Council Meeting - 16 Oct 2024
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 myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President James Kole
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Appointments: Bill Wellford, Chairman Board of Election Supervisors 10/16/2024-10/16/2028; Kenneth Ford Emergency Services Commission 10/16/2024-10/16/2029l; Tawana LaMar Juneteenth Executive Committee; Kia Young Juneteenth Executive Committee
- General Public Hearing
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2030- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Add a New Section 16-13 to the Laurel City Code, Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I “In General” Section 13 “Public School Employee Tax Credit Program: and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Ordinance No. 2031- 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.
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2032- An Ordinance of the Mayor And City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article I Entitled “In General”, Section 2-3 Entitled “City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, and Official City Branding Logos”, of the Laurel City Code to Change the Section Title to " City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission, and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos,” and Require Written Permission of the Mayor to Use the City Seal, or City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos for Non-City Related Use, in Accordance With the City’s Policy on the Use of City Seals and Logos and Providing an Effective Date.
- Adjournment
New "Laurel Living" newsletter, Oct 2024 edition out
Hot off the presses, check out the latest edition of Laurel Living, the official newsletter for the City of Laurel.
Some highlights from inside:
- Pictures from the City Strategic Plan launch with City staff along with the 4 initiatives identified in the Plan: (a) Sustainable development, (b) Effective communication, (c) Safe & health community, and (d) Premier workplace for City employees.
- Nifty clickable links to videos, such highlights from the 9/11 push-up challenge with the Mayor.
- Featured Laurel Board of Trade small businesses in town, such as Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, Krafty Kre8tions, Chez Yiamme’s Catering & Functions, and Leda Rose Poduszka Agency.
- Announcement for the Hispanic Heritage Month event coming on Saturday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robinson Municipal Center.
Flip on through and see the latest from the City team!
PG County public school employee Tax Credit under consideration
At last night’s Council Work Session, legislation was introduced (Ordinance 2030) with sponsorship by President Kole, to avail of a new provision passed into Maryland law that allows municipalities to provide property tax credits to public school employees.
The gist on how it works:
- The credit is for 20% of the City property tax, not to exceed $2,500
- It is only for PG County public school employees working at Laurel-area schools that are City of Laurel residents. (Unfortunately, the Maryland law constrains to this definition and does not permit the City to include employees of adjacent County public schools [e.g., Howard or Anne Arundel] nor the private schools in the City. This may be something to write our Maryland representatives about.)
- The home can have a maximum assessed value of up to $500k at the time of application
- And it can’t be used in combination with any other City-level property tax credit (e.g., Homestead Credit, Veterans Credit, etc.)
- The Mayor’s Office will set the amount of credits available as part of the budget to be approved for next year, when the credit would first take effect.
Additional details can be found in the text of Ordinance 2030 and it will be open to comments from the public at the next City Council Meeting scheduled for October 16, so come on out if there’s additional questions or comments you’d like to share as we consider this legislation for the City. (Meeting details and instructions on how to sign-up to speak are available on the Clerk’s official meetings page, and also feel free to reach out to me directly.)
(Side note: In the process of researching this legislation, I also learned that recent changes in Maryland law allow the City to lift the 5-year limit that exists on the already existing tax credits for age 65+, veterans, and public safety officers – I’ll be working to help sponsor legislation that makes those updates to our City laws as well, so stay tuned for that if those apply to you.)
Women Entrepreneurs Free Workshop on Oct 16
In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, the City is co-sponsoring with Pyne Creative a FREE half-day, in-person workshop at the Laurel Municipal Center on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This looks like a great opportunity and from the event page:
The Total Package is a hands-on workshop tailored for women entrepreneurs aiming to elevate digital marketing for their small businesses, implement effective public relations strategies, and refine their personal brand and style. Engage in interactive sessions led by industry experts covering topics including: developing your brand online, creating engaging social media content, mastering storytelling in public relations, and defining your “Signature CEO Style.” The Total Package empowers women small business owners to enhance their visibility, influence, and success in their respective industries and fields.
