Power Restoration Status (updated):
• 5,535 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
• Pepco is urging residents whose time for power restoration has passed to call Pepco to ensure that they still have the address on their outage list. In addition, if a resident’s power was restored but has gone out again, call v to report the new outage.
• To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662. Other utility providers in Montgomery County are Allegheny Power at 800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
• To report “hot” or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
• As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
• Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
• About six traffic signals remain dark. Police officers are directing traffic at many of these intersections.
• Treat all “dark” intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
• About 11 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
• To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311.
Libraries (new):
• Power has been restored to the Silver Spring Library. The library will open today, but the opening will be delayed to about 11:30 a.m. to allow the air conditioning to cool off the building.
• All other libraries will be open for their regular operating hours today.
Recreation Programs/Pools (reported last night):
• Classes, camps or programs at the following locations are cancelled for Thursday, July 29:
o Burning Tree Elementary School
o Carderock Springs Elementary School
o Concord Center
o Glenallan Elementary School
o Harmony Hills Elementary School
o Highland View Elementary School
o Julius West Middle School
o Sligo Middle School
o Strathmore Elementary School
o Westland Middle School
• All other Montgomery County Recreation Department programs will return to regular operations, locations and schedules on Thursday, July 29.
• For the latest updates or other information, go to the Recreation website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.
Parks (updated):
• Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory Building and the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show will reopen today at 10 a.m.
• Wheaton Ice Rink will reopen today at 4:15 p.m. for the public session.
• Brookside Nature Center remains closed due to damage from a fallen tree.
• In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
• All other facilities are open for their normal operating hours.
• Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Tree Debris Collection:
On Private Property:
• Tree debris on private property will be collected on a residents’ regular recycling day if it is no more than four-feet in length and four inches in diameter.
• Bag, bundle, or containerize tree branches and limbs, keeping bundles less than 45 pounds and less than 30 inches in diameter.
• Tree debris that is too large for curbside collection, or cannot be bagged, bundled, or containerized can be recycled at no charge to single family home residents (up to 500 pounds) at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood. Check the County’s website for hours of operation.
• Another option is to contact a private company, such a tree service, landscaping or lawn service, for assistance in removing and disposing of storm debris.
• Residents may want to check with their home insurance company, which may cover storm debris removal and disposal.
In the Public Right-of-Way:
• The County’s Department of Transportation’s crews are collecting trees and branches that have fallen into the public right-of-way.
• County crews are out in full force on plow routes collecting storm debris from County right-of-ways.
• Crews have not yet completed all routes throughout the County.
• To report tree debris in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1.
Other County Services (reported last night):
• The Department of Permitting Services will operate at its normal location, 255 Rockville Pike, today.
Food Safety:
Residents:
• Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
• View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
• Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
• If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
• Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
• For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555
• For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
• View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information on Tuesday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County’s website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission – Opening Session
I was pleased to represent my County Council colleagues this afternoon at the first meeting of the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission.
At the initiative of Councilmember Roger Berliner, the County Council has joined with the County Executive to establish a high-level working group that has been charged with developing recommendations to make Montgomery County work better.
The Commission members are: Christina Echavarren, Joan Fidler, Scott Fosler, Susan Heltemes, Daniel Hoffman, Vernon Ricks, Jr. Co-Chair, Len Simon, and Richard Wegman Co-Chair. Justina Ferber of the County Council staff will provide support to the Commission.
In my remarks to the group, I emphasized the critical importance of their work. Although the Council has made many difficult choices in recent years by, among other things, establishing a new reserve policy and implementing a balanced six-year fiscal plan, more work needs to be done to address the structural budget deficit, and to make government more effective and efficient through reform and reorganization.
I am confident that the Organizational Reform Commission can make a significant contribution to this goal.
Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Its charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.
The Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.
At the initiative of Councilmember Roger Berliner, the County Council has joined with the County Executive to establish a high-level working group that has been charged with developing recommendations to make Montgomery County work better.
