Virtual Town Hall Meeting from Thursday, February 14, 2019
Marc Elrich Welcome to my first online chat as your County Executive!
Leroy from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
We are a rich County. Why are our roads constantly third world?
Marc Elrich Thank you for your comment regarding road conditions. Every two years, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) conducts a survey of the pavement conditions along all 5,200 miles of roadway within its maintenance portfolio. This survey, which takes into account numerous factors such as age, distress, potholes, cracks, utility cuts, and erosion, is aggregated into a score from 0-100. Each road is then assigned a ranking based on the onsite conditions. Using this data, MCDOT prioritizes its allocated resources and performs roadway repairs such as resurfacing, patches and repairs on as many roads as possible within a given fiscal year. Our financial resources are not sufficient to address the condition all of our roads on the schedule we would like to while meeting all of our other priority needs for the County. This has been a problem since before I came on the Council 12 years ago. While the Council made steps to increase funding, we have lacked the ability to shift funding from other capital projects.
Should you wish to report an area that you believe needs routine maintenance or additional attention, please feel free to submit an online service request at the following link:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-highway/ServiceRequestOnline/index.html.
Dan from
Up County
Can we please do something about a county-wide re-timing of traffic lights? I honestly believe if we did that, we could fix a reasonable chunk of the rush hour woes that plague this otherwise-great county. I live 3 miles from the Park & Ride I use daily and it takes me sometimes 15-20 minutes to get there in the morning because I hit EVERY SINGLE traffic light. That's absurd.
Marc Elrich The traffic lights are constantly monitored at our Traffic Management Center and the County routinely evaluates the timing of the lights. The County is moving, and will continue to move, toward synchronizing more of our system. All of us agree that this is something that we will be able to make progress on. Unfortunately, it is not possible to synchronize the lights in every direction of travel at the same time. If you are traveling across major corridors or against the predominant flow, you are likely to be stopped at more red signals. Because the County does not have a grid for our road network, its irregular shape makes these issues more challenging. If you can tell me the route you follow, we can see if anything is planned to improve traffic flow.
Sue from
Silver Spring
Can you find room in the budget to increase the county's funding of the Call-n-Ride program for seniors? Right now, it amounts to only a few cab rides a month. It is a vital service but leave seniors without the ability to get to medical appointments and other places not served by buses or requiring too many bus changes.
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. I do recognize the importance of the Call-n-Ride program in providing transportation services for low income persons with disabilities and seniors. Although it will be a very tight year for the budget, I will consider increasing the subsidy. Thank you again for bringing this issue to my attention.
MICHELLE from
Silver Spring
For over 30 years the State has refused to fix Georgia Ave and make it safer, walkable, and less dysfunctional. At what point does the County take responsibility and ensure the road gets fixed? The County and the residents are the real losers in this situation. The State could care less as evidenced by their lack of action.
Marc Elrich The County Department of Transportation is in active coordination with the State regarding pedestrian safety on this corridor, with a particular emphasis on the major activity centers at Aspen Hill, Glenmont, Wheaton and Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills. Recently the State committed to narrowing the travel lanes on this corridor and lowering the speed limit. Furthermore, I understand that in the coming months the State will identify their preferred alternative for the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills area. I am involved in this process, and working with the community to advocate for implementation of improvements to this corridor. To share your concerns about sidewalks, please submit a request to the Annual Sidewalk program using this link:
montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte/sidewalk/SWapp.html.
Kristie from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
A suggestion rather than a question... while driving around the County, primarily in Bethesda but also elsewhere, I cannot help but notice the poor condition of County roads (i.e. potholes, missing/faded traffic lane striping etc.), as well as a large number of downed traffic signs. I appreciate the fact the some of this may be attributable to the "harsh" winter season that we recently experienced, as well as sign damage perhaps caused by snow plows. Rather than wait for County residents to report individual issues via 311 or calls to their Councilmembers, why don't you initiate a "Pothole / Traffic Sign Palooza" to accelerate the resolution of these issues? The DC Government does this annually (see: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-kicks-ninth-annual-potholepalooza). To my knowledge, neither the Duncan nor the Leggett Administrations undertook such efforts. I think an initiative such as this one would reflect extremely well on the Elrich administration because it will be seen as an innovative solution to a major problem throughout the County. If you choose to respond to this question, please don't say or otherwise intimate that there is no funding for this. Please figure out a way to make it happen! Thank you.
Marc Elrich Our Department of Transportation regularly repairs potholes identified by requests to 311 and through their own observations. During winter months, when crews are not actively treating roadways for snow and ice, they are making repairs – like filling potholes.
I would be interested in reading about what D.C. is doing and look at their approach in comparison to our current practices.
Katie from
Rockville
With the Montrose Parkway East delayed, what is your plan to reduce congestion on Randolph Road?
