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Info for City Council Work Session - 4 Jun 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. Resolution No. 6-2025 - A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Adopting the 2025 City of Laurel Sustainability Plan

  3. Bid Recommendation - Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 3 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  4. Bid Recommendation - LA 25-009- Stanley Place Road Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  5. Bid Recommendation - Purchase of Ammunition- Laurel Police Department

  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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Kids Bike Parade this Wed, Jun 4

A perennial favorite, this Wednesday you’ll want to be sure not to miss Laurel’s Kids Bike Parade co-sponsored by Parks & Rec + Laurel Police.

There’ll be decorations available for elementary-aged children to be-dazzle their bike or scooter, then navigate a basic obstacle course, followed by a mini-parade along a stretch of Montgomery Street, and capped off by some yummy ice cream!

So come on out to the Laurel Armory at 422 Montgomery Street starting at 6 p.m., bring your wheels + helmet, and have some great summer fun! :)

Auto-generated description: A poster advertises a Bike Parade event for elementary-aged children, requiring helmets, bikes or scooters, and a good attitude, happening on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 PM at Laurel Armory, with free admission and no registration needed.
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Info for Special Work Session & City Council Meeting - 28 May 2025

Wednesday, May 28 is another double-header for Council, containing both (a) another Work Session at 5 p.m. (to continue working on the election law re-write), plus (b) the regularly scheduled Council Meeting at 6 p.m. Both will be held in-person at the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 8103 Sandy Spring Road.

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. To sign up to speak, you contact the Clerk in advance at [email protected], and since the meeting is in person, you can also add your name to the sign-up sheet upon arrival.

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 - ELECTION LAW WORK SESSION

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

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

  3. Adjournment

AGENDA - CITY 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 28, 2025- Special Work Session; April 28, 2025- Regular Meeting; April 28, 2025- Closed Session; May 1, 2025- Budget Work Session; May 7, 2025- Work Session; May 12, 2025- Budget Work Session; May 12, 2025- Regular Meeting

  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. (If advanced) 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

  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2041 - An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  9. 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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Joint Memorial Day Service this Sunday, May 25

Memorial Day Weekend is here, a time certainly for family and food, but also an important time to pause and reflect on those who have died while serving in uniform in the protection of our country. If you can, I’d encourage you to join the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel Rescue Squad, American Legion, and Laurel Police Department for a memorial wreath laying at each of the memorials in Ivy Hill Cemetary with a short service to follow. It’ll be a great way join with our community to mark the true meaning of the day.

The wreath laying begins at 10:45 a.m. and additional details can be found in the graphic below. Thank you to all who have served!

Auto-generated description: The flyer is an invitation to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department's 52nd Annual Joint Memorial Day Service on May 25, 2025, with details about the wreath laying and program schedule.
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Preakness Preview // City Hall in Park // Main Street Festival - Highlights & Pics

»Preakness Preview Race held at Laurel Park«

Laurel Park race track hosted Preakness Preview on April 19, extending an invitation to Council and Mayor to join in the celebration. It was a pleasure to bring the family along to take in this landmark that’s been a cornerstone of Laurel since 1911, especially since it’s set to be demolished and redeveloped in 2027. At the event, I had the chance to meet the Preakness Festival chief organizer who shared with us plans for next year when the Preakness will be hosted in Laurel. Organizers want to turn the day event into a weeks long event similar to that held at the Kentucky Derby, and I was keen to suggest Laurel small businesses would love to be a part of the preparations once they begin! More to come on that front, but for now keep your eyes turned to PreaknessFestival.com for information as we approach May 2026.

Auto-generated description: A woman with glasses and a young child, who has chocolate on their face, are sitting at a table with plates and watching horse racing at a track.

