County Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Chair calls to order public hearing  for bill 26-003 appropriation special pays.   Mr. Standless, whenever you're ready. Council  President, members of the council, Robbie San,   County Treasurer on behalf of the county executive  uh requesting a supplemental appropriation in the   amount of $1 million to cover um retirements uh  that that we uh place in a uh uh in a separate uh   in a separate budget. you know, generally after uh  individuals have 30 years or so, uh they you know,   they when they retire, they have their their  leave payouts which include their annual leave   um also half of their sick leave. And so some  of these payouts can be, you know, larger than   a regular budget can absorb. So we place them  into a um into kind of a a supplemental budget,   if you will, and that's what we're asking for  this additional funding here for in order to cover   uh these these retirements. And this is something  that happens. Yeah, this happens to this happens,   you know, for the most part every year. Again, you  the county hired um a lot of additional workers   uh 30 or so years ago uh when the county really  started to to take off. A lot of those individuals   are starting to retire. I know many of you have  attended uh quite a few retirement parties. Um   and this is kind of like the uh the final goodbye  of those retirement parties. Very good. Council,   any questions? Any questions, Mr. B? And this is  already reflected in the proposed 27 budget. Well,   this is actually in the fiscal year 26 budget. So,  we we have a um a line item in there for um uh for   these retirements every year. However, again,  typically because we have had, you know, this   um blip in, you know, additional retirements, we  oftentimes have to come in around this time of the   year because we've had more retirements than not  or they've been a little bit higher than expected   um and have to provide supplemental funding.  Are we still doing the early notice incentive   if So a few years ago we had a we had a retirement  incentive. Um that was two years ago. Um I can't   remember how many individuals took advantage of  that. Uh but this is now just the standard uh   retirement that's part of county code which is uh  all of your annual leave. Of course annual leave  

though is capped generally at around 40 days.  Um and then half of your sick leave. Thank you.   Anyone else? Miss Dixon, we have anyone signed up?  There is no one signed up, Mr. President. Right.   This will conclude this public hearing. U Mr. San,  we'll take it up at our next meeting. We'll take a   short recess. Good evening, chair. Calls to order  legislative session day 26014. I would ask you   to please stand for the pledge followed by the  opening prayer by council member Riley. 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, liberty and  justice for all. If you bow your heads. Heavenly   Father, thank you for the gift of life, for the  opportunity to serve the people of our county. We   ask that you guide our council as they gather to  discuss matters that affect our community. May our   intentions and our actions be rooted in the good  of the public, not in our personal interest. Grant   us the wisdom to address our county's challenges  and to craft sound policies that serve all of   common good. Help us to govern with competence  and excellence, to listen with understanding and   goodwill, to speak with clarity and restraint,  and to serve with humility and grace. In your   most blessed name, we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank  you, Mr. Riley. Agenda number four, presentation   of proclamations. May 2026 ALS awareness  month. Miss Robert, you want to step down?

Where is Ammer? ALS also known as Lug Garrick's  disease is a progressive neurodenerative   disease that affects the cells in the brain and  spinal cord leading to loss of muscle control,   perilous and ultimate less respiratory failure,  ALS affects thousands of individuals and families   across the United States with no known cure and  limited treatment options. end. Whereas following   his diagnosis of ALS in 2007, former NFL champion  and current Baltimore Ravens executive OJ Bance   and his wife Chandra created the Bance Bance  Brigade Foundation with the mission to equip,   encourage, and empower people living with  ALS, PALS, dedicated to increasing access   to caregiving services. equipment. In home  accessibility financial help is available   through the PALS grant program to offset some  of the overwhelming costs associated with ALS.   And whereas ALS awareness month provides the  opportunity to honor the strength and resilience   of those living with ALS. Remember those who  have lost their lives to the disease and re   reaffirm our commitment to supporting ongoing  research and compassionate care. Now therefore,   we the county council of Harford County,  Maryland, on this 5th day of May 2026,   do hereby recognize 2026 ALS Awareness Month  Bance Brigade Foundation and wish to express our   appreciation to all those working to bring hope,  resources, and advocacy to the ALS community.   So, I um received an email from a constituent  who said, "You seem to be educating people on   different health matters and different things that  others do not know about." And this individual had   ALS. Um and I've reached out to a couple other  individuals, some who are county employees   who have significant others that are also uh  struggling with ALS. And so, um, I invited Katie  

Jones, um, with Brigance Brigade because a lot of  people are not aware that they do service all of   Maryland. Um, they also provide financial support.  So, if someone with ALS needs equipment or needs   a caregiver or needs anything that they can't  afford, they have grant money to do that. Um, they   also provide a lot of educational support um, and  health care support. So, I think in honor of this   month, I want to present this proclamation on the  behalf of the county council to Katie Jones with   uh Brigance Brigade. I tried to get OJ, but he was  unavailable. So, here you go. Thank you so much. Would you like to say a few words? Of course.  Yeah. Thank you guys so much for having me here   today and for uh highlighting Brigance Brigade  Foundation. Um, like it was said already, we were   founded by OJ Bgants back in uh 2008 after he was  diagnosed with ALS and him and his wife Shandanda   really just realized the huge need and the huge  financial strain ALS an ALS diagnosis can put on   patients. Um, so that's why they founded Brigance  Brigade Foundation. Um, and like Councilwoman   was saying, our main program is our PALS grant  program. And again, any uh ALS patient diagnosed   in Maryland can apply on our website and get grant  money of up to $5,000 for caregiving services,   in home accessibility needs, medical equipment,  all of that. And we really just love to help   our community right here in Maryland. Um, and  thank you for recognizing ALS awareness month.