The Commission members are: Christina Echavarren, Joan Fidler, Scott Fosler, Susan Heltemes, Daniel Hoffman, Vernon Ricks, Jr. Co-Chair, Len Simon, and Richard Wegman Co-Chair. Justina Ferber of the County Council staff will provide support to the Commission.
In my remarks to the group, I emphasized the critical importance of their work. Although the Council has made many difficult choices in recent years by, among other things, establishing a new reserve policy and implementing a balanced six-year fiscal plan, more work needs to be done to address the structural budget deficit, and to make government more effective and efficient through reform and reorganization.
I am confident that the Organizational Reform Commission can make a significant contribution to this goal.
Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Its charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.
The Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.
Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Inaugural Session of the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission
On behalf of our Council President Nancy Floreen and my other Council colleagues, I want to, first, welcome you to the Council Office Building and, second, to thank you for your interest in serving our County in this important position.
As you know, Montgomery County has faced extraordinary budget challenges in recent years, and the road ahead will be rocky. But I am pleased that the Montgomery County Council has stepped up to meet these challenges directly and has taken essential measures to get our fiscal house in order.
We have reduced expenditures, increased revenues, and established a new reserve and long-term fiscal policy that will help us plan for the future. But there is more to be done, and we have great hope for this Organizational Reform Commission and its work.
Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Your charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.
As you know, the Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.
So, there is a lot of work to do. But we know you are up to the task, and we stand by ready to help in any way.
We greatly appreciate your willingness to help us move Montgomery County forward.
Thank you very much.
As you know, Montgomery County has faced extraordinary budget challenges in recent years, and the road ahead will be rocky. But I am pleased that the Montgomery County Council has stepped up to meet these challenges directly and has taken essential measures to get our fiscal house in order.
We have reduced expenditures, increased revenues, and established a new reserve and long-term fiscal policy that will help us plan for the future. But there is more to be done, and we have great hope for this Organizational Reform Commission and its work.
Resolution No. 16-1350, that we adopted on May 18, 2010, established the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission to make recommendations for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies. Your charge is to solicit suggestions for potential reorganization or consolidation of functions performed by County government and County-funded agencies from: elected officials; County residents; business and community leaders; County and agency employees; bargaining unit representatives; and other stakeholders.
As you know, the Commission must submit its final report to the Executive and Council no later than January 31, 2011. The report must contain the Commission's recommendations to reorganize or consolidate functions performed by County government or County-funded agencies. For each recommendation for reorganization or consolidation, the Commission's report must include the rationale and estimated cost savings associated with implementing the recommendation. Any organizational proposal for County government in the Commission report must take the form of a reorganization plan that the Executive could submit to the Council under Charter §217.
So, there is a lot of work to do. But we know you are up to the task, and we stand by ready to help in any way.
We greatly appreciate your willingness to help us move Montgomery County forward.
Thank you very much.
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Power Restoration Status (updated):
* 29,372 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at
800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
* As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
* Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
* 15 traffic signals remain dark, mostly in the Bethesda area. Police officers are directing traffic at these intersections.
* Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* 35 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311. The 311 Call Center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
* County crews are out in full force on plow routes sweeping roads and County right-of-ways for storm debris.
* Ride On is operating on a normal schedule. Check www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Shelters (updated):
* The shelter located at Richard Montgomery High School has closed.
Food Safety:
Residents:
* Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
* According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
* View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
* Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
* If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
* Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
* For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555.
* For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
* View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Recreation Programs/Pools:
* All Department of Recreation facilities, including pools, are open, with accompanying programs in those facilities continuing as scheduled.
NORTHERN REGION CAMPS
All Up County sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
MID COUNTY REGION:
All mid county sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
DOWN COUNTY REGION CAMPS:
Potomac Extended and bus Route PT07 will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary School. Center Stage, Third Quarter and Patowmack will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary. Pyle Extended Camp, Arrowhead and the PY08 Bus route will be relocated to Lawton Community Center.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Personal Pursuits and Camp Apollo will meet at Rock Terrace High and be transported off-site if the school remains without power. Big Pines, Little Pines and TR Summer Teen will meet at Bauer Drive Community Center. Project Discovery and Creative Afternoons will be canceled if Forest Knolls Elementary remains without power.
