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)
New Baby Arrived!
Wanted to share on a personal note, that my wife and I welcomed our new little tyke last month! - I’m happy to report that mom and baby are doing good and recovering well. Also that his brothers are very excited to have their new little buddy (even if he can’t play and run with them just yet). ;)
Our thanks to the Mayor, fellow members of Council, and City Staff for their support and congratulatory notes. And a hearty thanks as well to so many of you who have sent your well wishes and supportive comments in person - we truly appreciate them! :)
I also wanted to give a huge note of admiration for the strength, courage, and love of all mothers out there! - The gift of new life is something that never ceases to amaze me and is truly special. Thank you!! :)
New Small Business Grant Opens Sep 3 on First-Come Basis
The new Laurel Thrive Grant I mentioned earlier this month was just launched - applications open next Tue, Sep 3 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The grant amount is $10,000, is for a business in the City limits, and can be used toward equipment, furniture, remodeling, exterior renovations, and more. (Excluded items are payroll, architectural fees, rent, and others.)
Be sure to read the full requirements and have all your items ready, then head on over to the Thrive Small Business Grant page to submit your application.
Fall Parks & Rec Activities Announced!
Resident should see in their mailbox this week the latest Parks & Rec brochure for fall activities. Whether fall community events, adult or youth trips, fall sports leagues, the City’s pre-school program or more, there’s sure to be something for everybody. :)
Some highlights that caught my attention:
- Free “Music at the Mansion” featuring Hispanic music Friday evening, Sep 27
- Harvest Moon Hayrides the evening for Friday, Nov 1 at Riverfront Park.
- Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec 7 at the Armory.
- Teen trip to Hershey Park Halloween on Sunday, Oct 12.
- Martial Arts classes for kids aged 3-15.
- Couples Fight Night (learn self-defense as a couple) and Bio-fitness classes for adults.
- A Toby’s Dinner Theater night for seniors on Sat, Sep 28.
- And plenty more!
Be sure to peruse your copy in the mail (or browse online) then mark your calendars for your favorite community events and even sign up for class or two to have some fun this fall. :)
Modified Trash Schedule for Labor Day
Quick reference from the Department of Public Works for the modified trash schedule around the Labor Day holiday next week.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend everyone!
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
- Call to Order - James Kole, Council President
- Van Dusen Road Roadway Improvement Project- Department of Public Works with a Presentation by Century Engineering
- 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
Access the Amenities at Laurel’s 2 Community Centers
Last week, our family went to the Laurel Armory to get Department of Parks & Recreation Annual Admission Passes. These passes provide residents access to the amenities at both of Laurel’s two Community Centers (Laurel Armory & DiPietro Center) and the annual passes are priced at:
- Age 8-17: $11 (covers Youth Drop-in Activities, Youth Open Gym Activities, & Open Game Room)
- Age 13-17: $77 (covers Fitness Room access only)
- Age 18-54: $117 (covers Adult Drop-in Activities, Adult Open Gym Activities, & Fitness Room access)
- Age 55+: $77 (covers Adult Drop-in Activities, Adult Open Gym Activities, & Fitness Room access)
Options are also available at 6-mo., 3-mo., 1-mo., and Daily rates (plus adjusted rates for non-residents).
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Some examples of Youth Drop-in Activities are: Games Club on Tuesday evenings, Friday Night Teen Club on Fridays, and Family Basketball on Sunday mornings. Add this to Youth Open Gym times and Open Game Room times, and you can get a great value for $11.
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Examples of Adult Drop-in Activities are: Basketball, Badminton, Danceroom, Pickleball, Indoor Walk-and-Talk, and Volleyball. Add this to Adult Open Gym times plus Fitness Room access, and you can also find yourself with a great value for $117 (or just $77 for 55+).
The best neighborhood resource for a fun outlet & healthy activities (plus the opportunity to make new friends) may be right around the corner from you - So if any of the above sounds up your alley, swing on over to the Parks & Rec Community Center’s page for more information or step on into one of the two Community Centers listed above to get your pass.
(Photo: City of Laurel)
Join the St. Mark’s Emancipation Day 5k on Sep 7
It’s time for the 12th Annual St. Mark’s Emancipation Day 5k!
If you wander by McCullough Field on Saturday morning each fall, you may wonder what all those people having fun are doing? They’re running in honor of Emancipation Day and to help fight diabetes by supporting University of Maryland’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology-Midtown that serves Baltimore and the region. Organized by the congregation at historic St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on 8th Street, it’s always a great and fun time to get out in our community, meet neighbors, and do some good in the process.
And don’t worry if running isn’t your thing, you can also:
- Walk the 5k, or
- Opt for a 1k Fun Walk (also a great option for young kids), or
- If you’re not able to make it on race day, be sure to checkout the Virtual Race option to participate when/ wherever you’re at.
Follow this link to register and come on out to join the fun!