I have all members that are good and center two more. It's a terrible disease. Um my aunt, my  mother's sister passed uh with that and   just just a terrible thing to watch. I will tell  you that. Uh five, consideration of petitions,   applications, appointments, and nominations.  Uh executive appointment, Harford County   Public Library Board of Trustees, Student  Representative Ava Mech. Council President,   I move to appoint the approve the appointment  of Ava Mech as a student representative Harford   County Public Library Board of Trustees. Thank  you. May I have a second? Second. Thank you,   Mr. Riley. It's been moved in a second to approve  the board of trustees student representative. Is   there any discussion? Miss Emma? Um, I've been  able to be on the library board of trustees   uh for the last couple of months and being  able to see the addition that the student   representative brings to the not just the board of  trustees but to the library system in general has   been remarkable. Um, the last student appointee  was involved in every youth and teen activity   she could possibly fit into her schedule and I  was able to learn so much from her and I look  

forward to having this continue. Thank you, Mr.  Al. Anyone else? Miss Dixon. Mr. President. Hi,   Mrs. Robert. Hi, Mrs. Mhoff. Hi, Mr. Janerano.  Hi, Mr. Riley. Hi, Mrs. Badles. Hi, Mr. Bennett.   I being seven votes in the affirmative, the  appointment is hereby approved. Miss Meccer,   are you in the audience? Could you  please stand, please? Thank you. Six, special presentations. We have none. Seven,  approval of minutes. Legislative day 25-013,   April 21st, 2026. Are there any corrections  to the minutes? There being no corrections,   amendments stand approved. Eight. Introduction  and consideration of resolutions. Mr. January,   please read bills 260007 and 260008 into the  record for introduction. Bills 260007 revise   prior year bond bills as introduced introduced  by council president Vincenti at the request   of the county executive and act to revise prior  bond legislation due to adjustments in cost for   certain capital projects to reappeal and reenact  with amendments certain portions of section 8   of bill number 23-20 to repeal and reenact  with amendments certain portions of section   six of bill 24-027 to reappeal and reenact with  amendments certain portions of section seven of   bill number 24-0027 to re to repeal and reenact  with amendments certain portions of section 8 of   bill number 24-027 and to reappeal and reenact  with amendments certain portions of section one   of bill 24-028 public hearing scheduled on Tuesday  June 2nd 2026 at 7 p.m. In these council chambers   7:15 in these council chambers bill 26-008 bond  authorization CPI as introduced introduced by  

council president Vincentia at the request of  the county executive an act to authorize and   empower Harford County Maryland to borrow on  its full faith and credit and issue and sell   its bonds or other evidence of indebtness  including lease financing in the amount not   to exceed 156,380,000 principal amount out the  proceeds thereof to be used for the expansion,   reconstruction, rehabilitation, renovation, and  improvement of certain projects as described in   the annual budget of and appropriation  ordinance bill number 26-00006 for the   year ending June 30th, 2027 and as described in  this bill in accordance with section 524 of the   charter of Harford County and section 123-40  of the code of Harford County as otherwise   permitted by law authorizing county council of  Harford County, Maryland, the county council   So to adopt an administration resolution that  shall provide for the form of instruments by   which any indebtness is to be evidenced the  manner by which bonds and other indebtness   may be secured and the rates of interest to be  paid and generally for such other matters as may   be deemed appropriate for the county council in  connection therewith and authorizing the county   council by administrative resolution of the county  executive of Harford County, Maryland, the county   executive by executive order to determine the  form of various documents as are necessary.   or desirable to implement the financing authorized  herein to manner of issuance and delivery of any   bonds or any other evidence of indebtness. the  payment of all necessary expenses in connection   therewith the method of which bonds or any other  evidence of indebtness shall be sold. maturity   schedule and redemption provision authorizing  the appointment of certain agents and otherwise   generally relating to the issuance, sale,  delivery and payment of bonds or any other   evidence of indebtness providing that the bonds  or any other indebtness shall be issued upon   the full faith and credit and taxing power of  Harford County, Maryland, providing for the   issuance of bond anticipation notes or other form  of indebtness upon adoption of the administrative  

resolution by the county council approving the  interest rates or rates to be borne thereby.   by for all or a portion of the projects described  herein for which the proceeds of sale of the bond   anticipation note shall be used providing  that other after the issuance of the bond   anticipation notes or other forms of indebtness or  any other renewal. Therefore, the county council   shall authorize the issuance of bonds to pay  said bond anticipation notes or any other form   of indebtness providing for dispersment of the  proceeds of the sale of the bonds or any other   indebtness authorized herein and for levying the  of charges, assessments and all taxes necessary   to provide the payment of the principal and the  premium on interest or other forms of indebtness.   Providing that certain additional matters may be  determined by the resolution of the county council   or may be reserved onto the county executive  as prescribed by such resolution. providing   the method and fixing the interest rates to be  borne by such bonds and generally providing for   determining various matters in connection whereas  and generally relating to projects described projects described relating to funding  of the projects described herein public   hearing scheduled on Tuesday June 2nd 2026  at 700 p.m. 7:15 7:15 p.m. in East Council   Chambers. Thank you Mr. Jandra. Introduction  and consideration of amendments. Mr. President,   I uh I move to introduce bill number  26-009. I have seven copies available   of distribution. Provide them to the  administrator now for certification. Introduced by council member Jandrew Dano  and act to amend section 207 of the Harford   County Charter as amended by repeilling  and reenacting with amendment section 207.   qualifications of council members for the  person for the purpose of providing that for   the Harford County resident to be qualified  to serve as a council member and sit on the  