Marc Elrich My proposed budget includes funding to study options to address traffic and safety concerns in hopes of identifying more cost effective and implementable solutions. With these funds, I have asked the Department of Transportation to evaluate options that address the railroad grade crossing the intersection of Randolph Road and Parklawn Drive and to explore other improvements that meet the transportation needs of this corridor.
David from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Can the county ban the distribution of commercial advertising consisting of a plastic bag, tied at the top, containing a one page advertisement and one or two large stones of white gravel, dropped on the sidewalks/driveways of residential neighborhoods? What will you do to get this littering stopped? Plastic bags are a big problem for the county recycling center, which does not recycle them.
Marc Elrich While the distribution of informational material, newspapers, advertising fliers, etc. is not illegal, the practice of putting the material in a plastic bag laden with rocks or other materials to weigh it down is not allowed under Chapter 48 of the County Code, which prohibits solid waste from being deposited on public or private property that is not an approved solid waste acceptance facility. The Department of Environmental Protection can investigate instances of this, and will contact entities engaged in this practice to advise them it is prohibited and can result in a civil penalty of up to $500. Residents can file a complaint through 311.
Sirisha Sathyamurthy from
Rockville
I would like to know if Montgomery County Government is truly in compliance with EEO policies. Women empowerment and all used for publicity and for political reasons so far, I hope the new leadership means it. I have a case open with EEO office for last 5 years, even though EEO office investigations supports my allegations there is no noticeable actions for many years. If someone is powerful they can do anything in government, they can abuse coworkers, still get promotion, they can get gifts(China/India trips) from vendors, still they can work as managers and experts, but if someone reports it to the authorized staff they usually get kicked out for wrongful reasons. I am writing this to you boldly because I witnessed and experienced these but I never did anything wrong, I helped them to even protect/secure employees data that was open for everyone for years. More housekeeping needed within the government and employees.
Marc Elrich Thank you for your questions and comments. We take all EEO complaints very seriously in Montgomery County Government and work hard to investigate each complaint and ensure that our employees and supervisors are in compliance with all governing laws and regulations. While we cannot comment on individual cases, if you are aware of any harassment or unethical behavior, you are encouraged to report violations to the:
- Montgomery County Office of Human Resources, EEO Compliance and Diversity – 240-777-5110
- Montgomery County Ethics Commission – 240-777-6670
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights – 410-767-8600
If you would like to follow up on your specific case, please contact OHR EEO Compliance and Diversity (240-777-5110).
Now to your answer question about EEO compliance. The County complies with Federal mandates such as the EEO-4 (formally known as the State and Local Government Report), conducted every two years, plus several certifications such as the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The County is also required to submit other mandated data to receive grants from the Maryland Transportation Administration and Federal Transit Administration; that’s another form of compliance. Internally, we investigate conduct in violation of our own Montgomery County Personnel Regulations. These are all measures of how we support EEO compliance.
In Montgomery County Government, diversity and inclusion are a priority. We are proud to say that women make up about 40% of the government’s overall workforce and women hold nearly 50% of the top positions in the government.
hyder ali from
Silver Spring
WHY DO ALL REC/COMMUNITY CENTERS CLOSE AT THE SAME TIME, E.G.,SUNDAYS AND A VERY SHORT DAY ON FRIDAYS? WHY CAN'T THEY STAGGER THEIR HOURS?
Marc Elrich Thanks for the question. Many of our Recreation Center operating hours were reduced as a budget reduction years ago and they have never returned to full operations. Reductions were based on usage data and program elements but the changes were made nearly ten years ago. As new facilities come on line - North Potomac, Good Hope and shortly Wheaton - we will be taking a comprehensive look at all hours by regions and begin to make some small changes so that we can meet the needs of each community and the needs of our program teams and better serve our residents.
Robin from
Rockville
Child Care - What are your plans regarding this issue? Zoning, supporting private businesses? Maryland has a huge supply and demand problem with infant care (under age 2). Montgomery County used to have 1,200 family child care providers, there are now less than 800. Illegal child care enforcement.... Let me know your thoughts and plans.
Marc Elrich Family child care is exempt from zoning (restrictions I assume) County does not license or inspect child care facilities—that is done through the Office of Child Care, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). According to our folks, the State is working on a campaign to address unregulated child care across Maryland. While there has been a decline in family child care programs here in MoCo, we have increased the number of center-based programs. FYI-Moco is the jurisdiction with the most accredited programs in the State (both family and center) Complaints can be directed to the local office of Office of Child Care 51 Monroe Street, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 240-314-1400 Manager is Carl Eggleston at [email protected]
We are going to make a major push to increase availability of quality early childhood education in our communities. We are looking at issues of zoning, we're evaluating the capacity of both public and private providers, and we're working with the State to increase funding in order to make it more affordable. This is going to be a multi-year effort that will be informed by the data that we are now putting together. We want to make sure that we can put in place programs that increase opportunities for our 0-4 year-old population.
