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Good morning, everyone. We are on welcome to the county council. Today's February 3rd, and we're going to start with a

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proclamation recognizing annual Delta Sigma Ferras Sonority Inc. Day by council members,

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Shabra Evans and Lorian sales. Please hold the Delta's gone forward.

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Council members take it away.

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I'll start it off. It's been truly an honor and a pleasure to host Delta Sigma

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Theta's already incorporated today at the Montgomery County Council as the

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official Delta Day. Delta's have been around for quite some time. I'll let my colleague kind of go into more details, but I am also a member of the Divine

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Eye. So they are my sisters in service. I'm proud to gather with them here today. They are always purposeful. They are always community driven, organized. And I just deeply respect them. And I say thank you to you all for your leadership and your commitment to serve all of our residents here in Montgomery.

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county.

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And thank you to my sister in service and council member Evans for joining me to

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host the fourth annual Delta Days at the County Council. We just had a very enlightening

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breakfast where we heard about their top three priorities focusing on our senior community

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And showing that our seniors are able to age in place, also focusing on the health and wellness and ensuring education is part of the information that we share with our residents, talking about home ownership and tax credits.

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And last but certainly not least, we are going to be having a data center meeting here in the community at the county executive's building at 7 o'clock PM.

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So please tune in.

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It will be live stream, or you can join us in person to have your voice heard.

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So thank you so much for sharing your top priorities.

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I also want to thank the two presidents that have joined us here this morning President Nina Abduwakil of the Montgomery County Alumni Chapter and President

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Daphne Page Reaves of the Potomac Valley Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Data Support Incorporated you may have attended some of the events that this

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already has led across the county. Namely, the world, the annual World AIDS Day event that

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happens at the end of the year, the Martin Luther King Junior Day of Service activities and also

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the Jazz Concert or Brunch that raises money for scholarships for our deserving and high

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achieving seniors. So, thank you to the Montgomery County Alumni Chapter for their exceptional

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efforts. You may have also attended other events like the Lobster Bake which benefits scholarship

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in public service programs, or the Montgomery County Affordable Housing Conference,

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the Manurva Entrepreneurship Awards, or the Black Voices and Votes, the Power of Community

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Initiative, some of the events hosted by the Potomac Valley Alumni Chapter. So my sororers are

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and about they are championing social action, sisterhood and public service and I couldn't

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be more proud to celebrate Black History Month, 113 years of sisterhood and scholarship and social

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action with this awardee and we are just grateful for their continued efforts. As we are

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to ensure that we don't forget the plates of our ancestors and we prioritize

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not evasing history, but make...

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And so, every day that we show up, we encourage others to vote and be involved in their community.

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We are living out the goals in the priorities and the mission of our 22 founders.

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And so now I think we're going to hear from our two presidents and then we're going to read the proclamation.

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So we will start with President Nina Abdul-Wakil and then for a deafening page reads.

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Thank you, Council women, sales,

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thank you, great. They're just too tall. It is my pleasure

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to be here and to continue the collaboration with the County Council with the Montgomery

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County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Serati Incorporated. We were established in the

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County in 1970 and we have been working for the community ever since. It has been our honor

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and pleasure to partner with you in so many ways

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to affect the lives every day of Montgomery County residents.

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From youth to seniors, we offer services and programs

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that support their lived experience to elevate them,

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to elevate their families, to take them to a new height,

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so that they can be productive, active,

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and engaged citizens in our county.

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This work is not light and we are grateful that the county understands that here's our priorities works with us and does the work

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So thank you to the council. Thank you to council member Evans and sales for hosting us today and this will not be the last it will be just the fourth

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Delta days at the county council

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Thank you, sir.

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I'll do a kill and now we're here from our nut there.

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President.

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Thank you so much.

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Wow.

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My sister president really said it all.

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Again, my name is Daphne Page.

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Reaves president of Potomac Valley.

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Alumni chapter.

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Thank you so much for having us today to the council to council member sales.

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Council member Evans.

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Thank you so much for this proclamation.

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But for the opportunity to sit down and talk about the priorities within Montgomery County.

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We, and Delta Sigma Theta, definitely are about scholarship, service, social action, and our

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priorities today that we presented, definitely accentuate all those that happen in Montgomery

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County.

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So not two-for-go, everything that my sister president has said, Potomac Valley alumni chapter

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has worked for 40 years in Montgomery County.

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we were chartered on April 27, 1985, and we have been working every since very hard advocating

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for the members of Western Montgomery County. So thank you again for this proclamation

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and we look forward to working with you this year, continuing to work with you this year,

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and to be back next year, for the fifth annual Delta Day. Thank you.

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So at this time, we will now read

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the Proclamation, whereas Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated

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was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 African-American collegiate women

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studying at Howard University, the founders of the sorority in vision and

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organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.

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Their first act of public service was participating in the suffrage march

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of 1913 and whereas 113 years later,

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Delta Sigma Theta Sewarati Incorporated has become one of the pre-eminent service-based

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sororities with more than 350,000 initiated members and over 1,000 50 charter chapters worldwide.

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The theme for the work of the sorority for this biennium is 1 Delta 1 Mission,

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Anchoron Legacy, Evolving with Intention and...

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where as the Montgomery County alumni and the Potomac Valley alumni chapters have fulfilled

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the mission of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated in Montgomery County for well over 50 years

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providing an extensive array of public service initiatives through its five point program ag thrust

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economic development, educational development, development, international awareness and involvement,

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physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement,

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and whereas members of Delta

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Sigma Theta sorority incorporated our leaders in the community throughout Montgomery County

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in the state of Maryland, Delta's whole elected offices in state and local government and on

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Board of Education and the first.

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First African American United States Senator from Maryland is the honorable Angela also Brooks also Adelta.

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Additionally, many members are prominent business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and community activists.

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And whereas Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated is at the forefront of social action

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across the nation, from launching a nationwide get out the vote campaign, encouraging Americans

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to turn out on election day, to serving as co-planet of with the legal defense fund in two lawsuits

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challenging restrictive voting legislation in Texas and Georgia, to condemn the

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expulsion of the Tennessee lawmakers who were exercising their right to protest, to reaffirming

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their stance on women's fundamental rights to make decisions related to their reproductive

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health.

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The sorority continues to confront challenges that face not only African Americans, but

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all Americans.

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And whereas the impact of the sorority is felt every day.

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In Montgomery County through a wide range of service programs such as Delta Academy, Delta

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gems and embody, STEM and reading programs, voter registration and community conversations with

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elected officials, MLK Day of Service and various health and wellness programs, including the

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annual World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast and the Black Maternal Health

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Day of Service. Delta Sigma data sorority incorporated is a pillar of service and support in

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County, and we look forward to your continued service for years to come.

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Now, therefore, be it resolved at the County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland.

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Hereby celebrates the Montgomery County Alumni Chapter and the Potomac Valley Alumni Chapter of

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated on the fourth annual Delta Day at the County Council.

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And be it further resolved that you have your commitment as partners and your ongoing efforts to improve

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the quality of life for all residents across Montgomery County.

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So it's presented on this third day of February of the year 26 signed by myself,

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Laureate and Council Member Laureate and Sales and President Natalie Fanny Gonzalez.

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Thank you so much to the Delta Sigma Federation Authority for coming today.

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Next, we are going to move forward with a proclamation recognizing transit equity day by the

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Danny Council's Transportation and Environment Committee.

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Those of you who are coming for that

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proclamation, please move forward.

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Thank you.

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It's the first time we're on this team here.

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I'm just like, I'm not a little tired.

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Okay.

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If you are here for transit equity day,

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please come on down.

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As people are still in transit today,

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notably that's right.

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That's right.

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I am pleased to join my colleagues on the transportation

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an environment committee in recognizing transit equity day, which is a recognition of a civil

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rights trailblazer from Montgomery, Alabama.

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And that is Rosa Parks back in 1955, heroically famously not giving up her seat to make

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sure that everybody had equal access to public transportation.

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And all of these years later, we continue fighting and pushing for fair.

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Transportation policies for equal access. And here in Montgomery County as of June of this year, we have fast free and frequent bus service, a continuation of that long struggle to make sure that cost is not a barrier to public transportation. And since buses have become free, ridership has increased 5.4%.

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and riders have saved about $1,200 a year because of our policy.

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And here in Montgomery County, we provide so many programs to help residents in need.

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We provide rental assistance.

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We provide health insurance.

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And sometimes we need to help people where they are at,

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and it's quite literally at the bus stop for so many of our residents.

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So I'm proud to be here with my colleagues on the Transportation Environment Committee

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and we'll invite them up and then we'll have represented

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from the Department of Transportation

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share some additional comments.

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So I'll go to Council Vice President, Maryland-Balcom.

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Good morning, everyone.

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So I know that it's been a rough week for all commuters.

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And I just want to say thank you

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to our Department of Transportation, Director Conflon,

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for all the work that everybody's done this week.

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We're going to take a deeper dive into it this afternoon

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and talk about lessons learned.

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But as tough as it's been for commuters, the brunt of this has really fallen to transit riders.

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And when we look at the obstacles that transit riders often have to go through every day,

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this week has been a tremendous reminder of how important it is for the county government

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and the state government to pay attention to making sure that we have safe, reliable, convenient transit for everyone, and this is a good reminder today as a great reminder of that.

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So thank you.

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Hi, everyone. Kate Stewart, district four, rep on the council. I'm so glad to be here today to

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serve on the transportation and environment committee. And in particular, as council member

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sales just said, as we were doing the proclamation for the Delta's to much in our country right now,

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we are seeing the Eurasia of History, particularly history, black history, which is American history.

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and today we are lifting up Rosa Parks and we do this twice a year. On December 1st the

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day as chair last said she refused to remove her move her seat and we do it this week because

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tomorrow is Rosa Parks's birthday and so we remember her twice a year and it's important

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that we remember her and everyone who took steps for equity in our community and as we talked

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about as the chair glass mentioned, we do have free ridership on our buses, which is terrific.

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And this council, and I want to say thank you to Director Conclin for all his work in

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our regional efforts to make sure that we have sustainable funding for our remote system, for

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our metro buses and our metro system, because without a strong transit system, we cannot

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have transit equity. We cannot ensure that people are able to access and get to where they need to go.

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To doctor's appointments, to visit relatives to work and school and all those things.

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So thank you to my colleagues on the council and to everyone who is working for transit equity.

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And as was noted, this is a partnership. And now I'll invite the Department of Transportation to provide some common

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Director Conquence, that would be great.

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Well, thank you so much for inviting us to this today.

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It's really important that we commemorate the role of transit and lifting up our community

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and providing access to opportunity for all.

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I want to talk about a couple of things.

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One, in terms of our operation, we're providing more service, safer service, better quality

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service, and more people are using it at any time in the last five years.

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And I think that's a hallmark of the investment Montgomery County makes in making sure all

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of this residents have access to opportunity.

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those in particular who don't have cars or unable to afford cars and need these services

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to get to work to school and to other things they need. Secondly, I do want to stay on

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theme and talk about the response during this weather condition. Montgomery County made

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it a priority to keep this service operational to the maximum extent possible throughout

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the duration of this storm. We provided more service and better service throughout

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the duration, both during the storm and after the storm, than any other provider in

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region. And some may ask why we did that because probably not that many people are using it.

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The reason is because the people are using it needed to use it. They needed to be somewhere

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for work. They needed to fill their own responsibilities. They needed to get to shelter. In fact,

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I encountered one of these people on Sunday night. And it was essential.

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That we provide this essential service to the maximum extent we could give in these circumstances. I also want to comment on access to these things. No. We made an extra effort with our highway services crew to clear access to bus stops through the massive glaciers that are in between the bus stop and the road. There's no small fee and I really want to thank our partners at Metro who reached out to us over the weekend and said, how can we help and deploy their own crews to come and help clear bus stops in Montgomery County?

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So there's a really a big effort on making sure that this component of the transportation system was as accessible as that that people use their own private means to take advantage of.

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So thank you so much.

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Samaji, Deputy General Manager, Division of Transit Services, I just want to use this opportunity based on what you just heard from director.

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To recognize all transit employees who have had to come in sometimes to in the morning to ensure that we meet services

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that we don't miss any rides, considering the people that depend on us to get to from point

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8 to point B. So I'd just like to recognize my colleagues who are the transit employees

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on this day. Thank you everybody.

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I think that's a great note to end on making sure that everybody recognizes and appreciates

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our hardworking staff who work overnight, who work throughout the day and freezing temperatures,

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and who have had to battle the burns and the glaciers that have been created because of

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this historic snow and freezing cold situation.

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So with that, we will read the proclamation.

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County Council Montgomery County proclaims proclamation, whereas February 4th is nationally

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recognized as transit equity day in honor of Rosa Parks, whose courageous and nonviolent

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refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, a firm, the fundamental

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principle that access to public transportation is a civil right.

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And whereas the ongoing effort to advance transit equity reflects Montgomery County's

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commitment to ensuring that its public transit systems are inclusive and designed to meet the

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needs of all residents, regardless of race, ability, or income and whereas the median household

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income in Montgomery County is over $125,000.

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Why the median income of right on customers is estimated to be $45,000.

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Undascoring the importance of equitable transit access for residents with lower incomes and

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whereas Montgomery County advances transit equity through programs that expand access

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on affordability, including free right on bus service, a free connect to ride referrals,

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and subsidized Colin Ride Taxi Service for Seniors with lower incomes and adults with disabilities.

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Sorry.

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Now, therefore, it be resolved that the Montgomery County Council Transportation Environment Committee,

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and the entire Council of Montgomery County, Maryland,

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hereby recognize February 4th as transit equity day,

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and be it further resolved that the county encourages residents to actively support

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and utilize public transit as an essential resource for promoting equity in our community.

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Presented this day signed by the T&E Committee,

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Evan Glass, Maryland-Balkham Kate Stewart.

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Thank you so much to the T&E Committee.

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We will move on to General Business,

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Madam Clark, would you please chair to this announcement?

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Good morning. The Council received testimony on the FY27 capital budget

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and FY27-32 capital improvements program on February 9th, 2026 at 1.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

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And on February 10th, 2026 at 1 30 p.m. and 630 p.m. at the council office building. Those wishing to provide testimony must register in advance on the council's website, or by calling 2 4 0 7 7 7 7 7 8 0 3 registration will close this Friday at 12 p.m. Thank you.

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Thank you. There are no minutes for approval today. So we're going to move on to the legislative session.

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We have Agenda Item 1 which is Introduction, Explorative Bill 6-26, Fire and Rescue Services, Emergency Medical Services, Insurance, Reinforcement Program, Use of Ravenous, Lead Sponsors, our Council members, Ludklee, Katz, and Mink, Classponsor, myself, Natalie Fanningosales, A Public Hearing, Schedule 4, February 24, 2020, 6, at 1, 30 p.m.

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Is there anyone from, yes, Council Member Cancell?

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Thank you very much, Madam President.

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Expedited Bill 626 is being introduced today with Council

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Mercer Luki and Mink and myself, all of us being in the public safety committee.

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And we are all co-lead sponsors.

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And I first, as we begin, I want to thank Ms. Wellins for working with us to come up with a very good bill.

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This bill would amend county law to permit an authorized local fire

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and rescue representative, which we also call LFRDs, to receive emergency medical service

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transport, which we also call EEMSTs, reimbursement funding within certain permitted uses.

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The EEMST reimbursement program allows the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to

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The bill insurance providers for ambulance transport and this revenue was used to support

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operations within the department.

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Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association represent the county's 19 volunteer

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fire departments, helps to support them and negotiate on their behavior with the county.

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The Association, along with local fire departments, have been receiving a portion of this

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revenue.

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The Office of Inspector General, released the report at the end of December, opining that

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the MCVFRA was ineligible for EMST funds, because it was not a local fire and rescue

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department. This bill would amend county law to permit distribution of the MST funds to the

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Montgomery County volunteer fire and rescue association as an LFRD to be used for specific

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purposes. I believe it was always intended that way. Any album, obviously the inspector general

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realize something different. The public hearing is mentioned, is scheduled for February 24th

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at 1.30 p.m. I don't know what a Council member Luke is, and Council member Mink, have

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anything to add. And then, of course, we, with a Ms. Wellen said any additional comments.

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Thank you, members.

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Thank you, Ms. Wellen. Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank everyone on the public

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safety committee for making sure we handled this expeditiously and got this done quickly and

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for Council President Natalie Famling and Zala's for co-sponsoring.

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As Chair Katz mentioned, this is being done in response to information we've received from an

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OID report in 2025 in the fall and sometimes things we do in law need clarification.

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Sometimes things we do need to be spelled out differently so that there's no ambiguity about

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the intent and this had been the practice of Montgomery County and had been the way that we

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have been appropriating funding to our volunteer fire and rescue organizations for some time and

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this simply makes it clear that that is to continue our intent to continue to engage in that

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and that this is the mechanism by which it will be done. And so I want to make sure to that everyone

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very clear, one how proud we are of our blended fire service here in Montgomery County that we

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have a combined volunteer and career system, and that the county firmly supports our volunteer

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firing rescue organizations with funding and resources to make sure that our volunteers can continue

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to provide the same services that our career folks provide as well because we can't do it all

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without them. They provide a tremendous amount of resource to the county. They are highly

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trains and they make

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Any work as career firefighters elsewhere? Or in other occupations, but their dedication to our community is their top priority.

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For that, I am incredibly grateful. So we will fix this little issue with the way the code is worded.

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And I want to thank my committee colleagues and back to council president.

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Thank you, council member Kitch Stewart. Thank you. I just want to thank the public safety committee for moving so swiftly on this.

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this violence and would be like to be added as a co-sponsor.

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Thank you, councilmember Merlin Balkham.

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Yes, please add me as a co-sponsor and I really appreciate the leadership of the Public Safety Committee.

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Thank you, councilmember Wiljwondo.

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Thank you, also appreciate the Public Safety Committee.

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I'd like to be added as a co-sponsor as well.

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Thank you, councilmember Lorenzo.

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I too would like to thank the Public Safety Committee and be added as a co-sponsor.

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Thank you.

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Councilmember Andrew Friedson.

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Dido, thanks to the public safety committee.

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Please add me as a co-sponsor.

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Thank you.

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Councilmember Shiver Edens.

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Dido as well.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Council staff anything else that you would like to add?

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Just very quick, Madam President.

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I believe the lead sponsors already adequately explain this.

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I just wanted to kind of drill down on the terminology.

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Just to clarify, again,

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And the funds under this bill explicitly are allowed to go to the LFRDs, also they could go

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to, or, in addition or alternatively, they could go to the LFRD rep-resented, which is MCVFRA.

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Only for the, like, narrow, enumerated purposes to support volunteers.

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Thank you.

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Thank you to the lawyer.

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These bill is introduced.

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Madam person, I hit my button, but you didn't see it.

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I'd like to be at as a coach sponsor.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Now that's everybody.

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Okay.

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So this bill is introduced.

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Moving on.

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Item two on today's agenda is a work session in action.

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On the resolution to prove the FY27 that's 32 capital improvements program, spending

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affordability, guidance, chair chair, would you please chair the government operations

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of fiscal policy committees recommendations for the CIP.

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Great.

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Thank you very much council president.

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On January 22, the Go Committee met to review the spending affordability guidelines and make a recommendation to the full council.

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As a reminder, the SAG is based on affordability and we consider several fiscal and economic factors to determine what is affordable by the county and its residents before adopting the guidelines.

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The benefits of having the SAG are twofold. First, it enables strong fiscal policies and adherence to them that has enabled the county to maintain our AAA bond rating.

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even as we see our close neighbors losing theirs.

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And secondly, by setting the guidelines on affordability

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before we start focusing on the need,

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and we know the need is great.

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It allows us more flexibility with our operating budget

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as we were reviewing both the operating

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and our infrastructure budgets.

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The Gold Committee had reviewed the sad guidelines in the fall

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and at that time, we did recommend an increase

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to allow for more barring for our general obligation bonds

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and more barring for parks and planning bonds.

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the Council adopted that recommendation in October.

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Prior to County Code, the Council may revise these guidelines by the first Tuesday and February

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if economic and conditions have changed significantly.

