Montgomery is Top Digital County

Montgomery County is number one, according to the Center for Digital Government which just posted the results of the 2010 Digital Counties Survey. The ranking takes into account not just information technology alone, but also how use of the technology benefits the organization and its citizens. That includes cost effectiveness and ease of use—both high priorities as we strive to do more with less. Check out the article.

County Retains Triple-A Bond Rating

We learned today that Montgomery County has retained its Triple-A bond rating from Moody’s, coming off a “watch list” from that agency in April that reflected concern over falling County revenues. Moody’s rating moved Montgomery County to a “stable outlook” category.

The Triple-A bond rating allows Montgomery County to issue bonds for its capital borrowing at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars a year. The County had already received Triple-A Stable ratings from the other two bond rating agencies, Fitch and S&P, on $325 million of General Obligation bonds it is issuing tomorrow, July 8th.

I was pleased to join the County Executive and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at today’s announcement and celebration of a real team effort. We responded quickly to changed forecasts, adjusted projections, and made structural changes to build a better fiscal future. At my urging, the Council adopted a requirement for a six-year fiscal plan that will contribute enormously to our future success. Today's announcement is welcome news indeed.

See You There

I hope to see you this Fourth of July weekend. I plan to participate in a number of community celebrations, starting with the Takoma Park parade at 10 a.m. on the Fourth. Then I will go to the Woodacres parade at 11 a.m., followed by the Town of Chevy Chase parade and celebration (where I’ll read from the Declaration of Independence) and the Town of Sommerset picnic in the afternoon. Then I’ll go to the Friendship Heights celebration at 3 p.m. and finally to the fireworks at Einstein High School. On Monday the fifth, I’ll participate in the Leisure World and Montgomery Village parades.

If you plan to celebrate at any of these events, please say hello. I’ll be traveling with my trusty assistant, Lady (my schnoodle—that’s half schnauzer, half poodle). Whether I see you or not, I hope you have a great holiday weekend.

Report on June Traffic Signal Failure

The Director of the Department of Transportation has provided us with an incident report briefing on the traffic signal problems that occurred on the morning of June 29. The good news is that this incident was not directly related to the failure that we experienced in November 2009 in which the signal computer failed. I've reprinted the report her.

MEMORANDUM

July 1, 2010


TO: Nancy Floreen, President
Montgomery County Council

FROM: Arthur C. Holmes, Jr., Director
Department of Transportation

RE: June 29, 2010 Incident with the County’s Traffic Signal System

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an incident report briefing with respect to the problems with the County’s traffic signal system that occurred on the morning of June 29, 2010.

At 7:01 AM on the subject date, a fire alarm went off in the traffic signal computer room on the 11th floor of the Executive Office Building (EOB). Fire personnel were on scene by 7:05 AM, and Facilities Maintenance personnel responded by 7:08 AM. At the same time, technicians in the Traffic Management Center (TMC) realized that the traffic signal system stopped operating, and began dispatching personnel to the EOB and the lane control systems on Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue (to manually implement those systems to coincide with static signing that directs drivers to use the AM inbound lane configurations).

By approximately 7:10 AM, the response team had completed their emergency response assessment and had confirmed that there was no fire or smoke in the room. However, as a result of the alarm, all electrical power to the room was automatically shut down and water was confirmed to be pooling under the computer room’s raised floor. The computer room is designed so that when certain critical alarms are activated, such as a smoke detector, the electrical power (both house and emergency power) is immediately and automatically shut down as a failsafe to prevent catastrophic damage to critical equipment. This shut down of the electrical power caused the traffic signal system computer to immediately power down (analogous to pulling the electrical cord from one’s PC from a power outlet).

Facilities Maintenance personnel then began an assessment of the building support systems in the computer room and on the 11th Floor of the EOB and had determined that the source of the water was the dedicated air conditioning (AC) unit. Specifically, the water leak was caused by a failure of the AC unit’s condensation pump. Work immediately commenced to clean up the water, while technicians began troubleshooting the AC unit to stop and repair the leak. Once the leak was stopped, the remaining water was cleaned up and action taken to dry the floor and electrical systems as quickly as possible so that electrical power could be safely restored. Power was restored to the computer room at approximately 9:10 AM, and the signal system was powered back up and all traffic signals in the field were restored to central control by 9:20 AM. In fact, the signal system was restored to operation before the faulty AC unit was fully repaired. Facilities personnel continued working on the AC unit until it was back in service about an hour after the signal computer was restored to operation.

