One of three contentious issues was resolved by the Howard County Council on Thursday, with the others put off until September, after an August recess.
The council unanimously approved a resolution to help an Ellicott City church cut interest costs on loans for new buildings, but postponed a vote on a new rezoning process for Columbia's village centers until Sept. 1, when new development review fees for builders may also be decided.
"I am confident we will not be violating the establishment [of religion] clause on constitutionality," council Chairwoman Mary Kay Sigaty said as she voted to aid Glen Mar United Methodist Church, which wants to put child care programs in the new buildings.
Sigaty, a west Columbia Democrat, and the other members rejected final admonitions from two opponents of the measure who were allowed to speak as part of an elongated public hearing just before the vote.
Stephen Meskin of Columbia and Ken Stevens of Savage warned that approving the resolution would be aiding religion, but Meskin knew he had lost.
"It's clear the council does not want to separate church and state," he said. Russell Swatek of Columbia argued the child care intended for the church buildings isn't needed.
But Richard Story, CEO of the county Economic Development Authority, urged approval, saying lower-cost child care would be available by lowering the church's construction costs and that is needed. Sigaty and others agreed.
"Initially I had some concerns, but those concerns have been laid to rest," said Calvin Ball, an East Columbia Democrat. Jen Terrasa, a King's Contrivance Democrat, had the most reservations.
"This is something I really struggled with, but nothing in here is intended to promote religion in any way," she said. Terrasa wants the council apprised of annual forms required for the church to guarantee that the buildings are being used as intended.
The bill setting new fees on builders to control sediment was tabled, and Sigaty said she hopes the extra time will allow for some kind of compromise agreement.
Michael Harrison, a spokesman for the Home Builders Association of Maryland, agreed.
On village centers, the council attached 17 amendments to the bill without approving them, and postponed the issue until Sept. 1. More amendments may be filed until Aug. 28, Sigaty said. The delay allows the public more time to examine and comment on amendments.
