Dear Friends,
As of 9:00 a.m. this morning, according to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), our 7-day average positivity rate is 2.78% and a total of 32% of our population has been tested. We are monitoring increases in our numbers and call upon our residents to remain vigilant. Although our positivity rate remains below the Governor’s and CDC’s goal of under 5%, it has increased from 1.81% in the last week of September. Our cases per 100,000 of our population is currently 8.77, which is an increase from 5.31 during the same timeframe.
While contact tracers continue to reach out to all cases and their contacts for residents who tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly 75% of contacts of positive cases are picking up the phone. It is vital that residents answer when contacted by the Howard County Health Department. Residents should expect a call from (240) 466-4488 or “MD COVID” on their caller-ID. These calls help prevent further transmission across the community.
I understand that many residents are feeling quarantine fatigue, especially with the holidays quickly approaching. Please remember that our contract tracing efforts have revealed that 35% of cases are due to family gatherings, followed by those who attend house parties. We must actively avoid any indoor gatherings and events where physical distancing and wearing a mask is not feasible.
Wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice physical distancing. We will only get through this, together.
For more data and COVID-19 information, please click here. |
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State of the County Address
Seven months into this historic, global pandemic, we are still grappling with the effects of COVID-19 and we are bracing ourselves to withstand future impacts. Throughout this crisis – it has become more evident that when we face a challenge, if we work together, we rise together.
Join us on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. for my inaugural public State of the County. Residents can watch live on our Facebook page. |
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Vivian C. Millie Bailey Neighborhood Square Opens
Thank you to all who came out and joined me Thursday for the official opening of the Vivian C. Millie Bailey Neighborhood Square in Downtown Columbia at Lake Kittamaqundi. Named in honor of Howard County's own, Vivian “Millie” Bailey, a World War II veteran and community leader who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.
The 26,000-square-foot features a play area for youngsters and will serve as the future home of the Howard County Veterans Monument. This park was founded in cooperation with the Howard Hughes Corporation, who developed it, and during Thursday’s event, Howard Hughes CEO Greg Fitchitt signed the property over to our Department of Recreation & Parks.
It is my hope that as our community enjoys this new park for many, many years to come, we will always remember the spirit of service and courage of Ms. Millie.
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Drug Take Back Day
Saturday was Drug Take Back Day in Howard County, where residents could drop off and safely dispose of any unused medication. HC DrugFree collected a total of 1,211.5lbs of medication, not including the amount of sharps collected.
Thank you to Lt. Governor Boyd K Rutherford, Joan Webb Scornaienchi of HC DrugFree, Kevin Mcaliley, Howard County Police Department, and all the volunteers for making this event a success and for ensuring that all our residents are safe!
REMINDER: You can dispose unwanted medication any day of the year at one of the Howard County Police Departments permanent drop off locations. They're OPEN DAILY YEAR ROUND!
- Northern District Station, 3410 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, 24/7
- Southern District Station, 11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, 24/7
- Community Outreach, 10741 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, business hours
- Gary Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, business hours
- MD State Police Waterloo Barrack, 7777 Washington Boulevard, Jessup, 24/7
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Supporting Our Community in Need
I joined the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services for their food and school supplies distribution at the Long Reach Village Center. We distributed a total of 800 boxes of school supplies and 400 boxes of food at LRVC, Elkridge 50+ Center, North Laurel 50+ Center, and the Howard Crossing Apartment Homes to families.
Thank you to the The Dancel Y in Ellicott City, Power 52, and the Chinese American Parent Association for their partnership. Special thank you to our team at DCRS for ensuring that every member of our community is seen and has the support they need to survive and thrive, especially during this difficult time.
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Congrats Winter Growth!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many assisted living facilities and their residents have been forced to quarantine in order to protect our older adults. I joined Winter Growth, Inc. for their grand opening ceremony and parade of their new memory care community in Columbia. This new facility will provide intensive, specialized care for those with memory issues, and offers an array of services.
Congratulations to our Winter Growth community! To learn more, please visit their website here. |
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Since 1970, Howard Community College has opened the door of opportunity for many students seeking higher education. We're so grateful to have such an incredible institution in Howard County, creating ready and successful students for generations and making education affordable, accessible, and personal.
