tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74517748663164649512024-02-20T15:39:10.681-05:00MCCAB BLOGThe Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) serves as Montgomery County's bridge to the 220,000 residents and businesses spread throughout the 99 square miles of the Mid-County area of Montgomery County. CAB members are selected by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council to serve 3-year terms.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-34483192476472920612012-07-17T22:28:00.002-04:002012-07-17T22:28:50.015-04:00MCCAB Priorities for 2012-13<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Brainstorming MCCAB Priorities for 2012-13<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The MCCAB spent time brainstorming priority topics for the new fiscal year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These included the following:</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Quality of Life:</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">1. MCFRS: new FS 18 and implementation of EMS reimbursement fee program<br />2. Wheaton: design & planning of library/recreation center, redevelopment of CBD<br />3. MCPS: lack of adequate yearly progress at several schools (which can lead to state takeover)<br />4. Youth out-of-school time programs</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Budget:</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">1. Understanding the budget process (briefing by OMB at the beginning of the year)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">2. Performance—follow up on existing projects under development</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">3. Wheaton redevelopment/Wheaton library</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">4. Meeting w/civic groups to get budget input</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">5. Funding from speed cameras—how it is utilized</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Land Use, Zoning and Transportation:</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Rapid Transit Vehicles (aka: Bus Rapid Transit)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Traffic management and vehicular transportation issues (TPAR-how this works throughout the County)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Understanding and interaction of planning process</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Pedestrian and cyclist safety as it pertains to growing development in Wheaton, Olney (entire mid-county area)—blinking lights when pedestrians are present</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Parking and towing issues in Wheaton</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Aspen Hill development and related traffic problems</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Issues with state managed roads</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Executive Committee</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Create procedures for important last minute decisions that need to be made by the whole committee</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Work on outreach with pertinent departments on a regular basis</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Modernizing engagement and voting processes</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Socializing outside of committee</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Retreat for members at the beginning of the year</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Asking members to connect with specific departments</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Calendar of major milestones for the year</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">Outreach to civic groups</span></div>Gamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-85454170867682283532012-06-05T11:34:00.001-04:002012-06-05T11:34:28.720-04:00MCCAB Executive Committee Draft June Meeting Agenda<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
MCCAB Executive Committee Meeting</div>
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June 5, 2012</div>
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DRAFT Agenda</div>
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6:30 pm – Call to Order</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Major agenda items for June MCCAB meeting</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Gas Station ZTA</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Approval of ambulance fee letter</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Fire rescue staffing</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Visiting CERB members</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Initial brainstorming on priority areas for 2012-13</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Selection of nomination committee</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Creating position of Secretary</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-Discussion of MCCAB procedures</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Special meeting notices</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Committee rosters</div>
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7:00 pm - Adjourn</div>Gamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-65558991814260869182012-06-04T21:54:00.000-04:002012-06-04T21:54:11.286-04:00At the Quality of Life Committee meeting on June 5, at 8 pm, we will discuss the following DRAFT letter on the Emergency Medical Services Transport Insurance Reimbursement Act.
Dear Mr. Leggett:
On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB), I am writing to express our support for the recently enacted Emergency Medical Services Transport Insurance Reimbursement Act. This Act will enable the County to collect an estimated $18 million a year from insurers to reimburse the County for the costs of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) services. This additional revenue will help the County absorb the anticipated shift of state pension costs. We are pleased that the Act includes the following provisions to safeguard County residents and enhance EMS services:
• ensures that County residents will not pay out-of-pocket expenses for EMS transport;
• establishes a patient advocate in the Office of Consumer Protection;
• requires the Fire Chief to report semiannually to the County Council and County Executive regarding implementation of the Act;
• requires the County to conduct a public outreach and education campaign;
• requires the County to use revenues collected from insurers to supplement existing expenditures for EMS services, rather than supplanting existing spending.
As you implement the EMS reimbursement program, we recommend that you focus special attention on the public outreach campaign mandated by the Act and measure the impact of this effort. This campaign is very important to assure residents that they will not be responsible for out-of-pocket costs related to EMS use.
The revenue received under this program should go towards improving the County’s EMS system. Therefore, some of the new revenue should be used to develop additional EMS patient outcome measures. We recognize that the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) has continued to make significant advancements in measuring EMS patient outcomes particularly in the area of treating patients experiencing heart attacks (STEMI) and sudden cardiac arrest. We urge MCFRS to develop additional measures and to include them as performance measures in the operating budget. [do we have other ideas for how the revenue should be used?]
We will closely monitor the implementation of the Act, particularly its impact on residents who use EMS services and the performance of the EMS system. We look forward to working with you to improve EMS services in the County. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share our views on this issue.Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02282522070355762381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-24867267957018257312012-05-02T15:16:00.002-04:002012-05-02T15:16:53.721-04:00At the MCCAB's Quality of Life Committee meeting on May 1, 2012, the Committee approved a motion to support the bill introduced in April by the County Executive to create an EMS Reimbursement Program. The vote was 6 in favor, 1 against, and 3 abstentions. The full MCCAB will decide whether to support the bill at its next meeting on May 15.Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02282522070355762381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-44783727084408634532011-11-10T12:13:00.001-05:002011-11-10T12:13:39.463-05:00Budget Subcommittee Agenda<br />
11/14/11 at the Mid-county RSC<br />
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<span style="right: auto;">The agenda for the meeting is provided below:</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;"></span> </div>
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<span style="right: auto;">1. </span><span style="right: auto;">Present CIP and PSP review process/work plan for
consideration and comments</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;">2. Review current CIP and
PSP</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;">3. Costco construction work
stoppage and potential issues for the Committee to address</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;">4. New budget and investment
topics submitted from our Committee to add to the CIP and PSP portfolio for
review and comments</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;">5. Based on necessity,
identify speakers to invite for future meetings from OMB, County Council, and
other stakeholders</span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;">6. Consider a Committee name
