 Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Many constituents have reached out to me with their personal concerns about public safety in our communities. Public safety is a major issue that has reverberating effects across District 2. Therefore, I will be hosting a Public Safety Town Hall this month. I will be joined by representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department for a timely discussion about this important topic. Details about timing and location of the town hall are below.
Fridays are my favorite day of the week because I get to spend my morning visiting vibrant communities in District 2.
On February 24th, I bounced between Beallsville, Poolesville, and Dickerson and had the opportunity to visit the local volunteer fire department, the newly renovated Maggie Nightingale Library, and two schools in the area: John Poole MS and Monocacy ES. The Upcounty and Ag Reserve regions have concerns unique to these areas. The closure of White's Ferry continues to create hardship for residents, and schools face difficulties finding substitutes in part because of the lack of public transportation. Despite the challenges, the community remains proud and resilient.
Go John Poole timberwolves!!
The Maggie Nightingale Library is a community hub that was recently reopened after a much needed renovation. When I visited, the library was hosting its weekly tax preparation session for seniors and had just wrapped up a children's story time. I witnessed firsthand the welcoming and caring environment cultivated by the principals at John Poole MS and Monocacy ES, both of whom knew their students by name and greeted them with enthusiasm when we passed them in the halls. The Upper County Volunteer Fire Department is a small but mighty group dedicated to serving its community.
With the amazing folks at the Upper County Volunteer Fire Department
I spent the following Friday in Germantown and had the chance to tour Captain James Daly ES and Lake Seneca ES. Daly ES is the second Community School I have visited, and I was blown away by the amazing work done by the school staff to serve the Germantown community. At Lake Seneca ES, I spoke with staff and and listened to the concerns they had for their school. It is essential for me to hear what issues are at play within our school communities, whether they be concerns about the physical buildings or issues with staffing shortages, so that I can do my best to advocate for positive changes across the school system.
An important reminder from Daly ES
Transportation and Environment Committee
On February 27th, the Transportation and Environment committee began its CIP budget review review, looking at budgets for WSSC and DEP. We also reviewed Bill 25-22, which would make a variety of amendments to the County’s Forest Conservation law. The committee unanimously approved the bill which will be reviewed by the full Council at later date. You can view the committee agenda here and watch a recording of the session here.
On March 6th, the committee approved Bill 3-23, which gives the Montgomery County Green Bank more flexibility to engage in activities related to climate resiliency. The goal of this legislation is to help the County identify and implement solutions to help minimize the effects of extreme weather events. A date for full Council review has not been set. You can view the committee agenda here and watch a recording of the session here.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The next Economic Development committee session is scheduled for March 13th.
Upcoming Public Hearings
The County Council will be holding public hearings on March 14th, March 21st, and June 13th. You can find additional information on the discussion topics for each hearing below.
March 14, 2023
Deadline to sign up to speak is March 13th at 2PM
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Expedited Bill 13-23, Montgomery County Urban Districts - Friendship Heights Urban District
- This legislation would create an urban district in the Friendship Heights area of the county, expand the purposes of urban districts, create a commercial district charge as an additional mechanism to fund an urban district, and establish a Friendship Heights Urban District Advisory Committee.
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Bill 14-23, Late Night Business Safety Plan
- This legislation would require that certain businesses obtain a late night business safety plan before operating in certain parts of Montgomery County. It would also authorize the Department of Police to establish requirements of a late night business plan and allow the Department of Police to review and approve proposed late night business plans.
March 21, 2023
Deadline to sign up to speak is March 20th at 2PM
June 13, 2023
Deadline to sign up to speak is June 12th at 2PM
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Bill 12-23, Police - Traffic Stops – Limitations
- This legislation, also known as the S.T.E.P. Act, would prohibit stops for certain traffic offenses, prohibit consent searches of a vehicle, require collection of data and information related to traffic stops, exclude the limitations on traffic stops from collective bargaining.
If you would like to testify at an upcoming public hearing, please visit this page to learn more.
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7940.
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