Duchy Trachtenberg's Blog

Remarks of Montgomery Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg - November 30, 2010

2010-11-30T12:57:00.001-05:00

I will start my remarks this morning by thanking many people who brought me here; by acknowledging those who have worked tirelessly to support me in my efforts these past four years; and by reassuring all that while my last day here, today is marked by some sadness, the values, the ideals, and the work we believe in – those endure and will forever guide our future, both my own fortune and our shared destiny.

I’ll start by thanking my husband, Alan for his love and support; my daughter, Scarlett for her beautiful heart and inspiration; and my son, Wally, who has taught me more about courage and unconditional love than anyone else in the world. He is my hero. To my many friends who have stood by me in good times and at difficult moments, for your unwavering support and numerous acts of kindness. I especially want to thank my mentor and friend, the late Marilyn Praisner for her belief in me and my colleague, Ike Leggett for his trust and his friendship. To my wonderful staff, past and present (Alan, Naomi, Laurie, Emily, Wil, Pat, Dana, Richard, Paul, William, Bobbie and Jackie) for their loyalty and dedication. You made every day at the Council possible. To all those county staffers gathered here this morning for your extraordinary efforts and hard work each and every day. And I express gratitude to the residents of Montgomery County for the privilege and honor I have had in representing you.

I came to the Council having labored as a community activist, wanting to create empowerment, to offer hope and opportunity, and to reaffirm how the human spirit triumphs, always with a little help from friends and sometimes with the support of government. That has always been a core belief of mine and it will forever define my life’s work. It is no secret that these past few months have provided a temporary detour but this morning I assure you I am by no means at the end of any political road.

I believe in the power of community and compassion. I do believe this because I have in my life experiences witnessed the value of speaking the truth, becoming an advocate and taking on the most intractable challenges - those causes few embrace, many run from and often times that deplete one’s spirit and faith in humanity. This applies to the tragedy of mental illness and addiction, the misery of poverty and domestic violence, and even the risk of exercising leadership in public service.

When I came to the Council, I did not come to win a popularity contest but rather to change and improve lives. And I say with pride and joy that I believe I did do just that. Every time I walk into a county eating establishment, I chuckle at the sight of the county trans-fat ban notice, that being the first legislative action I successfully took. I hear from my allies in the LGBT community often about advocacy efforts across the country, and I am reminded of the equal protection we provided to transgender individuals here in the county, something we must never take for granted even in government service. I am surrounded daily by the vibrant and changing White Flint community, recognizing I played a small part in its re-development and ensuring adequate coordination as it evolves over future decades. When I visit my son at his new residential program here in the county, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment knowing I’ve been an effective and consistent voice for those who often are silent and without representation in policy decisions. This morning I will state for the record that my voice will remain loud and steadfast in this regard, no matter where my life’s work takes me. Of course, I will forever find joy in the tremendous cooperation and collaboration that went into the creation of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, the county’s premier clearinghouse facility for domestic violence victims, that in its 18 months of operation has served over 2000 families from over 100 countries. And I remain resolute and without regret that the conversation that I started as the Management & Fiscal Policy Chair back in 2008 on the growing county obligations in relation to compensation and benefits was the right one - how quickly it has become politically correct and how appropriate it remain front and center as our County Executive and the next Council grapple with yet another large deficit and unsustainable obligations.

I learned a long time ago from mentors and friends, that political success is not measured by election results but rather by meaningful reform and your willingness to use your political power to achieve that end, despite electoral consequences or heartbreak.

Long after today’s elected officials are out of office, the debates that seemed so contentious and sometimes even personal will fade in memory. What will endure are the values we exemplified in the political priorities we set. That is the true legacy we pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Our future as a county belongs to those who can blend compassion, common sense and courage into a genuine commitment to the values we hold most dear.

I am reminded of the compelling words of one of my childhood hero’s, Robert F. Kennedy - a man who understood the wisdom in looking beyond the shadows, who dared to think beyond our accepted practices, who believed in testing his fortitude and taking on the odds:

“Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change."

Awards/Recognitions/Certificates (2006-2010)

CARON Treatment Centers, Community Service Award, October 2010
Maryland NARAL, Advocacy Recognition, October 2010
Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation, Marilyn J. Praisner Founder’s Award, October 2010
MCPS/Safe & Drug Free Schools, Certificate of Appreciation, June 2010
Our Bodies Ourselves, Women’s Health Hero, June 2010
Montgomery County Business & Professional Women, Certificate of Appreciation, November 2009
Montgomery County Inter ACC/DD and SEEC, Community Builder Award, October 2009
Aviva Hadassah Group, Social Action Recognition, September 2009
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Program for Executives in State & Local Government, July 2009
National Center for Children and Families, Spirit Award for Humanitarian Advocate, June 2009
GROWS, Certificate of Appreciation, June 2009
Equality Maryland, Ally for Equality Award, June 2008
Centro Familia, Advocacy Award, March 2008
American Public Health Association, ACHP SPIG, Leadership Award, November 2007
Congressional Citation, US Rep Chris Van Hollen, Mental Health Advocacy, October 2007
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Hero Award, October 2007

Don't break promise to the Academy - Washington Jewish Week - November 18, 2010

2010-11-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

by Duchy Trachtenberg
Special to WJW

Does the Jewish tradition of community service have an expiration date?--

Is the sense of obligation we feel to the Jewish people, and to future generations, something elastic that can be stretched, bent or turned into something totally different because of outside events?

And further, when is it appropriate for a political body to insert itself into a community decision and interfere with a contractual obligation?--

These seem to be the central questions at the heart of the debate over the sale of a disused county property to the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy. As a Jew, and as a departing member of the Montgomery County Council, I have some relevant insight and experience regarding this highly charged controversy.

But first, a little history. The former Peary High School in Aspen Hill was an abandoned eyesore in the middle of a vibrant, family-friendly community. Vandals, gangs and drug users had free reign.--

But in 1994 the Board of Education deeded it to the county, and the Berman Academy was the only party to respond to a request for proposals to lease the building, with an option to buy. A 25-year lease, and a purchase price, based on the average of three independent appraisals, were executed and signed by all parties.

At the time of the consumated deal, the property had zero value. The school spent more than $9 million on renovations, based on the expectation that it could purchase the building as a permanent home for the Academy, which began as the first Jewish day school in the Washington area, founded in 1944.--------

Flash forward to 2010. Today, the Aspen Hill community is revitalized and on the move. Neighborhood property values, which had been steadily decreasing, began to stabilize and increase when the Berman Academy opened its doors.--

The school has taken its obligation under the lease agreement to open its facilities to the public as a solemn and welcome responsibility. The school is used for meetings of the Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, family events and a wide range of cultural activities, and the Berman Academy maintains an excellent gym and track that are used regularly by members of the community, at no cost to the county.

In short, the Berman Academy is a proud example of the talmudic teaching that in order to be a suitable place to live, a community must provide for all its spiritual and communal needs.--

This goes to the heart of the tradition of tzedakah, Jewish charity. And, this is why the Berman Academy should be allowed to secure its future in Aspen Hill by buying its own home.

However, it seems that there are some people who, for whatever reasons, wish to stymie progress and renege on this longstanding, agreed-upon contract. Whether or not these last-minute objections are policital in nature, they nonetheless have the effect of appearing as though our Jewish community's expression of our legal and societal rights are being violated.

Both the absolute will of the Aspen Hill community and the county's contractual obligation to complete the sale are in danger of being brushed aside.

Long after today's elected officials are out of office, the debates that seemed so contentious at the time will fade in memory. What will endure are the values, traditions and knowledge that we share and pass on to our children and grandchildren.

The Berman Academy has earned a permanent place in our community. The energy pulsing out of each classroom and down every corridor is contagious and creative. They've earned a place in our community, and they deserve our support.--

"[E]very individual is duty bound to join forces with his community in thought, in word and in deed and loyally to share in its tasks and obligations, so long as that community proves to be a faithful guardian and supporter of the Torah" -- Rav Hirsh, Pirkei Avot 2:4

The Melvin J. Berman Academy each and every day certainly infuses life into these resonating words. It's time for Montgomery County to do the same.

Duchy Trachtenberg is an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council.

HHS/MFP Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

1) Impacts of Health Care Reform on Agencies Health Care Benefits

Several people presented at this briefing, including the following:

Joe Adler, Director, MCG Office of Human Resources
Wes Girling, Benefits Division Manager, MCG Office of Human Resources
Marshall Spatz, Director, MCPS Department of Management, Budget and Planning

The committee members had an opportunity to ask questions on how Health Care Reform affects government employees. The committee meeting was televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and is available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS/MFP session.

PS/MFP Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 25th at 9:30 am. The PS/MFP Committees discussed the following agenda items:

1) Supplemental appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for the Public Safety System Modernization (continued)

2) Special Pay in IAFF collective bargaining agreement

3) Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity

Public Safety System Modernization

The committees voted to purchase 4,389 APX 7000 radios assuming a 10% price reduction from the proposed average price. There will be a FY11 purchase of $20,936. This action is recommended without regard to whether or not the ambulance fee is passed on November 2nd.

Special Pay

The committees voted against special pay provisions to Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. However, the committee members indicated an interest in information on providing bonuses for the recruitment of ALS providers.

Bill 45-10

The committees decided to allow more time for the staff of the Executive Branch and representatives from the unions to present an agreed upon come plan regarding a two-tiered disability retirement system. This plan would be reported back to the committees so that they could make their final determination of this topic.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this PS/MFP session.

Health and Human Services/Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, chaired by George Leventhal, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 25th at 2:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The HHS/MFP Committees will discuss the following agenda item:

1) Impacts of Health Care Reform on agencies health care benefits

The committee meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS/MFP session.

Public Safety/Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-22T12:34:00.001-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 25th at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The PS/MFP Committees will discuss the following agenda items:
1) Supplemental appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for the Public Safety System Modernization (continued)

2) Special Pay in IAFF collective bargaining agreement

3) Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this PS/MFP session.

Pass the Emergency Services Transport Fee - Remarks by County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg

2010-10-19T15:43:00.004-04:00

Following are my remarks at today's "Vote for A" Press Conference in support of a Montgomery County Emergency Services Transport Fee, held at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Fleet Section Central Maintenance Facility in Rockville, Maryland.

One of the reasons I am standing here today is because I have never been afraid to speak out when I see government being hobbled by misinformation, distortions and political gamesmanship by a vocal minority

This candor is not without consequences, as I know very, very well. But I am not sorry for what I have said and written concerning the county executive’s proposed revenue recovery program.

Let’s be clear about the facts. The money collected under this revenue recovery program is money that will be paid by insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.

Let me repeat that. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, you have probably already paid for the cost of ambulance transport through your policy or coverage.

Anyone telling you otherwise is trying to scare you, or to manipulate the truth for their own purpose.

What is the truth? Let’s be clear about that, too, because I believe truth has tremendous power. The people of Montgomery County need to know the truth—and that is, if you are uninsured or indigent, the recovery fee will be waived.

We need to spread this truth far and wide, and make sure the truth is heard above the din of distortion.

I also want to say this from my heart, as someone who has worked her whole life to shore up the social safety net and help people in need rise above their immediate challenges and build a better life.

This reimbursement money is required to cover the growing costs of essential county services, including those related to public safety and social services. The only way to ensure our continued support for the mentally ill, at-risk youths, the homeless and the many nonprofit groups we depend on every day is to collect the $14-17 million a year in reimbursements that are currently slipping through our fingers.

The County Executive should be praised for finding a steady source of revenue to fund programs that are often the first to go when budgets are cut. Why, then, is he facing such vocal, vehement opposition?

Why is a small group that has benefitted under the status quo spending large sums to protect their interests? I recently hear something I find very disturbing.

It’s been reported to me, and I hope will be independently verified by the media, that one supporter of the volunteer fire service was asked to write a $41,000 check to pay for polling and testing lines of attack against revenue recovery.

I don’t want money that should be spent in this community to protect citizens to go to a bunch of pollsters and spin doctors, do you?

I had the courage of my convictions to study this issue and change my vote in the County Council, because I believe that without reimbursement for ambulance services, people we know, people we see every day, real people—will suffer, slide deeper into health crises, mental illness and addiction.

I paid a political price for my candor, but the cost to my conscience would be far greater if I remained silent.

Development Oversight Coordinator Approved for Future Montgomery Projects

2010-10-19T15:16:00.001-04:00

County Executive Will Be Required to Appoint Coordinator for Development Districts and Intensive New Developments

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 19, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved amended Bill 1-10 that will require a development oversight coordinator be appointed by the County Executive for future development districts and each geographic area where a newly revised master plan or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The bill would require a coordinator be assigned for the proposed Clarksburg Town Center Development District (unless that district is terminated, as a resolution before the Council provides) and for implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan development.

The chief sponsors of Bill 1-10 are Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp. Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner were co-sponsors.

Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council in January. The bill amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”

The bill directs the County Executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.

The coordinator would monitor the financing and development of County infrastructure and associated State and private infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.

In addition to the White Flint Sector Plan and the Clarksburg Town Center Development District—which has been approved, but not implemented—another plan likely to warrant assignment of a development oversight coordinator is the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan approved earlier this year by the Council. The bill would not require coordinators for the two existing Germantown development districts because the required County infrastructure for those districts has been completed.

“This is important legislation for Montgomery County because there will be oversight of funding of the projects and it will allow for faster and more reliable implementation of plans that have been approved,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “We need a central point of contact in the Executive branch to ensure that our development efforts are focused and expeditious. Having a designated person to coordinate our complex development and financing efforts will increase the comfort of our neighbors, businesses and our development partners that this activity will move forward, with vision and purpose—something that we owe to our County’s residents.”

The bill does not require the County Executive to create a new position unless the Executive decides that no current employee or employees can perform the required functions.

“Our experience with large scale development in a concentrated area of the County strongly suggests that we need an effective oversight mechanism that is efficient and accountable,” said Councilmember Knapp. “This legislation will provide neighboring residents and the business community with the assurance the County is minding the store 24/7. As we work through the complexities of the new plans for White Flint and the Great Seneca Science Corridor, it is clear that this legislation is necessary.”

Public Safety and Management & Fiscal Policy Committees Discuss Public Safety System Modernization

2010-10-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety Committee (PS), chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 18th at 11:00 am to discuss the following agenda item:
(1) Amendment to the FY11-16 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation to the FY11 Capital Budget - Public Safety System Modernization-$21,616,000 (Source of Funds: Short Term Financing)

The committees held a work session regarding an amendment to the Public Safety Modernization (PSSM) CIP project and a Supplemental appropriation of $21.6 million. The purpose of the supplemental appropriation and amendment is to accelerate the purchase of new replacement radios. In addition, Sprint/Nextel, which is responsible for covering the costs associated with re-banding within the 800 MHz frequencies, has offered to pay the County $3.3 million if the County will move forward with purchasing new radios rather than proceeding with the current plan that requires the company to loan radios to the County. County Staff outlined three possible options regarding how to proceed with the purchase of radios. The three options included:

1) Do not approve the requested amendment/supplemental and the $3.3 million payment form Sprint/Nextel;

2) Approve the Executive’s proposal and accept the $3.3 million payment from Sprint/Nextel; and

3) Continue the Sprint/Nextel Loaner Program for the immediate re-banding but amend the PSSM CIP project to stop the scheduled purchase of XTS5000 radios until the County has completed its implementation of the Strategic Plan for the total public safety system.

The following people presented during the work session: Tom Manger, Chief of Police; Richard Bowers, Fire Chief; Mike Knuppel, Chief Technology Officer at the Department of Technology Services and Jacqueline Carter, Office of Management and Budget.

The Committee decided to obtain further information before making a recommendation to the full Council. There will be another work session on this topic on Monday, October 25th. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th at 1:30 pm. Action is tentatively scheduled for October 26th as well.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this joint PS/MFP work session.

