∞

Laurel Police host National Night Out next Tue, Aug 5

National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police and community partnerships. It’s also a great excuse to bring out the entire family for a night of FREE food, music, meet the K-9 unit, see a Rescue Squad vehicle extract and just enjoy being outside around Laurel Lakes with our community.

Come from 6 to 8 p.m. at Granville Gude Park next to the lake (there’s also an adjoining playground for the kids). This is also a perfect opportunity to interact with our local police department, share thoughts, ask questions, and build relationships. I can guarantee you’ll find them open, interested, and wanting to connect as they truly take to heart their pledge to protect and serve.

This a great tradition we have here in Laurel and I know you’ll enjoy being a part! 👮🏼👮🏾‍♀️🚓🙂

∞

Important Changes to Konterra Master Plan + Your Voice

Konterra has been ‘under development’ for almost half a century, but ground finally started to break last fall and actual construction is currently underway on Phase 1 townhome units.

However, significant changes to the development plan are being proposed, due in no small part to the changing economic landscape both since plans were first adopted and more recent shifts.

As reported by Voices of Laurel in their Facebook post recap’ing Monday’s Town Hall meeting hosted by PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga:

Konterra was to include 3 downtowns with anchor stores and 24 local centers. Changes in the real estate market, the demise of department stores, and other factors have necessitated changes to the 2035 Master Plan. Developers now propose more housing, smaller but more plentiful shops, walking and biking paths, and activity centers

Although Konterra is just outside Laurel City limits, it promises to have a big impact on our town and region. And as residents of District 1 of Prince Georges County, all City residents have a voice and part to play in the direction Konterra goes. Councilmember Dernoga has stressed that input from the public is a critical part of the development plan changes, and you can reach out directly to his offices with any questions, thoughts, or ideas.

A couple resource for you as well:

Auto-generated description: Aerial map highlighting a planned development with marked phases and adjacent suburban and urban areas.

∞

Juneteenth / MML Conference / City Hall in the Park - Highlights & Pics

»Juneteenth Festival«

The first half of the summer has been chock full of great activities, including our City’s Juneteenth Festival marking Freedom Day when the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas at the end of the Civil War. Residents and vendors were out for a beautiful afternoon, including guest vocalists and the Laurel Boys & Girls Club Wildcats (one of whom is pictured below receiving a special proclamation from the Mayor). I also had a chance to connect with Mr. Joseph Fisher of First Generation College Bound and listened as he shared the importance of a values-driven culture supporting youth to provide them a springboard to their future. If you haven’t been out to City’s annual Juneteenth Festival, I recommend you check it out and help mark this important turning point in our nation’s history.

Auto-generated description: A group of people stands together outdoors, with one young woman holding an award, surrounded by musical instruments and vibrant decorations.

Photo credit: City of Laurel

»Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference«

Each year hundreds and hundreds of Maryland’s Mayors, Councilmembers, City Department Heads, and more convene for an annual summer conference to learn and share ways to help their municipalities be successful. Certification classes I took at the event included topics such as Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, Municipal Employment Law, Social Media & 1st Amendment, Planning for Continuity of Operations, and Cyber risks for Municipal Governments. I also participated in the pre-conference tour of the historic town of Snow Hill where I connected with their Economic Development Director and Main Street Non-profit & got a number of good ideas to bring back to Laurel (more to come on that down the road).

Auto-generated description: A person stands next to large letters spelling MML with Maryland Municipal League written below.

»City Hall in the Park«

A great way to connect with City elected representatives and City Departments are at the monthly summer City Halls in the Park. This month’s was held at Marcus Colbert Community Park and was well attended, featured food and kid face painting, and a great opportunity to connect and hear questions and topics on everyone’s minds. I met a couple who had just moved to Laurel two weeks prior and were able to share experiences and ideas for work they have done that will help benefit Laurel. And during our open Q&A session, multiple residents shared their interest in seeing Laurel attract a great array of businesses to build up the economic vibrancy of our town, something very near and dear to my heart as well. Thank you for everyone who came out, to our City team for putting on the event, and the next one will be on Thursday, August 28 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenview Drive Cabana.