SUMMER FUN CENTERS:
These sites will be canceled for Wednesday July 28, 2010:
Chevy Chase Elementary
Highland View Elem
Wheaton High School
Wyngate Elementary
Coffield Community Center
CLASSES and CONTRACT CAMPS:
Those scheduled in schools and facilities without power will be canceled.
Parks (updated):
* Brookside Gardens and the Visitors Center is open. The Conservatory and Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit remain closed. Visitors should avoid Glenallan Avenue between the Conservatory Entrance and the Visitors Center Entrance because of a downed tree.
* The following facilities will be open Wednesday: Cabin John Miniature Train, Cabin John Ice Rink, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf facility, Wheaton Indoor Tennis Center, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park, the Black Hill Regional Park boat rental facility, Needwood boat rental facility (at Rock Creek Park), Meadowside Nature Center, the Park Permit Office in Silver Spring, Locust Grove Nature Center and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park.
* The following facilities remain closed: Wheaton Ice Rink, Wheaton Miniature Train, and Brookside Nature Center.
* In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
* Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Other County Services (updated):
* County departments located at 255 Rockville Pike will resume operations there today.
* Trash and recycling pickups will operate on normal schedules.
* Little Falls library remains closed. County offices at 11 N. Washington are also still without power.
* Montgomery College campuses are open.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information yesterday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
* 29,372 Pepco customers remain without power in Montgomery County.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at
800-255-3443, or Baltimore Gas & Electric at 877-778-2222.
* To report "hot" or sparkling wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
* As Pepco restores power in areas, downed wires that were previously dead may become live. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution around any downed power line.
* Pepco has about 400 crews at work.
Traffic and Ride On (updated):
* 15 traffic signals remain dark, mostly in the Bethesda area. Police officers are directing traffic at these intersections.
* Treat all "dark" intersections as four-way stops. Stop - then proceed cautiously. This is critically important to ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety.
* 35 County roads remain blocked by fallen trees or downed wires.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1, or, if calling from outside Montgomery County, 240-777-0311. The 311 Call Center will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
* County crews are out in full force on plow routes sweeping roads and County right-of-ways for storm debris.
* Ride On is operating on a normal schedule. Check www.rideonbus.com for more information.
Shelters (updated):
* The shelter located at Richard Montgomery High School has closed.
Food Safety:
Residents:
* Residents who remain without power should take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
* According to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
* View consumer safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Food Service Facilities:
* Keep freezers closed. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days; a half-full freezer about one day.
* If available, 25 pounds of dry ice should be sufficient for a 10-cubic foot freezer for three to four days. Carefully follow the handling instructions for dry ice.
* Keep refrigerators closed. Refrigerated food is safe if the power is out only for short periods.
* For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-800-535-4555.
* For information from Montgomery County Licensure and Regulatory Services, call 3-1-1.
* View food service safety tips on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Recreation Programs/Pools:
* All Department of Recreation facilities, including pools, are open, with accompanying programs in those facilities continuing as scheduled.
NORTHERN REGION CAMPS
All Up County sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
MID COUNTY REGION:
All mid county sites will return to normal scheduling. Extended and bus hubs will be in place.
DOWN COUNTY REGION CAMPS:
Potomac Extended and bus Route PT07 will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary School. Center Stage, Third Quarter and Patowmack will be relocated to Bells Mill Elementary. Pyle Extended Camp, Arrowhead and the PY08 Bus route will be relocated to Lawton Community Center.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
Personal Pursuits and Camp Apollo will meet at Rock Terrace High and be transported off-site if the school remains without power. Big Pines, Little Pines and TR Summer Teen will meet at Bauer Drive Community Center. Project Discovery and Creative Afternoons will be canceled if Forest Knolls Elementary remains without power.
SUMMER FUN CENTERS:
These sites will be canceled for Wednesday July 28, 2010:
Chevy Chase Elementary
Highland View Elem
Wheaton High School
Wyngate Elementary
Coffield Community Center
CLASSES and CONTRACT CAMPS:
Those scheduled in schools and facilities without power will be canceled.