Montgomery Council to Discuss Financing Plan for Future White Flint Infrastructure

2010-10-18T15:52:00.000-04:00

Also on Tuesday, Oct. 19: Public Hearing on Elimination of Clarksburg Development District; Development Coordinator

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 18, 2010—The Montgomery County Council will hold a worksession starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, on options to finance the infrastructure necessary for the development authorized in the White Flint Sector Plan. The Council has previously approved a plan to transform the area along Rockville Pike just north of the Beltway into a much more urbanized area with higher densities and now must determine how the public needs for the plan will be financed.

The worksession on White Flint will be part of the afternoon session of the Council’s general session. The morning session will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. The meeting will be rebroadcast on CCM at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22.

As part of the morning session, the Council is scheduled to take action on Bill 1-10 that would require a development oversight coordinator be appointed by the County Executive for future development districts and each geographic area where a newly revised master plan or sector plan has authorized new development or redevelopment. Councilmembers Mike Knapp and Duchy Trachtenberg are the chief sponsors of the legislation, which is cosponsored by Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner.

The Council’s afternoon session, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will include a public hearing on a resolution to terminate the Clarksburg Town Center Development District.

At 4:30 p.m., the Council will hold interviews of applicants seeking to serve on the nominating panel to help find a new County inspector general. The interviews, which will be held in the Sixth Floor Conference Room, are open to the public, but will not be televised.

Trachtenberg Staff Tours Rural Montgomery

2010-10-15T14:43:00.005-04:00

Trachtenberg staff toured Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve on a beautiful fall day, visiting White's Ferry, Dickerson, Poolesville, Bealesville, Barnesville and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve is an important environmental resource for future farm enterprises. A strong agricultural heritage provides a diverse business community and a strong economic base. Combining these strengths with the commitment for farmland preservation makes Montgomery County an attractive place to live and work. Agricultural activities occupy about one-third of Montgomery County's land area. Over half of the 93,000-acre Agriculture Reserve is preserved through transfer of development rights or easement purchase initiatives. The County's diverse agricultural industry's 577 farms and 350 horticultural enterprises produce more than $251 million in economic contribution from agricultural products and operations. The majority of Montgomery County farms are family-run operations, many reaching back several generations, which employ more than 10,000 residents. The County has 577 farmers, of whom 50 percent work full time in farming.

For more information on Rural Montgomery, click here, for information about the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, click here

PS/MFP Committees to Discuss Supplemental Appropriation to the FY11 Capital Budget

2010-10-15T13:08:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 18th to discuss Supplemental Appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for Public Safety System Modernization (PSSM). Representatives from the Department of Technology Services (DTS) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be attending the meeting as well as representatives from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and Police. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m. in the 7th Floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy for the Trachtenberg Office, at 240-777-7948 or Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions.

A vote for ambulance fees is a vote for the poor - Washington Post

2010-10-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

By Duchy Trachtenberg
Bethesda

When I read the Oct. 6 Metro article “Leggett proposes cuts in public safety services,” I was reminded again of how a vocal minority can use fear and misinformation to wage a political battle and win.

In this case, the volunteer firefighters in Montgomery County have used such tactics — an Oct. 7 letter to The Post stated bluntly that the fees “could risk lives” — to advance a multiyear campaign against a proposed ambulance fee reimbursement because it will, as the story put it, “dampen their own fundraising efforts.”

Good public policy is a product of thoughtful and reasoned judgment. During our budget deliberations last year, I decided to reverse my position and support the ambulance fee reimbursement for two reasons. First, the legislation proposed by the County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) concisely outlined a fair waiver process for those who are uninsured and indigent. Because of that, the reimbursement fee is nothing more than the collection of insurance dollars for services rendered.

But most important, I understood then, and I still do, that this reimbursement money is required to cover the growing costs of essential county services, including those related to public safety and social services. I understood that the only way to ensure our continued support for the mentally ill, at-risk youths, the homeless and the many nonprofit groups we depend on every day was to boldly say “yes” to this fee, despite my earlier misgivings. I understood that the needs of thousands of residents outweighed the small risk that someone may not call for emergency assistance because they misunderstood the fee policy. And remember: There is no convincing evidence that there has been any significant decline in requests for emergency services in neighboring jurisdictions where such fees policy are in place.

My position on this issue, and others related to spending, no doubt contributed to my defeat in the Democratic primary last month. That doesn’t mean I was wrong. The Montgomery County government will continue to face fiscal challenges and growing social needs over the next decade.

It’s time to close the curtains on the adolescent, testosterone-driven theatrics of the past four years of county politics. We need to face up to the financial difficulties we are in and put the people of Montgomery County first — especially those who have little voice in this political fight and will undoubtedly shoulder the burden of service elimination and program cuts.

The writer is a member of the Montgomery County Council (D-At Large).

Public Safety and Management & Fiscal Policy Committees Discuss Bill 45-10 and Public Safety System Modernization

2010-10-06T11:17:00.000-04:00

Bill 45-10

Most of this morning’s discussion focused on Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity. This Bill would create a two-tiered system to distinguish between partial and total disability in regard to disability retirement benefits. The Councilmembers agreed that a two-tiered system makes sense, but would like the details to be worked out during collective bargaining. Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that she was happy that everyone seemed to be on the same page with respect to establishing a two-tiered system. Presenters included representatives of the Office of the County Attorney as well as the Fraternal Order of Police. No action was taken this morning and a follow-up work session will be scheduled.

Public Safety System Modernization

The committees held a briefing/discussion regarding an amendment to the Public Safety Modernization (PSSM) CIP project and a Supplemental appropriation of $21.6 million. The purpose of the supplemental appropriation and amendment is to accelerate the purchase on new replacement radios. In addition, Spring/Nextel, which is responsible for covering the costs associated with re-banding within the 800 MHz frequencies, has offered to pay the County $3.3 million if the County will move forward with purchasing new radios rather than proceeding with the current plan that requires the company to loan radios to the County. Steve Emanuel, Director of the Department of Technology Services, answered questions during the briefing. Councilmember Trachtenberg requested additional information on why this project is a priority at this time. There will be a scheduled work session on this topic.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Management & Fiscal Policy Committee Discussed Bill 42-10 and Bill 34-10

2010-10-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 4th at 11:30 am to discuss the following agenda items:

Bill 42-10

Bill 42-10, Personnel – Retirement – Furlough – Imputed Compensation – Represented Employees would amend the definition of regular earnings and final earnings under the employees’ retirement system and the retirement savings plan to include imputed compensation not received due to a furlough for calculating retirement contributions and benefits of represented employees. It was decided to include a definition of “furlough” in the legislation. Moreover, the committee members decided 3-0 to accept the Bill as sent over by the Executive Branch.

Bill 34-10

Bill 34-10, Finance – Public Facilities – Private Projects would amend the definition of public facilities to specifically exclude the construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alternation, repair, or modernization of any privately owned building or facility. Councilmember George Leventhal presented testimony in support of Bill 34-10. In addition, Jennifer Barrett, Director of Finance, represented the Executive Branch and answered questions. Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Ervin opposed the Bill while Councilmember Navarro supported it. Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that the Bill may open the door to other restrictions. In short, she did not feel that this legislation was in the best interest of Montgomery County.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Remarks of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the 1st Annual Benefit for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center

2010-10-04T10:39:00.002-04:00

I was pleased to receive the Marilyn J. Praisner Founders Award at last night’s 1st Annual Benefit for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center. The FJC serves as a comprehensive one-stop service shop for victims of family/domestic violence and their children. Located at 600 Jefferson Street, Suite 500, Rockville, Md., the center co-locates multiple agencies to provide coordinated advocacy, law enforcement, civil legal services and social services for wrap-around support for families. To date, the FJC has served over 2,000 individuals and families in crisis. My remarks from last night’s program follow:

“There are many people to thank tonight for this honor and recognition which I accept with humility and a distinct sense of obligation.

I’ll start by thanking my husband, Alan for your love and support. My friends here tonight – Bobbie Jean, Hannah, Joanne, Resa, Ray, Laura, Carla and Darren – for your unwavering dedication to those we strive to serve. To my colleague and friend Ike Leggett for your personal commitment to families touched by violence. To my wonderful staff, past and present – Alan, Bobbie, Naomi, Paul, Laurie - for your loyalty and dedication. To our generous donors and those gathered here tonight for your continued generosity. To the entire FJC Foundation Board, including the incomparable Catherine Leggett for your extraordinary efforts at spreading the word, supporting this important initiative and putting together this incredible event. And most importantly, the late Marilyn Praisner for her beautiful heart, her perpetual strength of character and her determination to make our vision of a FJC a reality and shining success.

I recall as if it was just yesterday the first conversation that the then Council President, the late Marilyn Praisner and I had with our County Executive Ike Leggett on the potential creation of a Montgomery County Family Justice Center. Under Marilyn’s mentorship, I brought the research literature on this exciting best practice and the clinical expertise to the first of many conversations. Marilyn brought the pragmatic directive to Ike: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Ike asked what the easy way was. Marilyn swiftly responded, “ Put it in next year’s budget or we will.” The rest is history; it was in the next year’s budget; and we’d all agree tonight that Ike Leggett is a skilled but very smart executive. He knew Marilyn and I would remain fearless and feisty in our efforts to start this essential project. Thank you Ike for having trust and confidence in our judgment and honoring Marilyn’s legacy.

As I have often stated, we know that the most effective way to prevent family violence and to respond to it is through a coordinated and comprehensive community effort. That concisely describes what the Montgomery County Family Justice Center is. The FJC provides a refuge; creates empowerment; offers hope; and reaffirms how the human spirit triumphs, with a little help from our friends. That has always been a core belief of mine and it will forever define my life’s work. It is no secret that these past few weeks have provided a temporary detour but tonight I assure you I am by no means at the end of any road.

All of us here tonight believe in the power of community. I do because I have in my life experiences witnessed the value of speaking the truth, becoming an advocate and taking on the most intractable challenges - those causes few embrace, many run from and often times that deplete one’s spirit and faith in humanity. This applies to the tragedy of family violence, the misery of poverty and political oppression, and the risk of exercising leadership in public service.

Victims become survivors. But their freedom and quality of recovery is swifter, longer and greater if others who bear witness speak up defiantly, take selfless action without hesitation, and in a measured but generous spirit embrace the concept of a shared journey. In a just community, survivors should never feel lonely or discarded, but rather valued and protected.

On a very personal note, I am guided by my heritage each and every day. I offer the following words to you as an inspiration and perhaps as a call to action, a matched set of verses straight from the Torah/Leviticus: “Love your neighbor as yourself” and “Don’t stand idly by as your neighbor bleeds.” This is the greatest commandment – to both love and act on behalf of those around us.

Let those words guide our work in the weeks and months ahead. May they help us find joy and satisfaction in our celebration tonight. And may these verses remind us daily of our obligation to one another.

Thank you for tonight’s recognition. It is deeply appreciated.”

Montgomery Council Committees to Discuss Proposed Two-Tier Disability Retirement

2010-10-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Montgomery County Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee and Public Safety Committee will meet jointly on Monday, Oct. 4, for a worksession on proposed Bill 45-10 that would create a two-tiered service connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees.

The MFP Committee, which is chaired by Duchy Trachtenberg and includes Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Nancy Navarro, and the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Phil Andrews and includes Councilmembers Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich, will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

The worksession to be conducted by the joint committees follows a public hearing held on Sept. 28 on Bill 45-10 proposing creation of a two-tiered service connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees. Under the proposal, which is sponsored by Councilmembers Trachtenberg, Andrews, Berliner and Ervin, employees eligible for a service-connected disability retirement benefit would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings.

The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at least 66.7 percent of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.

Maryland’s New Cell Phone Law To Go Into Effect Tomorrow

2010-09-30T10:40:00.002-04:00

To all residents:

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, October 1st, Maryland’s new cell phone law will go into effect. While the laws changed last year this time to make “texting” illegal while driving, this year’s change now makes it illegal to hold and talk on a cell phone while driving. The Communications Traffic Safety Act of 2010 now states:

“Prohibiting a driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion from using the driver's hands to use a handheld telephone except to initiate or terminate a wireless call or to turn on or off the handheld phone; providing that a violation of the Act may be enforced only as a secondary violation; establishing penalties of $40 for a first offense and $100 for a second offense; prohibiting a driver of a school vehicle or a holder of an instructional permit or provisional driver's license from using a handheld phone while driving; etc”.

Remember, NO “texting” or “holding and talking on a cell phone” while driving. This law begins this Friday, October 1, 2010.

For more information, several news links are available:

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/25196021/detail.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092406295.html
http://handsfreeinfo.com/maryland-cell-phone-laws-legislation
http://www.drivinglaws.org/maryland.php
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0321.htm

Public hearing on Expedited Bill 45-10, Personnel-Disability Retirement -Eligibility -Total and Partial Incapacity

2010-09-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, there will be a public hearing on Expedited Bill 45-10, Personnel-Disability Retirement -Eligibility -Total and Partial Incapacity, sponsored by Councilmembers Trachtenberg, Andrews, Berliner, and Council Vice President Ervin, introduced on July 27, 2010. A joint Public SafetylManagement and Fiscal Policy Committee worksession is tentatively scheduled for October 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Bill 45-10 would create a two-tier service-connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees. Employees eligible for a service-connected disability retirement benefit would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52 1;% of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70% of final earnings. The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at least 66 %% of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.

To read the Council analyst packet, click here.

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Celebrates 140th Anniversary!

2010-09-28T12:51:00.001-04:00

Representatives of Councilmember Trachtenberg, on behalf of the Montgomery County Council, proudly presented the following Proclamation to the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, on the occasion of its 140th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was founded in 1870 by Henry Walker, Jerry Gaither, and George Gaither, with its first formal gathering place established during 1873, in an area originally known as Providence in Wheaton, Montgomery County, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, the original members worked nights by lantern light until the original structure, a single story frame building, was finished; and they named the church the Allen Chapel, in honor of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.); and

WHEREAS, since its establishment, the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church congregation has continuously assembled and served others under the banner and living mission of the A.M.E. Church, "God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, and Man Our Brother;" and

WHEREAS, the founding members were not only concerned with worshipping and ministering to their community, but as they were also ardent about educating children, they organized and dedicated the first school for Black children within the Wheaton area in 1880, on the existing church property; and

WHEREAS, the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church will be celebrating 150 years of extraordinary service to Montgomery County residents and congregants in September 2010; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, hereby proclaims September 26, 2010 as

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH DAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Montgomery County Council takes this opportunity to recognize the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church for its history as a trail blazer, and for its many years of service to the residents of the County.

Presented on this 26th day of September in the year 2010.

Nancy Floreen
Council President

The Montgomery County Council Received Update on Economic Indicators, County Fiscal Plan and White Flint Sector Plan Financing

2010-09-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

Today, the Montgomery County Council received an update on economic indicators and the County Fiscal Plan. The Council will look toward Fiscal Year 2012 with estimates showing the County’s major known commitments are projected to increase by about 4.3 percent (not including wage growth for County agency employees) while the approved fiscal plan permits growth in agency expenditures of just 0.1 percent. For more information on this update, click here.

The County Council also received a briefing on the progress made in recent months toward developing a plan and taking action toward financing the infrastructure necessary for the development envisioned in the adopted White Flint sector plan to go forward. To read more about the White Flint financing, click here.

MFP Committee Meeting on Monday, September 27th

2010-09-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, September 27th at 10:30 am to discuss the following agenda items:

Representatives of the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) provided a brief overview of their report on Fiscal Impact Statements for Legislation and answered questions on the report. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of providing electronic updates with respect to fiscal impact statements as is the practice in Kings County, Washington.

Following the OLO update, the MFP Committee discussed two bills directly related to the report. The bills discussed included Expedited Bill 43-10, Administration-Legislative Branch-County Council-Fiscal Impact Statements and Expedited Bill 47-10, Administration – Legislative Branch-County Council-Economic Impact Statements. Joseph Beach of the Office of Management and Budget provided information to the committee members. Both bills received MFP Committee approval with minor amendments.

The final MFP agenda item focused on Expedited Bill 19-10, Taxes-Transportation Impact Tax- Amendments. Members of the Department of Transportation and the development community presented testimony. The MFP Committee agreed with the following Council Staff recommendations:

Do not apply any limit to pre-2004 credits with respect to the phase-out of existing impact tax credits, and
Do not allow impact tax credits to be used for other transportation purposes such as Policy Area Mobility Review (PAMR).

