Accomplishments and appreciation

Being a Regional Services Director means keeping a close eye on emerging community service needs and helping in many small ways to "fill the gaps". 

I am very pleased with several recent accomplishments and milestones including the launch of a weekend clean up crew in the White Flint Metro Area; the grand opening of Bethesda's "Tunnel Vision" art project; the launch of Live and Learn Bethesda; and the 10th anniversary of the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.  For each of these initiatives, the Regional Services Center provided critical support - but none could have happened without the hard work of members of our community and support and leadership of our elected officials. 

In the last few years, out of necessity during this difficult fiscal climate, many Regional Services Center services were eliminated and staff reduced.  Thankfully, with support from dedicated volunteers and partners, we continue to make progress in our core mission as catalysts for civic participation, collaboration, and services.

I sincerely thank those community members, volunteers, and partners we work with each day who are dedicated to improving the community.  I also thank County Executive Isiah Leggett, Council President Roger Berliner, and members of the County Council for their continued support.
Sincerely,

Ken Hartman, Director

Community Solutions Program Launches

The nonprofit Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County will launch its new, free Community Solutions program at an event on May 18, 5:30-7 pm. There will be a press conference, followed by a reception. The event will be at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (4805 Edgemoor Lane, 2nd floor, Bethesda, MD 20814).


The new program is designed to help civic associations, community groups, nonprofits and local government agencies tackle controversial problems that affect multiple parties and develop mutually acceptable solutions. It is the only program of its kind in Maryland and one of just a handful in the nation.


CRCMC volunteers will work with meeting conveners to ensure that all affected groups are represented and will facilitate meetings – ensuring that participants have a chance to speak, their ideas are recorded in writing, and any agreements reached are written using their words. The program, which is free to groups throughout the County, is funded by the Office of the County Executive and the State of Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO).


RSVP for the event to yonelle@crcmc.org

Advisory Board votes to support EMS Reimbursement legislation

The following is the text of the letter sent by the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board in support of Bill 17-12E: Emergency Medical Services - Reimbursement. 

May 10, 2012

Dear Council President Berliner:

Thank you for this opportunity to present the views of the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (WMCCAB) regarding Bill 17-12E: Emergency Medical Services – Reimbursement.  The WMCCAB met on May 7th, 2012 to discuss Bill 17-12E with Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Graham, and County Councilmember Phil Andrews – who presented their respective positions concerning the Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee (EMSTF).

After careful discussion, with participation of our guests and audience present, the members of the WMCCAB voted 7-2 in support of the Bill 17-12E.  One member abstained from the vote. 

The members of the WMCCAB understand that the prior EMSTF was struck down by voters via referendum and significant opposition remains.  This is something that should not be taken lightly.  However, the Board concluded that based on the significant body of evidence stemming from implementation in other jurisdictions, the program will do no harm to County residents.  Given this, we can no longer justify forgoing revenue that could actually strengthen our ability to deliver essential services.

The WMCCAB bases its support on the following points:

1. The representatives from Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service (MCFRS) provided evidence that similar programs have actually not seen a significant reduction in 911 calls in nearby jurisdictions (such as Fairfax) and that virtually all other surrounding jurisdictions have successfully implemented similar, if not identical, programs.
2. The revenue generated by this program would go into the general fund, allowing for restoration of some important services, but more importantly would ease the blow from any negative impacts from State actions.  Regardless of the percent of the total budget, $16 million should not be disregarded.
3. MCFRS stated that no resident would be billed for ambulance service, and that the waiver process would be simple for those who make use of it. 

WMCCAB members who voted in opposition to Bill 17-12E, oppose the EMSTF based on the following concerns:

1. The voters of Montgomery County rejected the EMSTF by a 20,000 vote margin.  Citizens are concerned that elected officials will disregard their choice regarding the EMSTF.
2. The ambulance fee would not resolve the budget issues of the entire County as has been suggested.  The $16 million that would be collected from these ambulance fees, less the amount to maintain the program, is one-third of one percent of a $4.5 billion County budget.  A Councilmember has suggested that money could be easily found elsewhere in the $4.5 billion budget to replace the $16 million that would have been collected from the ambulance fees.
3. The County approach to billing is different than the model used by surrounding jurisdictions. These jurisdictions do bill residents for ambulance service and have a waiver system that is described as complicated.  There is concern that an out-sourced billing operation relying on hospital information may result in improper billing of County residents.
4. All EMSTF revenue should be dedicated solely for fire/rescue and not supplant existing revenue.  County taxpayers already pay for ambulance service with the Fire District Tax that funds fire and rescue services.

Should the Council approve Bill 17-12E, all members of the WMCCAB urge the County to undertake a strong, comprehensive outreach campaign to ensure that every County resident understands that they will not be billed for ambulance service.  This outreach should be especially geared towards senior citizen and non-native English speaking communities.

Thank you for considering the views of the WMCCAB on this matter.

      

Sincerely, 

Heather Dlhopolsky, Chair

Woodmont Triangle Action Group to discuss development of 4900 Fairmont

The Woodmont Triangle Action Group meets next on Friday, May 11, 8am, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center.  On the agenda is action of a letter supporting modifications to the redevelopment plans for 4900 Fairmont Ave.  The Action Group will also discuss a draft zoning amendment allowing density transfer into Woodmont Triangle from properties along Old Georgetown Road. 

The purpose of the Woodmont Triangle Action Group is to coordinate and monitor the progress of development, retail revitalization, and the provision of amenities and facilities in the Woodmont Triangle district of downtown Bethesda. Creation of the Action Group was a recommendation of the Woodmont Triangle Amendment to the Bethesda CBD Sector Plan. 

Membership includes representatives from the M-NCPPC, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, Civic Associations, Bethesda Transportation Solutions, the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board, and other appropriate groups.

Leggett to host May 3 town hall meeting in Friendship Heights

Residents in the Chevy Chase area will have a chance to speak directly to County Executive Ike Leggett about issues of concern when he hosts a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S. Park Avenue, Chevy Chase. 

The town meeting, which is free, will be videotaped by County Cable 6, the County government channel, for future airing.

For more information about the town meeting or the cable television program schedule, call 240-777-6507.

 

Special Advisory Board meeting to discuss EMS reimbursement

The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 7 (7pm) to discuss the County Executive's proposal to establish an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reimbursement program.   County Executive Leggett submitted the legislation in response to recent Maryland General Assembly actions to shift the responsibility of funding teachers' pensions to the County. 

In the County Executive's letter to County Council President Berliner on the EMS Reimbursement Act, Mr. Leggett cites that, "an EMS reimbursement program is needed to fund fire and rescue services in the County and that emergency response services to residents will be impaired if the program is not established immediately."

The EMS Act, if passed by the County Council, would allow the County to do the following:

• Offset the estimated $400 million that the teachers' pensions will cost Montgomery County over the next ten years ($27 million in FY13, increasing to $50 million by FY16);
• Bring the County an estimated $170 million over the same period (or $14-$17 million per year) through reimbursement for EMS service;
• Fund budget needs of our Fire & Rescue Services through the collection of costs of ambulance transports from insurance companies;
• Leave more in the General Fund for other services and programs as the reimbursed funds would help fund fire and rescue needs.

For more information and viewpoints on the proposal, please see The Washington Post editorial and Gazette editorial in support of the EMS Reimbursement Act.  For an opposing point of view, please see the recent letter by County Councilmember Phil Andrews (Gaithersburg, Rockville) to the Gazette.

The purpose of the Advisory Board meeting is to develop a position and testimony on the proposed legislation.  The County Council's Public Hearing will be held on May 8.  County Fire Chief Ritchie Bowers and Councilmember Phil Andrews will attend and participate in the discussion.  The Advisory Board meeting will be held at the B-CC Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda.

Register now for classes with Live and Learn Bethesda

Register for upcoming classes with Live and Learn Bethesda - Hurry before they are filled!  View the complete Spring/Summer catalog and REGISTER for classes at www.liveandlearnbethesda.org

Exercise and Fitness Classes:

• Zumba Gold - Toning Too (A): Tuesday, May 1, 1-2pm for 14 weeks
• Zumba Gold - Toning Too (B): Thursday, May 3, 1-2pm for 13 weeks
• Senior Step Strength Stretch (A): Monday, May 7, 1:30-2:30pm for 12 weeks
• Senior Step Strength Stretch (B): Friday, May 4, 3-4pm for 13 weeks 
• Memory Dynamics Yoga: Monday, May 7, 3-4pm for 12 weeks 
• Cardiac Yoga: Wednesday, May 2, 3-4pm for 9 weeks 

Single Classes:

• What Makes You Tick: Handwriting Analysis: Wed., May 2, 6:30-8pm 
• Mastering Your Stress: Thursday, May 3, 10:30am-Noon
• Weight Loss 101: Friday, May 4, 11am-12:30pm 
• World Laughter Day: Sunday, May 6, 2-3:30pm - FREE
• Cabin John: Legends and Life: Tuesday, May 8, 1:30-3pm
• Retirement Living: Wednesday, May 9, 1:30-3pm - FREE
• The Agony of DeFeet: Wednesday, May 9, 7-8:30pm 
• Within These Walls: Contraband Hospital: Thursday May 10, 1:30-3pm
• Tales the Tombstones Whisper: Friday, May 11, 10-11:30am

Live and Learn Bethesda is located at the B-CC Regional Services Center, adjacent to the Bethesda Metro, at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Email any questions to: info@liveandlearnbethesda.org or call 301-740-6150.