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That's why the Go Committee reviewed the guidelines on January 22nd.

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Unfortunately, the current economic and fiscal conditions have worsened since the fall.

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We know the need is great.

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We acknowledge that in our conversations, however, the SAG is based on affordability

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and we have a process by which we will discuss need in the overall CIP and general obligation

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bonds are just one way that we pay for our infrastructure projects and not the only way.

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As we go through the discussion of the full CIP, we are able to exceed the aggregate of

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the approved CIP SAG with eight affirmative votes of the council.

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So with that being said, we had a robust discussion at our Go Committee, I want to thank

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our staff for all the terrific packet and analysis they put together.

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The committee's recommendation is that the Council confirmed what we did in October.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Is Council staff do they have a presentation?

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I would like to go over anything at all that the Council chair has mentioned?

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Well, the Council chair I think adequately summarized the issue quite well.

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The only thing I would add is each February that the Council has the

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ability if it chooses to increase the sag limits for years one and two by up to 10%.

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After that, once sag is set, then it becomes a CIP issue with the end of the CIP process

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where the Council could exceed sag.

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By a vote of eight, as Ms. Stewart mentioned. We did go through a presentation with the Go Committee.

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We're happy to do that again now, but also, I think, perhaps, just to answer questions as they come up from the council members.

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Perfect. I see council member Wojwondo.

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Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to our staff and to the Go Committee for their work and the thorough analysis.

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Thank you to the Executive staff as well for their work.

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I wanted to bring up a couple of things related to the sag and the economic conditions.

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I believe they do, they have moved and changed in a way that justifies us raising the limit today.

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And I'll be making a motion to reflect that in just a minute or two.

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As we know, the key affordability guideline here is the county's goal that annual debt service payments remain at or below

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ten percent of the general fund revenues. That came out of the great recession. It's a good

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common goal for our government and we have done that. In fact, at this level of sad guidelines,

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if approved, if we stick with what we did in October, we'll actually go well below into the nine percent

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range. At a time when we have significant obviously need but also I think the economic conditions

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have changed. One of the things I wanted to bring up that's been different since what we

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did in October is one the state has come back showing a higher capital gains tax receipts that

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higher than previously forecast. This represents a material improvement in fiscal position.

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Additionally, interest rates are trending downward. We've maintained our triple A bond rating,

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which is an important thing, means we bar at the highest rates, the best rates possible,

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and that is a good thing as well. Additionally, as you're looking here, I'm not sure what charts

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up there, but that might not be the chart I'm looking for, but that's the percentages though.

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You thank you.

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You pull 10%.

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Yeah, 10%.

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That's the guy.

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Thank you.

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Thank you for pulling that up.

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As I mentioned earlier, we're going to go below 10%.

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At the county executives recommended rates for the CIP, we would end up, I think, around 10.3%

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is the number that I saw.

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Is that correct?

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Correct.

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We're tied by the end of the six years, which is still, I think, within our general guideline

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at 10%. At the E&C Committee on Friday, and Mr. Lachinko was there, he saw it live. We asked the

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MCPS to give us in-the-government College to come back with us for non-recommended cuts. In the

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hundreds of millions, in MCPS's case, 600, almost 652 million, to meet the county executives

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CIP request. We did the same from a government college. Those are going to be difficult,

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difficult cuts that they're going to have to reductions if they're going to come back

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in these school, a lot of schools aren't going to get the over 40 schools that need

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HVACs, the ceilings that are falling, they're not going to get, they're going to

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make tough calls and that's at the executives number.

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The other thing we talked about was that it's a poor fiscal strategy to not fix things now.

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If we don't start bending the curve, they're going to cost more and it's going to be worse

406
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and it's going to be painful throughout the process.

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I think this is one of the many steps we're going to have to take over the course of this

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budget to address and try to bend that curve.

409
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And it will not happen in one year, but these guidelines are part of it.

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We are spending less by far than we were in inflation adjusted dollars on the capital budget

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than we were 20 years ago.

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And I know I say this all the time, you can't buy anything today less than for what you bought

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20 years ago. And in fact, it's going to cost a lot more. And so I think the combination

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of these factors, the change in tax receipts from the state, interest rates, trending down,

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the fact that it's going to cost more and be worse the longer we wait. And the fact

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that if we don't match the CIP requests from the executive, we're going to have to make

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even deeper cuts at these levels, at the end of the budget process. So for all of these

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reasons I'd like to move to amend the spending of affordability guidelines before us today

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as follows. FY27 330 million, which is the maximum 10% percent percent required or at

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loud excuse me. FY28 330 million, the maximum 10% increase permitted, and then match the

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executive in the six year aggregate at 2190 million. To match the county executives, CIP,

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We're allowed to do that on the back end that way

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It gives us a better chance of still having to make some very difficult decisions in this budget, but it gives us a little better chance to start bending the curve.

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If we don't provide the flexibility now, we only need six votes to do that today. We're going to need eight votes to do it after today.

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And I think that's a super majority required for every capital dollar above 300 million. So I don't think that would be wise. So Madam President, I make that motion.

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We have a motion by council member, will you want to answer a second?

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Second, by council member, lawyer and sales.

428
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I see would you like to speak?

429
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Council member sales?

430
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Yes, thank you.

431
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I am too am concerned about the multi-billion dollar price tag that the Board of Education

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sent over regarding their CIP.

433
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You know, every six years we have an opportunity to set the course for how

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we're going to pay for infrastructure needs throughout the county and this is one of the ways

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no one ever wants to increase the amount of debt that we have but looking at the numbers and the

436
00:41:11,100 --> 00:41:21,480
needs and seeing how inflation has continuously impacted services and projects. I do not want to

437
00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:29,340
late when we have an opportunity now, just thinking about even $390 million worth of cuts to the

438
00:41:29,340 --> 00:41:40,140
CIP and I didn't even get to hear the list of recommended cuts that our educational systems

439
00:41:40,140 --> 00:41:47,400
are going to have to make. This is going to be a tough budget year, but we know this and I believe

440
00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:56,880
if we can be more prudent in our spending and take care of the costs that we can address

441
00:41:56,880 --> 00:41:59,400
now, especially with our schools.

442
00:41:59,840 --> 00:42:05,620
So many of our students are learning in classrooms, our educators, our learning in classrooms

443
00:42:05,620 --> 00:42:09,760
and facilities that are not equipped or conducive to learning.

444
00:42:09,760 --> 00:42:18,460
And so I hope we get the support to make this decision and thank you for the amendment.

445
00:42:19,660 --> 00:42:20,620
Thank you, Councillor Numbers.

446
00:42:20,860 --> 00:42:21,760
Thank you.

447
00:42:24,800 --> 00:42:29,100
I do agree that a level of go on issue and more closely aligned to the county executives.

448
00:42:29,320 --> 00:42:35,060
Recommendation is appropriate and is fiscally responsible at this time.

449
00:42:35,060 --> 00:42:44,380
Uh, his recommendation does result in a debt service remaining as noted, uh, very close to a 10% and we're estimating 10.3%

450
00:42:44,380 --> 00:42:48,540
Um, over that six years, which is well below the county's average of the last decade.

451
00:42:49,760 --> 00:42:58,000
And if we don't address capital projects now, the operating expenses as well as a construction cost from the deferred maintenance are going to pile up.

452
00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:03,900
So our goblin levels are far lower than they have been historically on an inflation adjusted basis.

453
00:43:04,600 --> 00:43:13,660
And the estimates, the 10.3, et cetera, are based on December numbers when revenue estimates tend to be the most conservative of the budget cycle.

454
00:43:13,980 --> 00:43:18,980
So I do believe that this is a reasonable and responsible action to take now.

455
00:43:18,980 --> 00:43:20,380
So I appreciate your support.

456
00:43:20,380 --> 00:43:22,240
I'll tell you a number two on this motion.

457
00:43:23,480 --> 00:43:24,240
Thank you.

458
00:43:24,380 --> 00:43:25,380
Councillor Miller, Marlon, welcome.

459
00:43:26,600 --> 00:43:28,140
Just confirming we're on to discussion.

460
00:43:32,700 --> 00:43:37,920
So, I appreciate the buying that we're in

461
00:43:37,920 --> 00:43:41,740
in terms of the schools request.

462
00:43:43,800 --> 00:43:47,460
And, however, I'm not going to support the motion.

463
00:43:47,460 --> 00:44:03,940
I read the packet thoroughly, I watched the GEO committee meeting and that and it was compelling in terms of where we need to be right now in this discussion.

464
00:44:04,880 --> 00:44:14,220
And I think that the requirement of having eight votes to go above this limit here.

465
00:44:14,880 --> 00:44:36,980
We should have a significant, supermajority to go above what we're going to do, and I think that we have a lot of, it's not a lot of time, but we're in a volatile economic condition right now, and we don't know what's going to happen in the next two or three months.

466
00:44:36,980 --> 00:44:45,920
We'll have a much better picture at a later date and when we when we look at the cuts that have to be made.

467
00:44:46,240 --> 00:44:50,980
I do have to just mention and it was mentioned at the Go Committee.

468
00:44:52,060 --> 00:44:59,760
The county executive presented a budget that was above what we could even possibly do and I think that that was irresponsible.

469
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:06,840
So, I feel more comfortable sticking with what the go committee recommended. Thank you.

470
00:45:06,960 --> 00:45:13,500
Thank you. Before we continue, can staff repeat council members, yawanda motion?

471
00:45:14,260 --> 00:45:16,400
So, I want the same page, in terms of numbers.

472
00:45:17,880 --> 00:45:18,320
Let's see.

473
00:45:18,700 --> 00:45:19,020
Sure.

474
00:45:19,780 --> 00:45:26,500
Okay, so the first piece of it was increasing years one and two up to the maximum allowed

475
00:45:26,500 --> 00:45:31,840
as part of the February action, which would be from 300 to 330 million in each of those

476
00:45:31,840 --> 00:45:33,080
first two years.

477
00:45:33,740 --> 00:45:39,260
And then for the six year total matching the executives recommended six year total, which

478
00:45:39,260 --> 00:45:45,440
would mean filling in those later four years, which are not part of the actual limits, but

479
00:45:45,440 --> 00:45:51,620
are part of the overall six year total, increasing those to get to the six year total

480
00:45:51,620 --> 00:45:57,220
that the executive recommended, which was 2.19 billion.

481
00:45:57,900 --> 00:45:58,380
Thank you.

482
00:45:58,520 --> 00:46:00,440
I just wanted to confirm so well on the same page.

483
00:46:01,060 --> 00:46:02,980
Next, council member Stewart.

484
00:46:04,020 --> 00:46:04,080
Great.

485
00:46:04,180 --> 00:46:04,600
Thank you.

486
00:46:04,660 --> 00:46:05,320
I just want to thank you.

487
00:46:05,380 --> 00:46:05,780
My colleague.

488
00:46:06,060 --> 00:46:11,800
This is a really important conversation and thank the ENC committee for starting

489
00:46:11,800 --> 00:46:19,040
looking at the CIP on Friday just to bring up a couple of other things that we discussed on the

490
00:46:19,040 --> 00:46:25,760
committee for the full council as a reminder there are six indicators that we look at regarding

491
00:46:25,760 --> 00:46:31,080
the fiscal and economic outlook sometimes one or two of them may be pointing in the right direction

492
00:46:31,080 --> 00:46:37,560
but there are six of them that we take into consideration also kind of channel like Holly

493
00:46:37,560 --> 00:46:42,320
on the Go Committee Council member Kats who always reminds us that debt service is the first

494
00:46:42,320 --> 00:46:47,360
thing we need to pay out of our operating budget. And so as we're looking at increasing our

495
00:46:47,360 --> 00:46:53,000
debt service, we just need to remember that that takes money out of our operating budget and

496
00:46:53,000 --> 00:46:58,840
ties our hands as we're thinking about the flexibility. So that is one of the reasons why even

497
00:46:58,840 --> 00:47:03,420
though we are facing great need right now, the Go Committee recommended we keep these guidelines

498
00:47:03,420 --> 00:47:08,560
where they are and we have a conversation about need when we have both the operating

499
00:47:08,560 --> 00:47:13,120
and budget in front of us as well as the infrastructure budget so that we can

500
00:47:13,120 --> 00:47:18,380
look at and have flexibility going back and forth and as a reminder that

501
00:47:18,380 --> 00:47:23,720
general obligation bonds are just one way that we fund the CIP if we find that

502
00:47:23,720 --> 00:47:27,240
we're going we're going through the operating budget that we do want to put more

503
00:47:27,240 --> 00:47:32,420
money into the CIP we can also increase pay-go as well and that does not

504
00:47:32,420 --> 00:47:38,800
our hands decades into the future. I agree. The need is great. We're not going to borrow as Council

505
00:47:38,800 --> 00:47:44,440
Member Joando said are way out of this. We need to be looking at how we're funding our infrastructure

506
00:47:44,440 --> 00:47:48,780
and that's one of the reasons why we have our infrastructure working group that is going to

507
00:47:48,780 --> 00:47:53,400
be providing the council recommendations on this. So just wanted to bring up those few other points

508
00:47:53,400 --> 00:47:58,800
that the Go Committee reviewed and again really respect and thank my colleagues for this conversation.

509
00:47:58,800 --> 00:48:00,600
Thank you, Councillor McLaren.

510
00:48:01,340 --> 00:48:12,240
Yes, I didn't think the go committee for their calculations, but it's not just about the schools, it's other capital projects that will be impacted.

511
00:48:14,000 --> 00:48:20,880
And so that's why I was supportive, but I am looking forward to changes in pay go at this doesn't pass.

512
00:48:21,320 --> 00:48:21,960
Thank you.

513
00:48:22,300 --> 00:48:23,120
Councillor McLaren, don't look.

514
00:48:24,530 --> 00:48:31,570
Thank you Madam President. I don't support the motion. I do support the Go Committee's unanimous

515
00:48:33,210 --> 00:48:39,390
recommendation and we've had a lot of really tough discussions with MCPS about the schools

516
00:48:39,390 --> 00:48:47,410
and about the current state of those buildings and I recall recently having to explain this whole

517
00:48:47,410 --> 00:48:53,770
situation of the funding and the building and the logistics. I'm going to focus on that word.

518
00:48:53,770 --> 00:49:06,270
Because I explained the borrowing piece and the payback piece and it's not that if all the money in the world dropped out of the sky today that all those buildings would be fixed.

519
00:49:07,250 --> 00:49:20,910
Because if you talk to MCPS about the sheer logistics of it and you sit with anyone from MCPS talking about their capital budget at any school where the PTA is there

520
00:49:20,910 --> 00:49:23,890
And they are trying to ask questions about how is this going to happen?

521
00:49:23,890 --> 00:49:25,350
And when is it going to happen?

522
00:49:26,230 --> 00:49:31,350
There are so many unanswered questions that have nothing to do with money at all.

523
00:49:31,690 --> 00:49:35,450
That we need to work out during this budget session.

524
00:49:36,050 --> 00:49:38,850
That they need to come to the table with.

525
00:49:39,010 --> 00:49:43,410
And I for one absolutely want to get these things straightened out.

526
00:49:43,410 --> 00:49:50,690
that I heard from their own lips when asked if we could get you all the money right now to fix

527
00:49:50,690 --> 00:49:54,210
for example, Sherwood High School's HVAC system.

528
00:49:55,330 --> 00:49:59,970
They said, while it would take at least 18 months to start it and then it takes four years to do it.

529
00:50:01,320 --> 00:50:14,760
Okay, I want that to sink in because what the public wants and what parents want, and I'm saying that because my kids are in these schools, it's for stuff to get done.

530
00:50:16,220 --> 00:50:29,980
But I'm not paying for it until you tell me how you're going to get it done, right? And that's the problem. So I concur that there are ways to deal with this down the pipe through this budget system, but it doesn't mean we change the go-up.

531
00:50:29,980 --> 00:50:35,620
committees recommendation now we stay with the current spending affordability guidelines.

532
00:50:35,720 --> 00:50:36,860
Thank you, Madam President.

533
00:50:36,860 --> 00:50:38,980
Thank you, Councillor member, Evan Lass.

534
00:50:41,480 --> 00:50:43,160
Thank you very much, Madam President.

535
00:50:43,880 --> 00:50:52,140
I appreciate the GO committees work on this and it is an absolute statement of fact that

536
00:50:52,140 --> 00:50:57,720
the money we have allocated for our capital infrastructure needs over the last number of years

537
00:50:57,720 --> 00:51:01,080
and decades are not meeting the demands of today.

538
00:51:01,080 --> 00:51:07,260
that is absolutely true. And so I appreciate the recognition that we do need to increase those

539
00:51:07,260 --> 00:51:12,880
limits. And the question is how much do we increase those limits by? That is what this conversation

540
00:51:12,880 --> 00:51:18,140
is about. And I want to pick up on a comment made by the Council Vice President and ask our staff

541
00:51:18,140 --> 00:51:24,920
about the county executives budget and about the limits that were put in it and the money that was allocated.

542
00:51:24,920 --> 00:51:32,360
did that budget conform with council or county rules and regulations regarding sag?

543
00:51:34,710 --> 00:51:39,750
The executive's recommendation assumes higher bump bonds planned for issue than was in

544
00:51:39,750 --> 00:51:46,790
CFP sag and also higher than what the council could increase as of today as part of its

545
00:51:46,790 --> 00:51:55,670
February action. So as you heard in the motion, the six-year total could be accommodated, but not

546
00:51:55,670 --> 00:52:00,590
the year one and year two totals that the executive assumes in his recommended CIP.

547
00:52:01,190 --> 00:52:06,710
So as originally submitted, the county executives budget proposal would be unable to be enacted

548
00:52:06,710 --> 00:52:07,950
in adopted as that correct.

549
00:52:08,970 --> 00:52:14,910
The council would have to exceed, say, as part of its final CIP actions with A votes.

550
00:52:16,170 --> 00:52:16,850
Thank you.

551
00:52:17,030 --> 00:52:24,070
I think that's really important because the best way we solve these problems is by working

552
00:52:24,070 --> 00:52:32,010
together and determining how much we need to put in the capital budget and what that offsets

553
00:52:32,010 --> 00:52:41,050
mean in the operating budget and as has been noted we are going to experience a very tough

554
00:52:41,050 --> 00:52:46,630
operating budget. We will learn the details of that on March 15th but already in an

555
00:52:46,630 --> 00:52:50,930
they're dealing with a $1.5 billion budget deficit.

556
00:52:52,730 --> 00:52:56,130
And when I was in anapolis on opening day,

557
00:52:56,930 --> 00:52:58,350
I congratulated the speaker,

558
00:52:59,230 --> 00:53:01,430
and immediately after I congratulated the speaker,

559
00:53:01,590 --> 00:53:04,170
I asked her to please be kind to the counties.

560
00:53:07,080 --> 00:53:10,620
We'll see how much anapolis

561
00:53:10,620 --> 00:53:16,960
and our partners there defer some costs to the counties,

562
00:53:16,960 --> 00:53:19,780
But that is still unknown at this point in time.

563
00:53:20,340 --> 00:53:22,900
And so there are a lot of budgetary unknowns,

564
00:53:23,380 --> 00:53:30,860
but it does not disavuse the fact that there are real capital budget problems.

565
00:53:31,540 --> 00:53:34,920
And I want to pick up on a point that was just made by Councilmember Ludke.

566
00:53:37,140 --> 00:53:40,580
As I see it, there are two issues with the capital budget.

567
00:53:40,780 --> 00:53:43,680
One is the loss of purchasing power.

568
00:53:44,100 --> 00:53:45,780
Again, that's central to this discussion.

569
00:53:45,780 --> 00:53:51,800
But there's a bigger issue at play as well, and that is particularly with our school system.

570
00:53:52,060 --> 00:53:59,820
We never received accurate and transparent budgets that reflected the needs, growing needs,

571
00:54:00,040 --> 00:54:09,360
real needs of the school system, and these HVAC systems festered and failed for years before they were addressed.

572
00:54:10,940 --> 00:54:13,240
That's the problem we're trying to correct.

