MoCo Government Archives - Page 169 of 244

Montgomery County to Host Virtual Town Hall Meeting on the Impact of Monkeypox on the Black Community on Monday, Oct. 10

Published September 27, 2022 at 5:13PM

Panelists in the town hall will include James Bridgers, the acting County health officer; Ikenna Myers, program manager for clinical services for the African American Health Program’s; and Kimberly Townsend, senior administrator for Communicable Disease and Epidemiology with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The panelists will update the current monkeypox situation in Montgomery County and Maryland, provide information on the County’s monkeypox vaccine program and answer questions about prevention and treatment.

Montgomery County Health Officials Expand Eligibility for Monkeypox Vaccination

By Patrick Herron

Published September 23, 2022 at 1:34PM

In addition to those with a confirmed or possible recent exposure to the MPX virus, the County is now offering vaccinations to the following:

An online preregistration survey is available on the County’s monkeypox website. Individuals who preregister and meet the eligibility guidelines will be contacted to schedule a vaccination appointment. As a result of the expanded eligibility guidelines, residents who were already preregistered and are now eligible will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

New Website Highlights Flooding Issues, Concerns and Solutions; Also Includes Links to Flooding Survey and Outreach Events

By MCS Staff

Published September 23, 2022 at 7:12AM

Montgomery County has unveiled a new website to educate and inform the public about flooding issues that may affect residents and businesses throughout the County. The website provides information about frequently flooded roads in the County, steps residents can take to prepare for potential flooding and the availability of flood insurance to all properties in the County.

Montgomery County is committed to addressing adverse flood impacts to residents and businesses in the County. The web address is https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding/. The page can be found on the County’s homepage.

Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting on Sept. 23, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published September 22, 2022 at 4:58PM

The members of the PHED Committee include Chair Hans Riemer and Councilmembers Andrew Friedson (Lead for Parks) and Will Jawando.

More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Montgomery County Rewrites Sign Ordinance; Updates Allow More Flexibility for Menu Boards and Digital Signs

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2022 at 10:03PM

The changes approved in ZTA 22-05 represent the first comprehensive rewrite of the County Sign Ordinance in the past 25 years. The provisions of ZTA 22-05 will go into effect Monday, Oct. 10.

Prior to approval of the new ZTA, owners of digital sign boards were legally limited to changing the messages on digital signs to once every 24 hours unless they obtained a variance. The new regulations will allow changes once every 30 seconds.

‘Kids Day Out’ Will Offer a Day of Fun for Elementary-Aged Students When School is Out Throughout the Year, Starting with Monday, Sept. 26

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2022 at 11:20AM

Programs will take place at various locations across the County. The cost to participate in the program is $25 for one day or $120 for a package that includes all dates (September-April). Each day of programming will take place from 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Students should bring their lunch.

Kids Day Out locations include:

Applications Now Being Accepted from Nonprofit Organizations for Grants to Support Security Needs

By Patrick Herron

Published September 21, 2022 at 10:20AM

Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and facilities that have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, hate crimes. The grants are available to augment costs for security personnel or other security planning measures.

Eligible organizations could include nonprofit community service providers, houses of worship, or other faith-based organizations located in Montgomery County. The funds are administered by the County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS).

Deadline Extended for 2022 Councilmember for a Day Challenge

By Patrick Herron

Published September 20, 2022 at 7:44PM

The deadline to register has been extended to Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Initially an essay contest, Councilmember Rice partnered last year with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by incorporating afterschool virtual instruction on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant will be provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project for students is a video on a public policy issue from whom a winning video will be selected. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council breakfast, receive a Council proclamation, serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day, and receive prizes to enable their continued digital storytelling.

Montgomery County Council Passes Legislation to Establish Registration and Operating Requirements for Electric Scooters, Including the Use of Helmets and Reflectors

By Patrick Herron

Published September 20, 2022 at 3:01PM

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 20, 2022—The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously today to pass legislation sponsored by Councilmember Sidney Katz and Council President Gabe Albornoz that establishes registration and operating requirements for low-speed, electric scooter use in Montgomery County, including age requirements, speed limits and requirements for use of helmets and reflectors. Bill 36-21, Motor Vehicles and Traffic – E-Scooters – Operating Requirements and Registration, aims to reduce injuries associated with the usage of e-scooters and improve safety for riders and pedestrians.

“Electric scooters are a growing transportation method; however, there are few laws on the books regarding their operation,” said Councilmember Katz, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The Council wants to encourage all types of transportation options, but we must do so in a way that is safe for everyone, including electric scooter riders.”

Small, Minority and Women-Owned Companies in MoCo Eligible for Funding

By MCS Staff

Published September 20, 2022 at 7:11AM

Per MCEDC: The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has officially begun accepting applications for commercial loans from the new Accelerating Community Excellence (ACE) Loan Fund, a state of Maryland-funded program that provides loans to small, minority and women-owned companies. MCEDC is the ninth fund manager in the Maryland Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Program, also known as the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Program.

“Small, minority and women-owned businesses are the backbone of Montgomery County,” said Bill Tompkins, MCEDC President & CEO. “Our new ACE Loan Fund gives us the power to provide financial support to these businesses to help them grow and flourish in our area and across the state of Maryland. We couldn’t be happier to have been appointed and approved as a fund manager and look forward to seeing Montgomery County businesses continue to thrive.”

Montgomery County Council Meets on Sept. 20 for Briefings About the County’s Vision Zero Action Plan and Thrive Montgomery 2050

By Patrick Herron

Published September 19, 2022 at 3:55PM

WMATA General Manager and CEO: Randy Clarke

Introduction: The Council will meet with WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. This meeting is an opportunity for Mr. Clarke to introduce himself to the Council and to share his goals and objectives for improving WMATA safety and service. Councilmembers will also discuss their concerns related to WMATA.