Parks (updated):
* Brookside Gardens and the Visitors Center is open. The Conservatory and Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit remain closed. Visitors should avoid Glenallan Avenue between the Conservatory Entrance and the Visitors Center Entrance because of a downed tree.
* The following facilities will be open Wednesday: Cabin John Miniature Train, Cabin John Ice Rink, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf facility, Wheaton Indoor Tennis Center, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center at Cabin John Regional Park, the Black Hill Regional Park boat rental facility, Needwood boat rental facility (at Rock Creek Park), Meadowside Nature Center, the Park Permit Office in Silver Spring, Locust Grove Nature Center and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park.
* The following facilities remain closed: Wheaton Ice Rink, Wheaton Miniature Train, and Brookside Nature Center.
* In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.
* Additional updates will be posted at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/.
Other County Services (updated):
* County departments located at 255 Rockville Pike will resume operations there today.
* Trash and recycling pickups will operate on normal schedules.
* Little Falls library remains closed. County offices at 11 N. Washington are also still without power.
* Montgomery College campuses are open.
The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented information yesterday to the Montgomery County Council about the County's response to the severe storm. See the presentation on the County's website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Alerts and updates are available on the County's Facebook page and through Twitter. Sign up for Alert Montgomery on the County's website at https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on County facilities, programs, and services.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Pepco to Provide Detailed Estimated Restoration Times
Pepco announced today that it will begin to provide customers with estimated restoration times. Customers without power are asked to call 1-877-737-2662 for an individual estimated restoration time. Calling 1-877-737-2662 is the fastest way for customers to receive an estimated restoration time.
As of noon, pepco crews have restored power to more than 230,000 customers and expect to have power restored to the majority of customers by Thursday.
As of noon, pepco crews have restored power to more than 230,000 customers and expect to have power restored to the majority of customers by Thursday.
County Offers Tips on Keeping Food Safe During Power Outage
Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman today urged residents who remain without power to take steps to ensure that food left in the refrigerator and freezer is safe.
“It is important for everyone who remains without power to determine if food is safe to eat and reduce the risk of food borne illness,” said Tillman.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
“It is important for everyone who remains without power to determine if food is safe to eat and reduce the risk of food borne illness,” said Tillman.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be refrigerated at 40° F and frozen food at or below 0° F, which may be difficult with a prolonged power outage.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
- A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- Obtain dry ice or block ice to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible if there is a prolonged power outage. Residents should check with local retailers for ice supplies.
- Digital, dial or instant-read thermometers and appliance thermometers will help determine if the food is at safe temperatures. The refrigerator temperature should be at 40°F or below; the freezer, 0°or lower.
- To be sure a particular food is cold enough; take its temperature with a food thermometer.
- Never taste food to determine its safety!
- Food may be safely refrozen if the food it still contains ice crystal or is at 40°F or below. Evaluate each food item separately. Be sure to discard any items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
- Food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheeses, butter and leftover cooked meats, casseroles and pizza should be thrown out if they have been held above 40° F for over two hours.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Montgomery Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg to Propose Employee Disability Retirement Reform
Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg on Tuesday, July 27, will introduce Bill 45-10 that would further reform disability retirement provisions for certain County employees by creating a two-tier service-connected disability retirement system with benefits for partial incapacity and total incapacity. This system would be identical to the system currently in place for members of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association. Bill 45-10, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner, would create the system for all other County employees.
Under provisions of the bill, a County employee who retires due to service-connected disability would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings. The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides for a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at 66.7 percent of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.
Under the bill, an employee would be eligible for a total incapacity benefit if the employee was unable to perform any substantial gainful activity because of an impairment that is unlikely to resolve in the next 12 months and may be permanent. An employee would be eligible for a partial incapacity benefit if the impairment prevents the employee from performing one or more of the essential functions of the employee’s position, but does not prevent the employee from performing any other substantial gainful activity.
A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 28.
