Dear Friends, 

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 on 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. 

Happy 85th Birthday Elkridge! 

We celebrate this year because in 1936, Elkridge High School opened and the high schoolers left the schoolhouse for their own larger building right across the street. I had a great time celebrating this amazing accomplishment with Dr. Martirano, Principal Powell, our PTA, and the entire Elk Community.

I greatly appreciate the dedicated parents and educators who organized this event and ensure Elkridge is a fantastic place to teach, learn, and grow, for all. I look forward for another 85 years!

Celebrating Camp Ilchester 

I invite you to join us to celebrate the County’s purchase of the beloved Camp Ilchester! Come out for an evening of family fun with activities and food.

Parking will be available at Ilchester Elementary School, 4981 Ilchester Road.

Reserve your FREE tickets today here. 

Exploring A Piece of History 

As we continue to celebrate Ellicott City’s 250th anniversary, it's important to honor the past while keeping an eye to the future. The Historic Jail in Ellicott City has been vacant for many years but through a partnership with Preservation Maryland, the jail’s next chapter may be right around the corner.

A Strike of Lightning 

Howard County’s student athletes make our community proud in every subject. I was so excited to stop by Long Reach High School to congratulate our six Maryland Basketball Coaches Association 2022 Academic All-Star honorees: Jessica Clark, Hunniya Jafri, Makayla Liverpool, Maxynne Mac-Boham, Madelein Roy, and Kaitlynne Streets. I’m certain that these students will continue to excel in both their academic and sport journeys. 

I was also pleased to congratulate Principal Josh Wasilewski on his new appointment as principal of the new High School 13. Over the last several years, Principal Wasilewski has been a phenomenal educator who continues to inspire each of our Lightning to reach their fullest potential. While I’m saddened that he will no longer be serving in the Long Reach community, I know that he will be a great asset to HS13, the first high school to open since 2005. Please, join me in wishing him the best of luck on this new endeavor!

Celebrating Rabbi Grossman

I was honored to celebrate the career and legacy of my dear friend Rabbi Susan Grossman. One of the first women to graduate from the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Grossman has led Beth Shalom Congregation with grace and dedication for 25 years. 

Rabbi Grossman’s impact is felt far beyond the walls of Beth Shalom. She is known throughout Howard County as someone who is always working to bring people together, in good times and in tough times. I am so thankful for her friendship and for the gifts she has shared with our community for the last 25 years.

Congratulations on your retirement, Rabbi Grossman!

Becoming a Better Leader

Our River Hill High School students are always doing incredible things in our community. In April, a group of our Hawks put together an incredible TedX forum where they heard from a variety of local leaders and activists. Today, I was pleased to join them for a conversation to discuss the importance of leadership, unity, and even the attributes of NBA players which make them a great leader. 

Thank you so much to Ishaan Busireddy, Lily Shangloo, Athena Devashish, Elanor Kim, Wonjae Suh, Sienna Rader-Gowda, Jiwan Ghoseiri, and Alex Cui for your constant efforts to make Howard County the best place for all. A special thank you to their event sponsor Jessica Nichols for her mentorship and partnership to make this event a reality.

Take Care of You! 

June is Men’s Health Month. 

It’s the perfect time to encourage boys, men and their families to make healthy living decisions. Let’s continue to stay healthy, and strong for those we love and ourselves!

Supporting Local Businesses

I was proud to co-host the Downtown Columbia Contractor Outreach event to increase opportunities for procurement for our local and diverse entrepreneurs. We had almost 250 contractors attend to learn more about upcoming projects in Downtown Columbia and throughout the county. This event is a significant step toward keeping our tax dollars within the Howard County economy.