PS/MFP Joint Committee Meeting on Monday, September 27th

2010-09-28T12:12:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Phil Andrews and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, held a joint work session on Monday, September 27th at 9:45 am. The PS/MFP Committee discussed the following agenda item:

Amendments to County government collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) – Special Pay for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Providers

Joseph Adler, Director of the Office of Human Resources and Richard Bowers, Chief of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, presented testimony to the PS/MFP committee members on the issue of special pay for ALS providers. The joint committee requested additional information from the Executive Branch in order to make their decision on a provision in the bargaining agreement that would increase the special pay differential to ALS workers. Another work session on this topic has been scheduled for October 25th.

Montgomery County Council to Meet With Board of Education on Tuesday, Sept. 21

2010-09-20T16:58:00.000-04:00

Also: Public Hearing on Hotel Tax Exemption for Lockheed Martin Facility, OLO Report on Family Planning Programs

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 20, 2010—The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, Sept. 21, will have an informal lunch meeting with the County’s Board of Education. The meeting is a continuation of informal meetings the two bodies have held to discuss a variety of issues. This will be the first joint meeting since Superintendent of Schools Jerry Weast announced he would not seek appointment to another term.

The Council’s regular session will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The regular session will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). It also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. It will be rebroadcast on Friday, Sept. 24, at 9 p.m. The meeting with the Board of Education, which will be held in the Fifth Floor Conference Room, is open to the public, but will not be televised.

A public hearing that was scheduled to be held tomorrow evening by the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment and Energy Committee on amendments to the 10-Year Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan concerning water and sewer category changes was postponed until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

The morning session will include release of a report by the Office of Legislative Oversight entitled “A Review of Publicly Funded Family Planning Programs.” The Council’s Health and Human Services Committee has tentatively scheduled a worksession on the report for Monday, Oct. 4.

The Council will hold nine public hearings tomorrow afternoon including on one on Zoning Text Amendment 10-12 concerning “Child Lot Standards” for properties in the County’s Agricultural Reserve. Property owners who owned their property prior to 1981 are entitled to create building lots for their children or their spouse’s children without any limitations. ZTA 10-12 helps clarify the provisions of standards in regard to “Child Lots.”

Another public hearing will be held on Expedited Bill 44-10 regarding the County’s Room Rental and Transient Tax. The bill would exempt a corporate lodging facility from the County’s hotel-motel tax if the facility supports that company’s headquarters, campus, training facility or conference facility; provides lodging exclusively for that company’s employees, contractors, vendors and other business invitees; and does not offer lodging to the public.

At this time, the County is aware of one facility that this amendment would impact: The Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence. Lockheed Martin’s annual transient room taxes for the facility are approximately $450,000. In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly enacted a similar law (HB 855), exempting this kind of facility from the state sales tax. The estimated state loss of revenue from its bill is $370,900.

Montgomery Council Committee to Discuss Development Oversight Coordination Today

2010-09-20T09:41:00.000-04:00

Worksession Will Look at Proposal That Would Keep Closer Look at Evolving Future Development Districts and Intensive New Development

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 17, 2010—The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee on Monday, Sept. 20, will discuss Bill 1-10 that would require the County Executive to designate an employee in the office of the Executive or the County’s Chief Administrative Officer as development coordinator for each approved development district and each geographic area where a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.

The worksession will begin at 2 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, and Mike Knapp, chair of the Council’s PHED Committee, and Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner are sponsors of the proposed legislation.

The bill does not require the Executive to create a new position to fulfill the requirements of the bill unless it is decided that no current employee or employees can perform the required functions.

Council staff will tell the committee on Monday that in their opinion, the bill would require the Executive to designate coordinators for the Clarksburg Town Center development district, which has been approved, but not implemented. It also would require coordinators for the recently adopted White Flint sector plan.

Montgomery County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

2010-09-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

Montgomery County will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15 – with a celebration on Thursday, September 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Executive Office Building Auditorium, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville.

County Executive Isiah Leggett and County officials will present a proclamation commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month in Montgomery County and honoring Montgomery County’s Latino Parents and Students in Action (Padres y Alumnos Latinos en Acción- Grupo PALA). A panel titled Latinos in Montgomery County: Past, Present, and Future will feature Dr. Jorge Hernandez-Fujigaki with Montgomery College; Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez with the Pew Hispanic Center; and Kate Garvey, co-chair of the Latino Youth Collaborative and Chief of Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez will make closing remarks. The event will conclude with a musical performance by Tambores de San Juan, a Venezuelan drum ensemble.

The free event is co-hosted by the County Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships and the Montgomery County Government Hispanic Employees Association and is open to the public.

Below is a full calendar of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Montgomery County.

September 16, Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Panel Discussion on Latinos in Montgomery County: Understanding our Past, Present and Future; Executive Office Building Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville, 4 p.m.
September 18, Mayan Calendar in the Planetarium, Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 7600 Takoma Ave., 7 p.m.
September 18, Rockville’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Rockville Town Square, 4 p.m.
September 21 – October 13, XXI American Film Institute Latin American Film Festival, The AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Check the website at www.AFI.com for show times.
September 23, Bilingual Lecture and Book Discussion of “Malinche” (written by Laura Esquivel) Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., 6:30 p.m.
September 23, Celebración Latina: Band and Service Learning Information Session, Student Services Center Atrium, Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 7625 Fenton St. 11 a.m.
September 24, “Pistolera” Mexican Rock Concert, Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 7600 Takoma Ave., 7:30 p.m.*
September 25, Dani Cortaza, Virtuoso Guitarist – Latin Jazz, Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue, 2 p.m.
October 2, 10th Annual Housing Fair and Financial Fitness Day, Activity Center at Bohrer Park: 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, 10 a.m.
October 2, Cantaré, Songs and Rhythms of Latin America, Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, 10:30a.m.; and Germantown Library,19840 Century Boulevard, 2 p.m.
October 2, Ritmos del Perú (Rhythms from Peru) Peruvian Dance, Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, 2 p.m.
October 6, Workshops of Brazilian Music, Black Box Theatre, Pavilion 4, Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, corner of Philadephia and Chicago avenues in Pavilion Four (Refugee Training Center), 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
October 7, From Storyteller to Advocate: Transforming Experience into Political Change. Student Activity Center, Montgomery College Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Advocacy session,11 a.m.; storytelling session 1:30 p.m.
October 7, Origem- Concert of Brazilian Jazz, Montgomery College Music Recital Hall, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, 7:30 p.m.
October 9, Family Day / Día de la Familia, Theatre Arts Arena, Montgomery College Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., 1 p.m.
October 9, Community and Job Fair, Legacy Hotel, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 10 a.m.

*There is a fee associated with this event.

For more Hispanic Heritage Month events, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/latino, or call the Office of Community Partnerships at 240-777-2525.

East Germantown/Milestone Fire Station #34 to Open this Saturday, September 11th

2010-09-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

You are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony forthe East Germantown/Milestone Fire Station #34 this Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. The Station is located at 20633 Boland Farm Road in Germantown. The Station will served the Neelsville, Middlebrook and Germantown areas.

You're Invited to the 33rd Takoma Park Folk Festival!

2010-09-10T12:48:00.000-04:00

Since its inception in 1978, the Takoma Park Folk Festival has been a community affair, organized by volunteers from the Takoma Park area.

This one-day FREE festival showcases the local talent of the Washington, D.C. area and features all kinds of music, dance, crafts, children's entertainment, and food.

The Festival runs from 11 am to 6:30 pm, rain or shine, and is FREE to all!

It will take place at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd, Takoma Park, MD (map and directions) on Sunday September 12, 2010.

For more information, click here.

You're Invited to the 7th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival

2010-09-10T12:43:00.001-04:00

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival, now entering its seventh year, is proud to announce its featured headliner, world-renown New Orleans legend Aaron Neville and his Quintet featuring Charles Neville. Included among our other performers, Silver Spring’s own superstar jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, as well as Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band, Rumba Club, and vocalist Janine Carter.

Date: Sat, September 11th 2010
Time: 3:30pm - 10:30pm
Location: Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza

Watch the Jazz Festival Video from 2009!

Code Red Air Quality Day for Today, Tuesday August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T09:32:00.000-04:00

During Code Red air quality days, air pollution levels are considered unhealthy for everyone. The EPA advises everyone to limit strenuous outdoor activity, and advises children, older adults, and anyone with a respiratory or heart condition to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION TO AIR POLLUTION!

Ground level ozone is formed during hot summer days from the reaction of sunlight with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NOx and VOCs come from many sources including vehicle and power plant emissions, lawn mowers and other fuel burning equipment, and vapors from gasoline, paints, and industrial processes.

Take These Steps to Reduce Air Pollution:

Carpool, telecommute, or take mass transit to get to work
Limit driving and combine errands
Refuel after dark
Do not use gasoline-powered lawn equipment, including mowers
Wait for a cooler day to use oil-based paints or switch to non-solvent or low VOC-based paints
Avoid using aerosols and household products that contain solvents
Walk to nearby restaurants or bring your lunch to avoid mid-day driving
Conserve energy at home, at work, and everywhere to reduce power demand

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Baltimore/Washington region, more than 320,000 adults and 100,000 children have asthma.

On Air Quality Action Days, mowing a typical lawn produces the same amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an ozone forming compound, as driving a car from Montgomery County to Raleigh, NC.

Every summer day, the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment releases more than 100 times the VOCs of a typical large industrial plant.

For more information and real time air quality levels, visit the Clean Air Partners website at: http://www.cleanairpartners.net/ or contact Pam Parker, Senior Air Planner at the Department of Environmental Protection, 240.777.7758.

Montgomery Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg’s Statement Before Maryland Public Service Commission

2010-08-31T09:25:00.000-04:00

ROCKVILLE, Md., August 30, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg today testified at a Maryland Public Service Commission public hearing in Rockville that is part of the PSC’s investigation into the reliability of electricity provider Pepco.

The complete text of Councilmember Trachtenberg’s statement:

Good evening.

Earlier this year, Montgomery County experienced one of the most severe winter storms in years. With that storm, Pepco’s emergency plan and preparedness were tested. However, as our homes went without power for days and we were forced to take refuge in hotels of those fortunate areas that had power, we saw that Pepco’s emergency plan was inadequate. After the storms, we, the Council, met with Pepco and discussed their emergency plan. We concluded that improvements needed to be made. As noted then, this was not the first time Pepco’s emergency response was tested and shown to be inadequate.

This past July, several months since the winter, we experienced other severe storms causing major disruptions to our daily lives. During these instances, Pepco had the opportunity to prove to us—its customers and our constituents—that improvements were made and that they could implement an adequate response. It was an opportunity to restore our faith in the utility company. However, as we know, Pepco failed to meet our expectations. Once again, many of us lost power for days.

I am amazed that Pepco did not take any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms and other disruptions. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. That there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is unexplainable and inexcusable.

The frequency, number and duration of the power outages experienced by customers in the Pepco service area—and the apparent breakdown of adequate communication between the company and its customers during these outage events—is unacceptable. It was unacceptable for Pepco to begin a restoration information hotline days after the July storm that told everyone, regardless of where they lived or the severity of their situation, that a power restoration time would be ‘Friday at 11:59 p.m.’ A ghost ‘restoration time’ was neither the solution nor an adequate means of communicating real priority to consumers.

Frequent and extended interruptions in electric service, as we have experienced, undoubtedly have serious consequences for public safety, public health, business operations and our overall quality of life. As public officials, as community leaders and as concerned neighbors, we must be especially mindful of the dangerous impact that these extended outages have on the elderly, those who rely on their medical equipment, parents with infants and children—as well as our hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It should not take a tragic event or public health crisis for Pepco administrators to take action and improve both their emergency response and overall service quality. In my mind, our greatest obligation as public servants, and even as utility providers, is to protect the safety and well-being of our Montgomery County residents—the 305,000 who happen to be Pepco customers.

I hope that Pepco understands the responsibility they must honor in the months and years ahead.

Groundbreaking! The New Silver Spring Library!

2010-08-31T09:22:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled to join County Executive Ike Leggett, Council President Nancy Floreen, Councilmembers Marc Elrich, George Leventhal and Valerie Ervin, and a large group of friends, neighbors, library advocates, business owners, community leaders, and County staff for today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Silver Spring Library.

The new library will be located at the intersections of Wayne Avenue, Fenton Street, and Bonifant Street in downtown Silver Spring. The building is designed to create an open, inviting environment, with convenient public access. The library will be part of the mixed-use public facility and transit stop and will serve as a cultural landmark. Designed by The Lukmire Partnership, Inc., the project will be a Silver LEED building. In addition to the library that will occupy three floors, the building will also house a coffee bar and an art store, gallery, offices and classrooms for Pyramid Atlantic, a Silver Spring-based nonprofit dedicated to the creation and appreciation of handmade paper, printmaking, digital arts, and the art of the book. Plans call for the County’s Department of Health and Human Services to also have offices in the building. Large and small public meeting rooms would also occupy one floor. “Green” roofs will be located on the top level and at the entry pavilion roof that will be visible from the children’s floor.

The new library will include print and non-print collections for adults, children, and teens on separate floors, large and small meeting rooms, group study and/or tutor rooms, a computer lab and an early literacy area for parents and young children. The site will also serve as a light rail stop on the future Purple Line. A multi-story, mixed-income rental apartment building developed by a private contractor will be constructed on the Bonifant Street side of the site.

Site construction, including undergrounding and relocation of utility lines will begin immediately and take about 10 months.

For more information, visit the project website here.

Invitation to Speak at Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability

2010-08-27T09:45:00.000-04:00

INVITATION

Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability

Monday, August 30, 2010

Montgomery County Council Office Building

100 Maryland Avenue

Rockville, MD 20852

I share your concerns about the reliability of the electricity system in Montgomery County. Too frequently, Montgomery County residents have had to suffer through extended interruptions in electric service, with serious impacts on public safety, public health, business operations, and their residential quality of life. At a recent Council hearing on these issues, I was astonished to learn that Pepco had not taken any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms of earlier this year. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. The fact that there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is inexcusable and demands investigation by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

On Monday, August 30, 2010, you are invited to attend and to share your concerns about the reliability of PEPCO’s electricity distribution reliability at a Public Hearing that will be held in the Council Office Building in Rockville.

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is continuing its investigation into “the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers” by holding a public hearing at the Montgomery County Council’s Stella Werner Office Building in Rockville at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.

The public hearing will be held in the third floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. Elected officials who wish to speak should contact the PSC’s director of legislative affairs by Aug. 27.

If you wish to speak at the hearing, you must sign in at the hearing room starting at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be limited to a maximum of five minutes. All attending must bring photo identification to enter the hearing room.

Written comments may be filed by Aug. 31. Originally signed comments on paper may be submitted to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Comments must reference “Case No. 9240—Public Comment.” To ensure comments are entered into the PSC docket system, all comments must be mailed or hand-delivered. Comments sent via e-mail or fax will not be entered into the Commission’s docket system.

The public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

This is an important valuable opportunity for you to express your views and opinions to the County Council about Pepco's operations and reliability. Your attendance and participation will help our efforts immeasurably.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Silver Spring Library!

2010-08-26T14:19:00.000-04:00

County Executive Isiah Leggett

and the Montgomery County Council

cordially invite you to attend

the

Groundbreaking Ceremony

for the

New Silver Spring Library Building

Monday, August 30, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Project construction site

Downtown Silver Spring

900 Wayne Avenue

(corner of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street)

Parking available at the Wayne Avenue Garage

Take Metro (Red Line) to the Silver Spring Stop,

then walk 4-5 blocks

Please RSVP at

240-777-0033

To request ADA program accommodations

email drcinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov

or call the Silver Spring Library at 240-773-9420

Trachtenberg Office Attends Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

2010-08-20T15:06:00.002-04:00

Representatives from the Office of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair this week. The fair, which was started in 1945, is the largest of its kind in the state of Maryland. The objective of the fair is to exhibit livestock and local produce, promote agriculture through education of the community regarding agricultural issues and providing a meeting place for those interested in agriculture to secure growth in future generations. The organizers of the fair are also committed to educating members of urban communities, helping them to acquire an appreciation and understanding of agriculture.

