MoCo Government Archives - Page 176 of 250

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

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.

Montgomery County Council to Hold Public Hearings on Sept. 20 and Oct. 4, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published September 16, 2022 at 10:27AM

A full list of upcoming public hearings is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/calendar.html.

Additional documents are available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council.

Public Safety Career Fair to be Held on Saturday, Oct. 22, in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Published September 16, 2022 at 7:41AM

Per Montgomery County: In partnership with Montgomery County’s public safety departments, its Office of Human Resources will hold a two-session Public Safety Career Fair for job seekers 18-and-over on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the County’s Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The County is seeking to fill more than 100 positions across the County’s public safety cluster.

The Public Safety Training Academy is located at 8751 Snouffer School Rd. in Gaithersburg. The Public Safety Career Fair will have a morning session from 9-11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/JOBFAIR.

Homeowners with Septic Systems Are Encouraged by County DPS to Follow Best-Practice Operation and Maintenance Guidelines as ‘Septic Smart Week’ Approaches

By MCS Staff

Published September 16, 2022 at 7:34AM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is reminding homeowners with septic systems about the importance of proper maintenance as the County recognizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 10th anniversary of “Septic Smart Week” from Sept. 19-23.

A properly installed and operated septic system treats wastewater from a home (toilets, sinks, showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashing machines) and returns it to the groundwater.

Free Electric Scooter Trainings and Safety Clinics for Those 18-and-Older Will Be Available in October and November

By Patrick Herron

Published September 15, 2022 at 8:52AM

The clinics generally will last about two-to-four hours and e-scooters will be available at each site. Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the clinic.

Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend a clinic and walk-ups are welcome.

County Executive Marc Elrich Urges County Council to Disapprove Thrive 2050

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:31AM

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich sent a meo to the Montgomery County Council on Monday, September 12th, urging the council to disapprove Thrive 2050– the update to the county’s master […]

Montgomery Planning Expresses Appreciation for County Council Consultant-Led Study on Thrive Montgomery 2050; Notes it Confirms Widespread Support for Thrive’s Policies

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:19AM

Just a day after County Executive Marc Elrich urged the Montgomery County Council to disapprove Thrive 2050, the Montgomery County Planning Department expressed its appreciation for the Montgomery County Council’s consultant-led racial equity and social justice review of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee Draft of Thrive Montgomery 2050, the update to Montgomery County’s General Plan.

Per Montgomery Planning: The report includes an assessment of how historically disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups are represented in the current version of the plan and a draft chapter on racial equity and social justice to be considered by the County Council to be included in the final plan.

Montgomery County Launches Online Tool to Help Older Adult Residents Find Transportation Providers

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:14AM

Montgomery County recently launched a new online tool to help older adult residents find volunteer ride providers to help them get where they need to go, when they need to get there.

The online tool uses GIS mapping to connect an address with organizations, such as nonprofit groups and senior villages, who provide volunteer rides for such things as medical appointments and grocery shopping. In addition to free bus rides and a discounted taxi program for eligible residents, the County supports non-profit organizations that offer volunteer rides.

Montgomery County Supports Preservation of Affordable Housing at Parkside Landing Apartments in Rockville

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2022 at 7:11AM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) participated in financing, with a 40-year Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) loan of $5,342,517, to support preservation and renovation of 177 affordable units at Parkside Landing Apartments in Rockville. Through lending, DHCA supported preserving 118 affordable units and producing 59 additional affordable units – for a total of 177 units now priced affordably.

Parkside Landing Apartments has a total of 236 garden-style, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units. The City of Rockville’s public housing agency, Rockville Housing Enterprises, Inc. (RHE), acquired the apartment property in 2012 to preserve the affordable rental community and recently completed a full renovation.