Photo credit: City of Laurel

∞

Caring for the Patchwork of Alleys in Old Town

You may not even notice them if you’re not looking, but scattered all across Old Town in Laurel are short and long alleys that run behind many of the houses. Fixtures of a bygone era, some are indiscernible without a survey, others are regularly used by residents to access their back driveways, and others are slowly degrading with time.

As time has gone on, one of the challenges has been figuring out which ones belong to whom, since they go so far back to a time when records are scarce – Many are considered part of each resident’s private property, some are public and used by the City, and others are considered abandoned. When it comes to upkeep, then, the question has become who has ultimate jurisdiction for each alley?

Around 2020/ 2021, the City undertook a research project to figure out as best it could what all the alleyways were, how they were being used, and which belonged to whom. That effort got distilled down into Resolution 9-21 signed into law in October 2021 providing a table of alleys and a protocol for approaching their maintenance and possible improvement.

The gist is that the City pro-actively maintains the City-owned and/or officially used alleys, while residents ultimately retain responsibility for resident-owned alley ways. Some protocols are laid out for those resident-owned alleys where the City can opt to help shoulder some costs for improvements, but legal ownership of those still remains with the residents.

If you happen to be impacted, or are just curious to learn more, here’s a copy of Resolution 9-21, also available from the Office for the Clerk to the Council.

∞

Konterra Plan Town Hall on Mon, Jul 28

One of the biggest impacts to the Laurel area over the next 5-10 years will be the development of the Konterra property just south of the City’s bottom border. Decades in the works, ground was finally broken last fall and the vision of bringing mixed-use structures to the expansive location is now underway.

But there’s a proposed change to the plan for the area and public comment is critical to the process. At the Town Hall hosted by our PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga, Konterra representatives will present the latest concepts for the Town Center and surrounding properties, and representatives of property owners will be on hand.

You can register in advance or simply show up to be a part of the conversation on what is headed our way – Additional details in the event graphic below.

Auto-generated description: A town hall meeting for the Subregion 1 Master Plan Amendment discussing Konterra and the surrounding area is advertised for July 28, 2025, hosted by Council Member Tom Dernoga at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center.
∞

A Field of Community Fun at Touch-A-Truck + Helicopter Visit​

I couldn’t help but be struck by the view as I walked across McCullough Field with my kiddos on Tuesday –

A group of families were wrapping up a youth football practice, a bunch of men were playing an energetic game of pick-up soccer, there were kids out on the playground swinging & running around, doubles teams having a good volley out on the tennis courts, and across the field was the amazing sight of a Maryland State Trooper helicopter that had just landed and was giving tours & photos as part of the City’s Touch-A-Truck event. I even stopped to take a short video pan of the moment:

I was struck by the feeling: this is what community is all about. People spending time with each other, having fun, creating stories, meeting new friends, all doing different things, but all part of the same thing.

A big smile came across my face – and I also captured this pic courtesy of the Parks & Rec team as a family memory for our photo album. Cheers Laurel! 🍻

Auto-generated description: A group of people, including children and adults, are posing happily in and around a Maryland State Police helicopter.
∞

Info for City Council Meeting - 28 Jul 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.

Join in-person, 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 sign-up when you arrive in person or reach out to the City Clerk’s office. (See my post for how to share your voice at Council Meetings.)

AGENDA

  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: July 2, 2025 Work Session; July 14, 2025 Special Work Session; July 14, 2025 Regular Meeting

  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  6. Mayoral Appointment: Adina Reno, Bicycle and Pedestrian CAC, 07/28/2025-07/28/2028

  7. General Public Hearing

  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 7-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, Expressing Support for Woodland Job Corps Center and Urging Continued Federal Funding for the Job Corps Program

  9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2037- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 7 “Garbage, Waste, Weeds, Recycling, Etc.,” Section 7-35 “Organics Composting Program”, Section 7-36 “Public Education and Enforcement,” Section 7-37 “Inspections and Investigations by City,” and Section 7-38 “Penalties,” and Adding Section 7-37.1 Notice of Violation and Providing for an Effective Date.

  10. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2042- 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

  11. Bid Recommendation- Pipe Repairs- Van Dusen Road Dam- Department of Public Works

  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

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

City Hall in the Park on Thu, Jul 24

Laurel City Hall is coming to you in the next installment of the City Hall in the Park series – We’ll be visiting Marcus Colbert Community Field off Contee Road this Thursday, July 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is a perfect opportunity to learn the latest developments around town, connect with Department Heads and elected representatives, get your questions answered, share ideas, meet neighbors, and more.