573
00:54:13,240 --> 00:54:21,000
And as we are dealing with this budget and the amount that we are going to take out in general

574
00:54:21,000 --> 00:54:30,140
obligating bonds and the interplay that has with our operating budget, we need greater budget

575
00:54:30,140 --> 00:54:39,400
transparency within our school system, within county government so that everybody, particularly

576
00:54:39,400 --> 00:54:47,200
the council. Understand what the true needs are and we can plan for them. Until we have that true

577
00:54:47,200 --> 00:54:54,500
partnership and true understanding, I am supportive of the committee that we do need to increase

578
00:54:56,560 --> 00:54:59,780
our CIP to provide some of those needs.

579
00:55:00,020 --> 00:55:09,120
But we also need to do a better job of working with MCPS and our other partners to do a better job planning for the future. Thank you, Madam President.

580
00:55:31,100 --> 00:55:38,660
within a half percentage of that key 10% indicator across the six-year period, it does

581
00:55:38,660 --> 00:55:45,340
represent a substantial improvement over the indicator from our prior positioning and that

582
00:55:46,160 --> 00:55:54,440
if this recommended geo-bound level is not approved in addition to the $390 million dollars,

583
00:55:54,440 --> 00:56:00,240
the total adjustment that will be required to the CIP is closer to $460 million.

584
00:56:00,900 --> 00:56:06,680
Due to our inflation and set aside requirements.

585
00:56:07,280 --> 00:56:09,720
So I do appreciate the time here.

586
00:56:10,200 --> 00:56:11,760
We're also happy answering questions.

587
00:56:12,440 --> 00:56:13,000
Thank you.

588
00:56:13,100 --> 00:56:13,340
Good morning.

589
00:56:13,640 --> 00:56:14,860
Good morning.

590
00:56:14,860 --> 00:56:16,400
Thank you very much, Madam President.

591
00:56:17,320 --> 00:56:20,820
I was quoted earlier about the first thing we pay is the debt.

592
00:56:20,820 --> 00:56:32,460
The other thing that I can quote myself for one is that when I ran the first time, if I kept saying that if debt was a department in Montgomery County, it is not.

593
00:56:32,760 --> 00:56:39,720
But if a word department in Montgomery County, it would be the third largest department that we have, and it scares me to death.

594
00:56:39,720 --> 00:56:49,360
We have over time through a lot of hard work have gotten air-debt down and I guess it was

595
00:56:49,360 --> 00:56:53,400
the 280 million figure of that sticks in my mind.

596
00:56:54,160 --> 00:56:58,900
And when we had the discussions of government operations, I thought we should stay there.

597
00:56:59,060 --> 00:57:02,100
I thought that we've worked hard to get there, let's stay there.

598
00:57:02,400 --> 00:57:09,640
But after good discussions, I thought well 300 million becomes the best figure.

599
00:57:10,320 --> 00:57:17,340
I have always believed that using debt as a solution is it does get you something now, but

600
00:57:17,340 --> 00:57:22,380
it means you're going to pay for much more along the way because of the debt over the years.

601
00:57:23,040 --> 00:57:28,100
I know many people in who their own personal finances have said, you know, I'll put that

602
00:57:28,100 --> 00:57:33,520
on Visa and of course they pay the minimum and they don't, they're always in trouble.

603
00:57:33,520 --> 00:57:37,200
I obviously will not be supporting this motion.

604
00:57:37,680 --> 00:57:44,560
I believe that if things change, that to the vice president's point, that it should take

605
00:57:44,560 --> 00:57:48,920
a people to decide this and then those discussions could be had at that time.

606
00:57:49,280 --> 00:57:54,760
But at this time, what the government operations and which I'm on that committee, the

607
00:57:54,760 --> 00:57:57,880
government operations came up with, I believe, is the right number.

608
00:57:57,960 --> 00:57:58,940
Thank you, Madam President.

609
00:58:04,550 --> 00:58:05,130
Thank you.

610
00:58:05,130 --> 00:58:05,750
Thank you.

611
00:58:05,790 --> 00:58:13,030
First of all, I just want to appreciate staff for really impressive work and I also want

612
00:58:13,030 --> 00:58:17,430
to think that the committee, my former committee, I was part of this process in the fall,

613
00:58:17,750 --> 00:58:23,070
I have changed committee assignments, but really appreciate the newest committee member and

614
00:58:23,070 --> 00:58:27,010
the unanimous vote of the committee members on this.

615
00:58:27,010 --> 00:58:36,790
The fundamental question here is whether or not we are going to increase debt beyond the increase

616
00:58:36,790 --> 00:58:41,650
that was already voted on in the fall. There was a modest increase that was thought to be

617
00:58:41,650 --> 00:58:48,630
fiscally responsible that I supported strongly in champion at the committee in the fall.

618
00:58:48,990 --> 00:58:55,010
The council ultimately agreed upon that modest but fiscally responsible increase to reflect the

619
00:58:55,010 --> 00:58:57,150
fiscal conditions and the economic conditions.

620
00:58:57,870 --> 00:59:04,110
The question that the committee faced and voted unanimously on the council now faces is whether

621
00:59:04,110 --> 00:59:11,210
or not the fiscal and economic conditions today are dramatically better than they were in

622
00:59:11,210 --> 00:59:13,050
the fall when we made that decision.

623
00:59:13,590 --> 00:59:20,010
I don't think there's any person who could seriously and credibly suggest that the economic and

624
00:59:20,010 --> 00:59:26,050
with conditions today are dramatically better than they were in the fall when we made this decision

625
00:59:26,050 --> 00:59:31,830
as a council. That is the decision before us. The other decisions that we have are what the needs

626
00:59:31,830 --> 00:59:36,930
are, which are huge and which are significant and which have been discussed here at length. There are

627
00:59:36,930 --> 00:59:42,830
other options that we have and there have been other options that we have in addition to the debt

628
00:59:42,830 --> 00:59:46,110
in order to pay for those needs.

629
00:59:47,630 --> 00:59:50,770
One of them was a suggestion that this council made.

630
00:59:51,490 --> 00:59:55,590
A couple years ago to add additional cash into the capital budget,

631
00:59:55,610 --> 00:59:58,010
$80 million in pay-go.

632
00:59:58,570 --> 00:59:59,970
The county executive rejected

633
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:10,460
And decided to use that money for ongoing expenses in the operating budget, which increase the structural deficit and the fiscal challenges that we currently face.

634
01:00:11,680 --> 01:00:15,060
We are going to have to make tough choices moving forward. There is no doubt about that.

635
01:00:15,220 --> 01:00:25,300
But the question before us today is whether or not we should further increase our debt at a time when the fiscal and economic conditions are worsening, not improving.

636
01:00:26,540 --> 01:00:32,460
and where it wouldn't be credible to suggest that things have gotten dramatically better

637
01:00:32,460 --> 01:00:39,120
since the fall. So I will support the committee recommendation, really appreciate the

638
01:00:39,120 --> 01:00:44,320
fall for work. I recognize fully that we have very difficult and challenging decisions

639
01:00:44,320 --> 01:00:47,980
ahead and we need to make sure that we make those decisions accordingly.

640
01:00:47,980 --> 01:00:51,300
Thank you, council member Chevrolet Edens.

641
01:00:52,600 --> 01:00:53,800
Absolutely, okay.

642
01:00:54,460 --> 01:00:59,700
So, yes, as a former school board member,

643
01:01:00,640 --> 01:01:06,180
as a committee member on go and education and culture committee,

644
01:01:07,920 --> 01:01:13,220
this is an example of a really tough decision.

645
01:01:13,220 --> 01:01:26,100
So I do, serving on, I'll start with go, serving on go, I did raise my hand to support the limit that we put in place and I still support that limit.

646
01:01:26,840 --> 01:01:31,340
As a former school board member, we just sat here last week listening to Dr. Taylor.

647
01:01:32,640 --> 01:01:37,580
You know, discuss the CIP needs, the needs are real.

648
01:01:37,880 --> 01:01:43,520
And so I do agree with my colleague, Council Member Jowando, that doing less now will

649
01:01:43,520 --> 01:01:44,480
call some more later.

650
01:01:44,900 --> 01:01:50,300
But as a Council Member who just recently was appointed, and I know probably next month I won't

651
01:01:50,300 --> 01:01:51,240
be able to say that.

652
01:01:51,380 --> 01:01:52,020
That I'm new.

653
01:01:52,200 --> 01:01:52,940
Too much longer.

654
01:01:53,060 --> 01:01:58,200
I do want to be able to go through the entire process because the needs are so great.

655
01:01:58,200 --> 01:02:08,920
I want to, you know, go through the CIP as well as the operating budget and then come to a decision as to what we should do.

656
01:02:10,040 --> 01:02:17,200
And so while I am very passionate and supportive of the school system and I know those needs,

657
01:02:17,520 --> 01:02:22,460
me not voting now is not saying no that I'm not supportive of the CIP.

658
01:02:22,460 --> 01:02:38,760
And what I can say as the former president or on the school board, I went before our legislators in at Napaliz at the time when we were talking about the bill to learn at, when I went there to testify, our HVAC needs were really great.

659
01:02:39,300 --> 01:02:47,400
So I tried to explain to the legislators as well as to the other colleagues across the county with the needs look like.

660
01:02:48,280 --> 01:02:51,760
I thought that Dr. Taylor did a great job,

661
01:02:51,760 --> 01:02:53,560
and just kind of laying out.

662
01:02:53,720 --> 01:02:54,880
This is where we're at.

663
01:02:55,460 --> 01:02:59,880
In the past, I'm gonna take some of the words

664
01:02:59,880 --> 01:03:04,260
that Dr. William said last week at the ENC,

665
01:03:05,260 --> 01:03:08,100
what I took pride in as a former school board members

666
01:03:08,100 --> 01:03:10,040
that when we came to sit before the council,

667
01:03:10,300 --> 01:03:12,260
that we asked for what we needed.

668
01:03:13,040 --> 01:03:15,100
HVAC was always included in that,

669
01:03:15,100 --> 01:03:19,360
But just like, I'm sure how I have to make decisions here.

670
01:03:19,540 --> 01:03:24,460
Sometimes decisions were made to where, you know, we made some adjustments in our budget,

671
01:03:24,560 --> 01:03:26,420
particularly when it wasn't fully funded.

672
01:03:26,820 --> 01:03:30,420
So I just wanted to make certain that, as I said here as a council member,

673
01:03:30,860 --> 01:03:34,860
that as a school board member that I did speak up and speak out and say that,

674
01:03:35,220 --> 01:03:41,180
we did our best in bringing four budgets that we felt like what was represented

675
01:03:41,180 --> 01:03:47,740
of what the school system needed at that time, and as a council member, I will try to work with

676
01:03:47,740 --> 01:03:48,200
not try.

677
01:03:48,420 --> 01:03:54,400
I will work and collaborate with the school board to make sure, and to make sure that things

678
01:03:54,400 --> 01:03:55,400
are crystal clear.

679
01:03:55,540 --> 01:04:03,140
I do know that sitting on this side is a little bit different to dissect the budget, but I do

680
01:04:03,140 --> 01:04:08,300
know that they are good people working really hard to make sure that their efforts are reflected

681
01:04:08,300 --> 01:04:09,380
in their budget.

682
01:04:09,380 --> 01:04:15,380
but I wanted to go on record to say that I appreciate all the different perspectives that

683
01:04:16,420 --> 01:04:25,400
are here on the council. So me not voting in support of the motion is not is not me supporting

684
01:04:26,100 --> 01:04:32,580
my colleagues but really taking a deeper dive as this is my first budget to see what all the

685
01:04:32,580 --> 01:04:37,160
are because they're so pressing. I've been on both the budges. I get emails. I've sat

686
01:04:37,160 --> 01:04:43,260
on. Zoom's had in-person meetings and everybody is coming forward with all their pressing

687
01:04:43,260 --> 01:04:49,040
needs and they all seem important. We want to help all and so I just want to take the time

688
01:04:49,040 --> 01:04:55,240
to really take a deeper dive before I make the decision to go aboard the limits. To go above

689
01:04:55,240 --> 01:04:58,180
the limit is that the go committee approved.

690
01:04:59,300 --> 01:04:59,980
Thank you, we have them.

691
01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:11,820
Motion in a second. I'm going to give the last word or two to councilmember Jowandl. And then councilmember Louis and cells. And then we're going to ask for a vote.

692
01:05:12,080 --> 01:05:24,740
Thank you, Madam President. This has been a great discussion. I appreciate all my colleagues chiming in on it. Just and I've been listening intently and I just wanted to make a couple of points as we this is the beginning of a process.

693
01:05:24,740 --> 01:05:33,120
not be end and I appreciate Councilmember Evans point they I'll take that as a half of a half victory there that we may have hoped for another day

694
01:05:34,120 --> 01:05:34,560
but

695
01:05:35,340 --> 01:05:43,400
One thing I wanted to ask Miss Silverman and Council staff if they wanted to chime in was on just on the fiscal and economic conditions piece that that's been brought up

696
01:05:43,400 --> 01:05:46,900
I've made a couple of points of why I think it has changed

697
01:05:46,900 --> 01:05:52,140
Could you speak to anything that you want to raise regarding that?

698
01:05:52,720 --> 01:05:55,960
Obviously, the macroeconomics of the Trump administration are horrible,

699
01:05:55,960 --> 01:05:59,020
but we're making this on a very specific set of indicators,

700
01:05:59,280 --> 01:06:01,980
some of which have changed since we moved in October.

701
01:06:03,020 --> 01:06:04,000
Yes, thank you.

702
01:06:04,920 --> 01:06:06,420
So, in September-

703
01:06:07,220 --> 01:06:10,980
September, when Gio first took a look at the indicators

704
01:06:10,980 --> 01:06:14,060
and then the full council affirmed in October.

705
01:06:14,060 --> 01:06:24,420
You know, we had only had six months of the Trump administration and all of the ships that came along with that and in addition to what the indicators looked like at that time

706
01:06:24,420 --> 01:06:32,060
There was sort of a wait and see let's see how things are unfolding at the time of the December update things were modestly

707
01:06:33,580 --> 01:06:36,160
moderated in terms of the revenue projection for

708
01:06:37,060 --> 01:06:42,880
for the general fund, which impacts that 10% indicator population

709
01:06:42,880 --> 01:06:43,740
had increased.

710
01:06:44,020 --> 01:06:46,800
And so the measures that are related to population

711
01:06:46,800 --> 01:06:48,180
did actually improve.

712
01:06:48,680 --> 01:06:53,520
But the indicator that most people key into here is the 10%

713
01:06:53,520 --> 01:06:56,380
and so that's where most of the focus has been.

714
01:06:56,960 --> 01:07:00,180
I think things are not as bad as people had anticipated

715
01:07:00,180 --> 01:07:02,040
they might be at this point.

716
01:07:02,320 --> 01:07:04,160
And December is a point in time.

717
01:07:04,160 --> 01:07:32,920
As you're seeing, these indicators are constantly changing as the Department of Finance takes in more and more information on our revenues, and so, you know, the revenue picture will look so different in March, and it's not, it's not totally clear how different they will be at this point because we're still waiting for information from the state, so I would say that we have a little bit of a clearer picture than we did at this time in September.

718
01:07:32,920 --> 01:07:39,840
I think things are looking more stable than they would have at that time but you know

719
01:07:39,840 --> 01:07:42,780
the economic picture continues to evolve.

720
01:07:43,080 --> 01:07:48,000
I appreciate that and obviously I know it's an art not a science here but even though there

721
01:07:48,000 --> 01:07:52,160
are some indicators, the other point I want to make is triple A bond rating means we borrow

722
01:07:52,160 --> 01:07:58,720
at the best rates possible correct and rates that have been trending down where it's hopefully

723
01:07:58,720 --> 01:08:04,820
will keep trending downwards. The other thing is the cash versus the pay go. Cash pay go versus

724
01:08:04,820 --> 01:08:09,620
taking on debt. Again, this is a puzzle that it all fits together. But obviously, if we put

725
01:08:09,620 --> 01:08:15,060
more cash in, that comes from people's tax revenue, that's the less things we can spend on

726
01:08:15,060 --> 01:08:22,080
other programs. Food, go down the list of needs. And so there is a trade off there. One of the reasons

727
01:08:22,080 --> 01:08:28,700
I think we have to, all of us understand we have to balance this. But if we put more cash into

728
01:08:28,700 --> 01:08:34,660
the CIP to build things, it means less programmatic at the time when we know the worst impacts

729
01:08:35,420 --> 01:08:41,540
of the big ugly bill are kicking in in November and I am not eager to have to make those

730
01:08:41,540 --> 01:08:44,800
cuts that we are going to have to look at.

731
01:08:45,060 --> 01:08:47,280
And then the other thing is taxes, right?

732
01:08:47,680 --> 01:08:51,860
This is a way of increasing our spending capacity without increasing taxes on residents.

733
01:08:53,260 --> 01:08:58,680
We still may have to do that, but I think we can't, it's going to be very hard to

734
01:08:58,680 --> 01:09:04,280
sit here as we go through this process. If we're saying we don't want to raise the debt that we're

735
01:09:04,280 --> 01:09:08,680
taking on when we bar out the highest rates and things are more stable than we thought and

736
01:09:08,680 --> 01:09:12,240
interest rates are turning down and we're getting more income tax, capital gains, revenue than we

737
01:09:12,240 --> 01:09:19,500
thought we were and we're against raising taxes to pay for anything and then that's a tough place to be

738
01:09:19,500 --> 01:09:25,240
in at a time when it's the wealthiest among us are getting huge tax breaks so it's all connected

739
01:09:25,740 --> 01:09:27,800
And I think this is a key point in time.

740
01:09:27,800 --> 01:09:29,540
I know this is the beginning of that conversation,

741
01:09:30,360 --> 01:09:32,680
but I just for our public, I think that's important.

742
01:09:32,900 --> 01:09:34,280
And then the final point I wanna make.

743
01:09:34,800 --> 01:09:36,720
Transparency and MCPS is here.

744
01:09:38,160 --> 01:09:40,440
This five billion dollar request is as transparent

745
01:09:40,440 --> 01:09:43,280
as it's ever been a couple of years ago,

746
01:09:43,280 --> 01:09:45,280
when I took over a share of E&C,

747
01:09:46,120 --> 01:09:49,220
we started including the actual maintenance charges

748
01:09:49,220 --> 01:09:50,760
in the out years of the CIP,

749
01:09:50,800 --> 01:09:51,820
which were not being included.

750
01:09:51,960 --> 01:09:53,680
They were just doing it.

751
01:09:53,820 --> 01:09:54,700
We took that step.

752
01:09:54,700 --> 01:09:59,980
I think we made dramatic progress in some might argue it's too transparent because we just...

753
01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:07,780
That we're seeing what the need is. And every one involved previous council's previous school boards, previous superintendents, enabled where we are today.

754
01:10:08,240 --> 01:10:14,580
Because it's like a child that doesn't want to come to their parents because they know the place they should cost too much. They don't ask for the place they should.

755
01:10:15,260 --> 01:10:20,940
And so they just ask for something that's a lot cheaper. And everyone played that game for a long time.

756
01:10:21,520 --> 01:10:27,880
And thank goodness we're not playing that game anymore. We have to pay for what we need. And that's kind of where we are. So thank you, Madam President.

757
01:10:27,880 --> 01:10:40,060
Thank you, Council staff, please display table three, and let me just remind people, there are less revenues available to court that service today.

758
01:10:41,580 --> 01:10:44,020
That's the situation that we're facing.

759
01:10:45,120 --> 01:10:52,600
As we do that, I'm going to ask Council Member Loyan cells to make a comment, and I really want to have a vote very soon, just keep that in mind.

760
01:10:52,600 --> 01:11:01,500
Just very briefly, you know, I wanted to second council member Juwondo's amendment just to have the conversation.

761
01:11:01,820 --> 01:11:06,620
I'm glad we have the conversation. It doesn't look like it's going to pass.

762
01:11:07,060 --> 01:11:10,500
And so I'm looking forward to more discussion around this.

763
01:11:11,100 --> 01:11:15,360
And ensuring we focus on our capital needs now.

764
01:11:15,800 --> 01:11:19,920
We're going to have a lot of decisions, difficult decisions to make in the coming months.