Howard County has directed more funding towards local businesses every year since 2018. In Fiscal year 2019, the county spent $10.5 million with local businesses. In Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021, the county spent more than $16 million - a 55% increase over the previous years. Howard County is on pace to exceed this funding again, with $19M spent with local businesses for the most recently concluded third quarter of Fiscal Year 2022. The county is also focused on ensuring minority-owned businesses are not left behind. In FY2021, the county awarded $64 million to minority-owned and women businesses, an increase of 9% over FY2020. In the first three quarters of FY 2022, the county has spent $55M on minority-owned and women businesses, on track to outpace last year.

Thank you The Howard Hughes Corporation, Howard County Office Procurement & Contract Administration, Columbia Association, Howard County Economic Development Authority and the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association. Together we will continue to build lasting relationships with our businesses, be better positioned for greater growth in the months and years to come.

Going Back in History

Howard County is so thrilled to have phenomenal students who do amazing things on the national scale. I was so excited to join Burleigh Manor Middle School Principal Allen Cosentino to recognize four of our remarkable History Day competitors who made it to nationals; Charlotte Tettelin, Simrah Khan, Sabrina Wang, and Helen Zhu. 

While at Burleigh Manor Middle School, we also saw some amazing students perform scenes from Romeo and Juliet with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. After witnessing this latest display of our young leaders in action, I remain confident that they will continue to make our future brighter for all.

A Celebration of Downtown Columbia

It was so amazing to be in Downtown Columbia to celebrate LakeFest with so many of our neighbors. It was good to be back in person, after two years, and I was so excited to see everyone having a good time.

For 35 years this event has brought our community together and we know the importance of having community events like this prosper. It's why I allocated funding in my budget to help support this endeavor. Thank you to the Columbia Festival of the Arts and all our partners and sponsors for working hard to make this event a reality for all.

Running to Victory 

Our Scorpions continue to break barriers and shine! I was ecstatic to stop by Oakland Mills High School to congratulate our boys and girls outdoor Track and Field team for both capturing Class 2A West Region titles. These students are quick to jump over any hurdle they may face, and I am certain that they will continue to stride towards a successful future.

A French Twist

I was excited to attend the unveiling of three newly commissioned sculptures at Merriweather created by renowned French sculptor, Bernard Pras. These sculptures will remind those who attend events here of the storied legacy of this amazing outdoor amphitheater. 

I'm proud to support the arts in Howard County. We are a richer community because of our artists and the organizations that support their work.

Protecting Our Elders 

To kick off Protect Week 2022, I stopped by the World Elder Abuse Awareness Resource Fair and Shred Event. Protect Week seeks to educate Marylanders about one of the most common forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation, by sharing information and resources from a variety of local, state and national partners. 

Thank you Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, Congressman John Sarbanes, Howard County State's Attorney's Office, and Howard County Sheriff's Office for your partnership.

Supporting Our STEM Students

I was excited to join Howard County National Society of Black Engineer Jr for their end of year event. NSBE is changing the future of STEM by making our education more inclusive for all. STEM education is an economic driver and helps to bridge the race and gender gaps found in math and science fields. To the STEM students, congratulations on all you have achieved. Our community is fortunate to have such talented young minds and I believe you will help solve the toughest challenges of your generation. 

Congratulations to Mark Renehan from Long Reach High School and Corbett Wilson from Lake Elkhorn Middle School for being recognized as Educators Making a Difference. I’m also deeply honored to receive the NSBE Top Supporter 2022 Award. 

We know that problems of tomorrow will be solved by the STEM students of today, and I’m certain our students will continue to shine.

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.

Tell HoCo 

Want a pothole fixed? A tree removed? A sidewalk in your neighborhood need repair?

We have developed an efficient and easy-to-use system to report complaints, such as these, which helps us address these issues near you. I encourage residents to download the Tell HoCo app from the Apple app store or Google play, if you haven’t already, and use it to alert us to nuisances such as fallen trees and limbs, missing street signs, potholes, stormwater and drainage issues and more. Use the red button on the app to file a new request, upload a picture, provide more details regarding your request, and our team will work diligently to help resolve your concern to the best of our abilities. 