This year, the City has also been serving hot dogs and hosting yard games (like corn hole) to make it even more inviting (and also help provide an outlet for the kids while parents key in on the talk).

So free food, free fun, and showing some Laurel love – a perfect combo. Hope to see you there! 🙂

Auto-generated description: A community event flyer details City Hall in the Park in Laurel, Maryland, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, at Marcus Colbert Community Field from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM with illustrations of people enjoying outdoor activities.
∞

Touch-A-Truck kid event *tomorrow*, Tue, Jul 20

So many kids love trucks! 🛻 And here’s a way to get up close and personal – Everything from tractors, to police cars, to tow trucks, to fire trucks, and more!

PLUS: Laurel’s Parks & Rec team usually have some fun games up their sleeves, like last year there was the bubble machine 🫧 and yard games!

So kids: Grab an adult’s hand and find your way down to Emancipation Park (near the library/ McCullough Field) on Tue, Jul 22 between 6:30 - 8 p.m. where the road will be closed and you can walk up-and-down to see all manner of trucks, climb inside, take pictures, and meet your neighbors.

This one is another favorite of my kiddos and is always a lot of fun! Thank you Parks & Rec team, Laurel Library, and PGCMLS for sponsoring!

Auto-generated description: A poster for a Touch-A-Truck event at Emancipation Park features illustrations of a fire truck, police car, and event details, emphasizing safety and community engagement.
∞

I’m Exploring Updates to Use & Occupancy Permits for Small Businesses

I shared in Monday’s Council Meeting that I’m currently working on a project to explore updates to our Use & Occupancy Permit code as it relates to the relatively newer types of commercial spaces loosely described as ‘shared spaces’ (e.g., like ‘co-working’ offices).

I’ve had some initial conversations with property owners, small businesses, as well as the City team, and am in the midst of exploring and researching various alternatives that can fit these types of spaces to achieve the dual goals of: (a) keeping our residents safe, and (b) promoting our local small business economy. Through a collaborative effort, I believe there’s a great opportunity here to further equip Laurel with a strong infrastructure and as a platform for small businesses growth.

To that end, if you’re:

  1. A property owner/ manager of a ‘shared space’,
  2. A small business owner/ operator within a ‘shared space’, or
  3. Otherwise interested

Please use this form to ask to be kept in the loop and/or to share your thoughts. Based on my initial work, as many as 300+ small businesses in Laurel may be affected, and everyone’s perspective, help, and ideas is an important contribution. Thank you! 🙂

∞

Native Plant Garden Tour tomorrow, Jul 20

You may have noticed all types of new ‘native gardens’ popping up around town and wondered what all the ‘buzz’ was about. (a little pun fun 😉)

Well here’s your chance – Sacred Grounds and Laurel for the Patuxent are collaborating to host a free Native Plant Garden Tour tomorrow, Saturday, July 20 from 4 - 6 p.m. where they’ll visit a few of the native gardens around town and you’ll have a chance to learn about what beautiful plants are native to this area, how it helps our local ecology, and how to even get started on one of your own, be it small or big.

There’s sure to be some good tips, new learnings, AND new friends, so you won’t want to miss! Just be sure to register in advance, which’ll also provide you the address for the first stop on the tour to join up with the group.

For those who may not be familiar, Sacred Grounds is a program of the National Wildlife Federation that seeks to “recognize congregations, houses of worship, and faith communities who both create wildlife habitat and actively link faith practices and caring for the environment.” They are looking to partner with faith communities in Laurel and even have grant money available for those interested – To learn more about the program you can visit the Sacred Grounds page, and feel free to reach out to me and I can put you in touch with the local contact.

∞

General Election Candidate Info Session on Tue, Jul 15

Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m., the City will conduct a Candidate Information Session for anyone interested to run in the General Election this November 4.

The session will be in Council Chambers at the Municipal Center and will cover topics like: (a) our City form of government, (b) the official election calendar, (c) candidacy filing requirements & guidelines, and more. Note that Candidate Packets cannot be picked up (or dropped off) during the session – the Clerk asks that applicants reach out to her directly to schedule an appointment to do so at “elections AT laurel.md.us”. If you’re curious to see some of the main components of Candidate Packet, here’s what many of the main pages look like. The Clerk’s Office will accept completed packets through noon on Friday, July 25.

