 Wednesday, December 18, 2024
As the Council heads into winter recess, I want to take a moment to wish everyone happy holidays! This year, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all fall within 24 hours of each other. I hope everyone enjoys some quality time with loved ones as we end the year and head into 2025!
We recently celebrated Small Business Saturday, but shopping small and shopping local doesn't only have to happen on November 30th! There are hundreds of artisans in the area who will be showcasing their goods at various markets across the County this winter season, and if you have gifts left to purchase, consider supporting a small, local seller!
Visit Montgomery has compiled a list of indoor and outdoor markets around the area to make your shopping a breeze! Visit their website for a full list, which will be updated periodically as more events are planned. This winter, shop small and shop local!
The Upcounty Hub is working to spread extra care during the holiday season with its annual participation on the Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project. This year, you can donate food and toys at a number of locations across the Upcounty to help give back to the community. High demand items include cake mix, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, new and unwrapped toys, and gift cards. Now until December 19th, you can donate online or drop off items at any of the locations below:
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Fitzgerald Gaithersburg Hyundai and Fitzgerald Subaru of Gaithersburg (904 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879)
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Fitzgerald Used Cars Germantown (19501 Amaranth Drive, Germantown, MD 20874)
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Gaithersburg (12133 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878)
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The Upcounty Hub (12900 Middlebrook Road, Suite 1100, Germantown, MD 20874)
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Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg (907 N Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879)
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Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg Service Center (18707 N Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879)
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Bethesda (8209 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814)
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Germantown (20650 Seneca Meadows Parkway, Suite C2, Germantown, MD 20876)
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MCPD 5th District (20000 Aircraft Drive, Germantown, MD 20874)
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Kids Villa Learning Center Germantown (19900 Brandermill Drive, Germantown, MD 20876)
Visit The Upcounty Hub's website for more information, or check out the flyer below!
 Items will be distributed throughout December, as listed on the calendar below. You can find the calendar on The Upcounty Hub's website. If you have any questions about distributions, please email info@theupcountyhub.org or call 240-912-1077.
Council Legislation
The County Council has introduced a number of bills in the last two weeks. Learn more about them below.
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Bill 27-24, Animal Control - Impoundment and Disposition
- Sponsors: Councilmembers Katz, Luedtke, and Mink
- This bill will reduce the impounded animal hold time, clarify the appeal rights for abandoned animals, and amend the notice requirements.
- A public hearing is scheduled for January 21st at 1:30PM.
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Bill 28-24, Employees' Retirement System and Other Post Employment Benefits - Administration - Powers and Duties
- Sponsors: Councilmembers Stewart, Friedson, and Katz
- This bill would alter powers and duties regarding administration of the Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans.
- A public hearing is scheduled for January 21st at 1:30PM.
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Expedited Bill 29-24, Transportation - Parking Permit for Specialized Service Providers - Established
- Sponsors: Councilmembers Stewart, Luedtke, and Katz
- This bill would establish a parking permit rate for specialized service providers and authorize the Department of Transportation to review eligibility criteria and administer certain parking permits in the Silver Spring area.
- A public hearing is scheduled for January 21st at 1:30PM.
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Expedited Bill 23-23, Contracts and Procurement - Minority Owned Business Purchasing Program - Extension of Sunset Date
- Sponsors: Councilmembers Stewart, Friedson, and Katz
- This bill would alter powers and duties regarding administration of the Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans.
- A public hearing is scheduled for January 21st 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.
January 14, 2025
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1:30PM: Bill 24-24, Taxation - Paper Carryout Bags and Prohibition on Plastic Carryout Bags ("Bring Your Own Bag")
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1:30PM: Expedited Bill 26-24, Police - U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Policy (The U V.I.S.A. Act)
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1:30PM: Supplemental Appropriation #25-29 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Department of Technology and Enterprise Solutions, Copilot 265 Pilot Program, $308,000
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1:30PM: Corrective Map Amendment H-151, 12701 Piedmont Road (Parcels P541 and P594)
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1:30PM: Supplemental Appropriation #25-34 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Department of Health and Human Services, Care for Kids Program, $332,000 and Amendment to FY25 Operating Budget Resolution 20-526, Section G, Designation of Entities for Non-Competitive Award Status: The Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc.
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1:30PM: Special Appropriation #25-39 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Planning Department, Germantown Employment Area Sector Plan, $110,000
January 21, 2025
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1:30PM: Bill 27-24, Animal Control - Impoundment and Disposition
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1:30PM: Bill 28-24, Employees' Retirement System and Other Post Employment Benefits - Administration - Powers and Duties
- Montgomery County has launched a new portal to simply the reporting of hate and bias incidents to better support the community and ensure safety for all. If you need to report an incident, you may visit the Montgomery County Hate/Bias Incident Complaint Portal, where you can submit complaints with anonymity in a number of languages.
- A third public hearing on the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT) will be held at 6PM on Thursday, January 9th at the Upcounty Regional Services Center (12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874).
- Montgomery Planning is hosting two community meetings in January to review emerging ideas for preliminary recommendations for the Clarksburg Gateway Sector Plan. Over the last few months, the planning team has met with the community, and wants to hear from you during the upcoming Emerging Ideas meetings.
The following County Council appointed boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
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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