Adrian for Laurel Profile Photo

Adrian for Laurel

Official site of Adrian G. Simmons, Councilman for the City Council of Laurel, Maryland.

Council meetings

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    Re-Write of City Election Laws currently before Council

    Following the 2023 election season, the Board of Election Supervisors, in consultation with the Clerk to the Council and legal advisors, have been working diligently to pull together a re-write of the City’s election laws as a means to update and add clarity. It covers everything from who can vote, how votes are cast, rules to apply for candidacy, types of actions candidates can take, etc.

    That work now comes before Council and is docketed for consideration this month (February). A few notes:

    • Some of the changes are typographic in nature, while others represent material changes.

    • The changes themselves are spread between two documents: (a) Charter Resolution 181 to amend the applicable provisions of the City Charter, and (b) Ordinance 2038 to amend the applicable provisions of the City Code. So to get the full impact, you’d need to look at both documents.

    • (Side note: Quick breakdown on the difference between the City Charter and the City Code: By analogy, you could say the Charter is like the Constitution for the City, while the Code is like the laws. The Charter is typically more high level and comes with additional difficulties to amend, while the Code typically leans more to detail regulations and can be revised in a more standard method. Both are available online.)

    • The proposed changes are available via the City’s Meetings & Agenda page - Simply navigate to the next City Council meeting and click on the link for “Agenda Packet”. If the documents get revised between meetings, going to the most current meeting should get you the most current version of the document.

    • As it currently stands, the documents would be expected to follow the normal process of: (a) an initial look during the Work Session on Feb 5, (b) First Reading with opportunity for public comment during the Regular Meeting on Feb 10, and (c) Second Reading with opportunity for public comment plus possible vote during the Regular Meeting on Feb 24. (UPDATE 10 Feb 2025: The documents are expected to go through a second Work Session, currently being scheduled. Residents can still share thoughts during General Public Hearings at regular Council Meetings, or anytime directly with Councilmembers.)

    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 is would be that at the end of the day, there’s a process that’s clear, provides an even field, respects residents’ voting rights, and provides a simple path to the best possible outcome for our City every two and four years.

    Please reach out to share your questions, ideas, or thoughts as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. Thank you! 😀

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    Info for City Council Work Session - 6 Feb 2025

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

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

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order - Kyla M. Clark, Council President
    2. Resolution No. 3-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring Support for the Preservation of the Federal Tax Exemption of Municipal Bonds.
    3. Ordinance No. 2038- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections
    4. 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
    5. Possible adjournment to Closed Session to obtain legal advice. 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 regarding proposed election law amendments.
    6. Adjournment
    Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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    My Vote on Charter Amendment 180 on Dividing CREM Department

    Thank you so much to members of the public who reached out via email and who came to tonight’s Council Meeting to share your thoughts on Charter Amendment No. 180 to consider dividing the existing City Resources & Emergency Management Department (CREM) into two departments: the Department of Human Services and the Department of Emergency Management – it is extremely helpful to hear from residents whenever a change like this is being considered for our City.

    I wanted to provide a brief recap of the comments I made during tonight’s proceedings in the process of casting my vote:

    • First, I’ve persuaded myself both ways on this Charter Amendment at least a couple times each, because I can see the merits of two sides

    • On the one hand, it’s natural that with the addition of the new Multi-Service Center (MSC) and its role in our City, that resources be strategically aligned to empower it to flourish in its mission

    • On the other hand, adding to our City’s departmental count in order to create a department for something we already created a department for not even a full two years ago when we already anticipated this (i.e., CREM was formed in March 2023 with one of the principal reasons to oversee the MSC) made it harder to grasp

    • The other part for me is also that it’s not so much that Human Services shouldn’t be its own Department (for which I see a lot of solid reasons), but that in this plan, Emergency Management becomes a Department of 2 people all out on its own. And while they are a critical asset for us to have as a City, their function seems better fitted to an Office rather than a Department, perhaps an Office under the Department of the City Administrator where it was before.

    • So it’s not to say that there was nothing favorable in the proposal, but that in its current state, it was difficult to conclude it was a ‘complete enough’ plan to accomplish the stated objective, which is a good one, but I believe would benefit from some additional attention.

    In the end, my vote was “Yes”, with an ask of the Mayor to give consideration to folding the Department of Emergency Management into another Department in time to avoid un-needed financial burden on the taxpayers.