765
01:11:19,920 --> 01:11:49,720
And so thank you everyone. Thank you as simply each six, but I guess remember gets to it. Great. I don't want to prolong this. I know we have other things to do but I just I didn't want to say that as we're looking at things like capital gains tag that has been put on the table that's potentially one time money that we're seeing and that is exactly why we increase pay go and have those conversations and so whether or not we're going to raise taxes or not not what we're debating today.

766
01:11:49,920 --> 01:11:55,200
that will come in the spring when we're looking at need and exactly the reason why the government

767
01:11:55,200 --> 01:12:02,240
operations committee is recommending we stay at the current guidelines because we have not seen

768
01:12:02,240 --> 01:12:09,160
a market increase in a positive direction. We can say they stay the same. I would say they've

769
01:12:09,160 --> 01:12:15,180
worsened but we could at least say they stay the same but what is in our county code is if we're going

770
01:12:15,180 --> 01:12:21,720
change our spending affordability guidelines we should actually be seeing a change in a good direction

771
01:12:21,720 --> 01:12:27,640
and that is not what's being picked up right now. We will continue these conversations of taxes,

772
01:12:27,980 --> 01:12:35,020
pay go, how we all do this in the spring. So I just wanted to make that point. Thank you. In cases

773
01:12:35,020 --> 01:12:40,980
helpful to anybody, I am not willing to increase taxes this year either. So let it you know. Last

774
01:12:40,980 --> 01:12:47,980
Ward, please council member, Evan Glass important conversation. Thank you, Madam President, for indulging all of us.

775
01:12:48,640 --> 01:12:57,520
Um, two two points. One, I appreciate the committee chair for her comments just now laying out the next few months.

776
01:12:57,540 --> 01:13:07,280
I think it is incredibly important before we vote on this amendment and then vote on the proposal to once again very definitively.

777
01:13:07,280 --> 01:13:14,240
state, the increased levels that the GO Committee is recommending, right?

778
01:13:14,680 --> 01:13:21,740
Let it not get lost on anybody that we are increasing our bonding capacity to meet the needs.

779
01:13:22,640 --> 01:13:25,860
And secondly, I just want to say thank you to Councilmember Evans.

780
01:13:26,700 --> 01:13:33,360
I think your perspective from all of the positions you have held brings the most unique

781
01:13:33,360 --> 01:13:34,920
perspective to this discussion.

782
01:13:34,920 --> 01:13:41,540
and imbalancing the needs of the school system of our taxpayers of our council.

783
01:13:43,280 --> 01:13:48,340
I agree with you, and everything that you said, and this conversation will continue.

784
01:13:48,720 --> 01:13:49,800
So thank you.

785
01:13:50,340 --> 01:13:51,300
Thank you for that.

786
01:13:51,300 --> 01:13:56,600
Can some member Evan Glass and Reminder the Go Committee conference that can't sue a proof

787
01:13:56,600 --> 01:13:59,420
sack from October 7, 2025.

788
01:13:59,900 --> 01:14:05,320
With that we have a motion in a second dose in favor of the motion made by council member

789
01:14:05,320 --> 01:14:11,680
Jewondo please trace your hand we have 1, 2, 3, those against please trace your hand

790
01:14:11,680 --> 01:14:16,780
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, the motion fails

791
01:14:17,380 --> 01:14:21,220
is there anything else from council staff before we move on?

792
01:14:21,400 --> 01:14:25,500
Sure, I just want to add the discussion has been on GO bonds, we do have part in planning bonds

793
01:14:25,500 --> 01:14:28,640
also as part of the SAG those were increased in October

794
01:14:28,640 --> 01:14:38,780
And the executive is matching the what the council's actions were October. So there's no issue and play on that.

795
01:14:40,380 --> 01:14:46,700
With that, we have a recommendation from the government operations in fiscal policy committee.

796
01:14:46,700 --> 01:14:49,280
those in favor piece raise your hand.

797
01:14:51,060 --> 01:14:52,100
It's unanimous.

798
01:14:52,500 --> 01:14:55,100
Moving on, we have next for the council's

799
01:14:55,100 --> 01:14:57,080
consideration is the consent calendar.

800
01:14:57,680 --> 01:14:59,740
Before we take action on the consent calendar,

801
01:14:59,920 --> 01:14:59,980
I will...

802
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:06,600
I'd like to speak about item C, action on a resolution to endorse the DMV moves plan for transit in a national

803
01:15:06,600 --> 01:15:13,000
capital region. As you'll know, we had a presentation from cog above three weeks ago, I want to say

804
01:15:13,000 --> 01:15:21,760
recently. And we have a resolution, we share the resolution with all of you as well as the chair of

805
01:15:21,760 --> 01:15:27,260
environment transportation in the Maryland General Assembly can so stay delegate

806
01:15:27,260 --> 01:15:33,000
quarantine and also with the Department of Transportation and I think at the end

807
01:15:33,000 --> 01:15:38,280
of the day we are I think we're safely to say because we have this

808
01:15:38,280 --> 01:15:43,120
resolution that we do when I create a sustainable funding model and unify

809
01:15:43,120 --> 01:15:47,880
vision for the region's transit network and that actually is connected to

810
01:15:47,880 --> 01:15:54,100
economic development too, and so I just wanted to highlight that as an important step forward.

811
01:15:54,760 --> 01:15:59,940
We've had, I will entertain a motion to prove the consent calendar.

812
01:16:00,680 --> 01:16:04,760
I will provide council vice president Balkan, second by council member Don Luki,

813
01:16:04,960 --> 01:16:08,360
those in favour of please raise your hand. Motion passes.

814
01:16:09,800 --> 01:16:11,380
Yes, council vice president.

815
01:16:11,380 --> 01:16:19,720
So I just wanted to recognize Glenn Orland today, we just voted him on the Rustic Rose

816
01:16:19,720 --> 01:16:22,440
Advisory Committee and I know that he'll do a great job.

817
01:16:23,840 --> 01:16:24,060
Thank you.

818
01:16:24,060 --> 01:16:25,700
You're going to have so much fun.

819
01:16:27,800 --> 01:16:29,820
Thank you for your work.

820
01:16:31,240 --> 01:16:31,320
Yes.

821
01:16:32,800 --> 01:16:37,640
The next item today is a proposed closed session.

822
01:16:37,640 --> 01:16:43,300
The canceling tends to meet in close session to discuss the appointment employment assignment

823
01:16:43,300 --> 01:16:50,680
promotion discipline, the emotion, compensation, removal, resignation or performance evaluation

824
01:16:50,680 --> 01:16:58,780
of an appointee employee or official or whom he has your section under section 3-305b1

825
01:16:58,780 --> 01:17:01,340
of the general provisions article of the Maryland Code.

826
01:17:01,860 --> 01:17:07,620
The topic is the interview of applicants for a position at the Office of Zoning and Administrative

827
01:17:07,620 --> 01:17:13,160
of healing over whom the council has to do his fiction is the emotion to meet in close

828
01:17:13,160 --> 01:17:13,660
session.

829
01:17:14,260 --> 01:17:17,400
So, so move back council member, the one, the second back council member, don't look

830
01:17:17,400 --> 01:17:22,940
it does in pharaoh piece of your hand, is unanimous, the council would meet in close session

831
01:17:22,940 --> 01:17:28,320
in the council conference room on the third floor at Pranal and the council will return to

832
01:17:28,320 --> 01:17:33,860
open session at 11.30 a.m. to celebrate black history month, we'll be back.

833
01:17:44,390 --> 01:17:52,070
Good afternoon everybody. What an exciting day. My name is Natalie Fanny Gonzalez and the

834
01:17:52,070 --> 01:17:58,310
Council president and I want to welcome you to celebrate Black History Month. Thank you to

835
01:17:58,310 --> 01:18:05,030
each one of you for being here today. That's the spirit right there in the back. The gentleman

836
01:18:05,030 --> 01:18:12,630
with a black suit. Thank you. So welcome back to the February 3rd, 2026 Council meeting.

837
01:18:12,630 --> 01:18:19,810
The next item on the agenda is our annual black history month commemoration, which in order

838
01:18:19,810 --> 01:18:26,550
to host a long-size council members for the Wanda, Lorian Cells and Chevrolet Evans and

839
01:18:26,550 --> 01:18:27,610
the full council.

840
01:18:28,290 --> 01:18:33,410
Let me begin by thanking all our special guests for joining us today and I'm going to

841
01:18:33,410 --> 01:18:37,830
announce some of the few folks that we have here.

842
01:18:37,830 --> 01:18:42,330
I'm not going to mention every single person, but I'm going to just mention a few, so please

843
01:18:42,330 --> 01:18:46,290
were with me. We have former councilman Kant O'Kani,

844
01:18:46,490 --> 01:18:49,230
executive. I, well, he was a council member. I

845
01:18:49,230 --> 01:18:53,330
like it. And, and his wife, Catherine,

846
01:18:53,390 --> 01:19:00,410
like it, Judge Carlos Mett, Mr. Jason Green, and the

847
01:19:00,410 --> 01:19:04,850
commissioner, remember and send reconciliation. The

848
01:19:04,850 --> 01:19:08,630
mayor of Rockville, Monique Ashton, Ms.

849
01:19:08,630 --> 01:19:11,710
and a wolf by President of NCPS Board of Education,

850
01:19:12,530 --> 01:19:13,670
Ms. Carlos Elbestre,

851
01:19:13,830 --> 01:19:17,650
board member of NCPS, Mrs. Laura Stewart,

852
01:19:18,030 --> 01:19:20,850
it's also here from NCPS Board of Education.

853
01:19:21,790 --> 01:19:24,530
Ms. Julie Jen, board member, it's also here.

854
01:19:25,090 --> 01:19:28,310
Former Council Member, Mr. Craig Rice,

855
01:19:28,990 --> 01:19:30,390
I saw him somewhere.

856
01:19:31,390 --> 01:19:31,870
Ah, yes.

857
01:19:33,010 --> 01:19:36,870
Ah, Dr. James Bridgers is here from the HHS,

858
01:19:37,530 --> 01:19:42,090
Dr. Kisha Davis. It's also here in the in-the-house.

859
01:19:43,530 --> 01:19:47,970
Davis for City Council member Lisa Henderson is here.

860
01:19:48,470 --> 01:19:53,190
Ms. Karen Hendrix will be attending on behalf of Senator Christmas Hall

861
01:19:53,190 --> 01:19:55,330
and we, very glad to see you in the back.

862
01:19:55,730 --> 01:19:57,210
Thank you, Karen, for being here.

863
01:19:57,610 --> 01:19:59,970
Mr. Arty Harris, chair of the Montgomery Council.

864
01:20:00,000 --> 01:20:07,260
Any planning, board? Yeah, there you go. Ms. Susen Kennedy, she's coming here on behalf of council member.

865
01:20:09,120 --> 01:20:18,800
No, congressman. Bro McLean Delaney. And I see Catherine over there from congressman Jamie Raskin, our rock star.

866
01:20:19,900 --> 01:20:26,460
And I see Ms. Sandra and Cole Prather from the Prethertown Community Development Corporation.

867
01:20:26,460 --> 01:20:34,780
there here, very early. So thank you so much to each one of you for being here and to

868
01:20:34,780 --> 01:20:40,560
everybody else, what do you not mention, but you know the love is here for you. This year's

869
01:20:40,560 --> 01:20:48,280
theme is a century of black history commemoration. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the

870
01:20:48,280 --> 01:20:54,040
officially establishment of black history month and its impact locally, nationally and globally.

871
01:20:54,040 --> 01:21:03,900
For that 100th anniversary, the funders of the Black History month call on all of us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history.

872
01:21:04,560 --> 01:21:09,380
In how it helped transform the status of Black Americans throughout the modern world.

873
01:21:09,700 --> 01:21:16,880
As a donation with the says political violence in attacks on immigrant communities and communities of color, well, here together.

874
01:21:16,880 --> 01:21:25,240
I'm proud to live in a county where diversity is celebrated, her presentation matters, and history is valued.

875
01:21:26,660 --> 01:21:34,220
I'm Montgomery County, we recognize that black history is American history, and we will not let it be erased or denied.

876
01:21:34,920 --> 01:21:46,320
As we honor the official centennial of black history month, it's important to know that this year also marks at 250th anniversaries of both the United States and Montgomery County.

877
01:21:46,880 --> 01:21:50,700
Long before National Observances Black History was documented,

878
01:21:51,400 --> 01:21:54,540
preserved and passed down from generation to generation

879
01:21:54,540 --> 01:21:58,740
through activists, faith leaders, educators, and families.

880
01:22:00,040 --> 01:22:02,300
Regardless of the current administration's efforts

881
01:22:02,300 --> 01:22:06,040
to dismantle any race, parts of our history,

882
01:22:06,500 --> 01:22:08,940
we will continue to ensure accurate history

883
01:22:08,940 --> 01:22:10,680
is a part of everyday learning,

884
01:22:11,100 --> 01:22:13,860
not just in the month of February, but year-round.

885
01:22:13,860 --> 01:22:21,540
We must continue to learn from our past in order to build a better future for each one of us and our future families.

886
01:22:22,140 --> 01:22:34,720
Today, I'm excited to honor three incredible change makers in our community who have made history and whose legacies have been shaped by history both lived and learned.

887
01:22:34,720 --> 01:22:48,960
This year's commemoration is spotlight former panic-secretive eye-clegate, administrative judge for the circuit court of Montgomery County Carlos Smith, and D.S. Green, chair of the Commission of Remembrance and Reconciliation.

888
01:22:50,400 --> 01:22:58,780
These three leaders have not only broken through barriers, but have also opened doors to ensure that the next generation will follow and their footsteps.

889
01:22:59,960 --> 01:23:06,740
Before I turn it over to my colleagues, let me recognize Jordan Linsey and Joe Thompson who

890
01:23:06,740 --> 01:23:12,060
have put together a wonderful video for us. I have watched it. It's really good. And

891
01:23:12,060 --> 01:23:17,340
recognize today's commemoration. Now I'll turn it over to Castle Member Joe Wondon, then

892
01:23:17,340 --> 01:23:21,800
cast member sales and we will end with Castle Member Evans before we read the Proclamation.

893
01:23:23,720 --> 01:23:29,980
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning everyone. Happy Black History Month. It's an

894
01:23:29,980 --> 01:23:33,820
honored to be with you as we continue a proud tradition

895
01:23:33,820 --> 01:23:36,220
in celebrating Black History Month here in Montgomery County.

896
01:23:36,920 --> 01:23:39,160
And it's an auspicious time to under 50 years

897
01:23:39,160 --> 01:23:41,380
after the founding of both the county and the country.

898
01:23:42,020 --> 01:23:44,520
And a hundred years after the founding of Black History

899
01:23:44,520 --> 01:23:46,100
month itself by Carter G. Woodson.

900
01:23:47,680 --> 01:23:51,080
We're living through a moment, though, of profound, double-speak.

901
01:23:52,260 --> 01:23:54,360
We're going to watch many federal and other officials

902
01:23:54,360 --> 01:23:58,300
issue proclamations recognizing Black History Month this month.

903
01:23:58,300 --> 01:24:01,900
while simultaneously working to dismantle every program,

904
01:24:02,380 --> 01:24:06,740
designed to address the structural inequities that Black history teaches us about.

905
01:24:07,580 --> 01:24:11,480
They'll celebrate Black achievement in speeches while firing thousands of federal workers,

906
01:24:11,960 --> 01:24:12,940
many of whom are Black.

907
01:24:15,620 --> 01:24:18,900
They will invoke unity while tearing apart Black and Brown

908
01:24:18,900 --> 01:24:23,940
families through mass deportation and cruelty. This is not, I don't have to tell this room,

909
01:24:24,040 --> 01:24:28,360
honoring Black history. It's using Black history as a prop while undermining its lessons.

910
01:24:28,900 --> 01:24:33,820
And I want to tell you just one attempt that they're not a attempt they actually have done

911
01:24:33,820 --> 01:24:36,560
it, but we're going to fight it of a racing black history itself.

912
01:24:37,220 --> 01:24:39,620
I want to tell you the briefly the story of owner Judge.

913
01:24:40,440 --> 01:24:46,180
She was born into slavery at Mount Vernon and was chosen as the personal maid of Martha

914
01:24:46,180 --> 01:24:48,600
Washington, President George Washington's wife.

915
01:24:49,380 --> 01:24:53,820
On May 21st, 1796 while Washington's were eating dinner, she fled their Philadelphia

916
01:24:53,820 --> 01:24:56,940
residence, which at the time was the capital of the nation.

917
01:24:56,940 --> 01:24:59,200
Is he sailed the port Smith New Hampshire?

918
01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:08,760
There was a Philadelphia law that outlawed slavery at that time and you can only have someone living with you for six months and then they had to be released.

919
01:25:09,540 --> 01:25:20,840
So what the Washington state is, they rotated their slaves from Mount Vernon into Philadelphia on a six months, just below a six months cycle so that it could keep folks enslaved and their residents in Washington.

920
01:25:22,200 --> 01:25:27,820
When she feared being transferred to Eliza Park Curtis Law, who was the granddaughter of Martha Washington,

921
01:25:29,760 --> 01:25:32,420
who had a reputation for cruelty she left.

922
01:25:33,640 --> 01:25:38,000
President Washington himself attempted to use his influence to return her,

923
01:25:38,140 --> 01:25:41,300
but she remained in New Hampshire, married and had children.

924
01:25:42,260 --> 01:25:48,780
Her story is the only first person account of a fugitive that was enslaved by the Washington's, our first president.

925
01:25:48,780 --> 01:25:54,980
Just last month, the National Park Service at the direction of President Trump's executive order

926
01:25:54,980 --> 01:26:00,700
removed the plaques of a Philadelphia walking tour telling owner Judge Story called the Black

927
01:26:00,700 --> 01:26:07,080
Journey. Fortunately and unfortunately my children were on a walking tour just one week before

928
01:26:07,080 --> 01:26:14,040
the plaques were removed. My daughter who was so inspired is reading the book of owner Judge

929
01:26:14,040 --> 01:26:17,080
now because she learned about it on that tour.

930
01:26:18,340 --> 01:26:21,960
So let me be very clear, there's no executive order, there's no federal directive,

931
01:26:22,520 --> 01:26:28,180
there's no erasure that we're going to allow here in Montgomery County. We are not going

932
01:26:28,180 --> 01:26:30,180
to let it happen. Black

933
01:26:34,210 --> 01:26:38,650
history is American history and Montgomery County will always be a place

934
01:26:38,650 --> 01:26:42,530
where it's honored, taught, and protected. And this year, as you heard from the Council

935
01:26:42,530 --> 01:26:46,970
President, we're recognizing local leaders and places that have shaped Black history in our

936
01:26:46,970 --> 01:26:52,470
over the past century. And what an amazing group we have to honor. Former County Executive

937
01:26:52,470 --> 01:26:57,470
Ike Legit, a mentor to so many including myself, the first African-American to hold that

938
01:26:57,470 --> 01:27:02,830
office in the first African-American to hold a county council seat. A trailblazer who showed

939
01:27:02,830 --> 01:27:08,210
what leadership in Montgomery County can and should reflect. Judge Carlos Smith, whose career

940
01:27:08,210 --> 01:27:14,010
represents the ongoing pursuit of justice and fairness in our legal system. In Jason Green,

941
01:27:14,010 --> 01:27:18,510
the chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Reconciliation and Remembrance.

942
01:27:18,930 --> 01:27:22,350
I was proud to have led that effort to establish the co-led that effort to establish that

943
01:27:22,350 --> 01:27:25,470
commission with Councilmember Rice, who's in the audience and Councilmember Reemer.

944
01:27:25,930 --> 01:27:30,930
Because I believe we cannot build a more equitable future if we're unwilling to confront our

945
01:27:30,930 --> 01:27:37,610
past. So today we celebrate, we remember, but most importantly, we recommit to the work ahead

946
01:27:37,610 --> 01:27:42,230
because progress is not given. It is one and hard fought. So thank you, Madam President.

947
01:27:46,420 --> 01:27:55,300
Thank you, council president, Natalie Fanni Gonzalez, and to my colleagues and everyone who has joined us here today.

