[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6160187,"mediaKeyId","5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204","parentId",5450972,"title","Council adopts multiple ordinances and resolutions; bond ordinance, pension and several SCBD and zoning measures pass","audioSeconds",111,"startMs",1627000,"endMs",1738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204&start=1627&end=1738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204/thumbnail_1627000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160187/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-adopts-multiple-ordinances-and-resolutions-bond-ordinance-pension-and-several-SCBD-and-zoning-measures-pass","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160187-1dd07b086d89b842fe4317c8aaa39dc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129786&Signature=S3zRfh8nCempueE0067CeYOA4YpnvFaLd5pdrsdFcPPXKdtJaXy~sTYt8yRouCi3SXoh0ll3TXbwQeTls-~1KJb6HnNeQ65N7buqO~3voO9H09dtuCKSSMgFGxpSaK2jFQKgIZ2FerEY6FvksuFUn3IwMqXYWz2MPpf3jHJKOvQYTJ9I2s5wvwMzB9rS~BLQhM5~GaLQYhDxs4IgubRqfzyCDrGuo5xOgT~vzngC-c4UTBIjxe~XPhJ96Iq2pAmo-nbjvNvuGqOEXq7JdEDGYFXhTKcVtXaa2tTNRE64ETNNWG~rUaSYxS8xGPsYrXiGYlfI6yYD8BcgRjuhpwmOIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Anne Arundel County, MD","date","2025-07-23T11:56:59.39Z","article","The Anne Arundel County Council on July 21 conducted roll-call votes on a number of ordinances and resolutions. Most measures passed unanimously or by recorded roll calls; one high-profile loan (Epping Forest Special Community Benefit District) was postponed after public testimony.

Key votes and outcomes

- Bill 5,525 (county general obligation bonds and bond anticipation notes): Passed, 7–0. The administration said the ordinance reflects the county’s annual authorization to issue, sell and deliver general obligation bonds and corrects dollar amounts to match the final budget.

- Resolution 1725 (host jurisdiction approval for private activity bonds for The Village at Providence Point): Adopted, 7–0. County staff explained that the approval is a federal TEFRA/host‑jurisdiction requirement and does not create county obligation or liability; the issuer will be a public finance authority and the bonds are private activity bonds under IRC section 145.

- Resolution 18 25 (estimates of annual cost of employee health insurance benefits and employer subsidies): Adopted, 7–0. County staff said the program will reflect a 6% increase in costs for active employees and retirees and that active medical coverage will return to CareFirst with pharmacy benefits continuing through CVS.

- Bill 5,925 (pension changes and DROP program amendments): Passed, 7–0. The ordinance implements negotiated changes including adding a seventh DROP participation year for two classifications, modifying the number of IAFF participants eligible per period, adjusting DROP interest rates, and increasing employee pension contribution percentages for certain plans.

- Bill 6,025 (Annapolis Road Special Community Benefit District loan and assignment agreement): Passed, 7–0. The ordinance authorizes a $640,000 loan from Shore United Bank for property purchases funded by SCBD special taxes.

- Bill 6,325 (zoning requirements for community piers and launching ramps): Passed, 7–0. The ordinance is a follow-up to earlier legislation; the council adopted changes removing one provision that would have required a CAC review while preserving ADA flexibility.

- Resolution 19 25 (appointments to the Anne Arundel County Retiree Health Benefits Trust/OPEB Trust): Adopted, 7–0. The council confirmed three trustees named by the administration and union representatives.

- Resolution 2,125 (appointments to the Salary Standard Commission): Adopted, 7–0. Seven members were appointed by resolution.

Procedural actions

- The council voted to meet in closed session under state law to discuss a personnel matter (roll call 7–0) and adjourned to a closed session.

Why it matters: The bond ordinance enables the county to proceed with planned capital financing. Pension and health‑benefits adjustments implement negotiated labor agreements and annual budget assumptions. The SCBD and zoning measures affect localized financing or project eligibility and will impact specific neighborhoods.

