Gaithersburg City Councilmember Rob Wu has announced that he running for Montgomery County Council in District 3. The seat is currently held by former Gaithersburg mayor, Sydney Katz.
As of today, there are no other candidates that have filed to run in the district.
More information on Rob Wu, courtesy of his website, can be seen below:
Rob is a public servant, Army Officer, and most importantly, a husband and father. He’s running for Montgomery County Council to move our community forward.
Rob moved to Maryland while on active duty with the United States Army, first living in Frederick, then Prince George’s County and Silver Spring, and has been a proud resident of Gaithersburg since 2012, with his wife Jamie, 8- year old son Julian, 5-year old daughter Teresa, and dog Dibels.
A lawyer by trade, Rob’s career has focused on civil service, as an active duty Judge Advocate, U.S. Army civilian, and Senior Attorney at the United States Government Accountability Office. He now works at Northrop Grumman, following in the footsteps of his parents, grandfather and other members of his family who all worked for Grumman in Bethpage, New York. Rob has a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biology and Environmental Studies from Tufts University, a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and he is currently working on a Master of Law degree from the George Washington University Law School concentrating in procurement law.
While at Tufts, Rob felt the call to serve and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Four years later, in 1999, he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Rob served on active duty as a Judge Advocate in the Army for nearly seven years, and has remained in the Army reserves ever since.
On active duty, Rob served overseas in South Korea, where he experienced its wonderful culture and people, and stateside in New Jersey, Frederick, Maryland, and attached to the Pentagon. In 2015, Rob deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and, later as an Army civilian, to Afghanistan, where he worked on reconstruction efforts. In the Army reserves, Rob has taught contract and fiscal law, advised commanders, and most recently supported U.S. Special Operations Command as a procurement advisor.
In Gaithersburg, Rob found his community calling as a member of his community’s homeowners association, as a member of various City committees, and supporting his local PTA. It is through these community activities that Rob got a bug for politics. When he first decided to run for Gaithersburg City Council, Rob was cautioned by local politicians that first-time candidates have a tough road to victory. Undeterred, Rob knocked on thousands of doors and talked to residents about their issues. As a result, Rob was elected in 2015 with the second-highest vote total.
As a council member, Rob has kept his promises to give every resident a voice, truly listen to the communities he serves, and advocate for a government that is responsive to the needs of its residents. He has championed policies to increase affordable housing, prioritized smart, sustainable growth and mixed-modal transportation, and has been a voice for environmental stewardship, to name a few issues.
Andrew Einsmann has officially declared his candidacy and will be on the ballot for Montgomery County Council Seat in the newly formed District 7. Andrew has lived in the county for over 20 years- with the majority of those years in this new district.
The newly formed 7th district is an upcounty district bordered on the south by Derwood and the Shady Grove Metro. It spans east to include Ashton, Sandy Spring and Olney. It goes West to Montgomery Village and then traverses north through Damascus all the way to the county line. A large portion of this district is the Agricultural Reserve.
Additional information is available via his press release below:
A husband, father, son, real estate agent, small business owner, soccer coach, basketball coach, president of numerous HOAs, PTA board member, former member of the Upcounty Advisory Board, Catholic, Scientist and U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and two-time President of Upper Montgomery and Rockville Rotary Clubs. “My long history in our community gives me deep experience and allows for a balanced, smart approach when it comes to representing the district.” said Einsmann.
If elected Andrew Einsmann’s major focuses would be:
Jobs- Why is Montgomery County last of any local jurisdiction when it comes to private sector job creation? We need to use Novavax as a model and find more companies like them to come into the county and stimulate our economy. We need to work with small businesses and hire more small business navigators and make it less cumbersome for a small business to open. We need to work with the SBA and local banks to increase the opportunities for small businesses to find funding.
Housing and Transit options- These two items in my mind go hand and hand. If you cannot get from your house to your job, it limits where you live. I support the 2050 thrive plan but I will work to get more transit hubs in the county and therefore places we can put higher density. I look forward to talking with our community about starting a study to expand Metro out to Olney to reduce dependency on cars. Hopefully we can get more transit options to alleviate that.
Increasing affordable housing is very important but we need some outside the box thinking. New construction cannot always be the fix for affordable houses so in certain circumstances, we need to be flexible with zoning and potentially convert unused office spaces into houses. One idea I like is The Lofts in Gaithersburg which was converted from a hotel to an apartment complex.