deis of the council. Such residents shall not  hold any other office of profit, employment,   or trust, or under state government, or county  government, or municipal government of a Harford   County municipality, or while employed by or  working on behalf of any unit of government,   including but not limited to the Harford County  Board of Education, the sheriff of Harford County,   or any other unit of government allocated funds  through any county budget, and to prelude the   council member during the whole term for which  elected or appointed from being eligible for   appointment to to or employment by state  government, County Government, Municipal   Government, or Harford County Municipality, or  while employed by or working on behalf of any   unit of government, including but not limited to  the Harford County Board of Education, the Sheriff   of Harford County, or any other government  allocated funds through the county budget,   and to require the submission of this amendment to  the legally qualified voters of Harford County for   their adoption or rejection inordinance with  section 905 of the Harford County Charter.   Public hearing scheduled Tuesday, June 2nd,  2026 at 6:30 p.m. in East Council Chambers. Does that time fit your schedule? I I would   have to look at the drafted  agenda we have for June 2nd. And we have a public hearing I believe that even and I believe we can't start before can you  pick can you choose another Right. Not right now   because you've got to you've got to advertise  and so it can't you can't Okay. But yeah,   the public hearing for the board of appeals final  argument that will be in front of you guys has   already been advertised. So the bill's properly  introduced will just set another time for you have   to look at see if it's substantially similar  then we'll have we have an issue because you  

can't you can't upon reading it it doesn't appear  to be but we have to look at that. As you know,   you cannot introduce a substantially similar  bill that has been rejected, failed, voted down,   not approved, not adopted, etc. within the same  council session. It's a it's a separate bill. It's   not about separate. It's about is it substantially  similar to the bill that failed and was rejected?   And that's the question. Mleing, could you make  sure to speak into the microphone for people at   home? If it is not substantially similar, then  yes, it's no problem. It can be introduced this   way and we will schedule schedule a public hearing  within 24 hours of introduction, which is what the   charter requires. So we will have to look at the  calendar. If it is substantially similar to the   last bill, then it cannot be introduced within the  same legislative session. Our legislative sessions   are calendar years. 26 January 1st of 2026 was  the very first day of legislative session 26,   which means the next session starts in 2027.  So that's So you'll review it. Yes. And get   back. Yes. And if it's not substantially similar,  then we've just got to figure out when it can be   scheduled. Yep. within 24 hours we will get it  scheduled. Okay. But June 2nd at 6:30 will not   work. And it does substantially differ H&8 in  that it changes the scope of the application,   alters the legal and practical effect and these  substantive differences present a different policy   question for the body. Well, I'll take I got I got  I understand. I'll take I mean you you know that   that that's that's not a new rule. That is always  the case uh with parliamentary procedure. So who   makes the decision that is it's substantially  similar? Is that the question? Yeah. Well,   that's going to be up for my interpretation. It's  legal interpretation. So Well, then it shouldn't   be subjective then. Well, a legal interpretation.  I mean, you could get 10 lawyers in a room. Tony   says it all the time and nine of them can differ.  Oh, that's the truth. I mean, the the bottom line,   I've dealt with them for 20 years, right? The  rules of parliament. dealt with you for the  

last three. So I understand. So the rules of  parliamentary procedure which have been clear   since 1896 when they were enacted say that's  the language substantially similar. Okay or   substantially different. So you can use it either  way. If this is substantially different then it's   fine. That that's the language. So that's the  inter courts have looked at that. So courts have   taken if they've taken this up they've looked  at two pieces of legislation to determine but   it's case by case basis. So, we'll see. We'll  see. Lawyers, necessary evils. Love it. Um,   thank you, Mr. Allegie. Thank you, Mr. Janer Danu.  10. Introduction and consideration of amendments.   Please read in amendments bill to bill 260051 and  two. Amendments 1 and two, bill number 26-005,   comprehensive zoning, Hartford County zoning  maps. Introduced by council members Ben Comprehensive zoning map. No, no, no.  Comprehensive zoning. Harford County   zoning maps. That's what it says in here. But  look at the actual amendments that were done.   Amendments one and two to bill 26-005  should be in the two amendments being   introduced. All right. I've got amendment  one on page two and line three, strike 90   and substitute 180. Amendment two on page two,  strike in their entirety. the lines beginning   with line four through line six inclusive and  substitute be shortened or extended by further   legislative action by the county council. There  was another piece in there though. That's sorry. Yeah, I don't know how that All right.  Thank you. 11. Call for final reading   of bills. None. 12. Enrollment of bills. None.  13. Unfinished business. None. 14. Unfinished.   Excuse me. 14 new business, 15 comments and  input from attending citizens. Miss Dixon,  

do we have anyone signed up? We do, Mr.  President. We have six this evening. John   Malamo, followed by Brian Tony and Linda Stent  Flying or Linda Stein Flint. Sorry about that. Trying to combine it. Good evening, sir. Name and zip code, please. John P. Malamo 21015. I thought I was going  to have to tell you what your zip code was   there for a minute. Well, I'm hoping I got  it right. I have noticed that when any new   project seeks entry into Harford County, some  of you have asked why Harford County. That   is a most important question. I would share  these thoughts. Project owners seeking entry   into Harford County look at cheap land, low  taxes. By their own statements and actions,   county elected and appointed decision makers  present themselves as naive, gullible, shallow,   simple, obtuse, petty, and vain. Project  owners observe that and depend on it for   their advantage. Project owners know that Harford  County does not enforce its own zoning code. We'll   bend it for expediency or we'll just ignore  it. Consider, please, the mud and joppatown.   FR's only constructed structure designed  as a multi-resident dwelling. Planning and   zoning designated as simple as a single residence.  Structures at the sober living facility occupied   by m multiple unrelated residents. Planning and  zoning designated as a single family residence.   And of course, the Harford County Airport planning  and zoning designated as a non-conforming use two   years after the circuit court order confirming  the board of appeals approval of a special   exception to operate a general aviation airport as  a permitted use while ignoring all non-compliant   elements on the property. Project owners know  that elected and appointed official decision   makers routinely bend to local influencers, the  rain makers. They know who those rain makers are.  