Space is limited, so if you’re interested, I encourage you to apply today! (applications accepted on a rolling basis)
Faith & Blue at St. Mark's this Saturday, Oct 5
2024 is the fifth anniversary year of Faith & Blue – locally organized community-officer engagement that’s a part of the nation’s largest annual collaborative policing initiative. It’s mission:
“National Faith & Blue Weekend facilitates safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations."
And in Laurel, the Faith & Blue event will be hosted by St. Mark’s U.M.C. with Rev. Walter L. Smith Jr. who will be joined by Rev. Jerry Colbert of Mt. Zion U.M.C..
Join them this Saturday, October 5 starting at 11 a.m. for an ecumenical faith service which’ll also feature members of our Laurel Police Department such as Chief Hamill.
See the graphic below for additional information, including the perfect encapsulation of the event: “Join your local law enforcement and members of your community for a weekend of resolution and reconciliation. National Faith & Blue Weekend is a collaborative effort to build bridges and break biases.”
Thank you St. Mark’s & Rev. Smith for hosting for Laurel!
Council Meeting Schedule Explained + 2025 Calendar
“When are the meetings for City Council?" – I’ve gotten this question a few times over the last couple weeks and thought it’d be a perfect opportunity to share the ‘crib notes’ version 📝 of City Council meetings. :) –>
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City Council meetings typically consist of: (a) Work Sessions, and (b) regular Council Meetings.
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“Work Sessions” are opportunities for Councilmembers to hash through details of bids, Ordinances, Resolutions, or other items that are under consideration, but no votes are cast in this type of meeting. They are typically held virtually on the 1st Wednesday of each month and are always open to the public to attend, but because of their nature, don’t contain a ‘public hearing’ component for the public to comment.
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“Council Meetings” are where agenda items for consideration are discussed further if needed, members of the public can attend and share their thoughts & insights, and votes are taken. These meetings typically occur on the 2nd Monday (virtually) and 4th Monday (in-person) of each month. (Pro Tip: Ordinances and Resolutions usually need to appear in two Council Meetings before a vote can be taken, while Bids need appear in one Council Meeting before being voted on.)
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Sometimes this normal schedule pattern of ‘1st Wednesday - 2nd Monday - 4th Monday’ has to be shifted due to holidays or other events that conflict. (For example, the ‘2nd Monday Council Meeting’ that would typically be on Oct 14 next month, will actually be on Oct 16 due to a holiday.) You can always see the latest meeting date/ information on the City’s official meeting page.
Hopefully the above is helpful to get an idea of the normal ‘rhythms’ of the meetings of City Council, and bonus material for you having read this far: 😉 Here’s an unofficial copy of the 2025 City Council calendar of meetings if you’d like to get yourself setup for the new year.
And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly any time if you have question – happy to be of service!
Join Voices of Laurel for a “Day at the Races”
Laurel Park, 113-year home of horse racing in Laurel (and the state), will be closing in 2027. Join the crew behind Voices of Laurel to make some last connections to this soon-to-be part of Laurel’s history by coming out for their FREE “Day at the Races” event on Saturday, October 26 from 12 - 5p.m.
Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so be sure to register. From the event listing:
Watch a full slate of exciting horse racing, patronize the food and beverage venues in the grandstand, and walk around the grounds to get a sense of the rich history of this storied facility. If you want to try your hand at betting on a race but don’t know where to start, we will have people who can help you out. The first $2 bet is on the house!
More details are on the event page linked above, and this promises to be a great afternoon, whether you’ve visited before or it’s your first time. And I will add that the racetrack has many kid-friendly areas, including viewing the track from ground level, (I’ve visited before with my kiddos), so if you want them to see it too, this can be a great chance.
Thanks VoL for sponsoring! 🐎
Council Work Session - 2 Oct 2024
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 myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - James Kole, President
- Ordinance No. 2030- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Add a New Section 16-13 to the Laurel City Code, Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I “In General” Section 13 “Public School Employee Tax Credit Program: and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Ordinance No. 2031- 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.
