When it Snows

Did you know that when it snows, 200 employees with 175 pieces of equipment spring into action? Here's a snapshot of the County's snow response plan:

When snow begins to cover roads, salt crews spread salt on all main County roads and emergency routes. When snow accumulates to three inches, plowing and salting crews continue to clear all main County roads and emergency routes. Once the snow stops, crews begin plowing neighborhood roads. Then crews complete plow routes and spread abrasives on hills, at intersections and on roads around schools.

Get all of your snow removal questions answered here.

What's In and What's Out for 2015

In – jobs:  With my proposal for a special appropriation for economic development, which the Council approved, we will substantially increase the number of challenge grants and prizes available for entrepreneurs and innovators through the Department of Economic Development. It also will allow additional spending on marketing and business development programs generally. With this special appropriation, we are stimulating the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation, and that's a good investment.

Out -- ambiguity:  Confused about zoning in Montgomery County? You’re not alone. Up until recently, only a select few understood the nuances of our 1,200-page zoning ordinance. But now, thanks to the newly overhauled code, zoning information in Montgomery County is clearer, more accessible and available online. That means residents will be able to participate more effectively in key land use decisions and that small businesses will be able to locate and expand in the county without having to untangle a complicated web of archaic rules.

In -- public campaign financing:  This year, the Council approved a voluntary public campaign financing system for candidates for County Council and County Executive. Beginning with the 2018 election, a candidate for Council or Executive may seek matching funds for small dollar contributions of $150 or less from a Public Election Fund.

Out -- nicotine:  I recently introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces where traditional cigarette use is prohibited, including public buildings and restaurants.The bill also would prohibit use of electronic cigarettes by minors and would require child-resistant packaging for them. The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly called “vaping,” has grown dramatically since the product’s introduction in 2007. The practice has become so commonplace that the Oxford Dictionary selected the word “vape” as its 2014 “Word of the Year.” Although electronic cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, they do contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals.

In -- White Oak:  The Council approved the much-anticipated White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan, transforming the area on the east side of the County around the Route 29 corridor and the Food and Drug Administration into a community of vibrant mixed-use centers. With the passage of this plan, we are realizing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create the opportunity for robust employment and amenities in the eastern part of the County after a generation of moratoria.

In – pets:  The new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center opened to the public last spring. The state-of-the-art facility is operated by the Montgomery County Police Department’s Animal Services Division and serves as the County’s only open-admissions animal shelter. Programs and services offered at the new Center include: adoptions, lost and found, pet licensing, field services, pet-owner and adopter support and foster and volunteer opportunities.

Out – congestion:  They say you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive, but now you may be able to save a few nickels from going in the curse jar, according to the most recent Mobility Assessment Report. The study conducted by the Montgomery County Planning Department shows stabilization and even improvement in congestion in several key areas, especially on roadways near the Intercounty Connector.

In -- Georgia Avenue/Randolph Road:  The long-awaited interchange project to replace the existing Georgia Avenue/Randolph Road signalized intersection in Glenmont is now underway. Residents stand to benefit not only from congestion relief but also improved traffic safety and enhanced economic development.

In – good neighbors:  Last winter, with the seemingly never-ending snow storms, I awarded Golden Shovels to a record 111 individuals. This award honors those who help their neighbors clear snow and ice after a storm and make their communities safer. We received an avalanche of nominations, demonstrating just how generous Montgomery County residents are.

In -- new faces:  The Council welcomes our newest members, Sidney Katz and Tom Hucker. While they are new to the Council, they aren't new to public service, and they already hit the ground running. I'm looking forward to serving as Council vice president this year while my friend and fellow fourth-term Councilmember, George Leventhal, serves as president.

Public Hearing on Development Ombudsman Position

Sign up now if you want to testify at the public hearing on Expedited Bill 58-14 that would create a new non-merit position of Development Ombudsman in the Office of the County Executive. The public hearing is scheduled for January 13 at 1:30 p.m.

The Development Ombudsman would act as a facilitator for commercial and residential development projects by working as an intermediary to address challenges, issues and concerns during development. The ombudsman would promote regulatory efficiency, accessibility, transparency, predictability and consistency across agencies and departments. He or she also would identify systemic challenges in the entitlement process, permitting and general regulatory procedures and would facilitate necessary changes that bring about tangible improvements that save both time and costs.
 
Call 240-777-7803 to sign up to speak. If you can't make the hearing, you can send your written testimony to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

MBDC Matches Large Businesses with Small

The Montgomery Business Development Corporation knows that small business is big business. That's why they help larger employers link up with small businesses for their procurement needs. To learn more, see MBDC's new public service announcement.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Remember to recycle your natural Christmas tree. First, remove the stand and all decorations--including lights, ornaments, tinsel and garlands. Be sure there is no metal attached to the tree. Then take the tree to the curb on your regular recycling day, and if you are like me, remove any ornaments you missed the first time around. You can also recycle branches and needles by placing them under trees and shrubs as a temporary winter mulch--or chop them up and add them to a compost pile. Many of the trees collected by the County get turned into mulch, therefore January and February are great months to get free mulch from the County. Bonus: The Christmas tree mulch smells fantastic.

Holiday Schedule for Christmas and New Year's Days

Here is our holiday schedule for Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25 and New Year’s Day, January 1:

• County Offices – closed
• Libraries – closed on December 25 and January 1; all branches will close at 6 p.m. on December 24 and 31
• County liquor stores – closed
• Recreation – all facilities closed December 25 and January 1; senior centers, community and neighborhood recreation centers will be closed December 25 through January 1; aquatics programs operating on a modified schedule, contact each facility directly
• Montgomery Parks -- all Parks facilities are closed both days. For operating schedules during the holidays, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On – Sunday schedule
• Metrobus – Sunday schedule
• Metrorail – Sunday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) -- closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup – no collection*
• Transfer Station – closed
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Administrative Offices – closed
• State offices and courts – closed

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

Holiday Safety Tips and Reminders

Unfortunately, “the most wonderful time of the year” can also be the most vulnerable time of the year. But, the possibility of becoming the victim of a crime or traffic/pedestrian collision can be greatly reduced by regularly following good safety practices.

Important Holiday Shopping Safety Tips include:

• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Lock you car doors and don’t leave anything of value within view.
• If you take trips back to your vehicle to lighten your gift package load, move your car to a different parking space because potential thieves can be watching to see which vehicles contain gifts.
• Don’t hide or store gifts in your trunk when you get home from shopping. Theft from vehicle is a prevalent crime.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash.
• Keep a list of credit cards at home, in case they are stolen.
• Carry your closed purse in front of and close to your body.
• Carry a wallet in a front jacket or pants pocket.
• Don’t let your guard down because you are in a rush.

If someone does try to rob you, don’t resist. Give up your property; do not endanger your life. Report the crime to police as soon as possible, and try to describe the attacker as accurately as possible.

Seasonal Home Safety Tips include:

• If your Christmas tree can be seen through a window, do not display presents under the tree where they can also be seen by potential burglars.
• Make sure to lock all doors and windows.
• If you are going away for the holiday, let a neighbor know that your home will not be occupied and have someone keep an eye on your home. Stop delivery, or ask someone to pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Place your lights on timers to give the appearance that the home is occupied.
• After the holidays, be sure to break down cardboard gift boxes for recycling so that a potential burglar does not know your home has a new computer, TV, video game system, etc.

