MoCo Government Archives - Page 134 of 243

Montgomery County Council Statement Condemning Vandalism and Burning of Pride and Ukrainian Flags in Silver Spring

Published June 28, 2023 at 5:55PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council issued a statement on the recent vandalism, burning and removal of LGBTQ+ Pride flags, a Black Trans Lives Matter flag and Ukrainian flags at residential homes in Silver Spring in the early morning on Wednesday, June 28.

“We are outraged by the numerous incidents of hate and anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism that occurred early this morning, which included the removal and burning of Pride flags, LGBTQ+ banners, Ukrainian solidarity flags, a Black Trans Lives Matter flag and other inclusive lawn signs in the Park Hills neighborhood and nearby streets in Silver Spring.

Montgomery County Council Approves County Executive’s Appointments of Scott Bruton as Director of Housing and Ben Stevenson as Director of Corrections

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 11:18AM

Per Montgomery County (6.27.23): The Montgomery County Council today approved County Executive Marc Elrich’s nominations of Scott Bruton to lead the County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and Ben Stevenson to lead the County’s Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR).

Dr. Bruton originally came to the County six months ago. He served as deputy director and acting director of DHCA before being confirmed today. Dr. Bruton brings a lot of real-world experience to his new role as director. Dr. Bruton spent the last seven years working for the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development in Washington, D.C., where he was senior vice president for housing policy, research and development.

Montgomery County Holiday Schedule for Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4

By Patrick Herron

Published June 28, 2023 at 11:15AM

· Montgomery Parks—Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for complete information.

Five Things to Know About Special Event Permits from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

By Patrick Herron

Published June 26, 2023 at 10:37PM

Per Montgomery County: From arts and music festivals to fireworks shows and athletic tournaments, Montgomery County is a destination for special events. The County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is committed to ensuring the permitting process for these events is easier than ever. Carnivals, community festivals, dances, fairs, picnics and recreation activities are examples of activities that may require a special event permit. If a community association, nonprofit or other type of organization is planning an event, it should check to see if a special event permit is needed. To contact DPS about possibly needing a special event permit, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Here are five more things to know about permits before planning a special event that is open to the public in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Council Meets on June 27 at 9 a.m. and Will Sit as the Board of Health to Receive Bi-Annual Public Health Update

By Patrick Herron

Published June 26, 2023 at 4:20PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, June 27 at 9 a.m. and the meeting will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first proclamation, presented by Council President Evan Glass and the full Council, commemorates Pride Month. The second proclamation presentation, led by Councilmember Natali Fani-González and County Executive Marc Elrich, recognizes Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks, and the Parks Department, for their award-winning natural grass fields program.

At 12 p.m., Councilmember Fani-González and County Executive Elrich will present a proclamation recognizing Officer Harry A. Dunn. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

County Council Committees to Review Anti-Rent Gouging Legislation and a Bill That Would Repeal the Policing Advisory Commission on June 26

By Patrick Herron

Published June 26, 2023 at 6:32AM

Per Montgomery County: The Economic Development (ECON) Committee will meet on Monday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. and will receive an update on the Economic Development Fund. The members of the ECON Committee include Chair Natali Fani-González, Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, Council President Evan Glass and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles.

The joint ECON and Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet at 11 a.m. to review Executive Regulation 04-23: Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program.

To-Go Alcohol Sales End on June 30th in Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published June 23, 2023 at 3:35PM

Back in May 2021, Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill into law that gave a two year extension on the sale of alcohol via delivery and carryout by licensed restaurants. That extension ends at the end of this month (June 2023) and to-go sales of alcohol will end in the state of Maryland.

The Montgomery County ABS, which regulates the sale of liquor in Montgomery County, passed a temporary resolution back on March 24, 2020 that allows holders of on-premise licenses to sell for carry out and delivery. This was one way restaurants were able to stay afloat during the pandemic while dining rooms were shut down. The new bill, SB205, replaced the temporary resolution in July 2021 for two years. Montgomery County’s ABS confirmed via phone call that to-go sales via delivery and carry-out would end on Friday, June 30th.

Reminder: Montgomery County Minimum Wage Will Increase on July 1 to $16.70 Per Hour for Large Employers

By Patrick Herron

Published June 23, 2023 at 2:26PM

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 28-17raises 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, D.C.-Arlington-Alexandria area, 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 $16.70 per hour.

Montgomery County Executive Elrich and Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez Announce County Action to Prevent Displacement and Preserve Affordable Housing for 345 Households

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 11:27PM

Per Montgomery County: After tenants of Westchester West Apartments were informed that their building was going to be sold, they worried that rents would rise even more than they already had and so they worked with the community organization Action in Montgomery (AIM), to ask the County to intervene, which it is allowed to do under the County’s Right of First Refusal (RoFR) law. County Executive Marc Elrich, in agreement with Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez, asked the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) to find a partner who could preserve the affordability for the long term. This naturally occurring affordable housing rental property includes a large number of three-bedroom or “family-sized” units. After working with non-profit housing organization Enterprise Community Development (ECD), on June 8, 2023, Montgomery County’s DHCA purchased Westchester West Apartments, a residential property with 345 units located at 3214 Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill, Md., from Westchester Gardens LLC., for $67 million.

After purchasing the apartment building, DHCA immediately sold the rental housing property to ECD Westchester Apartments, LLC, an ECD affiliate, who will carry out the long-term plan for the property. This includes preserving affordability, curing deferred maintenance, and improving operations and services for residents. When transferring the property to ECD Westchester, the County also provided a $5 million loan for immediate rehab work to address deferred maintenance.

WSSC Water and Montgomery County Partner to “Turn Poop to Power”

By Patrick Herron

Published June 22, 2023 at 9:46AM

Per WSSC: WSSC Water and Montgomery County recently entered into a five-year agreement that will literally turn poop into power. Thanks to the construction of the innovative Piscataway Bioenergy Facility, methane gas captured during the wastewater treatment process will be upgraded to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and sold to the county to power their Ride On buses. During today’s monthly meeting, WSSC Water Commissioners were briefed on the agreement to generate an estimated $700,000 per year in revenue for WSSC Water while reducing the utility’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Montgomery County government is always seeking innovative and sustainable practices in order to reduce carbon emissions,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This agreement to turn methane gas into fuel for our buses is a win-win-win for our constituents, commuters and, most importantly, our environment. I appreciate the efforts of WSSC Water to work with us to create this agreement. Increasing the efficiency and reliability of our Ride-On bus system is critical toward the County’s goal of a 100% carbon emission reduction by 2035. This agreement, along with our new electric buses and microgrids are important improvements within our fleet of Ride-On vehicles.”

‘Heritage Days’ Events Will Be Held Countywide on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25

By Patrick Herron

Published June 21, 2023 at 6:55PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County “Heritage Days,” an annual free, countywide festival highlighting historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites that offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, return for the 24th year on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. More than 30 sites will have live music and activities for all ages. Heritage Days present the opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.

In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, Heritage Days have the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal and astronomy. Heritage Days also highlight local arts and culture, as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking and walking tours. Many venues will offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children and refreshments.