The fair is located at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg (16 Chestnut Street) and will be open to the public until Saturday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. For directions, click here. General admission price is $10 per person and children under 11 enter free! For tickets, click here.

Emily Hoopes from the Trachtenberg office poses at the Personal Ponies booth. Personal Ponies is dedicated to the belief that the life of a child with disabilities can be immeasurably enriched by having a tiny pony to love and care for. The interaction and bonding that occurs between a tiny pony and a child with disabilities is nothing less than magic. Creating magic in children’s lives is Personal Ponies only mission. Personal Ponies is part of the Chasin Dreams Farm located in the heart of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and serve children that are differently able throughout Montgomery County. For more information, click here.

Invitation to Public Hearing on Pepco and Electricity Reliability in Montgomery County - August 30, 2010 at 6 pm

2010-08-20T14:02:00.001-04:00

INVITATION

Maryland PSC Public Hearing on Pepco Operations and Electricity Reliability

Monday, August 30, 2010

Montgomery County Council Office Building

100 Maryland Avenue

Rockville, MD 20852

On Monday, August 30, 2010, you are invited to attend and to share your concerns about the reliability of PEPCO’s electricity distribution reliability at a Public Hearing that will be held in the Council Office Building in Rockville.

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is continuing its investigation into “the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers” by holding a public hearing at the Montgomery County Council’s Stella Werner Office Building in Rockville at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.

The public hearing will be held in the third floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. Elected officials who wish to speak should contact the PSC’s director of legislative affairs by Aug. 27.

If you wish to speak at the hearing, you must sign in at the hearing room starting at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be limited to a maximum of five minutes. All attending must bring photo identification to enter the hearing room.

Written comments may be filed by Aug. 31. Originally signed comments on paper may be submitted to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Comments must reference “Case No. 9240—Public Comment.” To ensure comments are entered into the PSC docket system, all comments must be mailed or hand-delivered. Comments sent via e-mail or fax will not be entered into the Commission’s docket system.

The public hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Trachtenberg Office Tours Department of Technology Services Facilities

2010-08-19T10:56:00.005-04:00

On August 11th, the Trachtenberg Office toured several facilities of Montgomery County's Department of Technology Services (DTS). Michael Knuppel, Chief Technology Officer of DTS, was our tour guide and coordinated all aspects of the tour. The first stop on the tour was the Council Office Building (COB) data center. Dieter Klinger, Division Chief of the Enterprise Systems & Operations Division (ESOD) and Max Stucky, Division Chief of the Enterprise Telecommunication Services Division (ETSD) provided information to us regarding maintenance issues. We discussed the need for cooling systems and temperature controls to keep the data center working at its maximum efficiency.

The DTS tour second stop was the Shady Grove tower site, a small and narrow gated facility. The following people guided us through the tower site: Bobby Johnson, Manager of Radio Communication Services; Joe Sabolic, Radio Technician Supervision; Alex Tsai, Senior IT Specialist and Robert Gould, Motorola on-site contractor. We learned about the public safety radio system and how it works throughout our County. The magnitude of radio systems in one small area was impressive. All radio communications in the County flow through the tower site.

Finally, we toured the Public Safety Communication Center (PSCC). Bill Ferretti – MCPD/Deputy Director of 911 Operations provided the tour. We had an opportunity to view the room in which emergency 911 calls are fielded. Mr. Ferretti explained the in-depth and lengthy training for a 911 call-taker. In addition, we visited the “situation room” in which heads of departments gather during an emergency situation such as this winter’s Snowmaggedon.

Alan Bowser, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Trachtenberg, and Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy for Councilmember Trachtenberg, represented the Trachtenberg office. For more information, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg at 240-777-7948 or Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information on the County's Department of Technology Services, click here

Councilmember Trachtenberg Attends Maryland Public Service Commission Hearing on PEPCO Reliability

2010-08-18T15:36:00.002-04:00

Duchy Trachtenberg joined her County Council colleagues in Baltimore yesterday as the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated “a proceeding to investigate the reliability of Potomac Electric Power Company’s (Pepco) electric distribution system and the quality of electric distribution service that Pepco is providing its customers.” The Public Service Commission ordered Pepco’s chief operating officer and the company’s senior officers responsible for system reliability and construction of maintenance, storm restoration and customer service and communications to appear at a “legislative-type hearing” in the commission’s 16th floor hearing room at the William Donald Schaefer Tower at 6 Saint Paul Street in Baltimore.

“I have ongoing concerns about the reliability of the electricity system in Montgomery County,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Too frequently, Montgomery County residents have had to suffer through extended interruptions in electric service, with serious impacts on public safety, public health, business operations, and their residential quality of life. At our recent hearing on these issues, I was astonished to learn that Pepco had not taken any remedial steps to improve system reliability following the devastating winter storms of earlier this year. This was an important opportunity to assess system weaknesses and to enhance energy security for our County. The fact that there were no ‘lessons learned’ and no remedial steps taken is inexcusable and demands investigation by the Maryland Public Service Commission,” she said.

The Public Service Commission announced on Thursday evening, Aug. 12, that it would begin the investigation after morning and afternoon storms that day left more than 90,000 customers without power. The Commission’s order stated the investigation was being initiated “because of the frequency, number and duration of the power outages experienced by customer in the Pepco service area and the apparent breakdown of adequate communication between the company and its customer during these outage events.” The Commission went on to say that it “finds it necessary to conduct an immediate investigation into the reliability of the Pepco distribution system and the quality of distribution service Pepco is providing its customers, including but not limited to its performance during and following severe storms, and a comprehensive examination of Pepco’s storm preparedness and reliability.”

The County Council’s letter of July 29th to the PSC asking for an investigation cited many of the same concerns the PSC identified in deciding to act. In their letter, Councilmembers wrote: “We are writing to ask the Commission to open an investigation into the reliability of electricity in Pepco’s Montgomery County’s service territory. Our residents and businesses have suffered an unacceptable number and duration of outages for many years, outages that have harmed public health, public safety and the County’s economy. As a distribution-only utility, the quality and reliability of Pepco’s service is exclusively within your authority. We ask you to invoke that authority to ensure our citizens of acceptable levels of reliability.”

SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2010-08-13T10:18:00.000-04:00

* As a result of yesterday’s severe thunderstorms, about 32,000 customers in Montgomery County are without power.

* Approximately 30 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.

*Ride On bus service

Expect detours and delays due to road closures. Currently, portions of Rtes. 2, 10, 13, 14, 19 and 57 are being detoured due to road closures. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rideon for Ride On information on bus routes.

*There are still about 23 roads that are closed in Montgomery County, primarily in the downcounty.

*Libraries:

The Long Branch Library remains closed due to power outages.

*Recreation facilities:

All indoor and outdoor pools are closed.

Wheaton, Coffield and Long Branch community centers are closed.

*The Montgomery County Department of Parks reports the following closures:

Park train cloWheaton Regional sed.

Cabin John Regional Park train closed.

The Park Permit office at 9500 Brunett Avenue in Silver Spring remains closed due to power outages. Check http://www.parkpermits.org/ for updated information.

Park patrons are advised to call ahead to check on status of park facilities.

* For emergencies, call 911.

* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 311, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.

* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.

* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.

As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.

Food safety tips

Disposal of tree debris in Montgomery County

Disposing of Tree Debris in Montgomery County

2010-08-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

Trees or branches may be disposed as follows:

On Private Property:

Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.

Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.

Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste for hours of operation.

Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.

Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.

In the Public Right-of-Way:

Montgomery County Department of Transportation crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.

To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.

SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2010-08-12T11:32:00.000-04:00

* As a result of this morning’s severe thunderstorm, about 72,000 customers in Montgomery County are without power.

* About 150 traffic signals are without power. Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.

* Metro Red Line stations at Forest Glen and Cleveland Park are closed due to flooding; Silver Spring and Takoma Park are running on “single track.”

* For emergencies, call 911.

* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.

* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.

* To report "hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.

As power is restored in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.

Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.

Today: Code Orange Air Quality Action Day in Effect in Montgomery County

2010-08-10T09:40:00.000-04:00

Today's a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day, indicating unhealthy air quality. As part of the region’s Air Quality Action Day program, Montgomery County takes voluntary actions to reduce its emissions of smog-forming chemicals, including ozone, and particulate matter. These voluntary actions include refueling County vehicles after dusk and curtailing median strip spraying, mowing and most asphalt paving.

Residents are also urged to take the following steps to reduce harmful air emissions:

• Carpool, telecommute, or take mass transit to work;
• Limit driving and combine errands;
• Refuel after dark;
• Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, including mowers;
• Wait for a cooler day to use oil-based paints or switch to non-solvent or low VOC-based paints;
• Avoid using aerosols and household products that contain solvents;
• Avoid mid-day driving; or
• Conserve energy at home and work to reduce power demand.

Ozone is a major element of urban smog, and its presence can limit one’s ability to take a deep breath, or cause coughing, throat irritation, and breathing discomfort. There is also evidence that ozone can lower resistance to respiratory disease (such as pneumonia), damage lung tissue, and aggravate chronic lung disease (such as bronchitis). Children and those with pre-existing lung problems (such as asthma) are sensitive to the health effects of ozone. Even healthy adults involved in moderate or strenuous outdoor activities can experience the unhealthy effects of ozone.

Another air pollutant of concern in the Washington Metropolitan area is particulate matter. Particles in the air can cause or aggravate a number of health problems and have been linked with illnesses and deaths from heart or lung disease. At highest risk from particle pollution are people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children whose lungs are still developing, and adults and children who are active outdoors. Particles of concern include both very small, “fine” particles (that can only be seen through an electron microscope) and somewhat larger “coarse” dust particles. Fine particles have been more definitively linked to the most serious health problems.

Unhealthy levels of ground level ozone occur in the summer as intense sunlight interacts with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) volatile organic compounds. Ozone forming pollutants originate from vehicles, lawn-mowers and boats; emissions from power plants and other fuel burning equipment; and vapors from gasoline, paints and industrial processes. Particulate matter can either be directly emitted into the air or formed in the atmosphere by reactions of fuel combustion gases. Any measures taken to reduce ozone forming emissions will also reduce particulate matter.

Vehicles account for 30 to 40 percent of the pollutants that cause ozone in the Baltimore/Washington area and every summer day, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment release more than 100 times the VOC’s of a typical large industrial plant. For every person who postpones lawn mowing on Air Quality Action Days, potential VOC reductions equal the amount generated by a car driving from Montgomery County to Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Washington region is in violation of Federal air quality standards established under the Clean Air Act for ozone. In addition to concerns about public health effects caused by poor air quality, the region could also lose federal funds for highway projects if Federal standards are not met. This could ultimately lead to even worse levels of congestion and air quality.

The region has successfully lowered overall pollution and reduced the number of Code Red days each summer. However, adding to the region’s challenge, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recognizing the serious health impacts from ozone and particulate matter, established tougher air quality standards. While an air quality forecast of Code Red historically indicated poor air quality that did not meet Federal health based standards, now a Code Orange air quality forecast indicates air quality that fails to meet the strengthened Federal standards.

For more information visit the County’s Department of Environmental Protection’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep, or call 240-777-7700. For information on Ride On bus schedules, call the Transit Information Center at 311 (within Montgomery County) or 240-777-0311, or check the County’s web site at http://www.rideonbus.com/.

Congratulations to the Bethesda Big Train

2010-08-06T14:12:00.003-04:00

The Trachtenberg office extends hardy congratulations to the Bethesda Big Train for capturing their second consecutive Cal Ripken Collegiate League Championship (CRCBL) last Saturday night at Povich Field before a crowd of 600, winning with a score of 8-4 over the Baltimore Redbirds!

Big Train entered the Championship Series as the #3 seed and knocked off the #1 seed, Youse’s Orioles and then went on to prevail over the #2 seed Baltimore Redbirds becoming the first team to repeat as outright CRCBL champs!!

Thanks for another terrific summer of the best family entertainment value in Montgomery County! We look forward to another great series next summer!

For more information about the Bethesda Big Train, please visit http://www.bigtrain.org/

Trachtenberg Office Attends Countywide National Night Out Celebrations

2010-08-04T13:19:00.003-04:00

I was pleased to join in Montgomery County’s annual “National Night Out” (NNO) celebration. I attended the Olney’s popular NNO parade and celebration, while members of my staff fanned out across the County to support the community’s efforts to promote public safety and crime awareness. In addition to Olney, we visited with neighbors in the Indian Spring neighborhood at the Indian Spring Terrace Recreation Center, the Lyttonsville-Rosemary Hills community at the Coffield Recreation Center, in South Four Corners at the Forest Glen-Dallas Avenue Neighborhood Park, in Northwood and North Four Corners at the Forest Knolls Pool, and in the Park Hills neighborhood in East Silver Spring. We were pleased to see County Executive Ike Leggett, Police Chief Tom Manger, State’s Attorney John McCarthy, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen visiting our communities as well.

National Night Out is an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). It is designed to generate neighborhood support and participation in crime prevention efforts and to enhance police and community relations.

Check out the following National Night Out photos from around the County:

Right move on disability payments

2010-08-04T12:17:00.001-04:00

Editorial, Gazette, Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Two-tiered system would save money, create equity.

Given the sobering statistics about disability benefits for police officers brought to light in multiple reports from Montgomery's Office of the Inspector General, the County Council is long overdue for action to reform the payment system.

In 2008, the inspector general reported that more than 60 percent of the 93 police officers who retired between July 1, 2004 and March 1, 2008, qualified for disability benefits, which pay at least two-thirds of an officer's salary. In the report, the inspector general wrote that the payment process exhibited "behavior that we believe a prudent person would consider abusive."

To help curb any abuses, council members Phil Andrews, Duchy Trachtenberg, Valerie Ervin and Roger Berliner are pushing for a bill to create a two-tiered system — currently in place for the county's firefighters — that would grant lesser benefits for officers with less severe injuries.

According to the proposal, a total incapacity benefit would be awarded if the disability would prevent the employee from working for at least one year. Partial incapacity would be awarded for employees who are unable to perform at least one essential function of his or her current job, but who could be employed elsewhere.

A partial incapacity benefit would be at least 52.5 percent of final earnings annually; a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings annually. The bill is prospective, meaning that officers now receiving benefits would continue with their current payments.

In all, the changes could save the county about $1.5 million in police disability payments.

But this bill is about more than financial savings. It's a matter of just and proper treatment for employees who have been injured, based on their ability to function in the workplace. The idea that an officer who loses use of a trigger finger should receive the same treatment as one who is wholly paralyzed conflicts with accepted principles of equity.

The County Council has been moving in a positive direction in changing some of the practices that bleed dollars bit by bit, like the repeal of pension benefits based on cost of living increases that were never given and the elimination of misused tuition assistance programs. Creating a tiered disability payment system for police would be another step.

Click here to read the article on the Gazette.

Montgomery's hobbled police

2010-08-04T12:14:00.001-04:00

Editorial, Washington Post, Monday, August 2, 2010

MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S police force includes many dedicated and excellent officers. To the naked eye, most seem to be in fine physical condition. This must be an illusion, however, since so many of them continue to retire with full disability benefits, imposing a heavy cost on the county.

Between 2004 and 2008, about three in five county police officers were granted disability status upon retirement, meaning they receive two-thirds of their salary for life, tax-free. These numbers are without equal in other police departments around the region, including Prince George's County, where large majorities of officers manage to make it to retirement in good health despite a crime rate much higher than Montgomery's.

After this racket was exposed in the media two years ago, the numbers fell off, but only by a little. In the most recent fiscal year, which ended June 30, 18 of the 44 Montgomery police employees who retired were granted disability status -- in some instances for injuries, including relatively minor ones, that took place many years earlier. Keep in mind that in the past, some of these disabled retirees have gone on to land full-time employment, sometimes with other law enforcement agencies and often in roles that are physically demanding.

