Town Hall Meeting for Students Oct. 9

This year we will hold the always-popular Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 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.

Survey on Transportation Needs of Seniors and People with Disabilities

Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services at the Department of Health and Human Services has undertaken a project to better understand the transportation patterns and needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities, and your responses to this survey will be very helpful.  If you, a member of your family or a friend have transportation issues or concerns, please take the survey by October 18.

One Vacancy on the Merit System Protection Board

Apply now for a three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. Generally, the board is expected to oversee the Merit System and to protect employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. Get your application in by Oct. 30.

 

The final term of board member Rodella Berry (Democrat) will expire in December 2013; she is not eligible for reappointment.  The other board members are Raul Chavera (unaffiliated) and Julie Martin-Korb (unaffiliated).

 

By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be a Democrat, a Republican, a voter who declines to affiliate with a party or a voter who is a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.

 

There are two methods in which the board processes appeals:

•       A written decision issued after a review and discussion of a written record.

•       A written decision issued after a pre-hearing conference and a formal hearing in cases involving a suspension, demotion or dismissal.

 

The board, on a periodic basis, conducts special studies, audits or inquiries of the administration of the merit and retirement pay systems and, in this effort, may compel the attendance of witnesses. Written reports of its findings and recommendations are filed with the County Executive and the County Council. The board also provides comments on any proposed changes in Merit System law or regulations.

 

The board holds hearings during the day, which can take the full day, with any additional proceedings scheduled for subsequent evening(s). Also, the board normally meets for approximately an hour in the evening once or twice every month. Additional time is also required for preparatory work.

 

Members of the board receive $7,700 per year, which is adjusted annually to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index.

 

Board members are restricted in political activity while serving. Section 403 of the County Charter states in part “No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member's term of office."  Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.

 

Applicants should submit letters of interest with a resume to: Nancy Navarro, President, Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2013. Applications also can be submitted via email to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

 

Resumes should include professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers and an email address.  Letters and resumes submitted are made public as part of the appointment process. A financial statement of assets, debts, income and family property interests will be required of all applicants.  Only the appointed candidates will be required to make the financial statement available to the public.

Zoning Code Rewrite Session 14

On Monday the PHED Committee will hold a worksession to address issues raised at the November public hearings on the Zoning Code Rewrite. The session begins at 1:00, and you can follow along on County Cable Montgomery. Also, check out the recently revised FAQ page. To have your comments on the rewrite included in the public record, e-mail county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Zoning Code Rewrite Session 8

On Friday the PHED Committee will hold its eighth worksession on the Zoning Code Rewrite. Our agenda: administration and procedures.

You may also be interested in the memo about affordable housing in the zoning code on our Web page dedicated to the rewrite. Also check out the FAQ section on that page. If you are looking for even more background information, see the overview or the interactive map where you can find out how proposed changes would affect your property.

The future schedule for the Committee work sessions is as follows:
September 17: unresolved issues from prior worksessions
September 20: wrap-up, including any outstanding implementation issues
September 27: wrap-up, continued if required

The future schedule for the Council work sessions is as follows:
October 11: complete PHED recommended text and map online and notice of November 12 public hearing
November 12: public hearing on PHED text and map recommendations
January: first Council worksession

To have your comments on the rewrite included in the public record, e-mail county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Council to Hold Second Hearing on Zoning Code Rewrite

The Council has decided to hold a second public hearing on proposed changes to the County's Zoning Ordinance. The hearing will be held on a date to be determined once the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee has completed its recommended draft of the document.

The PHED Committee held worksessions every week in June and July on the County Planning Board’s recommended Zoning Ordinance Rewrite and is continuing its work in September. We expect to recommend amending many aspects of the text and map, but until we complete our worksessions, our recommendations are tentative.

The Council introduced the Planning Board’s recommendations on May 2 following years of the Planning Board’s extensive work and discussion with community groups and other stakeholders. We heard from more than 50 speakers at a public hearing on the Planning Board’s recommendations in January and have received extensive email and other correspondence from County residents over the past several months.