“As we continue our efforts to reinforce a strong fiscal foundation for the County’s future, we must implement a multi-tiered structure for our disability retirement system that makes good fiscal sense and that is transparent and accountable,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg, who is the lead sponsor of Bill 45-10 and is chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. “And, of course, it must effectively support the medical needs of those of our employees who need it. I have come to the same conclusion as County Executive Ike Leggett that the only way to reform the system is with decisive legislative action.”
In 2009, the Council unanimously approved amended Bill 37-08 that reformed the County’s Disability Retirement Law, but that legislation, which was proposed by Councilmembers Andrews and Trachtenberg, was approved with amendments that eliminated provisions for a two-tier system.
According to the County’s Office of Human Resources, as of May 2009, only 10 of the 67 fire and rescue employees who received service-connected disability retirement since their two-tiered system began in 2000 were awarded the higher 70 percent benefit. Eighty-five percent of the awards were at the lower 52.5 percent level. Mercer, the County’s actuary, estimated that the County would save more than $2.6 million each year in the County’s retirement contribution if it extended the two-tier system to all employees.
"Last May, the Council took important first steps in reforming the County's disability retirement system by requiring independent medical exams, a more qualified and independent medical review panel, and mandatory reviews to determine continued eligibility for a disability pension,” said Councilmember Phil Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The Council opted to see if labor negotiations that began last fall would produce agreement on a two-tier retirement system, but nothing came of them. Now, the Council needs to act to reform the disability retirement system so that disability retirement benefits reflect the difference between injuries that are partial disabling and those that are fully disabling."
Councilmember Berliner, who also is a member of the Public Safety Committee, said: “It has been my hope that this issue would have been resolved by the parties in the collective bargaining process. A resolution to this problem is long past due and this legislation is a major step in the right direction.”
Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Andrews have advocated reform of the County’s disability retirement program since a September 2008 report was issued by the County’s Inspector General showing that a much greater percentage of Montgomery County police officers are awarded disability retirement than are workers in similar positions in neighboring jurisdictions.
Bill 45-10 also would prohibit the award of a service-connected disability to an employee who “has committed an offense that would justify removal for cause.” That provision also was in the original version of Bill 37-08, but was not enacted in the final version of the bill.
Under provisions of the bill, a County employee who retires due to service-connected disability would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings. The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides for a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at 66.7 percent of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.
Under the bill, an employee would be eligible for a total incapacity benefit if the employee was unable to perform any substantial gainful activity because of an impairment that is unlikely to resolve in the next 12 months and may be permanent. An employee would be eligible for a partial incapacity benefit if the impairment prevents the employee from performing one or more of the essential functions of the employee’s position, but does not prevent the employee from performing any other substantial gainful activity.
A public hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 28.
“As we continue our efforts to reinforce a strong fiscal foundation for the County’s future, we must implement a multi-tiered structure for our disability retirement system that makes good fiscal sense and that is transparent and accountable,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg, who is the lead sponsor of Bill 45-10 and is chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. “And, of course, it must effectively support the medical needs of those of our employees who need it. I have come to the same conclusion as County Executive Ike Leggett that the only way to reform the system is with decisive legislative action.”
In 2009, the Council unanimously approved amended Bill 37-08 that reformed the County’s Disability Retirement Law, but that legislation, which was proposed by Councilmembers Andrews and Trachtenberg, was approved with amendments that eliminated provisions for a two-tier system.
According to the County’s Office of Human Resources, as of May 2009, only 10 of the 67 fire and rescue employees who received service-connected disability retirement since their two-tiered system began in 2000 were awarded the higher 70 percent benefit. Eighty-five percent of the awards were at the lower 52.5 percent level. Mercer, the County’s actuary, estimated that the County would save more than $2.6 million each year in the County’s retirement contribution if it extended the two-tier system to all employees.
"Last May, the Council took important first steps in reforming the County's disability retirement system by requiring independent medical exams, a more qualified and independent medical review panel, and mandatory reviews to determine continued eligibility for a disability pension,” said Councilmember Phil Andrews, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The Council opted to see if labor negotiations that began last fall would produce agreement on a two-tier retirement system, but nothing came of them. Now, the Council needs to act to reform the disability retirement system so that disability retirement benefits reflect the difference between injuries that are partial disabling and those that are fully disabling."