Special note from the National Crime Prevention Council:

The holidays are a good time to update or create your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure items like TVs, VCRs, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, major sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment and power tools are on the list. Be sure to store this information in a cloud-based program, so that if your computer is stolen, you’ll still be able to access it.

Reminders from the Fire and Rescue Service include:

• Tree: Make freshness a priority. Check needles to make sure they are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. If the tree has been freshly cut, the needles should not break. Tap the tree on the ground several times. If several needles fall off, the tree is probably dried out.
• Lights: Use only lights that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory for safety. Inspect them for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, excessive kinking or wear before plugging them in. Avoid stringing more than three light strands together. Always turn off tree lights, indoors or outdoors, when leaving the house and before going to sleep.
• Fireplace ashes: If possible, allow all ashes to cool in place for several days. For disposal, place ashes in an approved metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting metal lid, and wet them down. Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials. Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes. Don’t dispose of ashes outside on a windy day. Wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot and sending them traveling to ignite nearby combustibles.
• Candles: Don’t leave burning candles unattended or place candles too close to holiday decorations. Keep candles in secure holders and on a safe surface away from children and pets. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials recommend the use of battery-powered flashlights or lanterns in the event of a power outage.
• Extension Cords: Make sure that an extension cord is suitable for the electrical “load” needed. Do not place cords under furniture or rugs and do not plug two extension cords together to increase the total length. If too much power is demanded from an extension cord, overheating and fire may result. Read all packaging and instructions and ensure it is UL listed.

Apply Now to Public Election Fund Committee

The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants for positions on the recently established Committee to Recommend Funding for the Public Election Fund. Letters of interest must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4.

The Council recently enacted Bill 16-14 that established a voluntary public campaign financing system for candidates for County Council and County Executive. Beginning with the 2018 election, a candidate for Council or Executive may seek matching funds for small dollar contributions of $150 or less from a Public Election Fund. The Council must appropriate funds for the Public Election Fund as part of the annual County government operating budget.

The legislation created the Committee to Recommend Funding for the Public Election Fund to estimate the funds necessary to implement the public campaign finance system and recommend an annual appropriation by the Council to the Public Election Fund.

The Public Election Fund Committee will be composed of five County residents appointed by the County Council for four-year terms beginning on May 1 of the first year of the Council’s term of office. The term of this committee will begin on May 1, 2015, and end April 30, 2019.  No more than three members can be from the same political party. The Council will designate the chair and vice chair. The committee must issue its report to the Council on or before March 1 each year.

All five positions are up for appointment. There is no compensation for members of the commission, but members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. The committee, once it is formed, will determine how often it will need to meet.  Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.

Letters of application expressing interest, including a resume listing professional and civic experience, should be addressed to: Council President George Leventhal, County Council Office, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.  Applications can also be submitted via email to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Appropriation to Stimulate Entrepreneurship

Last week the Council unanimously approved my proposal for a special appropriation for economic development. This additional funding will substantially increase the number of challenge grants and prizes available for entrepreneurs and innovators through the Department of Economic Development. It will also allow additional spending on marketing and business development programs generally and require the Department to submit a report in January outlining how the money will be spent.

We need this $150,000 increase because the regional economy is lagging. In fact, after years of strong performance relative to the nation, the metro area economy is lacking relative to other regions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Washington, D.C.metropolitan area ranked 330th out of all U.S. metropolitan areas in terms of percentage change in real gross domestic product in 2013. In the second quarter of 2014, Maryland ranked 47th in terms of percentage change in personal income from the previous quarter. With this special appropriation, we are stimulating the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation, and that's a good investment.

New Council Officers Elected

I'm looking forward to serving as Council vice president this year while my friend and fellow fourth-term Councilmember, George Leventhal, serves as president. George and I have had a great working relationship for a long time, and I have high expectations for this term. Also today, we welcomed our newest members, Sidney Katz and Tom Hucker. While they are new to the Council, they aren't new to public service, and they hit the ground running.

Transition of Two Council Seats

In the final session of the 17th Council we said farewell to the shortest-term and longest-term members of the County Council--Cherri Branson and Phil Andrews, each of whom did not seek re-election to their seats.

We are extremely grateful to Cherri Branson for her willingness to serve District 5 when the need arose. Although her term lasted only one year, she made a huge contribution to the County and represented her constituents admirably.

Phil Andrews, who represents District 3 and concluded his 16th year on the Council, has been a strong and thoughtful leader respected by all. He is been best knows for his unflappable style and his ability to listen carefully to all viewpoints. He has been a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, and Montgomery County has been lucky to have him in public service for four terms.

Newly elected Councilmembers Tom Hucker and Sidney Katz will join us right after their inauguration on December 1. Both have extensive experience in elected office, and I look forward to working with them.

Bill to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes

This week I introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces where traditional cigarette use is prohibited, including public buildings and restaurants.

The bill also would prohibit use of electronic cigarettes by minors (ages 18 and under) and would require child-resistant packaging for electronic cigarettes.

The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly called “vaping,” has grown dramatically since the product’s introduction in 2007. The practice has become so commonplace that the Oxford Dictionary selected the word “vape” as its 2014 “Word of the Year.” Although electronic cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, they do contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Children and teens are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction.

As elected officials, we at the County Council are stewards for public health. We know that teens who have never tried traditional cigarettes are using e-cigs, putting themselves at risk for nicotine addiction and nicotine poisoning, as well as potentially graduating to harmful tobacco products. It is our responsibility to put some protections in place.

Twenty-four states, including Maryland, prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. Municipalities including New York City, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago also have enacted restrictions. While the Food and Drug Administration is currently considering regulations to address electronic cigarettes, it is not clear when those regulations would be finalized or take effect.

A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on January 22. To sign up to testify, call 240-777-7803. You can also send you testimony to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Inauguration for Local Elected Officials December 1

County Executive Ike Leggett and nine Councilmembers – two of them newly-elected – will take the oath of office for four-year terms at a ceremony taking place at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville next Monday, December 1. The event will begin at 11:15 a.m. and is free and open to the public. It will be videostreamed live via www.montgomerycountymd.gov and broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (Channel 6 for Comcast and RCN customers, Channel 30 for Verizon subscribers).

The swearing-in will be preceded by an Inaugural Inter-Faith Prayer Service at 8:45 a.m. on Monday at the Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum Avenue in Rockville. It is also free and open to the public. Shuttles will return from the service to Richard Montgomery High School.

The Master of Ceremonies for the inaugural event will be journalist Derek McGinty.
Councilmembers Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Tom Hucker, Sidney Katz, George Leventhal, Nancy Navarro, Craig Rice, Hans Riemer and I will be sworn into office by Clerk of the Circuit Court Barbara Meiklejohn.

County Executive Ike Leggett will be sworn in to his third term as County Executive by U.S. District Court Judge Roger Titus.

Council President Craig Rice and County Executive Leggett will deliver remarks.