Of course, this scam gouges taxpayers -- just one of a number run by police officers under the protection of a union that jealously guards the perks of its dues-paying members. In a report released almost two years ago, the county's inspector general, Thomas J. Dagley, found police conduct in claiming disabilities that a "prudent person would consider abusive."

Still, it has continued. Last year, the Montgomery County Council, in thrall as usual to public employee unions, shied away from legislation to address it. And this year, the Fraternal Order of Police refused to relinquish the benefit in contract negotiations despite the disgrace it has earned the department.

Now the county has another chance to correct this abuse. Two council members, Duchy Trachtenberg (At Large) and Phil Andrews (Gaithersburg-Rockville), both Democrats, are introducing legislation that sensibly distinguishes between serious and minor disabilities, so that an officer with an injured finger is not treated in the same way as one paralyzed from the neck down.

The bill also prohibits officers guilty of firing offenses from claiming disability retirements, as they can now. (One such officer, Sgt. Jacqueline Davey, was granted a disability pension last month despite facing trial on charges that she stole more than $10,000 by billing the county for hours she didn't work. Sgt. Davey has denied the charges.)

The legislation will not come up for a vote before the fall, but already a majority of council members have expressed support for it. We urge every member of the council to sign on as a co-sponsor.

Click here to read the article on the Washington Post.

AVOID LINES ON ELECTION DAY – VOTE EARLY

2010-08-04T12:10:00.001-04:00

For the first time the State of Maryland is implementing Early Voting for the Gubernatorial Primary Election. Montgomery County will open 5 Early Voting Centers from September 3 – 9, excluding Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Voters are able to vote on the same voting equipment used on Election Day, but at a time that is more convenient.

Early Voting Centers are located at:

Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 20853
Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown 20874
Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 20866
Montgomery County Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville 20850
Silver Spring Civic Building, 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring 20910

Voters are encouraged to visit our website – http://www.777vote.org/ – to view additional information on the Early Voting Centers. During Early Voting hours, the website will display a scroll bar which will provide wait times of each of the five Centers, updated hourly.

For more information on Early Voting, please call 240-777-VOTE (8683).

Montgomery Council Asks Maryland Public Service Commission to Investigate Pepco’s ‘Reliability of Electricity’

2010-08-02T20:06:00.000-04:00

County’s Letter to MPSC Chair Asks ‘Whether or Not Pepco Has Sufficient In-house Staff to Maintain its Infrastructure’

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 29, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously signed a letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission asking for “an investigation into the reliability of electricity in Pepco’s Montgomery County’s service territory.” More than 200,000 County homes were left without electricity for various periods following a sudden storm on Sunday, July 25. Many homes were still without power as the Council signed the letter five days later.

“Our residents and businesses have suffered an unacceptable number and duration of outages for many years, outages that have harmed public health, public safety and the County’s economy,” reads the letter addressed to Douglas R.M. Nazarian, Chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission. “As a distribution-only utility, the quality and reliability of Pepco’s service is exclusively within your authority. We ask you to invoke that authority to ensure our citizens of acceptable levels of reliability.”

The letter also cites that Montgomery County suffers isolated power outages even when major winter or other storms are not the cause. “And this happens all too often,” the letter states, “leading us to ask whether or not Pepco has sufficient in-house staff to maintain its infrastructure.”

Click here to read the complete letter.

Trachtenberg, Andrews launch effort to reform disability retirement for Montgomery County police - Gazette

2010-08-02T15:33:00.002-04:00

Bill would create two-tiered benefits system based on severity of injury

by Erin Cunningham, Gazette Staff Writer

Should a Montgomery County police officer with a broken trigger finger receive the same disability retirement benefits as a fellow officer who is paralyzed?

County Council members Philip Andrews and Duchy Trachtenberg say no.

They introduced a bill Tuesday to create a two-tiered system — currently in place for the county's firefighters — that would grant a lesser benefit for officers with less severe injuries.

Council members Valerie Ervin and Roger Berliner are co-sponsors of the legislation.

"There is a real difference between a broken finger and a paralyzed spine," Trachtenberg said. "You can't give the same benefit to someone who has a broken finger and someone who is in a wheelchair for life."

But that is what the county has been doing.

The bill stems from concerns over the number officers receiving a disability benefit for injuries suffered on the job — about 60 percent of those who retired in 2008, according to an inspector general's report.

More recent data show that 18 of 44 police officers who retired between July 2009 and June 2010 received disability benefits, county spokesman Patrick K. Lacefield said.

Inspector General Thomas Dagley reported that in fiscal 2008, 837 county employees received disability benefits, totaling $32 million. Of those employees, 264 were former police officers who received a combined $13 million.

Under the bill introduced by Trachtenberg (D-At large) of North Bethesda and Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg, a county employee who retires due to service-connected disability would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings annually, or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings annually. Chief Administrative Officer Timothy Firestine ultimately sets the benefit amount.

Click here to read the entire Gazette article

Read my Latest Newsletter

2010-08-02T12:33:00.000-04:00

July 2010

Click here to read my latest newsletter.

In this issue you will find information about the following:

Summer Storm Update

Disability Retirement Reform Bill
Triple-A Bond Rating
Mental Health Court
Sligo Creek Golf Course
Restaurant Menu Labeling
Silver Spring Civic Building
Weed & Seed Program
Purple Line Functional Plan
Health Care Reform
Aunt Hattie's Place
Montgomery Heritage Days
Jean Cryor
MFP Updates
Duchy's Recipe

SUMMER STORM UPDATE

2010-07-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

Power Restoration Status (updated):

• 5,535 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
• Pepco is urging residents whose time for power restoration has passed to call Pepco to ensure that they still have the address on their outage list. In addition, if a resident’s power was restored but has gone out again, call v to report the new outage.
• To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662. Other utility providers in Montgomery County are Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
• To report “hot” or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
• As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
• Pepco has about 400 crews at work.

Traffic and Ride On (updated):

• About six traffic signals remain dark. Police officers are directing traffic at many of these intersections.
• Treat all “dark” intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• About 11 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
• To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.

Libraries (new):

• Power has been restored to the Silver Spring Library. The library will open today, but the opening will be delayed to about 11:30 a.m. to allow the air conditioning to cool off the building.
• All other libraries will be open for their regular operating hours today.

Recreation Programs/Pools (reported last night):

• Classes, camps or programs at the following locations are cancelled for Thursday, July 29:

o Burning Tree Elementary School
o Carderock Springs Elementary School
o Concord Center
o Glenallan Elementary School
o Harmony Hills Elementary School
o Highland View Elementary School
o Julius West Middle School
o Sligo Middle School
o Strathmore Elementary School
o Westland Middle School

• All other Montgomery County Recreation Department programs will return to regular operations, locations and schedules on Thursday, July 29.
• For the latest updates or other information, go to the Recreation website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.

Parks (updated):

• Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory Building and the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show will reopen today at 10 a.m.
• Wheaton Ice Rink will reopen today at 4:15 p.m. for the public session.
• Brookside Nature Center remains closed due to damage from a fallen tree.
• In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
• All other facilities are open for their normal operating hours.
• Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.

Tree Debris Collection:

On Private Property:

• Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
• Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
• Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website for hours of operation.
• Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
• Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.

In the Public Right-of-Way:

• The County’s Department of Transportation’s crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
• County crews are out in full force on plow routes collecting storm debris from County right-of-ways.
• Crews have not yet completed all routes throughout the County.
• To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.

Other County Services (reported last night):

• The Department of Permitting Services will operate at its normal location, 255 Rockville Pike, today.

Food Safety:

Residents:

• Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
• View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Food Service Facilities:

• Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
• If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
• Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
• For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555
• For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
• View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information on Tuesday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County’s website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.

Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission – Opening Session

2010-07-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

I was pleased to represent my County Council colleagues this afternoon at the first meeting of the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission.

At the initiative of Councilmember Roger Berliner, the County Council has joined with the County Executive to establish a high-level working group that has been charged with developing recommendations to make Montgomery County work better.

The Commission members are: Christina Echavarren, Joan Fidler, Scott Fosler, Susan Heltemes, Daniel Hoffman, Vernon Ricks, Jr. Co-Chair, Len Simon, and Richard Wegman Co-Chair. Justina Ferber of the County Council staff will provide support to the Commission.

In my remarks to the group, I emphasized the critical importance of their work. Although the Council has made many difficult choices in recent years by, among other things, establishing a new reserve policy and implementing a balanced six-year fiscal plan, more work needs to be done to address the structural budget deficit, and to make government more effective and efficient through reform and reorganization.

I am confident that the Organizational Reform Commission can make a significant contribution to this goal.

Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Its charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.

The Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Inaugural Session of the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission

2010-07-28T17:37:00.000-04:00

On behalf of our Council President Nancy Floreen and my other Council colleagues, I want to, first, welcome you to the Council Office Building and, second, to thank you for your interest in serving our County in this important position.

As you know, Montgomery County has faced extraordinary budget challenges in recent years, and the road ahead will be rocky. But I am pleased that the Montgomery County Council has stepped up to meet these challenges directly and has taken essential measures to get our fiscal house in order.

We have reduced expenditures, increased revenues, and established a new reserve and long-term fiscal policy that will help us plan for the future. But there is more to be done, and we have great hope for this Organizational Reform Commission and its work.

Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Your charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.

As you know, the Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.

So, there is a lot of work to do. But we know you are up to the task, and we stand by ready to help in any way.

We greatly appreciate your willingness to help us move Montgomery County forward.

Thank you very much.

SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2010-07-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

Power Restoration Status (updated):
* 29,372 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.

* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at

800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.

* To report "hot" or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.

* As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.

* Pepco has about 400 crews at work.

Traffic and Ride On (updated):

* 15 traffic signals remain dark, mostly in the Bethesda area. Police officers are directing traffic at these intersections.

* Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.

* 35 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.

* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311. The 311 Call Center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.

* County crews are out in full force on plow routes sweeping roads and County right-of-ways for storm debris.

* Ride On is operating on a normal schedule. Check www.rideonbus.com for more information.

Shelters (updated):

* The shelter located at Richard Montgomery High School has closed.

Food Safety:

Residents:

* Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.

* According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.

* View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Food Service Facilities:

* Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.

* If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.

* Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.

* For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555.

* For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.

* View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Recreation Programs/Pools:

* All Department of Recreation facilities, including pools, are open, with accompanying programs in those facilities continuing as scheduled.

NORTHERN REGION CAMPS

All Up County sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.

MID COUNTY REGION:

All mid county sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.

DOWN COUNTY REGION CAMPS:

Potomac Extended and bus Route PT07 will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary School. Center Stage, Third Quarter and Patowmack will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary. Pyle Extended Camp, Arrowhead and the PY08 Bus route will be relocated to Lawton Community Center.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

Personal Pursuits and Camp Apollo will meet at Rock Terrace High and be transported off-site if the school remains without power. Big Pines, Little Pines and TR Summer Teen will meet at Bauer Drive Community Center. Project Discovery and Creative Afternoons will be canceled if Forest Knolls Elementary remains without power.

SUMMER FUN CENTERS:

These sites will be canceled for Wednesday July 28, 2010:

Chevy Chase Elementary
Highland View Elem
Wheaton High School
Wyngate Elementary
Coffield Community Center

CLASSES and CONTRACT CAMPS:

Those scheduled in schools and facilities without power will be canceled.

Parks (updated):

* Brookside Gardens and the Visitors Center is open. The Conservatory and Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit remain closed. Visitors should avoid Glenallan Avenue between the Conservatory Entrance and the Visitors Center Entrance because of a downed tree.

* The following facilities will be open Wednesday: Cabin John Miniature Train, Cabin John Ice Rink, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf facility, Wheaton Indoor Tennis Center, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park, the Black Hill Regional Park boat rental facility, Needwood boat rental facility (at Rock Creek Park), Meadowside Nature Center, the Park Permit Office in Silver Spring, Locust Grove Nature Center and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park.

* The following facilities remain closed: Wheaton Ice Rink, Wheaton Miniature Train, and Brookside Nature Center.

* In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.

* Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.

Other County Services (updated):

* County departments located at 255 Rockville Pike will resume operations there today.
* Trash and recycling pickups will operate on normal schedules.
* Little Falls library remains closed. County offices at 11 N. Washington are also still without power.
* Montgomery College campuses are open.

The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information yesterday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.

Pepco to Provide Detailed Estimated Restoration Times

2010-07-27T16:58:00.000-04:00

Pepco announced today that it will begin to provide customers with estimated restoration times. Customers without power are asked to call 1-877-737-2662 for an individual estimated restoration time. Calling 1-877-737-2662 is the fastest way for customers to receive an estimated restoration time.

As of noon, pepco crews have restored power to more than 230,000 customers and expect to have power restored to the majority of customers by Thursday.

County Offers Tips on Keeping Food Safe During Power Outage

2010-07-27T14:07:00.000-04:00

Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman today urged residents who remain without power to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.

“It is important for everyone who remains without power to determine if food is safe to eat and reduce the risk of food borne illness,” said Tillman.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Obtain dry ice or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if there is a prolonged power outage. Residents should check with local retailers for ice supplies.
Digital, dial or instant-read thermometers and appliance thermometers will help determine if the food is at safe temperatures. The refrigerator temperature should be at 40°F or below; the freezer, 0°or lower.
To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer.
Never taste food to determine its safety!
Food may be safely refrozen if the food it still contains ice crystal or is at 40°F or below. Evaluate each food item separately. Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40° F for over two hours.

For a complete chart and when to save and when to throw out certain foods, please visit the USDA’s food safety website.

Montgomery Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg to Propose Employee Disability Retirement Reform

2010-07-26T17:03:00.000-04:00

Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg on Tuesday, July 27, will introduce Bill 45-10 that would further reform disability retirement provisions for certain County employees by creating a two-tier service-connected disability retirement system with benefits for partial incapacity and total incapacity. This system would be identical to the system currently in place for members of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association. Bill 45-10, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner, would create the system for all other County employees.

Under provisions of the bill, a County employee who retires due to service-connected disability would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings. The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides for a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at 66.7 percent of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.

Under the bill, an employee would be eligible for a total incapacity benefit if the employee was unable to perform any substantial gainful activity because of an impairment that is unlikely to resolve in the next 12 months and may be permanent. An employee would be eligible for a partial incapacity benefit if the impairment prevents the employee from performing one or more of the essential functions of the employee’s position, but does not prevent the employee from performing any other substantial gainful activity.

A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 28.

“As we continue our efforts to reinforce a strong fiscal foundation for the County’s future, we must implement a multi-tiered structure for our disability retirement system that makes good fiscal sense and that is transparent and accountable,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg, who is the lead sponsor of Bill 45-10 and is chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. “And, of course, it must effectively support the medical needs of those of our employees who need it. I have come to the same conclusion as County Executive Ike Leggett that the only way to reform the system is with decisive legislative action.”

In 2009, the Council unanimously approved amended Bill 37-08 that reformed the County’s Disability Retirement Law, but that legislation, which was proposed by Councilmembers Andrews and Trachtenberg, was approved with amendments that eliminated provisions for a two-tier system.

According to the County’s Office of Human Resources, as of May 2009, only 10 of the 67 fire and rescue employees who received service-connected disability retirement since their two-tiered system began in 2000 were awarded the higher 70 percent benefit. Eighty-five percent of the awards were at the lower 52.5 percent level. Mercer, the County’s actuary, estimated that the County would save more than $2.6 million each year in the County’s retirement contribution if it extended the two-tier system to all employees.

"Last May, the Council took important first steps in reforming the County's disability retirement system by requiring independent medical exams, a more qualified and independent medical review panel, and mandatory reviews to determine continued eligibility for a disability pension,” said Councilmember Phil Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The Council opted to see if labor negotiations that began last fall would produce agreement on a two-tier retirement system, but nothing came of them. Now, the Council needs to act to reform the disability retirement system so that disability retirement benefits reflect the difference between injuries that are partial disabling and those that are fully disabling."