HCC is a jewel in our community, and I firmly believe its educators and staff truly project the possibility of getting there, from here. Congratulations to Dr. Kate Hetherington, all our educators and staff at HCC on this milestone. Most importantly, thank you to the students and alum who continue to support this wonderful institution.
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Transportation Town Hall
Join transportation officials and me on Wednesday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m. for a Transportation Town Hall. Topics to be discussed include transportation safety, complete street, transit, and more.
Ask questions in advance at TownHall@HowardCountymd.gov
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Opioid Lawsuit Update
The settlement announced last week by the Department of Justice does not absolve Purdue Pharma from the thousands of cases brought by states, local governments, and families. However, it is our hope that as more of these companies are held accountable for their unscrupulous actions, our residents impacted by the opioid crisis will receive the financial support and collective action towards recovery that they deserve.
It is critical that we continue to push forward and ensure these companies remain liable for the immense damage they have caused to families around Howard County and our state.
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Free Rides for Seniors
With flu season on the horizon, Neighbor Ride has launched a "Get Your Flu Shot Early" Campaign. Neighbor Ride will provide free rides to Howard County seniors (60+) who would like to receive their flu vaccination at a local physicians office, pharmacy, or community event.
As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that all our residents are healthy and thriving, especially one of our high-risk populations. To schedule a ride, please visit www.neighborride.org/freeride/ or call (410) 884-7433.
Please note, this picture was taken prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Vertical Connection
It was great to visit The Vertical Connection Carpet One Vertical Connection in Columbia, a family-owned, local business which specializes in home improvement and renovations. Since 1977, Vertical Connection has provided our region with quality carpet, flooring, cabinetry, and Hunter Douglas window treatments.
I encourage residents to continue supporting our small, local businesses, especially during this difficult time. Thank you to the Joss family for your unwavering support for our community, and for choosing Howard County as your home for more than 40 years. #ShopLocal
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Blooming Hope Dominican Hair Salon
Long Reach continues to attract diverse and established business owners, and we’re so pleased to welcome Blooming Hope Dominican Hair Salon to the Village Center. In the past 10 months of revitalization, we’ve seen more than 10 spaces filled at the Village Center with a mix of creative businesses, artist studios, and museums.
We will continue to support our small, local businesses that help our community thrive. Thank you to Blooming Hope for choosing to invest in Long Reach and our efforts to reinvigorate our community.
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Howard International Grocer
We’re so pleased to see an experienced, locally-run family business open a new international market at our Long Reach Village Center. Thank you to the Howard International Grocer for investing in Long Reach and providing a new option for fresh food to the community.
For far too long the Long Reach Village Center was dormant. In the past year, as part of our Long Reach Rising initiative, we have added a diverse group of businesses and services to revitalize and reinvigorate this space, encouraging community engagement and becoming a central hub for the Long Reach neighborhood.
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It's Time to Vote!
It is often said that elections have consequences, but I believe elections are opportunities. Voting is the time to make your voice heard and to seize your opportunity. If you haven't already, please take a moment to make sure you are registered to vote, and make a plan on how and where you will vote by November 3rd.
Voters who are not currently registered may now register in person before casting their ballot at a voting center during early voting or on election day.
Early voting begins today, October 26th, through Monday, 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.
Please note, mail-in ballots may be returned to a ballot drop box which will be located at the Howard County Board of Elections Office, Meadowbrook Athletic Center, Marriotts Ridge High School, Reservoir High School, Long Reach High School, Wilde Lake High School, Lisbon Elementary School, Elkridge Landing Middle School, and Laurel Woods Elementary 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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Thanksgiving Guidance
As more people spend time indoors with approaching cooler weather, we must remain vigilant against the spread of the virus. This year is full of firsts, and hopefully lasts, when it comes to how we celebrate holidays.
Please avoid large family gatherings this Thanksgiving, and instead celebrate with those within your immediate family. Our ability to prevent large outbreaks this winter hinges on adhering to the recommendations from institutions like the CDC and public health officials.
If we all work together – even when we’re apart – we can avoid COVID-19 surges in Howard County and keep one another safe.
To read the CDC's guidance, please click here. |
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Eviction Support
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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Rental Assistance
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.
A second round of HoCo RISE rental assistance funding is currently available, 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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Food Distribution Map
Since the beginning of this pandemic, more than 46,000 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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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:
For more information, please visit DCRS' website here.