Parking will not be available at Richard Montgomery High School itself (with the exception of disabled accessible). Parking will be available at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave.; the Board of Education, 850 Hungerford Drive; and at the Sandy Spring Bank and Marlo Furniture parking lots on Rockville Pike near the school. Shuttle buses will run from the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street; the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue; and the Board of Education, 850 Hungerford Drive. They will run every 15 minutes starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 12:45 p.m.

Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving

Here's our holiday schedule for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27:

• County Offices – closed
• Libraries – closed
• County liquor stores – closed
• Recreation – all programs and facilities are closed
• Montgomery Parks -- all Parks facilities are closed on Thursday. For operating schedules on Friday, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On – Sunday schedule
• Metrobus – Sunday schedule
• Metrorail – Sunday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) -- closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup – no collection*
• Transfer Station – closed
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Administrative Offices – closed
• State offices and courts – closed

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

Nonprofits: Important Information about Council Grants

Nonprofit organizations: get ready to apply for this year's council grants. Here is the Council President's message, including key dates:

Dear Community Partner:

The Montgomery County Council believes that a strong partnership with nonprofit organizations is critical to meeting the needs of our residents.  As in previous years, the Council will have a formal application process for nonprofit organizations that wish to request Fiscal Year 2016 grant funding.  As part of this process, the County Council will appoint a volunteer community Grants Advisory Group to review and evaluate applications. 

The Council will accept applications for programs and projects that advance the County’s services, goals, and objectives in areas such as health and human services, economic development, education, and recreation.  As in recent years, the Council is particularly interested in proposals that provide emergency and other assistance to the neediest members of our community.

Our nonprofits know all too well that Montgomery County was not spared from the recent deep recession, and that as a direct result there continues to be more poverty, hunger, and homelessness in our county.   While the County Council is committed to supporting the many valuable services your organizations provide to our residents, our local government also continues to face significant fiscal challenges.  In this coming year, we will again face rising needs with limited revenues.  

With regard to the actual grants process, we are pleased to announce that this year, the county implemented a new online One-Stop Grants Portal to manage the submission and review of both County Council and County Executive Grants.  As a result, you must now submit applications for both grants programs through the new online process.  Please note that for FY 2016, the Council and County Executive will be accepting applications only through its new online grants portal, which you can access at:  www.montgomerycounty.fluidreview.com.  For future reference, you may access the application portal by clicking the Grants icon located at the bottom of the Council Home Page.

Important dates to remember:

• December 4, 2014 -- Grants Workshops
   o   1:30 at the East County Regional Services Center
        3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring,  or
   o   7:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor Council Hearing Room of the Council Office Building
        100 Maryland Ave., Rockville   

           The content will be the same at both workshops.  Each will cover the grants process for both
           Council and County Executive Grants and provide a brief introduction to the new application
           process.  We strongly encourage you to send a representative to one of the workshops.

• January 13, 2015 -- Application Deadline
  Please note that no applications will be accepted after that date.

•  February/March -- The Grants Advisory Group will review and evaluate applications.
  
•  April 24, 2015 -- the Grants Advisory Group is scheduled to issue its report.
  
• Mid-Late May -- the County Council will make funding decisions as part of the FY2016 Operating Budget.  Proposals that are selected for funding will be effective after July 1, 2015.
  
• Funds will become available approximately 60-120 days after July 1, 2015, after execution of a required contract with the Montgomery County Government that includes reporting and other requirements.  The grant application provides further details.

If you have questions, please contact Joan Schaffer, Council Grants Manager, at council.grants@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7935.  For your information, the Council web site has a section on Council Grant Information at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/grants/council_grants.html

Thank you for the contributions you and others in the nonprofit community make to a better future for all our residents.  

Sincerely,

Craig Rice
Council President

Can Montgomery County be a Hunger Free Zone?

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded that hunger remains a problem for many of our residents. Here are some startling facts about hunger right here in Montgomery County:

• 51,842 children in Montgomery County live in food insecure households, uncertain where their next meal is coming from.
• More than one in three Montgomery County Public School students qualify for Free and Reduced Meals. That totals more students than there are enrolled in the DC Public School system.
• 8,060 County seniors live below the poverty line--up 29.5 percent from 2009--and that number is expected to continue to increase.

Learn more about hunger in Montgomery County and how you can help.

Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day

Here's our holiday schedule for Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11:

• County Offices – closed
• Libraries – closed
• County liquor stores – open regular hours
• Recreation – aquatic and community centers are open as scheduled. Classes and programs will meet as scheduled. All other classes, administrative offices, senior centers and all senior programs will be closed.
• Montgomery Parks – for holiday operating schedule on Parks’ facilities, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On – Special modified holiday schedule (www.rideonbus.com), click on “Holidays” to see specific schedules
• Metrobus – Saturday schedule with supplemental service
• Metrorail – Saturday holiday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) – closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup – no collection*
• Transfer Station – open
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Administrative Offices – open
• State offices & courts – closed 

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

Live, Local Election Coverage Tonight

Get live, local election coverage on any of the six stations that are members in the Montgomery County PEG (Public / Education / Government) organization of community cable stations tonight starting at 9 p.m. See coverage of races you won't get anywhere else, including county government, the local delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, governor and other statewide races. The stations will broadcast live throughout the evening, immediately posting results made available by the County’s Board of Elections.

Election night 2014 coverage will be simulcast by:

• County Cable Montgomery (CCM: Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon)
• Montgomery Community Media (Channel 21 on Comcast, RCN and Verizon)
• Montgomery County Public Schools Television (MCPS TV: Channel 34 on Comcast; Channel 89 on RCN; Channel 36 on Verizon)
• Montgomery College TV (MCTV: Channel 10 on Comcast, RCN and Verizon)
• Rockville 11 (Rockville 11: Channel 11 on Comcast, RCN and Verizon)
• Takoma Park City TV (Takoma City TV: Channel 13 on Comcast; Channel 13 on RCN; Channel 28 on Verizon)

Internet streaming video coverage of the broadcast will be available at:

• http://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/777votelivebroadcast.html
• http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm
• http://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=309 

The polls are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. tonight. Election night television coverage will begin at 9 p.m. and will continue through 11 p.m. A special election focus show will be broadcast from 8:30-9 p.m. Results of early voting—held from Oct. 23-30—are expected to be available at approximately 8:30 p.m. After the show ends at 11 p.m., results will continue to be updated and broadcast on CCM. Those results will run overnight and into the morning hours, with morning updates.

The show will include a variety of political insiders looking at the chief issues voters had to consider and analyzing results as they come in. Guests scheduled include current County Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Cherri Branson, both of whom are not seeking election; former County Councilmember Mike Knapp; Gaithersburg City Councilmember Ryan Spiegel; Town of Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin; Casey Aiken, host of the 21 this Week political talk show on MCM; Charles Duffy, host of Political Pulse on the Montgomery Municipal Channel; long-time political insiders Steve Simon and David Dublin; local blogger Dan Reed, author of Just Up the Pike; and Marilyn Balcombe, president/CEO, of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.

Sonya Burke and Susan Kenedy will anchor the two hours of studio coverage. Lorna Virgili and Michael Bruen will provide live on-the-scene coverage from various locations around the County. In addition, there will be live phone conversations with many of the candidates throughout the show.

