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Info for City Council Meeting & Special Work Session - 28 Apr 2025

On April 28, the Council will have two meetings: (a) Special Work Session starting at 5 p.m. to resume work on the election law re-write, and (b) regular Council Meeting starting at 6 p.m. Note that there’s no “public hearing” (i.e., public comment) component to the Work Session, but there is to the regular Council Meeting. Also, I’ve provided both meeting agendas below separately, so you’ll be able to tell what is happening in which meeting. (Looks to be a long evening).

As usual, see the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA - SPECIAL WORK SESSION

  1. Call to Order -Kyla M. Clark, Council President

  2. Ordinance No. 2038- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  3. Charter Resolution No. 181- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending, Rearranging and Renumbering Article 600 to 617 related to Elections

  4. Adjournment

AGENDA - COUNCIL MEETING

  1. Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark

  2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America - Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor

  3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk

  4. Approval of Minutes: April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting

  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  6. Sharon Gibbs Cooper Emergency Services Commission 04/28/25-04/28/30

  7. General Public Hearing

  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 4-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Set the Date, Time and Polling Location for Early Voting in the City of Laurel for the General Election of November 2025

  9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 5-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Pay Tribute to Emancipation Day

  10. (If advanced from Work Session) Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2038 - An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  11. (If advanced from Work Session) Introduction and First Public Hearing on Charter Resolution No. 181 - Charter Resolution No. 181- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending, Rearranging and Renumbering Article 600 to 617 related to Elections

  12. Possible Adjournment to Closed Session. The Authority for this Closed Session is contained in the Open Meetings Act General Provisions Section 3-305 (b) (7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and Section 3-305 (b) (13) to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter regarding an internal operational policy.

  13. Adjournment

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Ways to Help Residents Impacted by Park Avenue Apartment Fire

(LAST UPDATED 22 Apr 2025 - see bottom of post)

Laurel residents are very generous and thank you to the folks who have reached out looking for ways to offer a helping hand to those impacted by the fire at the Park Avenue apartments.

I was present on scene and have also connected with various members of our City team who are working to assist and provide support to the residents – some updates for you and ways to assist if you are moved to do so:

  • The City published a Press Release yesterday providing an official summary and actions underway.

  • The overall guidance is to ensure all help offered responds to the particular needs of the 12 households that were affected. For each household that will be different, and in the early phases a lot of effort is dedicated to understanding and getting a clear picture of the scenario for each household.

  • The City partners with Red Cross in emergency situations like this and was onsite and been in touch with each household and assigned someone to support them. Red Cross also provides debit spending card/ money and does check-in phone calls to help facilitate people through practicals of next steps. The City Emergency Management team has also been in touch with most of the households and provided contact information for questions/ resources as needed.

  • The Multiservice Center is available for a warm dinner at 6 p.m. each evening through partner FISH of Laurel; can help evaluate lodging needs; can provide clothing from its closet through partner Success in Style; can provide hygiene kits and blankets; as well as making available laundry services through 5 p.m. and showers through 6 p.m. (There have been impacted residents who have already visited the Center.)

  • Residents who want to donate in some way, the Multiservice Center is in need of new (un-used) undergarments and socks, as well as toiletries. But at this time there is no need for clothing. (Clothing, if desired, can be given to Success in Style headquartered in Savage Mill, who is the partner supporting the Multiservice Center clothing service.) And those wanting to donate food or volunteer may connect with partner FISH of Laurel as part of their existing program. I’ve learned some families have setup their own GoFundMe pages – this can be very helpful, but experts recommend doing some due diligence to ensure your donation truly gets to who needs it (as sadly unrelated bad players out there will setup fake accounts).

  • As the scenario unfolds, there may be more targeted ways to help – I’ll post any updates released here so you’ll have a place to reference.

Hopefully the above information is helpful to folks and thank you again Laurel for your big heart and helping hand to those in need in this challenging time.

