County Council Approves Additional Powers for Homan

A long-time county official considered by some to be the most powerful man in county government will have additional powers under a resolution approved Tuesday by the County Council.

Fred Homan, the former long-time budget director, has risen through the ranks to become the county administrative officer—a position that, by County Charter, is in charge of the county's day-to-day operations. Homan's authority is sometimes considered to be so great that some insiders refer to Homan and his edicts as "The Office of Fred."

The council unanimously approved a request by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz to extend Homan's authority and allow him to execute contracts and leases on behalf of the county.

The request is not unusual in the history of the county and the County Charter allows for the county executive to delegate additional responsibilities to the administrative officer, with council approval.

The council also unanimously approved 60-day terms for two acting department heads—George Klunk and Michael Mayhew.

Klunk was approved as acting director of economic development on Jan. 7. Previously, Klunk was appointed on Dec. 6 to serve as acting director of the Department of Permits and Development Management.

Earlier this month the department was renamed the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections. The council, at that time, confirmed Arnold Jablon to serve as the renamed and reconstituted department's director.

Mayhew was appointed on Dec. 6 as the acting director of the Office of Planning.

The County Charter allows the county executive to appoint acting department heads for an initial 60-day term. Additional 60-day terms require council approval.

Mayhew's term would have expired on Feb. 4, about three days before the council met for its next scheduled voting session.

The council also unanimously approved:

• A request to add General Appliance LLC to its list of about 30 on call snow removal contractors. Under the terms of the contract, the on-call contractors are paid $110 per hour for each of two plow trucks with salt spreading capabilities and $140 per hour for two loaders. The contractor is guaranteed  to be paid for at least four hours of pay if the county calls them into service. County official expect the list of on-call snow removal contractors will grow to about 36 by the end of the winter season.

• A donation of delivery services valued at $39,600 by Giant of Maryland LLC to deliver surplus food  from the U.S. Department of Agriculture intended for use by impoverished county residents. Giant will provide seven tractor trailers and drivers to deliver surplus food to two county distribution sites in Dundalk and Randallstown in February, May and September. The program provides assistance to about 43,000 families annually.