Category: News

Baltimore County Public Library Announces Steps to Reopen


Baltimore County Public Library is moving forward with plans for the next steps in the re-opening of its branches*. The re-opening, which will occur in phases, is being conducted according to guidance from county, state and federal health agencies, and takes into account social distancing protocols and community needs.

This phased reopening begins on Monday, June 15 with a limited number of staff returning to library buildings to begin internal preparations. Staff will be preparing work spaces, receiving and processing 8,000 new books and resources for users, gathering the 58,000 customer holds and planning for the return of the 400,000+ items borrowed before the library closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Exterior book drops at branches* will be opened on Tuesday, June 16 at noon and remain open 24 hours per day. Interior book drops will remain closed until the library reopens to the public. To prepare materials for safe re-shelving and reuse, all returned library materials must be quarantined for 72 hours per CDC guidelines before being checked in and prepared for re-circulation. Understanding that some may not be able to return materials immediately, all fines that have incurred are being waived if materials are returned by August 31, 2020.

Contactless curbside holds pick up service, with drive-up and walk-up options, begins at all branches* on Monday June 22, 2020. Hours for this service will be Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Further details about this service will be coming soon.

Once facilities have been fully prepared for modified and safe service, Baltimore County Public Library will be reopening to the public with limited in-branch services and social distancing measures in place. While the buildings remain closed to the public, Wi-Fi is available outside of ten branches with an upgrade in Wi-Fi service scheduled for remaining branches by mid-July. All virtual services put into place during the closure remain ongoing and include chats for reference and resources via phone, text and online and more than 100 monthly events and programs for adults, families and children.

“We are delighted to be taking these next steps to make the library more available to the citizens of Baltimore County. We are a vital part of the community and want to provide as many resources and services as possible while keeping our customers and staff safe and healthy,” said Baltimore County Library Director Paula Miller. “Since our March 15 closure, the staff has been exceptional at pivoting to offer resources and services to our users. While the world seemed to stop for a bit, it is evident from the 2,332 new library cards issued, the 388,000 downloads and the 43% increase in views on our YouTube channel that the community’s love for reading and the library never wavered.”

“Our libraries provide invaluable resources and services to our communities, and they have continued to do so virtually since the beginning of this pandemic,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I’m grateful to the hard-working staff at all of our branches as they begin to gradually offer greater accessibility to their resources.”

*Baltimore County Public Library’s Loch Raven and Reisterstown Branch are currently closed for renovation.

Baltimore County Dog Parks to Reopen This Weekend


Baltimore County reported that the BARC Dog Park at Hannah Moore Park, Perry Paw Dog park at Honeygo Park and the Paw Point Dog Park at Lake Roland Park will be open to members starting Saturday, May 30.

The St. Helena Dog Park in Dundalk will open this Sunday, May 31.

In an effort to keep members and their pets safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19, all are required to practice social distancing. Pet owners and their dogs must stay six feet apart from one another and no more than 10 members are permitted within the dog park at one time.

Marks Votes for Nearly $100 Million in Cuts Over Two Years


At the Baltimore County Council meeting Friday morning, Councilman David Marks voted to cut $59 million from the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget. Combined with his vote last year, Marks has supported cutting nearly $100 million from the budget over the past two years.

“This year, I supported nearly $60 million in cuts to bring our county budget into balance,” Councilman Marks commented. “These are tough times, and county government must trim its budget like families and businesses.”

The budget adopted by the County Council includes a hiring freeze and reductions to agencies identified by the County Council’s auditors. The county negotiated changes to labor agreements, meaning that furloughs and layoffs are not expected.

While the budget is lean, it does contain the county share of building two new schools in northeastern Baltimore County, as well as an addition at Pine Grove Middle School. Councilman Marks secured $400,000 to add parking at the Seven Oaks Senior Center; $1 million to continue repairs to the Little Gunpowder Falls; and $800,000 to construct a female locker room at the Fullerton fire station.

