For Immediate Release: Friday, January 12, 2018
Council to Discuss Factors Driving the Cost of Government
on Jan. 16 at 11:00 a.m.
Also on Tuesday, January 16: Introduction of Resolution on Prescription Drug Affordability and Overview of the Energized Public Spaces Master Plan
Rockville, Md., Jan. 12, 2018−In the first Council meeting of 2018, starting at 9:45 a.m., the Montgomery County Council will have a discussion about the factors driving the cost of government including revenue pressures, the impact of fiscal policy choices, and costs both inside and outside of the County’s control. The factors affecting these costs in the County include demographic trends, historical growth patterns, existing financial obligations, and budget choices. This discussion will provide context for the Council’s review of the Fiscal Year 2018 Savings Plan.
The staff report can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yae3utf2
The Council also will introduce a resolution, as requested by lead sponsor Councilmember Tom Hucker, to support prescription drug affordability. The Prescription Drug Affordability Initiative Resolution calls on the State of Maryland to allow pharmacists to provide information on lower cost drug options, require drug companies to provide justification for pricing decisions, and create a Prescription Drug Cost Review Commission. A vote on the resolution is scheduled for January 23.
The resolution can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yckzwvtp
The Council also will review the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Energized Public Spaces Functional Master Plan. The plan applies an innovative method to identify areas with the highest need for parks and open spaces and recommends opportunities to increase the number of parks and open spaces in those communities. This plan promotes public spaces as areas where people can share experiences and build a sense of community.
The staff report can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/ycjxyono
Also on Tuesday, the Council will vote on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 17-12, Definitions- Rear Building Line and ZTA 17-14, Walls and Fences-Setback Exemption. Councilmember George Leventhal is the lead sponsor of both zoning text amendments.
ZTA 17-12 would revise, under certain circumstances, the requirements that allow fences and walls to be exempt from setback standards. ZTA 17-14 defines the phrase “rear building line.”
The staff report for ZTA 17-12 can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/y7kueqcq
The staff report for ZTA 17-14 can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/ya9u3uba
The Council will introduce Subdivision Regulation Amendment 18-01, Minor Subdivisions-Ownership Units. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 27 at 1:30 p.m.
On January 16 at 1:30 p.m. the Council will hold the following public hearings:
If you would like to sign up to testify for a public hearing, visit https://tinyurl.com/y9wxmmd5 or call 240-777-7803.
The Council meeting and public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM). The channel can be viewed on Cable Channels 996 (high definition) and 6 (standard definition) on Comcast; Channels 1056 (HD) and 6 (SD) on RCN; and Channel 30 on Verizon.
The Council meeting also will be available live via streaming through the Council web site at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html