Local rain makers can flip a no to a yes quicker  than IHOP flips pancakes. Project owners know the   catchphrase to open doors. Hundreds of jobs,  millions of tax revenue. The presentation on   the edge of centers was slick. Two pretty people  articulate, polished, poised. PowerPoint views,   hundreds of jobs. Not just millions in tax  revenue, hundreds of millions. Nonetheless,   the presentation was flawed. There was no  local rain maker fronting the project. No   doubt that galvanized opposition to data centers  in Harford County. There are consequences for all   this. Each new project is less desirable than its  predecessor. Consider the downward spiral. James   Run tip zoning change from MO to residential  with minimal office and commercial activities,   mega distribution centers, data centers. What  reputable company would fall in on top of the mess   in Harford County? Concluding, it is not selfish  land owners, greedy developers, sleazy rain makers   that establish this mech. It is the elected and  appointed officials who make the decision. That is   you, you seven, aided and embedded by the county  administration, particularly the department of   planning and zoning. Better opportunities,  better outcomes start with you. Change   yourselves. Change the way you operate. Harford  County deserves that. Good night. Thanks, sir. Good evening, sir. Name and zip, please. Good  evening. Brian Tonyie, 20 uh 21085. At this point,   many of you have seen the Mountain Branch Golf  Course's new sales pitch on hartfordenergy.com.   Not only does the website look fantastic and I'd  assume took some real time, money, and resources   to create, but it also contains some fantastic  infographics on why a data center complex at   Mountain Branch would be in a collective best  interest. For example, one of the infographics   replaces Abington wholeheartedly with a beautiful  mountain range. That's pretty snazzy. I mean,  

that's pretty magical stuff to do. Unfortunately,  the sales pitch takes the citizens of Harford   County for stooges. It suggests we're either  unintelligent, unorganized, or simply gullible.   It asks us to sell the soul of Harvard County  and give up what draws people away from the   cities and to a county full of green spaces, fresh  air, and agricultural heritage. Interestingly,   the website indicates that I quote, "Politicians  on both sides of the debate know what is at stake.   Many are privately supportive of responsible  AI infrastructure, but publicly cautious,   afraid that a small, well organized opposition  will dominate the conversation, while the silent   majority of residents worry quietly at home." As  made abundantly clear by the 4,000 plus signatures   on our petition against citing an industrial  complex on Mountain Branch Golf Course or   the 2600 members we have of our Facebook group  called Our Land, our home or Harford. I believe   the overwhelming majority of residents not only  in Fallston and Joppa, but residents across the   county are outraged and upset with the proposed  sighting of such an industrial complex. While   the claim regarding the silent majority is easy  to dispel by simply listening to other comments   um or the widespread vocal outrage this issue  is causing, what's not easy to dispel is why   the website would publicly state that politicians,  assumably some on this council, would be privately   supporting the industrial development of Mountain  Branch Golf Course. That raises the additional and   uncomfortable question. Is the community being  lied to? Are members of this council secretly   supportive of the proposed industrial complex as  the website arguably suggests? If that's the case,   what impetus would the council have to be kicking  the can down the curb for either 90 or 180 days?   Could it possibly be to defer a decision till  after the primaries, till after the general   election? I can assure you if this council and  other politicians are proposing or supporting the   temporary moratorium simply to aid in the election  chances while privately supporting the industrial   destruction of Harvard County's green spaces,  the citizens voices will be heard and their   rage will carry through to the ballot box, even  if we have to wait for another election cycle.   As such, I'd respectfully request the moratorium  either result in or be changed to an outright ban  

on data center sighting on locations other than  brownfields lands or lands historically zoned   for large-scale industrial uses. They should be  they should absolutely not be allowed on rural   agricultural residential like commercial  or other inappropriate sites and should   absolutely not be placed on lands requiring  upzoning or zoning modifications to accomplish   such a large-scale industrial development.  Thank you for your time. Thank you, sir. Good evening, ma'am. Name is it? Uh, my name  is Linda Stein Flint. I'm 112 um 20015 in Bair.   First to Mr. Bennett, nice to hear that you were  cleared and free to work again. I would be very   clear that my comments regarding your suspension  were directly related to the no double dip because   as a teacher you are serving in conflict with our  charter and that the taking so long to clear you   was maybe related to that because since you  are an elected official they most likely have   to make take the extra time to dot the eyes and  cross the tees. No one wishes ill will on any   person and I certainly didn't. But my comments  were always directed to the pro process of the   double dipping and disrespecting our charter and  sadly how all of you except attorney G shut down   public comment on that very process. So because  you shut it down uh we may have to go about this   in a different way. I'm also speaking tonight as  a reminder about the Harper County Transportation   Plan that the Harper Transit Link plan that the  county executive Cassidy has obtained a federal   grant funds to design and construct to replace the  current existing facility located on Abington Road   that is inadequate to maintain and service the  buses for the community public transportation.   Council President is very aware that the grant  for this transit link has absolutely nothing to do   with bringing in people from Baltimore or anywhere  else. Those Baltimore commut commuter buses are  

