MoCo Government Archives - Page 133 of 241

Saturday Parking No Longer Free at County Operated Garages, Lots, and Meters in Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring

Published June 13, 2023 at 11:21AM | Updated June 13, 2023 at 5:43PM

Parking revenue will be used to implement new safety and security measures in Downtown Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton parking facilities. This will include installing more lighting and cameras, in addition to maintenance. The Montgomery County Council approved the new parking schedule and a monthly pass with Resolution 20-167, ‘Setting Transportation Fees, Charges, and Fares, as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget process. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will implement the changes in accordance with the resolution. Paid parking on Saturdays already is in effect in Downtown Wheaton.

Montgomery County Council Meets on June 13 at 9 a.m. to Interview Candidates for Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and Director of the Department of Environmental Protection

By Patrick Herron

Published June 12, 2023 at 2:31PM

The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, June 13 at 9 a.m., and the meeting will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first proclamation, presented by Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, commemorates International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The second proclamation presentation, led by Council President Evan Glass, recognizes the 40th Anniversary of Manna Food Center.

The afternoon session will begin with two proclamation presentations. At 1 p.m., Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles will lead a proclamation celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month. At 1:15 p.m., Councilmember Will Jawando will lead a proclamation presentation recognizing Juneteenth.

Montgomery Committee Against Hate Violence Panel Will Discuss Hate/Bias/Violence/Bullying-in County Public Schools on Monday, June 12

By Patrick Herron

Published June 12, 2023 at 1:43PM

Courtesy MCPL

Per MCPD: The Montgomery County Committee Against Hate Violence (CAHV) of the County Office of Human Rights, at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 12, will sponsor a “Second Conversation” panel discussion focusing on “Hate/Bias/Violence/Bullying” within the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The program will be held at the Gaithersburg Library and also will be livestreamed. The Gaithersburg Library is located at 18330 Montgomery Village Ave. in Gaithersburg. There is no charge to attend and audience participation will be welcomed. The discussion will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/CountyCableMoCo.

Scheduled to be on the panel are Attorney Guila Siegel, the associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Washington, D.C.; Stephanie Sheron, the chief of strategic initiatives of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS); Demon Monteleone, the associate superintendent of MCPS; Ryvell Fitzpatrick, the ombudsman of the Montgomery County Board of Education; and Lisa Taylor, chair of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate Violence.

Councilmember Kristin Mink Releases Statement Apologizing to Muslim Community For Remarks Made During Board of Education Meeting

By MCS Staff

Published June 11, 2023 at 4:23PM

Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink has released a statement apologizing to the Muslim community for remarks made during the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education and whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. During the meeting, Mink stated the following, “…it’s more complicated than a lot of people would like to think it is. This issue has unfortunately put, it does put, some, not all of course, but some Muslim families on the same side of an issue as white supremecists and outright bigots and you know, however, the folks who I’ve talked to here today…I would not put in the same categories as those folks. Although, you know, it’s again complicated, because they’re falling on the same side of this particular issue.” Below is the statement released by Councilmemebr Mink today:

“On Tuesday, June 6, I spoke at a Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education and whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. I regret that although my remarks were focused on promoting inclusion, they created an opportunity for misunderstanding and mischaracterization. I apologize for the hurt that caused in the Muslim community.

What You Need to Know About FIREWORKS in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published June 11, 2023 at 10:44AM

It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Minimum Wage Set to Increase More Than $1 on July 1

By Patrick Herron

Published June 10, 2023 at 1:35PM

Minimum wage for large employers (51 employees or more) in Montgomery County is set to increase to $16.71 an hour on July 1, 2023. The current minimum wage for large employers in Montgomery County is $15.65. The state of Maryland minimum wage is $13.25 an hour, while the federally-mandated minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

Per Montgomery County: The minimum wage will again increase in Montgomery County on July 1. Sponsored by then-County Council member, and current County Executive, Marc Elrich and signed into legislation on Nov. 17, 2017, Bill 28-17 raises the minimum wage incrementally each July 1. Based on the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) for Washington-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer has set the rate for the increase of minimum wage for July 2023 for large employers (those with 51 employees or more) at $16.71 per hour.

Montgomery County Recreation Receives Six NACo Achievement Awards in 2023, Including Best in Category

By Patrick Herron

Published June 9, 2023 at 5:36PM

Awards include for:

NACo is a nonprofit organization that provides services to the nation’s 3,069 counties and represents county governments across the United States. The NACo Achievement Awards recognize a county’s outstanding commitment to public service in various categories such as civic education and public information; community and economic development; children and youth; and arts and entertainment.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Nominates Jon Monger as Director of the Department of Environmental Protection and Dr. James Bridgers as Director of the Department of Health and Human Services

By Patrick Herron

Published June 9, 2023 at 2:22PM | Updated June 9, 2023 at 3:14PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today announced the nomination of Jon Monger to lead the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Dr. James Bridgers to lead the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The County Council is scheduled to vote on both nominees on Tuesday, June 20.

County Executive Elrich’s nominee to head DEP, Jon Monger, currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where he oversees agency policy, management, and operational priorities. Mr. Monger has dedicated his career to addressing environmental issues, including serving as Counsel to a presidential commission formed to investigate the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, EPA’s White House Liaison under President Barack Obama, policy advisor in EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, and Oversight Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. Jon received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and graduated magna cum laude from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. During law school, he clerked for the U.S. Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Honorable James J. Brady of the Middle District of Louisiana.

One Case of Measles Confirmed in Montgomery County; Health Officials Urge Individuals Who May Have Been Exposed to Monitor for Symptoms (Press Release)

By MCS Staff

Published June 2, 2023 at 11:59PM

Press release from Montgomery County: Montgomery County and Maryland health officials announced this evening that one case of measles has been confirmed in a Montgomery County resident. Anyone who visited the Cabin John Ice Rink, located at 10610 Westlake Drive in Bethesda on Wednesday, May 24, between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. and a professional office building located at 16220 Frederick Road in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, May 30 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., may have been exposed to measles.

Measles is a contagious vaccine-preventable viral infection which is easily spread to unvaccinated persons through coughing, sneezing and secretions from the mouth. The measles virus may remain in the air for up to two hours. There were five confirmed measles cases reported in Maryland in 2019, and there have been no measles cases reported since then.

Montgomery County to Host Fireworks Shows in Kensington and Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published June 1, 2023 at 6:30PM | Updated June 4, 2023 at 3:06PM

The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:

“Our Independence Day fireworks displays are such wonderful events and the perfect opportunity to enjoy music, outdoors and time with family and friends,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “We look forward to celebrating together once again this summer.” Mid-County Sparkles will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 with concerts by Ocho de Bastos and Earth Wind and Fire Tribute Band. The only parking available on-site will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m., from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Event goers who park at Westfield Wheaton prior to 5:30 p.m. may be subject to towing by the property owner. Follow the directional signs for event parking and shuttles.

Opening Information for ‘Oak Barrel & Vine’ in Gaithersburg Square

By Patrick Herron

Published June 1, 2023 at 11:46AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open its new Gaithersburg Square store under its upgraded retail concept, “Oak Barrel & Vine,” at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 15. Elected officials and alcohol industry representatives plan to attend the opening. Walt “The Wizard” Williams, a former basketball star at the University of Maryland who went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, will be present to sign bottles of his Clutch vodka.

The celebration and ribbon cutting will occur in front of the store, located in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center at 512 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. Throughout the weekend of Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, the store will offer special tastings including those of Maryland-made products, high-end spirits and Juneteenth specials.