April 20, 2026 - Maryland Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects Business Meeting Minutes

TIME: 1:30 P.M.

LOCATION: 100 S. Charles St.
Tower 1
Baltimore, MD 21201
(Teleconference via Google Meet)

MEMBERS PRESENT: Christopher Schein, Chair
Grace Fielder, Secretary
Heather English, Landscape Architect
Melvilynn Allen, Consumer Member

MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Brown, Consumer Member

STAFF PRESENT: Zevi Thomas, Executive Director
Raquel Meyers, Assistant Executive Director
Dorian Price, Administrative Specialist
Emily Hanson, Board Counsel

OTHERS PRESENT: None

Meeting Called to Order

Mr. Chris Schein, Chair, called the Board of the Examiners of Landscape Architects meeting to order at 1:41 p.m.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

The members reviewed the minutes of the business meeting held on January 26, 2026. Motion (I) was made by Ms. English, seconded by Ms. Allen, and unanimously carried by the Board to approve the January 26th meeting minutes without corrections.

Correspondence

None

Executive Director’s Report

Mr. Thomas reported that the US Department of Justice recently briefed board members on the accessibility laws (WCAG 2.1 AA), which will come into effect this April, and how it's likely to affect the Board’s website and some printed materials, including application forms. Mr. Thomas also reported that Senate Bill 256, which modernizes much of the Board’s Title Act, was approved by the Maryland General Assembly and is scheduled to be signed by the Governor. Mr. Thomas mentioned that he had a meeting with O&P Policy Directors regarding the likely changes to the Board’s regulations once the revised Title Act goes into effect. particularly the upcoming emeritus status for Landscape Architects. Mr. Thomas concluded his report by commending Ms. Fielder and the members of the Board’s legislative committee for their dedication to implementing these necessary updates to improve the governance of the Board and the profession of landscape architecture.

Board Counsel’s Report

New Business

None

Old Business

Regulatory Committee Report for Statute and Regulation Review.
Mr. Thomas covered the planning and implementation of the necessary regulatory changes during the Executive Director’s report.

Annual Review of CPC Providers

Mr. Schein recommended discussing the revisions of the continuing education requirements during next quarter’s meeting once the Board’s new title act goes into effect.

Digital Signature and Regulation Review

None

Executive Session:

Motion (II) was made by Mr. English, seconded by Ms. Allen, and unanimously carried by the board to enter executive session at 2:01pm. This session was permitted to be closed pursuant to General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, §3-305(b)(7) to discuss matters related to individual applicants.
Motion (III) was made by Ms. English, seconded by Ms. Allen and unanimously carried by the Board to reconvene the public meeting at 2:31 pm.

Review of Applications

Motion (IV) was made by Ms. English, seconded by Ms. Allen, and unanimously carried by the board to approve (2) L.A.R.E applications and (12) reciprocal applications for licensure. There were two (2) L.A.R.E applications and one (1) reciprocity application that required additional documentation or clarification. Exam candidates 04-SD-26 and 04-SB-26 were placed in pending status, awaiting the staff's verification of application details.
Reciprocity applicant 04-TC-26 was placed in pending status, awaiting staff verification of the out-of-state license.

Complaint Committee Report
None

Adjournment
Mr. Schein announced that the next meeting will be rescheduled for a later date in July 2026. There being no further business to discuss, Motion (V) was made by Ms. English, seconded by Ms. Allen, and unanimously carried by the Board to adjourn the meeting at 3:00 pm.

Chair’s Signature:__________ Date: