Keeping Up with Christiana!
Greetings!

Welcome to our November Newsletter! I know this has been a hard year, and the holiday season will look very different than what we are used to. My family has always hosted large gatherings with generations of family laughing, sharing stories, and sometimes yes, intensely discussing political differences. This year will look very different for my family - my grandfather passed away last December, and everyone is sticking to household-only celebrations.

All of these changes lead to a growing sense of loss, and yet I find myself remembering to focus on the opportunities that ARE available to us rather than what is not. We’re organizing a zoom dance party for the kids, a cousin’s virtual happy hour, and I’ll be inviting my parents and sister to do a virtual “On the Table” General Plan exercise (yes, we are those nerds). Perhaps instead of my usual Wednesday night grocery panic run, we’ll do a family movie night instead. Maybe I’ll even get to watch the entire National Dog show on Thanksgiving Day since we won’t be driving anywhere.

While the way we celebrate our holidays may be different this year, I appreciate the steps that everyone is choosing to take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Thank you for your commitment to our community, I’m honored to celebrate with you (even if we’re apart)!
Yours in service,
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3



November 16, 2020
COVID-19 Update
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases continue to increase in Howard County and across the country, I am closely following all updates on the local, state, and federal levels. To date, there have been over 6,800 recorded cases of COVID-19 in Howard County, and 139 of our Howard County neighbors have lost their lives to this disease. This remains an incredibly challenging time for families across the nation, but I continue to be encouraged by the acts of kindness and generosity in our community.

Howard County Government is working closely with the Howard County Health Department, Howard County General Hospital, and the Maryland Department of Health to ensure that our county continues to have adequate response measures in place. For additional information and updates on our County's response to COVID-19, I encourage you to visit Howard County Government's COVID-19 website.
Over the last several weeks, coronavirus cases have risen significantly across the United States, including a record number of new cases in Howard County. This morning, County Executive Calvin Ball announced new COVID restrictions in Howard County. Effective tomorrow, indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor social gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. In addition to the holiday guidance, the Howard County Health Department is encouraging all residents to remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 safety protocols by limiting interactions with other people, wearing a mask in public settings, and practicing physical distancing.

Last week, the Maryland Department of Health also launched MD COVID ALERT, which uses Bluetooth technology to connect with residents' cell phones to alert people about potential coronavirus exposure. This tool will greatly help contract tracing efforts in the state of Maryland. You can learn more about MD COVID ALERT and how to opt in on your phone here.

To date, over 35% of Howard County residents have been tested for COVID-19, and that number continues to grow. If you or a family member think that you may have coronavirus, I strongly encourage you to get tested. COVID-19 testing is free or covered by health insurance. For additional information on testing locations and availability, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.
October Legislative Wrap-Up
On November 2nd, the County Council convened for our November Legislative Session to hold a vote on October legislation and introduce new legislation for the upcoming month. The County Council took action on the following legislation:

  • TAO1-2020: legislation restoring $54.6 million from Howard County's Contingency Fund to fund the construction of the New Cultural Center in Downtown Columbia. You can read more about the legislation here. This legislation was tabled by the County Council in a 4-1 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB53-2020: legislation approving the acquisition of land for a new elementary school in the Turf Valley neighborhood of Ellicott City for $6 million. You can read more about the legislation here. This legislation was passed by the County Council in a 3-2 vote. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB55-2020: legislation requiring the County Executive to submit fiscal analyses for legislative items to the County Council. You can read more about the legislation here. This legislation passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by Deb Jung.

  • CB56-2020: legislation amending the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) to remove an exemption for conditionally-exempt residential subdivision plans. You can read more about the legislation here. This legislation failed in a 3-2 vote. Introduced by Liz Walsh.

  • CB57-2020: legislation replacing the recommendation requirement with an analysis requirement for the Department of Planning and Zoning's Technical Staff Reports. You can read more about the legislation here. This legislation passed in a 5-0 vote. Introduced by David Yungmann.
November Legislation
On November 2nd, the County Council convened for our November Legislative Session. I have included some legislation of interest below that was introduced by my Council colleagues and the County Executive:

  • CB59-2020: legislation requiring that all multiple-line telephone systems in Howard County allow for the direct dial of 911. This will ensure that an individual can direct dial 911 on any phone lines in Howard County without needing to dial an additional number to obtain an outside line first. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB61-2020: legislation amending PlanHoward 2030, the general plan for Howard County, to include The Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.

  • CB63-2020: legislation prohibiting county agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, as well as prohibiting discrimination against immigrants and prohibiting Howard County Government from disclosing immigration status information with federal immigration enforcement, except when required by law. You can read more about the legislation here. Introduced by Opel Jones.

  • CR174-2020: legislation authorizing the sale of the "Flier Building" in Columbia. You can read more about the legislation and read Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Purchase of the Flier Building here. Introduced by the Chairperson at the Request of the County Executive.
Community Initiatives and Updates
Racial Equity Task Force - Kickoff Meeting
Howard County's first Racial Equity Task Force will be kicking off later this month on Thursday, November 19th at 4:30pm! This meeting is open to the public, and I encourage you to tune in, hear directly from task force members, and learn more about the work ahead!

You can register to watch the meeting by visiting the Racial Equity Task Force's website. Have feedback for the Racial Equity Task Force? You can email comments and suggestions to the Task Force here.
Howard County - Project Holiday
The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence is collecting new gifts (personal care items, socks, blanket throws, scarves, etc.) for low-income seniors who reside in assisted living facilities and in the community. The Office of Children and Families is collecting new books and toys for families with children ages 0 to 5.