The results will focus on election results in races for County Executive, the County Council and the County delegation to the State House of Delegates and the State Senate. Results also will be included in the election for Montgomery Board of Education, Governor, state attorney general and for the three Congressional districts that represent Montgomery County.

Election Results to be Posted Online

Visit the Board of Elections' website for election results beginning right after the polls close on on November 4. Votes cast during early voting will be counted on election day and released shortly after 8:00 p.m. Results from election day will be available beginning at 9:20 p.m. and will be updated every 20 minutes.

Zoning Code Enters the 21st Century

Confused about zoning in Montgomery County? You’re not alone. Up until now, only a select few understood the nuances of our 1,200-page zoning ordinance. But now, thanks to the newly overhauled code, zoning information in Montgomery County will be clearer, more accessible and available online. That means residents will be able to participate more effectively in key land use decisions and that small businesses will be able to locate and expand in the county without having to untangle a complicated web of archaic rules. The updated version took effect today.

The new code encourages community engagement. Who has time to sift through ten pounds of paper to find the relevant footnote? An exclusive club of land use attorneys, maybe, but certainly not the average resident. Soon, everyone will be able to access comprehensive information about every property in the county as the new code becomes available in an interactive, online format. Add to this the soon-to-be-launched electronic plans, which will allow residents to access project plans with the click of a mouse, and the mysteries unravel almost entirely.

The County Council, Planning Board and staff at both agencies spent about five years reviewing and streamlining more than 400 land use categories and 123 zones that were originally established in 1977 and augmented piecemeal over the following decades. The new zoning code does away with the traditional approach of land use planning by specific use and employs more flexible zones designed to spur economic development in our communities.

Some folks have expressed concerns that the new code will lead to more development, but I say the new code will lead to better development. With more predictability in the system, businesses will be able to act more nimbly and be more responsive to community concerns. That’s good news in a county that has long been criticized for failing to support job creation.

The modernized zoning code does not change our fundamental commitment to the master plan process. It just simplifies and clarifies the rules for achieving these plans, which increasingly focus development near transit and encourage urban hubs there while preserving agricultural lands and existing communities.

In Montgomery County we are always striving toward efficiency, transparency and openness. The new zoning code goes a long way toward achieving all these goals. What’s more, it fosters innovation, small business and community involvement. I’d call that a win all the way around.

Phyllis Campbell Newsome Award

I’m honored to be selected by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement for the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award. Not only am I pleased to be recognized by such a venerable organization as the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, but I’m also proud to be associated with our many outstanding nonprofits that make Montgomery County such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Most of all, I’m humbled to receive an award that honors my friend and outstanding activist, Phyllis Campbell Newsome. She enriched countless lives in Montgomery County and throughout the region, and she inspired so many of us to try to make our community a better place.

The Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award recognizes the work of elected and non-elected officials who work to build a stronger nonprofit sector and a more vibrant community. Each year the Center recognizes four public officials for the award, one for each of the jurisdictions it supports. I will receive the Montgomery County award, and awards also will be given to honorees from the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Prince George’s County.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is celebrating its 35th year of service. Its mission is to strengthen, promote and represent nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan Washington area in order to help them better meet the diverse needs of their communities. The Center for Nonprofit Advancement, founded in 1979 and originally called the Washington Council of Agencies, currently serves nearly 1,000 organizational members.

The Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award was named in honor of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s former director of advocacy and community relations after her untimely passing in 2002 at age 40.

Apply Now for Two Task Forces on Procurement Process

Apply now for positions on two recently established task forces to study potential reforms of the County procurement system. The task forces the Council established are the Minority Owned and Local Small Business Task Force and the Procurement Policies and Regulations Task Force.

Get your letter and resume in by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3 and make sure you indicate which task force you are interested in or whether you would be willing to serve on either one.

Each task force will consist of nine members (at least seven on each must be County residents) appointed by the Council. The Council will designate one member of each group as its respective chair. The task forces must solicit suggestions for potential reforms of the County procurement system from elected officials, County residents, business and community leaders, County and agency employees and other stakeholders.

The task forces must submit final reports to the County Council by September 15, 2015.

The Minority Owned and Local Small Business Task Force was established to provide options for reform of the County programs for minority owned businesses and local, small businesses to ensure that the procurement process is open to all vendors without regard to race, gender, national origin, disability or size of organization. The County’s Minority/Female/Disabled and Local Small Business Reserve programs are designed to eliminate the effects of discrimination in the marketplace on the award of County procurement contracts.

The Procurement Policies and Regulations Task Force was established to provide options for the reform of the County procurement system.  Simplifying the procurement process would increase the number of vendors who seek to do business with the County, resulting in better value and lower prices.

The task forces will be composed of members who are experienced in government, business or non-profit service delivery, or who otherwise have experience and expertise in government contracting. A person appointed to the task forces must not be employed by County government or any County-funded agency.

Letters of application expressing interest, including a resume listing professional and civic experience, should be addressed to: Council President Craig Rice, County Council Office, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.  Applications can also be submitted via email to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3.  Letters of application and resumes are made public as part of the appointment process and are available for public review. After the closing date, the Council will review the applications and resumes for designation to the task forces.  The Council anticipates making the appointments by January 20.

New Zoning Code Takes Effect Thursday

On the day before Halloween we will say "rest in peace" to the old zoning code. Council President Craig Rice, Councilmember Cherri Branson and I will join with County Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, Planning Board members and staff at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at a park next to Park and Planning Headquarters in Silver Spring for ceremonies to “bury” the County’s Zoning Ordinance that was originally established in 1977. Earlier this year, we approved the first major revision to the ordinance in 37 years. The new regulations go into effect on October 30.

After we bury a copy of the hefty original zoning ordinance in Royce Hanson Park, we will unveil the slimmer, easier-to-navigate new ordinance in an interactive presentation.
           
We will celebrate the modernized code’s clarity and ease of use, which will encourage community engagement and foster innovation. Previously, only experts in land use generally could navigate the zoning ordinance, but now it will be easier for more people to get comprehensive information about every County property in an interactive, online format.

Since its establishment in 1977, the zoning ordinance has undergone more than three decades of piecemeal changes—all of which combined to create a disjointed system where antiquated, complicated rules made the zoning process difficult for individuals to understand. In a coordinated effort to address these issues, the Council, the Planning Board and staff members have spent about five years reviewing, streamlining and overhauling more than 400 land use categories, 123 zones and 1,200 pages of rules.

With more predictability in the system, businesses will be able to act more nimbly and be more responsive to community concerns. That’s good news in a County that has long been criticized for failing to support job creation.

The new zoning code has broader land use categories that are inclusive of an ever evolving marketplace. The rules help to promote smart growth principles with more density allowed in and around transit. In addition, residential uses are generally permitted in commercial zones, which will create more mixed-use developments.

The zoning code rewrite is one example of how the County’s land use evolution is entering an exciting stage of development. The current Council has devoted considerable time to land use issues, and during its four-year term has approved more master and sector plans than any other Council in recent memory.

In addressing master and sector plans around the County, the Council has focused on creating cutting-edge centers for innovation in areas that have historically been underutilized, like the White Oak area.

The revised zoning ordinance is now available at:
www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/zoning/documents/FULLCh_59withzta9.30.14_000.pdf .