948
01:27:56,080 --> 01:27:59,640
Thank you to my good friend.

949
01:27:59,780 --> 01:28:07,540
I don't know if he was recognized, friend to many Joseph E. Young or as I like to affectionately call him chief.

950
01:28:08,200 --> 01:28:12,680
Community liaison to our friend representing Congressman Raskin's office.

951
01:28:12,680 --> 01:28:19,360
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with the national theme,

952
01:28:19,600 --> 01:28:26,780
a century of Black History commemorations, reminding us to recognize the profound contributions

953
01:28:26,780 --> 01:28:34,960
that Black individuals have made fostering pride and appreciation for their lasting impact.

954
01:28:35,660 --> 01:28:40,760
I am so inspired by the powerful Black leaders, advocates and elected officials throughout

955
01:28:40,760 --> 01:28:47,480
Maryland who serve their communities with unwavering commitment, their leadership underscores the

956
01:28:47,480 --> 01:28:53,100
fact that Black History is not just a reflection of the past, it is a living narrative

957
01:28:53,100 --> 01:28:54,620
that shapes our future.

958
01:28:55,600 --> 01:29:03,140
Just days ago, we saw two Black journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Fort arrested and charged

959
01:29:03,140 --> 01:29:09,520
with federal civil rights crimes for doing their jobs while covering an anti-Is protest

960
01:29:09,520 --> 01:29:18,760
in Minnesota. As we reflect on American history, the 250th Anniversary this summer, we must

961
01:29:18,760 --> 01:29:24,920
confront the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities in an environment where our lives

962
01:29:24,920 --> 01:29:32,120
are devalued, faced with a racer, and still find the will to go on. Honoring Black history

963
01:29:32,120 --> 01:29:38,860
requires us to protect our progress actively and to push back against any setbacks, demanding

964
01:29:38,860 --> 01:29:41,420
a shared commitment to justice and equity.

965
01:29:42,440 --> 01:29:47,620
We witness black Americans being targeted for speaking the truth and advocating for justice.

966
01:29:48,440 --> 01:29:53,580
The resilience compels us to continue our efforts and stand united for change.

967
01:29:54,500 --> 01:29:59,900
In the face of intimidation and attempts to erase our narratives, I'm committed to

968
01:29:59,900 --> 01:29:59,960
a...

969
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:11,820
Eliminating racial disparities in health and socioeconomic outcomes. I will continue advocating strongly for our black residents who too often bear the weight of systemic inequities.

970
01:30:12,480 --> 01:30:21,560
As the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I will ensure that the voices of our most vulnerable residents are not overlooked in our policy decisions.

971
01:30:21,560 --> 01:30:29,740
Our upcoming budget must reflect our values through equitable investments in the areas where they are most needed.

972
01:30:30,380 --> 01:30:41,980
One of my first committee sessions will focus on addressing the racial disparities in maternal and infant health because outcomes not intentions must measure equity.

973
01:30:41,980 --> 01:30:47,360
I take pride in being the first black woman and the first person of Jamaican heritage

974
01:30:47,360 --> 01:30:53,640
elected as a council woman at large in Montgomery County and I'm determined that I will not

975
01:30:53,640 --> 01:31:00,920
be the last. I stayed in the footprints of those who came before me like those we are honoring

976
01:31:00,920 --> 01:31:12,500
today. Former county executive, I like it, Judge Carlos Smith, and as I like to call him, Reverend

977
01:31:12,500 --> 01:31:21,000
Green, 2.0, see if it is adjacent here yet? Okay. Yeah. Okay. Well, he's here in spirit.

978
01:31:21,960 --> 01:31:26,960
Every day I start to honor those who came before me by leveraging my position to dismantle

979
01:31:26,960 --> 01:31:33,600
systemic barriers and ensure that those like my daughter who come after me may live in a more

980
01:31:33,600 --> 01:31:35,080
just and equitable world.

981
01:31:35,500 --> 01:31:42,100
As we commemorate this historic centennial, let us recommit to action, accountability, and

982
01:31:42,100 --> 01:31:49,080
progress from attending local forums, supporting black led organizations and businesses, and

983
01:31:49,080 --> 01:31:54,220
advocating for policies that address disparities, our collective effort is essential for

984
01:31:54,220 --> 01:31:58,240
meaningful change and I look forward to doing that work alongside each of you.

985
01:31:58,380 --> 01:31:59,720
Thank you.

986
01:32:06,200 --> 01:32:09,580
Good morning everyone and happy black history month.

987
01:32:10,080 --> 01:32:13,980
I'll first start off by saying that I'm associate myself with the comments of my colleagues.

988
01:32:14,240 --> 01:32:15,600
I really appreciate them.

989
01:32:15,980 --> 01:32:18,640
And I'm just going to start off with a scripture.

990
01:32:20,080 --> 01:32:20,880
Psalm 30.

991
01:32:21,900 --> 01:32:22,900
Verse 5.

992
01:32:25,200 --> 01:32:29,460
We being may endure for a night, but joy come within the morning.

993
01:32:30,580 --> 01:32:38,400
And I started off with the scripture because when I think of Black History Month, I think of Joy and I think of celebrating.

994
01:32:39,280 --> 01:32:44,720
I know that what has moved Black families forward for generations has been our faith.

995
01:32:45,580 --> 01:32:48,860
Black history to me is faith in action.

996
01:32:52,100 --> 01:32:57,300
justice, faith in justice, faith in our community, and just faith in making

997
01:32:57,300 --> 01:33:00,920
certain that we can see a better tomorrow.

998
01:33:03,350 --> 01:33:05,430
A lot of things have been going on

999
01:33:05,430 --> 01:33:10,470
here in our country, and my colleagues have, you know, notated that. We are really

1000
01:33:10,470 --> 01:33:16,890
living in uncertain times, but what I know is that in uncertain times, we persevere

1001
01:33:16,890 --> 01:33:24,650
and we push forward. We do not let setbacks. Hold us back. We dig in deep and we move forward.

1002
01:33:24,850 --> 01:33:30,550
So I just want to say, I want to honor everyone that has come before me. When I sit in this room,

1003
01:33:30,810 --> 01:33:38,630
I see Mr Williams out there in the audience. I'm thinking about him. I'm thinking about my colleague,

1004
01:33:38,790 --> 01:33:45,910
Dr. Doctor, who's no longer here for a more school board member. I think about Odessa Shannon,

1005
01:33:45,910 --> 01:33:51,810
who was a former school board member as well and I also think about Ruby Rubens.

1006
01:33:52,730 --> 01:33:55,550
There are so many people out in the audience that I respect.

1007
01:33:55,790 --> 01:34:00,630
I see Mr. Stowe and for the fear of missing someone.

1008
01:34:00,650 --> 01:34:02,150
I see Mr. Rick's.

1009
01:34:02,570 --> 01:34:10,630
I'm going to stop naming people but I am going to say that I stand on the shoulders of giants.

1010
01:34:11,230 --> 01:34:14,130
And I don't want to belabor because we're going to see a video.

1011
01:34:14,130 --> 01:34:20,890
and I'm speaking in that video, but what I do know is that I live and breathe

1012
01:34:20,890 --> 01:34:27,570
Black History every single day and our story continues to be written. So just thank you all

1013
01:34:27,570 --> 01:34:36,490
for showing up today being present and celebrating a month that for me, I celebrate every single

1014
01:34:36,490 --> 01:34:43,590
day, but a month that we shine the light on the many that have come before us and done great works.

1015
01:34:43,590 --> 01:34:52,150
And we will continue to do those works and show that spirit to our future generation, which is our students.

1016
01:34:53,190 --> 01:34:56,290
And so with that, I will turn it back over to President Fanny Gonzalez.

1017
01:34:56,990 --> 01:34:58,090
Thank you so much.

1018
01:35:00,270 --> 01:35:15,970
Beautiful remarks, and I besides beautiful remarks, power for remarks by my colleagues is such a great honor to stand here with each one of you, because we are a reflection on Montgomery County, and we're going to continue to fight for our values.

1019
01:35:16,670 --> 01:35:21,810
With that, I'm going to ask the council team to please display the video. Thank you.

1020
01:35:26,740 --> 01:35:42,820
Happy Black History Month Montgomery County, the National Theme for 2026 is the Century of Black History Commemoration, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the official establishment of Black History Month and its impact, because Black History is American History.

1021
01:35:51,780 --> 01:36:01,020
Throughout Montgomery County's history, a long list of Black Americans have made significant strides, trailblazing and laying the foundation for future generations to come.

1022
01:36:02,060 --> 01:36:07,240
Of course, that list includes the Honorable Isaiah Eich-Blegit.

1023
01:36:08,060 --> 01:36:10,300
My early life was such a struggle.

1024
01:36:11,100 --> 01:36:13,260
I grew up in one of 13 kids.

1025
01:36:14,340 --> 01:36:16,160
An abject poverty in Louisiana.

1026
01:36:17,600 --> 01:36:20,920
But it's a sense of how I could help others.

1027
01:36:21,440 --> 01:36:25,420
Because they had an awful lot of kids out there who are like Eich-Blegit or others.

1028
01:36:25,840 --> 01:36:29,080
Who, if they get that certain break or opportunity, they can be successful.

1029
01:36:30,020 --> 01:36:37,720
Like it became the first African-American elected to the Montgomery County Council, like it was also elected as county executive in 2006.

1030
01:36:38,500 --> 01:36:43,060
The first African-American to hold that office among many other notable accomplishments.

1031
01:36:44,360 --> 01:36:48,640
I was really concerned about the county's finances, even when I was a council member.

1032
01:36:49,140 --> 01:36:55,060
And so when you look at the parameters that are guided us in terms of our spinning affordability rules and so forth,

1033
01:36:55,060 --> 01:36:59,940
you'll see that I had a green road on that. You look at the Inspector General. I was my

1034
01:36:59,940 --> 01:37:04,320
be able to provide Inspector General in Montgomery County to get greater accountability for that.

1035
01:37:04,600 --> 01:37:09,900
If you look at the smoking bay that we had at that time, Montgomery County was one of those

1036
01:37:09,900 --> 01:37:15,900
jurisdictions in the entire country too. I'd love to smoke in bars and restaurants and public places.

1037
01:37:16,920 --> 01:37:21,780
But the most significant one I think was accountability and financial management of the county.

1038
01:37:21,780 --> 01:37:26,620
and that was an dominant factor. I think in most of my life in public service.

1039
01:37:28,200 --> 01:37:33,440
From humble beginnings to a lifetime of service and commitment to his family, country,

1040
01:37:33,560 --> 01:37:40,860
and community, leaving a long lasting legacy. But the thing that I like most about my service

1041
01:37:40,860 --> 01:37:48,060
is helping people who really need help. If there was a concern, how's going to listen to it?

1042
01:37:53,140 --> 01:38:00,940
All right. Continuing that legacy is Judge Carlos Smith. The first African American woman

1043
01:38:00,940 --> 01:38:07,240
on the Montgomery County District Court. One of the reasons I put in to become a judge

1044
01:38:07,240 --> 01:38:15,520
was because if you looked at our bench, we really didn't have a lot of black folks who were

1045
01:38:15,520 --> 01:38:21,220
judges on the bench and the third floor of the circuit court. We have a wall of photos

1046
01:38:21,220 --> 01:38:25,980
of all the prior judges, and every Friday I would walk past that walk.

1047
01:38:26,880 --> 01:38:31,920
It started looking at the wall saying that wall does not represent our county.

1048
01:38:33,680 --> 01:38:36,040
While I'm qualified, I have lots of trial experience.

1049
01:38:36,380 --> 01:38:37,480
Went to a top law school.

1050
01:38:37,580 --> 01:38:38,960
I've done a lot of things in my career.

1051
01:38:38,980 --> 01:38:40,060
I'm going to put in.

1052
01:38:40,160 --> 01:38:43,100
And so that's kind of how it started.

1053
01:38:44,660 --> 01:38:46,580
What her accomplishments don't stop there.

1054
01:38:46,720 --> 01:38:51,700
Smith was recently named the new administrative judge for the Circuit Court of Montgomery County.

1055
01:38:51,700 --> 01:38:58,580
I can recall one of my first dockets in the district court all rise walking into

1056
01:38:58,580 --> 01:39:04,460
the courtroom and seeing black people who were sitting in the courtroom in

1057
01:39:04,460 --> 01:39:12,640
their faces light up. It's so important for people to see people who look

1058
01:39:12,640 --> 01:39:17,800
like them. That helps shape how people feel about our justice system.

1059
01:39:20,920 --> 01:39:21,680
It's very

1060
01:39:23,300 --> 01:39:26,120
But I think I'm up for the job.

1061
01:39:28,700 --> 01:39:33,820
To support the goal of bringing the county together to promote a better understanding of our history,

1062
01:39:34,500 --> 01:39:37,180
there's the Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation.

1063
01:39:38,040 --> 01:39:42,500
The Commission was founded in 2019 by a proclamation from Council Member Rimer Rice,

1064
01:39:43,360 --> 01:39:47,660
and Juwondo, and inspired by the work that Brian Stevenson has been doing in Montgomery, Alabama.

1065
01:39:48,180 --> 01:39:50,840
He's been inspiring community actions all over the country,

1066
01:39:50,840 --> 01:39:56,440
to really recapture a period of American history, as reconstruction era, and fortunately

1067
01:39:56,440 --> 01:39:59,440
racial terror lynchings occurred across the country.

1068
01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:07,920
Including right here in Montgomery County. The Commission on Reconciliation and Remembrance is important for at least two reasons, one, that we remember what happened here.

1069
01:40:08,100 --> 01:40:18,700
That we remember John King's door, sees Sydney Randolph in George Peck. Two of them were dragged out of this building and lynched nearby while mobs cheered and watched. And it was state-supported terror.

1070
01:40:20,100 --> 01:40:23,040
The Commission has already established three markers.

1071
01:40:23,040 --> 01:40:29,780
We engaged in acts of commemoration, where we collected soil samples in the areas across the

1072
01:40:29,780 --> 01:40:34,080
county where those three men were lynched, and we also have established and erected markers.

1073
01:40:34,780 --> 01:40:39,860
Two here in Rockville and one in Fulso for the three men that saw this terrible fate.

1074
01:40:40,880 --> 01:40:46,780
We believe that this winding path towards reconciliation is long, it has to begin with the ideas

1075
01:40:46,780 --> 01:40:51,920
of truth and so we engage in acts of community buildings, we can understand how these events

1076
01:40:51,920 --> 01:40:58,500
place that they took place and again begin this process of reconciliation and there's other historical

1077
01:40:58,500 --> 01:41:03,520
sites throughout Montgomery County including markers highlighting trailblazing fair housing efforts

1078
01:41:03,520 --> 01:41:09,220
for black residents thanks to Montgomery planning. This is part of our history and it's important

1079
01:41:09,220 --> 01:41:14,280
that we commemorate it and learn from it and remember it.

1080
01:41:17,440 --> 01:41:19,680
Happy Black History Month of Montgomery County

1081
01:41:19,680 --> 01:41:25,740
May this be a reminder of why it's so important to honor and celebrate its true meaning.

1082
01:41:26,600 --> 01:41:29,440
Black history is part of American history.

1083
01:41:30,580 --> 01:41:33,620
And as we say, Black history is American history.

1084
01:41:34,660 --> 01:41:38,580
African American story is quintessentially the American story.

1085
01:41:39,460 --> 01:41:47,160
Black excellence is not just the exception, but it is the expectation.

1086
01:41:48,300 --> 01:41:54,600
Like history is American history, as many of the systems that you see are ancestors built

1087
01:41:55,280 --> 01:41:55,880
there.

1088
01:41:56,900 --> 01:42:02,220
Everyone who's American should know black history, if you don't know black history, you

1089
01:42:02,220 --> 01:42:03,500
don't know American history.

1090
01:42:15,600 --> 01:42:16,460
That was very exciting.

1091
01:42:16,580 --> 01:42:22,820
Thank you so much to the amazing team that worked here in the county council for putting this

1092
01:42:22,820 --> 01:42:24,900
beautiful video representing our community.

1093
01:42:24,900 --> 01:42:33,220
With that, we're going to start to read the proclamation, so I'll begin ending after that.

1094
01:42:33,300 --> 01:42:37,180
We're going to take a photo and then the fun part, the food.

1095
01:42:39,180 --> 01:42:40,040
So, I'll start.

1096
01:42:40,920 --> 01:42:44,640
So, the Khanic Council of Montgomery County Maryland Proclamation, where asked,

1097
01:42:44,860 --> 01:42:53,080
February is National Black History Month, which recognizes and honors contributions that African-Americans have made to this country,

1098
01:42:53,080 --> 01:43:05,160
As well as the events in history of the African-American, the aspirant and we're as January 1st, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, issued an emancipation and proclamation,

1099
01:43:05,440 --> 01:43:16,640
setting the United States of America on a path in slavery in one century later in 1963, more than 200,000 Americans gathered for the March and Washington, for jobs in freedom,

1100
01:43:17,220 --> 01:43:21,080
calling for African-American civil and economic rights and

1101
01:43:21,080 --> 01:43:27,340
Whereas Black History Month had its beginnings in the United States in 1926, when Black

1102
01:43:27,340 --> 01:43:31,800
educator and historian Carter G. Woodson moved to officially recognize the achievements

1103
01:43:31,800 --> 01:43:35,500
and contributions of African-Americans to our nation's history and identity.

1104
01:43:37,080 --> 01:43:42,720
Whereas enslaved Africans were brought to this country and endured brutal and inhumane

1105
01:43:42,720 --> 01:43:49,640
conditions and those who survived from generations of people became educators, doctors, scientists,

1106
01:43:49,640 --> 01:43:58,440
lawyers, policymakers and world changers. And whereas Maryland is home to African-American heroes,

1107
01:43:59,120 --> 01:44:05,820
like Frederick Douglass, Josiah Henson, Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, Pauli Murray,

1108
01:44:06,400 --> 01:44:12,220
Lily May Carroll Jackson, and you be Blake, who paved the way for the young activist of today

1109
01:44:12,220 --> 01:44:17,580
who continue to fight for racial equity, freedom, and social justice. And

1110
01:44:18,380 --> 01:44:29,760
Whereas Black Americans have contributed significantly to the growth and development of our nation and Montgomery County through distinguished leadership in every single field of human and everhand.

1111
01:44:30,580 --> 01:44:37,680
Whereas this year's National Black History Month theme is a century of Black History commemorations,

1112
01:44:37,940 --> 01:44:45,600
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the official establishment of Black History Month and its impact locally, nationally, and globally.

1113
01:44:45,600 --> 01:44:59,980
And whereas for the 100th anniversary, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black History and how it helped transform the saddest of

1114
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:04,680
Black Americans grew that throughout the modern world and.

1115
01:45:05,320 --> 01:45:11,500
Whereas this year, when we are also commemorating the 250th anniversary of United States independence,

1116
01:45:12,220 --> 01:45:18,480
it is important to not only tell an inclusive history, but an accurate one that highlights

1117
01:45:18,480 --> 01:45:22,580
the positive contributions of African Americans have made to this nation.

1118
01:45:23,900 --> 01:45:28,600
Whereas throughout Montgomery County's history, a long list of African Americans have made

1119
01:45:28,600 --> 01:45:32,940
significant strides, trailblazing, and laying the foundation for future generations.

1120
01:45:34,060 --> 01:45:38,860
And, whereas this month, we celebrate all the major contributions that African-American Trailblazers

1121
01:45:38,860 --> 01:45:43,840
have made throughout the past century, and acknowledge how far we've come as a country thanks

1122
01:45:43,840 --> 01:45:47,720
to their efforts, setting the bar even higher for generations to come.

1123
01:45:49,400 --> 01:45:53,520
Now, therefore, be resolved that the county council of Montgomery, County, Maryland,

1124
01:45:53,520 --> 01:45:58,380
hereby celebrates and proclaims February as Black History Month.

1125
01:45:58,760 --> 01:46:02,400
It's presented today by Cancel President Natalie Fanning on Salas.

1126
01:46:02,800 --> 01:46:04,040
Cancel members share our events,

1127
01:46:04,300 --> 01:46:07,340
we'll give one door, lower yourselves in the entire county council.

