Why can't I discuss zoning cases with my Council representative?

The County Council functions in many roles. One role is as the legislative branch of government and when sitting as the legislative branch the Council members may discuss legislative issues with constituents. However, when the Council sits as the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Council members are functioning as a quasi-judicial board whose duty is to interpret the zoning law. In interpreting the zoning law, the Board may only consider the law and facts which are included in the record of the case. If a Council member has outside knowledge of a zoning case, the member may be obligated to refuse to participate in that zoning case. Also, the Harford County Charter, 706(b), prohibits an individual from influencing or attempting to influence, directly or indirectly, a member of the Board of Appeals in arriving at a decision in any pending zoning case.

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1. How can I find out what federal, state or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators?
2. How can I contact my representative to the Harford County Council?
3. When and where does the County Council meet?
4. How can I get on the agenda to address the Council about a particular subject?
5. How can I find out ahead of time what will be on the Council's agenda for a particular meeting?
6. Are there any other ways I can participate in the legislative process, such as advisory boards or commissions?
7. What does the budget advisory board do?
8. What does the HarfordTV Advisory Board do?
9. What does the People's Counsel Citizen's Advisory Board do?
10. Where can I get information or assistance if I am concerned about a zoning case?
11. Why can't I discuss zoning cases with my Council representative?
12. Do I have a legal right to receive cable television service?
13. Who do I contact with question regarding the cable franchise agreement?
14. When a cable company installs a cable line in an easement that is on my property, is the company obligated to restore my property to the condition it was in prior to the installation?
15. Does the County Council regulate the prices charged by the cable companies for cable service?
16. Are answers to questions related to the cable franchise agreement the same if I live in Aberdeen, Bel Air or Havre de Grace, or at Aberdeen proving ground?
17. Does Harford County have a noise ordinance?
18. Does the county have a law regarding the height of grass?
19. Does the County have a law that requires property owners to remove the snow on the sidewalks in front of their homes?
20. Is there any law regarding tree limbs or leaves that extend from one property over to another property?
21. Is there any law that governs the operations of Homeowners' Associations?
22. What is the County transfer tax and are there any exemption?