County Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Chair calls to order  public hearing for resolution   00526 meet grant. Um Miss Holt  would like to come forward please. Good evening. Good evening President Minceni.  um come before you this evening um to share   some exciting news about a company that's making a  significant investment here in Harford County and   has um support from the state in that venture  as well. Um the company is Lufco and they are   located at 1204 Technology Drive in Aberdeen.  It's part of the Aberdeen Technology Park.   You may be familiar with the facility. It is the  former Battel um site there within the park. Um,   this is a significant capital investment here in  Harford County, approximately $15 million. It is   $73,000 square feet. Um, the company currently  has 100 employees and the anticipated job creation   u with this investment and expansion of of their  activity would bring an additional 120 employees.   It is a Maryland certified woman-owned small  business. Um, and I am pleased to share that we do   have with us Andrew Lboro, the COO of the company.  Thank you, Andrew. Um, the Maryland Department of   Commerce um is offering um a MEDAF or Advantage  Maryland, which is an incentive program that will   provide a $600,000 conditional loan to the LUFCO  uh company in support of their investment at this   uh facility. Um it is an existing facility that  will require some upgrades and things to the site   and as a result of that we provide a 10% match  for Advantage Maryland. So Harford County would  

provide a $60,000 grant to match um support for  critical infrastructure upgrades at that project   site. Um, and before you for consideration  is resolution 00526, which will endorse   the state and county support for this technology  catalyst. Um, I've provided a quick timeline. Um,   at the bottom you can see tonight is our public  hearing and we would request a vote at March 17th. Um, Luco is a homegrown Harford County small  business. They acquired the building in December   of 25. um purchased the vacated facility. I  mentioned it was owned by Battel. They had a   Battel Eastern Science and Tech Center there  which was a 16 lab complex built in 2003. Um   and it has been vacant for almost two years. So  we're really excited to see this reinvestment. Um,   Lufkco as a company drives the creation of  highwage, high-skll specialized jobs uh within   recognized lighthouse sectors by the state  and that tends to be aerospace, defense and   manufacturing and they are actively hiring top  talent to accelerate innovation here in Harford   County. You can see some uh photos taken during  a snowy day. Um the warmer weather is helping,   but it is a great facility, great infrastructure.  Um, there's two photos uh accompanying this next   piece. And I'm pleased to say that uh Andrew  shared that they took possession of this newly   painted uh vehicle as part of a mobile command  center um that will be um uh active in various   parts of our country. And um pleased to say a  local company helped uh prepare that operation,   automatic codings in Harford County. So, we really  like to see our companies um work with one another   here in Harford County. It is specializing  um missionritical systems engineering and  

strategic innovation to give the war fighter  a decisive edge. Um the site will focus on   advanced manufacturing capabilities for micro  electronics and it supports clients including the   department of defense, various state and federal  agencies, private companies and nonprofits.   So that's a very quick highlight overview.  We're really excited. They've been   uh very engaged with our community. We recently  hosted the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank um with   some roundt of our defense and tech uh business  leaders and Lufco was um gracious enough to host   us um amidst even a renovation of that facility  but to showcase the infrastructure we have here   in Harford County. Mr. Lur, is there anything you  want to add? If so, just come forward if you do. No, as a lifelong resident of Harford County,  this is pretty exciting and uh happy to,   you know, put roots here uh in in Harford County  and uh invest in this facility. I remember when   the facility was first commissioned in 2020 or  two uh 2003. So, um pretty exciting to be part   of the next chapter of it. So, thank you. So,  um I too am very excited for you and thank you   for your coni continued investment in Harford  County. I've seen the investments that you've   made over the years uh locally. Very pleased  to see that you're bringing another project to   the county that's going to offer 120 high-end  paying jobs. So, really appreciate and at this   time I open up to council for any questions  or comments. Um anyone? Mr. Danger. Um good   afternoon. Good evening. Thanks for thanks  for coming in. So, uh, pretty exciting. Um,   glad that you took the plunge and went into to do  over this building. I know we were talking about  

