Highlights of Legislation

Legislative Session for September 2, 2008

The Howard County Council will hold a legislative session beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2008 to introduce new legislation for the month of September.

There are several pieces of legislation being introduced that may be of special interest to the public.

Council Resolution No. 98-2008, introduced by the Chair at the request of the County Executive, would adopt additional criteria for the Historic Sites Inventory for Howard County and add an additional 19 historic sites to the inventory. Currently there are approximately 847 sites designated as historic by the Howard Department of Planning and Zoning. It is important to note that three of the sites being added at this time do not currently have structures located on the sites.

Council Resolutions Nos. 86, 87, 88, & 89-2008, introduced by the Chair at the request of the County Executive, seek to appoint four members to the newly established Design Advisory Panel. Earlier this year, Council Bill Nos. 24 & 25-2008 created a Design Advisory Panel to review new developments or redevelopments for either age-restricted adult housing conditional uses or located in area which was controlled by a County approved master plan. The panel comprises land-use professionals who are appointed County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.

Council Resolution No. 90-2008, introduced by the Chair at the request of the County Executive, seeks to fill a vacancy on the County’s Planning Board. The role of the Planning Board is to make recommendations on land use, capital budget, and general plan decisions facing the County. The proposed legislation would appoint Paul Yelder to the Planning Board for a term to expire on May 1, 2013.