UPDATE 22 Apr 2025:

  • I’ve learned that St. Mark’s United Methodist Church is holding a Vigil Service this evening (April 22) from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at their location at 601 8th Street. Donations of water, toiletries, non-perishable items, and/or gift cards are being accepted.
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Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding this Sat, Apr 19

This a super helpful event our Department of Public Works puts on a couple times a year for City residents & businesses – An opportunity for you to:

  • Shred old sensitive documents you need to get rid of (you can even stand & watch if you want to see it happen)

  • Recycle electronics like TVs, computers, game systems, stereos, and similar

  • Donate lightly used home goods (save yourself a trip)

  • Safely dispose of old paints/ stains (this one handled by Yuck Old Paint and not free: $5 per container [quart, 1-gallon] or $10 [5-gallon]).

So come on by anytime between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to DPW’s facility at 305 First Street, and be sure to have your ID/ address verification ready to streamline.

Additional details on the DPW event page, and thanks DPW for coordinating!

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Info for City Council Meeting - 14 Apr 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark

  2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk

  3. Approval of Minutes: March 24, 2025- Regular Meeting; April 2, 2025- Work Session

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Appointments: Rosette Ladson, CAC for Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities, 04/14/25-04/14/27

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Bid Recommendation- Cypress Street and Saratoga Avenue Improvements- Department of Public Works

  8. Bid Recommendation- Generator Replacement Project Phase 1 Design- Department of Emergency Management

  9. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 4-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Set the Date, Time and Polling Location for Early Voting in the City of Laurel for the General Election of November 2025

  10. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 5-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Pay Tribute to Emancipation Day

  11. Mayoral Appointment - Chrissy Cornwell, Director, Department of Emergency Management

  12. Mayoral Appointment - Marchelle LeBlanc, Director, Department of Human Services

  13. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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Tip: West Parking Lot on Main Street now Free!

It’s been this way for a little already, but I recently had confirmed that the parking lot at 518 Main Street next to Cork & Bottle is now FREE – you no longer need to ‘feed the meters’ there, and the City team will be updating the lot signage to let folks know.

So if you’re visiting some of the great businesses on the west end of Main Street (like Cork & Bottle, GiGi’s Ice Cream & Cafe, Pretty Pups Pet Care, Laurel Mill Playhouse, Olive on Main, etc.) or other parts nearby, know that you now have any easy option to park close by. 🙂

Some normal restrictions will apply (like no commercial parking, no overnight parking, etc.), but great to see it easier to visit Main Street as a destination to enjoy its offerings!

(P.S. And, of course, there’s the parking lot on the east end of Main Street that’s also free, and even has electric car charging stations.)

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LBOT Ribbon Cutting / Selbourne House / Multiservice Center Grant Highlights & Pics

» Laurel Board of Trade new HQ Ribbon Cutting «

It was good to gather with members of the Laurel Board of Trade (LBOT) on March 14 as they unveiled their new headquarters at 13 C Street, Suite A. The rooms were freshly painted, smartly decorated, and abuzz with small business owners and members of the community there to mark the occasion. I even got to share a little about LBOT’s mission and impact during an interview spot with LaurelTV, below.

Auto-generated description: A group of people is standing together outside a building, with one person holding large ceremonial scissors and a ribbon.

» Selbourne House Community Meeting «

I was honored to be invited to visit with the Selbourne House senior community on Main Street on March 20 as they held their community meeting. One of the focuses of the agenda was street crossing safety at the adjacent Main Street crosswalk, and staff of the Department of Public Works were on hand to review recent safety enhancements as well as discuss next steps ensure everyone feels safe crossing the street. A reminder to all drivers along Main Street: help us all stay safe be staying below the posted speed limit and also keeping an extra eye out at all crossings for people walking.

Auto-generated description: A man is speaking to a seated group in a room with a paper easel in the foreground.

» Laurel Multiservice Center ENOUGH Grant «

On Thursday, March 27, I joined with members of the City, County, and State leadership to celebrate the receipt of the ‘track 1’ of Governor Moore’s ENOUGH Grant program. The $65k grant is part one of a program the Governor has envisioned to alleviate child poverty and funds first steps for the Multiservice Center partners to assist children and their families from Deerfield Run Elementary (around 86% of whom qualify for free school lunches). Sometime in the next 6-12 months, the LMSC hopes to apply for and receive ‘track 2’ of the funding around $500k to implement ideas that were developed during ‘track 1’.

