There has been much confusion over a civil emergency ordinance, the history behind the legislation that created it, and how it differs from executive powers; powers that can only be ended with the removal from office or end of a term.
I want to thank the Severna Park Voice for the opportunity to provide historical information and a timeline on recent actions of the county council.
I have introduced two bills to update the civil emergency section of our code. Bill 3-21 & Bill 9-21 is a reflection of the past 10 months and the use of this ordinance.
No other council has been under an extended civil emergency power that goes beyond 7 days. This council continues to legislate under historical conditions, and we have a responsibility to review a rarely utilized section of our code.
Neither of these bills are retroactive. Both were drafted with much forward thought that goes beyond our current circumstances of COVID19, and to the intent of this section of our laws.
I hope you find this article helpful and informative.