Environment- We have some strong policies in place. Now we need to work towards implementing them. We need a cleaner power grid. The cleaner the grid, the more it makes environmental and economic sense to buy electrical vehicles. “Smart Solar” or solar power combined with battery storage is the best option in our county and we need incentives so people can cover lesser used spaces into solar farms. We need to learn how to make solar farms and agricultural farming coexist.
Andrew Einsman said, “I am a good listener and not afraid to ask the hard questions.” He believes he can bring “common sense to complex problems.” “We need to create a Montgomery County that provides opportunities to our kids.” “When they graduate college or go straight into the workforce, we want them to come back to live, work and play.” “I have a vision to move Montgomery County forward to be that place again. So come along for the ride and see the places we can go.”
Authorized by Friends of Andrew Einsmann, Ann Einsmann, Treasurer
Christopher Bolton, a lifelong MoCo resident who currently resides in Fairland, has announced his candidacy for County Council in District 5 (a new district in East County that spans from White Oak to Spencerville, Burtonsville, and parts of Leisure World).
Bolton is a Democrat who served in the navy for 5 years. He joins Brian Anleu, Fatmata Barrie, William “Chip” Montier, Daniel Koroma, Kristin Mink, and Jeremiah Pope in the District 5 race.
More information below, from Christopher Bolton:
“Lifelong East County resident Christopher Bolton joins the New East County Council race. Bolton a former Chair of the East County Citizens Advisory Board, current Parliamentarian of the East County Citizens Advisory Board, Co-Chair on the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force committee on policy and de-escalation, a member of the Complete Census Count Committee, and a volunteer for Maryland Medical Reserve Corps.
Bolton wants residents to know that “He has been doing the work for years to get East County heard by Elected officials”. Bolton also states that he “will not participate in public funding, nor accept money from PAC’s and Special interest groups”. “If I am going to get elected, I need to learn to use what I have, you know do more with less”. Bolton runs a Free and Reduced lunch program for 3 non-public Charter schools in Maryland and DC.
Bolton also stated “That there is too much money in politics and that is why he is running. You call your elected officials, and you don’t get a response until something tragic happens”, “residents feel as if they aren’t important here in East County”. Residents for years have stated they must compete with the affluent parts of the county for attention”
“You have Candidates who are raising 5 to 6 figures in donations, Bolton states. Residents ask me “who are they going to owe when they get in office, always a favor for a favor, will all that money have an impact when it’s time to get our needs heard”? Bolton states that won’t be the case with him as he will use what little money raised to make an impact and get his message out.” “You won’t have to worry about me owing anyone if I win this election.”
Bolton also stated that Transparency will be the corner stone of his campaign, “I have nothing to hide, I am running an open campaign, not a lot of money but any information from my campaign that a voter or another campaign wants they can have it, that’s how confident I am that I am the best to represent the District.”
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Rockville, Md., Dec. 21, 2021—The Montgomery County Council issued the following statement condemning recent antisemitic activities and acts of hatred against the Jewish community in Montgomery County:
“The increase in antisemitic activities spreading COVID-19 disinformation that were seen in our region this weekend, mirroring similar activities seen across the nation, has left many members in our community feeling unsafe for themselves and their loved ones.
“The Council stands in solidarity with our Jewish community and condemns all acts of hate and ethnic or religious bigotry aimed at Jewish residents. Furthermore, the Council condemns the spread of COVID-19 disinformation in all its forms, and the use of erroneous connections to ethnic, religious and other groups to fuel abhorrently racist agendas.
“As we continue our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given the increase in cases caused by the Omicron variant, this is a time to unite and come together in the face of adversity. Any form of antisemitism, religious or ethnic persecution and intolerance contradicts the values of Montgomery County and will not be tolerated.
“We pledge to continue working with community leaders, residents and members of our public safety community to ensure that Montgomery County remains an inclusive and welcoming place to worship, work and raise a family. It is in this same spirit that we must unite and work together to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.”