While the traffic signal system was inoperative between 7:00 AM and 9:20 AM, all signalized intersections in the County operated on color, and there were no safety hazards to motorists or pedestrians. The signals operated using their local intersection programming, but there were no coordinated cycle lengths or synchronization that is controlled from the central computer. Traffic management technicians were monitoring traffic flow around the County using the traffic surveillance cameras and our aerial observation capabilities. Using that information, traffic signal technicians were dispatched to selected intersections to manually adjust local signal timings in an attempt to mitigate isolated congestion issues. In general, traffic volumes were lighter than a typical weekday morning commute due to the summer period, although the US 29 corridor was experiencing heavier than usual traffic volumes due to an accident on I-95 in Howard County that caused traffic to divert to US 29.

I want to assure you that the June 29 problem was not a repeat of or directly related to the failure that we experienced in November 2009. The traffic signal computer did not fail. As described above, the issue was related to the building support systems. I have been in communication with David Dise, Director of the Department of General Services, and we will be working cooperatively to assess these support systems and undertake actions as appropriate to minimize the possibility of similar problems. It should be noted that all responding departments (Fire & Rescue, General Services, Police – including both EOB Security and at the ECC) responded as quickly as possible and the incident was handled swiftly and professionally. This situation could not have been resolved more quickly without endangering the very computer equipment the fire suppression system is designed to protect.

On a closing note, I am happy to report to you that not all of the approximately 800 signalized intersections in the County were affected by this issue. Approximately 50 intersections have been converted to the new traffic signal system, and those locations operated without incident or issue. We remain on schedule and within budget to convert all of the remaining signalized intersections to the new system and deactivate the existing system by the summer of 2012.

Please feel free to contact me or Emil Wolanin, Chief of our Traffic Engineering & Operations Division should you have any questions or need additional information.


Arthur Holmes, Jr., Director
Department of Transportation
Montgomery County, Maryland

Mandatory Water Restrictions

See the press release from WSSC about mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers.

LAUREL – July 1, 2010: To ensure continued water supply for all WSSC customers and for fire protection and hospital/medical uses, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) General Manager Jerry N. Johnson today called for mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers. The goal is to reduce water usage by about one-third. The restrictions take effect immediately and are expected to last at least four days.

The mandatory restrictions are necessary after monitoring technology indicated a failing section of a 96-inch water main located near the corner of Tuckerman Lane and Gainsborough Road in Potomac in Montgomery County. “This technology, an acoustic fiber optic monitoring system, detected the problem, allowing us to take preventative measures now,” says Johnson. “This proves the system works and helped us to prevent what could have been a much more serious situation. “ The fiber optics system was installed in the pipe three years ago and will eventually be installed in all of WSSC’s large water mains. The process to repair the pipe has already begun and will continue around-the-clock until complete. Until that time it is imperative that customers:

· Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
· Use water only as necessary
· Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)
· Limit using washing machines and dishwashers (wash full loads only)

WSSC has been working with fire departments from both counties to make sure there is adequate fire protection, especially considering that this weekend is the 4th of July and there will likely be numerous fireworks displays. “We know this is a burden, especially on this holiday weekend. But if everyone can be vigilant and cut their water use by a third, we’ll be ok,” said Johnson. "We appreciate everyone's understanding, patience and cooperation while we work through this."

WSSC will notify customers once repairs are complete and mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.

For additional information log on to the WSSC website at www.wsscwater.com or call the WSSC Call Center at 301.206.4002.

Six-Year Balanced Fiscal Plan and Reserve Policy

We signed off on a six-year balanced fiscal plan which I recommended in April. We also enacted a new reserve policy that will take us to a 10 percent reserve in nine years.

Although the County Charter does reference it, this is the first time the Council has instituted a six-year projection designed to reduce annual budget gaps and lessen the impact of severe economic downturns. The plan will not constrain future Councils in their year-to-year decision making, but it will provide valuable information and guidance for sustainability over the long term. The plan not only will guide Councilmembers but also will give communities and the County's four agencies--Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and County Government--a realistic view of what they can expect in the upcoming years. The plan will be updated annually as conditions change. I see it as a great tool for everyone.

Under the new reserve policy, we will gradually increase our reserve to 10 percent of adjusted governmental revenue over a nine-year period. The current reserve target is 6 percent of total resources. We will have to be very thoughtful about spending to meet our goals, but this plan will put us on more solid footing for future economic downturns. It is important to note that a 10 percent reserve is fairly modest according to our financial advisers who recommend a reserve equivalent to 60 days of operating expenses.

