COUNCIL DISTRICT TWO: NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE DESK OF: COUNCILPERSON CALVIN BALL cbball@howardcountymd.gov PHONE: 410-313-2001 FAX:410-313-3297

WELCOME

The Honorable Doctor Calvin Ball was elected to represent the 2nd District in 2006 and was subsequently unanimously voted to serve as Chairperson of the Howard County Council. District 2 includes the Columbia villages of Long Reach and Oakland Mills as well as Elkridge, Ellicott City, and Jessup.

Councilperson Ball is dedicated to the civic empowerment and engagement of our communities. Therefore, he will develop and strengthen his partnerships within the district by reaching out to various community organizations. As a result, a cooperative and cohesive support system can amount to positive results when dealing with our community issues and concerns. Feel free to contact our office with questions, comments, or concerns you may have at (410) 313-3105.

District 2 E-Newsletter
Financial Literacy 2008
Legislation
Take Part in Community Policing!
School Violence Hotline
Check All Smoke Alarms
Off-Leash Area AND Deer Hunts
Home Repairs-Senior Citizens
Who’s Digging in Your Community?
No More Sorting
How Can You Participate in HC Government?
Street Lights
Information on Scheduled Hearings
Useful Phone Numbers

I would like to update the District 2 database regarding contact information for those who hold leadership positions in your HOA. Please contact me via email or phone to update our database when changes occur. Thank you

District 2 E-Newsletter

The District 2 E-Newsletter was introduced in November 2006 to bring up to date information and news to our community on a monthly basis. All of the e-newletters are listed below and can be accessed by clicking on the link. If you would like to receive the e-newsletter, just e-mail us at cbball@howardcountymd.gov

E-Newsletters 2008

January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008

E-Newsletters 2007

January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007

E-Newsletters 2006

November 2006
December 2006

You can help us by reporting Illegal Signs with a new online form. The form is available Here .

Please be sure to describe the location of the illegal sign in the free-form textual area at the bottom of the form.

For further information on the County’s sign code, the sign permit application process, sign sizes, fees and for other answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits page on the County’s website Click Here or call DILP at 410-313-1830.

Financial Literacy 2008

Agenda
Results of the Summit
Follow-up to the Summit

Council Member Calvin Ball's Testimony to the General Assembly

To read the Bill, click on the Bill number.

HB1271 and SB714

The soaring rates of foreclosures are just one indication that we must do a better job in educating our citizens in the practical aspects of money management. Many families today are living paycheck to paycheck with no financial cushion in case of emergencies. The organizations that provide a social safety net are stretched to the braking point. In the 21st century, it is imperative that average consumers be financially literate. The consequences of a lack of financial literacy include mountains of debt, bankruptcies, broken homes, and shattered dreams. Elements of financial literacy are best presented to today's young people so that they can act prudently and avoid financial distress. In this case, as in many others, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

As part of our Constitutionally-mandated “thorough and efficient” educational system, students must be taught how to set financial goals, how to establish budgets, how to make decisions about financial services, how to use credit, and how to shop wisely. This kind of education would best be implemented through a course in financial literacy. A course in financial literacy would also help young people to choose a career, to make wise investments, to purchase insurance, to understand consumer contracts, and to use basic economic concepts.

For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 1271, and SB 714. These Bills, which would lead to a course in financial literacy, are an important first step in addressing the myriad of problems we face when people use money and credit with insufficient training and knowledge.

HB1242 and SB533

The soaring rates of foreclosures are just one indication that we must do a better job in educating our citizens in the practical aspects of money management. Many families today are living paycheck to paycheck with no financial cushion in case of emergencies. The organizations that provide a social safety net are stretched to the braking point. In the 21st century, it is imperative that average consumers be financially literate. The consequences of a lack of financial literacy include mountains of debt, bankruptcies, broken homes, and shattered dreams. Elements of financial literacy are best presented to today's young people so that they can act prudently and avoid financial distress. In this case, as in many others, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

As part of our Constitutionally-mandated “thorough and efficient” educational system, students must be taught how to set financial goals, how to establish budgets, how to make decisions about financial services, how to use credit, and how to shop wisely. In all likelihood, this kind of education would best be implemented through a course in financial literacy. A course in financial literacy would also help young people to choose a career, to make wise investments, to purchase insurance, to understand consumer contracts, and to use basic economic concepts.