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Art Contest
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) and Commission on Disabilities has launched an Art Contest. The contest theme: “ADA30 · Disability · Equity · Inclusion · One County · Accessible to All,” commemorates this landmark piece of legislation guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in all aspects of American life. Artists young and old are invited to submit a piece of original artwork (up to two) that showcases some aspect of the contest’s theme.
To learn more about this Art Contest and for complete contest rules and entry form, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/ADA today. All artwork and entry forms must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 30th.
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A Grateful Lunch
Join DCRS’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) on Tuesday, November 17th for its "A Grateful Lunch" event. Instead of its traditional Thanksgiving Dinner (cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic), OAI is sending participants home with a traditional Thanksgiving meal to enjoy from the comfort of their kitchen table. While enjoying their lunchtime meal, participants can also partake in some OAI virtual programming, featuring Six Words of Gratitude and The Iris Project, presented by the Candlelight Concert Series.
The cost for a meal is $17 for participants under the age of 60, while participants 60 and older are encouraged to make a donation. Anonymous donation envelopes will be available at the meal pickup sites, the East Columbia 50+Center and the Elkridge 50+Center. Meals are being catered by Putting on the Ritz and must be ordered in advance.
To register, call Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) between Sunday, November 1st and Monday, November 9th.
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Virtual Offering Guide
For the past several months, OAI has been working hard to offer our older residents the resources they need to remain active and engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. From exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, there is something to help everyone get moving, get cooking and stay social this 2020. Check out OAI’s October Virtual Offering Guide for this month’s activities or visit OAI’s website to learn more about its services. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Fire and Rescue
New Fire Chief Sworn In
Congratulations to William Anuszewski, who was FINALLY sworn in as our Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (HCDFRS) Fire Chief Wednesday evening. While I had originally appointed Chief Anuszewski back in May, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately delayed his swearing-in ceremony. It was an honor to join the Chief, his family, colleagues and friends for this momentous occasion
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Reminder to Check Your Smoke Alarms
Daylight saving time ends this Sunday, November 1st, at 2:00 a.m. to be exact. That means it's time to spring those clocks back one hour AND while you are at it, make sure to check your smoke alarms as well. Whether you have the sealed-in, 10-year/long-life battery-operated smoke alarms or hardwired smoke alarms (with battery backups), it is always good to check your smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly. HCDFRS reminds us that our first line of defense against a house fire is a working smoke alarm. Per the National Fire Protection Association, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Ensure your family's safety by checking your smoke alarms this weekend.
For questions and/or more information about home and smoke alarm safety, reach out to HCDFRS’ Community Outreach Division at 410-313-2616 or visit its website.
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Thanks to the quick actions of Roger Carter Community Center (RCCC) member Nicholas Caloyianis and RCCC employees Abdullah Tyler, David Gostomski and Marcellus Barley, a fellow Howard County resident is still here with us today. On September 28th, Caloyianis discovered a fellow swimmer in distress in the adjacent lap lane. Once notified, Tyler activated RCCC’s Emergency Action Plan with the assistance of Gostomski. Together, they performed CPR compressions, rescue breaths and used the on-site AED defibrillator twice. During this time, Barley called 911 and led emergency personnel through the center.
As noted by Fire Chief William Anuszewski, this event is living proof that, together, we can make a difference. For every minute someone is in sudden cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent. That's why it is so important we all have the knowledge and training necessary to be able to recognize and take immediate action when someone is suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. If you have not already done so, I strongly encourage you take part in one of HCDFRS’ upcoming virtual FREE Hands-Only CPR and AED training classes. With the help of HCDFRS, you can learn how to be the difference between sudden cardiac arrest life and death.
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In case you missed it last week, HCDFRS is looking for participants to assist with its Strategic Planning effort. On Sunday, November 1st and Thursday, November 5th, HCDFRS will be hosting a VIRTUAL input session to gain a better understanding from its stakeholders (county residents, businesses and organizations) regarding expectations, concerns and priorities when it comes to the department’s programs and services. Through this process, HCDFRS hopes to better serve all who live, work and play in Howard County.
Each session (you only need to attend one) will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating, click HERE to apply.