County Maintains AAA Bond Rating

Great news. Here's the full press release:

County Executive Ike Leggett today announced that Montgomery County has maintained its Triple-A bond rating from three Wall Street bond rating agencies, just a week after Leggett led a group of County officials, including Council President Craig Rice, to meet with the agencies to brief Wall Street on the County’s fiscal situation and future plans.

Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s all affirmed the “AAA” rating – the highest achievable -- for the County. They all termed the outlook for Montgomery County as “stable.”

The Triple-A bond rating enables Montgomery County to sell long-term bonds at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the bonds. The rating also serves as a benchmark for numerous other financial transactions, ensuring the lowest possible costs in those areas as well.

“What is remarkable about this is that Montgomery County has continued to receive a Triple-A bond rating from all three bond rating agencies even during these past few years when other jurisdictions – including the federal government – were seeing downgrades and despite federal shutdowns, budget sequestrations and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression,” said Leggett.

“Our ability to maintain our coveted Triple-A rating affirms my approach to putting the County’s fiscal house in order and reducing unsustainable increases in County spending, while investing in making government more effective and creating opportunities for the growth of good jobs in the future.

“We have boosted our reserves to the most ever, closed nearly $3 billion in budget gaps, made tough choices on spending, and saved millions for taxpayers with changes in County health and retirement benefits. Montgomery County has weathered the downturn and the investments we made during the toughest of times are enabling us to create more jobs and opportunity.”

“Working together in partnership, the County Executive and the County Council have made sure of strong County fiscal stewardship,” said Council President Craig Rice. “That is the foundation upon which we are building an even brighter future.”

The bond rating agencies underlined the County’s successful approach.

“Despite the 2013 federal government shutdown and sequestration, we note that the county did not experience significant disruptions to its financial performance due to, what we consider the diversity of its revenue base and its strong management practices,” wrote Standard & Poor’s Rating Services.

“Montgomery County continues to exhibit a very impressive economic profile,” wrote Fitch Ratings. “The County has gained employment each year between 2010 and 2013…Montgomery County has a sophisticated management team that uses conservative budgeting and established debt and reserve policies that have resulted in healthy reserve and liquidity levels.”

“The stable outlook reflects the county’s improved financial position that is supported by structurally balanced budgets and increased reserves,” wrote Moody’s.

Find Local Events with Visit Montgomery County

Visit Montgomery County just launched a local advertising campaign promoting its new county-wide calendar of events. The campaign includes Ride On bus ads, print and online advertisements in Recreation News, The Gazette, The Washington Post Express and an on-air campaign with All the Hits 107.3. Although Visit Montgomery invests more than $450,000 in advertising each year, this is the first time they are advertising in the local market.

In late August, Visit Montgomery County launched a new Web site, www.VisitMontgomery.com, with updated features like a county-wide calendar of events, interactive map and a trip builder. Visitors can subscribe to an event-specific feed, such as “family fun” or “outdoor adventures” and have the events automatically appear on their Outlook, iCal or Gmail calendar. The event calendar is always in the top five pageviews on the Visit Montgomery website, and that number continues to grow as popular events occur. During the first week of September, the pageviews for the Silver Spring Jazz Festival increased by more than 1,000 from the previous week.

I advocated for creating and funding the new Web site because I thought we needed one Web site with all events in Montgomery County. In 2013, I introduced Bill 36-12, which increased the allocation of the hotel tax to Visit Montgomery from 3.5% to 7%. The Council passed the bill and the funding increase began on July 1, 2013.

Visit Montgomery County encourages local organizations to post their events on the new online calendar of events free of charge. The guidelines are that the event occurs in Montgomery County and would be of interest to a tourist or resident. The goal is to be a one-stop shop for all events in Montgomery County.

The mission of Visit Montgomery County is to enthusiastically promote, market and sell Montgomery County as a destination for meetings, conventions and individual travelers, fostering economic development and benefiting and supporting members and the overall business community. It is Visit Montgomery County's goal to show leadership and be regarded as a quality organization of experts and advocates of its members, partnering with local, county and state organizations and government officials in an effort to further these goals.

Early Voting October 23-30

If you are registered to vote in Montgomery County you can stop by any of the nine Early Voting Centers October 23-30, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. to cast your ballot. Many voters find that early voting is more convenient than voting at their assigned polling place on Election Day (November 4).

Early Voting Centers:

• Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg
• Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus
• Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville
• Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
• Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase
• Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
• Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring
• Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring
• Wheaton Community Recreation Center, 11711 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton 

Visit www.777vote.org or the new mobile site at m.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections for more information on early voting, including wait times for each center, updated hourly during voting hours.

Council Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today we recognized local breast cancer prevention and treatment programs as a part of the County Council proclamation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since BCAM began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. That’s something to celebrate, especially since one in eight women in the United States—or 12 percent of women—will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in her life, making breast cancer the most common cancer among women except for skin cancer.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have many partners across various disciplines that not only raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer but also provide medical and support services to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Today we honored these providers.

By way of today's proclamation we stand with the mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and friends who have been affected by breast cancer, and that we recognize the ongoing efforts of dedicated advocates, researchers, and health care providers who strive each day to defeat this terrible disease.

Briefing on Deer Management

I get a lot of questions about deer in Montgomery County, so I want to let you know here's your chance to learn more. In a few minutes, we will begin a worksession on the County deer management program. The briefing will include an overview of the program, including the challenges to increase management efforts. It also will include an update on the impact of deer in the agricultural community and information on restrictions related to the discharge of weapons related to the program.

This is the 20th year of the County’s deer management program. Nearly 30,000 acres of publicly owned land is now being managed for deer. Deer management has been initiated in most of the larger parcels of parkland in the County owned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, State parkland, WSSC-owned land and several publicly owned properties.

On average, deer populations have been reduced by more than 59 percent where management is occurring. The average number of deer-vehicle collisions within one-quarter of a mile of parkland is 10.9 for parks with no deer management compared to 3.4 for parks where management is being conducted.

If you can't watch the briefing now, you can get it on demand beginning tomorrow afternoon.

Council Appoints Natali Fani-Gonzalez to Planning Board

I'm looking forward to working with our new Planning Board member, Natali Fani-Gonzalez. She's a great communicator, and she has a real sense of Montgomery County. She will make a terrific addition to the team. Here's the full press release:

The Montgomery County Council today unanimously named Natali Fani-Gonzalez to a vacant position on the Montgomery County Planning Board.

Ms. Fani-Gonzalez, a Kensington resident, was one of 25 applicants for the position. The Council interviewed four of those applicants. She will serve a four-year term.

Ms. Fani-Gonzalez is the founder and principal of The Matea Group, a strategic public relations firm based in Montgomery County.

In her letter of application, Ms. Fani-Gonzalez wrote, “During the past decade, I have shown initiative, creativity in problem solving and a commitment to building consensus and excellence in a variety of settings. Through my public relations firm, I have successfully advanced local, state, national and international issues, including global migration and development, the Maryland Dream Act, online privacy and Internet freedom, transparency in elections, access to health care, the national Deferred Action for Undocumented Children, Women’s rights, family economic justice and veteran’s rights.”

Earlier this year, Ms. Fani-Gonzalez was awarded a citation by the Maryland General Assembly for outstanding contributions to the state. 

