Montgomery County Councilmember reflected on a great day “beautifying” Burtonsville Elementary School alongside the community with a little help from Buch Construction, who’s working on renovating the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center. Mink shares the following on social media:
Per Montgomery County: “Committees will review supplemental appropriations for the Reducing Overidentification in Special Education Grant and the Stronger Connections Grant; hold briefings about missing persons, neighborhood change in the Washington Metropolitan Area, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and Montgomery County Public Schools attendance and truancy data, policies and prevention; and review of Out of School Time Programming and the Suicide Awareness and Firearm Education Act
Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Council will host a Youth Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville. This annual meeting with students promotes youth engagement in community and public policy issues and allows Councilmembers to hear directly from young people about their concerns and views.
“Youth voices matter. Providing opportunities to connect with young people helps elected and community leaders make decisions and plan for the future,” said Council President Evan Glass. “As the former executive director of an after school program, I appreciate how youth-driven advocacy positively impacts our community. Youth voices make our schools, neighborhoods and County stronger through the expression of positive social change.”
Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting a series of 10 “Community Conversations” from September through December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The next conversation, from 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Place in Downtown Silver Spring.
Per Montgomery County: “The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, returns at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade will again feature a diverse range of participants–and the event organizers are actively seeking volunteers to assist in ensuring the success of this widely attended gathering.
From the Offices of Council Vice President Friedson and Council President Glass: “Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass introduced legislation today that would update the laws regarding the tree canopy and roadside tree work to encourage the conservation of trees in Montgomery County. Bill 40-23, Tree Canopy and Roadside Tree Requirements – Fee Revisions, adjusts the fee structure for trees removed in the County’s right of way to ensure the fees are commensurate with the costs, including the environmental cost of removing the tree and the cost of tree replacements.
“Improving our tree canopy is essential to meeting our environmental goals and ensuring healthy and livable communities in Montgomery County,” said Council Vice President Friedson. “This legislation will help us plant more trees in our neighborhoods to improve air quality, reduce heat islands and enhance quality of life.”
Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Enhanced Mobility Grants Program from qualified organizations to provide direct transportation services in the County. This program aims to increase access to transportation services for County residents who are disabled, individuals with limited incomes, older adults and other vulnerable populations (specifically in underserved communities). A total of $800,000 in funding is available for FY24.
County Executive Marc Elrich proposed, and the County Council approved, $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program. Of that amount, $640,000 was allocated to capital expenses and $160,000 to operating expenses. At present, the funding is available for one year, so all funded activities must be implemented within 12 months.
From the Office of Councilmember Natali Fani-González: “During today’s Council session, Councilmember Natali Fani-González, who chairs the Economic Development (ECON) Committee, introduced ZTA 23-09, Farming – Incidental Outdoor Stays. This new zoning measure would update the County’s Zoning Ordinance to allow incidental overnight stays on farms with agritourism businesses, with certain limits. Council President Evan Glass, Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles are cosponsors of this ZTA.
“The agritourism sector in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve is growing and thriving. Our many farm breweries, wineries, pick your own farms, equestrian centers, and agricultural education businesses all draw people and revenue from across the region,” said ECON Chair Fani-González.
Like much of the world, we join in condemning the outrageous attack by Hamas in Israel. Our hearts go out to the innocent children and families caught in the midst of this horrendous conflict. We also reject the notion that any act of violence can ever justify the heinous practice of terror currently unleashed by Israel in Gaza, including on refugee camps, medical and UN aid workers, and more. As we dedicate ourselves to building a world where our community can live free from discrimination and fear, we deeply acknowledge the interconnectedness of the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people and Black and brown communities in the United States. Our shared and unwavering commitment is to foster humanity, safety, and lasting peace throughout the entire region while confronting the historical oppression that demands urgent redress.
Finally, we strongly support the struggle for decolonization, affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples and historically colonized nations to reclaim their land. The Palestinian struggle mirrors our own; with many CASA members fleeing governments and countries wrecked by the damage of US economic and political intervention. We firmly assert: free Palestine NOW!”
Unless otherwise noted, the Council will hold the following hybrid public hearings at 1:30 p.m. Residents can visit the Council website to learn about the multiple ways to provide testimony.
Zoning Text Amendment 23-08, Transferable Development Rights – Cemetery
Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Rec N’ Resources Open House” at East County Community Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for County residents. This free event will feature games, music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family.
Contractor demonstrations will be held to showcase recreation classes and programs. Representatives from County agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, the Commission on Aging and the Board of Elections will be available to speak with residents and provide information. Montgomery College and Mobile Medical Care also will be on site to provide details on their services.”