    As a procedural note, a Charter Amendment cannot take effect until it goes through an extra special process including 40 days of being posted publicly and ensuring no more than 20% of qualified voters sign a petition rejection its adoption.

    (Separately, something I’ve been meaning to share with folks that I think many people may not understand about the mission of the Multi-Service Center: The program of the MSC is not actually overseen by the City at all. It’s overseen by a non-City 501c3 non-profit that recruits and monitors other non-profits and government organizations to provide services. In many ways, the City is acting merely as custodian of the building, helping provide a venue through which those organizations can deliver services.)

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    Info for City Council Meeting - 27 Jan 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 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, CMC, Clerk
    4. Approval of Minutes: January 6, 2025 Work Session; January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting
    5. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    6. Presentation to the Mayor and City Council by Shannon Mouton, Executive Director, LARS
    7. Appointment: Naomi McMillen, Board of Election Supervisors, 01/27/2025-01/27/2030; Veronica Martin, Juneteenth Executive Committee; Artesa Jones, Juneteenth Committee; Reappointments: The Honorable G. Rick Wilson, Planning Commission, 01/27/25-01/27/30; William Wellford, Planning Commission, 01/27/25-01/27/30; Sean LeVere, Community Redevelopment Authority, 01/27/25-01/27/28
    8. General Public Hearing
    9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
    10. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
    11. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
    12. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
    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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    Info for City Council Meeting - 13 Jan 2025

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

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

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order – Kyla Clark, President
    2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk
    3. Approval of Minutes: December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
    4. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    5. Mayoral Appointments: The Honorable G. Rick Wilson Chair- Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; The Honorable Frederick Smalls Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Calvin M. Burns Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Ursula Gnan Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Maria Gonzales-Jackson Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Garrett Jackson Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Stephen Slaughter Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Sophady Uong Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27
    6. General Public Hearing
    7. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
    8. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
    9. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
    10. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
    11. Adjournment
    Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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    Info for City Council Work Session - 6 Jan 2025

    UPDATE for WINTER STORM —>

    • City offices are officially closed on Monday, January 6, but the virtual Council Work Session will go on as planned this evening at 6 p.m..
    • The normal simulcast via YouTube, Comcast, and FiOS channels is not expected since City team will not be able to be in the offices.
    • However, residents can watch in real-time using this Zoom link or call-in via phone at 301-715-8592, which will function like a normal webinar-style Zoom event.
    • The video of the Work Session will still be posted to the LaurelTV YouTube channel and other outlets afterwards as usual.
    • More details available in the official post via the City’s website.

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

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

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order - Kyla Clark, Council President
    2. Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
    3. Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
    4. Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
    5. Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
    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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    Info for City Council Meeting - 9 Dec 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 me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order - Council President Kyla Clark
    2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk
    3. Approval of Minutes: November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting; December 4, 2024 Work Session 
    4. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    5. Mayoral Appointments: Michael Gray, Tree Board, 12/09/2024-12/09/2026; Donica Sutton, Education Advisory Committee, 12/09/2024-12/09/2026
    6. General Public Hearing
    7. Bid Recommendation- First Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    8. Sole Source Purchase Recommendation-Ongoing City-wide Replacement of Existing Street Lighting Project- Department of Public Works
    9. Bid Recommendation- Lafayette Avenue Improvements- Department of Public Works
    10. Architectural and Engineering Firms Contract Continuation Recommendation- Department of Public Works  
    11. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 5-2024- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Creating the Master Plan Review Committee and Providing an Effective Date
    12. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 6-2024- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring a Temporary Moratorium Regarding the Processing of Zoning Matters within the City of Laurel, Maryland and Providing an Effective Date
    13. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2033- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend the City of Laurel Police Retirement Plan to Extend the Deferred Retirement Option Plan
    14. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2034- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend the City of Laurel Employees Retirement Plan to Extend the Deferred Retirement Option Plan
    15. Adjournment

    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.

    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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    Info for Council Work Session - 4 Dec 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.

