By Tony E. Windsor
During the recent Laurel Mayor and Council meeting, the Council passed Ordinance 2025-2, amending Chapter 97 to require an annual rental license for any dwelling unit in town limits not occupied by the legal owner, whether money changes hands. The change aligns with the recently adopted rental policy in the budget. A request was made to set up a committee to review licensing issues.
In other council business: Council introduced Resolution 2025-7 to accept a State Revolving Fund revenue bond—structured as a loan with 100 percent principal forgiveness—for a new water tower and water treatment plant behind Dunbar. The project would replace the aging South Poplar Street tower and improve water quality. Public comments are open until October 13, with a vote planned at the next meeting. Staff described test-well results, the likely tower capacity, and a smaller treatment building than Route 13’s facility. Alternative sites were discussed; Dunbar was favored due to available town land, infrastructure fit, and fire-flow coverage. Residents raised questions about neighborhood impact and visuals. Staff offered tours of the Route 13 plant for reference.
Finance officer Melissa Hyde reported progress on properties slated for sheriff’s sale. “One of them has already satisfied, made an agreement, and we have two more that hopefully will do the same,” she said, noting the town attorney is handling the process. The aim is to clean up delayed tax accounts.
Police Chief Rob Kracyla reported 13 DUI arrests last month, calling it “excellent for a town this size.” The department is helping the Laurel Ministerial Association with its centennial celebration next week and recently hosted its first Police Accountability Association meeting, electing Pastor Rob Brown as chair and Dana Bolden as vice chair. “Laurel Night Out” drew strong attendance. Testing is underway to fill one police officer vacancy.
Council appointed Dan Ash to the Board of Adjustment to fill an unexpired term. Ash, a construction professional with estimating and project management experience, said he wanted “a nice way to give back,” citing his background with plans, specifications, and permitting. The motion passed unanimously.
Council approved Resolution 2025-6 supporting a $37,500 Parks & Recreation grant to open pedestrian access from the Boys & Girls Club parking lot to Tidewater Park by removing a fence section, resealing, and striping the lot. The town’s roughly $9,000 match will use Community Transportation Funds. “Visitors won’t have to park at the kayak launch and walk across,” Town Manager Jamie Smith said.
Town Manager Smith said Planning & Zoning reviewed a concept plan for five commercial pad sites next to The Laurel Junction Flea Market complex. Preliminary site plans are expected in the coming months along with a Wawa site plan amendment. The Downtown Development District renewal is underway and will come to council next meeting. The state plans to bid for the first segment of the TAP project linking Mill Dam to Roger C. Fisher Park, with construction likely this winter.
