HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities, Security, Transportation Roundtable
Wednesday, March 20, 2002, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Host:

Loyola College in Maryland

Attending:

Clare Berrang, MacKenzie / ONCOR International
Bill Boden, Executive H.R.
Al Copp, Woodhall Wine Cellars
Bill Frank, Assistant to Sen. Andy Harris
Alan Grace, Insignia Miller
Kathy Hammel, JMT
John Hart, URS
Dawn King, Crawford, Slevin& Hicks
Lt. Marty Lurz, Baltimore County Police Dept
Harris Mager, Verizon Communications
Charles Riordan, Loyola College
Mark Robertson, JDB Engineering/NuTec Design Associates 
Capt. Ron Schwartz, Baltimore County Police Dept
Ketch Secor, CB Richard Ellis
Anthony Solomon, Baltimore County Economic Development
Bob Steffey, SHA
Gail Williams, McCormick & Co

Clare Berrang opened the Roundtable with around the room introductions of those attending.

Clare then introduced Stuart Kaplow of Stuart Kaplow, PA who led us in a discussion of legislative issues of interest to business.

Stuart began by assuring us that our citizen legislature is very good. We should be comforted by the dedication of the participants.

The issue of government control of outdoor light levels was discussed. Should government be in the position of controlling outdoor lighting levels? Stuart’s feeling is that the legislation will probably wind up in someone’s desk drawer. This may, however, prompt Baltimore County to pick up the issue for action. Watch for this move.

A great deal of importance was placed on the impact SB 316 would have on businesses owning real estate in Maryland. The bill would impose a transfer tax on sales of such businesses. This is a new tax. Let your voice be heard to our state delegates on this issue.

Stuart stated that the legislation on brownfields was an opportunity to utilize formerly contaminated property without burdensome liability on developers of such property.

We discussed positive legislation on wetlands and other environmental issues.

Stuart is an attorney in Towson with a practice in real estate. He can be reached at skaplow@stuartkaplow.com. His website is www.stuartkaplow.com where you can sign up for his E-Real Estate Briefs, a periodic publication on real estate legal matters.

Lt. Marty Lurz briefed us on the crime scene. Theft of laptops is still an issue of concern. For the latest news on police matters go to Baltimore County Police Department under Members on our website and click on Business Beat.

Bob Steffey of SHA reported that the pole at the intersection of Schilling and York Rds. is for a flashing warning signal for the Cockeysville Fire Department and not the first sign of a traffic signal. That study is still under way.