Harford County Council approves appointments, a company-backed grant, transit grant authorization and sheriff‑pension amendments

At its meeting, the Harford County Council voted to approve a series of personnel appointments, grant authorizations and legislative changes.

Appointments and board reappointments: The council confirmed Brian Leitner as deputy director of planning and zoning after council members described prior conversations with him and praised his expertise. The vote to confirm Leitner was 6 in favor, 0 against, with 1 member absent. The council also approved reappointments to the Harford Center Board of Directors for Nikki Biggs, Michael Hagen, Charles Kelly, Kristen Klein and Lisa Snodgrass by the same margin.

Economic development resolution: The council approved Resolution 005‑26 (a METAF grant) following the public hearing. Council members who spoke during the discussion praised Lufco (a local company referenced during the public hearing), saying the company plans to expand operations in the county and is expected to bring roughly 120 jobs to Harford County. The resolution passed 6‑0 with 1 absent.

Transit grant authorization: The council authorized Resolution 009‑26, allowing the county executive to file required grant applications with the Maryland Transit Administration for Harford Transit Link. A Harford Transit representative explained this is the agency’s annual authorizing resolution (covering formula and discretionary operating and capital programs including program lines cited during the reading) and said that awards come through MTA and that the subrecipient arrangement reduces the county’s matching burden. Staff indicated the application would be filed roughly 10 days after authorization. The council voted 6‑0 with 1 absent to approve the resolution.

Sheriff’s Office pension changes: On final reading, Bill 26‑001, described as amendments to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office pension plan, was moved, seconded and passed with six affirmative votes and one absence. The council then enrolled the bill as the final text.

Withdrawn item and administrative note: The council removed Resolution 8‑26 (a housing HUD grant) from the agenda at the county executive’s request after staff identified edits needed in supporting documents; Mister Aberbay said the executive asked staff to complete those changes and reintroduce the resolution in the coming weeks.

Votes at a glance: Appointments and reappointments (including Brian Leitner and Harford Center board members) — approved 6‑0, 1 absent. Resolution 005‑26 (METAF grant) — approved 6‑0, 1 absent. Resolution 009‑26 (MTA/Transit grants authorization) — approved 6‑0, 1 absent. Bill 26‑001 (Sheriff’s Office pension amendments) — approved 6‑0, 1 absent.

The council also used the meeting for routine approvals (minutes) and member announcements, and adjourned after closing remarks by Council President Vincente.