 Wednesday, November 6, 2024
As many of you know, the Montgomery County Planning Board is currently considering the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT). Midcounty Highway (M-83) is included in the MPOHT, but during a Planning Board public hearing on September 12th, the board considered removing the unbuilt sections of Midcounty Highway Extended from the master plan. In response to the September 12th public hearing, the Planning Department held three community meetings over the last few weeks to hear resident questions, comments, and concerns.
The next step in this process is another public hearing about the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways, which is scheduled for November 14th at 6:30PM at the Montgomery County Planning Board headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902).
Given the importance of this project, I urge concerned residents sign up to testify live or virtually at the upcoming Planning Board public hearing, or submit their testimony via email or mail.
The extension of Midcounty Highway into Clarksburg would help alleviate major traffic concerns that I have been monitoring in the Upcounty, and I continue to be a strong supporter of the project. I cannot influence the Planning Board's decision, but I will continue to voice my concerns regarding the potential removal of M-83 from the MPOHT.
If you attended one or all of the recent community conversations to voice your opinion about M-83, you should also sign up to testify. The only way to have your comments entered into the official public record is to testify.
If you have any questions, please to reach out to my office.
I am absolutely delighted that Montgomery County's newest fire station is open in Clarksburg! For years, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service operated out of a temporarily location in a growing community, and the opening of this new station has been long awaited by Clarksburg residents.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in making this facility a reality – MCFRS; MC Department of General Services; County Executive Marc Elrich, as well as the contractors and many others who so ably saw this project to fruition.
A huge congratulations to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service team on their brand new, state of the art facility!
ALT TEXT: A group photo from the ribbon cutting of the Clarksburg Fire Station.
Last Wednesday, I presented a proclamation celebrating Construction Career Month at Montgomery College's Rockville Campus. Montgomery College has long demonstrated its commitment to fostering careers in the construction field, and I was honored to present this proclamation to current construction students, alums, and local construction partners who benefit from the work Montgomery College is doing to strengthen our talent pipeline.
Construction trades are critical to our economy, providing many great jobs, benefits and a strong career pathway for students. Thank you Montgomery College for putting together this event!
ALT TEXT: Councilmember Balcombe and recipients of the proclamation celebrating Careers in Construction Month.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee will be meeting tomorrow with the Education and Culture committee and Health and Human Services committee for a discussion about Early Childhood Education workforce efforts and recommendations. This will be an incredibly important and timely discussion and I encourage you to review the staff packet and watch a recording of the session on demand through the Council YouTube channel.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18th. We will be taking a look at amendments to the Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan: Water and Sewer Category Change Requests. As always, the staff packet for our session will be posted on the Council website a few days prior to the session, and a recording of the session will be available on the Council YouTube channel.
Council Legislation
There was one bill introduced during the Council session on Tuesday, October 29th. Learn more about it below.
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Bill 25-24, Contracts and Procurement - Prohibition Against Human Trafficking - Enforcement
- Sponsors: Councilmembers Luedtke, Friedson, Stewart, and Katz
- This bill would require procurement bids and proposals to include certifications of compliance with human trafficking laws; prohibit County contractors and subcontractors from violating human trafficking laws; require County contractors and subcontractors to make certain disclosures regarding human trafficking charges, claims, or violations; and authorize debarment and other remedies for noncompliance with the law.
- A public hearing is scheduled for December 3rd at 1:30PM.
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at a Council public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony, please visit the Council website or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 1:30PM public hearing is 2PM the day prior. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 7PM public hearing is 5PM the day prior.
November 12, 2024
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1:30PM: Amendment to the Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan: Water and Sewer Category Change Requests
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1:30PM: Expedited Bill 23-24, Contracts and Procurement - Minority Owned Business Purchasing Program - Extension of Sunset Date
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1:30PM: Bill 21-24, General Provisions - Naming of County Facilities
November 19, 2024
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1:30PM: Amendment to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation #25-21 to the FY25 Capital Budget, Office of Agriculture, Ag Land Preservation Easements, (No. 0788911), $739,758
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
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 240-777-7960.
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