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Mayor has issued Executive Order for Temporary Juvenile Curfew

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12.

AGENDA - SPECIAL WORK SESSION

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

  2. Ordinance No. 2042- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

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

  4. Adjournment

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

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

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

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

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

  6. General Public Hearing

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

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

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

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

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

  12. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2042- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  13. Mayoral Appointment- Nekesa Matlock, Deputy City Administrator

  14. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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My Proposed Updates to Compost Ordinance Enforcement Provisions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

»Bike Parade«

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

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

»Father’s Day Breakfast«

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

»Son’s of American Legion Flag Retirement Ceremony«

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

Auto-generated description: People are standing outdoors near a baseball field, saluting with their right hands raised.
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Laurel's 4th of July Celebration Set to Begin!

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

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

Some key bits of info for your planning this weekend:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy 4th everybody and see you there! 🎆

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Mandatory Composting takes effect today, July 1

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

The timeline provided in the Ordinance was:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Share Your Voice at Council Meetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Info for City Council Work Session - 2 Jul 2025

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

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

AGENDA

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

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

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

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

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

  6. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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Join me in taking The Dignity Pledge for Political Discourse

I’m recently back from the Maryland Municipal League summer conference (an annual gathering of municipal leaders in the state), and one of the biggest highlights for me was the opening keynote given by Tim Shriver centered on The Dignity Index.

In his talk, Mr. Shriver described the ‘contempt industrial complex’ that’s evolved over the years, where, as described by sociologists like Arthur Brooks, we’ve unfortunately created an ‘addiction to contempt’ and which is taken advantage of by media and algorithms to drive ‘engagement’ to their platforms but also sadly driven us apart.

But, as Mr. Shriver quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘you can’t use hatred to defeat hatred’. Part of the solution he proposed: Commit to honoring everyone’s dignity, even (or especially), when things get heated. How can you do this? It begins with recognizing where your own language falls on The Dignity Index illustrated below – conversations characterized by phrases “5” and above can be helpful and productive, while conversations exhibiting the phrases from “4” or below can be harmful or even dangerous.

Being able to exhibit and promote healthy conversation has been a critical cornerstone for me, and I really resonated with Mr. Shriver’s message. Added to that, I’ve taken The Dignity Pledge to exhibit these principles in my public service.

You can learn more about The Dignity Index and their work with schools, businesses, youth, organization and more at their website, and I humbly encourage you to also consider joining me in taking The Dignity Pledge.

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31,000+ Radio Amateurs will be Live on Sat, Jun 28

The Laurel Amateur Radio Club (LARC) invites all curious or interested individuals (kids & adults) to come on out to Riverfront Park off Avondale Street anytime between 2 p.m., Saturday, June 28 to 2 p.m., Sunday, June 29 to be a part of the national ARRL Field Day where 31,000 radio amateurs from around the country will be live and talking to each other!

It promises to be a neat outing where you can see all the special gear, talk to people over radio waves on the other side of the country, and get to make some new friends along the way.

LARC also uses the event as exercise to hone their emergency operations skills – Their group helps provide a layer of communication backbone to certain City events and are part of our City’s emergency plans should cell or other technologies falter in a drastic event.

A great opportunity to experience something new, a fun afternoon activity for the family, and way to connect with our all the cool things being done by people here in our town!

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Happy Juneteenth + City Festival *this* Sat, Jun 21

June 19 is celebrated annually to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States, marked on the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War.

The City will be recognizing the date by holding a flag raising today at noon at the Municipal Center and with a wonderful festival this Saturday, June 21 at Granville Gude Park from 3 to 7 p.m. – There’ll be live music, cultural exhibitions, amazing vendors, kids activities, and more. I went last year with my then-four-year-old and he really had a great time on a moon bounce, got coloring pages with Juneteenth themed images and a crayon box, and there was lots of great food!

So come on out and help celebrate this important day in American history and meet neighbors from around Laurel doing the same! 😀

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My Update in the Laurel Living Newsletter, June 2025

Below is my report to residents in the latest edition of the Laurel Living newsletter published by the City – Some of the topics I cover:

  • My legislative work over these past two months
  • A shout-out to the Laurel Historical Society reaching a milestone
  • Congratulations to two new Eagle Scouts
  • Information on changes to City pool hours
  • And some around town tips!

Hope you enjoy, and also feel free to check out a PDF version of my report and the PDF version for the entire edition.

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Changes to 4th of July Parade Route + Registration

This year, the City has updated the 4th of July Parade to start at 4th Street and Marshall Avenue (instead of the Municipal Center), proceed south along 4th Street, and disperse near Cherry Lane (similar ending spot).

The organizing committee had been considering modifications over the last few years as temperatures in early July have been particularly hot, impacting parade participants and those working the event. This was also part of the shift to start the parade mid-afternoon at 3 p.m. (versus 11 a.m.).

Relatedly: Please consider registering your community group to participate in the parade! – It always adds so much to the parade to see all the different groups from around town featured and to appreciate all the wonderful organizations we have in Laurel! From dancing troupes to hobby groups (like radio controlled cars), from churches to Scout units, from sports leagues to motorcycle clubs, from non-profits to small businesses, and the list goes on – Come on out: you’ll have a blast in the parade, you can attract new members, and let’s show everyone our hometown pride! :)

Quick timeline for the festivities on Saturday, July 5:

  • 3 p.m. Parade begins
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Family Fun games at Gude Park
  • 4 p.m. Flag raising at Gude Park flag pole
  • 5:15 p.m. Music concert starts at Gude Park stage
  • 8:45 p.m. Welcome program at Gude Park stage
  • 9:15 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fireworks set off from the Laurel Lakes area

(More details available from the 4th of July website.)

