Volume 4, Number 5                          HAPPY HOLIDAYS

This Issue's Headlines

• Resolution for the New Year
• Knapp Outlines Regional Priorities
• MoCo Begins Participating in "House Keys 4 Employees" Program
• Facing Foreclosure? Ask For Help!
• Rep. Edwards Offers Help With Foreclosures
• Council Provides Further Protection for Ag Reserve
• Knapp Parking Bill Moves Toward Final Passage
• County Council Legislative Update
• PHED Takes Up Housing, Biking, Land Acquisition
• The Road Scholar
• Council Recommends $10M for Brookeville Bypass
• County Council January Event Calendar
• County Offers Christmas Tree Recycling, Tips
• Contact Me
• Subscribe to The Open Mike 

A Moment at the Mike

Resolution for the New Year

Councilmember Mike Knapp

Since last December, when I began my term as President, we’ve faced some challenging issues as a Council, and as a County. We wrestled with an economy that was sputtering and still managed to pass a responsible budget that controlled the rate of spending, as well as the rate of government growth. We continued to maintain the core services and programs our residents count on and expect – and we did so while living up to the promises made to our employees. Sure, it wasn’t always pretty – but even without a charter amendment that required us to do so, we still worked together to pass a budget unanimously. And because we negotiated in good faith, we’ve got a good foundation – both with our employees and with each other -- for moving forward this coming year.

As for this coming year . . . if I had a Magic 8 Ball to shake, it would likely come up “Outlook Uncertain.” The State of Maryland continues to balk at many of its obligations to our county, yet more and more of our tax revenue seems stuck in a one-way flow to Annapolis. Meanwhile, many of our most important projects go unfunded or only half-finished.  And while we knew we had challenges ahead of us for the coming year, news we received at the end of December -- about the county's budget deficit being larger than anticipated -- just made our job a little bit tougher.

But you know what? I’m still optimistic about our future—even a little bit excited. We’re at a crossroads in our county, and depending on the road we take, the decisions we make, we have an unprecedented opportunity to have a profoundly positive impact on the future of our county.

Are we up to it? I think so.

Forty years ago, leaders in our communities had the foresight to build a Metro to accommodate a booming population. They built an interstate to move people in and out of the region. That kind of foresight and planning got us the communities we have today. But we need to keep moving. We need to keep planning.

Living within our means doesn’t mean we stop aspiring toward greatness.

Fortunately, we have everything we need to determine where we go from here, and how we’re going to get there. We have planning and land management resources, financial resources, and, most important, great people. Now we must work together to answer a few critical questions. What kind of an economy do we want to have? What kind of transportation do we want? What kind of a community do we want to live in?

We have the opportunity to lead the state, the country, the world in building a sustainable economy, environment, and community. But doing so requires us to do some hard work, make difficult decisions, and have some serious discussions. In my role as the Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, we're not only getting the conversation started, we're already coming up with some answers -- and in another place in this newsletter, I'll tell you more about that.

Perhaps no discussion will be more serious than determining how we will shape our own local economy. When I came to the County Council six years ago, our budget was growing each year at double-digit rates. This past year, for the first time in more than a decade, the budget grew at the rate of inflation—a little more than three percent. That’s the kind of fiscal discipline you're asked to engage in every day, and it’s the same discipline you expect of us.

But let's be careful -- if all we do, for example, is take stuff from all of our agencies, what you end up with is a lot of departments who can't do their jobs well, and can't carry out the services residents demand.  We're going to have to focus on the four or five things that people expect whether things in the county are good or bad, and beyond that we'll have to make tough decisions.

Going forward, then, I’m going to continue to work on the issues that I’ve found matter the most to you – those things you've told me make this county a great place. I’m committed to working on economic development issues – growing our own economy and our own assets. I want to continue our investments in education, and doing what we can not only to ensure our students have every opportunity to achieve their dreams, but also that we perhaps encourage them to stay here and share their dreams with us. I’m committed to better housing, and ending homelessness. I’m committed to maintaining a police force and fire and rescue service that is second to none. And I’m redoubling my efforts to make good roads and mass transit more than just lines on a map.