Councilmember Berliner, who also is a member of the Public Safety Committee, said: “It has been my hope that this issue would have been resolved by the parties in the collective bargaining process. A resolution to this problem is long past due and this legislation is a major step in the right direction.”

Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Andrews have advocated reform of the County’s disability retirement program since a September 2008 report was issued by the County’s Inspector General showing that a much greater percentage of Montgomery County police officers are awarded disability retirement than are workers in similar positions in neighboring jurisdictions.

Bill 45-10 also would prohibit the award of a service-connected disability to an employee who “has committed an offense that would justify removal for cause.” That provision also was in the original version of Bill 37-08, but was not enacted in the final version of the bill.

WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.

2010-07-26T16:55:00.003-04:00

WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.

Storm Update

2010-07-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

A major storm has caused widespread power outages.

The latest update on conditions include:

* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.

* Due to storm related power outage at 255 Rockville Pike, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) unit is closed today. All appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

* All other sites are closed, including the main administrative office.

* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.

* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.

* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.

* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

* About 187,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County remain without power.

* 270 County traffic signals remain without power.

* Downed trees throughout the County are still blocking many roads.

* A shelter is open at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.

* Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents. Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.

* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.

* All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for today, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.

* The County’s 311 call center has been activated and is available for non-emergency calls.

* Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way by calling 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.

Water customers should:

*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools

*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands.

*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use).

*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).

* Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, particularly seniors or those with special needs.

* For emergency assistance, residents should call 911.

* Don't travel if you don't need to.

* Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.

* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.

* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.

* Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.

Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."

Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.

If you have any questions or comments, please visit the MC311 Portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 or call 240-777-0311 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.

SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2010-07-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

The latest update is:

Libraries:

* The following libraries scheduled to open at 10 a.m. have no power or phone service and will not open as scheduled: Kensington Park, Little Falls, Long Branch and Wheaton.

* The following libraries will open at 10 a.m. as scheduled: Bethesda, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook.

Shelters:

* Two additional shelters have opened at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville and Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown. The shelter at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring remains open.

* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them.

* Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.

Recreation Centers:

* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.

* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.

* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.

Parks:

* The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.

* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.

Montgomery College:

* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.

Other County Facilities:

* The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store located at 17 Friendship Circle is closed today.

Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.

* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Report Power Outages and Downed Trees:

* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.

Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.

Pepco Update

2010-07-26T11:44:00.000-04:00

The following is un apdate from Pepco:

Sunday’s storm inflicted significant damage to Pepco’s electric system, causing widespread outages across our service territory. At 11:00 am approximately 227,000 customers were without power – with 176,000 in Montgomery County.

Power has been restored to more than 75,000 customers/

A power supply to WSSC Potomac Plant has been restored as well as service to Shady Grove Hospital.

Once customers are restored they may experience brief outages as the crews continue to make repairs on other sections of the circuit.

Crews will be working 24/7 until all customers’ power is restored.

When our system is damaged by severe weather, Pepco repairs equipment using a system of priorities that has been developed, taking into account public safety, community needs and the nature of the electric system.

Our restoration process is as follows:

Life Threatening emergencies / Assist Fire/Police
Transmission & Sub-Transmission Events - Typically restores several thousands of customers.
Distribution Feeder Lockouts - Typically restores 800-2,000 each.
Vicinity & Grouped Outages - Typically restores several dozen to a hundred customers.
Individual Outages - One or two restorations each.

This restoration effort will take several days. Pepco advises any customers who have special needs, such as special medical equipment, to invoke their emergency plans.

Customers Should Call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) To Report An Outage And/Or To Report Downed Electric Wires.

COOLING CENTERS – Montgomery County

East County Recreation Center 3310 Gateshead Manor Way Silver Spring, MD 20904 Open 24/7 until no longer required
Special Needs Cooling Center opening at 10 AM today Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, MD 20852 - 301 610 8000

Safety Messages

Stay away from downed power lines
Call 1-877-PEPCO62 to report downed wires
Stay away from standing water and wet areas
Keep children and pets inside

July 26, 2010 Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting is Canceled

2010-07-26T08:24:00.003-04:00

Today's MFP Committee Meeting has been canceled due to storm-related disruptions.

SUMMER STORM ALERT UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY

2010-07-25T23:40:00.007-04:00

A major storm has knocked out power to more than 200,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County and left nearly a third of the County’s traffic signals without power. A number of trees throughout the County are down, some closing roads. Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."

Montgomery County and the American Red Cross will open a shelter at midnight tonight at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.

Mandatory water restrictions have been imposed for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems because of a power outage at the Potomac Pumping Station, which provides about two-thirds of Montgomery County’s water. Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.

Water customers should:

*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools *Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands *Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use) *Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).

The County has activated its 311 call center for non-emergency calls. Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way.

All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for tomorrow, Monday, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.

* For emergency assistance, call 911.
* Don't travel if you don't need to. Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.
* Call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662 to report outages.

Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.

Check www.montgomerycountymd.gov for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.

# # #

Media Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6513

MFP Committee to discuss Memoranda of Agreement on July 26th

2010-07-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, July 26th at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The agenda items will include:

The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and will also be available via streaming through the County Web site. Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Downtown Silver Spring: Experiencing a Resurgence After a Bumpy History

2010-07-22T13:56:00.000-04:00

The renaissance that started in downtown Silver Spring nearly a decade ago continues apace with a surge of new housing, restaurants, shops and entertainment. Considered an unsuccessful example of urban renewal in the 1980s, the area now attracts street festivals, concerts, and farmers and craft markets, while great schools, convenient transportation and relatively affordable housing are bringing in people that did not expect to find themselves buying here.

Click here to read the full article.

Resolution: Approval of Planning Board's Draft for the Purple Line Functional Plan

2010-07-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

The County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, sitting as the District Council for that portion of the Maryland-Washington Regional District in Montgomery County, Maryland, approved

the Planning Board Draft for the Purple Line Functional Plan with revisions.

On April 20, 2010 the Montgomery County Planning Board transmitted to the County Executive and the County Council the Planning Board Draft for the Purple Line Functional Plan, a comprehensive amendment to the 1990 Georgetown Branch Master Plan Amendment.

On June 25, 2010 the Executive transmitted to the Council comments concerning the Planning Board Draft with a fiscal analysis.

On June 29, 2010 the Council held a public hearing regarding the Planning Board Draft. It was referred to the Transportation and Environment Committee for review and recommendation.

On July 15, 2010 the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee held a worksession to review the issues raised in connection with the Planning Board Draft. The Committee forwarded it to the Council with several revisions.

On July 20, 2010 the Council reviewed the Planning Board Draft and the recommendations of the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee. It approved Functional Plan with revisions.

Click here to read the complete Functional Plan.

County Council Approves MFP Recommendations

2010-07-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 the County Council approved all of the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) recommendations forwarded to the full Council for consideration. The MFP Committee is chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg and includes Councilmember Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Nancy Navarro.

On this morning’s consent calendar, the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities and a resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC.

During the Legislative Session (Day #22), the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics – Ethics Commission – Staff. This legislation will greatly enhance the independency of the Ethics Commission. In addition, the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation – Property Tax Credit – Business Incubator. Bill 41-09 allows a property tax credit against County property taxes imposed on property used as a business incubator.

This morning’s County Council session was televised live on CCM Channels Comcast 6, RCN 6, and Verizon 30; repeated on July 23, 2010 at 9 pm. Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this County Council session.

Congratulations to the Northwest Park Oakview Weed and Seed Program

2010-07-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the Northwest Park Oakview Weed and Seed Program which was recently honored as a 2010 Achievement Award Winner by the National Association of Counties.

In a recent letter to the Office of the Montgomery County Executive, Larry Naake, Executive Director of the national Association of Counties, said that “NACo is proud to confer this award and recognize your county’s hard work to promote quality, efficient, and responsive management and administration.”

Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is an innovative, comprehensive multiagency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. CCDO oversees the Weed and Seed initiative. Weed and Seed is foremost a strategy—rather than a grant program—that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. The more than 250 Weed and Seed sites range in size from several neighborhood blocks to several square miles, with populations ranging from 3,000 to 50,000.

The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to "seed" much-needed human services, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration programs. A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding elements. At each site, the relevant U.S. Attorney's Office plays a leadership role in organizing local officials, community representatives, and other key stakeholders to form a steering committee. The U.S. Attorney's Office also facilitates coordination of federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts so that sites effectively use federal law enforcement partners in weeding strategies. In some instances, the U.S. Attorney's Office helps sites mobilize resources from a variety of federal agencies for seeding programs.

The Weed and Seed strategy is a multilevel strategic plan that includes four basic components: law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; and neighborhood restoration. Four fundamental principles underlie the Weed and Seed strategy: collaboration, coordination, community participation, and leveraging of resources.

Congratulations to the Weed and Seed program staff and all of the community stakeholders who have made the Montgomery County’s Weed and Seed Program a national model.

To learn more about the National Association of Counties, visit their website at http://www.naco.org/

MFP Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 15th - Summary

2010-07-20T09:38:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Thursday, July 15th at 3:30 pm. The MFP Committee discussed the following agenda items:

The MFP Committee approved the resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC. Representatives from RCN and Starpower attended the Committee work session. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of municipalities with regard to granting the franchise transfer. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics-Ethics Commission-Staff to full Council for consideration. There was a public hearing on Bill 37-10 on July 13th. All of the speakers spoke in favor of Bill 37-10 which requires that the Ethics Commission staff director is a lawyer authorized to practice in the State of Maryland and that the Ethics Commission may seek guidance from the County Attorney but is not required to do so. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities to full Council for consideration. Regulation 3-10 is needed to implement Bill 46-09 on a Hiring Preference for People with Disabilities. In addition, the regulation modifies the definition of a veteran for purposes of the hiring preference.

The MFP Committee recommended amended Executive Regulation 27-09 AM, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments to full Council for consideration. This regulation implements a recent decision by the Merit System Protection Board. It states that County regulations apply to employees of the Local Fire and Rescue Departments.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Audit/MFP Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 15th - Summary

2010-07-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00 pm. Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended the meeting. The Audit Committee discussed the following agenda items:

Representatives from the Executive Branch and Consultants included: Farriba Kassiri, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Larry Dyckman, Internal Audit Manager and Frank Spasoff, Partner at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP. Independent Auditor’s Staff and Plan Representatives included: Keith Novak and Jennifer Davis, both from Clifton Gunderson, LLP and Walter E. Bader, Chair of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan.

The first portion of the work session focused on the approach and methodology of the risk assessment and three-year work plan. It was established that the work plan is a “living document” and may evolve and or change dependent on circumstances within the County. The second portion of the work session addressed the Deferred Compensation Plan. It was determined that the Deferred Compensation Plan is in good financial shape. The Committee did address a minor issue with respect to reporting of raw data.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this Audit Committee session.

HHS-PS Committee Work Session Summary—Monday July 19th

2010-07-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

Members of the Public Safety and Health and Human Services Committees met today to continue their discussion of how to better address the needs of mentally ill individuals, who have committed minor offenses, through the possible establishment of a Mental Health Court (a court with a specialized docket for eligible defendants with mental illnesses) or other programs with the goal of decriminalizing mental illness and increasing treatment compliance. The expected outcome from such efforts is to reduce recidivism by treating the underlying root causes of behaviors that bring defendants to court.

BACKGROUND:

The joint Committee last met on the topic in October 2009, when it received presentations from Dr. Fred Osher, from the Council of State Governments Justice Center; Art Wallenstein, Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation; and Uma Ahluwalia, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. It was noted then that this critical issue was also raised in the 2002 Report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Mental Health.

The study (Osher) found that the rate of current serious mental illness (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorder) for male inmates across all five study sites was 14.5% and for females 31%. In the first phase of the study (2002-2003), 18% of male inmates and 28% of female inmates in Montgomery County were found to have serious mental illness. In the second phase of the study (2005-2006) 8% of male inmates and 21% of female inmates were found to have serious mental illness.

PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

A. In addition to a presentation on FY10 Clinical Assessment Triage Service (CATS) data highlighting that 22% (1,833 persons) of those arrested were bi-polar and 15% (331 persons) had mental health disorders, two very important questions—in a policy paper by Dr. Raymond Crowe1, Montgomery County’s Chief of Behavioral Health and Crisis Services—framed the discussion between Committee members, mental health advocates and administrators, “Is Montgomery County ready for a mental health court?” and “What can we do short-term to better serve the needs of the justice-involved persons with mental illness?”

B. There were discussions about Dr. Crowel’s suggestion that the Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Initiative (CJBHI) be asked to serve as the collaborative work group to develop recommendations on strategies to support a mental health court or “mini-mental health court” that might use another mechanism, such as placing a case on the stet docket (a docket, maintained by the state’s attorney’s office, in which the court indefinitely postpones trial of a criminal charge), as an incentive to comply with treatment while addressing the court’s concern about additional workload. (The County’s Intervention Program for Substance Abusers (IPSA) places the cases of certain misdemeanor drug offenders on the stet docket while they complete a required program. If they are successful, the case is dropped, if not, the case may move forward. These cases require no special docketing by the District Court.)

C. The primary challenge to the creation of a Montgomery County mental health Court has been insufficient judicial system support. No effort to create a mental health court can succeed without the active participation of district court judges, the state’s attorney, and the public defender’s office. Paul DeWolfe, Jr., Office of the Public Defender, has sent a memorandum to State Public Defenders giving them greater latitude to become involved in specialty courts, including mental health and drug courts. This change may represent an opportunity to build legal system support for a mental health court. Citizens will need to lend their voice to that of advocates to rally support from the Sate and judicial system.

D. In the short-term, a recommended best-practice solution is to conduct a small pilot using existing resources to brief the District court, and implement other court-based initiatives, and include a “stet (inactive court) docket”. With the support of an interested and willing judge, prosecutor, and public defender, and a case manager provided by DHS.

Please review the session packet for more recommendations and details; and contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS-PS Committee session.

Audit/MFP Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 15th

2010-07-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00 pm. Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended the meeting. The Audit Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Internal audit risk assessment and three-year work plan
• FY09 Audit of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan

Representatives from the Executive Branch and Consultants included: Farriba Kassiri, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Larry Dyckman, Internal Audit Manager and Frank Spasoff, Partner at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP. Independent Auditor’s Staff and Plan Representatives included: Keith Novak and Jennifer Davis, both from Clifton Gunderson, LLP and Walter E. Bader, Chair of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan.

The first portion of the work session focused on the approach and methodology of the risk assessment and three-year work plan. It was established that the work plan is a “living document” and may evolve and or change dependent on circumstances within the County. The second portion of the work session addressed the Deferred Compensation Plan. It was determined that the Deferred Compensation Plan is in good financial shape. The Committee did address a minor issue with respect to reporting of raw data.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this Audit Committee session.

MFP Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 15th

2010-07-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Thursday, July 15th at 3:30 pm. The MFP Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC
• Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics - Ethics Commission - Staff
• Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities
• Executive Regulation 27-09, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments

The MFP Committee approved the resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC. Representatives from RCN and Starpower attended the Committee work session. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of municipalities with regard to granting the franchise transfer. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics-Ethics Commission-Staff to full Council for consideration. There was a public hearing on Bill 37-10 on July 13th. All of the speakers spoke in favor of Bill 37-10 which requires that the Ethics Commission staff director is a lawyer authorized to practice in the State of Maryland and that the Ethics Commission may seek guidance from the County Attorney but is not required to do so. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities to full Council for consideration. Regulation 3-10 is needed to implement Bill 46-09 on a Hiring Preference for People with Disabilities. In addition, the regulation modifies the definition of a veteran for purposes of the hiring preference.

The MFP Committee recommended amended Executive Regulation 27-09 AM, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments to full Council for consideration. This regulation implements a recent decision by the Merit System Protection Board. It states that County regulations apply to employees of the Local Fire and Rescue Departments.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Montgomery Council Committees to Discuss Merits of Possible Mental Health Court

2010-07-16T16:42:00.000-04:00

On Monday, July 19, Worksession Will Focus on Possibility of Establishing First Court in the County to Help Mental Illnesses

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 16, 2010—The Montgomery County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee and its Public Safety Committee will meet jointly on Monday, July 19, to continue discussions on the possibility of establishing a mental health court to better address the needs of mentally ill people who have committed minor criminal offenses. A mental health court or other program structured to decriminalize mental illness and increase treatment compliance could lead to reduced recidivism by treating the underlying cause for the criminal behavior.