change to include job/community development and revitalization<var id="yui-ie-cursor"></var> </span></div>
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<span style="right: auto;"></span> </div>Ana Lopez van Balenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636471310346550802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-38363842865759872532011-10-31T15:59:00.002-04:002011-10-31T15:59:22.730-04:00Agenda for the next Quality of Life Committee Nov. 1stAgenda for MCCAB Quality of Life meeting<br />Tues, Nov. 1, 8-9 pm at Mid-County RSC<br /><br />1. Legislation introduced by Councilmembers Andrews and Leventhal to prohibit
certain loitering or prowling (bill is attached)<br /><br />
2. Councilmember Leventhal's
legislation to sunset certain boards and commissions, including the Wheaton
Urban District Advisory Committee and the Fire and Emergency Services Commission
(this Board provides oversight to the MCFRS) (bill is attached)<br /><br />
3. Potential
issues involving Fire Station 18 and Privacy WorldAna Lopez van Balenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636471310346550802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-63157485378638451632011-09-18T21:41:00.001-04:002011-09-18T21:44:02.454-04:00Quality of Life committee reportAt the Quality of Life Committee meeting on Sept. 12, the committee approved a motion to recommend that the MCCAB send a letter to the County Executive supporting a curfew law for the County. The draft letter is below and will be discussed at the MCCAB meeting on Sept. 20.<br /><br />DRAFT<br /><br /><br />Mr. Isiah Leggett<br />County Executive <br />Rockville, MD 20850<br /> <br />Dear Mr. Leggett:<br /><br /><br />On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB), I am writing to express the MCCAB’s support for legislation that would establish a curfew for minors under the age of 18. A curfew would help reduce juvenile violence and gang activity in the County. A recent incident in downtown Silver Spring illustrates the rationale for a curfew. On July 1, more than 80 teenagers and young adults—many of them gang members—fought for more than two hours until 2:30 a.m. (Concerns about Silver Spring spur consideration of curfew, Washington Post, July 26, 2011). If a curfew had been in place, officers could have ordered minors to go home and arrested those who refused before the fighting escalated. Although a curfew is not a panacea for underage crime, it would give police another tool to prevent juvenile crime that occurs late at night. A curfew law would also align Montgomery County with two of our neighboring jurisdictions—Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia—which have existing curfew laws. <br /><br /><br /><br />We agree with your proposed bill that a curfew should operate from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday through Thursday and from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A curfew should contain exceptions for minors who are accompanied by a parent, traveling in the County, engaging in employment, responding to an emergency, or homeless. A curfew should also exclude minors who are going to or returning home from a school, religious, entertainment, or recreational activity. In addition, violations of a curfew should be considered a civil offense. Finally, the County should monitor enforcement of a curfew law and issue a public report on the number of curfew violations and the impact of the law on juvenile crime and gang activity during curfew hours. <br /><br /><br /><br />We look forward to working with you to improve public safety in our neighborhoods. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share our views on the importance of a curfew law. <br /> <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Gamunu Wijetunge<br />Chair<br /> <br />CC: Valerie ErvinArielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02282522070355762381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-11530806352618975752011-07-21T10:42:00.001-04:002011-07-21T10:43:44.196-04:00DRAFT FY 13-FY 18 Capital Improvement PrioritiesDRAFT<br /><br />The Honorable Isiah Leggett<br />County Executive<br />101 Monroe Street<br />Rockville, Maryland 20850<br /><br />Dear County Executive Leggett:<br /><br />I am pleased to transmit the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) Capital Improvements Program priority list in advance of my August 23rd meeting with you.<br /><br />I look forward to meeting with you on August 23rd and the opportunity to discuss the MCCAB’s list with you in person.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Gamunu Wijetunge, Chair<br /><br />DRAFT<br />FY 13-FY 18 Capital Improvement Priorities<br />Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board<br />July 19, 2011<br /><br />Implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – The MCCAB has previously voiced support for BRT between Glenmont and Olney via Georgia Avenue and Wheaton and Rockville via Veirs Mill Road.<br /><br />Wheaton Redevelopment – coordination of all Wheaton Projects to go through the Wheaton Redevelopment Program and the Mid-County Regional Center. All County-funded projects should be vetted and coordinated through the appropriate Regional Center.<br /><br />Grade separated interchange at Georgia Avenue/Randolph Road – keep project at top of County’s priority list.<br /><br />Fire Station #18 Relocation – keep construction on schedule in preparation for Georgia Ave./Randolph Rd. grade separation project.<br /><br />Combined Wheaton Library/Community Recreation Center – continue to work with the community throughout the design and construction process.<br /><br />Olney Multi-Function County and Community Services Center -<br /><br />Kemp Mill Urban Park – expedite renovation of the Kemp Mill Urban Park<br /><br />Olney Town Commons/Green Space – include a pavilion and suitable accommodations for the Olney Farmers Market<br /><br />CIP Process Review – review current procedures for capital project design, procurement and construction management for greater efficiency.<br /><br />School capacity should be below 105% - There is concern about overcrowding in Mid-County region schools<br /><br />Redevelopment/revitalization of Glenmont Shopping Center – Create public-private partnership to incentivize, make economically attractive, provide redevelopment credit to owners. Attract better store to shopping center, rid area of vagrants, better markings in parking lot for traffic flow.Gamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-56438835562117214292011-05-17T09:53:00.000-04:002011-05-17T09:55:29.118-04:00Draft Q of L Letter re:Cardiac ArrestDRAFT<br /><br />Dear Mr. Leggett,<br /><br />The County Executive’s Recommended Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) operating budget submitted to the County Council on March 15, 2011 included a recommended FY12 Operating Budget for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). Among five listed accomplishments and initiatives for the MCFRS was the following:<br /><br />“Instituted Neuroprotective Hypothermia Protocol for EMS patients, which will help to increase survivability rates for cardiac arrest patients.”<br /><br />The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) would appreciate answers to the following questions:<br /><br />What is the current survivability rate for cardiac arrest patents treated by MCFRS?<br /><br />What is the anticipated increase in survivability as a result of the Neuroprotective Hypothermia Protocol?<br /><br />As stated in three previous letters (attached), the MCCAB continues to feel that the establishment of EMS patient outcome measures, such as EMS patient survival from sudden cardiac arrest, will contribute to improved performance by the MCFRS. The MCCAB is encouraged that the recommended FY12 operating budget and the MCFRS FY10 Performance Plan made reference to EMS patient outcome measures. To improve transparency and accountability the MCCAB urges the County Executive to post cardiac arrest survivability rates to CountyStat and the Montgomery County Government website.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Cc: Council PresidentGamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-57662298436213672672011-03-23T22:22:00.003-04:002011-03-23T22:25:51.958-04:00budget proposal to adopt 70/30 cost sharing for insurance premiumsHi all -<br /><br />A question came up at last night's budget committee meeting about how much the County could save by extending the 70/30 cost sharing proposal for insurance premiums to MCPS employees. (The County Executive's budget proposes doing this for County Govt. employees, along with a surcharge for higher salaried employees). The OLO report modeled the 70/30 cost sharing option and presented cost savings for each type of County employee (Table 6 in issue paper C). The cumulative 5 year savings for County Govt. employees would be $59.5 million ($5.5 million in 2012); excluding MNCPPC and Mont. College. By comparison, the cumulative <b>5 year savings for MCPS employees would be $300.7 million</b> ($28.7 million in 2012). Clearly, the lion's share of the savings would be from extending this policy to MCPS employees. something to think about for the MCCAB meeting.<br /><br />-ArielArielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02282522070355762381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-74105143809850348872011-03-14T14:16:00.002-04:002011-03-14T14:18:54.112-04:00DRAFT Letter on Old Gas Lines Approved by Quality of Life CommitteeDRAFT<br /><br />Dear Mr. Leggett,<br /><br />Recently it was brought to the attention of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board<br />(MCCAB) by one of its members that active and inactive natural gas-fed street lights are<br />present in some mid-County neighborhoods. The MCCAB is concerned that these lights may<br />present a public safety concern and request that an appropriate County agency further<br />investigate this issue and report back to the MCCAB and/or the public on its findings with<br />suggestions for any needed safety improvements.