Councilmember Berliner, who also is a member of the Public Safety Committee, said: “It has been my hope that this issue would have been resolved by the parties in the collective bargaining process. A resolution to this problem is long past due and this legislation is a major step in the right direction.”
Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Andrews have advocated reform of the County’s disability retirement program since a September 2008 report was issued by the County’s Inspector General showing that a much greater percentage of Montgomery County police officers are awarded disability retirement than are workers in similar positions in neighboring jurisdictions.
Bill 45-10 also would prohibit the award of a service-connected disability to an employee who “has committed an offense that would justify removal for cause.” That provision also was in the original version of Bill 37-08, but was not enacted in the final version of the bill.
WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.
WSSC water restrictions for Montgomery County have been lifted.
Storm Update
A major storm has caused widespread power outages.
The latest update on conditions include:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* Due to storm related power outage at 255 Rockville Pike, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) unit is closed today. All appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* All other sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* About 187,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County remain without power.
* 270 County traffic signals remain without power.
* Downed trees throughout the County are still blocking many roads.
* A shelter is open at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents. Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for today, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.
* The County’s 311 call center has been activated and is available for non-emergency calls.
* Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way by calling 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.
Water customers should:
*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands.
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use).
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).
* Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, particularly seniors or those with special needs.
* For emergency assistance, residents should call 911.
* Don't travel if you don't need to.
* Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.
Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
If you have any questions or comments, please visit the MC311 Portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 or call 240-777-0311 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
The latest update on conditions include:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* Due to storm related power outage at 255 Rockville Pike, the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) unit is closed today. All appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* All other sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
* Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
* About 187,000 Pepco customers in Montgomery County remain without power.
* 270 County traffic signals remain without power.
* Downed trees throughout the County are still blocking many roads.
* A shelter is open at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.
* Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect for all Montgomery County and Prince Georges County residents on public water systems until water supplies are recharged. This includes Rockville residents. Residents on private wells are unaffected by the mandatory water restrictions.
* Residents and businesses are urged to use water only for essential indoor uses so sufficient water will be available for hospitals, emergency services and fire fighting.
* All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled for today, July 26, including, classes, camps and activities.
* The County’s 311 call center has been activated and is available for non-emergency calls.
* Residents can report downed trees in the public right-of-way by calling 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.
Water customers should:
*Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
*Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands.
*Limit toilet flushings (do not flush after every use).
*Limit washing machine and dishwasher use (wash full loads only).
* Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, particularly seniors or those with special needs.
* For emergency assistance, residents should call 911.
* Don't travel if you don't need to.
* Treat all dark intersections as four-way stops. Proceed cautiously.
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* Ride On will operate on Monday, as will trash and recycling collections. These operations could be delayed due to traffic signal power outages.
Pepco has indicated this will be a "multi-day restoration."
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
If you have any questions or comments, please visit the MC311 Portal at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 or call 240-777-0311 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
SUMMER STORM UPDATE FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The latest update is:
Libraries:
* The following libraries scheduled to open at 10 a.m. have no power or phone service and will not open as scheduled: Kensington Park, Little Falls, Long Branch and Wheaton.
* The following libraries will open at 10 a.m. as scheduled: Bethesda, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook.
Shelters:
* Two additional shelters have opened at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville and Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown. The shelter at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring remains open.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them.
* Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Recreation Centers:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Parks:
* The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College:
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities:
* The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store located at 17 Friendship Circle is closed today.
Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees:
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Libraries:
* The following libraries scheduled to open at 10 a.m. have no power or phone service and will not open as scheduled: Kensington Park, Little Falls, Long Branch and Wheaton.
* The following libraries will open at 10 a.m. as scheduled: Bethesda, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial and Twinbrook.
Shelters:
* Two additional shelters have opened at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville and Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown. The shelter at the East County Recreation Center located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring remains open.