not what this is about. It's a community public  transportation that serves our seniors, disabled,   and those without transportation to help them get  to work, to the medical appointments, shopping,   and to public services. I want to remind you that  you know this uh council president has signed that   transportation plan. So, he knows it's not about  bringing in outside people. So, I have no idea   why campaign literature sent out to Harper County  citizens um is totally false information against   the county executive. It's not being truthful  with the citizens of Harvard County. And it's a   great disservice. I suddenly don't understand  why you don't want to support our seniors,   disabled people, and citizens with no access to  public transportation. Remember remember this   moratorium for 180 days or 90 days on um to to um  delay this thing about data centers till after the   election. Remember it's important to vote in the  right people on the council. Those that really   stand strong against data centers and solar farms  are destroying our foreign land. We have seen how   some of the current council members of who they  have been catering to the past couple years. While   this bill is a moratorium temporarily, it makes  them look good. But don't be fooled. Citizens   must vote in the right people, those who have  always stood strong and not those who cater to   developers. And I just want to remind you, you  know, I was kind of shocked when I was driving   down uh 136 and 543 to see this what used to be a  beautiful farm and now it's this huge solar farm   and it just is such an eyesore in our county.  So, um, you know, remember last week when they   gave the other council meeting, they gave out  green ribbon pins to everybody but Tony G. But   Tony has always stood firm and they were upset  with him because of his stance on the double dip.   And so remember, come election time, remember  who we need to vote for that'll stand for Har  

County citizens. Thank you. Diana Saddowski,  followed by Ryan Burby and Matthew Brown. Good evening, ma'am. Name Zip, Diana Saddowski,  211047. Good evening, council members. I had   no plans of speaking tonight, but today an event  occurred and I under the term of transparency and   truth, you know, this Harco Grammy is always going  to speak that from this side of the microphone.   Um, to echo that hartfordenergy.com website this  morning that was passed along to me. Took a look   at it. Pretty spiffy. Um, it says right on  the front, Mountain Branch AI Energy Campus.   That sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it? We're  all in it together. And built here by people who   live here. That's pretty catchy. But you know  what? The citizens are not going to fall for   that. It's a great page. obviously was created by  a developer trying to win over the residents. This   is the same tactic that was used in Perryman on  those people and we saw what happened there. Um   after looking at the website, you know, at the  bottom it says you can contact us. So I did. Um,   and lo and behold, I just let the gentlemen there  know that there's no place in District B for this   kind of nonsense and that the community will be  attending the May 19th council meeting because on   that page it said attend the meeting. And  I also told him to gird his loins. Well,   I did get a response from the gentleman and I he  thanked me for writing even though I obviously   disagree with what was being said. Um he gave  some information directly off of the website  

telling us that it sits along the I95 corridor,  not on active farmland in the agriculture like in   the agricultural north or west of the county and  that it is the right place for the infrastructure,   not wrong. Okay. So I thanked him for  his reply. I said, I read your proposal.   It's all unicorns to me, rainbows and dollars in  your pockets. And I'm just letting you know again,   we'll all be there on May 19th. And I know that  money is a driver for anybody who has land and   wants to make money. But you know what? If it's  a golf course and a restaurant, let's keep it   as that because that's what district B needs.  Which I thought was kind of interesting. At the   end of his signature and in his letter to me, he  quotes Ephesians. Ephesians 4:25-29 and I quote,   "Let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors."  And I'll end it there. So I say, "What is the   real truth? Do we get the community just all  worked up, threaten us with stuff like this,   and ultimately do something else?" Well, let me  tell you the truth and the transparency from this   Grammy will always occur on this side of the  microphone. Good evening. Thank you, ma'am. You all are going to get me in trouble. You  know, I always say you can't applaud in here.   That's the third time other people are going to  be upset with me for allowing it. So, don't worry,   Council President. They never applaud for me. Uh  uh name and zip code, please, sir. I'm Ryan Burby.   I live at 1701 Mountain Road in Joppa, Maryland,  right down from the uh soul sucking monstrosity   that's been proposed. Um my my family moved uh  my my grandparents moved uh to the house that  

uh I currently live in sometime in the 50s. They  had been dairy farming in uh Pennsylvania. Um   my my Mima raised her sisters from the time she  was nine because she had an abusive family um in   the mountains of North Carolina. And that's what  she did then. Um she married my grandfather when   they were like 12, 13, 16, some ridiculously young  age. Um and you know my grandfather uh built a lot   of the houses that are here. He labored to build  the houses. He wasn't Krauss or any of the other   construction magnates. Um, and people are going to  debate, oh, it's unsightly. Oh, it's horrible. Oh,   it's industrial. That's not the real problem.  There's lots of unsightly things. I think the m   I think Mountain Branch is unsightly and wish it  wasn't there as well as the church up the street   from it. Uh, and I really wish the weekly  traffic jam wasn't out in front of my house.   However, the real problem is water. All right? If  something like that is built, it will drain our   wells. Period. That is what will happen. In the  80s, my grandparents started pulling up mud in   their well and they had to drill another well. And  it's really, really deep and the water's really   cold and it comes out high pressure. But if we put  something in there, all the folks who are already   losing water because there's been a debate about  folk needing public water there for a long time   are going to dry up. But it's not just going to be  them. It's going to be all the schools that are on   the wells. It's going to be all the businesses  that are on the wells. It's going to be Mountain   Christian Church that's on a well. All of that  is connected. And so I applaud the moratorium.  