<br /><br />Some gas street lights were installed on the County rights of way in some subdivisions<br />in Montgomery County over the past century including subdivisions in the mid-County area.<br />These lights are connected directly to the gas main lines and are not metered. Persons<br />who have operating gas lights on the County right-of-way on their property are/were billed<br />a surcharge on their gas bill. In the 1970s and subsequently, that surcharge increased<br />substantially. As the County urbanized, electric street lights have been installed in many<br />communities, including in those already having gas street lights, making the gas street<br />lights primarily ornamental, i.e., the utility of gas street lights for lighting purposes became<br />unnecessary.<br /><br />Many previously installed gas street lights are no longer in service: they have been<br />shut-off at a valve in the light pole, but are still under full gas pressure. Some gas lights have<br />been removed, but the gas lines are sealed near where the pole had been. One person in our<br />MCCAB (Mid County Citizens Advisory Board) group observed that those capped, pressurized<br />gas lines are quite shallow, approximately six to twenty four inches below ground. That is<br />shallow enough to be a surprise hazard for those planting bushes or trees in front yards.<br />We would like to know what were the requirements for installing gas street lights in<br />Montgomery County and how have these requirements changed in the last 100 years? Who,<br />if anyone, has the right to require the unused gas street lights lines to be sealed off at the gas<br />main line?<br /><br />In view of property ownership turnover, are there actions the Montgomery County<br />Government can take to improve owners’ awareness of “orphan” gas lines?<br />Thank you in advance for looking into these questions.<br /><br />Sincerely,Gamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-20083216197083807682011-03-14T14:07:00.002-04:002011-03-14T14:16:19.854-04:00DRAFT letter on Organizational Reform Commission Approved by Quality of Life CommitteeDRAFT<br /><br />Dear Mr. Leggett/President Ervin,<br /><br />The Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission (the Commission)<br />released its final report on January 31, 2011. The deliberations of the Commission have been<br />discussed at several meetings of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB).<br /><br />Most recently the MCCAB reviewed the Commission’s final report at its February 15,<br />2011 meeting and passed motions in support of the following Commission recommendations:<br /><br />I. Structural and Organizational Changes<br /><br />Boards, Committees and Commissions<br />2. Increase use of the Regional Services Centers’ citizen advisory boards and the Office<br />of Community Partnerships, whenever possible, in lieu of creating new citizen boards or<br />committees.<br />4. Reorganize the Human Rights Commission, folding its functions into other entities, and<br />eliminate the HRC office.<br />6. Reorganize the Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission (CJCC) so that it is housed and<br />staffed within the County Police Department, and eliminate the executive director position.<br />Workforce Training<br />7. Enable the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board, the Division of Workforce<br />Services (DWS), and its contractors to coordinate oversight of the workforce grants awarded by<br />the Executive and the Council.<br /><br />Legal Services<br />8. Increase efforts to substitute costly contracted legal services with in-house expertise.<br />9. Form a Task Force to create a consolidated Montgomery County Law Office that would serve<br />multiple agencies.<br />Housing<br />10. Establish a Task Force on a Montgomery Housing and Redevelopment Department, to<br />begin the process of blending the Housing Opportunities Commission and the Department of<br />Housing and Community Affairs.<br /><br />Parks and Recreation<br />11. Transfer all of the Parks Department’s “user services” to the Executive Branch of County<br />government, as part of the Department of Recreation. Retain responsibility for park planning,<br />environmental stewardship, and ownership of park property at the Maryland-National Capital<br />Park and Planning Commission.<br />Procurement<br />13. Create a Shared Service Center for purchasing goods and services that would serve all<br />County agencies with a centralized procurement schedule and catalogue.<br />Real Estate and Facilities<br />14. Centralize real estate and facilities functions that are now handled separately by each of the<br />County agencies.<br /><br />The 311 System<br />15. Consolidate information distribution and call center activities by expanding the County<br />government’s 311 system so that it also serves the other agencies.<br /><br />Information Technology<br />16. Consolidate the County’s information technology leadership into a single independent Chief<br />Information Officer (CIO).<br /><br />II. Procedural and Operational Changes<br /><br />Collective Bargaining<br />18. Make the collective bargaining process more transparent and increase opportunities for<br />public input.<br /><br />School Funding<br />22. Seek changes in the State’s Maintenance of Effort (MOE) law.<br />23. Seek changes in the State Education Article to authorize the Council to approve or reject the<br />economic provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.<br /><br />Information Technology<br />24. Embolden all County departments and agencies to move in the direction of converting to<br />Cloud and Thin Client computing.<br />25. Expand the outsourcing of “seat management” to MCPS and Montgomery College.<br />26. Consolidate major IT platforms and provide for a migration path.<br /><br />Liquor Control<br />27. Expand contracting of warehouse night-loading operations at the Department of Liquor<br />Control to all warehouse operations and improve retail services.<br />28. Contract out for a financial and performance audit of the Department of Liquor Control.<br /><br />I hope you find this information useful as you deliberate the Commission’s final report.Gamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01574738441049609595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-4708630564360943212011-03-03T20:43:00.002-05:002011-03-03T20:52:44.723-05:00draft letter to County Council regarding renovation of Kemp Mill Urban Park<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> 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locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">On March 1, 2011, the MCCAB's Quality of Life Committee approved the following draft letter to the County Council regarding the planned renovation of Kemp Mill Urban Park. The Committee recommends that the MCCAB approve this letter at its next meeting on March 15. The letter is a draft unless it is approved by the MCCAB.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">DRAFT</p>March XX, 2011 <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Honorable Valerie Ervin</p> <p class="MsoNormal">President, Montgomery County Council</p> <p class="MsoNormal">100 Maryland Avenue</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rockville, MD 20850</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear President Ervin:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB), I am writing to thank the Council and the Montgomery County Planning Board for moving forward with the process of renovating the Kemp Mill Urban Park.<span style=""> </span>I reiterate the MCCAB’s support for expediting the renovation of this park, which is a vital resource for the Kemp Mill neighborhood. Unfortunately, the park has significantly deteriorated since its construction in the 1960s. At a public meeting on January 12, 2011, consultants engaged by the Planning Board presented a recommended design concept for a park renovation to the Kemp Mill community. This design was based on input received from residents at two prior public meetings in 2009. Residents generally praised the recommended design but also offered substantive comments. The new design is meant to accomplish several goals, among them:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Retain an open water feature in the park while discouraging geese from inhabiting the park,</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Expand the playground,</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Provide a continuous walkway through the park,</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Provide a lawn area outside the playground, and</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Provide a balanced program to serve all users. </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We support the general direction of the design but would like to offer some technical comments:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Although the playground area would be expanded from its current size, we are concerned that it will still be insufficient for the large number of families and children who use it. We urge the Planning Board to consider a larger expansion of the playground.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">We recommend that the Planning Board develop a plan to maintain the pond’s filter mechanism that will filter leaves, twigs, and aquatic vegetation.