Also on Dec. 14: Council to hold a public hearing and vote on a grant to support businesses impacted financially because of Purple Line construction and vote on funding for Guaranteed Income Pilot Program and community behavioral health treatment services in the County
Per Montgomery County: Monday, Dec. 13, 2021
The Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. The virtual meeting will begin with the Council conducting interviews with the County Executive’s appointments for development ombudsman and chief, children, youth and families in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). At 7:30 p.m. the Council will hold a virtual community listening session to hear from residents about Thrive Montgomery 2050.
County Executive’s appointment for Development Ombudsman: Thomas Lewis
Interview and vote: The Council is expected to interview and vote on the confirmation of Thomas Lewis, who is the County Executive’s appointment for development ombudsman.
County Executive’s appointment for Chief, Children, Youth, and Families: Dira Treadvance
Interview and vote: The Council is expected to interview and vote on the confirmation of Dira Treadvance, who is the County Executive’s appointment for chief of Children, Youth and Families in DHHS.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a more than $4.2 million special appropriation for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Enhancing Detection Expansion (ELC ED) Grant. This funding is needed to continue DHHS’ efforts to detect and respond to emerging or reemerging infectious diseases. This grant is awarded by the Maryland Department of Health and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These funds will be used to strengthen laboratory testing and laboratory data to enhance investigation, response and prevention for COVID-19. In addition, funds will support outreach, tracing, testing and surveillance that are a part of Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar, the African American Health Program COVID Response and the Asian American Health Initiative.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $150,000 special appropriation for CASA de Maryland, Inc. to complete design work to renovate the workforce development and citizenship center. CASA has been one of the County’s partners in supporting immigrant and Latino residents. They have operated Welcome Centers in Silver Spring, Wheaton and Rockville that have matched workers with employers and prevented low-wage workers from experiencing wage theft and abuse. CASA provides job training, assistance with the citizenship process and legal education and representation.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a nearly $5 million special appropriation for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Block Grant for Community Mental Health Services. SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided this block grant funding to the state of Maryland which is then awarded to localities including Montgomery County.
The appropriation is needed to provide service to those facing mental health challenges or illness and substance use disorders. The need has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be used to strengthen the crisis continuum of care for people in distress. It will support expansion of crisis intervention services and provide effective crisis care that will help divert people from emergency rooms and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a more than $1.9 million special appropriation for the SAMHSA Crisis 2 Connection’s Expanding the Care Continuum into the Community Grant Award. The funding will support the increased need to strengthen the quality of community behavioral health treatment services in the County. These funds will be used to support intervention and referral services, especially for children and adolescents as they return to school. In addition, it will support the creation of an interim stabilization center as an alternative to emergency rooms and incarceration.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $231,000 special appropriation for the Purple Line Light Rail Project Business Grant Program. The grant will support businesses impacted financially because of Purple Line construction. The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will administer the grant program for the County. The lead sponsor is Council Vice President Glass. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $2.7 million supplemental appropriation for the Summer School Grant. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will utilize these funds to implement a summer school program designed to engage students in mathematics, language arts and elective courses.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a more than $1.2 million supplemental appropriation for the School Reopening Grant. MCPS received notice from the Maryland State Department of Education of this supplemental aid grant under the American Rescue Act of 2021 and will utilize these funds to implement a districtwide cleaning and disinfecting program.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $251,233 supplemental appropriation for the Early Childhood High-Quality Inclusion Policies and Practices Grant. MCPS will utilize these funds to increase the inclusion and engagement of prekindergarten-age students with disabilities in general education classes. These students will have the opportunity to learn kindergarten readiness skills and social and emotional learning experiences within general education using evidence-based practices and instruction.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $1 million supplemental appropriation for DHHS to increase somatic and mental health services at MCPS. This funding will support services at Arcola, Georgian Forest, Jackson Road, Kemp Mill, Watkins Mill, Oak View, Whetstone, Daly, South Lake Highland Harmony Hills and New Hampshire Estates Elementary Schools.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $22.3 million special appropriation for Montgomery College pandemic related expenses including HVAC enhancements, student reengagement activities, employee technology and HyFlex student learning spaces. Federal funds will be used for this special appropriation. Montgomery College’s Board of Trustees requested this appropriation amendment on Nov. 19.
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on a $350,000 special appropriation for EveryMind to support behavioral health and crisis prevention in the County. The funding is needed to maintain current hotline staffing levels and service and prepare for the transition of the National Suicide Prevention Line to 9-8-8.