the electricity on that, but uh, just to hear  some of the different things that you're doing,   the amount of people that you have employed, the  amount of people that you're bringing employing.   We know that there's uh, a lot of technology  driven stuff and and defense stuff here. So,   it's glad to see that, you know, outside  the gate and moving forward with that. Um,   uh, I just sent this off to a couple people that I  know that said, "Hey, you might want to look into   this company and, you know, reach out to them  for, uh, for what you guys do." Um, but, uh,   thank you for staying in Harford County and thank  you for believing in in us and we we certainly   appreciate that. So, thanks. Thank you. Anyone  else? Miss Dixon, do we have anyone signed up? No,   Mr. President, there is no one signed up to speak.  Very good. This will conclude this public hearing   for resolution 00526 and we will take it up on the  17th. Great. Thank you. Thank you. Uh we'll move   into bill 260001, Harford County Sheriff's  Office pension plan amendment. Mr. Salis Robbie Sis County Treasurer on behalf of uh the  county executive asking for uh some uh modest   changes to the plan documents of the sheriff's  office uh pension plan. Now most of the county uh   workforce are under the state uh state retirement  plan either the the state employee retirement plan   or for our law enforcement deputies they are under  the state's leops plan. However, our correctional   officers are under the um sheriff's office plan,  which the the county administers. Um and what   this change would do is that it would it would  allow for uh transfers of service credit to have   an 18-month window instead of a six-month  window. So, several years ago, we enacted   um a a change that allowed for up to five years of  of service time from from qualified plans that are   either law enforcement or correctional plans to  be transferred into the into the SOP that would   go towards their their vesting requirements and  towards their their future retirement benefits.  

And what we found is that six months really wasn't  enough time. A lot of it's a big decision that   people are making. they uh you you want to make  sure that this is where you want to be because   once you do change your your pension um uh service  time once you transfer from one pension to another   you really can't say I change my mind I want it  I want it back but at the same time we also don't   want to have it just open-ended because what we  need to do is to make sure that we are putting   aside resources both the employees uh resources  and the county's resources um to put them into the   trust so that we are able to invest invest them so  that they will be available um when they when they   do retire. So, we think this is a nice balance.  Um, I can say that this is a something that the um   correctional officers association, their union um  brought forth to the county executive. We've also   taken this before the board of trustees of um the  SOP and and they are supportive as well. Um we'll   also just note that um our our SOP is is in really  good shape. It's uh 88% funded. You know, that's   significantly better than most other pensions.  I will say that when we we go to uh New York and   deal with the credit rating um agencies, I always  have a page on the SOP talking about and that's   really one of the things that they do look at. Um  how are you managing your pension obligations? And   I can say that that Harford County is is is in  the right place when we're doing this. You know,   as far as the overall cost of this, it's it's  somewhat hard to to ascertain. I know there's   probably at least one person who's definitely  going to take advantage um of it who's currently   on staff. And when our actuaries looked at it,  they figured it would be about $3,000 um per   annual required contribution per year ser um years  of service transferred. So if you're transferring   five years, let's figure about $15,000 to  that arc. However, we really won't know until   um you know until all the actuarial analysis are  done. But but the employees themselves will need   to transfer either from their prior um either  from their prior pension or from a combination   of of their own funds in the prior pension. um  an amount that is that is equal to uh 9% of their   um uh 9% of their of their salary by the number  of years um that they wish to have transferred.  

So this is a uh kind of a dual obligation on both  the employees part and the county's part. Thank   you Mr. Samos. Um questions anyone? Mr. Janana. Uh  good evening Robbie. So, if somebody goes from the   correctional facility and they change positions,  go into the sheriff's office in a different does   that automatically transfer their their pension as  well? So, if that were the case, if somebody were   to transfer from um if they were a correctional  officer um um and they they moved to the law   enforcement side, we would transfer funds from the  the county's um pension uh to the state's LEOPS   plan. Um and so that's how that would work. and  then vice versa if somebody want to go the other   um the other direction. Okay. Thank you. Anyone  else, Mr. Bennett? Good evening. Good to be with   you. Um I appreciate your work on this and I'm  glad it sounds like everybody came to the same   conclusion. You know, the employees and management  all agree this is a good thing. So, um, my quick   question is, I know it's come up in the past  over the past few years, but with the expansion   of staffing in emergency services, have there  been any more conversations surrounding uh their   pension plan for the people who are our first  responders and emergency services and dispatchers?   We we have we have looked at it. Um, it is a  expensive proposition. um law enforcement pension.   So like the equivalent of the LEOPS pension is I  believe about 45% of of of pay. So I mean if you   are theoretically making $100,000 the county would  need to contribute $45,000 you towards the pension   plan whereas the the regular pension system is  something more along the lines of 10%. Um so it is   a it is a big change plus you would then also have  to make up for the unfunded liability portion of   the past which would add several million dollars  to it. So it is part of the conversation. You  