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">We recommend that the Planning Board develop a maintenance plan for cleaning the large quantity of trash that accumulates in the park on a regular basis; we are concerned that this trash could clog the water filters. </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">We recommend that the Planning Board examine the environmental and health implications of using a recycled rubber surface for the playground in the renovated park. The MCCAB has previously expressed concern about the installation of artificial turf fields that include material from old rubber tires (see attached letter). </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the public meeting, Planning Board staff indicated that it would likely take between two and six years to complete the park renovation. Because of this lengthy timeframe, we urge the Planning Board to work with Montgomery County Government to improve the maintenance of the park until the renovation begins. Given the Planning Board’s limited resources, staff could organize periodic community clean-up events to help maintain the park. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to the Planning Board’s website, the renovation design is currently being refined and will be presented to the Planning Board for approval in the summer or fall of 2011. We request that the Council communicate to the Planning Board our technical comments on the design and our support for moving forward with the renovation. Further, we encourage the Council to include funding for the park’s renovation in the next Capital Improvements Program budget so that the renovation can begin as soon as possible. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The MCCAB has supported the renovation of the Kemp Mill Urban Park for several years (see attachments). We look forward to working with the Council on this issue. <span style=""> </span>Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share our views on the importance of renovating this park.</p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02282522070355762381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-34330377842784083682011-02-17T15:12:00.000-05:002011-02-17T15:12:22.547-05:00Subject: Dispute Complaint Number 1110132287<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">From: Steve Morrison <n3yib@yahoo.com><br />
Subject: Dispute Complaint Number 1110132287</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Customer Name: Mr. Steven Morrison<br />
To: Vtyler@psc.state.md.us<br />
Date: <date day="17" month="2" year="2011">Thursday, February 17, 2011</date>, <time hour="11" minute="34">11:34 AM</time></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 513px;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #ece9d8; border-left: #ece9d8; border-right: #ece9d8; border-top: #ece9d8; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 60.75pt 12pt 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Dear Mr. Tyler, February 17, 2011<br />
<br />
On February 16th, Washington Gas sent 3 workers out to dig up <br />
my shallow (less than 6 inches below the surface) pressurized gas <br />
line for a long abandoned street light. They followed the linedigging laterally for about 10 feet and down about 2 feet below the surface where it joined the larger main gas feeder line to my house. They then closed off the street light gas line at the main and removed the abandoned street light gas line. I am satisfied that one of my problems with Washington Gas has been appropriately resolved and that the Maryland Public Service Commission was materially helpful. <br />
<br />
Three more problems with Washington Gas, mentioned in Complaint Number 1110132287, have not yet been addressed. <br />
The first that there are dozens of shallow street light lines in my community where gas street lights were previously removed, identical to my former situation with unmarked, pressurized gas light lines running just below the surface and not sealed deeper down at the gas mains. These remain a hazard to the community because homeowners can pierce them with a pick or shovel them when planting a garden or shrubs. A second problem is that our community still has 3 working gas street lights plus dozens of <br />
derelict, abandoned gas street lights, most of them not quite vertical, most without theit glass globes and without gas mantles necessary to sustain the bright glow for illumination. The abandoned lights have the shallow gas lines <stockticker>AND</stockticker> their gas flow is cut off by a valve located above ground in the gas light column, even more hazardous than was my situation. If the landowner tries to take down the derelict, abandoned gas lamp pole, he or she could be surprised and find out that the gas line is still pressurized. Abandoned gas lights need to be completely removed and <br />
appropriately sealed at their intersection with the gas main. <br />
<br />
Lastly, I complained that Washington Gas diverted calls about matters other than employment, billing, payments and emergencies to call centers in <place>Asia</place> that apparently know nothing and have no authority, but are always polite. My conclusion that Washington Gas is unwilling to deal with or even listen to its customers is reinforced by my experience at the Public Service Commission in regard to this complaint. The person who filed a written formal response to your agency about my complaint, which you forwarded to me, did not provide her phone number, address or email address so I could not communicate directly with her. Washington Gas' business stategy of preventing the public from communicating with appropriate Washington Gas employees has got to end. <br />
<br />
The assistance of your agency in getting the identified remaining <br />
problems resolved will be appreciated. <br />
<br />
Respectfully, <br />
<br />
Steven Morrison<br />
13816 <address><street>Vintage Lane</street><br />
<city>Silver Spring</city>, <state>MD</state> <postalcode>20906</postalcode></address><br />
n3yib@yahoo.com<br />
301 871-6452</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-35376716868564759152011-02-10T17:40:00.000-05:002011-02-10T17:40:30.675-05:00AMMENDED-Written Statement by Gamunu Wijetunge for the County Executive’s AnnualGood evening Mr. Leggett. My name is Gamunu Wijetunge. I am Vice-Chair of the <place><placetype>Mid-County</placetype> <placename>Citizens</placename></place> Advisory Board (MCCAB). I am accompanied tonight by Ms. Ritija Gupta, Chair of the MCCAB’s Budget Committee.<br />
The MCCAB serves to advise the <place><placetype>County</placetype> <placename>Executive</placename></place> and County Council on issues impacting the Mid-County area which covers the <street><address>Georgia Avenue </address></street>corridor from Forest Glen up through <city><place>Wheaton</place></city>, Glenmont, Kensingon, Layhill, Aspen Hill and all the way to Olney. The MCCAB serves as <place><placename>Montgomery</placename> <placetype>County</placetype></place>'s bridge to the 220,000 residents and businesses spread throughout the 99 square miles of the Mid-County area of <place><placename>Montgomery</placename> <placetype>County</placetype></place>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT;">Overview</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">I recognize the difficulties faced by the Montgomery County Government (MCG) in the face of ongoing severe revenue shortfalls. I would like to thank the </span><place><placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">County</span></placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Executive</span></placename></place><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> for his continued leadership during these difficult times. I do not have any new formal MCCAB positions to present tonight, rather my remarks are intended to highlight past recommendations which I believe are timely. As the </span><place><placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">County</span></placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Executive</span></placename></place><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> is aware, the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission (the Commission) released its final report on </span><date day="31" month="1" year="2011"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">January 31, 2011</span></date><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">. The deliberations of the Commission have been discussed at several MCCAB meetings. I believe the Commission’s final report will also be closely examined. I testified before the Commission on behalf of the MCCAB at a public meeting on </span><date day="20" month="10" year="2010"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">October 20, 2010</span></date><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">. I believe it is worth noting that the Commission’s final report touched on two areas previously discussed by the MCCAB: Liquor Control and the </span><place><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Regional</span></placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Services</span></placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Centers</span></placetype></place><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT;">Department of Liquor Control (DLC)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">The Commission has recommended that MCG </span><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">“</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial-ItalicMT;">pursue options for establishing an independent “revenue authority” to be responsible for operation of the Department of Liquor Control, thereby generating more revenue for the General Fund and removing it from the Executive Branch.