In her letter of application and in her interview with the Council, Ms. Fani-Gonzalez, who is fluent in English and Spanish, told Councilmembers she could bring a unique perspective to the five-member Planning Board.

“As part of the millennial generation—the largest and most diverse generation in the history of the nation, I will bring a pragmatic vision with a strong social conscience amplified by the use of technology,” she wrote in her letter of application. “Indisputably, the planning of a strong and successful Montgomery County must include the realities of my generation: an innovated, open-minded, achievement-orientated, socially focused, informed and high-tech community.”

Apply Now to Grants Advisory Group

Apply by November 6 to the Council’s Grants Advisory Group. We will appoint the volunteer community panel to review grant applications and advise us on proposals received from the non-profit community. 

The Council believes that a strong partnership with non-profit organizations is critical in meeting the County’s needs, so we have established a grants process in which the Council accepts applications from non-profit organizations seeking funds, forwards proposals to the Grants Advisory Group for advice and comments and then makes funding decisions during our spring budget deliberations.

It is anticipated that the Grants Advisory Group will be appointed in December and will be asked to report to the Council by the end of April 2015. Panel members will need to attend training sessions and review relevant materials during late January and February. The applications review will take place between late February and April 15.

The Grants Advisory Group will be asked to provide the Council with written comments on each of the grant proposals. The workload will vary based on the number of applications received and panel members appointed; however, it is expected that each member would review approximately 20 applications. Panel members should anticipate approximately six to eight meetings late January and mid-April, with the potential for weekly meetings in March. 

Volunteers for the Grants Advisory Group can come from panels reviewing Community Development Block Grants or Community Service Grants, as well as from other advisory boards or community groups. Applicants for the Advisory Group cannot be employees of, or member of a board of, a nonprofit group applying for Council grant funding. The Council will designate the chair of the Advisory Group. 

Send your letter of interest along with a resume to Council President Craig Rice, Montgomery County Council, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, or by e-mail to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov by 4:00 on November 6. If you have questions, contact the Council Grants Manager Joan Schaffer at 240-777-7935 or joan.schaffer@montgomerycountymd.gov.

MBDC Announces Three New Board Members

MBDC has three new members. We're extremely grateful for their willingness to serve. Here's the full press release:

The Montgomery Business Development Corporation (MBDC) has announced the election of three new members of its Board of Directors.  Joining the Board for three-year terms are Lisa Cines, CPA, Office Managing Partner Dixon Hughes Goodman, Leslie Ford Weber, Director of Campus, Government and Community Affairs for Johns Hopkins in Montgomery County, and Kelly T. Leonard, CEO of Taylor-Leonard Corporation. The Board makes policy decisions and oversees the MBDC operations.

Lisa Cines is the Office Managing Partner, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP with over 30 years of public accounting experience.  She is well versed in accounting firm management with an emphasis on strategic and financial management, marketing and business development.  The Washington Business Journal named Ms. Cines as one of the “25 Women Who Mean Business.”  She currently serves as the Chair of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of Rockville Economic Development Inc., chairs the Advisory Board of the Maryland Women’s Business Center and is a member of the University of Maryland Smith Business School Advisory Board.

Leslie Ford Weber is the Director of Campus, Government and Community Affairs for Johns Hopkins in Montgomery County.  Ms. Weber coordinates the regional legislative agenda at the state and federal level and manages multiple relationships with the local executive and legislative branches and community organizations for both the University and Johns Hopkins Medicine.  Ms. Weber joined Hopkins-affiliate Suburban Hospital as Executive Vice President of the Suburban Hospital Foundation in 2004 and was also named Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations in 2008. Ms. Weber is a graduate of the Leadership Montgomery program, a past chair of the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as the Treasurer of Montgomery Women and a board member and Vice-chair of the Economic Development of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.   

Kelly T Leonard is the CEO of Taylor-Leonard Corporation, with expertise in business development specifically for entrepreneurs and small business.  Ms. Leonard is a speaker, trainer, business leader, and 2014 Minerva Entrepreneur Women-Owned Business of the Year Award recipient. A certified public accountant, seasoned financial services professional, and corporate trainer with over twenty-five years of experience in federal government, private and public accounting environments, including Fortune 100, Kelly has an innate ability to connect with diverse audiences across disciplines.  Prior to becoming CEO of Taylor-Leonard Corporation (T-LC), Kelly held leadership positions with GE Capital, Kaiser Permanente, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.  

Montgomery Business Development Corporation is a non-partisan business development organization created by the Montgomery County Council in 2010 to expand the County’s economic development capabilities, including strategic planning, marketing, business retention and attraction, and data analysis.  For more information about Montgomery Business Development Corporation, please visit www.montgomerybusiness.org.

Report Shows Improved Congestion

They say you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive, but now you may be able to save a few nickels from going in the curse jar, according to the most recent Mobility Assessment Report. The study conducted by the Montgomery County Planning Department shows stabilization and even improvement in congestion in several key areas. That’s right, improvement in congestion. In fact, intersections categorized as severely congested have dropped from 17 percent in 2011 to 11 percent now. This marks the lowest rate since 2005.

Several factors likely contribute to the change, including land use planning that focuses development around transit, intersection improvements throughtout the county and efforts to make walking and biking safer and more accessible.
A key factor, though, is the Intercounty Connector, where use continues to grow steadily at a rate of 3 percent per month. Those who take the ICC cut their travel time in half compared to travel on local commuter routes like MD 28 and MD 108. What’s more, local roadways that parallel the ICC have shown improved travel time and reduced congestion since the opening of the toll road in November 2011.

While this is good news, there is still plenty of room for improvement, as commuters who travel on MD 355 near Shady Grove or pass through the intersection of MD 355 and West Cedar Lane will attest. These spots top the lists of the 50 most congested roadways and intersections. Check the report to see how your commute compares.
We will get a full briefing on the report at the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee meeting scheduled for 2:00 on October 9. You can watch the meeting live or on demand on County Cable Montgomery.

Schedule for Planning Board Interviews

Here's the schedule for tomorrow's interview of four applicants for the Montgomery County Planning Board. One applicant who was selected for an interview—Mohammad Siddique—has since withdrawn his application.

• 2 p.m. Charles Kauffman
• 2:30 p.m. Victor Weissberg
• 3 p.m. Dennis Kamber
• 3:30 p.m. Natali Fani-Gonzalez 

You can watch the interviews live or on demand on County Cable Montgomery.

Town Hall Meeting for Students

This year we will hold the always-popular Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Council Office Building in Rockville. The meeting will be held in the Council’s Third Floor Hearing Room beginning at 7 p.m. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the building’s second-floor cafeteria. RSVP by calling 240-777-7931. 

The October meeting is open to high school, middle school and local college students. The meeting will allow the participants to let Councilmembers know how they feel about specific issues and also will provide the opportunity to ask questions of us in an organized, but informal, setting.

The event will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM—cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and rebroadcast at various times in the weeks following the meeting. Susan Kenedy, a producer for the County station, will moderate the meeting.