In talking with Maryland Secretary of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Paul Monteiro, I also learned more about the Maryland Corps program he oversees which enables those completing high school or seasoned workers looking to pivot in their career to enter a year of service with sponsoring business, non-profits, or government agencies. Check out the link above for more info, and let me know if you’d be interested to apply for the group forming now.

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Key Spring & Summer Dates around Laurel

As good weather finally starts to emerge, so too do all the great marquee spring and summer events that happen around Laurel! Here are some key ones to mark down on your calendar to be sure not to miss:

  • Eggstravaganza, Saturday, April 12 at 12 p.m. at Gude Park

  • Farmers Market, Thursdays from May 1 to Oct 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Quill Lot on Main Street

  • Lakefest, Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gude Park (Laurel Lakes)

  • Main Street Festival, Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street

  • Music at the Mansion, Friday, May 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gude Mansion (21+)

  • Kids Bike Decorating Parade, Wednesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. at the Laurel Armory

  • Juneteenth, Saturday, June 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gude Park

  • Fourth of July, Saturday, July 5 - various events over course of day with fireworks after nightfall from Gude Park

  • Music at the Mansion, Friday, July 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gude Mansion (21+)

  • Touch-A-Truck, Tuesday, July 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Emancipation Park

  • Doggie Dip Day, Saturday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Greenview Pool

Hope you find opportunity to enjoy at least a few of above in the coming months, and please don’t hesitate to come up and say “hi” at any of these or other events we happen to be at! 👋🏼 😃

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Info for City Council Work Session - 2 Apr 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. (Note: Work Sessions don’t generally have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting.)

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Bid Recommendation- Cypress Street and Saratoga Avenue Improvements- Department of Public Works

  3. Bid Recommendation- Generator Replacement Project Phase 1 Design- Department of Emergency Management

  4. Resolution No. 4-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Set the Date, Time and Polling Location for Early Voting in the City of Laurel for the General Election of November 2025

  5. Resolution No. 5-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Pay Tribute to Emancipation Day

  6. Charter Resolution No.182- A Charter Resolution to Amend the Charter of the City of Laurel, Maryland, by Amending Article 300, Government, and Specifically, Amending Section 320, Clerk to the City Council, Deputy Clerk

  7. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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Free Income Tax Prep at Laurel Armory

Sponsored by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, free tax preparation is being offered in-person at the Laurel Armory on Wednesdays through April 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An appointment is required, so be sure to call 240-473-2955. And you can choose between having an IRS-certified volunteer prepare your taxes, or provide you coaching so you can prepare them yourself.

Tax assistance is free of charge to anyone, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income; You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service.

See graphic below for more info, and certainly avail of this resource if helpful to you! 😀

Auto-generated description: A poster promotes free, in-person tax preparation services by appointment, running Wednesdays from February 5th to April 9th, 2025, at Laurel Armory for those who are 50 or older or cannot afford paid services.
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Coulson Funeral / LARS Movie Premiere / Joanne retirement Highlights & Pics

» Laurel Volunteer Fireman Robert Coulson «

It was an honor to join with family, volunteer firefighters, and the community on February 21 to honor the life and service of Laurel Volunteer Fireman Robert Coulson. I expressed my condolences and appreciation to his siblings and adult children, and also asked to learn how Mr. Coulson first got involved with LVFD. His son shared that his dad had bumped into a LVFD member and expressed interest in joining, shortly after moving the family from Savage to Laurel so he could join, and from that day, served 60 years as a volunteer fireman. Thank you Mr. Coulson for carrying a banner of service to our community! And I encourage anyone who likewise feels a call to this line of service, please reach on out to LVFD as our community needs your help to stand in the gap.

(Photo credit: LVFD)

» LARS No Address Premiere «

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) hosted a special red-carpet premiere of the movie No Address highlighting the realities and challenges of homelessness, and that none of us are immune. I was glad to be present for the special screening event on February 27, to speak and share with one of the members of LARS’ permanent housing program, and to talk with members of LARS staff helping to alleviate this challenge both in Laurel and in the greater PG County community. I hope you get a chance to see the movie if you haven’t already, and you can contribute to the cause with your effort and donations through LARS’ many programs.