It should be a ban. But more importantly, you  have to look at water use. You have to look at   building and water use. And we have to expand  public water. All right. You want to build a ba   data center somewhere on the island that's full of  uh you know unexloded munitions in the middle of   the Susquehanna. That's great. Suck all the river  water you want, especially during flooding time,   right? you want to build a desalination plant  and and suck the water out the bay, that that's   fine as long as you're producing all the energy  you need plus some for your little industrial   project. And these should be standards that you  guys have for all development moving forward.   Lastly, I'd like to end with, I never  thought that it would be possible that   anyone would make me want to vote  for Billy Bonafice, but Mr. Geodano,   congratulations. You did it. Uh, this idea  that public servants should not be able to   serve on this board on this council  is utterly immacical. Mr. Democracy,   please bring your comments to a close. Thank  you so much. Good seeing you all. Thank you. Good evening, sir. Name and zip. Matthew  Brown, 211015. I want to address the concern   raised for the so-called double dip, specifically  whether or not someone who's a teacher could be   a county member. Let's separate emotion from law.  Maryland has already given the framework for what   a conflict of interest is. Public officials are  guard guard governed by state ethics law focused   on actual conflicts where someone could use  positions for personal gain not simply holding   to public rules. Second, how are these systems  structured? Harford County public schools is not  

a part of Harford County government. It is a part  of the states in state governed education system.   All the education systems, all the boards in  Maryland are governed by the Maryland state.   They're not governed by their counties. As a  result, they might receive funding in terms of   taxation because taxation for education is part of  not only the state, but the federal government. A   teacher working alongside the county council  is not getting paychecks twice over from the   government. They're getting a paycheck from two  different systems. That distinction clearly is   being lost in this discussion. But because  people are talking about this double dip,   people often imply that they're working to their  own means. They're getting their paycheck from   themselves twice and being able to litigate on  what kind of paycheck that is. That's simply not   how this works. Collective bargaining exists  within the system of the board of education.   They are the ones in charge of that. Who the  person in question is not even a member of   the board to make those decisions. They should  be careful about this standard you're talking   about comes to a double dip. If you're saying a  teacher can't serve, what about a small business   owner working on economic policy? A retiree  talking about pensions, a health care worker   weighing in on the current state of public health.  At some point, you're not eliminating conflicts.   You're eliminating real world experience when it  comes to government. And there's something comes   to the fact that there are guard rails. There  are means to prevent potential conflicts of   interest. Recusal could happen if something were  to occur. That's how ethical government works.   It's very different from the blanket assumption  that someone is improper based on the nature of   one of their positions. And my position is very  clear. We should enforce real ethical rules,   not create political tests that discourage people  from public service. Because at the end of the   day, we want leaders who understand our schools,  our workforce, and our community. Not people who   have been filtered out by some service-based  testing of lived experiences. And that's the  

thing is that when I just explained that and  I've explained that to multitude of people,   I don't know what else to tell them because the  county charter as powerful it is can't supersede   the state. The state government can't supersede  the federal government. This is a thing called   federal supremacy established by the Supreme Court  200 years ago as well as the state level. The   state can bully Harford County if it really wanted  to and people have made the point of complaining   about that. So why would we waste taxpayers  money, taxpayers time arguing on something   that has occurred for the last month that won't  even go by when the courts have already ruled   this Supreme Court? And last but not least, when  it comes to the rules of procedures of the quorum,   there is a procedure in rules of records when it  comes to questioning or stopping a motion if it   fails to meet the burden. Thank you. Thank you,  sir. There are no more speakers, Mr. President. I'm not gonna say another word. Uh 16 business  from council members, Miss Robert. Good evening.   Um let me see. Uh so I have been a couple of  places. I um on Saturday, April 25th, I attended   the Judith Resnik Awards brunch. Um it was our  40th annual and 13 outstanding high school juniors   from across um this Harford County. Um I think  there was almost one from every um high school   demonstrated exceptional um achievement with math  and science. Um so they all received awards and   financial um stipens from that. On April 27th went  to the grand opening of the controllers's office   and what a nice facility that is and located in  a nice area for everybody to be able to access   um the office. On April 29th, I had a Kanoingo  the first one advisory group meeting and we talked  

about the they're kind of doing it as a you know  afterthought to involve uh local stakeholders to   the table to see what um we need to do about the  waterways and looking at the oyster population,   looking at the crab population, looking at  dredging the dam, um looking at all the aspects   of what has occurred up there that's causing  a lot of the problems. Um, so we're going to   be meeting quarterly. Our next meeting is in July,  but we're really looking at what is needed so that   the water even going down to Kent County and that  area and the water going down to Gunpowder is all   going to be clean enough to be able to start  having fresh oysters, fresh crabs, and things   that can economically um support our community. Um  then Debbie went to the grand opening of Hope in a   Horseshoe. Uh that sounded amazing. I am planning  to go visit myself, but it's a therapeutic   um set up for women and children who are having  trauma, but my understanding is they are going   to do some other groups and individuals. Uh my  understanding is the Harford Center also takes   uh clients there as well right now. And if you  know about therapeutic horses for for even people   who've come from Baltimore City who have put  in that environment that are not farmers and   not used to horses, just having that process of  touching and petting and all that does soothe   um a lot of stress and anxiety. So grateful  to see that that business is here. On Friday,   I went to the grand opening of Pirates Cove Family  Fund Center. I suggest everyone go there. I don't   think it's just for kids. It seemed like um a fun  place that you can go with your adult friends.   Um it had a lot of of some of the similarities  that if you've ever been to a Dave and Busters,  