Bill to Help Homeowners' and Condo Associations

I'm pleased to co-sponsor George Leventhal's bill designed to protect the financial and operational viability of the County’s homeowners’ and condominium associations. The bill would condition the issuance of a rental license for a property in a homeowners’ or condominium association on being no more than 30 days past due with the association dues or fees. This would aid the growing number of associations that are already financially distressed due in part to negligent property owners who rent their units but fail to pay their dues. The bill is scheduled for introduction on Tuesday. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 14 at 1:30. To register to speak, call 240-777-7803.

Council Will Interview Five for Planning Board

We will interview five applicants for the Planning Board on Tuesday, September 23. Here is the entire press release:

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 16, 2014—The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, Sept. 23, will interview five applicants for a vacant position on the Montgomery County Planning Board. The position is a four-year term. 

The Council received letters of interest from 25 applicants. The Council selected the following five applicants to interview for the position: Natali Fani-Gonzalez, Dennis Kamber, Charles Kauffman, Mohammad Siddique and Victor Weissberg. 

The interviews will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The times of the interviews will be announced later this week.

The public is invited to attend the interviews, which will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also will be streamed at: 
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/ondemand/index.html. 

The interviews will be rebroadcast on Friday, Sept. 26, as part of a rebroadcast of the Council’s activities on Sept. 23, including its morning general session. The rebroadcast will begin at 9 p.m. Friday and will be available before that time on demand.

The resume of each applicant to be interviewed is available as part of the information packet on the interview process. That information can be viewed at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/Resources/Files/BCC/Planningboardapplicantsresumes9-15-14.pdf.

Watershed Restoration Grants Available

Non-profit organizations, community associations, service and civic groups, and faith-based organizations--apply now for watershed restoration grant funding. Here's the full press release:

Montgomery County and the Chesapeake Bay Trust today announced a new grant program to support watershed restoration and outreach throughout the County. The goal of the Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach program is to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants through community-based restoration, including RainScapes practices, as well as to implement projects focused on public involvement through education, outreach and stewardship.

“This innovative program encourages on-the-ground restoration projects as well as outreach and engagement activities that reduce stormflow and pollutants and engage Montgomery County residents,” said Fariba Kassiri, acting director of Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection. “We are pleased to work with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to administer these grants that will help restore and protect the local rivers and streams in the County.”

Non-profit organizations, including local watershed groups, community associations, service and civic groups, and faith-based organizations, are eligible to apply for funding. Grants up to $50,000 are available (with larger awards possible with prior approval), and all projects must take place in Montgomery County, outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park.

“The Chesapeake Bay Trust administers hundreds of grants each year that engage individuals in projects and programs that support watershed restoration and the improvement of local streams and rivers,” said Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “This partnership is an excellent opportunity to educate local residents about watershed restoration opportunities while also providing valuable resources to implement low impact development stormwater techniques.”

Funding is available for three types of efforts: public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based stormwater runoff and water quality improvement practices, and RainScapes Neighborhood projects. 

Suggested projects include small-scale stormwater practice installations such as those supported through the RainScapes program (including rain gardens, native trees and conservation landscaping); bioretention cells, rain gardens, streamside forest buffers and green roofs; pet waste management and litter prevention and reduction efforts. Before applying, interested persons should contact the Chesapeake Bay Trust to discuss project ideas and partnerships.

“Montgomery County has a responsibility to meet regulatory watershed restoration and water quality improvement goals. However, significant effort is needed from individuals and community-based groups as well, since the amount of privately owned land far exceeds the amount of County-owned land,” said Kassiri. “We look forward to working with Montgomery County residents and the Chesapeake Bay Trust as we all do our part to restore and protect our vital natural resources.”

Applications are due on December 4, 2014 by 5 p.m..

To learn more and review the request for proposals, visit www.cbtrust.org/montcountywatershedgrant or contact Sadie Drescher at 410-974-2941, x103.

About Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection

The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection is to: 1) Protect and enhance the quality of life in our community through the conservation, preservation, and restoration of our environment, guided by the principles of science, resource management, sustainability, and stewardship. 2) Provide solid waste management services, including recycling, in an environmentally progressive and economically sound manner.

About the Chesapeake Bay Trust

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a nonprofit, grant-making organization dedicated to improving the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers through environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration. Since 1985, the Trust has awarded $65 million in grants and engaged hundreds of thousands of citizen stewards in projects that have a measurable impact on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Maryland Treasure the Chesapeake license plate, donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form, donations from individuals and corporations, and partnerships with private foundations and federal and state agencies.

Remember to Stay Vigilant and Review Signs of Terrorism

As we mark the 13th anniversary of September 11 attacks, Montgomery County asks residents to remain vigilant and review the seven signs of terrorism. Here is the full statement:

September is National Preparedness Month. As we prepare to observe the thirteenth anniversary of the terrorist events of September 11, 2001, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Montgomery County Police Department recommend that community members review the seven signs of terrorism, to help them become more knowledgeable about the types of suspicious behaviors that might precede a terrorist attack. 

At this time, there is no specific intelligence to suggest that a threat to the National Capital Region, and specifically Montgomery County, is imminent during this anniversary. However, our best defense is concerned community members who understand what kinds of persons, things, and situations should be considered suspicious, and then alert police to those concerns.  It is critical for those who live and work in Montgomery County to partner with their law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities in their areas.

The Seven Signs of Terrorism are:

1.  Surveillance: Someone recording or monitoring activities. This could include the use of cameras (cell phone, still or video), note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices. 

2.  Elicitation/Gathering information: People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities, or people. Elicitation attempts may be made by email, mail, fax, telephone, or in person.

3.  Tests of security: Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

4.  Acquiring supplies: Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc. This also includes acquiring military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges (or the equipment to manufacture such items) or any other controlled items. Activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

5.  Suspicious people: This includes people who don’t seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or anywhere else.  Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. 

6.  Trial run/Rehearsal: Putting people into position and moving them around according to their plan without actually committing the terrorist act. This is especially true when planning a kidnapping, but it can also pertain to bombings. An element of this activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the times of traffic lights and flow.

7.  Deploying assets: People and supplies getting into position to commit the act. This is a person’s last chance to alert authorities before a terrorist act occurs. 

Reminders to the public include:  If something just doesn’t seem or feel right, don’t second guess your instincts.  If the suspicious activity of a person is right in front of you, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.  For those who are in the state of Maryland, and are aware of an on-going situation that seems suspicious, calls can be made to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS (8477).

Remember, “If you See Something, Say Something” to the appropriate authorities.

County Libraries to Expand Hours

Good news. Beginning Monday, October 5, Montgomery County Public Libraries will be open longer, with added service hours totaling 106 hours, 9.4 percent more than in fiscal year 2014. Sixteen branches will have expanded hours, joining the five branches whose hours were increased in FY13. The expanded hours at the Silver Spring branch will go into effect when the new library opens later in this fiscal year. In addition, four more branches (Aspen Hill, Damascus, Quince Orchard, and White Oak) will be open on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. bringing the total number with Sunday hours to 13. Find branches and new hours on the interactive map.