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REMINDER: HCDFRS’ Education and Training Bureau is conducting weekly training exercises across the county throughout the months of October and November. During the month of October, HCDFRS will be conducting these exercises every Tuesday and Thursday, while in November, these exercises will take place Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s. These training exercises are not expected to impact traffic flow in the training area and will involve theatrical smoke. NO actual fire will occur during each exercise. For more information about these training exercises, including time and location, be sure to follow HCDFRS’ Facebook page and Twitter handle.
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Hey parents, have you heard about HCDFRS’ Safety Squad: Life Safety Videos for Kids? Geared towards our youngest residents, these quick four-to-five-minute videos teach kids about various preventative safety measures. The goal is that with their help, our kids can be prepared and play a role in keeping their family and home safe. Check out HCDFRS’ Safety Squad website today for its latest life safety videos.
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Fire Department, Health Department and Police Department
Halloween and Fall Celebration Safety
At the start of fall last month, the Health Department and I shared tips on how to keep your fall season festivities and Halloween celebrations safe this year, while helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you decide to take your ghouls, goblins, princesses and superheroes trick-or-treating this year, we strongly encourage:
- Limiting groups to household members only;
- Keeping physical distance between your group and others;
- Washing hands or using hand sanitizer between homes and after touching surfaces and objects; and
- Wearing a face covering, even if your little one’s costume has a mask.
For those handing out candy, consider leaving your bowl of treats outside to limit contact and help ensure physical distancing can be maintained between non-household members at all times.
Additionally, while Howard County Police Department (HCPD) will be out in full force this Saturday night to help ensure a safe Halloween, HCPD and HCDFRS are also providing some safety tips to keep your home and trick-or-treaters safe:
- Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the side as possible.
- Remind children not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Encourage children to trick-or-treat before dark. After dark, an adult chaperone should carry a flashlight and choose well-lighted streets.
- Wear costumes that are short, snug and flame retardant. Flowing sleeves, capes and skirts can be a tripping hazard and can catch fire if they brush against candle flames. Also be sure to wear light colors or reflective tape and avoid masks that can obstruct your vision.
- Teach children they should NEVER go into a stranger’s home or car.
- Remind children not to eat treats before they have been inspected by parents. NEVER eat candy that has been opened.
- Remind children not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
- Leave porch or other outside lights on to make clear that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Do NOT let children approach homes that are dark.
- Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
- Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.
- Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick inside your jack-o-lantern instead of an open flame.
- Drivers, drive slowly all evening – you never know when a trick-or-treater may dart into the street.
As always, officers will be on the lookout for vandalism, theft and destruction of property, as well as speeding and drunk or impaired drivers to help ensure everyone has a safe and fun evening.
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Health Department
Flu Shots
The 2020-2021 flu season is here. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, its more important than ever that everyone who is able, get their flu shot this season. This fall, the Howard County Health Department is hosting a number of FREE walk-up and drive-thru flu vaccination clinics. In fact, the Health Department will be hosting a drive-thru flu vaccination clinic at its headquarters on Stanford Boulevard this Friday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment for Friday’s clinic, visit www.marylandvax.org and search for Howard County Health Department.
Then on Sunday, November 1st, Health Department will be hosting another drive-thru flu vaccination clinic, this time at St. John Baptist Church in Columbia. Again, to schedule an appointment for this clinic, visit www.marylandvax.org and search for St. John.
For additional clinic dates and tips on additional ways you can protect you and your loved ones this flu season, check out the Health Department’s “Seasonal Flu Information” website.
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Please Answer the Call
In addition to robust and consistent testing being one of our most important tools to understanding the spread of COVID-19, contact tracing is also VITAL to helping STOP the spread of COVID-19. Remember, if you see "MD COVID" or (240) 466-4488 on your caller ID, please answer the call or return the missed call. While contact tracers continue to reach out to all residents who test positive for COVID-19 and their contacts, only 73.7 percent of contacts are picking up the phone. Those not answering or returning the call, may be spreading the virus among those in their households, workplaces and community. Patient information and the information of those contacted is kept CONFIDENTIAL.
Contact tracing efforts have also revealed that 35 percent of cases are due to family gatherings, followed by those who attend house parties. As we continue to move forward, it is CRITICAL we all understand that the virus is NOT GONE. Please continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
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Department of Housing and Community Development |
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MIHU Enrollment Period
If you are looking to call Howard County through our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program October open enrollment period, remember, homeownership applications are DUE by 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 30. Rental MIHU applications can be submitted all year long. For more information about the MIHU program, an application and more, click HERE or contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 (select option two) or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.