know, I know one of the things we did this year  or or in last year's budget was to try to provide   um some some bonuses to those employees um to um  to more or less kind of serve as as an incentive,   you know, for them. But we understand that that  public safety pensions, you know, are a um kind of   a fact of life and we know I think we continue to  look at it, but it is a significant it has a very   significant fiscal note. And is that even talking  about years, you know, because like I think right   now to get your full pension as a dispatcher,  it's 30 years. Yeah. Now, the dispatchers is   another matter. Um, you know, the the state  the the all of these things are ultimately   governed by kind of IRS regulations and they're  looking at things like, you know, people's life   expectancy and all these other things. And so um  let's say firefighters um correctional officers,   law enforcement officers and and paramedics um  are eligible for earlier retirements but typically   um dispatch is not under those. So dispatch would  not be eligible to join say LEOPS um but whereas a   paramedic you know would be ineligible. So again  it's something that I know other counties you   know have their own plans for similar deals. you  know, how we would go about that. You know, again,   would you, you know, create your own plan? Would  you do something else? Um, but again, it would be   it would be a very um a very pricey um endeavor.  This is always the issue you were kind of dealing   with when you know because it's all coming out of  the same bucket. So, either you do we put money   into salaries or do we put money into pensions? I  know 20 year old me didn't care a whole lot about   pensions. 50-y old me cares a lot about pensions.  Um, and I don't know where that breaking point is.   40ome probably. Um and and that is the challenge,  you know, because you want to make sure that your   salaries are competitive, your other things are  competitive. Um but there does come a point where,   you know, retirement is is um a factor. Yeah. And  there's that delicate balance of you want to have   uh the carrot be enticing to get people to make  it to the end, but if it feels so far away,  

you're like, I'm never going to make it to 30  years, you're more likely to leave at year 12   than if you think, well, I could make it to 22  or 24 years. And and we did structure that say   with those for for the um for the paramedics for  the EMTs those bonuses were kind of staggered to   to try to get them to uh to to um stay for longer  longer periods of time. So thank you. Thank you,   Mr. Bennett. Anyone else? Mr. Riley. So when  we talk about the Harford County Sheriff's   Office pension plan, we're only talking about  guys and gals with guns and badges. We're not   talking about the civilians and we're not talking  about animal control. Correct. Well, in this case,   it's correctional officers. Correction. So, years  ago, the sheriff uh law enforcement deputies were   under this plan and then they moved into into  Leops. But no, if you were a civilian um and   the um uh who works for the sheriff, you're in the  same pension plan as as I am and and the state's   attorneys people are and and all of those. So, the  employees retirement plan. Thanks. Thank you, Mr.   Riley. Miss Dixon, do we have anyone signed up?  We do, Mr. President. We have one, Luke Hughesman, to the back. Luke, give me your name and address, please. Yes, this  is uh Luke Husman. I live at 481 Amalanter Court   in Bair, Maryland. Um members of the council, uh  thank you for this opportunity to speak today.   Uh I stand in strong support uh of this proposed  pension amendment. Uh this change recognizes the   need for ample time to make informed financial  decisions from those who are transferring from  

other facilities. Uh this change rec uh the uh  the amendment removes an unnecessary barrier for   experienced public servants um who bring valuable  skills to our county. Uh extending the purchase   window will promote workforce stability, encourage  recruitment of qualified laterals, and honor   prior public service by giving employees a fair  opportunity to consolidate retirement benefits.   Uh, I want to express my sincere gratitude to  Sheriff Gaylor for his continued leadership and   unwavering support. I'd also like to thank uh,  Treasurer Sandless and uh, the county executive   Cassie for their support regarding this amendment.  Uh, their backing reflects shared commitment to   stronger, more equitable retirement system for the  county's public servants. Thank you. Thank you,   sir. There are no more speakers. All right, with  no other speakers, this will conclude this public   hearing on bill 26001. We will take it up at the  March 17th meeting. Thank you. And right now we'll   take a little bit of a recess till 7:30. Thank  you. Chair calls to order legislative session   day 26009. I would ask you to please join us in  standing for the pledge followed by the opening   prayer. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the  United States of America and to the republic   for which it stands. One nation under God.  indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Heavenly Father, we come to you this evening  in prayer asking for your guidance, wisdom,   and support. As we begin this meeting, we  thank you for the many blessings in our   lives and in our county. We continue to live  in challenging times. Give us the knowledge,   understanding, and patience needed to  legislate on behalf of our citizens.   Lord, as always, we ask you to watch over our  military, law enforcement, first responders,  