In April the bond rating agency Moody's placed the County on "watchlist negative." Moody's listed both our recent history of structural deficits and our low reserve fund policy as factors in the warning. We covet our AAA bond rating, which reflects the County's excellent financial management over time. Maintaining the top-notch rating allows us to borrow at a low interest rate, which means we can invest in infrastructure at a lower cost.

This is a new era in Montgomery County, and it means we're going to have to be more disciplined. This comprehensive fiscal management package is a big step in the right direction.

Fireworks

Montgomery County will again this year host two Independence Day fireworks displays on Sunday, July 4. Germantown Glory will be held at the SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle. Mid-County Sparkles will be held at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington.

Germantown Glory
A concert by Bobby and the Believers will begin at 7 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. Blankets, chairs and picnics are welcome. No alcohol is permitted. Food vendors will be on site. Rain date for the fireworks only is July 5.

To reach the South Germantown Recreational Park from I-270, take exit 15B (Route 118 south) toward Germantown; go for 2.8 miles and turn right onto Richter Farm Road. Go one mile and turn left onto Schaeffer Road. The park entrance is 0.3 miles on the right.
For more information about Germantown Glory, call the Recreation Department at 240-777-6820.

Mid-County Sparkles
Pre-fireworks activities will include children’s activities and a musical concert with Groove Killers beginning at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The viewing areas will be at the front of the school on the ball field and at the Newport Mill Middle School, 11311 Newport Mill Road. Since there will be no on-site parking at either school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, shuttle buses will pick up passengers, beginning at 6:15 p.m., at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

Low lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Food vendors will be on site. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. Rain date for the fireworks only is July 5. No shuttle service will be available on the 5th.

For more information on the Mid-County Sparkles celebration, call the Mid-County Regional Services Center events line at 240-777-8115.

Holiday Schedule for Fourth of July

Here is the County's holiday schedule for Independence Day on Monday, July 5:

• County Offices -- closed
• Libraries -- closed
• County liquor stores – open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the exception of the following stores, which will be closed: Cabin John, Diamond Square and Burtonsville
• Ride On – Saturday schedule
• Metrobus – Saturday schedule on Sunday, July 4; and Sunday schedule on Monday, July 5
• Metrorail – Special schedule on Sunday, July 4 and Sunday schedule on Monday, July 5
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• Refuse/recycling pick-up – no collection*
• Transfer Station – closed
• MCPS Administrative Offices – closed
• State offices & courts – closed

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

Appearing on Political Pulse

Tune in to Political Pulse on Montgomery Municipal Cable (channel 16) this week. I will join host Charles Duffy and at-large candidate Jane de Winter to discuss Montgomery County’s future. The show will air on:

Thursday, June 24 at 9:00, p.m.
Friday-Sunday, June 25-27, at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 29 at 9:30 p.m.

Appearing at the American Highway Users Alliance

Tomorrow I will participate in a panel discussion titled “The Surface Transportation Authorization Bill: Consequences of Current Failures and Opportunities to Change the Dynamic” at the American Highway Users Alliance Quarterly Meeting in Washington, DC.

I will join panelists from the Maryland Department of Transportation and the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Our discussion will focus on the stalled bill’s importance to local governments, particularly as it affects planning, programming and the ability of counties to respond to transportation needs. We need all hands on deck to move our transportation agenda forward. Federal, state and local governments must work together, and I’m glad to be a part of these important conversations.

Several projects in Montgomery County which are planned to be constructed by the Maryland Department of Transportation cannot proceed to construction due to lack of funding. They include the Purple Line; the Corridor Cities Transitway; the widening of the western portion of the Beltway over the American Legion Bridge; and the addition of reversible high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on I-270. This year the Council decided to use local dollars to fund one such project—a $60 million segment of the Montrose Parkway.

In addition to chairing the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, I also serve as Vice-Chair for Transit for the National Association of Counties’ Transportation Steering Committee.

Olney Manor Dog Park Opens Saturday

Join Lady (my schnoodle) and me for the grand opening of the Olney Manor Dog Park tomorrow, 9:00-noon. This is the fifth dog park in the county’s system, joining Black Hill Regional Park, Cabin John Regional Park, Ridge Road Recreational Park and Wheaton Regional Park. Parks staff tell me that dog parks continue to be one of the most popular amenities in the parks system. And I know Lady is looking forward to getting a treat from Bark!, one of the local businesses participating in the event.

Town Hall Meeting Wednesday

Join us for a daytime Town Hall Meeting this Wednesday, June 16, in the Leisure World Social Hall at 2 p.m. This is your opportunity to voice opinions on specific issues and ask us questions in an organized, but informal, setting.