Councilman Marks voted with his Republican colleagues to cut the property tax rate by a penny, but that motion was defeated. Councilman Marks also voted for a tax cut in 2018.

BCPS Seeks Comment on Boundary Recommendation for Perry Hall Housing Development


The public has until Saturday, June 13, to comment about a proposed adjustment to the boundary lines of four Baltimore County public schools now under consideration by the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

The proposed boundary change, which was presented to the Board during its May 19 work session, is necessary because of the development of the Village at Gunpowder Falls, a cul-de-sac development currently under construction that straddles boundary lines for two elementary schools – Pine Grove and Seven Oaks – and two middle schools – Perry Hall and Pine Grove.

BCPS planners told Board members during the May 19 meeting that the scope of the boundary change will address the alignment of the attendance areas for the Gunpowder Falls development to a single elementary school, Seven Oaks, and a single middle school, Pine Grove. The proposed change – the details of which may be viewed at the boundary study’s website – will not reassign any students currently attending any of the affected schools.

Condensing the process used to recommend boundary line adjustments was made necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on BCPS academic and administrative operations, planners said. BCPS used the modified boundary resolution process, Board members learned, to ensure a timely resolution of the issue and to avoid any disruption or confusion that might arise.

Instead of a public hearing to solicit feedback about the proposal, the public is invited to provide comments to the Board by e-mail, an online comment form, or by regular mail. Comments will be accepted until midnight on Saturday, June 13, 2020. A decision is expected to be made at the Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

County Laying Groundwork if Restaurants Can Open Outdoors


In anticipation of future steps by the state of Maryland to further reopen, Baltimore County today issued proactive guidance to help restaurants and bars prepare to provide expanded outdoor dining options.

Under Governor Hogan’s statewide executive order, restaurants and bars are currently only permitted to provide carryout and delivery service. While County governments may not exceed state mandates, this effort from Baltimore County will help ensure establishments in the jurisdiction are ready to reopen more quickly.

“We are here to work in partnership to support Baltimore County’s restaurants and bars, which add to the vibrancy of our communities and are vital to our local economy,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We don’t know exactly when the state will allow outdoor seating, but we’re taking action now to help ensure these small businesses can reopen as fast and as safely as possible.”

Public health experts, including the CDC, have identified outdoor restaurant and bar seating—combined with social distancing and sanitary practices—as a lower risk option compared to indoor seating. This service, once permitted by the state of Maryland, would complement existing drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curbside pickup options.

In a letter to restaurateurs, officials provided proactive updates outlining necessary steps to incorporate these public health practices into their business. Baltimore County is in the process of creating a streamlined application for establishments to request expansions in order to allow outdoor dining in areas not previously authorized, including both the use of private and public property.

County officials are also in conversations with Chambers of Commerce about possible street closures in an effort to identify expanded outdoor dining options.

By helping establishments expand outdoor dining options, restaurants and bars will be able to reopen more quickly.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to safely reopen key portions of the local economy while maintaining public health measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

County to Reopen Retail Stores & Salons with Restrictions


Following progress in major indicators including expanded testing and increased access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for nursing homes, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced new actions to reopen key portions of Baltimore County’s economy while maintaining public health measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

“With significant progress in expanding testing and PPE, I’m confident that Baltimore County is ready to take these next steps, and do so in a safe manner that protects the health of our residents,” Olszewski said. “While these steps are important, we’re not out of the woods yet, and I urge all residents to continue practicing social distancing to limit the spread of this virus.”

New Actions Effective Friday, May 22

Olszewski will issue an executive order stating that effective Friday, May 22, at 9 a.m., Baltimore County will take the following actions:

•Retail stores may reopen for in-store retail with a maximum capacity of 10, including staff. This applies to all retail establishments outside of those considered essential under the state’s previous orders. Curbside pickup and delivery is strongly encouraged, and all public health precautions should remain in place. Shopping malls must continue to stay closed except for retail establishments that can be accessed from the outside.