Expedited Bill 47-21, Taxicabs – Age of Vehicles
Public hearing and vote: The Council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on Expedited Bill 47-21, Taxicabs – Age of Vehicles, which would extend the permissible age that a taxicab may be in service in the County from eight to 10 model years. The taxicabs would continue to undergo annual safety inspections. The bill is time-sensitive because many taxicabs are scheduled to be placed out of service on Jan. 1, 2022, due to Montgomery County’s current age limit on taxicabs providing service.
The lead sponsor is the Council President, at the request of the County Executive.
Fiscal Plan and Federal Funding
Briefing: The Council is expected to receive an update from Executive staff about the County’s fiscal plan. The fiscal plan provides a high-level overview of the County’s fiscal condition and position based on current revenue and expenditure assumptions. The December 2021 update includes revisions to the County’s revenues based on actual collections to-date and estimated annual expenditures based on spending for the County Government.
The County’s fiscal position weathered the pandemic better than expected due to significant one-time Federal funding and actual FY21 tax revenue collections exceeding the budget projections from March 2020. Total tax revenues in FY21 were $131.4 million greater than budgeted. This allowed the County to end with general fund reserve levels greater than the ten percent policy level. Fiscal pressures remain as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic. These pressures could change the outlook in FY22 and FY23 as fiscal details become clearer.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Mike Coveyou, director, Department of Finance (Finance); Jennifer Bryant, director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB); Nancy Feldman, Finance; Josh Watters, OMB; David Platt, chief economist, Finance; and Chris Mullin, budget manager, OMB.
Introduction: The Council is will introduce Sectional Map Amendment (SMA) H-144, which was filed on Nov. 10, 2021, by the Montgomery County Planning Board to implement the specific zoning recommendations of the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan.
The SMA application covers a plan area of approximately 127 acres in the eastern part of the County at the intersection of state routes MD 108 and MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue).
The District Council approved the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan in June 2021. A public hearing on this SMA is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18, 2022.
Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 21-11 – Sandy Spring- Ashton Rural Village Overlay Zone
Introduction: The Council is will introduce Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 21-11, Sandy Spring/Ashton Rural Village Overlay Zone – Amendments, which amends the existing Sandy Spring Ashton Rural Village Overlay Zone (SSARVO) to make it consistent with the recommendations from the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan. ZTA 21-11 will be reviewed in conjunction with SMA H-144.
The SSARVO was established in 1998 and the Zoning Ordinance was updated in 2014. The Sandy Spring Rural Village Plan was updated in 2015 and the Ashton Rural Village Sector Plan was updated in 2021. The new Zoning Ordinance and the updated Master Plans rezoned the C zones to the CRN and CRT Zones, which offered many of the land use controls the overlay zone provided. The proposed amendments to the SSARVO would reduce those redundancies. The amended overlay zone will retain site plan requirements for all non-residential developments and allow certain existing non-conforming commercial uses to remain.
The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz, at the request of the Planning Board. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18, 2022.
Resolution to approve Executive Regulation 15-20, Public Space Usage in Work Zones
Introduction: The Council will introduce Executive Regulation 15-20, which adopts minimum standard requirements and conditions for work zone usage within the County’s public right-of-way. The proposed regulation provides standards by which the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) may issue a permit to temporarily close a public sidewalk, walkway, bicycle facility or road lane related to repair or construction activity. The intent of the proposed regulation is to minimize public inconvenience, maximize consistency with use of the right of way and promote public safety.
The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz, at the request of the County Executive. A vote is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18, 2022.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a resolution to approve extension until Feb. 2, 2022 of Local Map Amendment (LMA) Application No. H-141, which would rezone 7.83 acres of property from the Commercial Residential (CR) zone to the Commercial Residential Floating (CRF) zone. The property address is 2220 Broadbirch Drive in White Oak. The Floating Zone Plan includes three binding elements limiting the type and density of the proposed use and committing to restrict 15 percent of the units constructed as moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs).
Hearing Examiner Lynn Robeson Hannan is expected to attend and provide information.
Bill 48-21, General Provision – County Symbols – County Tree – Established
Introduction: The Council is will introduce Bill 48-21, which would officially designate the black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) as the County tree. Nyssa sylvatica is also known as blackgum, sourgum, pepperidge, tupelo and tupelo-gum.