Documents and next steps: Many items had short presentations and no public testimony; the items that generated extended public hearings (Epping Forest and watershed fee amendments) will return or already had follow-up scheduling. The Epping Forest SCBD loan was held for Sept. 2; the watershed bill (6,225) was amended and scheduled for Sept. 2 action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Council Meeting | July 21st, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its July 21 session the Anne Arundel County Council passed a series of bills and resolutions by roll call, including the county's annual bond ordinance and changes to pension DROP rules, and confirmed multiple appointments. One SCBD loan (Epping Forest) was held for further review.","taxTitle","Anne Arundel County, Maryland","taxId",3779,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160192,"Council adopts amendment to stormwater remediation fee code; credit to apply automatically for projects completed after July 1, 2026",342,4894000,5236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204&start=4894&end=5236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204/thumbnail_4894000.jpg","/articles/6160192/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-adopts-amendment-to-stormwater-remediation-fee-code-credit-to-apply-automatically-for-projects-completed-after-July-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160192-c432b8b52e39111b715d78add51afe0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129786&Signature=GrNLf29nkAeXtTWFNW3SnVkadxPVucL7oBYta6ViOeZGdNseKAVst7STrRzaYFMWIF-CObJ~55AwGt0MqTvxkphu4EXEw4SzFZTyHaIjzVaApf6Ri-W0gsWWkTXXqmI-ql-0GVxl~yoYYR8C0RCtobdipaSQI4e8Hs4HhsaLdoGEzK034K8ZGUmLmBIHZbdDFXR1drEkFCzcRf~i7wrGt4NdreITdsLM8ABrp56RsPCvR6Zp6bFG5~YFcOneJENxqVyP-g4eRtv8x1jISmFqxWtVFWroXMeonNb5oHxyMgTswzBvScWwZx78dPrpFV69ZsIs1c0zeFwFxs0-8kf2tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The County Council on July 21 adopted an amendment to Bill 6,225 that changes how the watershed protection and remediation fee is applied to certain development projects and homeowners’ associations.

Administration staff said the ordinance corrects several inconsistencies in how the stormwater remediation fee has been assessed and that four of the proposed changes affect fee calculations in specific instances. The council then considered Amendment 1, which the administration had prepared in response to public feedback. Eric Michaelson of the Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration explained the amendment “would automatically have that 50% credit applied to those development projects going forward ... with the handoff from inspections and permits and the final inspection of those practices.” The amendment applies to projects completed after July 1, 2026.

HOA representatives urged the council to provide greater transparency and to codify fee credits. Steve Miller, an HOA president and member of the county’s Citizens Environmental Commission, urged an audit of the accuracy of the data used to determine fees and said some sidewalks had been mistakenly classified as private impervious surface in county maps. Kate Fox of the Growth Action Network’s legislative committee also called for the credit to be automatic and retroactive for HOAs that qualify but were unaware of the 50% reduction.

Stormwater fee program manager Sally Sidlowski told the council the county receives appeals and will correct errors; she said that in recent years appeals have been fewer than 10 annually and that mapping misalignments can produce overcharges for HOAs. The administration's amendment was adopted unanimously; the council scheduled the bill (as amended) for the Sept. 2 legislative session for final action.

Why it matters: The marathon of development in Anne Arundel County means remediation fees affect many HOA budgets and private property owners. The amendment changes fees prospectively for qualifying projects and aims to make the existing 50% credit automatic once inspections and handoff are complete, reducing the need for HOAs to file appeals to receive the reduction.

