MoCo Government

Leaf Vacuum Collection in Specific Areas Begins Monday, Nov. 7

By Patrick Herron

Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street, but off the road. They should avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, bike lanes and rain gardens as leaves in these areas can disrupt traffic, negatively impact stormwater drainage, hamper snow removal operations and become a fire hazard for automobiles parked over them. Leaf piles also limit the availability of residential parking and, especially when wet, can pose a hazard for cyclists and pedestrians. Since 1983, the County has been composting the leaves it collects at a County-operated facility in Dickerson. The compost produces a fertilizer called Leafgro, which is sold in retail stores.

“This program keeps fall leaves out of our storm drains and uses them for compost,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This valuable service helps our neighborhoods and provides a great product.”

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Early Voting Ends Thursday, November 3

By MCS Staff

Early voting in Montgomery County for the 2022 General Election will be available at 14 early voting centers from 7am until 8pm through Thursday, November 3. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Any person registered to vote can vote during early voting. Any person eligible to register to vote can vote can also vote during early voting. Registered voters have always been able to vote during early voting, but now individuals who are eligible—but not yet registered—can register and vote.

To register and vote during early voting, go to an early voting center in the county where you live and bring a document that proves where you live. This document can be your MVA-issued license, ID card, a change of address card, a paycheck, a bank statement, a utility bill or other government document with your name and new address. You will be able to register to vote and vote. Voting during early voting is the same as voting on election day. When you get to the early voting center, check in to vote and then vote.

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On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, Eligible Residents Can Register (and Vote) at Voting Sites

By Patrick Herron

To register and vote on election day, go to the polling place assigned for your residence. Bring a document that proves where you live. The document can be your MVA-issued license, ID card or change of address card. Other valid proof of residence can include a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document with your name and address.

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Council Enacts Legislation That Requires Radon Testing in Rental Housing

By Patrick Herron

“I am proud of the collaboration on this bill that prioritized the health and welfare of our residents,” said Councilmember Rice. “Our renters should be able to ensure their home is safe from the presence of high radon levels and the increased risk exposure brings to contracting lung cancer. I appreciate the efforts of our Department of the Environment who regularly conduct outreach on the risks of radon and provide information on obtaining and properly utilizing radon test kits. Radon is an environmental issue and protecting all residents, our renters and owners alike, is imperative to protecting community health.”

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in soil and rock in all parts of the United States. Radon can enter homes and buildings from the ground, seeping through drains, cracks or other holes in the foundation. The EPA has designated Montgomery County as Zone One meaning that the county is at higher risk of actionable levels of radon. Under Bill 26-22, landlords are required to conduct radon testing of basement units and units in contact with the ground prior to a tenant’s occupancy. If testing indicates a radon level equal to or greater than the EPA recommended action level of four picocuries per liter, landlords must take steps to mitigate the radon risk. Finally, if the level of radon is not mitigated to below the required action level, tenants have the right to terminate their lease without penalty.

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Montgomery County High School Students Can Apply to ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ Program to Improve Traffic Safety; Deadline to Apply is Nov. 30

By Patrick Herron

Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply here. The program received 100 applications last year. The program supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, whose goal is to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County work toward the goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities.

“Students can help drive positive change and make a big impact by participating,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We want creative solutions from our youth to help achieve the goals of our Vision Zero plan, to save lives through traffic safety infrastructure and programming. Teens can play a powerful role in making Vision Zero a reality.”

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Volunteers Needed for Montgomery County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for Upcoming Income Tax Season

By Patrick Herron

Volunteers receive free training and can volunteer in Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg or Wheaton. High school students may receive student service learning hours by volunteering as greeters or schedulers.

Two virtual information sessions for prospective volunteers will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. Email [email protected] to register for a session.

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Montgomery County Council Meets on November 1 at 9 a.m. to Receive Annual Update from the Commission on Health and Vote on FY24 WSSC Water Spending Control Limits

By Patrick Herron

Commission on Health

Annual Meeting: The Council, sitting as the Board of Health, will receive its annual update from the Commission on Health. Crystal DeVance-Wilson, chair of the Commission on Health, will inform the Council about the commission’s annual report for fiscal year (FY) 2022 and public health priorities, including two priority areas related to communicable disease and school health.

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Montgomery County Completes Nation’s Largest Bus Microgrid and Charging Infrastructure Project in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

The project was completed through a partnership between the County’s Department of General Services (DGS) and AlphaStruxure, a leader in Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions. It is the third microgrid in the U.S. that will use solar power to charge buses for public transportation. The project was delivered at no upfront cost to the County through an EaaS contract, a long-term agreement ensuring predictable operating expenses and guaranteed performance without upfront capital expenditures.

“This project has been garnering attention nationally because it is innovative, groundbreaking, and will help us achieve our ambitious climate action plan to reduce all carbon emissions by 2035,” said County Executive Elrich. “Transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas. We are leading by example by going emission-free. We are the third nationally to have solar-powered charging stations for our buses and we are the largest so far. We should be able to fill these charging stations with 70 electric buses by 2026. We have already got a good start of 14 and expect to order another 30 or so next year for a total of about 44 buses. We are well on our way to our goal of an emissions-free fleet by 2035 and improving the County’s resilience. I want to thank DGS, MCDOT, and AlphaStruxure, along with their parent companies Schneider Electric and Carlyle, for working together with us to make this project a reality for Montgomery County.”

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Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Director Mitra Pedoeem to Retire

By Patrick Herron

“I am proud of what we have accomplished at DPS since I was appointed to this position,” said Director Pedoeem. “We moved the entire department from Rockville to Wheaton during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we reorganized the department, creating a new division for Customer Support and Outreach with a renewed focus on providing excellent customer service. Plus, we streamlined many of the permitting processes and practices, and cross-trained employees to enhance and improve the customer experience.”

Director Pedoeem was appointed as DPS director in April 2020. Before joining DPS, she worked at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission where she served as deputy director of administration for Montgomery Parks until 2019. Director Pedoeem began her career as a bridge engineer with the Maryland State Highway Administration and went on to work as a senior engineer and senior budget analyst for Montgomery County Government.

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