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">”</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT;">Regional Services Centers</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">The Commission has recommended that MCG </span><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">“<em><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">i</span></em></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial-ItalicMT;">ncrease use of the Regional Services Centers’ citizen advisory boards and the Office of Community Partnerships, whenever possible,</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial-ItalicMT;"> <em><span style="font-family: Arial-ItalicMT;">in lieu of creating new citizen boards or committees.</span></em></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">” </span><span style="font-family: Arial-ItalicMT;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">I believe the Commission’s recommendation recognizes the importance of Regional </span><place><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Services</span></placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Centers</span></placetype></place><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> and the regional advisory boards.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;">In closing I would like to extend my personal appreciation to the </span><place><placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">County</span></placetype><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span><placename><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Executive</span></placename></place><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> and </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">his hard working staff. Thank you again for taking the time to meet and speak with us tonight. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have at this time.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-67003799296263837432011-02-09T18:38:00.001-05:002011-02-09T18:41:11.773-05:00MCCAB's talking points for meeting with County ExecutiveMid-County Citizens Advisory Board Written Statement for the County<br />Executive’s Annual Meeting with Boards, Committees and Commissions<br />February 10, 2011<br />Good evening Mr. Leggett. My name is Gamunu Wijetunge. I am Vice-Chair of the Mid-<br />County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB). I am accompanied tonight by Ms. Ritija Gupta, Chair<br />of the MCCAB’s Budget Committee.<br />The MCCAB serves to advise the County Executive and County Council on issues<br />impacting the Mid-County area which covers the Georgia Avenue corridor from Forest Glen<br />up through Wheaton, Glenmont, Kensingon, Layhill, Aspen Hill and all the way to Olney. The<br />MCCAB serves as Montgomery County's bridge to the 220,000 residents and businesses<br />spread throughout the 99 square miles of the Mid-County area of Montgomery County.<br />Overview<br />The members of the MCCAB recognize the difficulties faced by the Montgomery County<br />Government (MCG) in the face of ongoing severe revenue shortfalls. I would like to thank the<br />County Executive for his continued leadership during these difficult times.<br />I do not have any new formal MCCAB positions to present tonight, rather my remarks<br />are intended to highlight past recommendations which I believe are timely.<br />As the County Executive is aware, the Montgomery County Organizational Reform<br />Commission (the Commission) released its final report on January 31, 2011. The deliberations<br />of the Commission have been discussed at several MCCAB meetings. I believe the<br />Commission’s final report will also be closely examined. I testified before the Commission on<br />behalf of the MCCAB at a public meeting on October 20, 2010. I believe it is worth noting that<br />the Commission’s final report touched on two areas that the MCCAB testified to: Liquor Control<br />and the Regional Services Centers.<br />Department of Liquor Control (DLC)<br />The Commission has recommended that MCG “pursue options for establishing an<br />independent “revenue authority” to be responsible for operation of the Department of Liquor<br />Control, thereby generating more revenue for the General Fund and removing it from the<br />Executive Branch.”<br />Regional Services Centers<br />The Commission has recommended that MCG “increase use of the Regional Services<br />Centers’ citizen advisory boards and the Office of Community Partnerships, whenever possible,<br />in lieu of creating new citizen boards or committees.”<br />I believe the Commission’s recommendation recognizes the importance of Regional<br />Services Centers and the regional advisory boards.<br />In closing I would like to extend the MCCAB’s appreciation to the County Executive and<br />his hard working staff. Thank you again for taking the time to meet and speak with us tonight. I<br />would be happy to answer any questions you may have at this time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-78832238456459996542011-01-24T12:05:00.000-05:002011-01-24T12:05:47.468-05:00CIP Projects<strong><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Here is promised list of Capital Projects which may be of interest to you. They are either in our service area or CAB has discussed them in the past. Please don’t consider the list exclusive.</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/361202.pdf"><span style="color: purple;">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/361202.pdf</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place>Wheaton</place></city> Library/Rec Center</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/450900.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/450900.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Glenmont Fire Station 18</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/720800.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/720800.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wheaton/Rafferty</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/500717.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/500717.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><street><address>Montrose Parkway East</address></street></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/500333.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/500333.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Pedestrian Safety program</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/641106.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/641106.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><street><address>Dennis Ave.</address></street> health center</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/710301.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/710301.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Olney Library Renovation</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/098703.pdf">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/pdf/098703.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Woodlawn Barn renovation</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The entire Recommended CIP is at: </span></strong><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/index.asp">http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/FY12/ciprec/index.asp</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Natalie</span></strong></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-25641095578946495802011-01-12T16:30:00.001-05:002011-01-12T16:31:18.847-05:00Pepco<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">January 3, 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Honorable Isiah Leggett</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Montgomery</span></place></city><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><place><placetype><span style="font-size: 11pt;">County</span></placetype><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Executive</span></placename></place><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><place><placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Executive</span></placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Office</span></placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><placetype><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Building</span></placetype></place><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><street><br />