For these reasons, I urge you to pass HB 1242, and SB 533. These Bills, which would create a task force to evaluate the extent of the problem and recommend ways to improve financial literacy among our citizenry, are an important first step in addressing the myriad of problems we face when people use money and credit with insufficient training and knowledge.

Legislation

Proposed legislation introduced can be accessed by clicking here: Pending Legislation

The following legislation was sponsored/co-sponsored by Calvin:

2008

ENRCB8-2008
Allowing certain banners on playing fields at certain times.

ENRCB26-2008
Amending the Howard County Code to specify when petitions to amend the text of the zoning regulations may be filed with the County Council.

ENRCR34-2008
Creating a youth task force to advise the County Council.

2007

ENRCB4-2007
Require that pre-submission community meetings required for residential subdivision applications in the County be held in public or institutional buildings within a five mile radius of the subdivision site.

CB5-2007
Require that pre-submission community meetings required for residential subdivision applications in the County be held for minor sub-divisions outside the Planned Service Area for Public Water and Sewer.

ENRCB6-2007
Require developers to send notice of pre-submission community meetings at least three weeks prior to the scheduled meeting and allow Department of Planning and Zoning staff to attend.

CB9-2007
Providing for a credit against the County property tax for certain devices that generate electricity under certain circumstances.

ENRCB10-2007
Altering the qualifications for a property tax credit for certain senior citizens.

CB12-2007
Altering the amount of the County supplement to the Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit; repealing a certain property tax credit for certain senior citizens.

CB32-2007
Establishing a property tax credit for certain owner-occupied residential real property that is jointly owned by an individual and the Howard County Housing Commission.

CB51-2007
Requiring a minimum wage for employees of certain contractors and subcontractors of the County.

CB66-2007
Establishing preferences for certain employees of certain public entities in the selection process for moderate income housing units.

CB67-2007
Establishing requirements for rental housing owners to give notice of intended sale to the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Housing Commission, and tenant organizations for multi-family dwelling units.

CB68-2007
Establishing the right of first refusal, under certain conditions, for the County for units that are converted from rental units to condominium units.

CR15-2007
Confirming the nomination of Peter Beilenson, M.D., M.P.H., to be the Health Officer for Howard County.

CR22-2007
Requesting tax preparers to inform their clients about property tax credits.

CR144-2007
Reviving the task force to study the senior property tax credit.

2006

ENRCB56-2006
Amending the standards for types of HC Housing Commission housing developments that may be considered a government use for zoning purposes Permit Zoning Board to use mediation as a tool during its land use deliberation process.

ENRCB57-2006
Amending the standards for types of HC Housing Commission housing developments that may be considered a government use for zoning purposes Include additional requirements for County mandated pre-submission community meetings.

ENRCB58-2006
Amending the standards for types of HC Housing Commission housing developments that may be considered a government use for zoning purposes Submit supporting materials for Planning Board meeting two weeks prior to meeting date.

ENRCB59-2006
Amending the standards for types of HC Housing Commission housing developments that may be considered a government use for zoning purposes Adds additional posting requirements for land use cases.

CB75-2006
Amending the standards for types of HC Housing Commission housing developments that may be considered a government use for zoning purposes.

CR93-2006
Declaring that certain real property owned by Howard County, Maryland consisting of a 100-unit townhouse and apartment complex and management office located at certain addresses between 7213 and 7333 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, Maryland, collectively known as Guilford Gardens, is no longer needed for public purposes.

CR107-2006
condemning hate bias incidents in Howard County, Maryland and encouraging inclusion, understanding, friendship, and kindness among Howard County citizens.

CR145-2006
Calling for a task force to study the tax credit enacted by Council Bill 68-2006 and advise the County Council; calling for certain membership, officers, staff, duties, and lifespan

Take Part in Community Policing!