»Joanne Barr Retirement after Serving 36 Years«

Although we’ve only had the opportunity to work together briefly, I was appreciative for the opportunity to join in the retirement celebration for Joanne Barr and to thank her for her 36 years of service! Most recently as Deputy City Administrator, helping guide, develop, and direct the City staff. And many years with the Parks & Recreation Department, including as its head. What a great testament to the institutional knowledge and community caring Joanne is, and I hope she remains no stranger around town – I was warmed by her comments that ‘Laurel truly is home for her now’ and we’ll look forward to greeting her at coming events! :)

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Info for City Council Meeting - 24 Mar 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order - Jeffrey W. Mills, Council President Pro Tem

  2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America - Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor

  3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk

  4. Approval of Minutes: March 10, 2025 Regular Meeting

  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  6. Reappointments: Angela O’Neal, Arts Council, 03/24/2025-03/10/2028; Robert Windley, Youth Services Commission, 03/24/2025-03/24/2028

  7. General Public Hearing

  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2039- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2040- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Laurel City Code Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I, Section 16-10 “Elderly and Veteran Tax Credit Program” and Providing An Effective Date

  10. Adjournment

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I’ve introduced Legislation to Update Elderly & Veteran Tax Credit

I’m pleased to introduce legislation this month to the Laurel City Council to update the City’s Elderly & Veteran Property Tax Credit ->

The City’s existing Elderly & Veteran Tax Credit, first adopted in 2020, provides a 20% credit against the City property taxes for qualifying residents. General qualification are: (a) age 65+ and/or a veteran, and (b) lived in the residence for 10+ years.

The catch is that the credit was only available for 5 years, after which a resident could no longer apply for it. This was due to a constraint in the enabling legislation passed at the State of Maryland level.

Thankfully, Maryland later lifted the 5-year limit in 2022, but our residents can’t experience that benefit until we pass legislation at the City level too.

So I’ve introduced Ordinance 2040 to accomplish this, a copy of which can be found in the City Council Meeting packets available from the City’s Agenda page (and a direct link to the Mar 24 meeting packet here).

I’m thankful for support shared by fellow members of Council and hopeful for its passage, but do feel free to share your support with Council and/or send me any questions.

And looking forward to the help it can provide elderly residents in our community to age-in-place and and to thank veterans for their service.

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Small Biz: MD proposing 2.5% Sales Tax on Services - Share your Voice

At tonight’s Council Meeting, I shared that a Maryland bill was just introduced late and is being fast-tracked for hearings with the potential to affect all small businesses, both in the payment of additional taxes and in the requirement for additional compliance ->

House Bill 1554 / Senate Bill 1045 proposes a 2.5% sales tax on many common services used by (and provided by) small businesses, including:

  • Marketing,
  • IT,
  • Accounting/ tax preparation,
  • Financial planning,
  • Photography,
  • Office support & temporary labor,
  • Landscaping,
  • Appraisals,
  • Repair,
  • Sports or performing arts advertisement,
  • and more.

In my opinion, these bills would adversely affect small businesses in our City and State for a variety of reasons, including:

  1. Maryland is already struggling to attract and retain businesses compared to other states. Last year, CNBC ranked Maryland 47th in the cost of doing business and 37th in business friendliness. This policy will further drive business owners and innovation elsewhere, such as DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

  2. It also disproportionately affects the small business owner. The small business owners I talk with are almost universally concerned about how their business is doing, the outlook for the economy, and the impact economic shifts will have on them. They have experienced dips in their revenues combined with increases in their costs. Passing a bill that further increases the cost of services they provide, and further adds to their compliance requirements, only adds salt to their wound at the worst possible time.

While some similar efforts have failed in the past, given Maryland’s current $3 billion deficit, and based on what I’m hearing anecdotally, these bills have a very strong chance of advancing if small business owners don’t let members of the Committee and our State representatives know they oppose it.

ACTIONS:

  • Testimony for the first hearings on Wednesday, Mar 12 closed as of 6 p.m. today. But you can still directly email members of the respective committees. Here is a spreadsheet provided by the MACPA with their names and email addresses.

  • Laurel residents are also represented by Senator James Rosapepe of District 21 who is the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee which will hear the bill on Wednesday. Contacting his office with your position is also a way to directly impact the process.

Timely action will help our State Representatives know where you stand, and please consider sharing with other small businesses to raise awareness for their voice to be heard.