The Health and Human Services Committee, which is chaired by George Leventhal and includes Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Duchy Trachtenberg, and the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Phil Andrews and includes Councilmembers Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich, will met at 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

The joint committees last met on this topic in October. At that worksession, Fred Osher of the Council of State Governments Justice Center shared information on the study he and others conducted in which Montgomery County served as one of the research sites.

The first phase of the study (from 2002-03) estimated that18 percent of the male inmates and 28 percent of female inmates in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility had some form of serious mental illness. The second phase of the study (2005-06) estimated 8 percent of male inmates and 21 percent of female inmates had serious mental illness.

If Montgomery establishes the first mental health court in County history, it would have a specialized docket for eligible defendants (people who have been arrested for minor, non-violent offenses) with mental illnesses. Its purpose would be to hold mentally ill criminal defendants accountable for their actions, while not criminalizing mental illness. The joint committees will discuss if Montgomery County is prepared to establish such a court.

“For too long, mental illness has been criminalized and those afflicted have been without adequate clinical services, housing and case management,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “A Mental Health Court in Montgomery County holds great promise toward reducing unnecessary incarceration and assisting the mentally ill in securing a better life. I am hopeful that one day this best practice will become a reality here in Montgomery County.

Raymond Crowel, chief of the County’s Department of Health and Human Resources’ Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, suggested that the Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Initiative (CJBHI) be asked to serve as the collaborative work group to develop recommendations on strategies to support a mental health court or “mini mental health court.”

Click here to read the full Council press release.

Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Alert Scheduled for Friday 7/16/2010

2010-07-15T16:50:00.000-04:00

During Code Orange air quality days, air pollution levels can be harmful to children, older adults, and anyone with a respiratory or heart condition. The EPA advises such groups to limit outdoor activity on Code Orange air quality days.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION TO AIR POLLUTION!

Ground level ozone is formed during hot summer days from the reaction of sunlight with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NOx and VOCs come from many sources including vehicle and power plant emissions, lawn mowers and other fuel burning equipment, and vapors from gasoline, paints, and industrial processes.

Take These Steps to Reduce Air Pollution:

Carpool, telecommute, or take mass transit to get to work
Limit driving and combine errands
Refuel after dark
Do not use gasoline-powered lawn equipment, including mowers
Wait for a cooler day to use oil-based paints or switch to non-solvent or low VOC-based paints
Avoid using aerosols and household products that contain solvents
Walk to nearby restaurants or bring your lunch to avoid mid-day driving
Conserve energy at home, at work, and everywhere to reduce power demand

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Baltimore/Washington region, more than 320,000 adults and 100,000 children have asthma.

On Air Quality Action Days, mowing a typical lawn produces the same amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an ozone forming compound, as driving a car from Montgomery County to Raleigh, NC.

Every summer day, the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment releases more than 100 times the VOCs of a typical large industrial plant.

For more information and real time air quality levels, visit the Clean Air Partners website at: http://www.cleanairpartners.net/ or contact Pam Parker, Senior Air Planner, Department of Environmental Protection, 240.777.7758

Montgomery County Council Receives Report That Could Lead to Better Cost Estimates Prior to Decision Making

2010-07-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 14, 2010—The Montgomery County Council received a report on July 14 from the County’s Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) that recommends a better system to evaluate the costs of proposed projects and legislation before decision-makers decide to proceed with them.

OLO reviewed more than 200 fiscal impact statements considered by the Council between January 2005 and May 2010 and discovered a great degree of variability among the statements. OLO speculates the variability in content is likely due to two factors: complexity of bill and a lack of standard. The report said, “Some contained only a single sentence estimating revenues or costs.”

Since 1985 fiscal impact statements have been required to accompany legislation. The report goes on to say, “The Executive Branch has no formal standards governing the format or the content of fiscal impact statements prepared for legislation.” The result is that it has been difficult for decision-makers to measure the adequacy of the information in trying to weigh a project’s worthiness compared to an accurate cost.

The level of complexity of fiscal impact statements that the Council has received in past years with proposed legislation differs from bill to bill. The report says the fiscal consequences can range from no impact to a significant impact.

The OLO report makes four major recommendations and includes 11 specific suggestions that fiscal impact statements should include “at a minimum.”

OLO’s recommendations about the content of fiscal impact statements concern what types of information should be included such as the methodology used to calculate revenue cost estimates and the variables that could affect these estimates in the future. OLO also recommends estimating the revenues and costs for the next six fiscal years for an admissible long-term projection (instead of one year estimates included in some reports). Another change recommended would require fiscal impact statements to indicate how the addition of new staff responsibilities would affect other duties of employees.

Along with the requirement to prepare fiscal impact statements and minimum standards on their content, OLO recommends establishing target dates of when the Executive branch should present the fiscal impact statement. The report also recommends directing Council staff to identify the fiscal impact statement as a discussion item in packets for pending bills and regulations.

Remembering Jean Cryor

2010-07-13T13:55:00.001-04:00

Naomi Bloch, representing Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, joined many elected officials, members of the Cryor family and several officials from the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission on Monday, July 12, 2010, to honor, remember and dedicate Glen Hills Local Park to Jean B. Cryor in Potomac, Maryland. In the course of her life, Jean Cryor served the community she loved in so many ways. She was a journalist, a District 15 Delegate, and at the time of her death, she was a Commissioner on the Montgomery County Planning Board.

There were many heartfelt remarks and stories shared by all of the many speakers who came to honor a dear friend and colleague. Among those making remarks during the ceremony were former Planning Boad Chair Royce Hanson, County Council President Nancy Floreen, District 15 Delegates Brian Feldman and Kathleen Dumais, both of whom served with Jean in Annapolis for many years, and State Senators Jeannie Forehand and Richard Mandaleno. Glen Hills Park had special meaning to the Cryor family and was a place Jean spent many happy hours with her children and grandchildren.

MFP Committee Discusses Technology Issues

2010-07-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, July 12th at 9:30 am to consider various technology issues. The agenda items included:

ITPCC

The MFP Committee accepted the 2011 Work Plan for the ITPCC. Dick Leurig, Chair of ITPCC CIO Subcommittee and Montgomery College Director Emeritus for Future Technology and Innovation Initiatives and Gary Thomas, ITPCC Staff, answered questions for the MFP Committee members regarding the work plan. The MFP Committee emphasized the importance of the Cross Agency Resource Sharing (CARS) initiative during this discussion. In September, the MFP Committee will receive an update from the ITPCC on county government desktop replacement.

Department of Technology Services Consolidation Options

The MFP Committee discussed the Department of Technology Services (DTS) Consolidation Options and Risk Assessment. Steven Emanuel, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Technology Services, gave an update to the MFP Committee. The MFP Committee decided to continue the conversation on DTS consolidation options and risk assessment in September. At this time, Mr. Emanuel will discuss staff versus contract support for DTS. During the discussion, he noted that DTS has a high track record of customer service improvements and mentioned the successful launch of the Enterprise Resource Planning system (see below).

Enterprise Resource Planning System

The MFP Committee received a report on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) launch. Several representatives from the Executive Branch attended this session including Jennifer Barrett, Finance Director; Mike Ferrara, Executive Director of Enterprise Projects, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Steven Emanuel, Chief Information Officer, DTS; Wayne Johnson, Enterprise Resource Planning Functional Project Manager and Karen Plucinski, Change Management Manager.

The ERP System is one of the three current components of the Technology Modernization Efforts (TechMod). Funded at $85 million, TechMod represents one of the most comprehensive changes in County management capabilities. It changes the way county government performs tasks such as finance, procurement, and Human Resource Management functions. It should be noted that ERP is on time and within budget.

There will be an update in September on a training schedule for councilmembers and their staff on the ERP system. At the conclusion of the calendar year, the MFP Committee will receive an update on the progress of ERP and entertain ideas on collaboration between county government and public schools regarding the ERP system.

Cable Quarterly Review

The session on the Cable Quarterly Review was attended by Marjorie L. Williams, Franchise Manager, Office of Cable and Communications Services; Joshua Bokee, Comcast; Tara Potter, Verizon and Richard Beville, RCN.

The MFP Committee received summaries from the cable providers on their activities and new initiatives relevant to Montgomery County. Much of the discussion focused on investment by the cable providers in our community. There was also a conversation on public-private partnerships and how cable providers can help bridge the digital divide in Montgomery County schools. In September, MFP will discuss the Cable Compliance Commission (CCC), cable construction inspections, as well as cable compliance and enforcement issues in general.

Bill 34-10, Finance – Public Facilities- Private Projects

This Bill would amend the definition of public facilities to specifically exclude the construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, repair, or modernization of any privately owned building or facility. Jennifer Barrett, Finance Director, presented arguments to the MFP Committee members in opposition of the Bill. It was decided that Bill 34-10 will be redrafted with amendments and further discussion will be held at a later date.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

MFP Committee to meet on Thursday, July 15

2010-07-13T10:36:00.001-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Thursday, July 15th at 3:30 pm.

The meeting will be held on the 7th Floor of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The MFP Committee will discuss the following agenda items:

Resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC
Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics - Ethics Commission - Staff
Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities
Executive Regulation 27-09AM, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

MFP Committee Meeting as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15

2010-07-13T10:34:00.001-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00 pm. The meeting will be held on the 7th Floor of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The Council President and Vice President are ex-officio voting members of this Committee. The Audit Committee will discuss the following agenda items:

Montgomery County Number One Digital County in Nation

2010-07-13T10:23:00.002-04:00

Today, the Center for Digital Government announced the winners of the Center for Digital Government's 2010 Digital Counties Survey Awards. Montgomery County topped the list of counties in the 500,000 or more population category.

“For 2010, the program's judging approach changed. Unlike years past, when participating governments put together an inventory of their cutting-edge technologies, this year the counties had to submit numerous explanatory narratives on why technologies deployed actually improved life for government employees, citizens or both, explained Todd Sander, director of the Center for Digital Government's Digital Communities program, the division that conducted the survey,” reads today’s article announcing the winners.

“Projects that were motivated to bring transparency got high marks from the judges, and one such project put Montgomery County in first place in the [500,000 or more] population category. The county measured its IT functionality against benchmarks and published the data on its portal, unlike some other applicants,” continues the article.

“This is terrific and an excellent reflection of the hard work and dedication of all of our employees,” said Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg when she heard the good news.

Read the report here.

Painting Montgomery County Blue with the Young Dems

2010-07-13T10:09:00.001-04:00

Wil Gutierrez represented Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Montgomery County Young Democrats’ (MCYD) 6th Annual Paint the County Blue Dinner in Silver Spring.

At this event, the MCYD honored Myrna Cardin with the 2010 MYCD Young Democrat for Life Award and Marc Korman with the 2010 Dorothy Davidson Award.

Guest speaker U.S. Senator Ben Cardin energized the crowd with a motivational speech urging Montgomery County Young Democrats to organize and volunteer for Democratic races across the County and State.

For more information about the Montgomery County Young Dems, click here.

Organization of Chinese Americans’ Picnic in Gaithersburg

2010-07-12T16:14:00.001-04:00

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg was represented by Naomi Bloch at the annual OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) National picnic that took place on Saturday, July 10th at Boher Park in Gaithersburg. The picnic, which was very well-attended, included County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers George Leventhal and Phil Andrews as special guests.

Located in Washington, D.C., the mission of OCA is to advance the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans and it has chapters all across the United States. To fulfill its mission, OCA has established the following goals:

to advocate for social justice, equal opportunity and fair treatment;
to promote civic participation, education and leadership;
to advance coalitions and community building;
to foster cultural heritage.

For more information: http://www.ocanational.org/.

Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting Addressing Agreements with Bargaining Units is Canceled

2010-07-12T14:05:00.001-04:00

Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting addressing agreements with bargaining units is canceled. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Congratulations! New Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Grand Opening

2010-07-12T11:50:00.004-04:00

I was very pleased to attend the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. I joined our County Executive Ike Leggett, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, my County Council colleagues, representatives of civic and business organizations, and hundreds of neighbors and well wishers for this historic event. After the ribbon cutting, the public was invited to tour the new building, which is fantastic, and includes a “great room” and community spaces.

Congratulations to all who worked on the building, whether they were construction workers, county staff, or the tremendous residents who kept a wondrous vision of majestic public space in their hearts and minds.

I know the building will be well-used by the Montgomery County community. And I look forward to joining our neighbors there on November 11th—Veterans Day—when we dedicate the Veterans Plaza to all who have served the United States in uniform.

Aunt Hattie’s Place: Trachtenberg Office Attends Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening.

2010-07-12T11:50:00.003-04:00

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Aunt Hattie’s Place in Sandy Spring. Sandy Spring is the third foster home created by Dr. Hattie N. Washington, the founder and president of the facilities and a full-time professor at Coppin State University in Baltimore. Dr. Washington, known as “Aunt Hattie,” established the first Aunt Hattie’s Place in Baltimore City in 1997 when she was assistant school superintendent and witnessed the need for good homes for foster children. The second home was opened in Baltimore County in 2003, and this third location is on Norwood Road in Sandy Spring.

Aunt Hattie’s Place, Inc. is dedicated to providing a safe, stable, nurturing, and long-term home, if needed, for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in foster car. Though started in Dr. Washington’s own home in 1994, AHP strives to rear these deserving children to become productive, responsible, successful adult citizens who will live fulfilling lives and benefit our communities and our nation.

County Executive Ike Leggett, members of the State legislative, the County Council, and many friends for the business and civic community were on hand for the ribbon cutting. Alan Bowser and Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg at the inspirational program.

Management and Fiscal Policy Committee to Address Agreements With Employee Bargaining Units

2010-07-09T20:30:00.005-04:00

The Montgomery County Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 12, will discuss agreements reached in negotiations between representatives of County Executive Isiah Leggett and bargaining units representing various groups of County employees. In some instances, the agreements conflict with decisions made by the Council earlier this year.

The MFP Committee, which is chaired by Duchy Trachtenberg and includes Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Nancy Navarro, will be held in the Third Floor Council Conference Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). It also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

The afternoon session will be the second meeting of the day for the MFP Committee. Its 9:30 a.m. meeting will include the quarterly review of cable television issues and a report on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that is one of three current components of the County’s technology modernization effort. The $85 million ERP system would make comprehensive changes in County management capabilities in regard to finance, procurement and Human Resource Management functions.

The afternoon MFP meeting will address Memorandums of Agreement that the County Executive has reached with the Fraternal Order of Police, the Municipal and County Government Employees Organization (MCGEO) and the County Career Fire Fighters Association. Other agreements to be discussed include one with the MCGEO on furlough procedures and one with the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding these MFP sessions.

Money Talk with Montgomery County Seniors Organized for Change

2010-07-09T20:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit with Seniors Organized for Change, at the Charles E. Smith Life Communities, in Rockville. I spoke about my role as MFP Chair, what the recent AAA bond rating meant for the County, and how changes in the FY11 budget impacted senior services and programs in Montgomery County. With just over fifty members in attendance, we had an engaging question and answer period and covered several topics including the restoration of the County’s reserves, and the new provisional energy tax.

End-of-Life Dialogue Matters

2010-07-09T20:25:00.003-04:00

I joined several guest speakers, on July 8^th, at the Older Women’s League (OWL) Montgomery County Chapter meeting, exploring the topic “End-of-Life: Who Decides?” The subject wasn’t an unfamiliar one, and I shared, with those gathered, my own experience with my family when my mother was ill and passing on, several years ago. It’s extremely important that families and individuals have a plan, and I’ve found that the Living & Thriving in Montgomery County Guide for residents 60 and over is a very concise resource worth reading.

I additionally spoke about ‘Comfort Care,’ as family members sometimes discover that varying levels of resistance exists with regard to the provision of pain management in hospice versus hospital settings; and the discussion is not only important for parents but also among siblings and spouses. My final contribution was to highlight the services available to Montgomery County residents through the Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services office.