Additional information can be found on the event’s official announcement page.

∞

Mayor has issued Executive Order for Temporary Juvenile Curfew

Just released: Effective beginning today, July 11, the Mayor has released an Executive Order for a curfew for those under 17 years old between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The Order lasts through August 31, and does contain exceptions for things like: (a) accompanied by your parent/ guardian, (b) returning directly home within hour of an event closing (such as movie), and (c) those engaged in verifiable employment during those hours.

Additional details can be found in the Executive Order pictured below and in the City’s official press release.

∞

Info for Special Work Session & City Council Meeting - 14 Jul 2025

Monday, July 14 is a double-header for Council, containing (a) Special Work Session at 5:30 p.m. (for a budget and bid item), plus (b) the regularly scheduled Council Meeting at 6 p.m. As per pattern for 2nd Monday of the month meetings, both will be held virtually.

Note that there’s no “public hearing” (i.e., public comment) component to the Work Session, but there is to the regular Council Meeting. (See my recent post for how to share your voice at Council Meetings.) And I’ve provided both meeting agendas below separately, so you’ll be able to tell what is happening in which meeting. To sign up to speak, be sure to email the Clerk no later than 2 p.m. the day of the meeting at “clerk AT laurel.md.us”.

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.

AGENDA - SPECIAL WORK SESSION

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

  2. Ordinance No. 2042- 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

  3. Bid Recommendation- Pipe Repairs- Van Dusen Road Dam- Department of Public Works

  4. Adjournment

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

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

  3. Approval of Minutes: May 28, 2025 Special Work Session; May 28, 2025 Regular Meeting; June 4, 2025 Work Session; June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Reappointments: Eileen Collins, Youth Services Commission, 07/14/2025-07/14/2028; Joseph DiGiovanni, Tree Board, 07/14/2025-07/14/2027; Ayele Negussie, Education Advisory Committee, 07/14/2025-07/14/2027; Toi Davis, Education Advisory Committee, 07/14/2025-07/14/2027

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Bid Recommendation- LA 25-010- Eighth Street Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  8. Bid Recommendation- LA 25-011 Carriage Hill Drive and Carriage Hill Lane Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 6-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Adopting the 2025 City of Laurel Sustainability Plan

  10. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 7-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, Expressing Support for Woodland Job Corps Center and Urging Continued Federal Funding for the Job Corps Program

  11. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2037- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 7 “Garbage, Waste, Weeds, Recycling, Etc.,” Sections 7-36. Public Education and Enforcement, Section 7-38. Penalties and Adding Section 7-37.1 Notice of Violation and Providing for an Effective Date

  12. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2042- 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

  13. Mayoral Appointment- Nekesa Matlock, Deputy City Administrator

  14. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

My Proposed Updates to Compost Ordinance Enforcement Provisions

In a previous post, I shared that in 2023, the then-sitting Council adopted a mandatory composting program for the City with the goals of creating a healthier environment and saving the City money on tipping fees.

I also mentioned that this month, the current Council is considering updates to the Ordinance during its meetings. The edits cover a few different topic areas, and as part of the updates, I was interested to revisit the enforcement approach described in the original Ordinance to ensure it was balanced.

My goal was that with the City adopting this program, the enforcement provisions should be no more expansive than those already followed by our Code Enforcement team - A big first step being: always begin with a notice (and not a penalty). This allows for building awareness, conversations, and is a much more human/ personal first step when compared with the existing Ordinance provision allowing to jump straight to penalties without any requirement for notice.

The other key piece for me is that, especially in light of the new trash truck equipment Council approved last fall, any inspections can occur curb-side during trash collection and there’s no need to enter a resident’s yard, deck, fence, etc. For me, this comes from a principle that residents should have a reasonable expectation for peaceful enjoyment of their property that should only be overridden by an adequately serious circumstance, like a ‘life safety’ concern. To me, composting does not rise to this level, and practically speaking, it’s more effectively and efficiently accomplished through the simpler means.

As always, your voice helps me shape legislation and make decisions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any thoughts or ideas. And composting is a relatively new program for the City, so please also feel free to ask questions, seek answers, gather information, and provide feedback to the City team as they rollout the program - they are looking to facilitate and help.