1128
01:46:07,640 --> 01:46:09,280
Thank you so much for being here.

1129
01:46:13,660 --> 01:46:17,920
With that, we're going to do something very fun.

1130
01:46:18,900 --> 01:46:25,100
So this year, we went over the amount of people

1131
01:46:25,100 --> 01:46:30,160
we usually get, which is a great sign in my view. So when I was told, Natalie, you already

1132
01:46:30,160 --> 01:46:36,700
cut the maximum of people who can come here. And I said to them, well, if that's the case,

1133
01:46:36,740 --> 01:46:40,940
let's bring another chair. And let's find more food, but we're not going to say no to anybody.

1134
01:46:41,720 --> 01:46:48,480
So please, we're going to mingle very closely together, come forward so we can take a photo and

1135
01:46:48,480 --> 01:46:55,460
I'm going to ask the three recipients who came who were shown on the video, Mr. Ike

1136
01:46:55,460 --> 01:47:00,960
Legit, a judge Carlos Smith, and I know Mr. Jason Green couldn't make it today, but we

1137
01:47:00,960 --> 01:47:06,620
have a representative. He's behalf, Mr. Marra Williams, who's here from the Commission

1138
01:47:06,620 --> 01:47:11,340
of Remembrance in Pre-consolation. Please come forward, everybody else who we can take a picture

1139
01:47:11,340 --> 01:47:15,980
right here. Enough to do that. We're going to go down to the second floor for lunch.

1140
01:47:18,520 --> 01:47:22,320
good no they're moving forward that's what I was doing but that's a lot

1141
01:49:05,860 --> 01:49:07,580
can you please come this way

1142
01:49:15,450 --> 01:49:18,830
everybody everyone who wants to be in the

1143
01:49:18,830 --> 01:49:21,070
photograph please make your way to the front

1144
01:50:47,790 --> 01:50:52,830
Everyone, everyone, if we can have folks moving on the corners as best as possible.

1145
01:51:07,790 --> 01:51:14,770
Please, potentially, we're going to try to take a photo with sky. We're going to look at sky, raise your hand.

1146
01:52:03,910 --> 01:52:10,110
Everyone who's taking a photo with a cell phone, if you can please sit down, so sky can take the photo. Thank you.

1147
01:53:05,020 --> 01:53:10,020
Tecany Castle is on recess on 2-1-30 pm. Thank you.

1148
01:53:16,030 --> 01:53:20,890
Good afternoon. We're continuing with a February 3rd, 2026 council meeting.

1149
01:53:21,190 --> 01:53:28,190
Agenda Item 4 is a public hearing on a resolution to approve additions to the office of zoning and administrative hearings.

1150
01:53:28,690 --> 01:53:34,930
Comprehensive fee schedule, council action is scheduled immediately following this hearing when the council seats as the district council.

1151
01:53:34,930 --> 01:53:39,350
There are not registered speakers for this hearing. This polyhaving is now closed.

1152
01:53:39,850 --> 01:53:40,890
That was quick.

1153
01:53:42,190 --> 01:53:46,830
The council will now see that the district council for action on a resolution to prove

1154
01:53:46,830 --> 01:53:51,390
Additions to the office of zoning and administrative hearings comprehensive fee schedule.

1155
01:53:51,830 --> 01:53:56,010
I will just in a motion to approve the resolution to approve the OSA fee schedule addition.

1156
01:53:56,050 --> 01:53:56,970
Some move.

1157
01:53:56,970 --> 01:53:57,930
Move a council member.

1158
01:53:58,150 --> 01:53:58,490
Don't look.

1159
01:53:59,890 --> 01:53:59,930
Second.

1160
01:53:59,930 --> 01:54:02,050
Second by council member Sherri Evans.

1161
01:54:02,210 --> 01:54:03,590
So in favor please raise your hand.

1162
01:54:04,370 --> 01:54:08,590
You pass unanimously by those who are here right now.

1163
01:54:09,730 --> 01:54:14,430
Or final item for the agenda is almost exciting today, not really today.

1164
01:54:14,650 --> 01:54:16,090
We have something more exciting this morning.

1165
01:54:17,790 --> 01:54:23,790
We are going to talk about a briefing on the county's winter storms, no abrasions.

1166
01:54:24,530 --> 01:54:27,010
I decided to schedule this meeting last week.

1167
01:54:27,710 --> 01:54:30,870
Thinking in my head, oh, the schools are going to be open on Monday.

1168
01:54:31,250 --> 01:54:32,530
Let's just do it on Tuesday.

1169
01:54:32,530 --> 01:54:46,030
I know that that did not happen and but I'm very grateful and glad that our children are back today in the school system.

1170
01:54:46,330 --> 01:54:53,830
I also do realize that this particular winter snow was really challenging and we're going to get into that.

1171
01:54:54,610 --> 01:54:59,830
We have with us today members of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

1172
01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:09,420
We had the Department of Transportation, we had the Department of General Services, we had Montgomery County Public Schools, and we have Montgomery Parks here today.

1173
01:55:10,320 --> 01:55:21,080
Each one of them has its own as no operations. I will argue, at some point, you'll need to talk to each other and coordinate better.

1174
01:55:21,080 --> 01:55:27,620
As time goes by, there's something that I think everybody in this place understands that climate change is real

1175
01:55:27,620 --> 01:55:34,480
and extreme rains and storms are going to happen more often and it is up to us to be ready.

1176
01:55:35,300 --> 01:55:40,060
The way that we're going to be doing this session today is actually pretty interesting.

1177
01:55:41,080 --> 01:55:49,960
I know we have shown in time because we have a committee work session later today in the afternoon and I know each one of us would like to ask the question.

1178
01:55:50,600 --> 01:55:53,520
So, I scheduled this in two parts.

1179
01:55:53,540 --> 01:55:58,320
The first part is going to be a presentation by county government, MCPS, and we're also

1180
01:55:58,320 --> 01:55:59,260
Montgomery Parks,

1181
01:56:01,920 --> 01:56:06,500
and I do, and before, and after that, I'm going to have a series of questions

1182
01:56:06,500 --> 01:56:12,420
for you all, and then after that, I'm going to open it up to colleagues to ask the question,

1183
01:56:12,680 --> 01:56:17,520
each one of us is going to have three minutes to ask the question and get the answer, which

1184
01:56:17,520 --> 01:56:22,280
means the question is to be straight to the point and the answer also needs to be straight to

1185
01:56:22,280 --> 01:56:27,780
the point otherwise we're not going to make this on time. If there is time we can do a second

1186
01:56:27,780 --> 01:56:34,580
round. I doubt it, but I'm just saying that I'm open to that if time permits. With that, I'm

1187
01:56:34,580 --> 01:56:41,440
going to ask perhaps Mr. Rich Malena to kick us off and go ahead. Thank you for being here today.

1188
01:56:41,720 --> 01:56:45,160
Thank you very much, Madam President. Madam Vice President, members of the County Council,

1189
01:56:45,160 --> 01:56:49,320
My name is Rich Madalino, I'm the chief administrative officer for the county government.

1190
01:56:51,100 --> 01:56:58,260
As you heard, we're joined today by a variety of leaders within our county government to talk to you a little bit about what happened.

1191
01:56:58,380 --> 01:57:01,160
Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity.

1192
01:57:01,160 --> 01:57:09,840
the excellent opportunity to start by saying thank you to all of the county government employees,

1193
01:57:10,320 --> 01:57:15,840
state employees, school system employees, parks, private contractors, individuals who helped

1194
01:57:15,840 --> 01:57:20,560
our response to this unprecedented storm. I'm going to hear a little bit about the weather.

1195
01:57:21,180 --> 01:57:24,500
You talked about climate change. You're going to hear a little bit about what this four tells

1196
01:57:24,500 --> 01:57:31,140
for the future and how we need to be thinking about it. I also want to say thank you to

1197
01:57:31,140 --> 01:57:37,940
our residents for their patients and kindness during this whole storm. Many of them were so kind to

1198
01:57:37,940 --> 01:57:46,000
our employees, offering them coffee, breaks appreciation. We greatly appreciate that, and apologies

1199
01:57:46,000 --> 01:57:54,400
to all of our residents who felt let down, misunderstood, informed by what happened during this

1200
01:57:54,400 --> 01:58:03,340
just like the water system where cold weather can reveal a crack which leads to a leak and a broken pipe.

1201
01:58:03,580 --> 01:58:12,500
This certainly led to some surprising outcomes and systems that we thought were working did not work as planned.

1202
01:58:12,880 --> 01:58:18,780
The snow tracker, some of the transfer of information from 3-1-1 to the charm and of transportation.

1203
01:58:18,780 --> 01:58:23,320
Since we're still in the middle of this, we don't have answers necessarily to all your questions,

1204
01:58:23,740 --> 01:58:29,540
but I can tell you that the county executive demands us to get to the bottom of all of these stories.

1205
01:58:30,080 --> 01:58:34,200
To understand what happened and to make sure they don't happen again.

1206
01:58:34,440 --> 01:58:40,320
So we will be doing an after-action report as we always do about this storm at every season.

1207
01:58:40,380 --> 01:58:48,020
We sit down and go through the whole plan and try to figure out what have we learned this winter and how does that inform for what we're going through.

1208
01:58:48,020 --> 01:59:03,340
So we take that very seriously, so again, thank you for this opportunity, I'm going to turn it over to Matt Mazzorco, Matt works for OEMHS and he is amongst other things are lead meteorologist for these sorts of events.

1209
01:59:03,720 --> 01:59:08,120
He has a few brief slides he's going to go through to explain what happened.

1210
01:59:19,770 --> 01:59:20,370
Good afternoon everyone.

1211
01:59:20,370 --> 01:59:24,390
uh... winners dorm summary in January we can transition to the next slide

1212
01:59:24,390 --> 01:59:26,250
the bat the bottom line is

1213
01:59:26,250 --> 01:59:29,950
our good snowstorms are big snowstorms and ice storms have three key ingredients

1214
01:59:29,950 --> 01:59:33,990
which we saw last week a lot of cold air a lot of lift a lot of moisture

1215
01:59:33,990 --> 01:59:38,350
the weather map that you see was from sunday morning uh... across the entire nation

1216
01:59:38,350 --> 01:59:41,670
as the storm is beginning and if you look work in tucky intensity was

1217
01:59:41,670 --> 01:59:44,630
there is a really powerful storm brewing down to our south

1218
01:59:44,630 --> 01:59:48,450
throwing a lot of moisture into that Arctic air mass that's illustrated by that high

1219
01:59:48,450 --> 01:59:50,790
pressure really across the U.S. Canadian borders.

1220
01:59:51,050 --> 01:59:52,990
So all the ingredients were there for a big event.

1221
01:59:53,450 --> 01:59:55,530
Whenever we see storms move to our west,

1222
01:59:55,650 --> 01:59:57,090
into its Pittsburgh or West Virginia,

1223
01:59:57,310 --> 01:59:59,770
that's really a classic setup for sleep and freezing rain.

1224
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:10,060
And our cold ground temperatures that we had in the days leading up to that allowed for rapid accumulations. So as soon as it snowed, as soon as it's sleet it, it was sticking, even on our interstate highway systems.

1225
02:00:10,820 --> 02:00:21,480
And fortunately, for a part of the event, temperatures really, very cold for most of our road treatments. And as we look at our next slide here, this is a really good illustration of what we were facing at.

1226
02:00:21,740 --> 02:00:29,980
The atmosphere likes to be stable. That's either rain and it's real nice to warm or it's snow and it's real nice and cold. We started as snow, but some warm air moved in.

1227
02:00:29,980 --> 02:00:34,360
loft and change things over to sleep. Normally, the warm air would win over, we would

1228
02:00:34,360 --> 02:00:37,980
go to rain, the roads would kind of take care of themselves, rain would wash everything

1229
02:00:37,980 --> 02:00:43,500
away but we had such a fresh, anomalous, arctic air mass in place. That's why it was

1230
02:00:43,500 --> 02:00:48,520
sleeping at 15 degrees. There was just a replenishment of that cold air. Freezing rain

1231
02:00:48,520 --> 02:00:53,220
and sleep are a self-destructive process. It's a sign-up warm air wants to win out. This

1232
02:00:53,220 --> 02:00:57,940
is that one time that it's time that didn't happen. On our next slide, a big question we've

1233
02:00:57,940 --> 02:01:02,280
seeing as, you know, how much snow fell, it was about six to 10 inches of snow across the

1234
02:01:02,280 --> 02:01:07,420
county with snow and sleet. If we melted that down, it would be the equivalent of about

1235
02:01:07,420 --> 02:01:11,860
two inches of liquid. We saw that with the airports that have heated ringgages at Delos and

1236
02:01:11,860 --> 02:01:17,200
Reagan and BWI. If that was all snow, that would have been about 20 inches of snow, and that

1237
02:01:17,200 --> 02:01:21,460
would have qualified somewhere in that top 10 snowfall for the region. If you go back in the

1238
02:01:21,460 --> 02:01:27,020
200 years of snowfall records for this area, 20 inches plus is when we start getting to those

1239
02:01:27,020 --> 02:01:33,760
verified snowstorm. So had this been all snow. We've been pretty impactful too. This is our statewide weather.

1240
02:01:33,820 --> 02:01:39,740
Mesonette, these are the snow and sleep readings that we saw right when the storm is ending up.

1241
02:01:39,880 --> 02:01:44,540
There were some 10 and 11 inch readings in Clarksburg, but this goes to show you it wasn't just Montgomery County.

1242
02:01:45,000 --> 02:01:51,020
A good portion of northern and central Maryland also saw significant snow as well. So to our next slide here.

1243
02:01:51,540 --> 02:01:55,200
This is really what kind of complicated things. Why was it so cold afterwards?

1244
02:01:55,200 --> 02:01:58,440
We had a really uncommon air mass for this region.

1245
02:01:59,020 --> 02:02:01,280
This is a backwards trajectory model.

1246
02:02:01,460 --> 02:02:03,780
What this shows is where did our air come from?

1247
02:02:04,000 --> 02:02:05,540
And so I centered it over Gathersburg.

1248
02:02:05,560 --> 02:02:07,100
If you look at that green line,

1249
02:02:07,340 --> 02:02:09,780
that goes all the way back over to Russia and the North Pole.

1250
02:02:10,020 --> 02:02:13,700
So we had a weather pattern that took many, many days to establish itself.

1251
02:02:14,040 --> 02:02:16,940
And it's going to take many, many days to actually start breaking down.

1252
02:02:17,840 --> 02:02:20,520
There's always a chance that as these weather patterns break down,

1253
02:02:20,520 --> 02:02:24,360
you get one last snowstorm before we break into the spring.

1254
02:02:24,360 --> 02:02:30,000
We're getting more sun angle, we're getting more day, you know, out minutes of sun every day.

1255
02:02:30,060 --> 02:02:30,800
So that's a good thing.

1256
02:02:30,980 --> 02:02:35,720
We're working towards spring, but that's about what we have for our overview.

1257
02:02:38,140 --> 02:02:43,300
So Madam President, with 78 hundred lane miles of roads across Montgomery County,

1258
02:02:43,460 --> 02:02:47,340
our Department of Transportation is responsible for more than 5,400.

1259
02:02:47,900 --> 02:02:52,520
The state, almost 1,500 and our municipal partners, almost 800,

1260
02:02:52,520 --> 02:02:58,640
with with parking planning responsible for probably another 50. We have tried to answer all of your

1261
02:02:58,640 --> 02:03:04,500
questions in our presentation so as you go through you might see that we've touched on some of them

1262
02:03:04,500 --> 02:03:08,940
so I'm just trying to make sure you understand that we greatly appreciated those in advance and hopefully

1263
02:03:08,940 --> 02:03:13,760
we will get through many of them so that you don't necessarily even have to go over them again. So with that

1264
02:03:13,760 --> 02:03:18,380
I'll turn it over to Chris to David Dice, our director at the Department of General Services.

1265
02:03:19,700 --> 02:03:25,520
So, this will be real quick because I know a lot of entrances on roads and sidewalks and things like that.

1266
02:03:25,660 --> 02:03:33,340
But just to give you an idea of how the county responds to snow events such as this,

1267
02:03:33,580 --> 02:03:40,040
we talk to you about how we address our facilities on David Dice, direct the Montgomery County Department of General Services.

1268
02:03:40,040 --> 02:03:47,360
We activated when OEMS activated at eight o'clock on Saturday the 24th.

1269
02:03:47,640 --> 02:03:54,460
That we're finally deactivated three days later, three and a half days later at 5 p.m. on the 27th.

1270
02:03:54,460 --> 02:03:59,920
That included the initial response as well as a reactivation to address snow melt.

1271
02:04:00,180 --> 02:04:02,420
Snow melt is something that's still going today.

1272
02:04:02,940 --> 02:04:08,360
Sun shining, snow is melting, it's going to refreeze, will be back out there early in the morning

1273
02:04:08,360 --> 02:04:10,660
to make sure the public buildings are accessible.

1274
02:04:11,040 --> 02:04:14,240
So, as long as this is melting, it's still going on.

1275
02:04:14,360 --> 02:04:17,120
DGS staff reported, I have a staff that reports

1276
02:04:17,120 --> 02:04:20,180
to the emergency operation center during a partial activation.

1277
02:04:20,720 --> 02:04:24,600
That includes folks from my office, as well as my fleet maintenance,

1278
02:04:24,920 --> 02:04:25,640
as well as facilities.

1279
02:04:25,980 --> 02:04:29,060
And they're the ones that are coordinating across divisions

1280
02:04:29,060 --> 02:04:33,180
within DGS in the response as well as with DOT,

1281
02:04:33,780 --> 02:04:35,900
with OEMHS, and with public safety.

1282
02:04:36,100 --> 02:04:38,340
Public safety facilities are always our number

1283
02:04:38,340 --> 02:04:44,800
one priority. We hit those first followed by other essential health facilities and then recreation

1284
02:04:44,800 --> 02:04:51,120
and libraries. Before the event was coming, we knew it was coming, so we've ensured that

1285
02:04:51,120 --> 02:04:58,920
all emergency generators, fuel tanks were topped off. We brought in all necessary assets and

1286
02:04:58,920 --> 02:04:59,960
supplies on Friday.

1287
02:05:00,000 --> 02:05:21,000
Day before, to make sure that we staff, because we know from experience, I've been doing this for a long time. Once you're in the place, you're going to stay in place until it's over. So we wanted to make sure there was enough food, there were cuts, there were supplies, and people, staff, so that no one individuals overworking themselves, that's when the stakes are made, that's when injuries occur.

1288
02:05:21,640 --> 02:05:29,980
One of the things we did, we did knowing what was coming and knowing that we have these facilities, we coordinated with DOT, and now that we've got photovoltaic panels over a lot of parking,

1289
02:05:29,980 --> 02:05:35,240
lots, we encourage departments that have vehicles on surface lots to get them undercover.

1290
02:05:36,200 --> 02:05:43,880
This improved our ability to clean public facility surface lots much more rapidly than we've

1291
02:05:43,880 --> 02:05:48,180
been able to in the past, which is a real positive achievement this year to get those vehicles

1292
02:05:48,180 --> 02:05:52,880
out of the way instead of having them get stuck in the snow and the ice that occurred.

1293
02:05:52,880 --> 02:05:59,220
We had a 45 facility staff here in the Rockwood Court all over the county.

1294
02:05:59,840 --> 02:06:03,740
They worked for 52 hours straight with periodic breaks.

1295
02:06:04,140 --> 02:06:08,280
These are the folks that are actually out with shovels clearing sidewalks.

1296
02:06:08,400 --> 02:06:11,780
Because we knew what was going to happen if it was sleet, it would be even more difficult

1297
02:06:11,780 --> 02:06:12,200
to remove.

1298
02:06:12,400 --> 02:06:17,640
So we were working throughout the storm clearing sidewalks and have contractors clearing

1299
02:06:17,640 --> 02:06:18,340
parking lots.

1300
02:06:18,340 --> 02:06:21,820
This occurred at 231 county sites.

1301
02:06:21,820 --> 02:06:23,600
We have all prioritized and listed.

1302
02:06:23,680 --> 02:06:24,840
We know which ones to hit.

