Meeting Summary:
Meeting Details:
Updates from Sen. Kasemeyer - Sen. Kasemeyer provided the following updates from the 2001 session:
The state budget did not include adequate funding for shock trauma or mental health. A Tax Amnesty bill has been passed allowing citizens to pay back taxes between 9/1-10/31/01 without penalty. This revenue should result in approximately $30 million additional that will indirectly supplement mental health services. The MVA registration fee has been increased by $3 to provide continued funding for shock trauma.
The blood alcohol level was lowered from .10 to .08.
The trade-in value on motor homes and boats will now be exempt from sales tax.
Eleven million dollars has been earmarked for Mentoring Programs and Aging Schools programs. Nineteen million has been earmarked for school construction in BCPS. Five million for text books for private schools. Del. Malone pointed out that this money would go only to the neediest schools.
An aggressive driving bill was passed which carries a 5 point penalty on a driver's license if charged with aggressive driving.
A bill was passed making dog fighting a felony offense - it was previously a misdemeanor.
A Superintendent's bill was passed, allowing retired school superintendents to return to the school system to teach. Maryland currently faces an 11,000 teacher shortfall. Del. Malone attributed the significant efforts of Ron Boone, Southwest Area Superintendant of Secondary Schools, to the success of this bill.
A bill was passed requiring mandatory insurance coverage for reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. Prior to passage of this bill, reconstructive surgery coverage was only mandatory for lumpectomy.
A prescription plan for all seniors was passed, effective Jan. 1, 2002. This plan is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact John Foklemer (410) 767-5806.
Streetscape is scheduled to be completed this summer.
Marc train station - a meeting will be held by the Halethorpe Improvement Association regarding Baltimore County representatives will be there to discuss residential parking in the vicinity of the Marc station. The meeting will be Tues., May 22, 7:30 pm at the Good Shepherd Center.
Beltway expansion - the inner loop of 695 Frederick Rd. to 95 starts this summer.
Dr. Betty Young - Coordinator of Alternative Programs, Baltimore County Public Schools, provided materials on alternative programs offered by BCPS and discussed the characteristics of successful alternative programs, types of intervention, support and services. Last year, Dr. Young's office served 8.000 students.
Dennis Wertz - Baltimore County Office of Planning, who replaces Diana Itter, provided updates on completed projects:
- Adopted Master Plan 2010 - is available at local libraries for $5.00 or via mail from Office of Planning for $10.00. It is also available on the county web site.
- Comprehensive Zoning Map Process 2000 - lists the decision on all county zoning issues raised. Available at local libraries for $3.00. Also available on the county's web site.
- The County Council initiated and adopted a resolution to convene an Advisory Committee to review the Comprehensive Zoning Map process to develop recommendations for inproving the process. This is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The County Council will review the limited exemptions for large projects (office buildings, shopping centers, etc.) that often result in developers being exempted from the full review process (hearings, community input, etc.)
- Updated standards for residential development, initiated by the Planning Director, to look comprehensively at exising Zoning and Development regulations and develop standards to encourage higher quality residential development, such as open space, street design, landscaping, etc.
- County-wide land parcel inventory - based on tax maps, offers detail map of existing land use. Such detailed information on vacant land and how it is currently zoned will help to better identify potential development and better estimates of future population growth. This project is estimated to be completed by the end of the year.
- Census 2000 - the Office of Planning newsletter presents and discusses census data such as Regional Planning Districts (RPGs), which approximate community boundaries. Indicates the total number of persons in 2000 and the change since 1990 census. It also shows the total population growth in Baltimore County and compares % growth RPD to county as a whole. The census data indicate population is stable in the southwest portion of the county.
Update on Boys & Girls Club - Dr. Frank Williams provided an update on the B&G Club. The bowling alley is being torn down and a new building erected. The B&G Club is currently working to purchase the property for the new building. The site will also serve as a community center. Dr. Williams also overviewed the B&G Club Summer Camp being held at St. Stephen this summer. Click here for more information. B&G Club is currently hiring staff. Call for details.
Additional Updates -
- Robbi Farschman, the new SW Coordinator who replaces Kay Keller, briefly introduced herself. Robbi can be reached at 410-887-2090.
- Melinda Viccaro spoke briefly about last year's haunted house on Leeds Ave., proceeds from which benefited local charities. The group is currently seeking space for this year.
- Councilman Moxley has asked Dept. of Public Works tol expand curbs and gutters to SW Blvd. if budget permits. Regarding Maiden Choice Lane, will ask about plan for completing work.
- GACA seeks help processing memberships. Evelyn Revels has agreed to assume responsibility for mailing meeting announcements.
- Joe Wickless gave an update on the First Annual Picnic in the Park at Gay Oaks Park, scheduled for Sunday, June 3, beginning at 1:00 (rain date June 10) sponsored by the Arbutus Improvement Association.
- APBA announced that they are planning surprise festivities for this year's July 4th parade/celebration. ABPA's phone is 410-242-4642. web site www.abpa.ws.