» City Hall in the Park «

The summer series of “City Hall in the Park” is back, and on April 24 I joined with members of the City team, Council, and the Mayor at Gude Park to connect with neighbors. I was able to talk with at least 5 to 10 individuals to help answer questions, connect them with City resources, and let them know about upcoming summer kids activities too. If you missed this one, they’re being held each month at a different park around town – the next is on Thu, May 22 at Discovery Park and you can also contact me to find out the additional future dates/ locations. This year there’s free food, a DJ providing music, kids activities, and more – So you can bring your little ones for some fun while you get your question answered and/or hear the latest developments for our town.

Auto-generated description: Six people standing outdoors in a line, facing the camera, with trees and a building in the background. (Photo Credit: City of Laurel)

» Main Street Festival «

Despite a rough start, it was so good to see so many smiling faces and vendors out at this year’s Main Street Festival. I saw yummy food (ice cream, fresh rotisserie, funnel cake, & more), crafts (sewing, painted furniture, Laurel-inspired items, & more), non-profits (Laurel Historical Society, Laurel Cats, Women’s Club, Voices of Laurel, & more), kids fun zone, music, and more. I was also able to help welcome Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman to Main Street and guide her around the various booths. In addition, I staffed our City Council table for a couple hours, helping answer resident questions and hand out free stickers and candy. Thank you to the Laurel Board of Trade for all the hard work in putting on this event – it’s a staple of Laurel life and we’re so grateful to kick-off the summer each year celebrating Laurel Main Street with pride!

Auto-generated description: A man taking a selfie at an outdoor event with tents, booths, and people in the background.
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Budget Funding for The Laurel Independent Restored

I’m happy to report that, in no small part due to you sharing your voice, the Administration yesterday revised the proposed FY2026 budget to restore funding for The Laurel Independent at a level that will enable them to continue operating this coming year.

Thank you to everyone who replied to the online poll I created to gather your feedback – it was helpful to know resident’s interests first-hand, and also played a role in demonstrating the breadth of community support for the local paper. Thank you also to those who expressed a “no” – I also heard your voice and the good reasons you shared. In my mind, there’s now space to continue exploring the possibilities for our paper and how best to support the connectedness it can foster for our community.

If you’re so inclined, please also consider making a small monthly donation to the paper as part of helping them continue their work.

Thank you again and please don’t hesitate to reach out on this or any other budget items you may have a question on!

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Donate toward beautiful Robbins Mural on Main Street

A number of residents have shared with me that they’d love to see more beautiful murals around town – And so it was with great excitement that I caught wind earlier this year that Laurel for the Patuxent was looking to do just such a thing right on Main Street. And while at the Main Street Festival this past weekend, I was able to see first-hand what the mural will look like and some of its background story.

The mural will be on the side wall of the Quick Mart located at 500 Main Street (facing 5th Street) and features famous Laurel resident Chandler Robbins (1918-2017) known the world over as a lover of birds, a dedicated research ornithologist, and a deeply committed bird conservationist.

You can learn more about his life and work on a US Geological Survey tribute page and what a neat way to showcase a unique part of Laurel’s story as well as bring beauty to our streetscape on Main Street.

And YOU can be a part of making this vision happen – Visit Laurel for the Patuxent’s website and click the Donate button towards the mural (or send checks to the listed address) to be part of Laurel’s history. They need to reach $17,820 and are at $3,156, so you can get in on the bottom floor!

Thanks to L4P for undertaking this project to enhance our City and to everyone taking part in whatever way they can – Look forward to seeing this go live in the not-too-distant future! 🎨😀

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Seeking your Input on Budget Funding for The Laurel Independent

(UPDATE 13 May 2025: Budget funding was restored for the Independent – See related blog post for additional details.)

I’m seeking your input on the proposed FY2026 City budget currently before Council – One of the items we’re looking at is the level proposed by the Administration for The Laurel Independent within the “Community Promotions” budget.

For the last few years, the City has budgeted $60k for the The Laurel Independent, initiated as part of a cooperative plan to continue a local paper when the 124-year old Laurel Leader was discontinued by its parent publisher. The Independent has combined this amount with their other funding sources to publish a monthly newspaper mailed to each household. Inside, the City is provided a four-page insert where they can publish official notices, City news, legislative actions, City events, resident information, and other coverage, translating to a cost to the City of about $0.17/ copy.