On December 2, I formally ended my year-long term as County Council President.  My colleagues and I had the pleasure of electing Councilmember Phil Andrews -- who had served as my Vice President --  as the new President, and Councilmember Roger Berliner as his Vice President.  I look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year.

And as always, I want to know what you're thinking.  Drop me a line to let me know not only how you think we're doing on the Council, but how you're doing, too.

Have a safe and happy holiday season, and a joyful new year.

Regards,

Michael J. Knapp
Councilmember, District 2

Knapp Outlines Regional Priorities

Council of Governments Identifies "Nine in '09" For Area Focus

Council of Governments Chairman Mike Knapp confers with Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) and Washington Post columnist Steven Pearlstein at the December 2008 COG meeting where Knapp unveiled COG's "Nine in '09" initiative.

For the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of serving not only as President of the County Council, but also as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).  COG is a regional organization of Washington area local governments, comprised of 21 local governments surrounding our nation's capital, and one of our driving philosophies is that government cannot operate in a vacuum. 

This is particularly true in the Washington area, where you have two different states, the District of Columbia, and multiple counties and municipalities, all working for their respective constituencies, but with the added twist that our close proximity to each other means that the decisions we make in Montgomery County affect not only our fellow Marylanders, but also Washington, DC, and northern Virginia residents.

With that in mind, then, there are a number of regional issues that we’ll be facing next year, both as Montgomery County and as a region.  At COG, we've compiled a list of priorities -- which we call the "Nine in '09" -- that will get us thinking about some of the key issues facing our growing, metropolitan region.  These are not, by any stretch, the only issues we're facing, and they will be important well beyond just 2009. But they each mark a good place to concentrate some of our efforts and resources. 

Here's our list for the coming year:

1. The Regional Economy

Area governments are facing some of the most daunting budget challenges in over a decade because of the economic crisis. Federal, state and local government spending is still a big part of the region’s economy. The projected budget deficits of over $1.5 billion mean no more "business as usual.” But the critical needs of our region aren’t going anywhere, and we will need to rethink how we will meet these needs.

Responding to the economic crisis and its effect on area governments will be the number one issue for Montgomery County and our neighboring communities in 2009. At COG, we're dedicated to making the organization more efficient, smarter and more focused on the needs of its member governments and on their regional priorities.

2. Transportation Funding

The year 2009 is going to be a crucial year for transportation funding. The current federal surface transportation act that was authorized in 2005 will expire next September. The funding situation has gotten so dire that just a few months ago President Bush signed relief legislation to provide an $8 billion infusion to the Highway Trust Fund. Clearly, this can’t continue. 

COG's Transportation Planning Board recently adopted policy principles calling for a substantial increase in federal transportation funding and major changes in how those funds are administered. Locally this means we need to step up our commitment to critical transportation projects like maintenance and repair, construction of roads that have been on county maps for years but remain unbuilt, and investing in mass transit projects like the Metro Purple Line, and the Corridor Cities Transitway, connecting the Upcounty with the Shady Grove Metro station.

I'm especially pleased that 2008 finally saw the U.S. Congress approve the $1.5 billion in dedicated funding for Metro -- a commitment COG and I have been seeking for years. Those funds can be used, for example, for repairs, improvements, and new trains for our area's well-loved but well-worn transit system.   But we're not done yet -- those funds won't be made available unless Maryland, Virginia, and DC each provide their own sources of revenue explicitly for Metro.  This will be one of the most important obligations I'll be pushing for with our state legislators in Annapolis -- and I need your help, too.  Let your state legislators know you want them to appropriate the state funds needed to trigger the release of the federal money.

3. Climate Change

This November, the COG Board approved the National Capital Region Climate Change Report, the result of an intense, year-and-a-half long effort by COG’s Climate Change Steering Committee. This is one of the nation's first initiatives to address local greenhouse gas emissions on a regional level and it sets significant goals for 2012, 2020 and 2050. Now comes the hard part—we have to follow through with these goals. Next year, COG will produce a detailed plan to meet the fast-approaching 2012 goal, as well as coordinate actions among COG’s local governments on energy efficient street light replacement and a green fleet policy.