New, non-wrapped gift items can be dropped off through Monday, December 7 at the following three locations. Bins are located outside the front entrances (note: to donate gift cards or make a financial contribution, please call Tené Young at 410-313-5956):

  • Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 (weekdays, 8:30am to 4:00pm)

  • Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge 21075 (weekdays, 8:30am to 4:00pm, ring bell for assistance)

  • Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042 (weekdays, 10:00am to 1:30pm)
Transportation Town Hall
This Wednesday, November 18th at 6:00pm, join County Executive Calvin Ball and officials from the County's Office of Transportation, Police Department and Department of Public Works and the Regional Transportation Agency for a Transportation Town Hall.

This team of officials will discuss variety of transportation topics, including transportation safety, complete streets, transit and more. The Town Hall can be watched live from the County Executive's Facebook page or through WebEx (from this same link, residents can register to participate). Residents can also submit questions in advance to TownHall@HowardCountymd.gov.
EcoWorks - Gateway to Green Jobs Program
Interested in gaining green jobs experience in Howard County? Howard EcoWorks is hosting a paid 30-hour Gateway to Green Jobs training program from November 30th to December 4th, 2020 for individuals displaced from their jobs due to the coronavirus.

This is a great chance to explore meaningful work opportunities in the environmental field. Individuals will leave the training with exposure to the industry and a wide variety of employers plus a sustainable landscaping certificate.

Applications are due by November 17th, 2020. You can learn more and apply here.
Housing Opportunities Master Plan Update
Check it out! Howard County's Housing Opportunities Master Plan Task Force is hosting a virtual open house for residents to review draft recommendations and offer feedback on the future of Howard County's affordable housing policy.

I encourage you to join the upcoming open house to learn more about these recommendations and offer your input. The next open house is scheduled for this Wednesday, November 18th, at 7pm.

You can find the link to attend the meeting here.

You can read the draft recommendations from the Housing Opportunities Task Force here. If you would like to provide feedback on the draft recommendations, you can share your input through this online survey, which will be open through November 30th, 2020.
BGE - Winter Ready
As BGE prepares for winter, customers are reminded to prepare as well, by following these helpful tips:

  • Maintain Your Heating Systems – Most of your cold weather energy expenses are related to heating your home. Schedule service for your heating system to find out what maintenance is required to keep your system operating efficiently.

  • Lower Your Water Heating Costs – Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save.

  • Adjust the Temperature – When you are at home and awake, set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable for you. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to schedule your temperature settings. If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.

  • My Account Online Tools – Your BGE online account offers helpful tools and detailed energy usage information. By tracking your energy usage right after you use it, comparing usage trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, you can manage your energy more efficiently. Log on to BGE.com/MyAccount to get started.

  • Sign up for High Usage Alerts – Receive a notification by phone, email or text if your energy usage is trending higher than usual so you can take steps to reduce your use before your bill arrives. You can also set a budget threshold to alert you when your bill is projected to be higher than a specific amount each month. Log in to My Account to sign up for High Usage Alerts at BGE.com/MyNotifications.

  • Keep Your Natural Gas Appliances Vents Clear – Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure the vents are clear. Some high efficiency gas appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces, vent along the foundation of buildings. If these vents become blocked by snow or ice, exhaust may back up resulting in carbon monoxide build-up or a release of natural gas.
District 3 Constituent Corner
Last month, District 3 resident Kari and I tackled several yards of sidewalk overgrowth and mud on Guilford Road in Kings Contrivance!

This area of sidewalk has been an issue for many years, especially for high school students walking to and from Hammond High School. We have also followed up with Department of Public Works to discuss a longer-term solution with property owners in the area.

Is there an area in your community that you'd like us to come out & lend a hand with? Trash clean up? Overgrowth? Sidewalk maintenance? Let us know by emailing me at crigby@howardcountymd.gov!
COVID-19 Resources
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
County Executive Ball announced a second round of Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Grants using CARES Act funds.

This funding is available to residents who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage due to loss of income resulting from COVID-19. I am very glad to see this additional $800,000 dedicated to housing assistance as Howard County families continue to experience economic duress from this pandemic.

Residents may apply for rental and mortgage assistance beginning October 5th from Community Action Council of Howard County, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, or FIRN (Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network). You can find more information on the housing assistance grants and how to apply here.
Virtual Assistance Portal
Howard County Government has launched a Virtual Assistance Portal to help connect residents with disaster and emergency resources, including housing assistance, food assistance, employment assistance, utility assistance, and more.

You can visit the portal and learn more about the resources available here.
Unemployment Services
If you or a family member lost a job or experienced reduced income due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the state of Maryland.

You can find more information and apply for unemployment benefits here. You can find more information on job opportunities and employment assistance here.
Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a group of community organizations focused on collecting and deploying resources during a local disaster.

If you are able to donate, are in need of grocery/medicine delivery, or are in need of a mask, please visit COAD's website here to learn more about their services.
District 3 Pre-Submission Meetings
There are currently no pre-submission meetings scheduled in District 3 this month.
Want to Get in Touch?
Christiana Rigby
Councilwoman, District 3

crigby@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2001
Colette Gelwicks
Special Assistant

cgelwicks@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-2421
Felix Facchine
District Aide

ffacchine@howardcountymd.gov
410-313-3108
Please feel free to contact us by email or phone. Plus, you can stay up-to-date with Christiana by following us on social media, where we post daily updates on events, county news, legislative priorities, and Christiana's activity! Don't miss out on any District 3 news!