for different types of emergencies. In fact, this year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today” and it highlights the importance of taking action now by making a plan that keeps your family, pets and other loved ones safe.
In addition to our main Howard County Government (Facebook and Twitter) and Office of Emergency Management (Facebook and Twitter) social media channels, you can also find helpful tips and information about our local hazards and preparedness on our Office of Emergency Management’s "Ready HoCo" website, So please, take the time this month to get involved, be informed, build a kit and make a plan.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Constantly training to ensure its personnel are ready and prepared for whatever emergency situation comes their way, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will be finishing up its latest TRAINING EXERCISE this week. Tomorrow, September 15th and Thursday, September 17th, residents in the 8600 block of Main Street Ellicott City’s West End area will find HCDFRS personnel on site at two vacant structures, with no immediate adjacent neighbors, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. HCDFRS will be utilizing “theatrical” smoke, which is light in color and should not cause any alarm.
If you have any questions and/or wish to speak to someone further regarding these training exercises, please feel free to contact HCDFRS at 410-313-6000.
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Office of Human Rights
MLK Commission
Dr. Martin Luther King inspired each generation that followed his historic leadership and fight for justice. If you are interested in helping honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, as well as learn from his actions as we still reckon with the deep-rooted injustices in our country, I encourage you to apply today for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. The Commission is currently seeking to five adult applicants and one student applicant to fill vacancies on the Commission. To learn more on how to apply and eligibility requirements, click HERE. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, September 28th.
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Bystander Intervention Training
I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights on September 29th for a virtual Bystander Intervention training event to learn how to safely step up and be supportive of others facing harassment and/or hate speech. Participants will learn how to de-escalate socially-fraught situations with compassionate communication that supports and empowers targeted persons, as well as analyze critical historical and cultural data about Howard County that deconstructs stereotypes and cultural biases. This training will arm participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to “Stand. Speak. Act” in order to be a good ally.
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Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) |
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Howard County Planning Board
This Thursday, September 17th, DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
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SDP-19-068 Taco Bell Redevelopment – Request is for the demolition and redevelopment of the Taco Bell pad site. The proposal is to construct at 2,7,53 square foot, fast food restaurant and associated site improvements.
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SDP– 20-051 Howard County Board of Education – Request of a Site Development Plan for an 88,229 square foot two-story elementary school, parking area, multi-purpose field and stormwater management, and approval of an adjustment to the lot coverage requirement.
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ZB-1125M Olde Scaggsville, LLC – Request to rezone existing parcels 11292 and 11296 Buch Way from RR-MXD-3 to B-1.
To register to testify at this meeting and/or to watch, visit DPZ’s Planning Board website.
A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE. To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.
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Text During Emergencies
In case you haven’t heard, residents and visitors in Maryland can now text 911 in an emergency. "Text-to-911" is intended for use in three scenarios: (1) for individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability; (2) for someone who is in a situation where it is unsafe to place a voice call to 911; and (3) for an individual who is experiencing a medical emergency and may be unable to speak. To learn more about this new program and how to use it, check out the County’s Police Department’s (HCPD) “Text-to-911” website. And please remember, you should ONLY text 911 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and prosecuted according to local laws and regulations.
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HCPD Seeking More Information
HCPD is urging anyone with information about the July 31st shooting of a pregnant woman in Columbia, which resulted in her death and the death of her baby, to contact investigators. At approximately 11:00 p.m. on July 31, police responded to a residence in the 6600 block of Dovecote Drive in Columbia, where numerous people reside, for a report of several gunshots. Police discovered that multiple bullets had been fired into the house from the outside and that a woman inside, Rabiah Ahmad, had been struck once Ahmad, who had recently moved to Maryland and had been staying at the residence for the last few months, was 28 weeks pregnant. Ahmad died at the hospital, where doctors delivered her baby girl, Ahja, who remained in critical condition until her death on August 5. No one else was injured in the shooting on the 31st.
Detectives have been working around the clock to follow up on possible leads in the case and are continuing their attempts to determine who inside the house may have been the intended target. Investigators believe that at this stage of the investigation, any small piece of information could help put together critical details in the case. They have increased the reward to up to $20,000 and are urging anyone with information to contact police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers can remain anonymous.
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HCPD Seeking Public's Help
Around 10:20 p.m. on September 3, 2017, 25-year-old Meiko Locksley was fatally shot in the 5500 block of Harpers Farm Road in Columbia. On the third anniversary of Locksley’s death, his family and HCPD gathered to ask for the public’s help in solving this homicide. Although detectives have not identified a suspect, they believe the case likely was not random. They have been looking into every potential motive, including robbery, the possibility that it may have been drug-related or the result of an ongoing dispute.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the shooting, to please come forwar and contact police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers may remain anonymous. Anyone with information may be eligible for reward money up to $20,000.