Since its launch, Tell HoCo has received and addressed more than 62,000 issues. By working together, we can resolve the small problems before they become big ones.

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

This week, we will surpass 27 months since we saw our first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Howard County. While we have made significant progress in the time since, we know that this virus is here to stay. Per the Maryland Health Department, our positivity rate is 13.4% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 33.73. The case rate remains high and is attributable to the highly transmissible sub variant BA2.12. Hospitalizations remain steady and fortunately no new deaths have been reported. 

There are currently 9 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 HIGH. COVID-19 layered prevention strategies can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. All residents should strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors in public, especially those at high risk for complications from COVID. Have a plan for rapid testing if needed. 

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.

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

What’s Open and What’s Closed this Juneteenth National Freedom Day Holiday

Next Monday, June 20^th, Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts and animal shelter will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth National Freedom Day holiday. However, there will be regular Monday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collections on the 20^th and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be open.

While county parks, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, and the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will be open on the 20^th, the Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Belmont Manor and Historic Park, Ellicott City Colored School Restored, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Robinson Nature Center, Firehouse Museum, Patapsco Female Institute, and county historic sites will be closed.

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule; for more information on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect on June 20th. 

The 9-1-1 Center, Police and Fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200.

County operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21^st, at regular business hours.

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.

Raising Awareness and Taking a Stand Against Elder Abuse

This past Saturday, DCRS’ OAI and Office of Consumer Protection, along with AARP Maryland, hosted an Elder Abuse Awareness Resource to help raise awareness about and in alignment with Protect Week (June 13^th to June 17^th) and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15^th). Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, financial, neglect, fraud and others. It is estimated that as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities, making it significantly under identified and under reported. Regardless of education, finances or mental capacity, anyone can easily become a victim. 

As Howard County’s older population continues to grow, it is important to raise awareness about what to do if you suspect elder abuse. If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation or neglect you are not alone. Please tell your doctor, a friend or a family member you trust for help. HCPD also has a Senior Liaison officer dedicated full-time to working with the county’s senior population. If you suspect that a senior you know is being abused or exploited, please call 911.

To learn more about how you can recognize and report elder abuse, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/eldersafety.

Office of Emergency Management

The 2022 Hurricane Season Has Begun

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon and the Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced, its Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2022. Forecasters predict a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and of these, three to six major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30^th.

Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready. To make sure you, your family and home are prepared this hurricane season, in case the weather strikes, check out our Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) website to learn more about our local hazards, including hurricanes. Also, learn more about what to do before, during and after a hurricane, by visiting www.ready.gov/hurricanes for information and tips. If you do not have one already, make sure your family has a plan of what to do if disaster strikes and a disaster supply kit stocked with food, water and other supplies that will last for several days. Lastly, stay in the know by making sure "Emergency Alerts" are activated on and you’ve signed up to receive severe weather alerts to your phone.

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

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.

Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition Receives State Award to Address Food Insecurity

According to the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment Survey, nearly one in six county residents reported concern about running out of food before they could afford more. To help combat food insecurity in Howard County, the Howard County Health Department’s (HCHD) Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition has received a $20,000 award from the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Control to establish a committee to address this issue.

Once established, one of the first objectives of the committee will be to gather further insights from residents about community food insecurity through survey and data analysis toward the goal of achieving a measurable improvement in this area. The committee will then work towards implementing food security initiatives among Howard County’s priority populations, leveraging partnerships with local stakeholders in an effort to address this concern and improve food access and the overall health of our community.

Howard County Moves to High COVID-19 Community Level Designation

According to the CDC, Howard County’s Community Level remains at a HIGH level of COVID-19 community transmission. At this level, HCHD recommends that all individuals wear a mask indoors when in public places, regardless of your vaccination status. HCHD also recommends that you get vaccinated if you have not already done so, or if you need a booster, be sure you get boosted. Finally, if you have symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread.