The proposed FY2026 budget reduces the line item amount to $24k, a 60% decrease that the Independent has indicated is not sufficient for them to continue operations and would necessitate them shutting the paper down.

The Council began conversations about this question earlier this week at its May 7 Budget Work Session, and you can see some the thoughts I shared there (starts at timestamp 1:37:59):

As we weigh this line item and its impact on our City, I’m interested to hear your thoughts too – I’ve put together an unofficial Google survey below as a way of helping me understand your preference, and I appreciate your time and feedback.

And below, you can see the cumulative replies thus far:

Your input is valued, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly as well!

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Info for Budget Work Session & City Council Meeting - 12 May 2025

Monday, May 12 is another double-header for Council, containing both (a) another Work Session at 5 p.m. (to continue working on the budget), plus (b) the regularly scheduled Council Meeting 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. To sign up to speak, contact the Clerk at [email protected] no later than 2:00 pm the day of the meeting.

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 - BUDGET WORK SESSION

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

  2. Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  3. 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: April 28, 2025- Special Work Session Minutes; May 1, 2025- Budget Work Session Minutes; May 7, 2025- Work Session Minutes

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Appointment: The Honorable Michael R. Leszcz, Board of Pension Trustees, 05/12/25-05/12/29

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Bid Recommendation- LA25-008- Independence Day Fireworks- 2025- Laurel 4th of July Committee

  8. Bid Recommendation- Replacement of Granville Gude Park Lake Fountains- Department of Parks and Recreation

  9. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 1 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  10. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 2 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  11. Fleet Acquisition- Grapple Truck- Department of Public Works

  12. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on 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

  13. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  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.
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Celebrate Laurel at our Main Street Festival this Sat, May 10!

It’s one of Laurel’s BIG traditions, and heralds the arrival of early summer each year –> the Main Street Festival! 🥳

There’s food, there’s local small businesses, there’s crafts, there’s music, there’s a parade, there’s kids activities, and there’s more!

And the weather’s looking perfect – So come out, get a taste of Laurel, see old friends, and make new ones – Right here on our hometown Main Street!

Auto-generated description: A colorful festival poster announces Main Street Festival with details about activities, date, and time.
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Metro Bus System Complete Route Changes start June 29

After two-and-a-half years of planning, Metro is launching a completely new bus route system on Sunday, June 29.

  • All Metrobus routes will have new route names

  • Some stops will be added, eliminated, or moved

  • And there’ll be changes to routes, hours of operation, and frequency

Bottom line: If you take advantage of the Metro bus system at any point, you’ll want to check out these updates:

  1. Use the Route Comparison Tool to input your current route and see it mapped to the new routes

  2. Use the Trip Planner Tool to map out a new route using the new route system.

  3. See the high-level bus service map for Maryland.

  4. And learn more about the changes, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and access resources (including multiple languages).

UPDATE 16 May 2025: A new smartphone app has also been released: MetroPulse, first on iOS and Android to come very soon.

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Info for City Council Work Session - 7 May 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- LA25-008- Independence Day Fireworks- 2025- Laurel 4th of July Committee

  3. Bid Recommendation- Replacement of Granville Gude Park Lake Fountains- Department of Parks and Recreation

  4. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 1 Engineering Services - Department of Public Works

  5. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 2 Engineering Services - Department of Public Works

  6. Fleet Acquisition- Grapple Truck- Department of Public Works

  7. Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  8. 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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The City's Proposed FY2026 Budget is Out

This Thursday, May 1 from 6 - 8 p.m. the City Council will have its first Budget Work Session to review and ask questions about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget (covering Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026).

A very high-level look at the figures – $46.2 million in revenues and expenses.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the revenues by source:

And here’s a basic breakdown of the expenses by general department categories:

Of course, the details are where it’s at – here’s a link to the loosely 360-page budget document.

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

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Summary of Proposed Changes to Laurel's Election Laws

The complete re-write of Laurel’s elections laws are back before Council this coming week (following their first appearance earlier this year on February 5).