•Barber shops and hair salons may reopen with a maximum capacity of 10, including staff. They may operate by appointment only and with appropriate health and safety guidelines. Other personal services establishments must remain closed until further notice.

Clarification on Religious Institution Restrictions

Olszewski also clarified that the restrictions that were in place on all religious institutions in the state prior to last week remain in place in Baltimore County. That means that the restriction on gatherings of more than 10 remain in place, either indoors or outdoors. Religious institutions may hold drive-through or drive-in services, as some have done.

Residents Encouraged to Continue to Stay at Home

Baltimore County’s prohibition on indoor and outdoor gatherings or events of 10 or more people at all locations and venues remains in place.

Residents and visitors to Baltimore County should strive to stay at home unless they are traveling to work or medical appointments, shopping for groceries or other retail goods, or traveling to outdoor recreational opportunities. Older and more vulnerable residents are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible.

Residents and visitors should practice safe physical distancing and wear masks in public, and frequently wash their hands and sanitize high-touch areas.

Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so.

County Confirms Its First Pediatric Death From COVID-19


A 15-year-old Baltimore County resident has died after being infected by COVID-19, the first pediatric death in the County associated with the virus. The individual had symptoms of an inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection that has been documented in children in New York and other locations.

“Any loss of life from this virus is tragic, but the loss of a child is devastating. Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of this young person,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “This is a stark reminder that this virus spares no one, and that we all must remain vigilant in our efforts to stay home, socially distance, and limit the spread of this deadly disease.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is real, it is here, and it is lethal,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “Our children and our most vulnerable residents need all of us to do our part to safeguard them from this unrelenting adversary.”

As of May 19, 2020, the number of Baltimore County residents confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus is 4,920. The number of confirmed deaths from the virus is 247 with an additional 16 deaths believed to be virus-related.

County residents are strongly encouraged to stay home whenever possible. If they must go out, individuals should wear masks or face coverings in public places and continue to maintain six feet of distance from other people.

More information about the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at www.BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/Coronavirus.

Crandell Seeks Vote to Overturn County’s Executive Order


Seventh District Councilman Todd Crandell stated that he wanted to take action after Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. issued an executive order on Thursday.

Olszewski’s order calls for all in-person religious institutions and personal services establishments (barbershops, nail salons and hair salons) to remain closed as a result of COVID-19. The Executive Order is a continuation of Gov. Larry Hogan’s statewide executive order and Hogan allowed local jurisdictions to continue the order at their discretion.

Crandell created emergency county council legislation that would overrule Olszewski’s decision to continue that order.

“I began the process of drafting legislation and convening a County Council Emergency Legislative Session to vote on that legislation. The legislation revokes the County Executive’s emergency authority to restrict, among other things, religious worship,” Crandell said in a statement on Friday.

“Council members will be requested by our Secretary to convene the emergency session as early as [Friday]. As this is happening very quickly, the emergency legislative session is currently unscheduled. I will update as information becomes available.”

Crandell reported on Saturday that he was not able to gather all of his six other council colleagues for meeting and/or vote.

“The Council did not meet yesterday in Emergency Session to vote on the Resolution that would repeal and revoke the County Executive’s State of Emergency powers. Councilmen [5th District] David Marks and [3rd District] Wade Kach have committed to the session. An attempt to convene the Council later today, with four different options on the time, was made this morning, but has been declined,” Crandell reported.

“This leaves some churches in an awful situation – adhere to the County Executive’s Order or defy it and exercise their Constitutional right to worship.”

Crandell, along with Marks, have publicly stated that they were never consulted by the County Executive’s office about the Executive Order for Baltimore County. Marks released a statement after the announcement of the executive order was on Thursday.

“I have always approached my job in a spirit of collaboration and bipartisanship. It is difficult for me to rationalize any announcements when the legislative branch is not consulted,” Marks stated.