<address><span style="font-size: 11pt;">101 Monroe Street</span></address></street><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><place><city><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Rockville</span></city><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, </span><state><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Maryland</span></state><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><postalcode><span style="font-size: 11pt;">20850</span></postalcode></place><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Mr. Leggett:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (</span><personname><span style="font-size: 11pt;">MCCAB</span></personname><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) is writing to express our concern with Pepco’s continuing failure to address the problems that led to extended power outages in the mid-county region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To date, many trees planted in the right of way on mid-county residential streets have not been touched in well over a decade and aging equipment has not been replaced.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">According to reported statements, Pepco’s infrastructure improvements have been concentrated in the western part of the county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we are pleased that these areas may receive some relief from outages, it is unconscionable that a greater effort has not been seen thus far throughout the entire County. We in the Mid-County want to see evidence of this effort in our area soon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Statistics reveal that since 2005, Pepco’s reliability has been among the worst in the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not understand how Pepco has been allowed to continue this substandard service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our quality of life has suffered, the health and safety of our residents has been jeopardized, and our businesses and their employees have endured unacceptable and unnecessary financial losses.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We support the legislation being introduced by Del. Brian Feldman and the Montgomery County Delegation, to require written standards for Pepco’s reliability and penalize the company if the standards are not met. We hope that the final legislation will include a mechanism to ensure transparency during the process of monitoring Pepco’s performance. This legislation is essential to achieving our goal of normal electricity delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We urge you to make clear to the Public Service Commission that a much more aggressive approach and greater investment by Pepco is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope you will all testify in </span><city><place><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Annapolis</span></place></city><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> when the bill hearing is held.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Additionally, we believe that a rate hike suggested by Pepco to address their deficiencies is unjustified at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pepco shareholders have been rewarded with healthy earnings and dividends, while the electrical infrastructure has been allowed to deteriorate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This behavior should not be rewarded. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you for your leadership and commitment to improving Pepco’s service reliability by establishing this task force.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sincerely</span>, </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">L. </span><personname><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Blaine Charak</span></personname><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Chair</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-46876004812718191442010-11-08T11:11:00.000-05:002010-11-08T11:11:14.748-05:00Support for expediting the renovation of the Kemp Mill Urban Park<date day="2" month="11" year="2010">November 2, 2010</date><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Honorable Nancy Floreen</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">President, <city><place>Montgomery</place></city> County Council</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><street><address>100 Maryland Avenue</address></street></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><place><city>Rockville</city>, <state>Maryland</state><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><postalcode>20850</postalcode></place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dear President Floreen:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (<personname>MCCAB</personname>), I am writing to express the MCCAB’s support for expediting the renovation of the <place><placename>Kemp</placename> <placename>Mill</placename> <placename>Urban</placename> <placetype>Park</placetype></place>. This park is a vital resource for the Kemp Mill neighborhood, yet it has significantly deteriorated since its construction in the 1960s. As recently described in the attached Wheaton Gazette article, the large concrete pond that covers much of the park has substantial drainage problems that lead to stagnant water, the accumulation of garbage and sediment, and periodic flooding (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Residents want makeover for </i><place><placename><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kemp</i></placename><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><placename><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mill</i></placename><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><placetype><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Park</i></placetype></place><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> pond</i>, September 29). In addition, the park has other infrastructure problems such as cracked concrete walkways and entrances that are not accessible to people with disabilities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We are pleased that the Montgomery County Planning Board has initiated a planning process to renovate the park, which included two community meetings with Kemp Mill residents in 2009. At the last public meeting in October 2009, Planning Board staff and contractors solicited input on three design concepts from residents and informed them that a single design would be proposed to the Planning Board in the spring of 2010. However, the renovation planning process has been delayed for reasons that have not been publicly communicated. According to the Board’s website, a third community meeting was scheduled for the summer of 2010, but this meeting has not yet occurred. The website also notes that the Board will meet to approve the facility plan in the winter of 2010/2011. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We request that the Council communicate to the Planning Board our support for moving forward with the renovation design process without further delay. Further, we encourage the Council to include funding for the park’s renovation in the next Capital Improvements Program budget. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The <personname>MCCAB</personname> has supported the renovation of the <place><placename>Kemp</placename> <placename>Mill</placename> <placename>Urban</placename> <placetype>Park</placetype></place> for several years (see attachments). We look forward to working with the Council on this issue. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share our views on the importance of renovating this park.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
Sincerely,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">L. <personname>Blaine Charak</personname></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Chair</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">cc:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Françoise Carrier, Chair, <place><placename>Montgomery</placename> <placetype>County</placetype></place> Planning Board</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-64933722912448133762010-11-08T11:08:00.000-05:002010-11-08T11:08:25.207-05:00Support for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 09-03<postalcode day="25" month="10" year="2010">October 25, 2010</postalcode><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Honorable Nancy Floreen</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">President, Montgomery County Council</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">100 Maryland Avenue</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Rockville, Maryland 20850</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dear President Floreen and Councilmembers,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) I am writing you to reiterate our support for passage of Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 09-03.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As you are aware ZTA 09-03 is part of the County Executive’s package of “Quality of Life” code enforcement reforms now before the Council. The MCCAB continues to support these reforms as they are particularly important to improving the quality of life of residents in the mid-county area.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We urge you and your fellow members of the Council to vote in favor of ZTA 09-03.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, we ask that after its passage that both the legislative and executive branches closely monitor its effects in our neighborhoods and introduce further legislation to close any gaps.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sincerely,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Blaine Charak</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Chair</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-76824107188192432542010-10-13T16:41:00.000-04:002010-10-13T16:41:55.148-04:00In light of the upcoming meeting to discuss the future development of the Wheaton Library....<strong>Please read the following letter written by MCCAB in 2009 concerning the Wheaton Library.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>This meeting will be held Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 P.M. at the Mid-County Regional Center at 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton.</strong><br />
<br />