Next steps: The amendment was adopted by roll call, 7–0. The underlying ordinance, as amended, will return to the council on Sept. 2 for further consideration.","After public comments from HOA and environmental representatives, the council adopted an amendment to Bill 6,225 that makes a 50% stormwater remediation fee credit automatic for qualifying development projects after handoff and inspection, effective for projects completed after July 1, 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160197,"Council delays Epping Forest Special Community Benefit District loan after hours of testimony; vote to hold passes 6–1",1641,3208000,4849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204&start=3208&end=4849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204/thumbnail_3208000.jpg","/articles/6160197/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-delays-Epping-Forest-Special-Community-Benefit-District-loan-after-hours-of-testimony-vote-to-hold-passes-61","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160197-041003e36e6a20b4269bf64faea83969/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129786&Signature=PYdVHXVseprTq3rOhF2VPzXqcX8VUjAzDySOrF-vGZzsHzm-8snfSr~hB4bfRnfRYzSury5N0YV6XyCazZX0TAlXNIsDK9lOS2gdKj8t4t53jX7e7Vq6d3hDR6u1PhT4RBbXZlyQdB8BaGnzmw-UeHO0DmZbY~cLXaCOac~9g7~fnJE3LU4aeMLI7PN11-IUgEO4IhRy26HXdeKOeuYwmkGp-SWkMFpwySzVKbEZtyMonSXuSbcCmyng7rayoy7u6z~VCofGUEhd94uVjHo7gRXJL9HkihJ1iJJZIjBWGIp7XOjuhMUgRcaHc96mZ0TyY5W~axZJf~3VQdmyEEURvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The County Council on July 21 postponed consideration of a $1.5 million SCBD loan for Epping Forest after more than an hour of public testimony and follow-up questions from council members. The motion to hold the vote until the council’s Sept. 2 legislative session passed 6–1.

Ethan Hunt, representing the administration, described the loan request from Epping Forest Incorporated as a financing plan to allow the community association to borrow $1.5 million from M&T Bank “for renovation and replacement of the community marina,” with a 10‑year loan term amortized over 20 years. The ordinance would allow the county to levy special taxes within the SCBD to repay the loan.

Supporters, including Stacy Korbelak, president of Epping Forest Inc., and Kevin Varner, president of the Epping Forest Boat Club, said the community voted in favor of the marina and loan and that bids are in hand. Korbelak said the community vote was “115 in favor of the marina and loan and 64 opposed,” and that regulatory approvals from MDE and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were already in place. Varner described a competitive bidding process and said the club planned demolition in October and construction off‑season.

Opponents pointed to infrastructure needs that they said should take priority. Resident Delia Deshane said the community faces an aging water system, failing roads and stormwater issues and called the marina expansion “unnecessary, unhealthy, and irresponsible.” Jeff Stockdale urged the council to reject the measure as premature, noting “there is currently a variance under appeal” and raising concerns about project financing; he told the council the loan “includes a $1,000,000 balloon payment in year 11,” a point raised by public commenters.

Council member Radbien moved to hold the vote after receiving a large volume of new materials that morning; she said she wanted time to review questions with the Office of Law. Council member Pickard voted against the hold. The roll call on the final motion to hold was: Pickard — Nay; Volkke — Aye; Spiedler — Aye; Radbien — Aye; Ledbetter — Aye; Smith — Aye; Hummer — Aye. The motion carried, 6 in favor, 1 opposed.

Why it matters: The Epping Forest Special Community Benefit District is funded by taxes levied on properties within the district; the council’s role is to approve the district’s request to use those funds to repay a specific financing arrangement. Speakers on both sides argued their positions as property owners and as community stewards; opponents worried the proposed debt would divert SCBD funds from waterworks, roads and stormwater needs.