1303
02:06:25,360 --> 02:06:29,060
We had six contractors working with 82 pieces of equipment,

1304
02:06:29,500 --> 02:06:31,420
which included salt, spreaders, and plows,

1305
02:06:31,420 --> 02:06:34,600
as well as other pieces of clear sidewalks,

1306
02:06:34,760 --> 02:06:38,320
55 sidewalk crews out there spread across the county,

1307
02:06:38,720 --> 02:06:41,780
and we were operating out of DOT's, salt domes.

1308
02:06:42,820 --> 02:06:45,620
Later in the week at MCPS's request,

1309
02:06:45,960 --> 02:06:48,960
they contacted us saying they have a hard time getting

1310
02:06:48,960 --> 02:06:50,940
all the sites necessary, so on Thursday,

1311
02:06:50,940 --> 02:06:56,880
say, having completed our work, we directed a couple of our contractors over to MCPS to help

1312
02:06:56,880 --> 02:06:57,400
them.

1313
02:06:57,820 --> 02:07:02,840
While all of this is going on at county facilities, we also are supporting DOT highway

1314
02:07:02,840 --> 02:07:11,560
services in the response to the plowing, so DOT, so DGS fleet, I brought in 26 heavy equipment

1315
02:07:11,560 --> 02:07:16,500
mechanics along with welders and parts technicians, because you don't think about this

1316
02:07:16,500 --> 02:07:20,900
of happening in the response to emergency, as I always say, if it moves, it breaks.

1317
02:07:21,760 --> 02:07:23,480
And so we expect this to happen.

1318
02:07:23,720 --> 02:07:27,580
The welders did their thing, the heavy equipment mechanics did theirs.

1319
02:07:27,740 --> 02:07:31,780
They worked for 24-7 for five straight days.

1320
02:07:33,320 --> 02:07:37,680
A 10-equipment Chris is going to give you a list of the equipment that they were using.

1321
02:07:38,080 --> 02:07:40,940
All of that stuff had to be maintained and equipped.

1322
02:07:40,940 --> 02:07:58,020
And just as a summary, we were, those guys weren't stalling reinstalling ripped off mud flaps, replacing hydraulic hoses and repairing hydraulic leaps, flat tires caused by tire chains, tire chains are great, a lot of road, we're out the tires.

1323
02:07:58,620 --> 02:08:06,960
We were retrieving and towing both trucks and ride on buses that were stuck in snow banks, replacing snowplow cutting edges.

1324
02:08:06,960 --> 02:08:11,740
as those plows are running along the streets, they tear, they break off, we actually make sure

1325
02:08:11,740 --> 02:08:16,760
before the event that we were stopped with, all those replacement parts, the object is

1326
02:08:16,760 --> 02:08:20,760
get the vehicle into the shop and out of the shop and back on the road.

1327
02:08:21,340 --> 02:08:25,240
No one of those vehicles was in our shop for a pair for over an hour.

1328
02:08:26,040 --> 02:08:28,540
So they were back on the road helping out what we could do.

1329
02:08:28,720 --> 02:08:34,560
The outcome of this is that all county facilities were open, we're ready to be open and

1330
02:08:34,560 --> 02:08:36,080
for business by Tuesday morning.

1331
02:08:36,080 --> 02:08:44,680
Really proud of the DGS group for doing that so with that I will turn it over to my colleague and now for the biggest component of the snow response

1332
02:08:44,680 --> 02:08:51,240
We're going to go through DOT's reaction to this and all the actions that have taken place. So

1333
02:08:51,840 --> 02:08:56,780
Go ahead and advance our preparation for this starts in the fall every year

1334
02:08:56,780 --> 02:09:01,440
We have an annual exercise training a mox no event or all the

1335
02:09:01,440 --> 02:09:07,380
computer systems, response systems, personnel issues are all reviewed, and we get ready for the

1336
02:09:07,380 --> 02:09:11,420
snow season. We invite regional partners to participate in that. So that's the beginning of

1337
02:09:11,420 --> 02:09:16,480
the preparation for this. It's not just before the storm. During the week of the storm, we became

1338
02:09:16,480 --> 02:09:22,040
aware of the impending storm on Monday. We began our internal preparations for crew assignments

1339
02:09:22,040 --> 02:09:27,180
and equipment availability. On Thursday, we began operations. So we have been now operating

1340
02:09:27,180 --> 02:09:33,900
for the storm for 13 straight days. We pre-treated all of the primary roads on Thursday. On Friday

1341
02:09:33,900 --> 02:09:39,920
we began the public information campaign and many of you participated in that to advise our residents

1342
02:09:39,920 --> 02:09:45,680
that this was likely to be a long term dig out event. Saturday we pre-treated all residential roads

1343
02:09:45,680 --> 02:09:50,120
which is not a normal component of our start and plan but given the intensity of this storm

1344
02:09:50,120 --> 02:09:54,900
we did additional preparation work. You wish you could prepare so much as that it doesn't happen

1345
02:09:54,900 --> 02:09:59,980
but that's not possible. And the bulk of the work happens after the snow starts. So Thursday, I'm sorry.

1346
02:10:00,000 --> 02:10:08,840
Sorry, Saturday at 6 p.m., we did quorum, snow emergency, which has various provisions in it, which is moderately to maybe even unhelpful. We don't talk about that a little bit later.

1347
02:10:09,820 --> 02:10:15,700
And then activated our crews at 9 p.m. Sunday about five hours before the weather actually started.

1348
02:10:17,620 --> 02:10:24,660
During this, again, snow emergency 21 free parking garages during the duration of the storm.

1349
02:10:25,320 --> 02:10:31,160
Austria parking restrictions throughout residential neighborhoods and snow emergency routes in a taxi search yard during place.

1350
02:10:32,840 --> 02:10:38,660
During the event, we're responsible for about 5,400 of those lane miles, about 2,3rds of the road network in the county.

1351
02:10:38,660 --> 02:10:42,180
We had 500 pieces of equipment on road duty.

1352
02:10:42,560 --> 02:10:46,240
We had another 126 pieces of equipment on sidewalk duty.

1353
02:10:46,620 --> 02:10:51,600
We were active, as I mentioned, for about 240 consecutive hours of snow operations here.

1354
02:10:51,940 --> 02:10:54,520
Around 600 people deployed on this.

1355
02:10:54,720 --> 02:10:58,500
Roughly half of that is county staff and roughly half of that is contractors.

1356
02:10:59,600 --> 02:11:05,080
During this event, we've cleared 100 miles of sidewalk over 800 bus stops and we're working towards a thousand.

1357
02:11:05,080 --> 02:11:15,360
The 21 parking garages were kept operational, as those are places people's cars are that they aren't normally at home, and we've handled over 10,000's 311 service requests.

1358
02:11:17,160 --> 02:11:26,480
During the response phase for this storm, and we have two elements of our response phase, one is systematic, where we know exactly what we need to do, and that's what we focus on.

1359
02:11:26,480 --> 02:11:31,620
During the event itself or focused on emergency response, working with David's crews to make sure

1360
02:11:31,620 --> 02:11:37,340
fire stations and other police facilities and places where emergency responders are coming from are accessible.

1361
02:11:37,560 --> 02:11:41,600
We have crews stationed at those facilities to help emergency responders get to locations.

1362
02:11:42,240 --> 02:11:48,520
We're then focused on keeping access to within a quarter mile of all houses in the county and on our primary road network.

1363
02:11:49,340 --> 02:11:53,760
When the snow stops, we then transition to the residential street network.

1364
02:11:54,280 --> 02:11:59,780
And we have 220 plow roots that we serve in that residential area and we work on clearing

1365
02:11:59,780 --> 02:12:00,420
all those out.

1366
02:12:00,520 --> 02:12:02,620
We begin snow hauling in the central business districts.

1367
02:12:02,640 --> 02:12:06,700
We begin the sidewalk operations and other planned scheduled activities.

1368
02:12:07,420 --> 02:12:10,800
When we get to a point of completion and many of you noted this in your questions,

1369
02:12:11,580 --> 02:12:17,520
we then open up for service requests for responding to areas that were missed or need additional attention.

1370
02:12:17,980 --> 02:12:22,460
That happened too early in that event and that was a major source of frustration for our community.

1371
02:12:24,600 --> 02:12:30,020
Plowing this happened throughout the county started around 4am on Sunday, and it's not

1372
02:12:30,020 --> 02:12:34,300
plowing now it's hauling, but has continued through while we sit here today.

1373
02:12:34,600 --> 02:12:38,020
So 13 straight days of this activity have been underway by the county.

1374
02:12:38,600 --> 02:12:43,000
Snow hauling, in most events this is only in our central business districts of Bethesda

1375
02:12:43,000 --> 02:12:45,600
Wheaton, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Clarksburg.

1376
02:12:46,200 --> 02:12:50,360
In this event we are also hauling on all major county roads where we're doing sidewalk clearing

1377
02:12:50,360 --> 02:12:55,240
and attempting not to, where we had done sidewalk clearing, and as we widened those roads

1378
02:12:55,240 --> 02:12:58,340
out to their full width, we're attempting not to rebarry sidewalks.

1379
02:12:58,700 --> 02:13:03,400
So for example, earlier this week, I think I've lost track of time, Monday, I was on post

1380
02:13:03,400 --> 02:13:09,300
Oak Road and North Potomac Potomac Potomac, and we were snow hauling on residential

1381
02:13:09,300 --> 02:13:12,220
streets, because there's just too much snow to place on the side.

1382
02:13:14,950 --> 02:13:18,190
Monitoring progress, again we follow all 220 plow routes.

1383
02:13:18,190 --> 02:13:23,250
This is internal use only. We do not publish this information. There is no public snow map

1384
02:13:23,250 --> 02:13:27,090
Showing that your street was cleared. There are a lot of reports that the map said my street was cleared

1385
02:13:27,090 --> 02:13:33,910
It may have said the service district was cleared. That was not accurate and I would ignore I'll describe the source of that later

1386
02:13:33,910 --> 02:13:40,330
And then a direct interface with 311 that opens up when that work is complete and the public information and other

1387
02:13:40,330 --> 02:13:45,450
Issue that we're going to identify as after action is directly fed from the system to the public information

1388
02:13:45,450 --> 02:13:49,970
and we need to reinsert a human in that and not have it be computer to computer.

1389
02:13:51,610 --> 02:13:53,110
Reporting, we did a lot of reporting.

1390
02:13:53,490 --> 02:13:58,390
You saw too much of me and TV, too much of Emily on TV, trying to keep our residents informed

1391
02:13:58,390 --> 02:14:02,150
of our status, trying to give advice on how to deal with the snow that they were experiencing

1392
02:14:02,150 --> 02:14:03,630
at their own location.

1393
02:14:05,960 --> 02:14:11,020
This is just to give a picture of the type of input we were getting through the service

1394
02:14:11,020 --> 02:14:11,580
requests.

1395
02:14:11,580 --> 02:14:19,240
The spike was around 515 service requests in one hour, and obviously that was impossible for 311 to manage.

1396
02:14:19,960 --> 02:14:24,600
And you noted some of the long wait times we tried to get people to switch the online intake form,

1397
02:14:24,900 --> 02:14:30,800
because the 311 operators using the online intake form to take the residents request and get it into the service request system.

1398
02:14:31,260 --> 02:14:36,720
You can see how that spiked on Wednesday the day people really had that expectation that they would be able to move about.

1399
02:14:37,500 --> 02:14:47,920
That expectation was partially met. We were probably 80 to 85, 90 percent clear on Wednesday, but that still means there are a lot of people who didn't have access to the road network.

1400
02:14:48,000 --> 02:14:56,120
And then you can see how that tailed off through the remainder of the week to low levels of activity over the weekend and those low levels of activity are continuing yesterday and today.

1401
02:14:56,860 --> 02:14:59,980
Challenges, deep snow and ice pack, equipment failure.

1402
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:04,780
Members, none of these were catastrophic, but none of the less from the equipment fails it has to go in and get fixed.

1403
02:15:05,840 --> 02:15:13,940
The data quality going into our snow management systems, no IQ was not sufficient to guide our operational response.

1404
02:15:14,540 --> 02:15:22,640
We know why that is. There are issues with not completing routes due to equipment failure, block streets, and some human error and inputting routes being complete when they're not.

1405
02:15:22,640 --> 02:15:38,760
That led to the premature transition from systemic to service request service and opened up 3111 to early for our service request and the service request that were received before that were closed without explanation which is we need to just address the explanation.

1406
02:15:39,360 --> 02:15:44,000
We still need to close that because we cannot take service requests before we're done processing the power.

1407
02:15:44,000 --> 02:15:49,100
because they're going to get piled anyway, and then we'll have a backlog that we won't know

1408
02:15:49,100 --> 02:15:53,120
how to address and sort through. We have a lot of duplicative and distracting service

1409
02:15:53,120 --> 02:15:58,240
requests, and we have about 15 streams of input for service requests, which make it hard to

1410
02:15:58,240 --> 02:16:01,140
align all of those service requests and understand what's done and not done.

1411
02:16:04,340 --> 02:16:05,080
And then challenges.

1412
02:16:05,580 --> 02:16:09,660
It's unavoidable that we're going to replace, no, across people's driveways on the sidewalks

1413
02:16:11,100 --> 02:16:15,160
and against park cars. It's just simply not possible. The snow has to go to the side of the road.

1414
02:16:15,160 --> 02:16:22,060
There's nowhere else for it to go. We were struggled. I think we tried, but the message may not have been understood.

1415
02:16:22,620 --> 02:16:27,480
What possible means? It means like the picture on the right. It's snow-covered.

1416
02:16:28,040 --> 02:16:32,200
But you can drive on that road if you need to. It's not clear. It's not ideal.

1417
02:16:32,520 --> 02:16:36,240
It doesn't mean a lot of needs, but it can allow you to travel out of your home.

1418
02:16:37,160 --> 02:16:42,330
We do not get to pavement, and we have a lot of confusion and service requests about who's responsible for what?

1419
02:16:43,110 --> 02:16:49,230
Council President, your point exactly, we need to understand that, but it's very difficult for the average member of the public to understand that.

1420
02:16:49,530 --> 02:16:52,250
And I think I missed at the beginning of this, we'll go to the last slide.

1421
02:16:53,510 --> 02:16:57,690
Some of the things that we're looking to do, there's more, you know, we covered that.

1422
02:16:59,970 --> 02:17:02,210
Adjustments, more person to person communication.

1423
02:17:02,930 --> 02:17:05,110
In 2016, there were phone calls.

1424
02:17:05,430 --> 02:17:11,210
And we were all used to phone calls, council staff, senior counter, county management, and others to understand status.

1425
02:17:11,210 --> 02:17:16,290
We've gone to too much electronic versions of that, too much written, too much social media.

1426
02:17:16,750 --> 02:17:22,710
We need to go back to having direct conversations about the snow status among elected officials and those responding.

1427
02:17:23,610 --> 02:17:30,110
We need to clean up the data entry process for the residential street clearing and get rid of those false reports of completed routes.

1428
02:17:30,650 --> 02:17:36,690
We need to have better integration between 311 and snow IQs so that people understand why their service request was closed

1429
02:17:36,690 --> 02:17:41,950
and just not that it was closed without the issue they reported getting addressed right in front of them.

1430
02:17:42,390 --> 02:17:48,350
We had a few issues with road inventory that there are our roads but they weren't listed in the GIS inventory.

1431
02:17:48,550 --> 02:17:55,470
You need to clean that up. There are a number of issues in the county code that are out of step with current life.

1432
02:17:56,110 --> 02:18:01,810
Things like Sunday not being a snow emergency day in the county code that doesn't help us from the snow occurs on Sunday.

1433
02:18:01,810 --> 02:18:04,370
We need to go through and clean all that up.

1434
02:18:04,410 --> 02:18:07,430
We recognize those as we started to try to implement those items.

1435
02:18:08,070 --> 02:18:10,310
And the part of this I missed was the magnitude of this event.

1436
02:18:11,710 --> 02:18:14,230
There's a huge amount of snow and ice.

1437
02:18:14,870 --> 02:18:16,050
Three million tons.

1438
02:18:17,030 --> 02:18:20,470
It's 125 maximum weight semi-trailers worth of snow.

1439
02:18:20,930 --> 02:18:25,730
125,000 that fell on streets in the county that these agencies had to move.

1440
02:18:26,350 --> 02:18:28,990
Much of that was done in two and a half to three days.

1441
02:18:29,510 --> 02:18:30,870
It's an incredible accomplishment.

1442
02:18:30,870 --> 02:18:34,310
We could not have done that without the dedication of county employees.

1443
02:18:34,810 --> 02:18:35,770
They stayed at this.

1444
02:18:35,970 --> 02:18:36,810
They grinded through.

1445
02:18:37,070 --> 02:18:37,810
It's brute force.

1446
02:18:38,050 --> 02:18:38,410
It's ugly.

1447
02:18:38,670 --> 02:18:39,030
It's big.

1448
02:18:39,150 --> 02:18:40,110
And it had to be done.

1449
02:18:41,230 --> 02:18:43,750
We did our best to keep them from the negative commentary.

1450
02:18:43,910 --> 02:18:46,750
But it does affect morale and ability to respond.

1451
02:18:47,350 --> 02:18:48,310
They're at it still.

1452
02:18:48,750 --> 02:18:51,590
We've been working closely to get the school issues cleared.

1453
02:18:52,190 --> 02:18:53,210
So that schools could reopen.

1454
02:18:53,530 --> 02:18:56,950
And we've done a lot with interaction with the municipalities,

1455
02:18:57,270 --> 02:18:59,390
the state highway administration and other agencies.

1456
02:19:00,150 --> 02:19:05,510
not strictly within the county DOT's purview but we've taken that on to try to get all of these

1457
02:19:05,510 --> 02:19:08,330
issues addressed so that the full functioning of the county could come back together.

1458
02:19:08,970 --> 02:19:11,690
I normally say I'm happy to be here and answer your questions.

1459
02:19:12,110 --> 02:19:13,070
That is true today.

1460
02:19:13,650 --> 02:19:14,690
I am happy to be here.

1461
02:19:14,710 --> 02:19:15,970
I want to answer the questions.

1462
02:19:16,130 --> 02:19:17,330
It was a big event.

1463
02:19:17,910 --> 02:19:20,570
95% of our activity went well in his plan.

1464
02:19:20,930 --> 02:19:24,630
The major issue we had was with electronic communications from system

1465
02:19:24,630 --> 02:19:30,150
system without human intervention before that got to the public making them think something was done when

1466
02:19:30,150 --> 02:19:34,470
it wasn't done and we know what we need to do to fix that going forward so thank you for the opportunity

1467
02:19:34,470 --> 02:19:39,270
to answer your other questions today. Thank you we're going to proceed with NCPS I have comments

1468
02:19:39,270 --> 02:19:47,270
of questions but I'm going to hold them. MCPS Mr. Adnan Mammu. Can you please? Good afternoon thank you

1469
02:19:47,270 --> 02:19:51,270
my name is Adnan Mammu and I'm the chief of operations from Monio County Public Schools.

1470
02:19:51,270 --> 02:19:59,970
I do want to begin by thanking the partners that we've had throughout this event with MCDOT and DGS as directly.

1471
02:20:00,000 --> 02:20:08,960
Mr. Dice and Director of Complain has already talked about, we did reach out to the county partners and they have been very helpful in helping us through this process.

1472
02:20:09,240 --> 02:20:12,940
As everybody has already talked about, this has been a very complicated storm.

1473
02:20:13,180 --> 02:20:28,000
We have experienced the significant amount of snowfall, the rephrasing conditions, and the repeated plowing that, you know, Director of Complain already said that was unavoidable, which again, you know, rebury sidewalks and entrances after they were already cleared.

1474
02:20:28,000 --> 02:20:34,960
throughout all of this we remain focused on the safety of our employees as well as our students.

1475
02:20:36,220 --> 02:20:42,200
So we started our operations obviously we've been meeting throughout the week last week before the storm started.

1476
02:20:42,780 --> 02:20:46,280
Our operations started at 6 a.m. Sunday morning.