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.

Juneteenth: Justice Delayed

All are invited to join OHRE and DCRS’ OAI North Laurel 50+ Center this Friday, June 17^th at 11:00 a.m. for Juneteenth celebration at the County’s North Laurel Community Center. The event will feature Claudia Allen and Marla Moore from OHRE, who together will share a lively and informative presentation about the history and traditions of Juneteenth. If you want to celebrate Juneteenth and learn more about this annual holiday in commemoration of the freeing of the slaves, I encourage you to join our OHRE and North Laurel 50+ Center this Friday.

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

Design Advisory Panel Meeting

This Wednesday, June 15^th, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ Design Advisory Panel (DAP) will hold a meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. VIRTUALLY to hear the following item:

• Review of Plan No. 22-15 Route 1 Royal Farms, 8391 Washington Blvd, Elkridge

To register in advance to participate in this meeting, click HERE. If you only want to listen to the meeting, call 1-650-479-3207 at the meeting time. When prompted, enter 2301 828 6571 as the event access code.

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. You can use DPZ’s DAP interactive map to see which properties may be subject to DAP review. For DAP’s Rules of Procedure, click HERE. For questions and/or more information about DAP, contact the DPZ at 410-313-2350 or email dap@howardcountymd.gov.

Planning Board Meeting

DPZ’s Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, June 16^th, to hear the following agenda item:

• Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) – Requesting the Planning Board’s recommendation for adoption of the plan by County Council as required by the State of Maryland’s Program Open Space Localside program, per Section 5-905(b)(2) of the Natural Resources Article — Annotated Code of Maryland.
• ZB 1128M Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant – To amend the Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant Preliminary Development Plan
• SDP-20-042 AGC Borrower Lakeview, LLC - Worksession to act on Board of Appeal Decision and Order for BA-781D. Site Development Plan for a 1-story, 8,373 SF commercial building. Per the Board of Appeals Decision & Order for BA-781D, this case has been remanded back to the Planning Board for approval.

To register to testify, click HERE. Please note, registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (June 15^th, 2022) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

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.

Police Department

Members Appointed to New Established Police Accountability Board

As I shared last week, I have appointed seven members to the County’s newly established Police Accountability Board (PAB), who have been confirmed by the Howard County Council. Once fully operational, PAB will review the outcome of complaint investigations to determine discipline and identify trends that could improve policing. PAB will also accept and forward complaints from residents for investigation by the police and sheriff’s departments.

In addition to its quarterly meetings, the board will be required to meet with community youth representatives at least twice a year and appoint members to Charging Committees and Trial Boards. PAB may receive complaints of police misconduct filed by members of the public and review outcomes of disciplinary matters considered by the Charging Committee. PAB will also be required to submit an annual report to the County that identifies any trends in disciplinary action against law enforcement personnel and makes policy recommendations that would improve police accountability. Complaints of police misconduct filed with PAB will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency within three business days after it is received.

This Board builds on my efforts to improve best practices in community policing. Last year, I signed a budget amendment releasing nearly $500,000 in County funding from contingency in our Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget for Howard County’s body-worn camera program. I also utilized $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan to provide funding for the body-worn camera program to be fully implemented ahead of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly mandate.

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.

Ellicott City

• Woodcrest Drive Stream Rehabilitation (Capital Project D-1176) – Project to stabilize two tributaries to Deep Run. Located north of Mayfield Woods Middle School, the sections of the stream to be stabilized extend from the walking path north of the school upstream to a site near 8089 Woodloo Drive. While the project is not expected to impact the flow of vehicular traffic, signs will be posted in the area to advise pedestrians that the walking path from Woodcrest Drive along the stream will be closed for the duration of the work. For students who typically use the walking path to reach the middle school, Howard County Public School System will be providing these students with additional bus services during the construction period. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid-March 2023.