There’s 45+ pages of documents and edits, a lot of it typographical and syntax related, but also with some significant changes/ deletions/ and new additions. You can find the official version on the City’s Meetings page (look for meeting packets for April 28).

Below I’ve provided a summary of what I read as the more significant changes being proposed, and also to solicit your thoughts and feedback for consideration:

  1. When can candidates apply to run for office? – Right now the Code provides that candidates can apply through the last Friday in September. The draft proposes that candidates apply by a date set by the Board of Elections, but no later than the first Friday in August.

  2. When can candidates begin campaign activities? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question, but the City has applied the practice of prohibiting campaign activities until the Board of Elections certifies a candidate’s application (which would be estimated around mid-August given the proposal in #1 above).

  3. Who can candidates appeal to if they differ in opinion with a judgement made by the City Board of Elections? – Right now the Code provides that a candidate can appeal to the City’s Board of Appeals. The draft proposes a candidate would instead to appeal to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

  4. Can a candidate function as their own campaign Treasurer? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question. One draft proposes that a candidate cannot function as their own Treasurer. It also requires a separate bank account to be opened by a candidate’s political committee (and not co-mingle with personal funds).

  5. When can campaign signs first appear around town? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question. The draft proposes not displaying campaign signs any earlier than 45-days before Election Day.

Because the City election laws affect basically everybody (covering who can vote, how, who can run for office, how, etc.), it’s one of those items I’d highly encourage folks to engage with. You may already have opinions on City election procedure based on your own experience — If so, I’d very much be interested to hear it. And you may read parts of the documents you’re most interested in and have a question or concern — I would very much like to listen.

My goal at the end of the day is: (a) there’s a process that’s clear and easily understood, (b) all candidates have an even playing field, (c) residents' voting rights are respected, and (d) there’s a simple path to the best possible outcome for our City every two and four years.

Please feel free to reach out directly to me to share any thoughts or questions, and you are also invited to join us for the upcoming meetings to hear Council’s conversations about and to add your voice:

– Special Work Session on Monday, April 28 from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center. (Note: There’s no “public comment” portion to the Work Session itself, but you’ll hear initial conversation among Councilmembers, plus there’s a public comment portion in the regular meeting scheduled immediately after.)

– Regular Council Meeting on Monday, April 28 from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Center. (Note: This meeting will have public comment openings available, both during General Public Hearing and for each agenda item around the election law [should it advance from Work Session].)

– Regular Council Meeting on Monday, May 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. via Zoom. (Note: Should the election laws advance to first hearing on April 28, this meeting would constitute the ‘second hearing’ and therefore be eligible for vote by Council. There will also be public comment openings available, and the key would be to request a speaking slot with the Clerk by 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.)

Your questions, ideas, and thoughts helps me shape legislation and decisions – Thank you! 😀

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LBGC Cleanup Day // Historical Society Gala // Volunteer Fair + Other Upcoming Events

It’s that time of year and the calendar is stacked with so many great events – three happening over this coming week are:

  1. Laurel Boys & Girls Club Clean-up Day – Tomorrow, Saturday, April 26 starting at 9 a.m., LBGC will hosting a clean-up day to help their building get tidied up for the many activities hosted. And all students can receive service credit hours for lending a helping hand.

  2. Laurel Historical Society Annual Gala – Sunday, May 4 from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Savage Mill Great Room, help support the preservation of Laurel History plus enjoy the fun of Disco while marking the Society’s 50-year anniversary. Tickets available online.

  3. Laurel Volunteer Fair – April is National Volunteer Month and the City is hosting a fair on Wednesday, April 30 from 6 - 8 p.m. where local non-profits plus the City volunteer openings will be gathered to share with you their work. If you’ve been thinking about connecting or getting involved in some way, this is a great opportunity! (plus there’s door prizes and refreshments) 😉

So don’t hesitate to jump on these or many of the many other opportunities happening around town in the coming weeks!

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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

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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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

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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.)