One of the more critical discussions held among the group was about the Advanced Directives form, the fact that there are several versions of the form (including its being available in multiple languages), and that it differs from a Living Will. For more information on Advanced Directives visit http://www.oag.state.md.us/Healthpol/AdvanceDirectives.htm#know, and on Maryland’s Health Decisions Policy go to http://www.oag.state.md.us/Healthpol/index.htm.

The additional speakers included Donna Wagner, the national president of OWL; Paul Ballard, Assistant Attorney General (Counsel, Health Decisions Policy), State of Maryland; and Karen Northwood from the Montgomery County Coalition on End-of-Life.

Councilmember Trachtenberg Says Montgomery Moving in Right Direction After Taking Decisive Fiscal Actions

2010-07-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, who chairs the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, said today that receiving AAA bond ratings from all three rating agencies is a significant indicator showing recent actions taken by the County are putting Montgomery County back onto a fiscally responsible track.

On Wednesday, County Executive Isiah Leggett announced that Montgomery County has retained its AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies. The Executive thanked Councilmember Trachtenberg for her hard work as chair of the MFP Committee, which made recommendations to the full Council to pass new fiscal and reserve policies for the County.

The possibility of a downgrade from the rating agencies was a critical factor for implementing new fiscal policies. In April, the rating agency Moody’s placed Montgomery County on a “negative watch list” due to falling County reserves.

Montgomery County has never received less than a AAA bond rating in 35 years. The rating allows Montgomery to issue bonds for its capital borrowing at the most favorable rates, saving County taxpayers millions of dollars a year. Top ratings are seen as an important endorsement of a jurisdiction’s overall fiscal health.

“It was necessary for Montgomery County to stabilize its finances in order to maintain its AAA rating by Fitch, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “The County as a whole needs to be fiscally prudent to keep our financial house in order.”

On June 29, the Council approved a Six-Year Fiscal Plan and new reserve policies as recommended by the MFP Committee. The balanced Six-Year Fiscal Plan is designed to help the County achieve a structurally balanced budget for future years. The plan seeks to match expenditures to available revenues without any drawdown of reserves. The new reserve policy would gradually increase the targeted total reserve over the next nine years from 6 percent to 10 percent. The policy would lead to less spending by government agencies.

“As governments at every level—national, state, county and municipality—struggle to rein in spending and find a way to maintain essential services, the urgency of sober and serious fiscal planning is inescapable,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “As stewards of the County's economy, the Executive and the County Council have shown real leadership and a vision for the future by building our reserves and clearing a path toward balanced budgets. When the current fiscal crisis is finally past, our fiscal plan and actions of the last month will be seen as part of the solution.”

Councilmember Trachtenberg's Statement on Tripple-A Bond Rating at Press Conference with County Executive on July 7

2010-07-08T12:18:00.002-04:00

“Last week, by voting to require annual contributions to the County’s reserves and mandate balanced budgets, Montgomery County’s elected officials caught up to where the residents have been for quite some time. Long before the current recession, families in our area recognized the need for fiscal discipline, debt reduction, sensible spending, and long-term planning.

“But the clock has finally run out on the thought that government can spend without consequence or make budget policy without discipline – and it is not just citizens who are demanding a new era of scrupulousness and fiscal responsibility. The bond agencies that rate counties’ financial health, thus determining the rate at which municipalities can borrow money, have made it clear that Montgomery County budgets have to change; and this year's budget did. For the first time in 40 years, the budget which was passed by the Council at the recommendation of the Executive cut spending.

“Today's vote of confidence from Moody's and the other positive actions from Fitch and Standard and Poors underscore the importance of recent actions taken in Montgomery County.

“As governments at every level—national, state, county and municipality—struggle to rein in spending and find a way to maintain essential services, the urgency of sober and serious fiscal planning is inescapable. As stewards of the County's economy, the Executive and the County Council have shown real leadership and a vision for the future by building our reserves and clearing a path towards balanced budgets. When the current fiscal crisis is finally past, our fiscal plan and actions of the last month will be seen as part of the solution.”

Montgomery County Retains Triple-A Bond Rating

2010-07-07T16:11:00.002-04:00

County Executive Ike Leggett today announced 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. He was joined by Council President Nancy Floreen and Management & Fiscal Policy Committee chair Duchy Trachtenberg

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 want to thank Council President Nancy Floreen and Management & Fiscal Policy chair Duchy Trachtenberg for their leadership in winning Council approval for my recommendations – and all Councilmembers who supported the package," said County Executive Leggett.

“Today's vote of confidence from Moody's and underscores the other positive actions from Fitch and Standard and Poors underscore the importance of recent actions taken in Montgomery County,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “As governments at every level—national, state, county and municipality—struggle to rein in spending and find a way to maintain essential services, the urgency of sober and serious fiscal planning is inescapable. As stewards of the County's economy, the Executive and the County Council have shown real leadership and a vision for the future by building our reserves and clearing a path towards balanced budgets. When the current fiscal crisis is finally past, our fiscal plan and actions of the last month will be seen as part of the solution.”

Click here to read the full County press release.

Health Care Reform and Montgomery County Seniors—Sen. Mikulski’s Leisure World Town Hall

2010-07-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

Today, I joined a colleague and ‘champion in the fight for quality healthcare,’ Senator Barbara Mikulski, as she hosted a health care town hall at Leisure World in Silver Spring. Being present today was important to me as we all continue the necessary dialogue around health care reform, what it means for you and me, and especially how it affects our senior Montgomery County residents. Others additionally addressing the Leisure World seniors were County Executive Isiah Leggett; Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration on Aging (AoA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Jordan L. Harding, President of the Democratic Club of Leisure World.

Senator Mikulski spoke briefly to the empathetic group of her recent and very personal experience of needing in-home medical support. She went on to share that as she worked with fellow senators on crafting Health Reform legislation she found herself “living the need” that faces many Montgomery County residents and numerous American citizens; and that any reform efforts at the federal, state, or city council levels of government begins with people first and then finding the “will and wrought” to bring programs to fruition. I couldn’t have said it better.

The overarching tone by Mikulski in speaking about “The Affordable Care Act” (more commonly called “Health Care Reform”) was of one of transparency and the necessity of sticking to the facts. She firmly said, “No one will come between you and your doctor—not the government and not the insurance company! ... The Health Reform is the USA way, not the U.K. way; it does not involve the government interfering.” A summary of Senator Mikulski’s bulleted presentation on the new Health Care Reform follows:

You Can Keep the Doctor You Have
Annual Wellness Visits with the doctor of your choice (to audit your healthcare status and thus better enable prevention and early detection)
Elimination of Co Pays and Deductibles for Prevention Screenings for both men and women (mammograms, heart disease screening, prostate screenings, cholesterol screenings)

Assistant Secretary Greenlee presented on the often-talked-about-but-seldom-clear issue of “Closing of the Doughnut Hole,” where the new legislation intends to phase out the “doughnut hole” effect created by Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit offered by the federal Medicare program. Following are key points from her presentation:

Starting June 10, 2010 a one-time $250 rebate check will be automatically mailed to seniors who hit the doughnut hole in 2010
Beginning January 1, 2011, seniors who become affected by the doughnut hole will (i) receive a 50% discount on brand name drugs and (ii) receive a 7% discount on generic drugs

There were several questions directed at both Senator Mikulski and Assistant Secretary Greenlee on efforts to thwart growing physician resistance to accepting Medicaid patients, the effects of the reform on Veteran’s Affairs and the TRICARE health care program, and fighting Medicare fraud. Mikulski shared that Medicare Fraud was indeed a federal crime and those convicted faced stiff penalties according to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, including serious jail time.

One last bit of information shared by Assistant Secretary Greenlee was the significant news that next year the Open Enrollment period necessary for seniors to participate in the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan will begin earlier, and will run from October 15, 2011 to December 7, 2011. This year’s Annual Coordinated Election Period will be from November 15 to December 31.

For More Information, contact or go to (bi/multi-lingual resources available):

http://www.healthreform.gov/
http://www.medicare.gov/
1-800-MEDICARE

My Latest Newsletter

2010-07-06T12:59:00.000-04:00

Click here to read my latest newsletter.

County Council Approves 6-Yr Fiscal Plan
MC 311 Launches
Rockville Library Renaming
Hosting Leisure World Town Hall
Championing the Commission on Veterans Affairs
Thanks from the Safe & Drugs Free Schools Program
Queen of the Mound—Bethesda Big Train
A Winning Campaign Against Teen Pregnancy
Montgomery County Tenants Working Group Present Findings
Grand Opening of the Silver Spring Civic Building
First Baptist Church Celebration
Montgomery County Heritage Days Proclamation
Touring the PEG Network
Duchy In the News
Duchy’s Recipe
Celebrating Our Farmers Markets

Downtown Silver Spring to Celebrate Opening of New Civic Building at Veterans Plaza

2010-07-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to join Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and me for the “Grand Opening” of the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza!

The Grand Opening will take place Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 6:30 pm on the new Veterans Plaza (at the intersection of Fenton and Ellsworth in downtown Silver Spring.) Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the public is invited inside the building to experience this wonderful new community space.

If you want a sneak peek, take a virtual walk-through of the new building now at http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/.

The celebration begins at 4:00 pm With entertainment coordinated by the Silver Spring Town Center Inc.(SSTCi). The festivities will conclude with the first "Silver Spring Swings Summer Concert" featuring a performance by the Fabulous Bel Airs 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Parking is available at the Town Square Garage on Ellsworth Drive. The Silver Spring Metro is three blocks away. For more information please visit http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/, the Silver Spring Civic Building webpage or email Gabrielle.Nadel@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Heritage Days Celebrations, Part 2: Sugarloaf Mountain Winery Farmers Market

2010-07-02T09:51:00.002-04:00

Emily Hoopes and Wil Gutierrez represented Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard (SMV) Farmers Market as part of Heritage Montgomery’s Heritage Days Celebrations.

Each year, on the last weekend of June, Heritage Montgomery hosts its signature event – the annual Heritage Days Celebration. This two-day, free-of-charge, county-wide event festival offers visitors an opportunity to sample over 40 sites representing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County.

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is Montgomery County’s only vineyard/winery. The 85-acre farm includes a restored red barn, silo and windmill and abuts the scenic Sugarloaf Mountain - a Registered National Landmark.Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was conceived with awareness of the unique character of the property, the quality of the soil, and with familial commitment. The double-bank red barn – built in the early 1900s – the silo and windmill are all signature landmarks of the farm. Purchased by Dan and Polly O'Donoghue in 1962, the 92-acre “Windmill Farm” has been a working farm and family retreat ever since. Owned and operated by the four children – the McGarry, McKenna and two O’Donoghue families – the transformation from a traditional farm to a vineyard broke ground in 2002. A wine making team was formed, and soon vines were planted and being nurtured. By 2005, the winery was complete and we were making our first vintages. The award-winning results are worth a taste!

To complement the winery, SMV has expanded it's commitment with its weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays,10AM-2PM . Vendor products include: Goat Cheese, local seasonal all natural produce, local grass-fed antibiotic and hormone free beef, eggs, cow cheese, alpaca products, local honey edibles and body care products, artisan handmade jewelry, baked good, and gourmet pastries. The Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Farm Market was founded in 2010.

Trachtenberg Office Attends Silver Spring Neighborhoods Committee Meeting

2010-07-02T09:04:00.002-04:00

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the monthly meeting of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board’s Neighborhoods Committee. The meeting was one of the last to be held at the Silver Spring Regional Center on Georgia Avenue, before the Center moves to its new offices in the Silver Spring Civic Building at One Veterans Plaza. Among the items on the Committee’s agenda were the Sligo Creek Golf Course and the County’s policy for suplusing its inventory of County buildings if there was no further public use. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser, who is a former Chair of the Silver Spring Neighborhoods Committee, represented the Trachtenberg Office.

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg on the Montgomery County Council’s Approval of a Six Year Fiscal Plan and New Reserve Plan

2010-06-29T14:19:00.002-04:00

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee on the Montgomery County Council’s Approval of a Six Year Fiscal Plan and New Reserve Plan.

"The Council's action today is an important step—but far from the last step—toward results-based budgeting and performance accountability. As governments at every level—national, state, county and municipality—struggle to rein in spending and find a way to maintain essential services, the urgency of sober and serious fiscal planning is inescapable. As stewards of the County's economy, the Council today has shown real leadership and a vision for the future. When the current crisis is finally past, this fiscal plan will be seen as part of the solution."

Montgomery County Council Approves Balanced Six-Year Fiscal Plan

2010-06-29T14:17:00.000-04:00

County’s First Such Plan Shows Spending Limits Needed to Achieve Balanced Annual Budgets

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 29, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today approved a six-year fiscal plan that outlines the spending limits needed to achieve balanced annual budgets. This is the first time the Council has approved such a plan to help reduce annual budget gaps and lessen the impact of severe economic downturns like the one the County has experienced over the past two years.

The Council also approved by 8-0 votes today measures that would gradually increase County reserve funds to 10 percent of adjusted governmental revenue over a nine-year period. The current County reserve target is 6 percent of total resources.

The six-year fiscal plan was approved today by a 7-1 vote. Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmembers Phil Andrews, Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, George Leventhal, Nancy Navarro and Duchy Trachtenberg voted in favor of the plan. Councilmember Mike Knapp voted against it. Council Vice President Valerie Ervin was temporarily absent.

The six-year plan is a snapshot in time that reflects current assumptions for County revenues and fiscal policy. Using these assumptions, the plan achieves balance by limiting the future expenditures of the County’s four agencies—Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and County Government. The plan will be updated annually and as conditions change.

The plan, which applies to Fiscal Years 2011-16, is based on adherence to established County fiscal policies in future years, but it also makes clear that the Council will make actual decisions year by year.

"The Council's action today is an important step—but far from the last step—toward results-based budgeting and performance accountability," said Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council's Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. "As governments at every level—national, state, county and municipality—struggle to rein in spending and find a way to maintain essential services, the urgency of sober and serious fiscal planning is inescapable. As stewards of the County's economy, the Council today has shown real leadership and a vision for the future. When the current crisis is finally past, this fiscal plan will be seen as part of the solution."

The plan attempts to alleviate situations like the one the County faced in preparing an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins on July 1. The County faced a budget gap of nearly $1 billion, or about one-fourth of the County budget. Working with the County Executive, the Council approved a range of strong measures to balance the budget, including service reductions, elimination of hundreds of positions, and a pay freeze and furloughs for County employees.

Planning for Diversity in Mental Healthcare Provision

2010-06-28T16:23:00.002-04:00

Working toward stronger initiatives for mental illness and better service delivery has been a priority for me as most of you already know—I’ve not been shy about sharing stories about my son Wally who receives care for schizophrenia.

On Thursday June 22, I joined administrators and community leaders in a progressive roundtable discussion exploring the issue of “Mental Health Services in Montgomery County: Strengthening Programs for Diverse Immigrant Communities.” Hosted by (NAMI MC), thirty individuals, including Iris Reeves, Coordinator for Multicultural Issues, MD State Mental Hygiene Administration; Dr. Raymond Crowel, Chief, Montgomery County Adult Behavioral Health Program; Betty Lam, Chief of Community Affairs, Montgomery County Health & Human Services; and Daniel Karoma, African & Caribbean Liaison, Montgomery County Office of Cultural Affairs, were in attendance.

One of the questions central to our discussion was “What are the primary barriers in accessing and delivering mental health services to culturally diverse immigrant communities?” Some of the identified barriers were: language, deep stigma of mental illness in certain cultures, a lack of knowledge in identifying mental illness and/or not knowing where to find resources to gain help. The providers also identified a great need for better and more easily accessed case management as opposed to the thought that greater emphasis being placed on early intervention. The next meeting for the group will be on Thursday, September 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

NAMI Montgomery County (NAMI MC) is the Montgomery County, Maryland affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. NAMI MC is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults living with mental illnesses in Montgomery County, MD. For more information visit: http://www.namimc.org/aboutus.asp.