healthcare providers, and educators. We ask these  things in your more most holy name. Amen. Amen. For presentation of proclamations. Uh, Miss  Robert, you want to sit down, please? Uh,   March 2026, Women's History Month, U  League of Women Voters. Good evening. Whereas the month of March is recognized  nationwide as Women's History Month,   a time to celebrate the vital  contributions, achievements,   and leadership of women throughout our nation's  history. And whereas the ling of women voters was   founded in 1920 following the ratification of the  19th amendment to the United States Constitution,   which guaranteed women the right to vote and  commemorated a major milestone in helping   newly empowered women become informed and  active participants in democracy. In 2026,   the League celebrates its 106th anniversary.  The League of Women Voters of Harford County   has continued this proud tradition locally by  promoting voter voter education, nonpartisan   civic engagement, and informed participation  in our democratic process. an whereas during   women's history month with the theme being leading  the change women shaping a sustainable future we   recognize and celebrate the dedication of the  members and volunteers of the organization who   continue to strengthen our community and uphold  the important values of civic participation and   informed citizenship. Now therefore, we the  county council of Harford County, Maryland,   on this 10th day of March, 2026, to hereby  salute League of Women Voters of Hartford  

County Women's History Month 2026 and express  our appreciation for their ongoing commitment   to empowering voters and promoting active civ  civic engagement throughout our community. And I just wanted to say a couple words.  Thank you. Um and looking at this year's   uh theme leading change and thinking  of 106 years with women league voters   um it I felt that it was appropriate during  women's history month uh to present this uh   to the organization. Thank you. Did you have  anything you want to say to her? Sure. Good   evening everyone. How are you? Good. It's Women's  History Month. We should all be excited. We can   do better than that. How are you? That's right.  My name is Kyra Scionan and I'm the president   of the League of Women Voters of Harford  County. And as Councilwoman Robert said,   for 106 years, we have been a nonpartisan  grassroots organization that strictly focuses   on protecting and expanding voting rights so  that all eligible voters can have their voices   heard. We do not support candidates or political  parties at any level of government, local, state,   or federal. Our goal is just to make sure that  as many people as possible are engaged, informed,   and able to cast their ballots to make sure that  their voice is heard. So, here locally in Harford   County, we have a number of voter registration  and education drives. We are making sure that   students at the within the high schools, at  community colleges, in other trades that they   are registered to vote because we know if you get  young people engaged early, they have a propensity   to stick with it. And we carry that all the way  up to our more seasoned voters, making sure that   they are included as well. So, I just encourage  you, make sure that your voices are heard. If  

you are not registered to vote or you need to  do an update to any of your voter information,   we can get you registered here today. Uh make  sure that any of those changes are made by the   June 2nd deadline so that you are well prepared  for the June 23rd primary. Okay. Thank you. I'm grab a photo of all. Okay. I'm going to do a couple  with the flash without flash. Make sure you're looking all yours out. Now, two And one more. Thank you everybody. And  thank you all so much. Congratulations. You're welcome. Agenda number five, consideration of  petitions, applications, appointments,   and nominations. Executive appointments  commission on disabilities. May I have   a motion, please? Council President, I move  to approve the reappoints of Rachel Harbon,   Sher Ortiz Brown, Courtney Wallace, and Malcolm  White. May I have a second? Second. Thank you,   Mr. Riley. It's been moved and seconded to  approve the reappoints. Is there any discussion, Miss Robert? Um, I just want to say, um, I'm on  the Commission for Disabilities and I'm grateful  