Tips on Testifying

When the Council returns next week, we will take up some important topics ranging from budgeting to land use to our local economy. We have public hearings on a variety of issues scheduled nearly every week, and we want to know your views. For newcomers as well as seasoned veterans, here are a few tips to make the most of your testimony:

• Keep it simple. Put your request or main point at the beginning of your testimony. Use plain language and put technical points at the end.
• Keep it short. The Council adheres to the three-minute limit, so make sure your points come across in that time frame. You don't have to use the entire allotted time, though. Sometimes good things come in small packages.
• Bring 15 copies of your testimony with your name, contact information and main points clearly identified.
• Let your personality shine through. Levity or a personal anecdote can help you stand out in the crowd.
• Relax. Don't be afraid of the formal setting or the television cameras. Just be yourself.

I understand public speaking isn't for everyone, so you can also call or e-mail. To have your written correspondence included in the public record, send it to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov or Council President, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. To sign up to speak at a public hearing, call 240-777-7803.

Labor Day Activities

Opportunities abound this Labor Day, according to Visit Montgomery. Here are their highlights. Also, check my blog for Montgomery County's holiday schedule.

Town of Brookeville
U.S. Capital for a Day
August 30, 10:00-7:00
Sunday, August 31, 12:00-6:00

Join the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 as Brookeville commemorates U.S. Capital for a Day. The Town of Brookeville will recreate the life and spirit of August 1814 with living historians playing the roles of local scientists, engineers, teachers, tradesmen and craftspeople. Costumed volunteers and horses will re-enact the extraordinary events, including the arrival of President Madison guarded by 20 mounted militiamen.

Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park
August 30-September 1, 12:00-6:00

Visit the Labor Day Art Show in the Spanish Ballroom Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The exhibition will feature the work of more than 250 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. The show will include works in a wide range of artistic media, such as sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture and works on paper. Also check out the Irish Music and Dance Showcase in the Bumper Car Pavilion Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1 from 1:00 to 5:00 each day.

Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade
September 1, 1:00

The City of Gaithersburg celebrates the unofficial end of summer with its annual Labor Day Parade. Participants in this year's parade include an assortment of fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, clowns and more. This year's parade is dedicated to the law enforcement community in honor and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gaithersburg Police Department.

Kensington Labor Day Parade
September 1, 10:00-3:00

Celebrate Labor Day with a parade and festival. The Kensington Parade begins at St. Paul's St. and Plyers Mill. The festival is located along Howard and Armory Avenues. Enjoy a day of family entertainment with a parade, live music, arts and crafts, food and kids activities.

Holiday Schedule for Labor Day

Here's the holiday schedule for Labor Day on Monday, September 1:

• County Offices – closed
• Libraries – closed
• County liquor stores – open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Recreation – outdoor aquatic facilities will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Olney Indoor Swim Center will be open normal hours, all other indoor aquatic facilities will be closed. Administrative offices, senior centers and community centers are closed.
• Montgomery Parks – for operating schedules, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On – Sunday schedule
• Metrobus – Sunday schedule
• Metrorail – Sunday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) – closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup – no collection*
• Transfer Station – closed
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Administrative Offices – closed
• State offices & courts – closed
  
  *Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

County's Message for a Safe School Year

Montgomery County Public Schools will be back in session on Monday, August 25, and now is the time to review some important back-to-school safety tips.

On January 2, 2014, Montgomery County began implementation of an automated school bus camera enforcement program. Every driver should know that when approaching a stopped school bus with activated stop sign and flashing red lights, Maryland law requires that all traffic from both directions must stop and remain stopped until the stop sign and lights are de-activated. That includes when driving on a two-lane roadway, a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane and a four-lane roadway without a median separation. The only exception is for a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation. The lanes of traffic separated by the median and going in the opposite direction from the bus do not have to stop. Traffic going in the same direction of the bus, does of course, have to stop.

The automated school bus camera enforcement program continues to expand and is designed to allow the cameras to be moved throughout the county as needed. These violations are reviewed by the police department’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit (ATEU) and citations are mailed to the registered owner. The fine from the automated enforcement is $125.00. No points are associated with a citation issued through this program. If a driver is stopped by a police officer for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights, the fine is $570 and 3 points.

Montgomery County Police remind drivers that it is very important to obey the posted speed limit and pay close attention to their surroundings at all times.

Safety Tips for Parents, Motorists, and Children

• Expect delays near schools.  Know your route, start early, and drive the posted speed limit.
• Motorists not involved in dropping off or picking up students should consider adjusting their route or schedule in order to avoid arrival and dismissal traffic in front of schools.
• Park only in lawful areas. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk is against the law and can obstruct visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.
• Unload school children onto the sidewalk or the right side of the vehicle.  Unloading school children into a traffic lane could put a child in harm’s way.
• Always obey the directions given by an adult school crossing guard and a student safety patrol.
• Instruct children to remain alert and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Students should walk on a sidewalk if available or if one is not available, walk facing the traffic
• Pedestrians should not use cell phones to talk or text or wear headphones when crossing the street.
• Students riding bikes to school must follow all traffic rules and signs, i.e. stop signs and traffic lights.
• Ride on the right side of the road and come to a compete stop before crossing a street.
• By law, all children under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet (positioned level on the head to cover the forehead) when riding or being carried on a bicycle while riding on a public street, right-of-way, or on a bicycle path.
• The start of school is also a good time to remind children of basic safe practices.  Children should not speak to strangers and, once they are home, they should not open or answer a knock at the door if an adult is not present without first determining who is there. Children should have a list of parents’, neighbors’, and/or relatives’ phone numbers that they can call for assistance. Children should also know when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1 and 301-279-8000, the police non-emergency number.

School Bus Safety

Everyone knows you have to stop behind a school bus with its lights flashing. But do you have to stop if you approach the bus from the front? What if there is a median strip? And what's the fine for those who fail to stop? Get the answers to these questions as well as school bus safety tips in this new public service announcement from County Cable Montgomery. As the video reminds us, kids can be unpredictable, so we have to be extra cautious.

Apply Now to Police Citizen Academy

The Montgomery County Police Department is currently accepting applications for future sessions of the Citizen Academy.  The program is free, but participants must be 18 years of age or older and either live or work in Montgomery County.

Participants who are selected for the program are required to attend 14 of the 18 classes to be eligible for graduation. Some of the topics covered include:  firearm safety, Maryland traffic law, investigating major crimes, drug identification, scams and fraud, prostitution, forensics/crime lab, physical/sexual child abuse, a canine demonstration, DUI/underage drinking, and the procedures of the Emergency Response Team. Academy members also have the option of touring the Montgomery County Detention Center and participating in a ride-along with a police officer.

The first Citizen Academy was held in January of 1994.  It was developed as an extension of the Department’s community policing efforts.  Community members who went through the program came out with a greater awareness of the functions of the police department, the various roles of police officers, and a better understanding of why and how officers do their jobs.

Each year two sessions (spring and fall) of the Citizen Academy are held at the Public Safety Training Academy located at 9710 Great Seneca Highway in Rockville. Classes are offered on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 18 consecutive weeks.

The 2014 fall session of the Citizen Academy is scheduled to begin on September 16 and run through February 3. Applications from those wishing to enroll in the fall session must be received by August 15.  Once the fall session is full, all other applications will be held for potential enrollment in future Citizen Academy classes.  The 2015 spring session of the Citizen Academy will begin in March. To learn more about the Citizen Academy or to download an application, please visit our Citizen’s Academy page.