As home of the nation’s capital and as a tri-state region, COG and its local governments must work proactively with state and federal partners.

4. State and Federal Partnerships

As home of the nation’s capital and as a tri-state region, COG and its local governments must work proactively with state and federal partners. In 2008, COG held outreach events with state lawmakers, and next year it plans to ramp up its efforts since coordination is critical during tough economic times. COG is planning regular meetings in the District, Annapolis and Richmond and will meet with the region’s Congressional delegation in early 2009. It will also look for opportunities to advance high profile initiatives by working with the new Obama administration.

5. Foreclosures

Earlier this year, COG released a report showing that the National Capital Region has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.The drop in home prices and loss in property tax revenue has taken a heavy toll on our communities. In 2009, COG will seek opportunities to help area families affected by foreclosure by examining the new federal housing legislation and building partnerships with area foundations and private funders.

6. Emergency Preparedness

If any of us thought this issue was fading in importance, the terrorist attacks in India and the recent report by a Congressional blue-ribbon panel that a biological attack is likely by 2013 should remind us of its continued relevance. And the region will be tested very soon by the presidential inauguration and the millions of visitors streaming into our area. This year, the region received $59.8 million in federal homeland security funds that it will invest in health and medical systems to treat large numbers of victims and new technology to help police prevent radioactive bomb attacks. In 2009, we can expect regional officials to continue to strengthen their efforts to protect area residents from manmade and natural disasters.

This year, COG launched Greater Washington 2050, a long-term planning initiative for the region that ties together transportation, environment and land use planning.

7. Greater Washington 2050

This year, COG launched Greater Washington 2050, a long-term planning initiative for the region that ties together transportation, environment and land use planning. It is led by a diverse coalition of public officials, business leaders, civic and environmental stakeholders. Last month, the Coalition held a scenario workshop where area leaders discussed how issues like climate change, energy and technology will affect future planning. In 2009, the group will conduct a major survey and public outreach campaign, and create a regional compact to guide future growth and development.

8. Pedestrian Safety

In a growing region such as ours, it is essential that pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can travel safely throughout our transportation system. Bicyclists and pedestrians account for 20% of traffic fatalities in our region. Earlier this year, COG co-sponsored a major conference with WMATA, AAA and the three state Departments of Transportation to focus on the problem. Participants agreed that the best strategy to improve pedestrian safety involves the three E’s—education, enforcement and engineering. Through the Street Smart public outreach campaign, stepped up law enforcement, and improvements in technology, regional leaders will work to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities in 2009.

9. Anacostia Watershed Restoration

This watershed comprises 176 square miles in the District of Columbia and Maryland and has suffered from centuries of abuse. This year, the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership—which was created by the COG Board a few years ago—released an Action Agenda focusing on short-term goals to be met by 2010. While pollution levels have decreased, ten new miles of streams have been restored, and 27 acres of tidal wetlands have been created, goals on trash reduction, aquatic health and reforestation have not been achieved. In 2009, we must work to meet these short-term goals and make progress in developing a long-term restoration plan.

Looking at the list of issues above, I think we can all agree that the road ahead is not going to be easy. But that’s not a good reason to throw our hands up and say there’s nothing we can do about it.  In fact, I believe the challenges facing the region present us with opportunities to jumpstart our economy and meet some key long-term goals.

The President-elect is already developing plans to stimulate the economy and he is focusing on many of the same priorities we have identified as a region, like economic development, transportation, and climate change. We cannot pass up the chance to collaborate closely with the new presidential administration. his region is well positioned to be an effective test lab for new programs and investment.

It is an opportunity that makes working together at COG all the more relevant because COG can serve as our conduit to the administration. Through COG, area governments can speak as a united, regional voice.

In early 2009, I expect COG to focus on how we can address our regional priorities through a new stimulus package. We can address our backlog of highway and transit projects, which will create jobs and improve our mobility. Despite these challenging times, I think we can still shape a prosperous and sustainable future. 