to have, uh, those recommissioned and, um,  they're all hard workers on our commission. So,   uh, thank you. Thank you, Miss Robert.  Anyone else? Miss Dixon. Mr. President. Hi,   Mrs. Robert. I, Mrs. Mhoff. Hi, Mr.  Jano. I, Mr. Riley. Hi, Mrs. Saddles. Hi,   Mr. Bennett. I There being seven votes  in the affirmative, zero and negative,   the appointments are hereby approved. Are any of  the recipients in the audience? Okay, thank you. Six, special presentations. We have none. Seven,  approval of minutes. Legislative day 25-008,   March 3rd, 2026. Are there any  corrections to the minutes? There being no corrections, the  minutes stand approved. Eight,   introduction and consideration of resolutions. We  have none. Mr. Jano, please read introduction of   bills under introduction of bills  nine. Please read in bill 26002. Bill 26-002 supplemental appropriation  estimated expenses estat and MSD as introduced.   introduced by council president Vincenti at  the request of the county executive. An act   to make a supplemental appropriation of funds  from the general fund for the current fiscal   year to provide the necessary funds to cover  expenses incurred from the state of Maryland   for assessment costs charged by the state  department of assessment and taxation and   pre kindergarten private tuition costs charged  by the Maryland State Department of Education.   Public hearing scheduled on Tuesday, April  14, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. in these council   chambers. Thank you. Um 10. Introduction and  consideration of amendments. We have none. 11.   Call for final reading of bills. None. 12.  Enrollment of bills. None. 13. Unfinished   business. None. 14. New business. None. 15.  Comments and input from attending citizens.  

Miss Dixon. Do we have anyone signed up? We  do, Mr. President. We have one. Jim Webb. Good evening, sir. Name and address, please.  Uh, my name is James Webb. I live at 329 Bin   Ridge Road. Uh the reason why I'm here is I  was at the uh December meeting about the MPA   extension and about the you know the trash and  you know the people coming onto our lawns and   them only you know planting probably about  8 to 10 trees that are going to take 10 to   15 years to mature so that the road noise is  there. And uh when I addressed the council,   I was assured that they were, you know,  you looked at one another and said that   there was going to be a fence put up there.  I got a a correspondence from Mr. Magnus said   there's not going to be any fence for that MPAW  extension for 329, 327, and 325 Bum Ridge. So   I guess my question is is is there going to  be a fence, you know, erected there? um you   know to you to help with the road noise, the  trash, and the people coming onto our lawns. Are you finished speaking? Yes. Okay. I'm sorry.  I didn't want to interrupt you. That's okay. Um   so I don't have the answer for you tonight,  but I believe you're in Mr. Riley's district   and Tony's Tony's. Okay. Mr. Jander Denner's  district and uh Mr. Overbeay is here tonight.   I'll see that Tony gets with Mr. Overbay. Okay.  Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else?   There are no more speakers. All right. Uh we'll  move on to 16. Business from council members.   Miss Imoff. Good evening. Um a couple of events I  was able to attend this past week. On March 4th,  

I was able to attend the Harford County Chamber  of Commerce 50th anniversary ribbon cutting   celebration. They had a really, really nice  remodel to their um their building right here   off of Bond Street. On March 5th, I was able to  attend the Athena Awards breakfast which honored   um the the women who are making a huge difference  in the organizations that are making a huge   difference that are female run. Um for anyone who  has never attended an Athena Awards breakfast,   I highly recommend it. It is one of my  favorite events of the year. On March 7th,   I had the pleasure of attending the Harford  County Leading Women annual awards ceremony   um where we were able to celebrate some  of the most exceptional young students   between 7th and 12th grade um who are not only  exceptional students with things like 4.75 GPA   um but they also are um community volunteers and  just remarkable young women from across Harford   County. Um, I was especially proud that there  were quite a few ladies from my district. Um,   but the lady the the students who were honored  during that breakfast are exceptional and you   will leave that event every year with a renowned  hope for our future. Um, that evening I was able   to attend the Farm Bureau Bull and Shrimp Roast  um, which had more people in one location than   I think I've been in a very long time. So, it was  great to see so much support for our agricultural   community. This morning, along with a few of my  fellow council members, I attended the ribbon   cutting for the new design showroom for Ward Home  Improvements in Abington. Um, the showroom gives   homeowners the opportunity to explore materials  and design options firsthand as they plan their   projects, and they have a beautiful showroom. And  then earlier today, I was also able to attend the   oral argument sessions for the Supreme Court  of Maryland of Harford County at Harford County   Community College's Chesapeake Welcome Center.  Um, for those of you who don't know, the Maryland  

Supreme Court takes this opportunity to partner  with different um, higher education systems to   actually move their oral arguments to different  locations. So, it allows for a more diverse um,   audience to be able to see how it all works. And  then students from our our high schools and our   community college were able to do a Q&A. And those  students were so well prepared with some really   remarkable questions. Um, and honestly the Q&A was  my favorite part of the whole morning. And then   uh just some upcoming events. Just a reminder  that the next Abington Eertton CAD meeting is   this Thursday, March 12th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  at Abingdon Fire Company. And then on March 28th   from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Harford County Humane  Society will be hosting the Jam the Van donation   drive at Rener's Market on Fountain Green Road  Bair. That's all I have. Thank you, Miss Imhof,   Mr. Jan Dan. Thank you, Council President. Um, so  the Chamber of Commerce had their 50th anniversary   ribbon cutting and it was pretty neat because  I think one of the original chamber members,   which was Bill Cox, was there. Um, and I think  that was obviously was over 50 years ago. So,   uh, congratulations to the chamber. They  had a great turnout. I think everybody was,   uh, flowing out onto, uh, Main Street, uh, Bond  Street there. So, um, they've done some upgrades   to the building. Looks great. So, um, they're  they're definitely a voice for small businesses.   So, congratulations to them. Also did the Athena  Award breakfast, but uh also went up to uh did the   um land trust meeting up at Hopkins Brewing. It's  their 35th anniversary. They gave out a volunteer   award to Derek Hopkins and a conser conservation  award to Jay Young for all the work he's done.   Um I know council Riley is going to talk about  Jake Given, so I'll let him talk about that. Also   did the Farm Bureau Bullan shrimp roast award  show today. And uh that's it. Thanks, Council   President. Thank you, Mr. James and Mr. Riley.  Yes. Councilman Tony G said we went to Looney  

and we didn't go there to drink. We actually went  there to recognize a 17-year-old Jake Gibbons as   a hometown hero. At 11 years old, he started  raising money for the Baldick's event where   they shaved the head uh for cancer patients. And  he's raised over $50,000 in the last five years,   $10,000 a year. Um, so we went and presented a me  and Tony went and presented a proclamation to the   young man and our state's attorney, uh, Allison  Healey was able to shave his head. Um, also want   to congratulate our newest Eagle Scout, Robert  Davis from Troop 965. I also want to congratulate   their family. There's three uh, three sons that  made Eagle Scout, all three of their sons. So   uh and also uh Tony G was there to be able to  celebrate that with them. And I want to congrat   congratulate all the level volunteer fire company.  They just held their banquet last week and all   those that uh signed up. Thank you, Mr. President.  Thank you, Mr. Riley. Miss Sol. Thank you,   Council President. Um, I want to let the residents  of the Green Ridge community know that there will   be a community meeting with Maryland American  Water to hear updates and ask questions about   the water issues in the community. The meeting  will be held this Thursday, March 12th, from 6:00   to 8 at Fountain Green Elementary School. And a  video update for the Hartford Academy community   will be released on March 19th. I will also share  it on Facebook and my office can provide the link   to anyone that would like it. Thank you. Thank  you, Miss Mr. Bennett. Hello. Hello, good evening.   It's good to be with everyone this evening. Um, a  lot's already been covered. I do want to make sure   to highlight that on uh March 16th, there's going  to be a ribbon cutting for the comp patrollers's   new office coming to Harford County. It's really  exciting that comproller Lman's moving her office  