The Zoning Ordinance hasn't been comprehensively updated since 1977 and has grown to more than 1,200 pages over the last 30 years. The goal of the Rewrite is to reorganize and simplify the Zoning Code. Rewriting the code in plain language and reorganizing it into rational sections will enable residents to more easily participate in key land use decisions, and courts and agencies will have clearer rules to apply.

Although the County Charter calls for only one public hearing, we decided to hold a second public hearing because we recognize the significance of the proposed text and map changes. There are few changes proposed for single-family residential properties, but non-residentially zoned properties and their neighbors could be affected. ZTA 13-04 would implement the text changes to the Zoning Ordinance, and DMA G-956 would update the zoning for each property to apply a new zone. The proposed rezoning in DMA G-956 is designed to mirror each property's current zoning as much as possible.

You can see the proposed Zoning Rewrite, along with the tentative changes being considered by the PHED committee, at www.zoningmontgomery.org. You also will find an interactive map that enables you to determine the existing and proposed zoning for every property in the County. Clicking on a particular property will display the development standards (density, height limits and setbacks) for the existing and proposed zone.

Further details on the hearing will be available shortly.

Public Hearings on Transit Corridors Plan

Let us know what you think about Bus Rapid Transit and other elements proposed in the Planning Board Draft of the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. Public hearings are scheduled for September 24 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Sign up to testify by calling 240-777-7803. If you can’t make the hearings, you can e-mail your testimony to have it included in the public record.

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will hold worksessions on the Plan on October 11, 14, 18 and 21. These meetings are open to the public. They are also broadcast live and on demand on County Cable Montgomery.

TV Show on Poverty Wins National Award

The Unseen Montgomery, a television program highlighting the hidden poverty in Montgomery County, has been named the winner of a Savvy Award by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association.

The Unseen Montgomery won first prize in the national contest in the category of TV and Video—One-Time Special Programming (for jurisdictions with population: 100,000 and up). We came up with the idea for the show because we wanted to portray a side of the County that is often overlooked: residents who did not appear to need the help of available services, but through circumstances, could not financially keep up with their individual and family needs.

The show was produced and hosted by Susan Kenedy of County Cable Montgomery. The videographer was Mike Springirth. The show was edited by Loren Olson and was coordinated by Delphine Harriston.

Montgomery County is known for its prosperity, so it is easy to forget that we have many residents who do not have enough money to pay for even their basic needs. Some of those living in poverty lost their jobs in the recession while others find themselves trapped in low-wage jobs that don’t pay enough to cover the rent. These families live right here, and they need help—but they are not always easy to identify. Susan Kenedy and her outstanding team did a great job of looking past the affluence and giving us a chance to see a growing part of life right here in Montgomery County. The Unseen Montgomery tells a very important story in a way that’s meaningful and thought-provoking. The team at CCM definitely deserves this award.

The independent judging panel said of the show: “A great way to focus on the issue. The video helped to cast a light on the new poor in our country. An interesting topic that kept the judging team engaged.”

In addition to airing on CCM, the show has been viewed more than a thousand times on various Internet outlets. See it on YouTube.

Stephen's Take on his First Month

In the month since Stephen joined the team, he's been touring the county and visiting some of our hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems. Here's his perspective on what he's been doing:

My first few weeks working for Montgomery County have been an exciting time of learning and seeing all that goes on around the county. I had the opportunity to learn about the cutting edge technology that is being employed by Montgomery College’s Health Sciences division to give students as close to a real life experience in a hospital, using mannequins that can mimic everything from breathing irregularities to heart complications.

On a tour of two of the facilities that serve as business incubators, I saw how the development of new businesses in fields ranging from biotech to information technology are helping entrepreneurs get their companies off the ground, bringing good paying jobs with them.

I went on a field trip to some of the parks that dot the county, including Cabin John Regional Park with its ice rink, and the historic Josiah Henson Special Park. At the Red Wiggler Community Farm I got to sample some delicious cherry tomatoes, one of the several organic crops grown on the farm.

I know that this is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of all that goes on in Montgomery County, and I am excited to learn more. Most of all, I am excited to be part of a great team here at the County Council.