I'll continue to serve as one of Montgomery County's representatives on COG -- and I'll ensure we keep moving the ball forward.

Take me back to the top.

MoCo Begins "House Keys 4 Employees" Program

County Releases Funds Requested By Knapp for Housing Assistance

On December 1, I was joined by County Executive Isiah Leggett to announce Montgomery County’s participation in Maryland’s House Keys 4 Employees (HK4E) program that provides the opportunity for eligible County employees to receive additional funds towards the purchase of a home in Montgomery County.

Through the HK4E program, a County employee who receives a down payment and/or closing cost assistance loan through the County’s Closing Cost Assistance Loan program may be eligible for a matching contribution of up to $5,000. The match is an interest-free deferred loan that is repaid at the time of payoff, refinance or upon the sale or transfer of the home. The County’s current Closing Cost Assistance Loan program is administered by the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) and provides a fully amortizing loan up to $10,000 for down payment and/or closing costs to eligible first-time homebuyers in Montgomery County.

In May 2007, at my request, the County Council took a critical step toward addressing our housing needs by allocating $500,000 in the FY2008 budget to assist County employees in purchasing their first home. However, over a year later those funds were still unused -- until now.

I’m pleased to see that the executive branch has released the funds allocated by the Council and implemented the HK4E program. As a responsible employer, especially during these tough economic times, we need to do as much as possible to help our employees become homeowners, right here where they work. This is one step in the right direction, but we still have a long road ahead of us in order to solve the affordable housing crisis that we have here in Montgomery County, not just for our employees, but for all of our residents. I encourage all eligible employees to take advantage of this program and county employers to become participants in this program so that their employees can also take advantage of this program.

Currently, only employees represented by MCGEO, the county’s largest union, and non-represented employees are eligible for the program. If you are a county employee represented by another union, I urge you to call your union representatives and County Executive Leggett and tell them you want to take advantage of this program.

For more information on the HK4E program, go to http://www.mmprogram.com/or call 1-800-638-7781, or contact the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County at http://www.hocmc.org/ or 240-773-9000.

Take me back to the top.

Rep. Edwards Offers Help With Foreclosures

Hosts "Save your Home" Session at Montgomery College in January

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Montgomery College, Building HT 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD  20876

Homeowners and tenants will learn about legal rights, refinancing, foreclosure prevention strategies, and what to do if they are behind in their mortgage payments, in default, have received a foreclosure notice, or are in post foreclosure status.

Homeowners, bring ALL paperwork related to your current and former mortgages including loan application, settlement paperwork, and lender statements; ALL foreclosure notices or threats of foreclosure, if any, received; AND your monthly household budget.

Pre-registration by homeowners guarantees free individual consultation with an attorney or housing counselor. We want to ensure that we have enough attorneys and counselors on-site, so please register your desire to meet with an attorney or counselor by emailing your name, address, and phone number to 4mdDistrict@mail.house.gov or by calling 301-773-4094. State whether you are registering to meet with an attorney or counselor. If you plan on attending, but do not want to meet with an attorney or counselor, state that you are attending. Please RSVP by January 2, 2009.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards 301-773-4094.

Take me back to the top.

Council Provides Further Protection for Ag Reserve

Taking care of the Agricultural Reserve can be hard work.  While most of the 93,000 acres of farmland in the county’s Ag Reserve are there for farming, there are still some provisions in the law that allow for modest-scale developments that can fragment the reserve.  On November 18, with the passage of Bill 39-07, the County Council made that sort of “fragmentation” less likely. 

The bill “authorizes the County to purchase agricultural land preservation easements at the State and County level.”  It aligns our County’s policies with those of the State, while still remaining true to the principles of the Agricultural Reserve

That’s a complicated way of saying we’ve made some changes and clarifications in county law to ensure that the Agricultural Reserve remains devoted to farming, and unblemished by scattered development.

In 1980, the County down-zoned farmland to preserve farming. Before this zoning decision, the construction of one house was allowed on every five acres; after the preservation decision, one house was allowed on every 25 acres. To reduce the financial loss to farmland owners, the County gave land owners transferable development rights (TDRs). One TDR was given for every 5 acres of land. These rights could be sold to landowners in certain urbanized areas. The urbanized landowners who bought TDRs were then allowed to build additional dwelling units on their property.

Not all TDRs are the same; if the farm landowner retains one TDR on every 25 acres of land, the landowner can still build houses. This “buildable” TDR is more valuable to the farmland owners than market price paid for all other TDRs. The vast majority of farmland owners retained their “buildable” TDRs. Some used this right to construct houses on their property.

The construction of suburban houses in the agricultural reserve makes it more difficult to farm. The County intends to give farmland owners the option of compensation for a “buildable” TDR instead of allowing a house to be constructed in the middle of farmland. This new idea is call the Building Lot Termination (BLT) Program. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of allowable houses in the agricultural reserve and provide full compensation to farmland owners for the reduced housing density.

The basics of the BLT easement policy are already provided for in State law; Bill 39-07 ensures that our own county policies, as they pertain to the Ag Reserve, are aligned with those of the state.

Take me back to the top.

Knapp Parking Bill Moves Toward Final Passage

Six months after I introduced Bill 27-08, Motor Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Regulations – Commercial Vehicles, Recreational Vehicles, and Buses, it is headed to the full council for a final vote.

The Public Safety Committee held its second and final work session on the Bill on December 4th. During that work session the committee made some changes to the legislation before recommending it unanimously. The committee sought to combine the Bill I introduced with recommendations the council received from the County Executive’s Code Enforcement Workgroup.

Both the original legislation and the recommendations were very similar. Some of the changes to the legislation include: increasing the maximum length of a vehicle to 21 feet -- this was thanks to a number of our loyal readers who pointed out that their personal vehicles were longer than 19 feet and under the original definition would have been considered a commercial vehicle. Second, parking for recreational vehicles was prohibited on all county road ways. The original legislation I proposed would have only banned such parking in residential neighborhoods.

Due in part to the Executive’s workgroup recommendation, the committee decided to extend the ban to include all county roadways. The wording of the Bill was changed to describe where you can park a commercial vehicle as opposed to where you cannot park a commercial vehicle. The committee felt that this would reduce confusion and the possibility of unforeseen loopholes in the legislation.

Bill 27-08 is scheduled for a final vote in front of the full Council on January 13, 2009.

Take me back to the top.

County Council Legislative Update

Damascus-Goshen Master Plan Referred Back to PHED Committee

During the Council's December 9 session, the final vote regarding the historical designation for the Damascus-Goshen Master Plan was postponed to allow for further consideration by the Council's Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee.

The Council’s intention for the delay was to allow the committee some additional time to consider the issues involved in designating properties as "historic." During the Council's discussion, Councilmembers recognized the importance of such a designation -- including its impacts on both the property and the property owners -- and recognized the value that historic designations can bring to a community.  The PHED Committee will continue its discussions in an effort to provide a clearer context for future historic desgnations.

____________________

Ambulance Fee Tabled; Outlook Uncertain

At its November 25 session, the County Council voted to table Bill 25-08, Emergency Medical Service Transport Fee-Introduction. The bill as originally proposed would allow the Fire and Rescue Service to impose and collect a fee to recover costs incurred while providing emergency medical transport services. For county residents, fees would only be charged to the extents of one’s insurance coverage. Non-county residents would be responsible for any payment not covered by his or her insurance.

Lacking sufficient support, the bill had previously been tabled by the Council's Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Knapp, while still president of the Council, brought the bill in front of the full Council. At that time, the bill failed to have sufficient support to pass, nor was there enough support to defeat the bill. A motion was made—and passed unanimously-- to table the bill once again. Bill 25-08 can be recalled at a later time by any councilmember that voted to table the bill.

Take me back to the top.

Chairman’s Corner

PHED Takes Up Housing, Biking, Land Acquisition

With the County Council in recess until early 2009, there's not much committee action scheduled until mid-January.  Once we're back, however, we've got a busy agenda planned, as we discuss housing initiatives -- especially Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) -- as well as bike trails, an update on community developments around the county, and the Crown Farm annexation.  We'll also have a number of joint committee meetings, and will discuss the Affordable Housing Task Force Report as two OLO reports.