School Violence Hotline

Check All Smoke Alarms

Off-Leash Area AND Deer Hunts

'07-'08 Off-Leash Permit
For additional information about the Off-Leash Area at Worthington Park, visit the HoCoDog website.

We are also pleased to provide a link to Animal Advocates

Home Repairs-Senior Citizens

Who’s Digging in Your Community?

Many of our constituents have brought to our attention issues concerning utility contractors digging in their community. Many of these contractors are sub-contractors of major utility companies. To determine the name of the contractor and the utility company they are representing, please go to Miss Utility.

This website is very informative and frequently updated with up-to-the-minute information on each and every project involving excavation around utilities.

For additional information, please call Miss Utility at(410)712-0056.

Summertime Fun!!

Places to Visit and Things to Do This Summer!!

B&O Railroad Station Museum

Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Station in Ellicott City is the oldest railroad station in the United States. Erected in 1830-31, the station served as the terminus of the railroad’s original 13-mile section of track. In service until 1972, the station is now a living history museum offering programs and exhibits that explore the development of transportation in America and the station’s role in historical events of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is located at the intersection of Main St. and Maryland Ave. in the Historic District of Ellicott City (2711 Maryland Avenue, 21043). Hours are Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Admission: $5 adults, $4 students and seniors, $3 ages 3-12. For information, call 410-461-1945 or visit ecborail.org.

Bollman Truss Bridge

The Bollman Truss Bridge is the only known remaining example of the revolutionary all-iron truss system patented by Baltimore engineer Wendell Bollman in the mid-19th century. Constructed in 1869, the bridge was moved to its current site in 1888 and was in use until 1915. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000, it is now utilized as a pedestrian bridge connecting Historic Savage Mill with the Mill Trail, a walk linking old mill sites along the Patuxent River. The bridge is located at 8650 Foundry Street, Savage, MD, 20763.

Ellicott City Colored School Restored

This one-room schoolhouse building was constructed in 1880 as the first public school for black children in Howard County. In use as a school until the early 1950’s, the building was re-purchased by the county in 1995 and restored with the assistance of public and private funding. The building, located at 8683 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, now houses a genealogical resource center and a museum chronicling the history of African Americans in Howard County. Changing exhibits and seminars highlight the contributions by people of color to the history of the region. Tours are by appointment. For more information and information about the Docent/Tour Guide Orientation on September 18, call 410-465-8500.

Ellicott City Firehouse Museum

Located in the County’s first firehouse at the intersection of Main Street and Church Rd. in Historic Ellicott City, the Firehouse Museum houses a wide array of fire apparatus, model toys, and an impressive visual history of Howard County’s Volunteer Fire Department. The firehouse was constructed by volunteers in 1889 and after 1923 used as a meeting hall, county office space and library reading room before opening as a museum. Starting May 14, you can visit the Firehouse Museum by appointment Sat., Sun. and Mon., 1-6 p.m.; call 410-465-8500.

Heritage Orientation Center

The Heritage Orientation Center is located behind the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin in the County’s first Court Records building. View unique exhibits on 18th and 19th Century milling techniques; Floods of Ellicott Mills; and the Ellicott Family. The center is open daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; for information, call 410-465-8500.

Victorian Tea at Mt. Ida

Mt. Ida can be a perfect mother/daughter or best friend (adult) tea. What better way to spend an afternoon with family, friends or your club or organization. Let us design a program to meet the needs of your group. It’s a great way to learn about women in history, explore Mt. Ida and the Patapsco Female Institute (weather permitting), and participate in and learn about Victorian parlor games. Three sweets, three savories and tea will be served to you and your guests by docents in period attire. Come and find out what the Patapsco Female Institute is all about. For additional information or to schedule your tea, call 410-465-8500.