- Ordinance No. 2032- An Ordinance of the Mayor And City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article I Entitled “In General”, Section 2-3 Entitled “City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, and Official City Branding Logos”, of the Laurel City Code to Change the Section Title to " City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission, and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos,” and Require Written Permission of the Mayor to Use the City Seal, or City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos for Non-City Related Use, in Accordance With the City’s Policy on the Use of City Seals and Logos and Providing an Effective Date.
- Adjournment
Useful Alternative Spray for Kitchen Fires
We had a small oven fire in our home last year 🔥 – Grease from a turkey spilled over the drip pan onto the bottom of the oven and caught flame. Thankfully, we had an extinguisher nearby and were able to keep calm and snuff it out before it got out of hand – We were certainly glad to have on hand, and definitely felt the heart rate spike up in the process.
But wanted to share a new tip my wife picked up at the Laurel Police’s “Coffee with a Cop” event at Ragamuffins Coffee last weekend, where they also hosted PG County Fire/EMS – There’s a new product out there called EZ Fire Spray by First Alert that’s: (a) easier to hold and use, (b) discharges 4x longer than traditional extinguishers (which are often only 20 seconds +/-), and (c) uses a biodegradable easy-to-clean formula.
I know we’ll be getting one for the kitchen, and it’s also handy to have around grills, RV, garage, and similar areas. Thank you Renee Wasco of PG County Fire/EMS for visiting our town and helping make our homes another step safer!
(Photo credit: My wife)
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
Neighborly Tradition of Cleanup Days Revived
I want to give a shout out to Kathie Peterson - She helped organize a group of neighbors this past weekend to walk around their neighborhood picking up trash and helping things look tidy. Then afterwards, hosted brats and beverages so the dedicated crew could enjoy time just socializing together. It’s something she used to help spearhead before the days of COVID, and wanted to revive.
To me, that’s what Laurel is all about: folks reaching out to say “hi” to the neighbor next door or down the street, taking time to share some stories of what’s going in their lives, and even doing various things around town that help make a place a community.
Thank you to Kathie and all those who were able to come out on Saturday! And I know I find inspiration in it for myself as well – Doesn’t have to be something big, sometimes low-key/ no-frills is even better, but connecting with those around where you live in small ways is what helps create the welcoming sense of coming home all across Laurel.
(P.S., And if you’d like to have a simple ‘cleanup day’ in your neighborhood, also know the Parks & Rec Department has ready-to-go “Community Cleanup Kits” they’ll provide for free with easy-to-carry trash buckets, hand trash grabbers, and more. Simply give a ring at 301-725-7800 and they’ll get you setup!)
Facebook Page Launched!
For those in Facebookland, wanted to announce that I recently launched an ‘elected official’ Facebook page. It’s the best place to follow me on that platform and’ll feature cross-posts from my main site here at AdrianForLaurel plus some shares of other posts from across Facebook. And I certainly appreciate you sharing with friends and neighbors to spread the word whenever you have a chance.
Of course, just let me know any feedback on what you see here or on Facebook to make it most helpful to you as a resident of our town here in Laurel – And thank you for helping making our town a community!
Free Fire Detectors + Women's Club Fundraiser
Here’s two events going on this weekend I recommend you check-out🌞 –>
The PG County Fire Department will be joining the Laurel Police Department for “Coffee with A Cop” at Ragamuffins on Main Street from 9 - 11 a.m. Not only is it a free cuppa courtesy of Laurel Police, the PG County Fire Dept will also be handing out free fire detectors (I know we certainly could use another one at our house). :) Come on out to meet these first responders, let them know we appreciate their service, and leave having made a new friend and sweet deal.
Once you’re done, swing on over to Scotchtown Elementary for the annual fundraiser for the Women’s Club of Laurel – It’s a yard sale featuring clothes, accessories, games, books, household items, and more: There’s always something good to walk away with at a yard sale. Plus the proceeds will go towards all the community service and outreach the Women’s Club does for our town.