* Individuals planning to go to a shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies with them.
* Pets are not permitted at shelters except for service animals. Residents are urged not to leave their pets alone at home. Instead, call Montgomery County Animal Services at 240-773-5900 to make arrangements for pet care.
Recreation Centers:
* All Montgomery County Recreation facilities are closed today except for the Upper County Neighborhood, Germantown, East County Neighborhood and Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Centers and the Germantown Indoor and Olney Swim Centers.
* All other Recreation sites are closed, including the main administrative office.
* All summer camps, summer fun centers and Recreation summer classes are cancelled for today.
Parks:
* The following Montgomery Parks facilities are open and Parks classes and programs in these facilities are running on schedule: Cabin John Ice, South Germantown Splash Park and Miniature Golf, and the Tennis and More and Week in the Park summer camps at Wheaton Regional Park.
* Crews are working to restore power to all Parks facilities affected by the outages. To find out if a facility is open, Parks patrons should call the facility in advance to confirm operating hours. Visit www.MontgomeryParks.org for a facility directory and updated information.
Montgomery College:
* Montgomery College Rockville campus will be closed today. Takoma Park and Germantown campuses will be open.
Other County Facilities:
* The Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store located at 17 Friendship Circle is closed today.
Montgomery County’s Permitting Services will be closed to the public.
* The Occupational Medical Service unit is closed and all appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Report Power Outages and Downed Trees:
* To report power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, , Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 9-1-1.
* To report downed trees in the public right-of-way, call 3-1-1 from within Montgomery County or if Montgomery County residents are outside the County, call 240-777-0311.
Check http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for updated information on Montgomery County facilities, services, and programs.
Pepco Update
The following is un apdate from Pepco:
Sunday’s storm inflicted significant damage to Pepco’s electric system, causing widespread outages across our service territory. At 11:00 am approximately 227,000 customers were without power – with 176,000 in Montgomery County.
Power has been restored to more than 75,000 customers/
A power supply to WSSC Potomac Plant has been restored as well as service to Shady Grove Hospital.
Once customers are restored they may experience brief outages as the crews continue to make repairs on other sections of the circuit.
Crews will be working 24/7 until all customers’ power is restored.
When our system is damaged by severe weather, Pepco repairs equipment using a system of priorities that has been developed, taking into account public safety, community needs and the nature of the electric system.
Our restoration process is as follows:
Customers Should Call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) To Report An Outage And/Or To Report Downed Electric Wires.
COOLING CENTERS – Montgomery County
Sunday’s storm inflicted significant damage to Pepco’s electric system, causing widespread outages across our service territory. At 11:00 am approximately 227,000 customers were without power – with 176,000 in Montgomery County.
Power has been restored to more than 75,000 customers/
A power supply to WSSC Potomac Plant has been restored as well as service to Shady Grove Hospital.
Once customers are restored they may experience brief outages as the crews continue to make repairs on other sections of the circuit.
Crews will be working 24/7 until all customers’ power is restored.
When our system is damaged by severe weather, Pepco repairs equipment using a system of priorities that has been developed, taking into account public safety, community needs and the nature of the electric system.
Our restoration process is as follows:
- Life Threatening emergencies / Assist Fire/Police
- Transmission & Sub-Transmission Events - Typically restores several thousands of customers.
- Distribution Feeder Lockouts - Typically restores 800-2,000 each.
- Vicinity & Grouped Outages - Typically restores several dozen to a hundred customers.
- Individual Outages - One or two restorations each.
Customers Should Call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) To Report An Outage And/Or To Report Downed Electric Wires.
COOLING CENTERS – Montgomery County
- East County Recreation Center 3310 Gateshead Manor Way Silver Spring, MD 20904 Open 24/7 until no longer required
- Special Needs Cooling Center opening at 10 AM today Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, MD 20852 - 301 610 8000
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Call 1-877-PEPCO62 to report downed wires
- Stay away from standing water and wet areas
- Keep children and pets inside
July 26, 2010 Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting is Canceled
Today's MFP Committee Meeting has been canceled due to storm-related disruptions.
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