Pfeiffer’s Corner School House

Originally constructed about 1883, the Pfeiffer’s Corner Schoolhouse is one of very few remaining one-room schools in Howard County. Restoration structure is now complete in its new location within Rockburn Branch Park, 6109 Rockburn Branch Park Rd., Elkridge. Children were educated within its walls for over 50 years until it was converted into a residence in the 1940’s. It was almost demolished when new homes were built on the property in the 1980’s, but was saved through the efforts of local schoolchildren. They raised funds to have it moved in 1988 to county-owned parkland along route 108 near Clarksville, where it stood for several years until a permanent location could be found. In 2003, it was moved to Rockburn Branch Park where it will illustrate the changes a 100-year time span have brought to our schools, serve as an historic exhibit in conjunction with the adjacent Clover Hill restoration, and be used for demonstration classes, interpretive tours and small meetings. Group tours will be available soon; for additional information call 410-465-8500.

Thomas Isaac Log Cabin

Named after its late 19th century owner, this rustic structure was built circa 1780 as a settler’s home of Ellicotts Mills. The cabin was reconstructed on the present site in the late 20th Century. Here, visitors can learn about the settlement and development of the region from authentically costumed historians and artisans. The cabin is located at the intersection of Main St. and Ellicott Mills Dr. in Historic Ellicott City and open Sat., Sun. and Mon. 1-6 p.m., starting May 14. Call 410-465-8500 for information about programs.

Waverly Mansion

This property is associated with many of the “founding families” of Maryland and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nathan Dorsey, son of Colonel John Dorsey, built the main section of the mansion between 1756 and 1764. The property was later sold to Revolutionary War hero, Colonel John Eager Howard, governor of Maryland from 1788 to 1790. Colonel Howard gave the house and land to his son, George, who later also served as governor of the state (1831-33). George Howard and his wife, Prudence, a member of the Ridgeley family, named their estate after the popular Sir Walter Scott novel, Waverley. The restored mansion, furnished with period antiques, is open for special programs and for tours by appointment. It is also a popular place for weddings, parties, and meetings. For additional information, call 410-313-5400 or visit the site's web page Waverly Mansion.

Libraries

The Howard County Library offers many educational and entertaining programs and event for all ages. View your neighborhood library’s calendar for upcoming happenings.

Branch Events and Programs

All Branches
Central Library
East Columbia Branch Library
Elkridge Branch Library
Glenwood Branch Library
Miller Branch Library
Savage Branch Library

Pet Clean-up!

Pet Owners! Please be sure to clean up after your pet. Pet owners are responsible for immediately removing excrement deposited by their pets on property that is not their own and disposing of it in a sanitary manner. Pet owners are also required to remove an accumulation of pet waste from their property to prevent annoying odors. The Animal Control Division (410-313-2780) can furnish further information.

Cat & Dog Licenses

Licenses are required for all cats and dogs over the age of four months living in the county. You may purchase a license at the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (410-313-2455). The proper fee, a current rabies certificate and proof of neutering, if applicable, are required.

Howard County Leash Law

When domestic animals are not confined on their owner’s property, the county requires that they be on a leash or properly restrained and under the direct control of a responsible person. Call Animal Control (410-313-2780) for details.

No More Sorting

How Can You Participate in HC Government?

Street Lights

REPORT STREET LIGHT OUTAGES To report out street lights you can e-mail your outages at Report Street Light Outage. By phone you can contact BG&E at 410-685-0123. To expedite repair service remember to have the specific location of the light and its pole number which is located on its metal tag.

IS YOUR STREET LACKING SUFFICIENT LIGHT? If you feel your street is lacking sufficient light, the County may be able to provide you with several options. Although the County’s lighting policy only supports new installation of street lights for vehicle safety at crosswalks, intersections, curves, and midblock locations, the County can suggest new light fixture replacements to improve light distribution.

If you would like to request a street light, you can contact the County Traffic Engineering office at (410) 313-2430. The office will assess the request and notify the requestor of its decision.

Information on Scheduled Hearings

Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board, please click Here.

Board of Appeals, please click Here

Council Calendar of Meetings Here

County Calendar of Events Here

Hearing Examiner, please click Here

Zoning Board, please click Here

Useful Phone Numbers