So there’s plenty of reasons to come on out, enjoy your Saturday mingling a little, and be a part of building our community along the way! 🏘️ 😃
Council Meeting - 23 Sep 2024
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 myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President James Kole
- Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
- Approval of Minutes: July 22, 2024 Special Work Session; July 22, 2024 Regular Meeting; July 29, 2024 Special Meeting; September 4, 2024 Work Session; September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Appointment Stanley Spalding, Planning Commission, 09/23/2024-09/23/2029; Reappointment Charles Clyburn Arts Council, 09/23/2024-09/23/2026
- General Public Hearing
- Adjournment
Emancipation / Multi-Service / Andy Kostas Highlights & Pics
With September in full swing, it’s that time of year where everything kicks into full gear! 😀 Among the many highlights from the past week for me were:
Picking up some fresh tomatoes and bell peppers from the Farmers Market for dinner — My wife loves tomatoes and said these were especially great!
Participating in the Emancipation Day 1k Fun Walk with my kiddos sponsored by the historic St. Mark’s United Methodist church on 8th street. I also really enjoyed marching in the parade and feasting on the fried fish at the festivities that same afternoon.
Getting a tour of the new Craig A. Moe Multi-Service Center and participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Helping recognize dedicated Laurel volunteer Andy Kostas who is now headed off to join the U.S. Navy.
There’s certainly a lot of good going on here in Laurel and thank you for being part of building community in all the streets, and homes, and schools, and churches, and more all around town!
September Laurel Independent edition is out!
The September edition of The Laurel Independent is out — Some items that caught my attention:
- Updates on Main Street’s Outback Leather plans to come back even better than before after their recent fire (and ability to help displaced tenants via GoFundMe).
- Pics on Laurel High School’s new and slick $7 million athletic field.
- Uncovering of a beloved racing horse’s gravesite at Laurel Park.
- Great information on ways to volunteer in community organizations and the City via City’s Volunteering webpage.
- The Farmer’s Market is in its final month, every Thursday until Sep 26 at the Quill Lot on Main Street.
- Leaf vacuuming coming Oct 7; Main Street Trick-or-Treat coming Oct 24; and other fun City calendar events.
- And more!
Check out articles on Streetcar Suburbs News website and a full digital, flippable version should be posted soon to their Streetcar Suburbs News Issuu page — Physical copies also come via mail and are available in many hotspots around town. Thanks TLI!
Multi-service Center launches today
Today is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Laurel Multi-Service Center and the August edition of The Business Monthly newspaper has a great write-up describing the origins and plans for use of the space.
… providing a central location for a variety of human services and space for new self-sufficiency and transitional housing programs. It’s designed to streamline service provision, limit transportation barriers, and improve access to services.
Among the services identified:
catering and prepared meals, mail services, a barber and hair salon, a food pantry, a job training and learning center, a medical suite, clothing distribution center, laundry room, and shower facilities.
There is also a gymnasium side of the building that houses shared office space and provides a venue for health fairs, fundraisers, and other community activities. On the housing side of the building is a men and women’s shelter space featuring cots and other amenities that will provide respite on excessively cold or hot days, and overnight, temporary shelter during the winter months (the Winter Haven program you may be familiar with).
Both City Departments and local nonprofits like Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) and FISH of Laurel will collaborate to provide the services.
Additional details are available in the article linked above, and be sure to tune in to City media channels to see more of the ribbon-cutting event, and look for various of the operations to come online over the months ahead. This looks to be a great service to the City and its people!
Free Mission BBQ sandwich on 9/11 for Fire, Police, & First Responders
We probably all remember where we were on 9/11 – I was working in downtown Baltimore at the time, and there was initially confusion among my co-workers about whether it was the World Trade Center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The disbelief and distraught-ness of the ensuing hours, days, and more is hard to describe, and certainly pales in comparison to all who were directly impacted.
The unity we embraced as a nation was also so encouraging and uplifting. And the bravery of so many of our emergency personnel. Preserving the memory of 9/11 is difficult but important, and Mission BBQ wants to join that effort by honoring all fire, police, and first responders with a free sandwich that day.