<date day="19" month="5" year="2009"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May 19, 2009</span></date><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Honorable Isiah Leggett</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Montgomery</span></place></city><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><place><placetype><span style="font-size: 11pt;">County</span></placetype><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><placename><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Executive</span></placename></place><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><street><address><span style="font-size: 11pt;">50 Monroe Street</span></address></street><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><place><city><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Rockville</span></city><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, </span><state><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Maryland</span></state><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><postalcode><span style="font-size: 11pt;">20850</span></postalcode></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mr. Leggett:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>On behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (</span><personname><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MCCAB</span></personname><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">), I want to express our support for the decision to defer action on the renovation of the Wheaton Library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This decision provides the Wheaton Redevelopment staff and the community with the opportunity to continue to look creatively at redevelopment options.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 1in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While the International Downtown Association has recommended that the Library be moved and considered as an anchor for any new development taking place in </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wheaton</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, the community surrounding the Library has spoken forcefully about its desire to keep the Library in its present location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The current economic situation and spending constraints occurring in </span><place><placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Montgomery</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><placetype><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">County</span></placetype></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> provide an opportunity to carefully consider whether to relocate the Wheaton Library to the Wheaton Urban District, renovate it in its current location, or consider other creative options that may incorporate plans for renovating the </span><place><placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wheaton</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recreation</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><placetype><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Center</span></placetype></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and the </span><place><placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rafferty</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><placetype><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Center</span></placetype></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also provides time to explore a public/private partnership.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 1in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The </span><personname><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MCCAB</span></personname><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> has also looked at the new </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rockville</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and Germantown Libraries, and the plans for the Silver Spring Library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We understand that the buildings in </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rockville</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Silver Spring</span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> are not just libraries, and see the value of this type of mixed use development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also see the value of the public/private partnerships formed to develop them, particularly in the current budget situation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 1in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 1in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The MCCAB agreed that it is appropriate that no decision is being made now on whether to renovate or relocate the Library, particularly since the current economy precludes implementing such a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, too, are not making any recommendation at this time as we feel there are too many unanswered questions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we hope that the time can be used to explore other options, collect data on alternatives and consider changes that may emerge in </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wheaton</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> over the next few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The MCCAB will continue to follow the planning for the Wheaton Library and these other </span><city><place><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wheaton</span></place></city><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> facilities, and will forward future recommendations as planning progresses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sincerely,</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 27pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 202.05pt; margin-top: 653.3pt; mso-position-vertical-relative: page; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 117pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\korons01\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png"></imagedata><wrap anchory="page"></wrap></shape><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheldon Fishman</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2.5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chair</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-89115400869318897762010-09-22T13:28:00.002-04:002010-09-22T13:30:26.290-04:00Committee NewsAt its September meeting, The Quality of Life committee decided to meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at Mid-County Center. Current members include Gamunu Wijetunge, Mary Scholl, Robin Brannan, Ariel Winter, Marlyn Ferguson.<br /><br />Members of the public are welcomed to committee meetings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-7833131207901737552010-08-18T07:27:00.003-04:002010-08-18T17:24:16.895-04:00MCCAB comments on issues related to power outages...The following letter, comments, issues & recommendations were developed after the snowstorms in February, 2010.The Mid-County Advisory Board believes that most also apply in the aftermath of the recent storms and resultant power outages. The Board’s Quality of Life Committee plans to discuss the issue at the September 21 Board meeting.<br /><br />June 14, 2010<br /><br />The Honorable Isiah Leggett<br />Montgomery County Executive<br />Executive Office Building101 Monroe Street, 2nd FloorRockville, MD 20850<br /><br />Dear Mr. Leggett,<br />As you are aware the back-to-back winter storms of February 2010 resulted in record snow falls in Montgomery County and presented the county with unprecedented challenges. The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) would like to commend you for your leadership during this challenging time.<br />At its February 16th meeting, the MCCAB held an open discussion on the snow storms. Members of the MCCAB were asked to discuss “what went right”, challenges faced and brainstorm possible solutions. Attached to this letter is a summary of the MCCAB’s open discussion for your consideration.<br />I asked the MCCAB’s Quality of Life Committee to review the results of the MCCAB’s open discussion and recommend priority issues for the MCCAB to bring to the attention of the County Executive and County Council. Based on these deliberations, and a final discussion at our April 20th meeting, the MCCAB has identified the following priority issues for your consideration:<br /><br />1) Coordinate tree trimming with PEPCO to reduce future power outages<br />2) Restore the reserve fund to 6% to ensure availability of resources during an emergency<br />3) Enhance two way communications between the County and members of the public<br />Communications plays a key role in linking residents with their County government during an emergency. Further enhancements to communications, including improved incorporation of Mid-County regional services staff and 3-1-1, will likely improve the County's response, mitigation and recovery from future storms.<br />4) Improve coordination of plowing, and other operations, between the Montgomery County Government and the State.<br /><br />Anecdotal evidence suggest that County maintained roads were better plowed than State maintained roads. Better coordination between State and County plowing may help improve the conditions of all roads during a future storm.<br />Once again, thank you for your continued leadership on these issues. I am happy to respond to any questions you or your staff may have.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /><br />Sheldon Fishman<br />Chair<br /><br />Enclosures<br /><br />cc: Montgomery County Council<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>~Kudos on February Snowstorm/Power Outages~<br />Compiled by the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board<br />2/16/10</strong><br /><br />√ = Repeated Comments </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">√ √ Citizens were very willing to help each other, fostered a strong sense of community<br /></div><div align="left">Mid-County / DOT staff were very responsive to calls re: plowing issues<br /><br />√ √ Snowplow drivers, fire & rescue workers, police, and 4-wheel drivers delivering hospital workers for working to the point of exhaustion </div><br />√ √ County roads were plowed better than State roads.