Next steps: The public hearing is closed, but council members said written materials may be submitted to the record. The item will appear on the council’s Sept. 2 agenda for a final vote unless withdrawn or amended before then.","After a lengthy public hearing with residents and boat-club leaders divided, the council voted to postpone action on a $1.5 million Epping Forest Special Community Benefit District loan until Sept. 2 to allow further review of new information and legal questions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6160201,"Southern Anne Arundel residents urge council to revisit Discovery Village boat-ramp lease termination",269,683000,952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204&start=683&end=952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450972-cd2a16f8a3a85a35c6e818226fa7b204/thumbnail_683000.jpg","/articles/6160201/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Southern-Anne-Arundel-residents-urge-council-to-revisit-Discovery-Village-boat-ramp-lease-termination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160201-2714df1d7c0a66073f26cb27ca3c9a4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775129786&Signature=IJY1JofQjYhmpHb1Doe4rcMvluX1WvJPHy2guYAI0uEFzWRACm7DRj-t9P4xDcEWJ4hlrSI80PgD6FVRC-juAloKGPy2YC0y0fZvBeBK5IRp6ieRuwOS-E7X5rFQASG7H0CKZnIAaxw0fxfa60ENBP7GFxvCzycZF~lbyB~mMcW00PYh3LQ8hooM5tdLkvxlVLjgdz-NK0vAAoKZBUVxU2ivAGmN70phvjBzuFH8gSC3m35oqh9Tnbwmci~8TqTz3j0eDFbqdiaeXeIkRi67EzEEaO6Qjs1ook8BUVNrgYJDBUOTePjc8yLTvaFfhMZ65kmaSC~kDopkCw7qioCSMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several southern Anne Arundel County residents and local waterway advocates told the County Council on July 21 that the council should reverse or revisit its June decision to terminate the county lease at Discovery Village Park and its public boat ramp.

At the start of the meeting’s public-invitation period, community leaders and users of the facility said the ramp drew steady traffic and supported nearby businesses. Julia House, president and CEO of the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, told the council the chamber “missed the amendment on the virtual June 10 meeting where the council voted on amendment number 54 where they decided to save $156,000 of the $914,037,000 Rec and Parks budget determined to terminate the lease at Discovery Village Park And Boat Ramp.” She said local stores, repair shops and restaurants saw increased customers because of ramp users and that the ramp “was being used more than a 100 times a year.”

Residents and watermen highlighted daily use of the ramp and access problems created by its loss. Bill Sherbo, president of the Anne Arundel County Watermen’s Association, said the ramp “is used every day of the week, 365 days a year,” and that the county’s prior decision was “rushed.” Paul Bush, who identified himself as from Shadyside, said he used the ramp often and that alternatives require long drives and are not safe for people towing large boats.

Advocates also questioned whether county staff fully presented funding sources and usage numbers. Sherbo said about $3 million has been invested in Discovery Village, including roughly $500,000 from the state Waterway Improvement Fund. House told the council she believed data provided to the body about how often the ramp was used was incorrect and urged the council to “look into that and to figure out what the real numbers are.”

Speakers representing broader access interests urged the council to pursue solutions beyond reversing the lease decision. Lisa Arrowsmith, chair of the county’s Public Water Access Committee, said a 2016–2018 county study that surveyed private marinas found little appetite among marina owners to provide public access; she said the county should retrieve that study before proposing private-public sticker approaches. Matt Minahan, chair of the Growth Action Network, argued the county should expand water access countywide and consider paying interested marinas an annual fee to increase public launch points.

Why it matters: Speakers said the ramp is an economic and recreational asset for a peninsular community and for commercial watermen; several asked the council to press the executive branch or revisit its June amendment. No vote or formal council action on Discovery Village occurred at the July 21 session; the comments entered the public record.

Community reaction and next steps: Multiple speakers asked the council to ask the county executive and Recreation and Parks to reopen the matter. Several speakers said they would supply records (usage logs, state grant records) to bolster their claims. The council did not take action on the topic during the meeting.","Multiple community groups and watermen urged the Anne Arundel County Council to revisit its June decision to terminate the lease at Discovery Village Park and boat ramp, saying local businesses and water access are harmed and that county staff presented incomplete information.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts multiple ordinances and resolutions; bond ordinance, pension and several SCBD and zoning measures pass

Council adopts amendment to stormwater remediation fee code; credit to apply automatically for projects completed after July 1, 2026

Council delays Epping Forest Special Community Benefit District loan after hours of testimony; vote to hold passes 6–1

Southern Anne Arundel residents urge council to revisit Discovery Village boat-ramp lease termination