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Office of Human Resources
Our Pension Oversight Commission provides critical analysis and input regarding the County’s Retirement Plan and the Police and Fire Employees’ Retirement Plan. If you are a Howard County resident with experience in pension administration and funding, I encourage you to apply today to join our Pension Oversight Commission. Together, we can ensure Howard County Government employees have a secure and stable retirement plan. For eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, click HERE. The deadline to apply is this Friday, October 30th.
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Office of Human Rights
Howard County students, this is your LAST WEEK to submit your entry for the County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission 2020 essay, oratory and poster contests. For this year’s contests, the Commission is calling upon students to reflect upon Dr. King’s statement, and this year’s theme: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” For the essay and oratory contests, middle and high school students must discuss a time when they took a stand against injustice and the impact of their actions. For the essay contest, students with disabilities may submit entries using other media and/or visual presentation. For the poster contest, elementary school students must compose an original piece of artwork using a medium of their choosing that shows their interpretation of this year’s theme. Contest entrees are DUE by no later than 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 30th.
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In addition to its student essay, oratory and poster contests, our Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is also seeking nominations for its annual “Living the Dream” Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations (community, civic or religious) that promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through community involvement. For eligibility and nomination requirements and for details on how to submit your nomination, visit the Office of Human Rights “Contest and Awards” website. The DEADLINE for nominations is also 5:00 p.m. this Friday, October 30th.
For questions and/or more information, contact the Office of Human Rights at 410-313-6430 or email mlk@howardcountymd.gov.
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Police Department
Information Needed
If you have information regarding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Juan Michael Ross on Sunday, October 4th in Columbia, please contact our Howard County Police Department (HCPD) at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. HCPD has doubled the reward up to $10,000 for information.
At approximately 2:37 p.m. on the 4th, officers were called to the 9600 block of Basket Ring Road for a report that a subject had been shot outside a residence. Ross, of Jessup, was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still looking into the possibility the incident may have been drug-related and whether the involved parties were known to one another.
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Department of Public Works
Virtual Public Meetings
On Tuesday, November 10th, our Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a virtual public meeting to present plans for an outfall stabilization project along Carrigan Drive in Ellicott City. Improvements to the site will include the repair of approximately 265 linear feet of a severely eroded storm drain outfall channel located between 9945 and 9949 Carrigan Drive to reduce erosion and sedimentation in the Little Patuxent River. The County plans to construct approximately 170 linear feet of storm drain pipe and a series of rock grade control structures along the channel to reduce the water velocity. This project is expected to begin winter 2020.
For more information about this meeting and how to participate, click HERE.
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As announced in last week’s bulletin, DPW will be holding a virtual public meeting on Thursday, November 12th to present plans for the installation of a mid-block crossing on Main Street in Ellicott City. The project will include the construction of an ADA-compliant pedestrian crossing with related signage improvements near the Caplan’s building at 8125 Main Street. Weather permitting, the project is expected to begin in February 2021 and be completed in April 2021.
To learn more about this meeting and how to participate, click HERE.
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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.
Ellicott City
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Tiber Branch Sewer Improvement Phase Two (Capital Project S-6283A) – Second phase of a project to rehabilitate an aging sewer main along a portion of Frederick Road (8600 and 8700 blocks). Signs have been posted and flagging operations are in place to direct traffic, as eastbound traffic along Frederick Road from just east of Papillion Drive to Klein Avenue will shift to the westbound lane during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Weather permitting, this second phase is expected to be completed by mid-November.
Past Project Updates – Completed
Columbia
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Kings Contrivance Sewer-House Connection (Capital Project S-6232) – Project to rehabilitate a portion of the public sewer along Stonebrook Lane and Blue Sea Drive in the Village of King's Contrivance. Approximately 40 public sanitary sewer-house connections were relined using cured-in-place pipe lining to extend each connection’s service life by at least 50 or more years.
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Walter Scott Way Drainage Improvement (Capital Project, D-1125) – Project to improve drainage near 6728 Walter Scott Way in the Village of River Hill. Minor modifications were made, including the installation of a trench drain and an outfall into the nearby stormwater management pond.