Heritage Fair and Fireworks Canceled; Parade Might Still Go On


The Dundalk Heritage Fair Association released an official statement on Saturday that the Heritage Fair & Fireworks will be canceled this year as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Heritage Association added that the Parade Committee is exploring other options to possibly conduct the parade and 6K Race in an alternative form or at a later time in 2020. There are plans to bring back all Heritage events in July 2021.

“The Association and all its partners will continue to look for alternative ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday while we plan for the triumphant return for our traditional 4th of July festivities in 2021.”

When Gov. Larry Hogan announced the COVID-19 recovery guidelines last week for Maryland, the Heritage Association stated that it appeared the guidelines to hold large events such as the fair and fireworks would not be in place before July.

A member of the Heritage Fair Committee told EastBaltco.com that there were many factors into this tough decision of such as government permits are not being handed out at this time with COVID-19 regulations and the lack of financial backing. Since many people are out of work and many small businesses have been closed, the Heritage Fair and fireworks was not able to get the donations as in past years and those events funding comes from donations.

“So without financial backing, without permits and safety being the number one priority the cards are stacked against us this year. We were backed into a corner and had to make a decision,” a source said.

According to the release, this is the first time that the Heritage Fair has been canceled since it started in 1976.

The Dundalk events join the Fullerton Fireworks ,the Kingsville Parade and other July 4th events that have been canceled.

Maryland DNR Clarifies Expanded Outdoor Opportunities


Given the announcement of the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state and on Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties.

BEACHES

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR-owned beaches will be opened and outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, and fishing will be permitted, however:

Guidance on social distancing must be followed. The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.
Chairs, blankets, and picnics will be prohibited.

BOATING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., recreational boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized vessels and personal watercraft, are permitted, however:

Boaters must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people can be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
Boats must be distanced from each other by at least 10 feet and are prohibited from rafting up, beaching, or having rendezvous events. Boats are prohibited from docking at restaurants or bars.
Vessel and boat races remain prohibited.

Marinas can reopen to recreational boaters, but must adhere to Maryland Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.

Pump-out stations and boats may resume operations under the Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.
Local jurisdictions may choose to open public boat ramps, but must ensure social distancing guidelines.
All normal boating rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed.

CAMPING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR will begin accepting reservations for overnight tent and RV camping in state forests, parks, and other campgrounds, however:

Campers must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. Guidance on social distancing must be followed.

No parties or reservations for more than 10 people will be granted for any one site. Reservations for cabin rentals will not be accepted at this time, however DNR will begin to consider protocols for accepting reservations again in the near future.
Reopening will likely proceed on a gradual or regional basis based on guidance from the Maryland Department of Health.

FISHING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m, recreational fishing activities, including catch-and-release, are allowed, however:

When fishing from a boat, one must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people may be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
When fishing from onshore or at a pier, social distancing guidelines must be followed. DNR fishing piers will reopen immediately.Fishing tournaments remain prohibited at this time.

All normal rules and regulations regarding fishing are in effect and must be followed, including creel limits, gear restrictions, and seasons.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Effective immediately, horseback riding activities, including riding in state parks, is allowed, however:

Equestrians must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed. No organized rides, gatherings, or races will be authorized.

HUNTING/TRAPPING

Effective immediately, all hunting activities are allowed on private and public lands under following conditions:

Hunters on public lands must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.

All normal rules and regulations regarding hunting are in effect and must be followed, including bag limits, firearm restrictions, and seasons.

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

Effective immediately, off-road vehicles can be ridden on DNR-owned lands where they are allowed, however:

Drivers/riders must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party. Gatherings and organized events remain prohibited.

POOLS

All DNR-owned swimming pools remain closed at this time.

SHOOTING RANGES

Effective immediately, DNR will reopen shooting ranges on state land, however:

Groups of no more than 10 will be allowed on the range at any time.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed.