For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 14, 2020
The following committees will meet virtually on Thursday, Oct. 15. Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for committee review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.
The committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current committee agendas can be viewed at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.
On the guidance of Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles, there is currently no public access to the Council Office Building. The virtual Council meeting will be streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube (MoCoCouncilMD) and on Facebook Live (MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil) and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on channels 30 (Fios), 1056 (RCN) and 996 (Xfinity).
Meeting: Public Safety (PS) Committee
Time: 9:30 a.m.
PS Committee: Council President Sidney Katz (Chair), Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and and Council Vice President Tom Hucker
Topics:
Emergency Communications Center (General Operations and Text to 911)
The PS Committee will receive an update on the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), which is responsible for the effective performance of all emergency communications relating to a fire, rescue or emergency medical incidents. The ECC also answers all 911 calls dialed in the County. The committee will discuss the Next Generation 911 system, daily operational impacts related to COVID-19, the impact of the transfer of the Office of Animal Services and advantages and disadvantages of proposed staffing changes.
The Council staff report can be viewed here.
Crime Trends and other Life and Safety Issues during COVID-19
The PS Committee also will receive a briefing on crime trends and other life and safety issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, residents have been staying home, which may be the reason why many types of crimes have dropped significantly; however, close quarters may increase the risk of crimes like domestic violence. Across the nation, larger jurisdictions have been reporting significant increases in violent crime, particularly homicides. At the same time, the number of ill residents increased significantly, putting a strain on Emergency Medical Services. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will provide information on its response to the pandemic and how it handled a surge in EMS call volume. The Montgomery County Police Department will provide information on crime trends in Montgomery County for the year.
Those expected to provide information include: Chief Marcus Jones, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Chief Scott Goldstein, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Assistant Chief Dinesh Patil, MCPD and Assistant Chief Alan Butsch, MCFRS.
The Council staff report can be viewed here.
Meeting: Joint Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee and Education and Culture (E&C) Committee
Time: 1:30 p.m.
HHS Committee: Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz (Chair), Evan Glass (Lead for Homelessness and Vulnerable Communities) and Craig Rice
E&C Committee: Councilmembers Craig Rice (Chair), Will Jawando (Lead for Libraries) and Nancy Navarro
Topics:
Supplemental Appropriation - DHHS - $864,029 to Increase Somatic and Mental Health Services at Montgomery County Public Schools
The HHS and E&C Committees will meet jointly to review a supplemental appropriation of $864,029 to the Department of Health and Human Services’ FY21 Operating Budget to increase somatic and mental health services at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). MCPS received funding from the Maryland State Department of Education Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program. MCPS is collaborating with DHHS to increase somatic and mental health services to support students and families. The supplemental appropriation includes $307,356 to support three school community health nurses and $556,673 to provide contractual support for mental health services.
The Council staff report will be available by Oct. 15 here.
Expansion of Educational Equity and Enrichment Hubs and Other Community-Based Distance Learning Supports for Students
The HHS and E&C Committees will review the expansion of Educational Equity and Enrichment Hubs, which aim to provide care and distance learning supports for students with enhanced health, safety and cleaning measures and other community-based distance learning assistance for students. Neighboring jurisdictions and those across the country are utilizing various forms of learning hubs to address school-age supervision needs, internet access and to help prevent learning gaps for high-risk students. Some provide basic care, while others utilize school-trained staff to provide curriculum enrichment. MCPS, County departments and local organizations are collaborating on this effort.
The Council staff report can be viewed here.
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Release ID: 20-406