but this couple did a great um revamp of this  building and they gave back to the community.   They gave checks to um Harford family that day  for a donation, Harford Center that day. Um and   Leila's um and so went there and then um Sarc on  Friday had their yacht rock bowl and oyster roast.   Um that was a good experience as well. Fun. And  then the maestro from uh the symphony, Susquehanna   Symphony Orchestra, invited me to attend their  spiritual Americana that was on Saturday at Ber   High School. Um that was great. They had four  choirs there, two which were high schools,   two which were adults that were singing um along  with the maestro and a couple of other special   guests that they had. And then last night we had  the Edgewood Joppatown Community Advisory Board   um in which the county executive gave some updates  on various issues in our community. Um delegate   Lauren Erichine was there giving some updates on  the data centers and primarily our our meeting   focused I think on the data centers um and some  of the other issues um that are going on as well.   Uh we have still issues going on with um Ridgely  Reserve and we're I'm trying to continuously work   on those issues. Um tomorrow, just some updates.  Tomorrow is Harford TV's Facing Addictions in   Harford County. That's going to be up at the um  Opera House, I believe. Center. Ha Center. Is that   the HA center? No, the HA center. I'm supposed  to be going. That's why it's on my calendar. Um,   and on Friday, May 8th, is the family wellness  night at Ripken Stadium from 5:30 to 9. Um,   the following week, the flotilla is going  to be at Gunpowder River Mariner Park  

um at 9:00 a.m. If you have a kayak, any sort  of water device um that floats or is motored,   you can go and attend. It's a great experience.  It's us honoring the water and it's always given   by Matt About Mud. And then that same day now  on the 16th is the Spring Nationals power boat   racing. Um there will be parking at Deerfield  Elementary and some shuttle buses and that's all   free. And because we tied it in with our music at  the point that we usually have later in the year,   there's going to be live music also that day,  those two days going on. So um come there.   All of it's free. And then um Hope for in a Hope  hope in a horseshoe is having their grand opening   um as well on May 16th. And they're going to have  food trucks from 11 to 3. And you will get to see   what that facility looks like. And that is it  for me. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Robert, Miss   Simhoff. Good evening. I want to take a moment  to recognize that May is mental health awareness   month. It's a good reminder to break down stigma,  have open conversations, and make sure anyone who   may be struggling knows that they are not alone  and supported and support is out there. While May   helps bring an added awareness to mental health  is something that we should be thinking about all   year long. By looking out for each other, checking  in, and keeping these conversations going,   we can build a stronger and healthier community  together. As far as events that I've attended, um,   uh, the Harford County Humane Society had their,  uh, monthly board meeting on April 24th. We were   here in these council chambers for budget  workshops. Um, but I was able to meet with,   um, several members after that. On April 27th, the  um, I also attended the Comptroller of Maryland   um, Harford County Office grand opening  and ribbon cutting. Um, for anyone who's   interested in knowing where it is, if you can  find the Sonic near the festival, it's across  

the street from there. Um, it's actually in a  repurposed old bank. Um, so it was a great use of   uh otherwise vacant property and they are there to  be able to help answer any tax questions or other   questions that you guys might have in regards to  the comprollers's office. On April 29th, we had   the Fallston Community Advisory Board meeting. On  May 4th, um I was actually yesterday I was able to   attend the Harford County Bar Association Law Day  celebration. This is an annual celebration where   they honor um different lawyers in our community  who have dedicated hundreds of hours of prooner   service to our community members who otherwise  wouldn't be able to pay for representation or   um just honestly uh cons consultations as well.  They do everything from family law situations to   uh rental agreements um to disputing criminal  charges and it's just a really great pro   uh program that we offer here. I believe the  person that they honored for having the most   proono hours had like 700 and some hours just by  themselves this past year. And then this morning   I was able to attend the Harford County Sheriff's  Office Fallen Hero Memorial Service. Um where we   unfortunately were able to add another officer  to the names that we honor every year. Um this   year we honored Sergeant Greg Deetsz. I was  actually able to work with Sergeant Deetsz   um when I worked with sexual assault survivors.  Um and he was great to work with and he is missed   very dearly. Upcoming events. Again, on Wednesday,  May 6, the Harford TV Foundation will be hosting   Facing Addiction in Harford County from 6:30  to 8:30 PM at the Amos Center. This event will   feature an ex expert panel discussion focused  on concerns surrounding cannabis legalization,   including its impact on youth use, increasing  potency, and potential health effects. And then  