If you know someone or you yourself are one, please take this opportunity to share, avail, and to recall, so that we never forget.
Council Meeting - 9 Sep 2024
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 myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President James Kole
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Appointments: Jimmy Rogers - Tree Board - 09/09/2024-09/09/2026; Oscar De La Puente - Historic District Commission - 09/09/2024-09/09/2027
- General Public Hearing
- Ordinance No. 2029- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date
- Bid Recommendation- Fourth and Fifth Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
- Bid Recommendation- Compton Avenue Alley Improvements- Department of Public Works
- Bid Recommendation- Virginia Manor Court Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
- Purchase Requisition- Rehrig Vision Service Verification Hardware/Software- Environmental Programs
- Bid Recommendation- Back-up Generator Preplacement Project Project Phase I- Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management
- Appointment of Monta Burrough, Director, Department of Economic and Community Development
- Adjournment
Van Dusen Road improvements coming
At this week’s Work Session, Kelly from Century Engineering presented a Concept Study overview for improvements to Van Dusen Road – It takes a look at the full length of Van Dusen (all the way from Sandy Spring Road to Konterra Road) and identifies multitudes of enhancements and streamlines that’ll make residents’ lives easier while traveling the corridor.
I really appreciated the number of and types of improvements identified, as development along Van Dusen has been modified here-and-there over the last couple decades (and the City even inherited part of it from PG County in that time window), so it’s become a little choppy and confusing in more than one part (I know I’ve experienced myself the need to weave back-and-forth between lanes just to go straight, leading to confusion).
Some of the highlights are:
- Consistent car ‘through lanes’ (i.e., no more weaving back and forth) :)
- Consistent and compliant road signage and pavement paintings (so fully comparable to what you are used to on other roads)
- Building out the bus pads to meet requirements and make much more usable
- Traffic barriers and median strips to help calm and shepherd traffic in a safe manner
- Better timing and phasing of traffic light signals
- Connecting, extending, upgrading sidewalks for walkers, hikers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and more
I took particular interest in this last one as I think it’d be a real service to the community to have end-to-end sidewalk/ hiker-biker trail – It would allow residents to avail of getting to different City parks, easier access down to Laurel Lakes amenities and shopping, schools (like Laurel High School), and more. This would be not only good for general health and recreation (like taking jogs, going for walks and bike rides, etc.), it also expands access for employment (getting to various retail and office locations), and make our town even more attractive for getting around in multiple ways.
Note: Some of the steps are easily accomplished in next 3-6 months (and some are already done), others will involve getting an engineering work up, then construction bid. So you’ll be seeing these improvements over approximately the next 1-3 years, but the end result is going to be great in my opinion.
Thank you to DPW Director Miller for inviting Kelly to come present and share with the community, and check out the presentation slides for additional details.
Maryland Police Task Force busts 11 illegal car rallies
Over the weekend, members of the Maryland State Police Car Rally Task Force broke up 11 illegal car meetups and made seven arrests. Included among the 11 locations were two in Laurel:
- 2:22 a.m. at 12705 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel
- 3:25 a.m. at Konterra Drive & Sweitzer Lane, Laurel
The task force has been focused on investigating “exhibition driving events,” also know as “takeovers.” This often involves blocking off roads to perform stunts, disrupting traffic, causing property damage and posing risks to the public.
This has been in part made possible by new state legislation passed by Maryland General Assembly in May, sponsored by Delegate Mary Lehman from our District 21. The law increases penalties from $500 to $1,000 and prohibits actions like skidding, squealing, burning or smoking tires, swerving, or swaying while skidding/ drifting, purposefully revving engines and grinding gears.
I know this has been a start/ stop issue that’s just been growing in recent years (having heard it from my own house in the middle of the night multiple times), and happy to see the state stepping up enforcement. The City’s ability to enforce is partially hampered by the fact that the affected roads are often governed by the State or County and just outside the city limits, so this is good news indeed. And I’ll continue to look forward to quieter and safer nights ahead. 💤
(via Baltimore Sun)
