MoCo Government Archives - Page 134 of 247

‘RainScapes’ Rewards Rebate Program Application Portal Will Reopen on Aug. 1

Published July 19, 2023 at 3:06PM

Per Montgomery County: “RainScapes” projects are landscape or design techniques that help reduce stormwater runoff from individual properties. At times, the Montgomery County Department of environmental Protection offers rebates for projects to help defray their costs. The portal to apply for the RainScapes Rebate Program will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

RainScapes can be installed on any kind of property, but those on private, residential, institutional and/ or commercial properties may be eligible for financial assistance.

Montgomery County Council Passes Legislation on Rent Stabilization

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:06PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council voted (7-4) today to enact Bill 15-23, Rent Stabilization, which establishes maximum allowable rent increases to the lesser of the local annual Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) plus three percent or six percent of the base rent.

“Rent stabilization is a complex and emotionally charged issue, balancing the needs of our tenants in providing stable housing protection while allowing landlords the flexibility to invest and enhance in their properties within the County,” said Councilmember Katz. “I am pleased the Council found the right compromise and path forward to enact this bill.”

Councilmember Jawando Celebrates Passage of Permanent Rent Stabilization

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 8:49PM

Councilmember Jawando stressed the importance of advancing rent stabilization and its impact on residents, particularly the nearly 40 percent of Montgomery County residents who rent who are disproportionately people of color. “Stability and predictability are essential for our community. When families are evicted or are forced to move because the rent is unsustainable, it destabilizes our schools and uproots communities. This amended bill will protect our most vulnerable renters but it will also help all residents seeking affordable rental housing.”

The compromise bill, 15-23 Rent Stabilization, prevents rent gouging, reduces displacement and creates cost predictability for tenants and landlords by:

Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Honors 39 Public Safety Officials its 29th Annual Public Safety Awards Ceremony

By MCS Staff

Published July 18, 2023 at 7:15PM

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) has hosted its 29^th Annual Public Safety Awards Breakfast honoring men and women who provide public safety in the Upcounty. A total of 39 public safety officials from several jurisdictions were recognized and awarded a citation from the Maryland State Senate and Congressman David Trone.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, June 14 at 7:30am at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg.The program with details on each award winner can be seen in the links above. A link to the photo album from the event is available here.

Former Montgomery County Councilmember Murdered in Arkansas

By MCS Staff

Published July 18, 2023 at 2:08PM | Updated July 18, 2023 at 2:24PM

On July 10, 2023, Charles Pepper, 47 of Little Rock, was arrested and charged with Capital Murder in reference to a homicide that occurred on East 39th Street in Little Rock on the same date. The victim has been identified as Donell Peterman, 56, who is a former Montgomery County Councilmember.

Peterman was a Montgomery County Council member who was appointed in July, 2002 after Derick Berlage resigned in June of the same year to become head of the Department of Park and Planning. In a report by MoCo360, “In recent years, Peterman traveled regularly between Little Rock and Silver Spring. Peterman graduated from Morehouse College in 1989, then joined the U.S. Army. Then, he founded Joshua Group Ministries in 1996 in Takoma Park and served as senior pastor.”

County Council Approves Bill to Create Airpark Community Advisory Committee

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 12:57PM

Per Montgomery County: Today the Council unanimously passed Bill 24-23, sponsored by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, to establish an Airpark Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) for neighbors of the Montgomery County Airpark (MCA), Airpark users, and other key stakeholders to address facility operations as well as noise and safety impacts. Councilmember Luedtke represents Council District 7, which includes communities adjacent to the Airpark.

“Creating an Airpark Community Advisory Committee is an important step many communities around the country are taking to provide a platform for residents impacted by air traffic to better understand operations and discuss potential improvements with regulators – most prominently the Federal Aviation Administration,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “I’m pleased for the unanimous support of my Council colleagues and thankful to the many residents, Airpark users, and the leadership of the MCA for their feedback to help strengthen the new ACAC.”

Longest-Serving County Attorney Marc Hansen Has Died

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:49AM

Former Montgomery County Attorney Marc Hansen passed away on July 15. Hansen worked for the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for 37, including 12 years as County Attorney. Hansen was born in 1946 in Kankakee, Illinois and attended MacMurray College, Washington University, and American University. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released the following statement on Monday:

“Montgomery County today lost a kind and passionate long-time resident who devoted much of his life to public service with our County Government. Marc Hansen worked in the County Attorney’s Office for 37 years, including the last twelve as the County Attorney. He retired in January 2022, as the longest-serving County Attorney. Over almost four decades, multiple County Executives, dozens of County Council members, and thousands of County colleagues relied on his advice and guidance.

Montgomery County Government Receives ‘Gold Bell Seal’ Award for Being a National Leader in Workplace Mental Health

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 4:51PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Government has received a prestigious 2022-23 “Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health” award. The award recognizes the County’s employee-centered programs and efforts aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace. The Bell Seal National Certification program, led by Mental Health America (MHA), annually recognizes a small number of leading employers committed to creating mentally healthy work environments for employees.

“We are honored to be recognized by Mental Health America for our efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources and programs,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.“Mental well-being in the workplace is no longer secondary to physical health, and it is important as an employer to make space for it. It is important to support our employees in their health journeys, both physically and mentally.”

MoCo DHHS Sends Letter to Restaurants Informing Them They Cannot Sell Food Infused With Cannabis/CBD/THC

By MCS Staff

Published July 17, 2023 at 4:40PM

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has sent a letter to restaurant facilitators informing/reminding them that they cannot add cannabis, CBD, or THC to any food or drink they serve because it has not been approved as a food additive by the FDA, despite its current legal status in the state. The letter can be seen below:

“Dear Facility Operator,

County Council Meets on July 18 to Vote on Anti-Rent Gouging Legislation and to Establish an Airpark Community Advisory Committee

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 2:21PM

The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, July 18 at 9:15 a.m. and will begin with a proclamation, presented by Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Gabe Albornoz and Dawn Luedtke to commemorate Peace Day in honor of Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s life and legacy. At 1:15 p.m., Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass will lead a proclamation presentation recognizing Ken Reichard for his years of service to U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Bill 24- 23, Airpark Community Advisory Committee – Established

Montgomery County Public Space Firearm Ban is Upheld in Court

By MCS Staff

Published July 15, 2023 at 4:12PM

A Montgomery County ban on firearms in public spaces passed by the County Council and signed into law last year was upheld by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last week. The law strictly prohibits the carrying of firearms within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including parks, churches, schools and public buildings.

Last week, the court denied the request for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, which attempted to put an immediate halt to the law. County executive Marc Elrich wrote, “This victory is an important first step in defending our law.”