on Friday, May 8th, Your Mind Matters, a family  wellness night, will take place from 5:30 to 9:30   at Ripken Stadium. This event is part of a mental  health awareness month for May and is focused on   promoting mental health and overall awareness  for families across our community. And that's   all I have. Thank you, Miss Imhof, Mr. Jan Dana.  Thanks, Council President. Uh, so on Saturday,   uh, Eagle Scout, Aiden Quinn, um, different  Eagle Scout ceremony than I've been to before,   so it was very interesting. Um, a lot of people  got up and talked, gave a history about Aiden,   so congratulations to Aiden. Um, and yesterday  also was at the uh law day and Andrew,   it was Andrew Canary. He had 750 hours. That  was the second year in a row that he's won   that award for the most uh pro bono hours. And  it's actually named after uh Eman Gordon uh who   was a prominent lawyer in Bair that died some  years ago. Uh also did the uh Harford County   Sheriff's Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony today.  Um and then the boat races at Flying Point Park.   The reason they're free is that they are having  sponsorships and the sponsorships are paying for   all the expenses and so that the tickets are free  this year. Last year you had to pay get it get   in. This year they're having sponsors. There's  still some sponsorships available if anybody's   interested. Um you can reach out to myself or  Councilwoman Robert and we will get you in touch   with them. But um this is going to be the first  year they're having sponsorships. They're going   to have an event for all the sponsors on Friday  night. There are hydroplane boat races. They go   about 140 miles an hour. If you haven't been,  this is a chance to watch these boats. Uh you   would normally see something like that down in  Key West or anything. So, I went last year. It's   a it's a great thing. Glad that they're up here.  They're looking forward to it. Again, the water's   really smooth. They enjoy that as well. And uh I'm  glad that uh I'm looking forward to seeing my bill  

um and having a public hearing on that this time.  And um that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you,   Mr. Chair D. Mr. Riley. Yeah, just one thing. Uh,  I also went to an Eagles scout, uh, Christopher   Ward from Troop 265 in Jarrettsville. They did a  great celebration. He also celebrated our 250 uh,   America. So, congratulations to Christopher  Ward. Thanks. Thank you, M. Thank you,   Council President. Good evening, everyone. Um, my  colleagues actually highlighted most of my list   here tonight, so I'll keep it short. Tomorrow  I will be attending the grand opening of Demo   to finish which is going to be located in District  E on Churchville Road. Um it's a new construction   business specializing in kitchens and bathrooms.  And that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you,   Miss Mr. Bennett. Hello. Good evening. Good to  be with everyone this evening. Um it's good to be   back to work and to have everything cleared up.  And um I wanted to address the concerns brought   up during public comment about the my moratorium  bill. As the person who drafted the bill, I want   to be abundantly clear. I started drafting this  moratorium well before there were even whispers   in the community of of something potentially  coming to Mountain Branch. The earliest recorded   meeting I know of with a community member about  data centers was in February of 2025. I've been   researching about data centers since before that  time. Uh my first reach out to Miss Allegi about   data centers and drafting the moratorium was in  December of 2025. Um so the fact that we're now   facing a potential data center being proposed  to the community um is really coincidental to   that work. Although I would say it was more so  me being proactive and seeing reading the tea   leaves and looking what's going on nationally  at the state level and why I've been preparing  

for this moment for over a year now. Um so I  understand that could feel like convenient timing,   but it really has nothing to do with the election  or anything to do with trying to postpone things   till after the election. Um, this is something  I've been working on for a long time now. And my   plan is to introduce a resolution in the coming  weeks and Miss Allegi and I are working on it   together to call on the county executive to form  a work group that would include community members,   environmental groups, volunteer fire companies  and so on to uh a planning and zoning planning   advisory board and so on to look at um what are  the very best standards that exist across the   nation to be as restrictive as humanly possible.  possible on this industry and to protect our   community so that we can have legislation that can  be put into law and that is legally sound and firm   uh before the uh moratorium is over. So that's  my whole purpose in introducing the moratorium.   as the someone the person who drafted the  moratorium and as the person who led the way   on regulating and and pushing back against the  mega warehouse industry here in Harford County   um and as someone who's consistently stood on  the side of the community and the community's   concerns, I just think it's very important  to make that clear because I understand   um the reasoning to feel uneasy or to feel uh  mistrustful, but I think it's very important to   just be factually accurate and communicate that  to the public. Um, today was election day in Hav   Grace. I look forward to finding out who will be  serving on the city council in Havdy Grace. I made   sure to vote this morning. Um, and I hope that  turnout was up this year. We have budget hearings   coming up for people in the community to share  their thoughts, concerns, and celebrations with  

the county budget on uh May 7th and May 13th  at 7 p.m. here in the council chambers. Um,   I really appreciate when people come out and speak  because when you speak now, we're able to act now   and get things added to the budget or changed  in the budget to support our community. Um,   and then this Sunday is Mother's Day. I'm very  thankful this Mother's Day to be able to have   uh my mother by choice um in my life another year,  Miss Melody um who at one point was friends with   Miss Dinflyn and um and be able to hold on to her  for another year. She's been battling cancer since   before I came on to the the council and I'm just  every day is a blessing to have her in my life.   So, I want to honor all mothers, the mother in my  life who I live with, Abby, and our daughter, Ada,   um, as we uh, celebrate Mother's Day this weekend.  That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Bennett. Uh,   17 business from the president, as uh, Mr. Bennett  alluded to our budget public hearings are May 7th,   May 13th and they come about as a result  of four days of budget work sessions with   uh council members um and our citizens uh budget  advisors. Uh we had 32 departments and outside   agencies come before us over those four days  to talk about their budgets and present their   budgets. And unfortunately, the only one that  did not appear here, did not show here was   uh Jefferson Blumquist, the county attorney.  I think it's extremely unprofessional and   disrespectful to the council, seeing as how  the charter gives the council oversight and   final approval authority over the budget. Um, and  then also as Miss Imhof mentioned, um, May 1st,  

Delaney Valley Memorial Gardens honors our fallen  heroes. Um, and they represent and recognize   fallen heroes from across the state. But here  locally today, the Harford County Sheriff's Office   uh remembered their fallen heroes, uh, seven  of them, I believe. Um so I attended that and   um pay her respects there. So uh with that  this will adjourn this meeting. Thank you.