North Laurel

• Leishear Road Closure, Detour – Developer project to lower a portion of Leishear Road in order to meet sight-distance requirements. During the project, Leishear Road between Graeloch Road and Mary Lee Lane (opposite the entrance to the new Wellington Farms subdivision) will be closed to through traffic. Signs will be posted at the project site to advise motorists of the road closure. Traffic will follow a clearly marked detour using MD 216, US 29, Johns Hopkins Road and Gorman Road. A recorded message at 410-313-3637 will carry project updates. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed in late July 2022.

Western Howard County

• Roadway Resurfacing – Project to extend the lifespan of more than 20 miles of Howard County’s roads in the western region by seven to ten years. Using a “chip seal” process, crews will patch and then spray liquid asphalt emulsion on the roadway and immediately cover the surface with fine stone. Rubber tired rollers then push the stone into the asphalt emulsion. Once the stone adheres to the asphalt emulsion, the loose stone will be swept away and the roadway lane markings repainted. Motorists and cyclists are urged to use caution when traveling through the project area as loose gravel and unmarked pavement can be expected until the work is complete. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by August.

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.

Holiday Slide Schedule Not in Effect Next Week

While Howard County Government offices will be CLOSED next Monday, 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 will NOT be in effect next 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. 

We Need YOU! 

Are you or someone you know looking for a job? Howard County Recreation and Parks currently has the following full-time job opportunities posted. Please click the link/title below for more information and to apply: 

Park Ranger - Natural Resources Division – Closes 6/24/2022 

Recreation Services Supervisor - North Laurel Community Center Facility Manager – Closes 6/24/2022 

Engineering Specialist III - Capital Projects and Parks Planning – Closes 6/24/2022 

To view all current job opportunities, please visit HERE. 

The Roaming Gnomes Have Returned

In case you missed it, Recreation & Parks roaming gnomes scavenger hunt is back! With the first set of clues already released for gnome #1, additional clues will be released every Tuesday (first clue) and Friday (second clue) each week for gnome’s #2 through #4 on Recreation & Parks’ Facebook page. All you have to do is figure out the clue(s) to help you find the gnome, scan the QR code and then submit your entry form to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. Entries are due by the following Monday and winners will be announced on Tuesday when the new clue is released. 

Prizes will be awarded each week, with a special grand prize to be awarded to the searcher who finds all four gnomes by the end of the month. Best of all, its FREE to play. To learn more about The Roaming Gnome Scavenger Hunt, click HERE.

New Garden Pays Tribute to Patapsco Female Institute’s Botanical History

Recently, I was joined by Howard County Recreation and Parks Director A. Raul Delerme and local and state dignitaries to unveil a new garden at the Patapsco Female Institute (PFI). The garden serves as a historic representation of the grounds when PFI was a school more than 170 years ago. The plants and flowers were chosen after a scrapbook of pressed flowers (known as an herbarium) from former student Mary Jerdone Coleman (1848-1850) was uncovered at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture by a Howard County researcher. To learn more, click HERE.

Let’s Cook! 

Join Chef Alba on June 17^th at 6:00 p.m. for a lesson on cooking colorful and fragrant Mediterranean-inspired culinary dishes. During this live, virtual and interactive class, participants are invited to prep and cook along (or simply watch) as Chef Alba whips up egg rolls, saganaki baked shrimp and potato bulgur onion patties. Please note, participants will receive an email prior to the start of class with Zoom link and recipes. To register for this delectable delight, click 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.

Summer Camps are Near!

With the end of another school year fast approaching and the start of summer vacation right around the corner, it’s almost time for summer camps! If you are still looking for a camp to keep your kiddos busy this summer, be sure to check out what our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer. From arts to sports to dance and science, there is a camp out there to help keep your kids active, having fun and learning all summer long. To learn more, click HERE. 

Office of Transportation

Oakland Mills Road Complete Streets Project Underway

As announced last week, 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.