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Department of Public Works
Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects that have been announced.
Mount Airy
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Beetz Road Drainage Improvement (Capital Project J4240-01) – Project to improve a storm water infrastructure near 860 Beetz Road and will include the installation of approximately 400 linear feet of new storm drain pipe and inlets and resurfacing along the southbound lane. Lane shifts can be expected during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late October.
To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. 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 website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
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Complete Streets
Our Complete Streets policy strives to ensure that Howard County is a place where individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities can live and travel freely, safely and comfortably whether by foot, bicycle, public transportation or automobile. As part of its development, we are seeking your feedback on our Draft Complete Streets Community Engagement Plan.
Starting this Wednesday, September 16th, the draft plan will be available online for review and comment. In addition, our Complete Streets Implementation Team will also be hosting a virtual public workshop next Wednesday, September 23rd at 1:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m., for those interested in learning more about our Complete Streets initiative, why it is important for Howard County roadway users and highlights of the draft plan. Please note, each of the two workshops will cover the same material, so attending both is not necessary.
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Bike to Work Week
In case you missed it! Cycle September is here, which means Bike to Work Week 2020 is right around the corner – September 21st to the 27th to be exact. This Bike to Work Week, our Office of Transportation has partnered with Love to Ride Central Maryland to bring more fun, more community and more inspiration to get more people on a bike. While this year’s usual rallies and pit stop gatherings have been replaced with online networking and encouragement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, registered riders will still receive a free t-shirt (open to the first 2,500 registrants) and have a chance to win some awesome prizes.
In addition to Bike to Work Week, this month riders can also sign up to participate in the for Cycle September Challenge, a friendly month-long global bike challenge for organizations and individuals, featuring even more prizes.
So this September, I invite you to join our Office of Transportation, as we celebrate bicycling as a healthy commuting option and promote public awareness of its safety and environmental benefits.
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Department of Recreation & Parks |
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Tree Removal
Starting on or about next Monday, September 21st, our Department of Recreation & Parks will begin a project to remove 150 dead ash trees along the Dorsey Hall pathway system (beginning at Columbia Road and ending at Larkspring Row) in Ellicott City. The trees were destroyed by invasive emerald ash borer beetles and pose a potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. The resulting wood and debris from the project will remain on site to allow for nutrient recycling and local wildlife habitat. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by late October.
If you have any questions and/or concerns about this project, please contact Sean Poholsky at 410-313-0701 or email sppoholsky@howardcountymd.gov.
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Truck or Treat
Something not-so-spooky this way comes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our Department of Recreation & Parks is happy to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual "Truck or Treat." Set to take place Saturday, October 24th, this year's event has been modified to incorporate physical distancing and all CDC, State and local guidelines will be enforced. Children will receive a pre-filled treat bag and have the opportunity to participate in an "I Spy" scavenger hunt and their picture taken in front of trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more. Tickets are $5 per child and adults are free; however, adult must obtain a free ticket to attend. Each member of your party must register in advance for a one-hour time slot to attend and spots are limited, so visit https://www.mt.cm/truck-or-treat-2 today to purchase your tickets.
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HEADS UP! The playground and basketball courts at Cypressmede Park, located at 3100 Fawnwood Drive in Ellicott City, will be CLOSED tomorrow, September 15th due to tree removal.
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Virtual Holiday Mart
This year, Recreation & Parks’ will be hosting its annual Holiday Mart VIRTUALLY. If you are interested in being a vendor at this year’s Mart, visit https://tinyurl.com/VirtualHM2020 today. For a flat $50 fee, approved crafters will have their digital storefront featured on the Holiday Mart website from October through January. Vendors are also invited to join Recreation & Parks live on Saturday, December 5th to video chat with customers, answer questions, demonstrate items and help with purchases.
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RecZone
Parents, with the school year underway, if you are in need of childcare for your elementary school aged child(ren), I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks' RecZone childcare program. Thanks to newly allocated CARES Act funding, weekly costs for the program have been reduced by approximately 30 percent. The program is now being offered at $219 per week for extended day options, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., $185 per week for school day options, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Existing RecZone registrants will receive a credit to their Recreation & Parks account for the difference in pricing. For additional details, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/childcare.
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Baseball Clinics
Parents/guardians, if your child (age 9 ½ to 15 ½) is interested in playing baseball, check out these after-school afternoon baseball clinics being offered this last summer/early fall by Recreation & Parks. Each five-day clinic includes top-notch instruction from local high school coaches. All sessions follow Howard County’s COVID-19 safety policies and procedures. For a list of required gear and additional info, visit click here.
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Fall Activities Registration
The first day of fall is just around the corner and our Department of Recreation & Parks has a new lineup of in-person and online programs and events now open for registration! To search for upcoming fall activities, visit Recreation & Parks’ website today!
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