UPDATE: This legislation passed by unanimous vote at the 28 Jul 2025 Council Meeting.

∞

Bike Parade / Father’s Day Breakfast / SAL Flag Retirement Ceremony — Highlights & Pics

»Bike Parade«

The Bike Parade has become one of my kids’ favorite events around town as they have the opportunity to spiff up their bike, prove their skills on a small course, then cruise up & down a stretch of closed road, all capped off with an ice cream. What’s not to like? :) It’s also been a way to mark their growing bike skills each year, as our oldest started off on his balance bike and now is a confident two wheeler, while our #2 needed me as a steadying hand on his bike this year as he gets more comfortable in his abilities. It was great also to see so many kids out, having a good time, and families getting to meet and build community. Thank you to Parks & Rec and co-sponsor Laurel Police for hosting this event which is a big hit for the little ones!

(Photo credit: The Laurel Independent - and you can barely see me at the very back helping steady my little guy at the starting line.) :)

»Father’s Day Breakfast«

Being a father is a special joy and a special responsibility, and dads can definitely help build each other up in our task of guiding and caring for our little (or not-so-little) ones. So it was an honor to join with fathers from around Laurel to take a moment to recognize each other, say hello, and draw strength in our shared work. Thank you to Councilman Mills for being inspired to put on this event, it was a pleasure to sit with U.S. Congressman Ivey and hear him share from his experiences as a father, and a word of encouragement to all fathers out there: you are a critical thread in the fabric of your young one’s lives, you are valued, you are needed, and you are not alone - reach out and form bonds that will strengthen you in your walk, as we all pull best when we all pull together.

»Son’s of American Legion Flag Retirement Ceremony«

One of my vivid memories as a youth a Scout summer camp was attending and participating in a flag retirement ceremony. Many folks may not be familiar with this type of ceremony, but it’s a way to respectfully and ceremonially dispose of flags which have flown faithfully and are no longer serviceable. The Sons of the American Legion hosted just such a ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, and I was happy to be there with the Cub Scout Pack I help lead to observe and participate. On a related note, if you have an American flag that has seen better days and is ready to be retired, you can drop it off in the red painted ‘post box’ out in front of the American Legion located at 2 Main Street. And if you happen to come during open hours, you can even come inside and they’ll be happy to provide you with a replacement 3x5 flag to continue proudly flying anew. Also related, if you’re a descendent of a veteran, you may find you’d like to join the Sons of the American Legion and can learn more information on their page.

Auto-generated description: People are standing outdoors near a baseball field, saluting with their right hands raised.
∞

Laurel's 4th of July Celebration Set to Begin!

It’s almost here! - Celebration of the 4th of July in Laurel, a long and proud tradition!

As you may have heard, there are some important changes to this year’s event to be aware of, such as the new parade route and start time – see my previous 4th of July post for more details about those.

Some key bits of info for your planning this weekend:

  • Remember: The City’s festivities will happen on Saturday, July 5.

  • The parade starts at 3 p.m. from 4th & Marshall, and concludes at 4th & Cherry.

  • Gude Park around Laurel Lakes will have vendors open starting at 3 p.m., family fun activities starting at 4 p.m., and live music starting at 5:15 p.m.

  • The ‘big event’ will start at 8:45 p.m. with an opening ceremony, then fireworks blasting off starting at 9:15 p.m.

  • Remember that car and foot traffic in the area will be modified: Cherry Lane will be closed around Laurel Lakes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for both cars and pedestrians. As a result, pedestrians coming from the north side can access Gude Park by either following Ashford Boulevard across Cherry Lane and entering the park from the back side, or winding your way to the Harris Teeter shopping area and crossing at the traffic light. (see map below)

  • During the parade, there will be a Water Station at the judge’s stand on Domer Court. And over at Gude Park, there’ll be a First Aid Station at the lakehouse and a misting station onsite.

  • Real-time updates & alerts for the event can be received by texting “LAURELMD4TH” to 888777.

You can catch additional details via the City’s Press Release for the 4th and the 4th of July Commitee’s website.