PHED Committee Schedule

The information is subject to change, so please check the Council's website as dates near for updated information. Unless otherwise indicated, all committee meetings will convene in the 7th Floor hearing room of the Council Office Building.

Take me back to the top.

The Road Scholar

Traffic Light Set For Father Hurley and Wisteria 

Got a road that needs repairing? A traffic light that's out? Is there a street or intersection that you think needs a stop sign or crosswalk? One of my responsibilities is to make sure someone knows about it -- and to do what I can to get you information on your question or request as quickly as possible.

I stay in regular contact with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Maryland State Highways Administration (MSHA), and provide each agency with a list of projects that need addressing in the Upcounty. Both agencies receive countless requests each week, and getting a response back can take some time. So bear with me -- if you don't see a particular project listed here, that doesn't mean it has been forgotten or neglected, but rather that I haven't received an updated report on its progress lately.

With this in mind, the Road Scholar section of The Open Mike provides an opportunity to give you the latest information I've received from DPWT, MSHA, and others on the progress of requests that have been submitted on your behalf. It's also an opportunity for you to let me know of other projects that may need to be undertaken in your community.

Montgomery County
Department of Transportation Projects

Four-way Traffic Light at the Intersection of Father Hurley and Wisterian (Germantown):  An intersection that has been a long-standing source of heartburn for Upcounty drivers just got some much needed help.  Installment of the light at this intersection was -- and still is -- the responsibility of the private firm developing the surrounding area.  But after prolonged footdragging by the developer -- coupled with multiple accidents at the intersection -- DOT finally decided it had had enough, and has moved forward with plans to install the light itself.  Here's what DPWT Director Art Holmes recently had to say:

"We agree that the existing traffic controls can be enhanced and therefore this intersection is slated for the installation of a traffic signal to replace the all-way stop signs.

"We believe that you will be pleased to know that construction of the traffic signal will begin very shortly, and that this new signal will increase safety for all users. Not only will it assign the right-of-way to motorists but will also provide countdown and audible pedestrian indications with pedestrian crosswalks on all four legs of the intersection. We anticipate that this new signal should be completed in January of 2009 weather and scheduling permitting."

But wait, there's more -- according to DOT Engineer Bruce Magnum, things are moving even faster than anticipated: 

"Construction of the traffic signal is progressing. Pole and cabinet foundations are in. Ramps at corners and interconnect conduits are next. Above ground work (poles, heads) began the week after Thanksgiving. As is often the case, we have to resolve an issue regarding the provision of electrical service by Allegheny, but the short story is: we are on track to complete and place in service by the end of the year (2008)."

Many thanks to DOT for taking the initiative to install this much-needed light at this intersection.

Paving on West Bethesda Church and Clarksburg Roads (Damascus):  On behalf of a number of Damascus residents who have been driving over teeth-rattling roads, I asked DOT to examine these two residential roads to determine whether they could be repaved.  Here's what the Division of Highway Services had to tell me:

"The results of our intitial steps in our new countywide Pavement Management System have been received.  Conditions of all roads in the county have been inventoried and analyzed to determine the type of treatment they require, and we are now in the process of developing our first three-year schedule, the implementation of which will depend on available funding.  We intend to have this schedule available by the end of December.

"Unfortunately, a considerable number of our county roads are rated similarly in their need for resurfacing, and at this time it is too early to know where precisely Bethesda Church and Clarksburg Roads will rank with respect to similar roads throughout the county.  However, I do understand that West Bethesda Church Road is not in good condition, as you noted, and is in need of resurfacing, which makes it a candidate for inclusion in the first three-year schedule.  Clarksburg Road, while in 'fair' condition, is also a candidate for this schedule.  Again, the resurfacing schedules will be dependent upon availability of funds in the upcoming Capital Improvement Program."

While that's not the news we all wanted to hear, I appreciate the response -- and I'll be interested in seeing DOT's newly-crafted three-year schedule.  Stay tuned.

Take me back to the top.