Topics expected to be of interest include the public safety, traffic, growth, the County budget, health programs and taxes—including the recently increased energy tax.

We recently approved the Fiscal Year 2011 budget that required closing a shortfall of almost $1 billion due to decreasing revenues. We made some very difficult decisions that will impact every resident of this County. This meeting will allow us to hear about your priorities and concerns. And it also gives us the opportunity to explain some of the issues that are before us.

This Council has made a priority of having better direct communication with residents, and Town Hall Meetings have proven to be an excellent way to do just that. For residents, these meetings provide a forum where they can see their elected officials in a different format than a televised meeting or through a news release.

The meeting will be taped for later broadcast on County Cable Montgomery (CCM—cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). Leisure World is located at 3700 Rossmoor Blvd. in Silver Spring. Non-residents of the community must check in at the security gate before proceeding to the Town Hall Meeting.

For more information about the Town Hall Meeting or about the broadcast times, call 240-777-7931.

First Segment ICC Tolls Set

The Maryland Transportation Authority just let us know its toll schedule for the first 5.65-mile segment of the Intercounty Connector (ICC), and I am pleased that they listened to us and chose the lowest level cost to drivers. The first segment will run from I-370 at Shady Grove to Georgia Avenue near Rockville/Olney.

When the segment opens in late 2010/early 2011, drivers of cars and light trucks will pay $1.45 during peak hours, $1.15 during off-peak times and $0.60 during the overnight period. To learn more, visit the Maryland Transportation Authority’s Web site.

Summer Food Safety

Our public health officer tells us that more than half of the cases of salmonella each year occur during the summer months. While not fatal, this type of food poisoning usually occurs 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever.

Dr. Tillman tells us that foods likely to contain bacteria when undercooked include eggs, meat, poultry, fish and cooked high-protein foods that have not been refrigerated after cooking, such as rice, potatoes and beans.

The following tips will help residents enjoy the summer after the social gathering has ended:

Cook foods to at least 145°F, pork to at least 155-160° F, ground beef to 155-160° F, poultry to 165° F, stuffing and stuffed meat to at least 165° F. Hot foods should always be served while still hot.
• Cook hamburger patties and meat loaf so the center is NOT pink and the juices run clear. Crumbled ground meat should be cooked until no pink color remains.
• Keep hot foods hot. After cooking meat or chicken on the grill, keep it at 135°F or warmer until serving. If reheating fully cooked items such as baked beans or hot potato salad, heat to 165°F.
• Keep cold foods cold. If using a cooler, keep it out of the sun and avoid opening it too often so it stays as cold as possible. Keep cold foods at 41° F or colder at all times.
• Transport cold foods in a cooler to minimize bacteria growth. Use an insulated cooler with ice packs.
• When making cold salads and sandwiches—or any food served cold—refrigerate all ingredients (below 41° F) before mixing, and then return to the refrigerator until served.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize utensils and cutting surfaces between the preparation of different food items, especially after handling raw poultry, beef, pork and eggs. These raw foods have surface bacteria that could contaminate other foods. Never put cooked meat on the same unwashed platter used for raw meat.
• Do not buy or use cracked eggs.
• Do not thaw meat and poultry at room temperature. To keep the outside of these foods cold while the inside is still defrosting, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Microwave ovens can be used to safely defrost meat and poultry, but cook immediately.
• Promptly refrigerate leftovers. Store food in shallow uncovered containers to cool rapidly.
• Reheat leftovers thoroughly (165° F or more) before serving.
• Wash hands with soap and water before preparing food, after handling raw food and after using the bathroom or playing with pets.
• Prepare food as close to serving time as possible. This eliminates the time element that can allow any bacteria that may be present to increase to large numbers. Food should be left out no longer than two hours. If the temperature is 90° F or warmer, food should not be left out longer than one hour.
• Finally, when in doubt, throw it out.
For more information about safe food preparation and handling, call the United States Department of Agriculture’s meat and poultry hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or go to http://www.fsis.usda.gov/food_safety_education/USDA_Meat_&_Poultry_Hotline/index.asp.

Refurbished Properties Now Affordable Rentals

Today I had the opportunity tour a formerly vacant foreclosed property that is now available for rental through the Housing Opportunities Commission. The acquisition and renovation of the house, as well as 15 others in Germantown and Wheaton, is part of a $7.1 million effort made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Neighborhood Conservation Initiative and a HUD Community Development Block Grant. This program is a real win-win. It is good not just for families in need of affordable housing, but for neighborhoods and the county as a whole. I’m glad we’ve been able to work with our state and federal partners to make this program happen.