The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz at the request of the County Executive. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2022.
Expedited Bill 49-21, Police Accountability Board – Administrative Charging Committee – Established
Introduction: The Council is scheduled to introduce Bill 49-21, Police – Police Accountability Board – Administrative Charging Committee – Established, which would establish a Policy Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) for the County.
The Maryland General Assembly enacted a series of laws establishing uniform standards for police department operations throughout the State. One of these laws, House Bill (HB) 670, created a new uniform procedure for police accountability and discipline. This new law requires the governing body of each county to establish a PAB and an ACC to handle complaints of police misconduct from a member of the public in the County. HB 670 also gives the County PAB and the County ACC jurisdiction over police misconduct complaints against municipal police departments located in the County.
The goal of the bill is to help improve police accountability. The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz, at the request of the County Executive. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11, 2022.
Expedited Bill 33-21, Personnel – Employee’s Retirement System – Group E – Amendments
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on Expedited Bill 33-21, Personnel – Employee’s Retirement System – Group E – Amendments, which would move resident supervisors in the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation from Group J to Group E. The bill would also permit resident supervisors to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan for sworn deputy sheriffs and uniformed correctional officers, clarify the application of credited service for employees who move from the GRIP to Group E and generally amend the retirement laws. The Government Operation and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee recommends enactment.
Bill 26-21, Taxation – Payments in Lieu of Taxes – Affordable Housing – Amendments
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on Bill 26-21, Taxation-Payments in Lieu of Taxes – Affordable Housing – Amendments, to help increase affordable housing in Montgomery County. The legislation would establish a minimum payment in lieu of taxes for a housing development owned or operated by the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) and for any other housing development with at least 25 percent of the dwelling units built under a government regulation or binding agreement limiting the rent charged for at least 15 years. Bill 26-21 also would repeal the annual maximum aggregate amount of all payments in lieu of taxes approved under this law.
Councilmembers Riemer and Friedson are the lead sponsors of Bill 26-21. The joint Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) and Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee recommends enactment with amendments.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a $602,159 supplemental appropriation for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, $223,757 for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and $626,039 for the Montgomery County Police Department. The lead sponsor is the Council President at the request of the County Executive. These funds would be used for proposed settlement agreements with 83 employees related to COVID-19 hazard pay.
Those expected to attend and provide information include Rich Madaleno, chief administrative officer; John Markovs, Office of the County Attorney; and Justin Nunley, Office of the County Attorney.
Resolution to Approve franchise to Cellco d/b/d Verizon Wireless, to use the public right-of-way
Introduction: The Council is scheduled to introduce a resolution which would grant Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless a franchise to use the public right-of-way under certain conditions. The proposed franchise is for a fifteen-and requires Cellco Partnership to pay the safe harbor annual right-of-way fee of $270 permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz, at the request of the County Executive.
Introduction and vote: The Council is expected to introduce and vote on an amendment to the FY22 Operating Budget for the Montgomery County Government, Resolution 19-872, Section G, Designation of Entities for Non-Competitive Contract Award Status: Asylum works, Ayuda, HIAS and University of Maryland SAFE Center.
The resolution authorizes contract awards for legal services that were funded in Resolution 19-968, Newcomers Enhancements and Assistance. The newcomer’s initiative provides comprehensive legal screenings, services and representation for unaccompanied children, families and sponsors through support to legal immigration service providers. The contracts include $80,000 with HIAS, $70,000 with Ayuda, $50,000 with Asylum Works and $50,000 with University of Maryland, Baltimore.
The joint Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education and Culture (E&C) Committee received an update on the newcomer’s initiative on Nov. 29. A link to the Committee staff report is available here.
Introduction and vote: The Council is expected to introduce and vote on an amendment to resolution 19-832, which would allow $2.2 million of previously appropriated federal grant funding to be used to support operational expenses of childcare providers. The funding may be used for expenses including rent, cleaning and personal protective equipment for childcare services delivered in the County.
The original appropriation of more than $7.6 million was approved in Sept. of 2020 to support the reopening of licensed childcare programs in public school buildings and tuition for childcare for low-income children. This amendment is needed to allow the County to spend the full amount of federal funding originally appropriated to support childcare delivery in the County.