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order - Kyla Clark, Council President
    2. Bid Recommendation- First Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    3. Sole Source Purchase Recommendation-Ongoing City-wide Replacement of Existing Street Lighting Project- Department of Public Works
    4. Bid Recommendation- Lafayette Avenue Improvements- Department of Public Works
    5. Architectural and Engineering Firms Contract Continuation Recommendation- Department of Public Works
    6. Resolution No. 5-2024- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Creating the Master Plan Review Committee and Providing an Effective Date
    7. Resolution No. 6-2024- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring a Temporary Moratorium Regarding the Processing of Zoning Matters within the City of Laurel, Maryland and Providing an Effective Date.
    8. Ordinance No. 2033- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend the City of Laurel Police Retirement Plan to Extend the Deferred Retirement Option Plan
    9. Ordinance No. 2034- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend the City of Laurel Employees Retirement Plan to Extend the Deferred Retirement Option Plan

    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.

    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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    Breakdown of New proposed Council Standing Rules

    At the coming Council Meeting on Monday, Nov 25, the Council will potentially vote on adopting new “Standing Rules” that govern the basic operations of the City Council and its meetings. Many of the items are heavily procedural, but there’s a couple items with impact to residents that I wanted to highlight for you:

    • The section for Rules 36-46 relate to those around Public Hearings.
    • Rule 40 provides each member of the public three (3) minutes to share on their topic. (This is an increase from 2 minutes previously and reflects feedback from residents received over the past year.)
    • Rule 40 also describes a new mechanism where, if 5 or more members of the public are present to speak on the same subject, they can designate one member representative to speak for a longer five (5) minutes.

    For reference, the sections of the document are:

    1. Rules of Order
    2. Open Meetings
    3. Notice of Special Meeting or Work Sessions
    4. Election of President
    5. Duties - President of the Council
    6. Agendas
    7. Conduct & Decorum of Members
    8. Standing Committees – City Council
    9. Order of Business
    10. Public Hearing
    11. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    12. Legislative Proceedings
    13. Introduction and Passage of Legislation
    14. Appeal
    15. Virtual & Video Meetings
    16. Filling a Vacancy of the Council
    17. City Council - Boards/ Commissions/ Committees
    18. Miscellaneous

    You can download a copy of the latest version as of today, and also look to the City of Laurel Official Meetings page for any updates that are included for consideration in future meetings.

    Please reach out to me directly with any thoughts or feedback, and feel free to join us on Monday, Nov 25 to share your thoughts for Council on any item as well.

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    Council Meeting - 25 Nov 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 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.

    NOTE: Included among the items the Council may vote on are the proposed changes to the Council Standing Rules (which includes updates to public hearing time limits). To share your thoughts, please be sure to reach out to the Clerk and/or join us in-person at the meeting. :)

    1. Call to Order - James Kole, President
    2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Mayor Keith R. Sydnor
    3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk
    4. Laurel University Graduation Ceremony
    5. Approval of Minutes: November 4, 2024 Regular Meeting; November 13, 2024 Special Meeting; November 13, 2024 Closed Session
    6. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    7. Mayoral Appointments: Tiara Matthews, Education Advisory Committee 11/25/2024-11/25/2026; Rubama Patwary, Art Council 11/25/2024-11/25/2026 ; Roy Smith II, Planning Commission 11/25/2024-11/25/2029
    8. General Public Hearing
    9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 4-2024- A Resolution of the Laurel City Council to Approve the Rewrite of the Council Standing Rules
    10. Possible Adjournment to Closed Session Under the Open Meetings Act Provisions Section 3-305 (b) (3) to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto in order to protect the Mayor and City Council’s bargaining power and Section 3- 305 (b) (7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice regarding the potential purchase of real property
    11. Election of the Council President
    12. Election or Selection of President Pro-Tem
    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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    Council Work Session + Meeting - 4 Nov 2024

    Because of scheduling complexities for November, next Monday will be a combination Council Work Session (scheduled for 5 p.m.) followed by a Council Meeting (scheduled for 6 p.m.) - The agenda items for both meetings are the same: The first session is intended more for the usual hashing through details before advancing an agenda item to a regular meeting. The regular meeting also differs in that it contains the usual ‘public hearing’ components.

    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 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.

    1. Call to Order - Council President James Kole
    2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America - Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor
    3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
    4. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    5. General Public Hearing
    6. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2035- 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
    7. Consideration of a Purchase Requisition- Curbside Composting Supplies- Sustainability Management
    8. Consideration of a Bid Recommendation- Municipal Phone System Upgrade- Department of Information Technology
    9. Consideration of a Purchase Requisition- Emergency Bearcat Vehicle- Laurel Police Department
    10. Consideration of a Fleet Acquisition- TYMCO 435 Street Sweeper- Department of Public Works
    11. Consideration of a Fleet Acquisition- Street Crack Sealer- Department of Public Works
    12. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 4-2024- A Resolution of the Laurel City Council to Approve the Rewrite of the Council Standing Rules.
    13. Adjournment
    ∞

    Council Meeting - 28 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 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.