<br /><br />The Mid-County RSC’s Clean and Safe team did a great job of plowing in the Wheaton CBD<br /><br />Private malls and shopping centers did a good job of clearing their parking lots to the extent possible<br /><br />Ride On did a good job of keeping bus transit services operating, better than Metro and Metrobus<br /><br />Appreciated seeing Mr. Leggett on TV giving updates on the situation<br /><br />For opening public garages for residents to park their cars w/o being charged fees so plow could clear streets more easily.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>~~Miscellaneous Comments on February Snowstorm/Power Outages~~<br />Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board<br />2/16/10<br /><br />Issues<br />&<br />Recommendations, Primarily for County County Action</strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong>Issue:</strong> Did not have enough plows – County & State owned or contracted<br /><strong>Recommendations:</strong></div><ul><li><div align="left">Call places like Michigan, Buffalo, or Boston that manage to continue functioning in spite of deep snow.</div></li><li><div align="left">Have more private contractors on stand-by to do plowing.</div></li><li><div align="left">County solid waste contractors should be required to equip garbage trucks with plowing blades so they can be used for plowing in place of garbage pick up.<br /><br /><strong>Issue:</strong> More than 24 hours after the snow ended, many of the main roads still only had 1 lane that was passable.<br /><strong>Recommendations:<br /></strong>Develop a more strategic plan for the:<br />·Pre-treatment of streets prior to a storm,<br />·Deployment of equipment that matches the size of the equipment with the size of the roads and the depth of the snow (to avoid sending equipment that is too large to get onto a street or can not lift snow high enough to get it off a roadway), and<br />·Use of contractors when the amount of snow exceeds the capability of County-owned equipment.<br /><br /><strong>Issue:</strong> As late as Sunday, February 14th, portions of University Blvd were still not cleared curb to curb – with lanes disappearing into snow banks.<br /><strong>Recommendations:</strong> Use chains on emergency vehicles and plows on snow covered streets<br /><br /><strong>Issue:</strong> Some neighborhoods were not plowed for 4 days or more.<br /><strong>Recommendations:</strong> Review existing plowing plan of clearing all primary roads to the pavement and then going into the neighborhoods and triage all the County’s streets to get them at least passable, and then go back to clear main and then neighborhood roads better.<br /><strong>Issue:</strong> State roads paved within the last 6 -12 months seem to have the worst potholes.<br />It appears the slurry being used by State contractors is not very durable. Montgomery County has stopped using this slurry to resurface County roads.<br /><strong>Recommendations:</strong> Look at why there seemed to be so many more potholes, especially along the seams between lanes, on recently resurfaced State roads e.g. University Blvd & Georgia Ave<br /><br /><strong>Miscellaneous Issues & Recommendations</strong>:<br /><br /><strong>Issues:<br /></strong>Sidewalks in County parks were not cleared.<br />DOT pedestrian bridges and nearby sidewalks were not plowed.<br />Many public areas and their sidewalks, were not cleared, such as near University Towers & Nursing Home near there with elderly populations.<br />If we are concentrating development around Metro stations with the hope of enticing drivers out of their cars, Metro transit and buses need to work, even in times of severe snow storms.<br />County was very slow in setting up emergency hearing centers for people with no power.<br />Mounds of snow at school bus stops create a dangerous situation with students waiting for buses having to stand in the street.<br />Montgomery County experienced 10 times more power outages than surrounding jurisdictions such as PG Co and the District of Columbia.<br /><br /><strong>Recommendations:<br /></strong>Provide better communication and real-time information on plowing operations on the County website and via radio and television. Tools like Google maps should help with that.<br />The County and power companies need to provide more realistic projections of snow removal and power outage restorations; and residents need to have more realistic expectations of how long it will take to complete plowing and power restoration.<br />Encourage residents to park as many cars as possible in their driveways or, at least park all cars that can not fit in driveways on one side of street to make plowing easier.<br />Any after-action report that the County compiles should be made public.<br />Develop a snow emergency fund and/or restore Reserve Fund to cover these kinds of emergencies.<br />PEPCO’s priority list of residences and group homes needing prompt restoration of power needs to be looked at because members were aware that several group homes for the elderly that were on the list were without power for as much as 3 days.<br />Be prepared to deal proactively w/potholes.<br />Increase staffing for MC311 during periods of expected heavy volume.</div></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-28437915100240157282010-08-10T16:12:00.000-04:002010-08-10T16:20:54.465-04:00Support for B'nai ShalomAugust 10, 2010<br /><br />Dear Rabbi Ari Sunshine and President Debbie Kovalsky,<br /><br /> The members of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board share your dismay at the senseless and loathsome acts perpetrated on B’nai Shalom’s building and congregation. We join in the outpouring of support and fellowship from our community members and institutions. B’nai Shalom’s will to rebuild and move on gives meaning to the saying, “Evil often triumphs, but never conquers.” <br /><br /> As the congregation prepares for a meaningful time in the Jewish year, we extend our hope that the year 5771 will bring peace and understanding to our community.<br /><br /> Sincerely,<br /> L. Blaine Charak, Chair<br /> Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board<br /> Montgomery County, MarylandUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7451774866316464951.post-43951978587105521972010-06-30T08:01:00.000-04:002010-06-30T08:51:28.395-04:00artificial turf fields<p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />June 17, 2010<br /><br /><br />The Honorable Isiah Leggett<br />Montgomery County Executive<br />101 Monroe Street<br />Rockville, Maryland 20850<br /><br />Ms. Mary Bradford, Director<br />Montgomery County Department of Parks<br />9500 Brunett Avenue<br />Silver Spring, Maryland 20901<br /><br />Dear Mr. Leggett and Ms. Bradford:<br /><br />I am writing on behalf of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) to express our concerns about the proposed use of artificial turf fields by Montgomery County Public Schools and the Montgomery County Department of Parks. At its April 20, 2010 meeting, we heard from members of the community about their concerns about the proposed installation of artificial turf football fields at Wheaton High School, other public schools, and parks. Among the concerns expressed were negative impacts on the environment, student health, and County finances.<br /><br />I asked the MCCAB’s Quality of Life Committee to examine these issues. Based on these deliberations, and a final discussion at our June 15th meeting, the MCCAB recommends the following actions be taken:<br /><br />The Montgomery County Government (MCG) should place a moratorium on further construction of artificial turf fields in parks, schools and recreational areas until the environmental, health and financial impacts of these fields are better understood.<br /><br />Although research on the environmental impacts of artificial turf fields is limited, there appears to be reason for concern. Artificial turf fields being installed in Montgomery County include the use of old tires. A single field installation includes the depositing of 120 tons of pulverized automobile tires and hundreds of tons of rock on County land. As a result phthalates and other harmful materials may be contaminating the ground and water. Additional concerns have been raised in the sports medicine community with high air temperatures on artificial turf fields. Again, research appears to be inconclusive, but the lack of conclusive research bolsters the need for caution before exposing young athletes and others to potential risk.<br /><br />As you are well aware the County is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges. Although apparent savings on field maintenance may make artificial turf fields an attractive option, we urge the County to exercise caution. A review of literature indicates that the environmental and public health impacts of artificial turf fields are poorly understood, with many questions left unanswered. With such questions unanswered, it would seem difficult to determine exactly what future financial commitments the County is making with further artificial turf field construction.<br /><br /><br />A moratorium on construction would allow the County more time to deliberate and allow time for the science to "catch up". Therefore the MCCAB urges a moratorium on further artificial turf field construction on all MCG owned properties.<br /><br />As always, thank you for your consideration and continued leadership.<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br /></p><p>Sheldon Fishman<br />Chair<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />cc: Montgomery County Council </p><p>Gabriel Albornoz, Department of Recreation </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0