Introduction and vote: The Council is expected to introduce and vote on resolution to extend the deadline for a declaration of no further need to dispose of a portion of the County property at Warner Circle Special Park, totaling 4.5 acres, located at 10231 Carroll Place in Kensington, Maryland. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has managed and maintained the property since 1979 under an agreement with the County. The property is protected under a historical preservation easement within the Kensington Historic District and is listed on both the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places.
Introduction: The Council is scheduled to introduce a $193,483 supplemental appropriation to the Department of Transportation to be used for the replacement of roadside trees as required by Bill 41-12 – Streets and Roads – Roadside Trees – Protection. The Tree Planting Fund collected $268,483 in fiscal year 2021, which is $193,483 more than had been estimated. The appropriation is needed to authorize the expenditure of the excess funds received and can be used only for this purpose.
The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz, at the request of the County Executive A public hearing and vote is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11, 2022.
Introduction: The Council is scheduled to introduce a special appropriations to Montgomery County Public Schools’ FY22 Capital Budget and Amendments to the FY21-26 Capital Improvements Program. The special appropriations include $5,125,000 for Clarksburg Cluster Elementary School (ES) #9 and more than $16.7 million for major capital projects at Burnt Mills ES, South Lake ES, Stonegate ES and Woodlin ES.
The projects listed above are scheduled to begin construction during FY22. They were approved by the Council in May 2021 as part of the FY21-26 CIP amendment reconciliation process. In Sept. of 2021, the Board of Education requested and the Council later approved amendments to these projects to increase project costs to address construction cost increases based on market conditions.
A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2021.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a resolution to approve use of the Advance Land Acquisition Revolving Fund (ALARF) for acquisition of real property to create a conservation park in Poolesville, Md.
On Dec. 2, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Montgomery Parks Department proposal to acquire the property at 21820 Club Hollow Road in Poolesville. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has negotiated a Land Purchase Agreement to acquire this property from Broad Run Creek Farm II, LLC, for more than $3.1 million. The property consists of 472.78 acres of the entire 535.36-acre Broad Run Creek Farm.
Resolution to approve end-of-year transfer for FY21 County Government Operating Budget
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a resolution to approve the end-of-year transfer for the FY21 County Government Operating Budget. The Executive has the authority to transfer unencumbered appropriations within a division or between divisions of the same department.
The Executive is recommending $9.4 million in transfers for FY20. For context, the Council approved $28.5 million for the FY19 year-end transfers and $43.6 million for the FY20 year-end transfers. The decrease in transfers for FY21 is due to the Council’s action to appropriate funding for overspent departments during the fiscal year and not use the year-end transfer to balance the overspending.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a nearly $2 million Special Appropriation to the FY22 Operating Budget for a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program which was introduced by lead sponsors Councilmember Jawando and Council President Albornoz. Council Vice President Glass and Councilmembers Hucker, Rice, Riemer and Navarro are cosponsors.
The purpose of this special appropriation is to provide the initial funding to implement a Montgomery County Guaranteed Income Pilot Program. The pilot program would enroll 300 households and provide a payment of $800 per month for 24 months. The pilot will be a public-private partnership with a $1 million grant from the Meyer Foundation to support this effort.
Guaranteed income is a direct, recurring cash payment to a specific, targeted group of people without strings attached. The purpose of guaranteed income is to alleviate poverty, provide a form of financial stability and give people the ability to make their own choices to improve their economic position. Other guaranteed pilot programs have shown positive outcomes, including the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration pilot.
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee recommends approval.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a $3.6 million special appropriation to the FY22 Capital Budget and Amendment to the FY21-26 Capital Improvements Program for the Council Office Building (COB) renovations project.
This special appropriation is needed to provide funding for the remaining construction cost associated with the addition of two new Councilmember offices and the relocated Legislative Information Services office as well as associated furniture, equipment and technology infrastructure needs. In addition, this appropriation funds several key subprojects related to the transition from nine to 11 Councilmembers. The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee recommends approval.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a $3.6 million special appropriation to the FY22 Capital Budget and Amendment to the FY21-26 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to acquire approximately half an acre of land located at 260 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, Maryland.