Ellicott City
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Old Frederick Road Reconstruction – Developer project to reconstruct a portion of Old Frederick Road and relocate the water main near the entrance to the Patapsco Crossing development, located at 8643 Old Frederick Road. The vertical curve at 8643 Old Frederick Road was realigned to improve the sight distance for motorists and the water main in the area was lowered.
To learn 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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Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services
Shredding Event
This Saturday, October 31st, our Department of Public Works' Bureau of Environmental Services will be hosting its final document shredding event of 2020 at the Long Gate Park & Ride (exit 1A off of MD 100) in Ellicott City. The event will take place rain or shine from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., OR until the trucks are full. Residents may bring up to three bags or boxes of paper to be shredded; however, residents should ONLY bring items that contain personal information. Junk mail, catalogs and office paper should be set out for regular curbside recycling. NOTE, face coverings and physical distancing will be enforced.
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Leaf Raking Tips
As the leaves begin to fall, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is asking residents to keep the following in mind. Please don’t blow or rake leaves into the roadway in hope that they will be swept up by one of our street sweepers. Our sweepers are not designed to pick up leaves, as large quantities of them will clog the sweeper's filters and result in the leaves being spread over a large area. Sweeper operators will in fact avoid areas of curb containing an excessive number of leaves.
Also, while our crews work hard to maintain storm drains along more than 1,000 miles of County owned roadways, there are a number of simple things our residents can do to help keep our storm drains free of debris to prevent roadway flooding and harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay:
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Rake and collect your leaves in paper bags or reusable containers for yard trim curbside collection.
- Mulch your leaves with your mower; they can help nourish your lawn.
- Mix your leaves with grass clippings and vegetable refuse to make compost.
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Participate in the Rake-and-Take program where “rakers” (residents who rake and bag leaves and grass) are matched with “takers” (people who want leaves and grass for composting).
- When rain is in the forecast, check nearby storm drain grates and clear them of debris.
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Community Rating Systems Recertification Submitted
DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services has submitted its annual Community Rating System (CRS) recertification to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Under the CRS, flood insurance premiums may be discounted based on community actions that help reduce flood damage to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP and demonstrate a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
To participate in the CRS, communities confirm annually that they are performing the necessary flood mitigation efforts to uphold the current rating status for flood insurance premiums. This recertification will help us maintain a Class 6 rating so our residents can continue receiving flood insurance reductions in their rate. To learn more about this announcement, click HERE.
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Department of Recreation & Parks |
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Volunteers Needed
Middle and high schoolers, are you in need of volunteer hours for school? If yes, our Department of Recreation & Parks is looking for volunteers for its sold-out Halloween Movie Night event this Friday, October 30th at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City. Volunteers will assist with event set up and breakdown, manning the information table, collecting canned good donations, escorting attendees as needed and more. All volunteers must pre-register and be 13 years of age or older to volunteer. To register to volunteer and/or more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/Oct30MovieNight.
Volunteers are reminded to dress for the weather (close toed shoes/long pants) and to wear a face covering. Also, volunteers who bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Howard County Food Bank will receive a 10 percent off concessions coupon to use the night of the event.
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Ghostly Guides Event
Looking for some spooky fun this Halloween weekend, swing on by the Patapsco Female Institute on All Hallows Eve for a special Ghostly Guides event! Come enjoy a guided tour of the 183-year-old ruins that overlook Historic Ellicott City, followed by s’mores and spooky stories around a campfire. As space is limited, I encourage you to secure your spot today by going to https://tinyurl.com/GhostlyGuidesPFIOct to register.
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Maryland State Transit Plan
OoT is also currently working with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) to develop the Maryland Statewide Transit Plan (STP). A 50-year vision for transit, the STP is based on existing regional and local plans, proposed projects and analysis of future activity centers, demographics and transit needs. The plan builds upon the transit services that exist today and creates a framework for coordinated transit service and customer experience.
MDOT MTA is developing the STP with input from a broad range of partners, including other state agencies, local and regional governments, public and private transit providers, businesses, non-governmental organizations and the public. If you are interested in helping advance Howard County’s transit needs for the future, I invite you to complete the plans online survey to share with MDOT MTA your priorities for and experience with transit. The survey is available now through October 25th. To learn more about the STP and/or to sign up to receive updates on the plan from MDOT MTA, visit its STP website or contact MDOT MTA STP at mtastp@mta.maryland.gov.
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