TO: Maryland Municipal Leaders
FROM: Scott A. Hancock, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Weekly MML UPDATE During the COVID-19 Pandemic
DATE: May 18, 2020
Governor Hogan’s announcement last Wednesday that the statewide Stay at Home order would be lifted effective 5PM on Friday prompted many questions from our membership. I want to spend a few minutes in this week’s update to offer some guidance on reopening plans:
- The Governor largely left final decisions on reopening to the local jurisdictions (municipalities and counties). Several highly impacted COVID-19 counties opted to keep the Stay at Home order in place for now. Although not required, most municipalities in those counties have followed the county’s lead by delaying movement into Phase One of the Governor’s Maryland Strong- Roadmap to Recovery plan.
- Municipalities are encouraged to collaborate with your respective county leaders as much as possible on reopening plans. Citizen confusion can result when a city’s plan differs from that of the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Municipalities should have a plan for reopening public spaces and local businesses. There are several guidance examples available in MML’s COVID-19 Resource Center and new examples are being posted daily. MML requests that you share your plans with your fellow municipal leaders through the Municipal Connections Page or by forwarding your plans or ideas to Bill Jorch billj@mdmunicipal.org at MML for posting.
- Keep in mind that municipalities cannot adopt plans that are more lenient than the Governor’s directives, but they can be more restrictive. Please consult with your town/city attorney before proceeding.
- As always, please contact MML if you have specific questions.
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The Board’s decision to pivot to a virtual Summer Conference next month in lieu of an in-person event in Ocean City has created a superb opportunity for those not usually able to attend MML’s premier training event to participate this year. Substantial savings are now available to members who attend MML’s FIRST virtual Conference. The “reimagined “event will be held June 29th and 30th. Although it is still a work-in-progress, the preliminary program for an exciting and educational experience is now available. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow municipal officials and attend for-credit Academy for Excellence classes online. Governor Hogan has been invited to address our membership, as well as National League of Cities President Joe Busciano and Executive Director Clarence Anthony. We are also looking forward to presenting the first-ever virtual Cabinet Secretaries Roundtable. A virtual dance party will conclude the first day and the ceremonial exchange of gavels and the address from MML’s President and President-elect will end this year’s Conference. Registration information is available on MML’s Summer Conference webpage. I hope we will SEE you next month in virtual Ocean City!!
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The MML staff team continues to work remotely for the most part although several team members will be in the MML office several days a week if the Stay at Home order has been lifted from their jurisdiction of residence. In any case, your Association remains committed to supporting you in any way we can during this pandemic.
THANKS for all you are doing to lead your community through these unprecedented times. We are #MunicipalMarylandStrong!
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