The County intends to use the building for the Department of Transportation’s lost and found, taxi services, commuter services, Ride On pass, customer service and other outward-facing transit operations, eliminating the need for visitors to pay for parking and to navigate services currently housed in multiple facilities and locations. The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee recommends approval.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a resolution to approve the extension of the lease between the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and Meadowbrook Foundation, Inc. (Meadowbrook Stables).
Meadowbrook Stables provides equestrian education to Montgomery County residents through a Public-Private Partnership with M-NCPPC. In November 2001, the Planning Board approved a development plan for Meadowbrook Stables that consisted of renovations and new construction in two phases. That development plan included the concept of a covered riding arena as part of the second phase of development to improve the functionality of Meadowbrook Stables.
The lead sponsor is the Council President, at the request of the M-NCPPC.
Introduction and vote: The Council is expected to introduce and vote on an amendment to Resolution 19-498 which would authorize the use of Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars for two previously approved appropriations that we funded with General Fund resources—the winterization of streeteries ($1.25 million) and Conference Center assistance ($2.5 million).
OLO Report 2021-12, State School Construction Aid Eligibility and Funding of MCPS Capital Projects
Receipt and Release: The Council directed the Office of Legislative Oversight to convene an interagency working group to assess which state aid criteria have the greatest effect on capital project funding received by MCPS. The OLO report presents background information on, and analysis of, the state’s contributions to MCPS capital construction projects. The report also identifies key challenges facing the county and MCPS and possible action items to help increase the state’s share of MCPS capital construction expenditures. The report will be available on OLO’s web page, once the Council votes to release the report on Tuesday.
Listening session: The Council will hold a community listening session to hear from residents about Thrive Montgomery 2050. It will be hosted virtually via Zoom at 7:30 p.m.
Thrive Montgomery 2050 is a framework to guide land use planning for housing, economic development, equity, transportation, environmental sustainability and more for the next three decades in Montgomery County. Visit the Council’s Thrive Montgomery 2050 web page to learn more about the proposed plan and the recommendations made by the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee.
The Council meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.
The Council and committees are meeting via Zoom because of ongoing construction and technology upgrades in the Council’s Hearing Room and the inability to conduct meetings in a socially distant way in other areas of the Council Office Building with television broadcast capacity. Councilmembers continue to hold meetings in their offices by appointment.
The virtual Council and committee meetings will be streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTubeand on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.
The indoor mask requirement was lifted at 12:01am on a Thursday morning after 7 consecutive days of moderate covid transmission.
Due to the wording of the Board of Health orders, it was announced that the mask mandate would return on Wednesday, November 3rd at 12:01am after the 7 day average surpassed 50 cases per 100,000 people bringing the county into substantial transmission.
Today the County Council announced that it would be meeting on Tuesday, November 2nd to hold a public hearing and vote on the amended Board of Health regulation on indoor mask requirements.
View the proposed amended Board of Health regulation that the Council will take up on Tuesday that would require 7 consecutive days of substantial covid transmission for an indoor face covering requirement to be reinstated in areas open to the public.
Notes from today’s new guaranteed income pilot program press conference:
• “I’m really proud that Montgomery County will be the first jurisdiction in Maryland to offer guaranteed income,” Councilmember @willjawando.
• Councilmember @albornoz_gabe, a co-sponsor of the guaranteed income program, says that the program will help residents that are struggling to pay their rent and other expenses.
• Council Vice President @albornoz_gabe explains how guaranteed income programs help empower families to make their own decisions to pay for essentials like rent and childcare.
• Councilmember @CMEvanGlass, lead for homelessness, says “this program is not a hand out, it’s a hand up,” talking about how the pandemic exposed the needs residents have.
• Councilmember @CMEvanGlass who is a cosponsor of guaranteed income in Montgomery County describes the new pilot program as, “A hand up, not a hand out.”
More information about the program, courtesy of Montgomery County, below:
Special appropriation of nearly $2 million will be introduced at the Council to fund the program with additional financial support from the Meyer Foundation
Rockville, Md., Oct. 25, 2021 — On Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m., Councilmember Will Jawando and Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz will host a joint press conference with County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmembers, the Director of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Dr. Raymond L. Crowel, and representatives from the Meyer Foundation, the Collaboration Council, non-profit and university partners to announce a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program for Montgomery County residents.