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Info for City Council Meeting - 10 Mar 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Roll Call- Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk

  3. Approval of Minutes: February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting; March 5, 2025 Work Session

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Appointment: Eileen Stokes, Board of Trustees, 03/10/2025-03/10/2029

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Fleet Acquisition- 2025 Ford E-350 Service Body- Department of Public Works

  8. Bid Recommendation- Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program Contract- Laurel Police Department

  9. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2039- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  10. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2040- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Laurel City Code Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I, Section 16-10 “Elderly and Veteran Tax Credit Program” and Providing An Effective Date

  11. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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Laurel Women's History Month celebration *this Sat*, Mar 8

Come on out to the Laurel Multiservice Center this Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate Women’s History Month – There’ll be a keynote address by Shauna F. King, entertainment, mentoring organizations, and more. Councilwoman Christine Johnson has selected the theme of “Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” with a focus on honoring, celebrating, and connecting with mentors for all ages.

It’ll be a good opportunity to see what’s available, connect with neighbors from around town, and enjoy some fun, so come on out! 🎉

Auto-generated description: A flyer announcing a Women's History Month event on March 8, 2025, featuring speaker Shauna F. King at the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center.
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Resources for Adversely Impacted Federal Workers Tonight, Mar 6

If you’ve been impacted by the major shifts in the federal workforce this past few weeks, you may find the special Community Conversation via Zoom this evening hosted by PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen very helpful. He plans to provide an update from Capitol Hill, answer submitted questions, and share resources and information about the path forward.

You can use this link to register for the Zoom call and to also submit any questions you have and would like to see answered.

Related: The State of Maryland recently launched a resource page for impacted federal workers, including a link to state job listings and private sector job listings.

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Reminder: PG County Executive Primary Ends Today & Tomorrow, Mar 4

Reminder that the primary for the Special Election for the new Prince George’s County Executive ends today (last day of Early Voting) and tomorrow (official Primary Election Day).

Related details:

  • The voting location for Laurel is at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center (7120 Contee Rd).

  • Monday, Mar 3 Early Voting Day runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Mar 4 Primary Election Day runs 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • The PG County Executive seat was vacated last fall when sitting Executive Angela Alsobrooks won her run for U.S. Senate.

  • Some good coverage of the candidates and their positions can be found from the Streetcar Suburbs News team (home of The Laurel Independent). Included is news that Jolene Ivey withdrew her candidacy a few weeks ago.

  • And sample ballots and other key information can be found on the official Maryland Board of Elections Special Election page.

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Info for City Council Work Session - 5 Mar 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. (Note: Work Sessions don’t generally have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting.)

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order - Kyla M. Clark, Council President

  2. Fleet Acquisition- 2025 Ford E-350 Service Body- Department of Public Works

  3. Bid Recommendation- Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program Contract- Laurel Police Department

  4. Ordinance No. 2039- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  5. Ordinance No. 2040- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Laurel City Code Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I, Section 16-10 “Elderly and Veteran Tax Credit Program” and Providing An Effective Date

  6. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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My Interview with LaurelTV’s Council Connections

It was a neat experience to be in-studio with the LaurelTV team for my first Council Connections interview where I had an opportunity to share a little background about my myself, some of my experiences on Council, as well as some of my vision for Laurel.

I hope you enjoy watching it as well, and also a note for you: our City has both video and podcast studios that can be made available to individuals, organizations, and small businesses, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the Communications Department for more info. ! 🎥 😀

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Help Alleviate Homelessness at LARS -No Address- Movie Premiere, Feb 27

‘A day before its nationwide release, Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) will be hosting a movie premiere, red carpet event for No Address right here at the Laurel Regal Theaters. The powerful film, produced by Robert Craig Films, sheds light on the experiences of those facing homelessness and inspires viewers to take action to support local nonprofits.’

50% of the net profits will be shared with nonprofits addressing homelessness, including LARS – Right now LARS helps administer 50 rental units throughout northern PG County providing permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, plus later this year will be overseeing the new transitional housing units at the Laurel Multiservice Center.

So come on out, support a good cause, walk the red carpet, and let’s all help to alleviate homelessness and lift up those in need right around us.

More details in the graphic below, tickets can be purchased online, and be sure also visit the LARS No Address page for additional information.