    NOTE: Included among the items the Council is expected to vote on are the proposed PG public school employee tax credit and the City logo approval process. To share your thoughts, please be sure to reach out to the Clerk and/or join us at the meeting. :)

    AGENDA

    1. Call to Order - Council President James Kole
    2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America Led by Girl Scout Troop 3071 and Troop 4813
    3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
    4. Approval of Minutes: September 23, 2024 Regular Meeting; October 2, 2024 Work Session; October 16, 2024 Regular Meeting
    5. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    6. Mayoral Appointments/Reappointments: The Honorable Donna L. Crary, Community Redevelopment Authority, 10/28/24-10/28/27; William Chase, Juneteenth Executive Committee
    7. General Public Hearing
    8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action 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.
    9. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on 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.
    10. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action 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.
    11. Adjournment
    ∞

    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

    1. Call to Order - Council President James Kole
    2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
    3. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    4. 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
    5. General Public Hearing
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    9. Adjournment
    ∞

    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:

    1. The credit is for 20% of the City property tax, not to exceed $2,500
    2. 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.)
    3. The home can have a maximum assessed value of up to $500k at the time of application
    4. And it can’t be used in combination with any other City-level property tax credit (e.g., Homestead Credit, Veterans Credit, etc.)
    5. 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.)

    ∞

    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. :) –>

    1. City Council meetings typically consist of: (a) Work Sessions, and (b) regular Council Meetings.

    2. “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.

    3. “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.)

    4. 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!

    ∞

    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

    1. Call to Order - James Kole, President
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Adjournment
    ∞

    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

    1. Call to Order - Council President James Kole
    2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor
    3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
    4. Approval of Minutes: 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
    5. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    6. Appointment Stanley Spalding, Planning Commission, 09/23/2024-09/23/2029; Reappointment Charles Clyburn Arts Council, 09/23/2024-09/23/2026
    7. General Public Hearing
    8. Adjournment
    ∞

    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

    1. Call to Order - Council President James Kole
    2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
    3. Report of the Mayor and City Council
    4. Appointments: Jimmy Rogers - Tree Board - 09/09/2024-09/09/2026; Oscar De La Puente - Historic District Commission - 09/09/2024-09/09/2027
    5. General Public Hearing
    6. 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
    7. Bid Recommendation- Fourth and Fifth Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    8. Bid Recommendation- Compton Avenue Alley Improvements- Department of Public Works
    9. Bid Recommendation- Virginia Manor Court Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    10. Purchase Requisition- Rehrig Vision Service Verification Hardware/Software- Environmental Programs
    11. Bid Recommendation- Back-up Generator Preplacement Project Project Phase I- Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management
    12. Appointment of Monta Burrough, Director, Department of Economic and Community Development
    13. Adjournment
    ∞

    Council Work Session - 4 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

    1. Call to Order - James Kole, Council President
    2. Van Dusen Road Roadway Improvement Project- Department of Public Works with a Presentation by Century Engineering
    3. 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
    4. Bid Recommendation- Fourth and Fifth Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    5. Bid Recommendation- Compton Avenue Alley Improvements- Department of Public Works
    6. Bid Recommendation- Virginia Manor Court Street Improvements- Department of Public Works
    7. Purchase Requisition- Rehrig Vision Service Verification Hardware/Software- Environmental Programs
    8. Bid Recommendation- Back-up Generator Preplacement Project Project Phase I- Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management
    ∞

    Reminder: Council in Recess for August

    Reminder that the Laurel City Council is in recess for the month of August, and our next regularly scheduled Council meeting will be the Work Session on Wednesday, September 4, followed by the Council Meeting (virtual) on Monday, September 9. (I’ll share details for these as separate posts once available.)

    Many of the City’s Boards and Commissions are also in recess for the month, such as such as the Board of Appeals or the Historic District Commission.

    Of course, there’s still plenty going on around town this month, and one of the places you can checkout is the Community Calendar maintained by The Laurel Independent (scroll towards the bottom and click on “Laurel” to expand).

    Hope you’re enjoying your August & the final weeks of summer! 😃☀️

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