Happy 4th everybody and see you there! 🎆

∞

Mandatory Composting takes effect today, July 1

In May 2023, the then sitting City Council passed Ordinance 2010 establishing a mandatory organic recycling program for Laurel with the goal of contributing both to a healthier environment (e.g., through reduced harmful methane emissions at landfills) and saving the City money (e.g., since tipping fees at organic recycling facilities are less than half that at the landfill).

The timeline provided in the Ordinance was:

  • Oct 1, 2023 through Dec 31, 2025 would be an ‘education period’ to distribute information about the composting program and how it works;

  • Jul 1, 2025 would be the official date on which organic recycling would be required; and

  • Dec 1, 2025 would be the official date on which the penalties provided for in the Ordinance could be applied.

Some updates to share with you on developments since that time:

  • At this stage, the City has distributed organic bins to all single family and townhomes along with information pamphlets and materials.

  • While various ideas have been proposed, the approach for multi-family dwellings (e.g., places with combined trash disposal, like condos) is still being figured out.

  • Last fall, the City also began the process of equipping DPW refuse trucks with RFID readers & cameras to streamline evaluation of bin contents.

The City has a Composting Tips & FAQs page with a number of practical suggestions collected from the pilot phase, and the Organics Recycling page and Green Living page can also be strong sources of information about the City’s efforts as well as containing contact information for any questions (x2203 from the City’s main line at 301-725-5300 and “GreenLiving AT laurel.md.us”).

(Side note: Some updates to the original Ordinance are being considered during the Council meeting cycle this July, including some changes to the enforcement process I’ve proposed for consideration. You can check out the July Work Session post for some links, and I’ll plan to create a separate blog post with additional details here soon.)

∞

How to Share Your Voice at Council Meetings

The “public hearing” component of Council Meetings are the most important in my opinion, because it’s the opportunity for you to share your voice. But unless you’ve done it before, it can be a big question mark of how to actually accomplish.

There’s no need to be nervous, however, and here are tips I like to share with folks to help get them comfortable:

  1. The meeting cycle for City Council typically follows the monthly pattern of (a) first Wednesday, a Work Session, (b) second Monday, a regular Council Meeting, and (c) fourth Monday, a second regular Council Meeting. (Occasionally there’s adjustments for holidays or similar, but you can check the City’s meeting page to confirm.)

  2. I mention the monthly pattern, because “public hearing” components do not usually occur in the Work Session, but do occur at the ‘regular’ Council Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays.

  3. “Public hearing” components usually take one of two forms: Either (a) you sign up to speak about a specific agenda item when it’s arrived at, or (b) you sign up to speak during the “General Public Hearing” agenda item, where you can share on any topic you’d like even if it’s not on that night’s agenda.

  4. Since the Council Meetings that take place on the second Monday of the month are typically held via Zoom, signing up to speak requires that you email the Clerk to the Council no later than 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting (“[email protected]”).

  5. And since the Council Meetings that take place on the fourth Monday of each month are typically held in-person at the Municipal Center (8103 Sandy Spring Road), you can simply add your name to the physical sign-up list just inside the Council Chamber doors when you arrive. (Often as the Council President comes to various agenda items, they’ll also confirm if anyone present wants to speak, though this is not required.)

  6. Once it comes your turn, you’ll have three minutes to share your thoughts. At first glance, that can seem a short time, but in practice it’s usually very adequate to make the points you want mention. Of course, having a few bulleted notes for yourself will help you avoid forgetting something in the moment.

  7. Pro tip: With a change to Council Rules last fall, if five or more attendees are present for the same topic and wanted to join together as a group, they can designate a spokesperson who will then have five minutes instead of the normal three.

I hope the above is helpful to demystify how to share your voice at Council Meetings, and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions — One of my deepest satisfactions comes from helping equip people to participate in the political process as it is ultimately a treasure for all of us to hold dear.

∞

Info for City Council Work Session - 2 Jul 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- LA 25-010- Eighth Street Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  3. Bid Recommendation- LA 25-011 Carriage Hill Drive and Carriage Hill Lane Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  4. Resolution No. 7-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, Expressing Support for Woodland Job Corps Center and Urging Continued Federal Funding for the Job Corps Program

  5. Ordinance No. 2037- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 7 “Garbage, Waste, Weeds, Recycling, Etc.,” Sections 7-36. Public Education and Enforcement, Section 7-38. Penalties and Adding Section 7-37.1 Notice of Violation and Providing for 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.