Montgomery County Civic Federation Executive Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 16th, 7:45
Red Brick Courthouse, Rockville, Maryland
By Richard Zierdt, Recording Secretary
MCCF President Dan Wilhelm presides.
Present: Charles Wolff, Jim Humphrey, Peggy Dennis, Luella Mast, Mark Adelman, George Sauer, Arnie Gordon, Cary Lamari, Richard Zierdt, Dan Wilhelm.
Charles Wolff distributes a report, taken from Board of Elections reports, showing that the Vote No Coalition spent $109,925 to fight ballot questions A, B, and C at the last election. 62% of this money came from 15 organizations. The Vote Yes on C organization (to create an all locally-elected County Council) spent $6,000.
Minutes of the November 18 ExComm meeting are approved.
Treasurer. Luella Mast distributes her report.
Membership. Jim Humphrey. Distributes suggestions for MCCF improvements. Newsletter and web site: Issues status box. Committee drill-down on the web site. Conduct annual Civic Fed seminars, such as: Understanding the County's Legislative Process, the County's Budget Process, the County's Land Use, Planning, and Development Process. Build the next generation(s) of civic activists.
Bylaws. Peggy Dennis. Bylaw changes proposed at the December Regular Meting will be voted at the January delegates meeting. These changes involve the structure of the Nominating Committee and the re-ordering of some sections for readability. See the December Newsletter, page 5.
Housing. Jim Humphrey. Distributes a document about the details of the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Program legislation approved by the County Council on November 30, 2004.
Education. Mark Adelman. Distributes a proposed letter to be sent to the
Board of Education.
Mark attended Superintendent's Weiss's budget presentation. There was high
turnout. Mark distributes a suggested nametag that members might wear when
attending civic functions. More permanent nametags were suggested, but they
should be of the same style. Quotes will be investigated.
Legislation. Dan Wilhelm. Initiates discussion about State bill MC-502 that would prohibit commercial activity in right-of-ways (i.e. panhandling, and charitable solicitations). Some feel this is not a MCCF concern, may alienate some groups that solicit funds, and may violate civil liberties. Others feel this is a major safety issue. The issue is referred to MCCF's Public Safety Committee.
Planning and Land Use. Arnie Gordon. Testified before the Planning Board regarding a proposed development near Washington Grove. Meeting was well attended. Short presentation from the developer, who would donate 10 acres of the site for theLegacy Open Space Program. This LOS space is part of the development proposal, and is not a separately-purchased site [in other words, no money would change hands. An adjacent separate site for a public elementary school is reserved for two years, and if not purchased by the County, would face development. The County's Advance Land Acquisition Fund might be used to buy the school site. At least two County Council members are considering proposing the donated LOS space be used for a school, thus avoiding the purchase price of the separate school site. MCCF took a policy decision opposing this at its December 13 Regular Meeting.
A 700-acre development plan in Poolesville was pulled by the developer.
Transportation. Dan will testify before SHA (State Highway Administration)
about the ICC (against) in January. Its cost is increasingly important, as
well as its lack of traffic relief on the beltway.
Programs.
January: Update from Annapolis.
February: Medical Malpractice Insurance.
Newsletter assignments made
Meeting adjourned. 9:36 pm
This Page Last Edited: December 24, 2004 .