Ken from
Silver Spring
Why are you pushing so hard for a $15.00 minimum wage that will have a negative impact on small business and push up the cost of goods and services in MoCo.? Studies show that higher minimum wages have a cost, namely fewer employment opportunities for lower-skill workers.
Marc Elrich Raising the minimum wage clearly helps lift workers and their families out of poverty. I taught in a high-poverty elementary school in the County for 17 years and I saw up close the effects of poverty on children and their families. Raising the wage helps them and helps the local economy - when poor families have money to spend, they usually spend it in their local community. Additionally, an extensive body of evidence shows that minimum wage increases have had their intended effect of lifting wages for low-wage workers with little to no effect on employment.
(See this website for some of the information: https://www.upjohn.org/publications/upjohn-institute-press/what-does-minimum-wage-do)
Locally, we have seen as our minimum wage has risen, unemployment has gone down, We also put in some help for small businesses by extending the date for when they must reach $15/hour. Small businesses have four more years (2023) to get to $15/hour. The very smallest have five more years - 2024 - to get to $15. By contrast, nationwide, Target will begin paying $15/hour next year.
When President Franklin Roosevelt first introduced the minimum wage, he intended for it to be the "wages of a decent living." However, there was no index for inflation and we lost that connection. Gradually moving the wage to $15, restores the link between the minimum wage and a living wage.
Vineet from
Mid County
What is being done to replace Shady Grove MCPS bus depot and continue with the smart growth initiative. Also Derwood area is being under-served with public facilities such as playgrounds, tot-lots, tennis courts etc.; is there a plan to build Derwood Station Neighborhood park on Crabbs Branch way and have these facilities available over there.
Marc Elrich This is a complex issue and one that the County has spent a lot of time working on. I am committed to considering all opportunities to relocate the buses from the site, but I am not going to move the bus depot into another community and transfer the problems to a different neighborhood.
At my direction, the Department of General Services has revigorated its efforts to develop options that will effectively resolve the issue. A big challenge is finding someplace that does not require the buses to access through a residential area and is not close to residential development.
Additionally, I have asked MCPS Superintendent, Jack Smith, for his continued support and assistance on relocating their operation from County-owned land.
Concerning your second question, you are correct; the approved Shady Grove Station master plan has an elementary school site, along with a four-acre public park, Jeremiah Park.
Paul from
Rockville
What are your thoughts on 2nd bridge crossing the Potomac to VA?
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. I am in favor of expanding and improving the American Legion Bridge which would address the enormous bottleneck that occurs there each day. The Governor's office recently announced that they are prioritizing building additional capacity at the American Legion Bridge. I do not favor a second bridge, farther north, for several reasons including cost, environmental impact, our commitment to maintaining the agricultural reserve, and the practical ability to actually build the bridge. The Council of Governments recently completed a study that identified major transportation projects that would have the most impacts in our region, and the results were that the second bridge did not make the cut even though it was studied. An enlarged American Legion bridge is the more effective and achievable alternative with the least negative impacts upon our environment.
Jen from
Not from Montgomery County
Is Montgomery County going to try for Amazon again now that they are pulling out of New York?
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. The County has reached out to Amazon as a result of the news story.
Rustam from
Silver Spring
I see very often car accidents at the intersection of Randolf road and Dewey road.
Also it is extremely difficult to make a left turn from Randolph in both directions.
It would be really nice and helpful for people if traffic light had a left turn arrow section. Please help!
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question and for calling this traffic matter to my attention. I will ask our Department of Transportation to look into this intersection as soon as possible. Our division of traffic engineering and operations will investigate for left-turn signals at the intersection and follow-up with you at the completion of the study.
Frances from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
How is Montgomery County planning to meet its goals for mitigating climate change?
Marc Elrich As you probably know, doing our part to address climate change will require a comprehensive and sustained approach across departments and in conjunction with our residents and businesses. We need to take steps immediately and long-term, including promoting and facilitating the use of solar and wind energy; using electric vehicles, reducing energy use, and reducing the use of single-occupancy vehicles and promoting transit, biking and walking. We have already been doing some of the necessary work, but I know there's much more to be done. I am committed to exploring what more can be done and the steps needed to get there. We are working closely with the environmental community and others to identify opportunities and new ideas that we may be able to bring to the County.
Marc Elrich Thank you all for joining me for my inaugural online chat. With more than 60 questions, it wasn't possible to answer all of them; but I'm hoping you'll join me again for next month's. In the interim, I will attempt to answer as many as I can separately.