Expected to launch in 2022, the program will provide direct cash payments of $800 per month to 300 county households for 24 months. Area university partners will evaluate the program’s impact on participating households with anecdotal, qualitative and quantitative data. The County’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program will be a public-private partnership supported by the County Executive, Montgomery County DHHS, the Meyer Foundation, UpTogether and the Collaboration Council.
“Wealth and income inequality in the U.S. and in Montgomery County continues to be a challenge that has only become more dire during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilmember Jawando. “Guaranteed income is a promising strategy to reduce inequality and relieve pressure for families struggling to meet basic needs. As the first jurisdiction in Maryland to launch a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, I want our county to be on the forefront of understanding and implementing solutions that improve the lives of our residents and allow them to achieve their full potential.”
“I am excited about the potential for this program to assist families in permanently exiting poverty,” said Council Vice President Albornoz. “It honors a family’s resilience by placing trust in their ability to make their own decisions on what is best for their path forward. This program will help provide economic mobility and put an end to generational poverty.”
MCPS has provided detailed and updated quarantine guidelines, per today’s briefing with the Montgomery County Council.
The updates can be seen in the document below, which was tweeted by the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA).
The updated Covid-19 guidelines and testing plans for schools can be seen below:
Councilmember Tom Hucker tweeted the following:
On outreach campaign to parents for opt-in testing:
➡️Dr McKnight: We are asking parents to opt-in to testing. DHHS will help provide community outreach, canvassing opportunities.
Q: Why did MCPS not have a testing program in place by the first day of school?
➡️Dr. McKnight says rapidly changing transmission rates forced MCPS to pivot and revise plans
Evan Glass Announces Run for Re-Election to County Council
Evan Glass announced via email this morning that he will be seeking re-election to the Montgomery County Council.
Glass was elected to the County Council in 2018, receiving a higher percentage of votes in the at-large race than all other candidates (19.2%).
Prior to being elected to the County Council, Glass spent 12 years as a CNN journalist, where he covered the US Congress, presidential campaigns, and national politics. He also served as the executive director of Gandhi Brigade Youth Media, an after-school youth development organization dedicated to empowering underserved students.
Glass lives in Silver Spring with his husband Jason.
The email from his campaign, titled “Big Announcement,” can be seen below:
“I want to share with you the exciting news that I will be running for re-election to the Montgomery County Council!
Please join me, members of the community and special guest Congressman Jamie Raskin for my virtual campaign kickoff on Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m.
Since joining the Council in 2018, I’ve been working tirelessly to create a more fair and equitable community for all.
When I saw firsthand that a gender wage gap existed in county government, I passed the Montgomery County Pay Equity Act so that every employee is paid fairly regardless of their race or gender identity.
When I saw that some residents were being discriminated against in rental housing, I passed the Housing Justice Act to fight against the systemic racism that exists in our housing sector.
And when I saw that students in underserved communities were struggling to pay for the public bus to get home from school or a job, I led the effort to expand the Kids Ride Free program.
In addition to ensuring the health and safety of all our residents during the last year of this pandemic, these are just some of the laws and policies I’ve been fighting for during my first term. But there is more work to do.
Your neighbor,
ps: Please help support my people powered campaign and consider making a donation today. I am participating in the county’s public financing system, which means that I am not accepting any donations from special interests.”
Marilyn Balcombe Announces Candidacy for Montgomery County Council (District 2)
Marilyn Balcombe of Germantown, the president and CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, announced that she will run for Montgomery County Council (District 2) in 2022.
Balcombe previously ran for an at-large seat in the county council back in 2018, placing 5th out of 33 candidates– the 4 candidates with the most votes were elected to the council.
This year the number of county council seats will increase from 9 to 11, as a result of the 2020 ballot initiative. 4 at-large seats will remain with 2 districts being added to the current 5. Due to existing term limits, 5 of the 11 seats will be up for grabs including District 2, which is currently being represented by Councilmember Craig Rice.
Currently, District 2 consists of Barnesville, Boyds, Clarksburg, Damascus, Darnestown, Germantown, Goshen, and Montgomery Village.
Balcombe describes herself as a lifelong Democrat and Montgomery County resident and community advocate for nearly 30 years.
She will host an official campaign launch virtually on May 2nd.
More information can be found on her campaign website.