So mark down on your calendar, register your group, and join this annual hometown tradition that is always so much fun! – And a huge thank you to the 4th of July Committee for all their hard work: please consider volunteering to join them as they are in need of extra hands both small or large. :)

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Utility Price Increases start Jun 1 + Temporary Refund

BGE recently reached out to the City to share information around rate increases residents are expected to experience starting June 1 – For the average combined gas & electric customer, they estimated the increase would be around a $39/mo difference.

Based on their information, these latest increases are not actually held onto by BGE, but are a direct ‘passing on’ of increased Supply Rates (based on market rate auctions held earlier this year) and an increased Transmission Reliability fee (based on a legal agreement keeping two older plants open while new ones are built out).

As a general note, I’ve been tracking Maryland’s energy situation with increased focus since last year, and to be honest, it’s not rosy. It was a very hotly contested issue during the Maryland Legislative Session earlier this year, and Maryland is facing the combined pressures of: (a) an increased demand due to expanding electrification, and (b) decreasing supply due to retirement of older energy producing facilities. As a result, we’re having to ‘import’ more of our energy (read: >50%) and the price of that energy is also steadily rising. While various ideas and solutions are being floated (including new nuclear), there’s no quick answers in sight since things that big take time to shift. This may be an issue you’d also want to track as a Maryland resident in order to provide feedback to our state legislators.

In the meantime, a few tips:

  1. One of the Maryland laws passed this year was to provide an $80 utility refund, broken down into two $40 pieces, one in the summer and one in the winter. So be on the look out for that.

  2. BGE also points out its: (a) “budget billing” option (to smooth utility bills over course of a year to avoid shock of one month), (b) “payment arrangement” option to setup a payment plan, and (c) “due date extension” option to give yourself a little more time.

  3. Additionally, there are state programs, the Fuel Fund of Maryland, and other assistance programs that you could qualify for – Visiting their Assistance Finder may help you locate a benefit that may work for you.

UPDATE 13 Jun 2025: Exelon (the parent company of BGE & Pepco) will distribute $19 million to help its low- and middle-income customers in Maryland pay their bills. Applications for the relief can be made starting July 1 via BGE’s Customer Relief Fund page and additional info can be found via this related Maryland Matters' article.

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Info for City Council Meeting - 6 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. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA

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

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

  3. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  4. Mayoral Appointment: Gabriella Alonso Arts Council 06/09/2025-06/09/2028

  5. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2038 - An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  6. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 6-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Adopting the 2025 City of Laurel Sustainability Plan

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

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

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

  10. 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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MD Black Chamber Meetup / Crepes on Main Launch / Memorial Day Service - Highlights & Pics

»Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce Small Business Mixer«

It was a great pleasure to be part of extending a warm Laurel welcome to the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) as they held their small business mixer at Caribe Express on Main Street on May 22. I had a chance to meet Chamber President Kenneth White (a resident of Laurel) who hopes to see the MBCC do additional events in Laurel as well. He shared with me about the free educational resources available to business owners through the MBCC (like how to use AI in your business, making sense of your business finances, etc.) plus the strong financial partners that help bring entrepreneurs’ vision to life (like FSC First). I let him know how excited I was to see MBCC help the small businesses of Laurel (one of my personal passions), and it was also another testament to me about the many talented people we have here in our town! Check out MBCC website linked above to become a member.

(Photo credit: MBCC)

»”Crepes on Main” Ribbon-Cutting«

In an almost perfect coincidence, the next day I joined with the City and community to celebrate the opening of another new great food spot Main Street: Crepes on Main. Small business owner Remi Bello shared how she and her husband had a favorite crepe spot in Baltimore which inspired her to one day open her own, and we swapped stories about the great crepes spot we’d both visited in Annapolis. Well Laurel: We now have one of our own! :) – If you haven’t tried crepes before, they’re loosely like super thin pancakes, but inside you can put all types of goodies: anything from sweet tastes of chocolate and fruit, to savory tastes like shrimp and Thai sauce. I was honored to eat the first crepe off the line which I thoroughly enjoyed! So no matter your taste buds, you’re sure to find something to love at Crepes on Main, so come on down to Main Street and check them out for the Grand Opening on July 4th or after!

Auto-generated description: A group of people are celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a building. (Photo credit: City of Laurel)

»52nd Annual Memorial Day Joint Service at Ivy Hill Cemetery«

As I’ve gone on in years, I’ve worked to make a special effort to pause and reflect on Memorial Day – Sure, it’s day to look forward to as a long weekend and for cookouts with family and friends. But remembering what the day is about, those whose lives were lost to preserve and protect the unique freedoms we can so easily forget, precious freedoms only purchased by those willing to pay the highest price. The morning’s reflection were emceed by Mr. Robert DiPietro, past Mayor of Laurel and emcee of the event for 51 of the 52 years its been held here in Laurel. He alluded that it was time for him to pass the torch, and our thanks to him, Laurel Volunteer Fire, Laurel Volunteer Rescue, Laurel Police, and the American Legion for helping us pay tribute and bring honor each year in such a fitting way.

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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.