June 21, 2019

I am honored to represent District 3 on the Montgomery County Council.  I serve as Chair of the Public Safety Committee and as a member of the Government Operations Committee.

Council News

At the June 18th Council Session:

• I presented a proclamation recognizing the Chesapeake K-9 Fund.  The Fund was formed to support local K-9 units through fundraising efforts, community events, and by increasing community awareness.  You can watch the presentation here.
• The Council held a worksession on Zoning Text Amendment 19-01, Accessory Residential Uses - Accessory Apartments.  If you would like to watch the discussion, you can click here.  The Council had many questions on this Zoning Text Amendment, which will be discussed in a follow-up worksession on July 9.

Public Safety Committee (PS)

• The PS Committee met on  June 17 and received a briefing about community policing initiatives for the Montgomery County Police Department.
• The PS Committee met jointly with the Government Operations Committee on June 18 to discuss the recent failures in the public safety radio system and current options being considered by the County Executive.  We are extremely concerned about this issue and we have requested regular updates from the County Executive's Office.

Government Operations Committee (GO)

• The GO Committee met on June 18 and held a worksession on a resolution to approve the Tax Supported Fiscal Plan Summary for the FY20-25 Public Services Program, Expedited Bill 9-19, Consolidated Retiree Health Benefits Trust - Delegation of Duties, and reviewed multiple non-merit position descriptions from the County Executive.
• The GO Committee met jointly with the Transportation and Environment (T&E) Committee on June 20 and held a worksession to discuss a declaration of no further need of County Public Parking Lot 43 located at 8009 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda.

Katz in the Community

Thanks to the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board for the opportunity to share my priorities at its Annual Meeting.

Kentlands Under the Lights was a fantastic event with al fresco dining, live entertainment and lots of community spirit.  I had a great time tasting local cuisine and listening to home-grown bands.

It was my pleasure to attend Transformations of Montgomery County's Annual Spring event. The mission of the all-volunteer grassroots organization is to work with low-income, single-head-of-household families and children aging out of the foster care system, to create residential settings that promote healthy, positive growth and well-being. More info - https://transformationsmc.org/

Thank you to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and the County Executive's African American Advisory Group for coordinating the 23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.  Juneteenth is a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.  This year’s theme, “Sing of the Harmony of Liberty” recollects the African American struggle with a voice of praise and hope of freedom for all.

Things To Do in District 3

Saturday, June 22, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Gaithersburg City Concert Pavilion, located at 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD  20877.  The City of Gaithersburg brings 1970's nostalgia back with a free concert featuring the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band.  The tribute band shares their love and appreciation by paying homage to of one of the greatest bands of its era.  Feel free to bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair and food to the concert.  More information - Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band

Saturday, June 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Rockville Town Center Park.  Join the Montgomery County Road Runners Club and the City of Rockville for the 2019 Suds and Soles 5K.  This year, the Suds and Soles 5K was selected as the Maryland Road Runners Club of America 5K Championship Race.  There will be running, food, beer and music.  For registration and more information - 2019 Suds and Soles 5K.

Sunday, June 23, from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., at the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center, located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD  20855.  The City of Gaithersburg participates in Free Rabies Clinics for Cats and Dogs throughout the summer at the Montgomery County Animal Service & Adoption Center.  There is no fee for the rabies vaccination; however, a Gaithersburg City Pet License must be purchased at the clinic.

All pets must be leashed or in carriers; dogs not under their owner's control will not be vaccinated.  Please advise the clinic manager if your dog requires special handling.  There is a $4 fee for ferrets and out of county residents.

More information and additional dates - Rabies Clinics For Dogs And Cats

Tuesday, June 25, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, located at 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD  20850.  Join the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee for a casual neighborhood Tuesday Evening Ride that will last about one hour.  Routes are on paved, shared-use paths, some sidewalks, and some short sections of quiet streets.  More information - Tuesday Evening Rides

Wednesday, June 26, from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., at the VisArts Center, located at 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850.  Participants of all ages are welcome to attend the VisArts Create: Rockville Rocks for Peace event.  Paint river rocks for yourself and one that will be placed in the Peace Garden of Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park.  This event is free on a first-come, first-served basis.  More information - VisArts Create: Rockville Rocks for Peace

Wednesday, June 26, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD  20877.  Join the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) for an open house to learn about the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along MD 355 called FLASH.  MCDOT staff will be present to answer questions and collect input.  For more information, please contact Darcy Buckley at (240) 777-7166 or by email at darcy.buckley@montgomerycountymd.gov

Saturday, June 29, from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at the Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, located at 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD  20877.  Join the City of Gaithersburg to celebrate America's independence at SummerFest.  The family-friendly event features live music, food and fun activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display and SummerGlo After Party.  

If the fireworks are cancelled due to inclement weather, select SummerFest activities will be moved inside the Activity Center at Bohrer Park.  Fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 30th.  There will be no fireworks on July 4th.  More information - SummerFest

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