Bulk Rigid Plastic Now Accepted for Recycling

You can now recycle bulk rigid plastic items such as laundry baskets, dish drainers, toys, lawn furniture, waste baskets, clothes hangers, tote boxes, crates, large buckets, pet carriers and garbage cans, at the Montgomery County Transfer Station. Just make sure the items are empty and free of loose dirt, soil, etc.

You still cannot recycle garden hoses, vinyl fencing/siding, motor oil containers, plastics containing or contaminated by chemicals or hazardous substances, and pesticide/herbicide containers.

The Solid Waste Processing Facility and Transfer Station is located at 16101 Frederick Rd. (MD Rt. 355), Derwood. You may drop off materials using the car entrance off Rt. 355.  Follow signs to the Recycling Unloading Area. Hours of operation are: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday: 9a.m.-5 p.m.

For a complete list of both acceptable and unacceptable items, as well as a downloadable flyer, visit the Division of Solid WasteServices’ Web site.

Holiday Schedule for Labor Day

Here's our holiday schedule for Labor Day on Monday, September 2:

County Offices – closed

Libraries – closed

County liquor stores – all retail 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 and Martin Luther King Jr. 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 holiday operating schedule on Parks’ facilities, 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).

Silver Spring GreenFest October 5

Mark your calendar for the second annual Silver Spring GreenFest on Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. at Veteran's Plaza and the Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring. GreenFest is a fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring environmentally themed vendors, non-profits, speakers, activities, games and educational opportunities.

Building on last year’s success, this year’s festival will feature a full day of educational lectures and panel discussions by national and local environmental leaders.  It will also include a showcase of green businesses, solutions to environmental challenges, and games for all ages.  For a full listing of the day’s activities, visit the Silver Spring GreenFest Web site.

Come shop, play and learn about local green issues and actions you can take to make Montgomery County a national sustainability leader.

Labor Day Weekend Activities in the Parks

Looking for fun and educational activities the whole family will enjoy this Labor Day weekend? Try these free and low-cost events offered by Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission:

Friday, August 30, 2013:

Campfire and Nature Walk at Locust Grove Nature Center, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Bring your own hot dogs and buns for a picnic by the fire, and parks staff will provide fixings for s’mores afterwards. Then take a nature walk under the stars. Registration is $6 (Course #237855).

Saturday, August 31, 2013:

Underground Railroad Free Guided Hike at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join talented volunteer conductors on a simulated Underground Railroad Experience hike along a two mile trail. You’ll learn about various techniques freedom seekers used to elude trackers, find food and navigate their way north to freedom.

The annual Monarch Fiesta Day at Black Hill Regional Park,10 a.m. – 3 p.m. A free celebration of the Monarch butterfly and its amazing annual migration to Mexico, featuring Monarch tagging and release, tours of the Monarch Waystation, an insect hunt, Monarch movies and more.

Sunday, September 1, 2013:

Can You Canoe at Black Hill Regional Park at 9 a.m. Spend two hours with an expert instructor learning various ways to use a canoe. Canoes, paddles and vests are all provided with registration fee of $16. Register for Course #245960.

Kingsley Schoolhouse Free Guided Tour at Little Bennett Regional Park, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Take a free tour of this one-room 1893 schoolhouse and learn from trained docents what it was like to attend school in the 1920s.  Visit History in the Parks for more information.

Welcome Stephen Brimer

I am pleased to welcome Stephen Brimer to my team as a Legislative Senior Aide. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park and will be handling scheduling issues, providing constituent services and answering the phones. Stephen previously worked for a legislative monitoring firm in Virginia and on several political campaigns in various capacities. A self-described "political junkie" originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Stephen also enjoys reading history and playing soccer. Stephen is currently training to run his first marathon in Rhode island later this year. Say hello the next time you call or come by the office.

New Farmer Pilot Program

Check out these new farmers getting started in Montgomery County with a little help from their friends. With 100,000 acres of farmland in the county, we can really benefit from this new farmer pilot program that provides land matching and mentoring to those who want to get growing.