over here. It'll be at 1904 Eertton Road and the  ribbon cutting will be at 9:00 a.m. And uh that's   all I have this evening. Thank you very much.  Thank you, Mr. Ben, Mr. Robert. Thank you, Council   President. Um, I too attended the Athena Awards.  I always love that event. Um, as um, Councilwoman   Imhof alluded to, it it's just really empowering  and uplifting uh, to hear the speeches and to see   what got these women where they are. Um, I did  have a Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Board of   Trustees uh, meeting. Uh, met the new Secretary  Jake Day. He did talk about two bills that are   going to be introduced that we should watch. uh  Senate Bill 036, which is the Starter and Silver   Homes Act 2026, and then Senate Bill 325, which  is the Maryland Housing Certainty Act. Uh they   will have some impact um in the future. Um so keep  an eye out on that. Um the Harford County Leading   Women's Awards, that's always amazing. That's one  of my favorite because I love youth. Um and there   were 21 high schoolers and one middle schooler,  and I got to sit with the middle schooler. And so,   um, she is ready. She wants to be a polysai major  and a doctor all at the same time. Um, and so it   it's a great experience. Um, and I love attending  that one as well as Councilwoman Immhof. The the   GPA are are very high. Um, and then this morning  I attended the oral argument session with the   Supreme Court. um being in the court system for  so long, it's just great to see it impacting that   you're able to have youth actually attend live and  be able to participate in that. And I saw some of   the high schoolers and they just seemed really  entrenched in that information and watching. Um   and then I too went to the um home improvement.  Um, I just want to say coming up March 18th,   um, through the Harford County Public Schools,  Families Everyday Happiness is the title from  

12 to one via Zoom. And you can register  register on the public school website. Um,   and it's for the parents. And then March 21st  from 9 to 1:30 is the housing fair and first   home buyers workshop. And that's always at the  epicenter in Edgewood. Um, and you can find that   link on the Harford County Housing and Community  Services page. And I don't know about anyone else,   and this is just a fun fact, but I watch American  Idol. And Brook Roser is up to top 20 and he's   from Bair. So, keep showing your support. I see on  Facebook all over. He's got a lot of supporters.   And so hopefully he'll be our next hometown hero  if he wins. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Robert. Uh,   17 business from the president. Um, I have to  advertise our budget work sessions again. Uh,   Thursday, April 23rd at 9:00 am, Friday, April  24th, 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 27th, 10:00 a.m.   And Thursday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m. And the  importance of this is is that on those dates,   every division, every entity that receives county  funding uh, comes before this council and presents   their budget. So, uh, we're looking forward  to that. Um, and again, uh, I always say it's   difficult because, um, we received the budget  according to the charter on April the 15th at   the end of business and here we are on the 23rd  starting our work sessions that much faster. So,   um, we truly appreciate the help of our citizen  budget advisors to help us go through that. Um the   public hearings for the budget are Thursday, May  7th and Wednesday, May 13th in these chambers at   7 p.m. open to the public as well. Obviously, um  events, you you've heard my colleagues talk about  

a dozen events at least. Uh but definitely the  Athena Leadership Award is one of our favorite.   uh it it recognizes and honors strong empowered  women in our community and um other organizations   as well. So the organizational winner was our  northern Chesapeake region, Angela Rose as the   individual and uh the young professional was  Lauren Ward, I believe it is. Um, and then,   uh, as as you heard different ones say, land  trust meeting, the leading women's awards, the   farm bureau bull roast, uh, the Maryland Supreme  Court this morning, um, the war home improvement,   um, and at the level volunteer fire banquet  Saturday evening, we had to leave the the Farm   Bureau bull roast early uh, because my grandson  was recognized as the cadet of the year. So,   congratulations to him. Um he and his young mates,  they work very hard uh for the level community.   Um and today uh during the board of estimates  meeting, we received some really good news as far   as I'm concerned. I'm sure the citizens will feel  the same way. Uh Woodley Road is moving. We have   a a bid out for uh our bids go out April 1st, I  believe, um for the removal and and uh replacement   of the electric that's there. um the relocation  installation of the electric and things will be   moving forward beyond that. So uh it's been nine  years since uh we first went out and sat with   um I couldn't remember if it was General  Crawford or General Taylor who we started with   uh but through Kilgo and currently it just um you  know I'm glad to see it moving forward. It will   give an extra access to and from Perryman that  is much needed and take some of that uh unwanted   truck traffic off of Perryman Road. Um and then I  want to wish um our one of our deputies here, Eric  

Sharp, a happy birthday yesterday. Um Councilman  Bennett a happy birthday yesterday. And uh Miss   uh Barry a happy birthday as well. So yeah, Beiri  would excuse me. here. I was going to say Harris,   but I knew I would catch a devil for that. So, and  then um finally, Jeie and I wish to express our   deepest condolences to the friends and families  of Steve Byer and Donna May Ward. Uh we'd ask you   to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers. And  with that, we'll adjourn this meeting. Thank you.