Speaking of Roads....

Council Recommends $10M for Brookeville Bypass

For fans of the proposed Brookeville bypass – a stretch of road connecting two legs of Georgia Avenue (MD97) to steer traffic around the buckle in the center of Brookeville – December brought some welcome news: in early December, the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee (T&E) recommended $10 million in funding for design and land acquisition required for the Brookeville bypass.

While that’s good news – and a big step – it’s only half the story.  Because the bypass involves connecting two pieces of a State Highway, funding for construction of the bypass is the responsibility of the State of Maryland. In our annual transportation funding request to the State of Maryland – a formal request we send to our State Senators and Delegates – the County Council has requested $21 million for construction of the Brookeville bypass.

If the State were to provide funding for this project in the coming fiscal year, construction of the bypass could begin by 2015. The bypass has been a priority of mine, and the Council’s, for years, but so far, the State has not funded the project. Given that the Council has stepped up its commitment to the bypass with the recent actions of the TIEE Committee, it’s time to press the State for immediate action.

Let your State Senators and Delegates know your views on the bypass. You can find out who your representatives are – and how to contact them – by clicking here.

Take me back to the top.

County Council January Event Calendar

Take me back to the top.

Christmas Clean Up

County Offers Christmas Tree Recycling, Tips

Montgomery County residents may recycle their Christmas trees from Friday, December 26, 2008 through Friday, January 30, 2009 by placing the entire tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on their regular recycling collection day.

After February 1, Christmas trees may be recycled through the County’s curbside yard trim collection program. Because the trees will be chipped for mulch, they must first be cut into smaller pieces.

The Division of Solid Waste Services reminds residents to keep trees in their natural state and to remove the stand and all decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel and garland. There should be nothing attached to the tree. Residents are also reminded not to place trees in plastics bags. Trees with root balls are considered “live”and therefore cannot be collected as part of this recycling program. In addition, artificial trees cannot be collected as part of the recycling program.

Tree branches and needles may be recycled at home by placing them under outdoor trees and shrubs as temporary winter mulch, or they may be chopped up and added to a backyard compost pile.

Wreaths and roping that are typically bound together with wire cannot be recycled unless the wire is removed from the greens. If there is no wiring attached, the greens may be placed in paper bags or in reusable containers or bundled as yard trim and placed at curbside for collection on recycling day. Otherwise, they should be disposed of as trash.

Residents of apartments and condominiums, as well as businesses, should check with their property manager for specific recycling instructions.

After Christmas trees are collected for recycling, they are shredded into mulch that will be available in February and March at County-operated Neighborhood Mulch Preserves located at the following locations: Montgomery County Recycling Center, 16105 Frederick Rd. in the Derwood / Rockville / Gaithersburg area; at E.E. Halmos Park (use the Bodmer Ave. entrance) in Poolesville; and at the Colesville Maintenance Depot, 14335 Cape May Rd., Silver Spring. The mulch is free but must be loaded and transported by the user.

Mulch is good to use on woody plants, such as bushes, shrubs and trees; as a cover material on walkways or other areas where vegetation needs to be controlled; and as a carbon-rich addition to home compost piles. Because the mulch is “green,” it must be aged for at least six to eight months before it can be used on flowers, vegetables or other plants with tender or shallow root systems.

For more information about Christmas tree recycling, the Neighborhood Mulch Preserves and/or using mulch, call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6410 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling.

Contact Me!

I always welcome your views and comments, whether in person, electronically, or by phone. Here's all the information you need to reach me:

The Open Mike is an electronic newsletter published monthly by Councilmember Michael J. Knapp (District 2). If you would like to be added to the electronic distribution list, please subscribe by registering here and be sure to indicate you'd like to subscribe to information on District 2. And if you need to update your e-mail address or would like to be taken off this distribution list, please modify or remove your subscription by clicking here.

Material from The Open Mike may be reprinted and recirculated, with proper attribution. Electronic links to non-county websites are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered an endorsement of these websites, or their contents, by The Open Mike, Councilmember Mike Knapp, the Montgomery County Council, or the Montgomery County government.