1477
02:20:46,480 --> 02:20:52,000
We did set up hotel rooms for our summer maintenance folks that helped you know start declaring our

1478
02:20:52,000 --> 02:21:04,760
school sites at six a.m. Sunday morning and we wanted to make sure that they had access to, you know, so that they didn't have to travel back and forth to home. So we set up the hotel rooms for them. They started out at six a.m.

1479
02:21:05,380 --> 02:21:15,960
And remain deployed throughout the week and we had to, you know, and then building services staff was brought in on Monday after we determined it was safe for them to, you know, get on the roads to get to our schools.

1480
02:21:15,960 --> 02:21:29,020
And we started immediately clearing all our sidewalks at 237 school and office buildings and again, you know, many of the cases we had to, you know, clear and then re-clear as, you know, folks were, you know, cleaning up their snows.

1481
02:21:29,340 --> 02:21:36,480
We also experienced equipment strain, which has already been discussed already because of the cold as well as the amount of use that we were getting.

1482
02:21:36,480 --> 02:21:41,540
And so we had some breakdowns due to the sustained nature of the operation, but we continued

1483
02:21:41,540 --> 02:21:46,000
to rotate teams and resources and making progress at every site.

1484
02:21:46,760 --> 02:21:55,000
We relied heavily on contractors, but 90 of our schools were, you know, you know, we utilized

1485
02:21:55,000 --> 02:22:00,720
contractors to clean up 90 plus of our schools, however, as you heard, they were also busy

1486
02:22:00,720 --> 02:22:06,760
with, you know, cleaning up the state roads and county roads, so we just, you know,

1487
02:22:06,840 --> 02:22:10,720
have to continue to work with them. And then when we reached out to DGS, we were, you know,

1488
02:22:10,760 --> 02:22:12,160
able to access more contractors.

1489
02:22:14,240 --> 02:22:18,140
And then from our transportation department, you know,

1490
02:22:18,420 --> 02:22:23,360
we staffed all our five buses depots, depots daily, cleared the lots and the buses,

1491
02:22:23,820 --> 02:22:27,920
and conducted road checks, which allowed us to kind of create the list where we were seeing

1492
02:22:27,920 --> 02:22:34,180
concerns and we've been sharing that list with Dr. Conflins team and they've been helping us with that.

1493
02:22:34,460 --> 02:22:41,580
But ultimately the neighborhood road and sidewalk conditions were what helped us determine whether we were going to open schools or not.

1494
02:22:42,040 --> 02:22:55,000
Because about one in five hour students walk to schools as well as many others depend on access to sidewalks and areas where they can stand and wait for the buses to pick them up.

1495
02:22:55,000 --> 02:23:02,060
So because of, you know, the sidewalks clearing, you know, was not enforced, we had to, you

1496
02:23:02,060 --> 02:23:07,860
know, depend on that to make sure that we were making the calls on when we were able

1497
02:23:07,860 --> 02:23:08,680
to open our schools.

1498
02:23:09,620 --> 02:23:15,060
We were operating today, and as anticipated, we have encountered some challenges, both with

1499
02:23:15,060 --> 02:23:20,220
walkers navigating ICR on clear sidewalks and with buses maneuvering through neighborhoods.

1500
02:23:21,040 --> 02:23:25,960
And our Department of Transportation is tracking these issues in real time, and we'll continue

1501
02:23:25,960 --> 02:23:30,300
to coordinating with our sister agencies on this.

1502
02:23:30,740 --> 02:23:36,400
During closures, we also ensured one of the things we did is as early as possible, we opened

1503
02:23:36,400 --> 02:23:39,620
up nine of our sites to start serving foods.

1504
02:23:40,080 --> 02:23:45,120
So on Wednesday, we had nine schools that were open for food distribution, and then on Friday,

1505
02:23:45,120 --> 02:23:48,900
we had a total of 16 sites that were available for distributions.

1506
02:23:50,580 --> 02:23:52,880
The count is not finalized yet.

1507
02:23:54,620 --> 02:23:59,200
We started a north of 47,000 meals throughout last week to the families.

1508
02:24:00,960 --> 02:24:05,980
And then, again, we talked about, our teams are continuously working and we're going to continue

1509
02:24:05,980 --> 02:24:14,580
to collaborate with MCDOT as we see any conditions that have issues with our transportation

1510
02:24:14,580 --> 02:24:19,880
as well as our walkers and we'll continue to collaborate. Thank you. Thank you so much, Ms. Yereo.

1511
02:24:20,160 --> 02:24:26,840
From Parks. Thank you so much. I'm MIDI Figurado, Montgomery Parks Director. Our role here is

1512
02:24:26,840 --> 02:24:31,900
certainly a little bit more limited than Director Conquins. But I'm happy to be here to talk to you

1513
02:24:31,900 --> 02:24:37,780
about what we do during a storm like this one to keep our parks accessible and safe and our park roads

1514
02:24:37,780 --> 02:24:45,260
in sidewalks. Each year before the season starts we update our weather emergency guide and we

1515
02:24:45,260 --> 02:24:51,860
assign a snow commander for that season. This year our snow commander is Todd Holmes. He's right

1516
02:24:51,860 --> 02:24:58,460
over here. He is our regional operations manager in the Southern Division and from the moment the snow

1517
02:24:58,460 --> 02:24:59,980
emergency is declared in the first

1518
02:25:03,740 --> 02:25:26,380
This is a multi-dimensional effort. We have our northern region, our southern region has the biggest lift, it's the most urban region and it's got all three of our parkways in it. But again, multiple divisions participate in this and as one division or one management area wraps up their priority list, their redeploy to work on others.

1519
02:25:26,380 --> 02:25:34,640
We also have our facility's management, fleet management team is on call with mechanics during the entire stretch of the emergency.

1520
02:25:35,320 --> 02:25:42,900
Again, as these folks were saying, making sure that our equipment is in the state of good repair and is fixed as things break inevitably it happens.

1521
02:25:43,300 --> 02:25:53,640
They also in advance of the storm, our checking equipment and checking also importantly and calibrating our equipment for assault spreading and spreading the D.I.C. liquid.

1522
02:25:53,640 --> 02:26:02,480
And of course, our public information team is updating the public on park closures, facility closures, delays, etc.

1523
02:26:03,420 --> 02:26:09,880
And finally, of course, our park police are out there during the storm making sure that everyone is safe and handling any emergencies as they come up.

1524
02:26:10,920 --> 02:26:13,720
During the snow emergencies, we are staff by park staff.

1525
02:26:14,460 --> 02:26:19,780
We have about 130 staff who are on call during the snow emergency divided into a couple of shifts.

1526
02:26:20,600 --> 02:26:36,260
Each management area, and we have like 20 management areas that are participating in this, regularly report back up to the snow commander, their progress on their priority list, and then once again once their areas have been completed, they're redeployed.

1527
02:26:36,260 --> 02:26:38,980
We do prioritize our snow removal.

1528
02:26:39,100 --> 02:26:45,960
We start out, of course, with clearing our parkways and our heavily traveled regional park roads.

1529
02:26:46,580 --> 02:26:52,460
Also, our parking lots that serve key facilities and sidewalks that connect to schools,

1530
02:26:52,840 --> 02:26:55,840
or are also heavily trafficked in urban areas.

1531
02:26:55,900 --> 02:26:57,980
That's our priority one.

1532
02:26:58,520 --> 02:27:01,900
And then our second priority is making sure that our maintenance yards,

1533
02:27:01,900 --> 02:27:07,860
any place where our staff, master, our facility entrances, internal service routes, all of

1534
02:27:07,860 --> 02:27:12,800
those have to be cleared as well so that we can maintain operations during the storm.

1535
02:27:14,780 --> 02:27:20,240
Once, and we also, I should say, coordinate with other departments. We have a fleet of about a dozen

1536
02:27:20,240 --> 02:27:27,820
trucks and we deploy three of them along with drivers and staff to DOT to use during the snow emergency

1537
02:27:27,820 --> 02:27:34,620
and in return, we are able to load up on salt and de-icer at their depose.

1538
02:27:35,280 --> 02:27:41,100
And then once the storm, so we initiated our storm response on Saturday.

1539
02:27:41,800 --> 02:27:45,040
We called in all of our staff who are going to be working during the storm.

1540
02:27:45,300 --> 02:27:46,600
They showed up at six.

1541
02:27:47,040 --> 02:27:50,180
The concern is that if we wait too long, then we can't get them out there because they're

1542
02:27:50,180 --> 02:27:51,020
snowed in.

1543
02:27:51,540 --> 02:27:54,020
And then I think we started shoveling.

1544
02:27:54,020 --> 02:28:00,620
started the actual removal around one or two in the morning. And we kept that up until we ended

1545
02:28:00,620 --> 02:28:07,620
this no emergency on Wednesday. Everyone reported back to work just as usual. But the work doesn't

1546
02:28:07,620 --> 02:28:14,120
end there. You know, we go back even after we've hit everything the first time, widening paths,

1547
02:28:14,720 --> 02:28:21,180
treating ice that may have appeared. It is, as Director Conkland said, inevitable that sometimes particularly

1548
02:28:21,180 --> 02:28:26,140
in urban areas where the space is tight and there's not any place for snow to go that we will

1549
02:28:26,140 --> 02:28:30,260
clear a sidewalk and it will have snow on it again and we will get a call and sometimes it's

1550
02:28:30,260 --> 02:28:35,580
two three times that is just you know in the course of business but that's what we do once the snow

1551
02:28:35,580 --> 02:28:41,480
event is over we're still out there working and clearing things up as well so that's that's a run

1552
02:28:41,480 --> 02:28:47,440
through of the parks departments snow management happy to take any questions as well we have lots of

1553
02:28:48,060 --> 02:28:52,420
Thank you so much, Director Fidel, before I open it up to colleagues.

1554
02:28:52,540 --> 02:28:55,840
I would like to recognize members of the school board for here.

1555
02:28:55,920 --> 02:28:58,940
I see Ms Rita Montoya and Laura Stewart.

1556
02:28:58,940 --> 02:29:00,900
Thank you so much for joining us today.

1557
02:29:01,280 --> 02:29:05,440
And I see our friends from WSSC who are also here.

1558
02:29:06,980 --> 02:29:10,120
And I'm sure available in case anybody here has any questions.

1559
02:29:10,860 --> 02:29:16,240
For colleagues, if you're going to speak, please indicate by pushing the little button that you have.

1560
02:29:17,080 --> 02:29:23,820
And two very quick things that I don't, I don't expect you to answer this today, but as you

1561
02:29:25,280 --> 02:29:31,780
analyze, as you have mentioned before, your snow operations into the future and we get the report back,

1562
02:29:32,320 --> 02:29:36,220
I do want to have, I want to highlight three things for you to study.

1563
02:29:37,980 --> 02:29:46,080
One, I do think we need to think about how we can improve cooperation among agencies,

1564
02:29:46,240 --> 02:29:54,400
parks, the schools, SHA, the county government, especially understanding that if you'll say

1565
02:29:54,400 --> 02:29:59,800
we're competing against for the same contractors too, so there has to be better, better

1566
02:30:02,740 --> 02:30:25,040
So that's one thing that I expect in your report. The second thing is that it's not just about clearing the roads, it's making sure that the sidewalks are also clear. And many times as you already know, you will have the big trucks clearing the roads and then all that's no end up in the sidewalks that have been already cleared.

1567
02:30:25,040 --> 02:30:29,120
And it's a problem, especially if you want to open up schools,

1568
02:30:29,740 --> 02:30:32,140
many of these kids are walking to the bus stops.

1569
02:30:32,400 --> 02:30:33,660
They need those sidewalks.

1570
02:30:33,920 --> 02:30:36,180
So I think we do need to do a better job,

1571
02:30:37,760 --> 02:30:40,230
prioritizing sidewalks and bus stops,

1572
02:30:41,400 --> 02:30:44,180
including school bus stops that we tend to forget.

1573
02:30:45,120 --> 02:30:47,820
They're not the same as the general shelters.

1574
02:30:48,880 --> 02:30:51,420
So as to, and then the third thing,

1575
02:30:51,420 --> 02:31:20,540
When it comes to communications, I think as a county, we need to do better reminding community members that number one we do have free garages, right people can leave their cars in garages free of charge and we must push them to do so, because otherwise if they leave their cars on the street, we can't clean the streets with cars there, so thing that has to be a better way to push that

1576
02:31:22,220 --> 02:31:29,460
that effort and maybe looking to what other places across the nation have done to motivate

1577
02:31:29,460 --> 02:31:36,420
people to leave their cars in garages so that the streets can be clear and then at the same time

1578
02:31:39,300 --> 02:31:43,240
yeah I'm just gonna end it there cause I know my call is one as oh yeah I see that

1579
02:31:43,240 --> 02:31:48,620
I'm gonna start with so Vice President Meron Malcolm and as a reminder each one of them has three

1580
02:31:48,620 --> 02:31:54,800
minutes. In that includes the question in the answer. So please be straight to a point. The

1581
02:31:54,800 --> 02:31:59,540
clock is right there. Thank you. Go ahead. I'm surprised I hit the button click.

1582
02:32:01,580 --> 02:32:03,700
So we've all received

1583
02:32:03,700 --> 02:32:10,560
lots of feedback, just like you've all received lots of feedback. And it kind of is in several

1584
02:32:10,560 --> 02:32:16,660
buckets. One is just plow my road, why haven't you plowed my road? And we know that you're getting

1585
02:32:16,660 --> 02:32:22,580
at we know that you're getting around to it. But then the other two are, you know, the miscommunication,

1586
02:32:23,120 --> 02:32:31,140
the street tracker, that was just a source in 311, that was a source of a lot of frustration.

1587
02:32:31,480 --> 02:32:40,740
And I think that communicating that the systems had issues could have been better, right?

1588
02:32:40,740 --> 02:32:48,640
to because we were putting out, you know, go to the tracker, put you wrote in, and we were

1589
02:32:48,640 --> 02:32:54,300
setting up expectations that that was going to get correct information. So I think that

1590
02:32:54,300 --> 02:33:01,280
that is certainly something that if there's a problem with a communication system, then we need

1591
02:33:01,280 --> 02:33:08,040
to push that message out, that there's a problem with that. And then also, you know, I don't know

1592
02:33:08,040 --> 02:33:15,960
we're opening up a can of worms or not, but in terms of communication, if we all have

1593
02:33:15,960 --> 02:33:25,820
and other directors, other people in the government have the same message, we can often

1594
02:33:25,820 --> 02:33:34,360
reach deeper into the community than you can and just to get the message out. I try not to

1595
02:33:34,360 --> 02:33:40,980
engage in the back and forth on social media, but it's a good time to get that message out.

1596
02:33:41,120 --> 02:33:50,520
So I think that that would be an idea to use our communities.

1597
02:33:51,840 --> 02:33:53,700
And then the issue of who does what?

1598
02:33:53,720 --> 02:33:57,300
I think that specifically has been the frustration now.

1599
02:33:57,300 --> 02:34:19,620
So I'm going to stop talking and ask the question of at what point did NCPS ask the county for help and how did that interface go because I feel like there's a little bit of it's not wasn't us right and so I think that that should be clear.

1600
02:34:21,090 --> 02:34:27,950
So, can I say Council Member Balkham, I totally agree, the public does not want to hear or see finger pointing.

1601
02:34:28,250 --> 02:34:29,630
It's all of our collective responsibility.

1602
02:34:30,110 --> 02:34:31,090
I get that.

1603
02:34:32,050 --> 02:34:42,330
You know, I think to me, the first communication from the school system formally, I'm sure there was lots of informal communications going on back and forth.

1604
02:34:42,530 --> 02:34:49,190
We did get a list at 2013 on Sunday afternoon of a year of problems that we've identified.

1605
02:34:49,190 --> 02:34:57,430
and bam we were we were on it and and said give us more like the grit and they have been giving us more every day

1606
02:34:57,430 --> 02:34:59,830
this Sunday not the prior Sunday yes yes

1607
02:35:00,000 --> 02:35:29,580
So, but we also, for example, you know, we restarted trash and recycling service on Tuesday. All of those trucks are sensors, you know, that go out and we were getting lots of information fed back to the O.T. every day. Where are they finding problems? How are they moving? And, you know, obviously the number of problems starting last Tuesday and it's come down to just yesterday there was only, they only found one problem counting why and the roots that they did on a Monday. So, so we're trying to do that. But you right?

1608
02:35:30,000 --> 02:35:32,540
We've got to have a better communication with MCPS.

1609
02:35:32,740 --> 02:35:35,660
We should be dealing with them from the very first moment

1610
02:35:35,660 --> 02:35:37,040
in getting that information.

1611
02:35:37,260 --> 02:35:39,280
We have so many new people and new roles

1612
02:35:39,280 --> 02:35:41,480
that now is the time after this experience

1613
02:35:41,480 --> 02:35:43,560
to make sure this never happens again.

1614
02:35:43,960 --> 02:35:46,980
That's make those relationships so that it's seamless.

1615
02:35:47,080 --> 02:35:47,900
Thank you.

1616
02:35:48,280 --> 02:35:48,480
Thank you.

1617
02:35:48,760 --> 02:35:52,140
Next question, the next question is, well, John, though.

1618
02:35:52,580 --> 02:35:54,060
Yeah, I'm just going to say we've never done three minutes.

1619
02:35:54,180 --> 02:35:54,960
I think it's too quick.

1620
02:35:55,120 --> 02:35:56,620
We should do a minimum of five.

1621
02:35:57,240 --> 02:35:57,640
That's fine.

1622
02:35:57,640 --> 02:35:58,520
I'm using my three minutes.

1623
02:35:58,520 --> 02:36:00,600
don't take it from that.

1624
02:36:01,960 --> 02:36:04,420
So it's just a bad practice for something to series.

1625
02:36:04,980 --> 02:36:08,120
First, I want to thank all the county employees

1626
02:36:08,120 --> 02:36:09,540
for what they've done.

1627
02:36:09,820 --> 02:36:10,480
It's super freezing.

1628
02:36:10,520 --> 02:36:13,320
I've spoken with many streaming long shifts.

1629
02:36:13,640 --> 02:36:14,400
You worked hard.

1630
02:36:14,420 --> 02:36:15,800
I'm sensitive to your point.

1631
02:36:16,240 --> 02:36:17,720
I don't want anyone to take any of this

1632
02:36:17,720 --> 02:36:19,060
that we don't appreciate what you've done

1633
02:36:19,060 --> 02:36:20,800
to contractors as well.

1634
02:36:21,460 --> 02:36:24,360
We owe our residents honesty about what went wrong.

1635
02:36:24,460 --> 02:36:25,960
I think we're hearing that today.

1636
02:36:25,960 --> 02:36:29,200
My office personally, we heard from over 150 folks.

1637
02:36:29,360 --> 02:36:34,640
We created our own special tracker to share with DOD to help work back and forth.

1638
02:36:34,780 --> 02:36:38,480
I think that we might think about something council-wide on that.

1639
02:36:38,480 --> 02:36:41,640
I think it was an innovation that could be helpful and we're probably all here

1640
02:36:41,640 --> 02:36:42,540
from similar people.

1641
02:36:43,480 --> 02:36:48,040
We had a town hall last night with over 400 people participating over 200 written comments.

1642
02:36:48,640 --> 02:36:52,040
People are frustrated, they're upset, but they're forgiving if they know that there's

1643
02:36:52,040 --> 02:36:53,700
a plan and a commitment to do better.

1644
02:36:54,420 --> 02:37:01,000
And, you know, one homeowner had to pay 5,000 bucks out of pocket to clear what plows left

1645
02:37:01,000 --> 02:37:01,480
behind.

1646
02:37:01,780 --> 02:37:06,560
We have to figure out a better communication system for sure, but also part of that communication

1647
02:37:06,560 --> 02:37:10,320
has to be what you're responsible for and what the counties are responsible for.

1648
02:37:10,420 --> 02:37:13,760
I think there's still a lot of confusion in the public around that.

1649
02:37:14,520 --> 02:37:19,520
And we most importantly need a plan for vulnerable residents during these emergencies.

1650
02:37:19,520 --> 02:37:25,440
for seniors, for people with disabilities, of the 150 people we talked, you probably 100 of them

1651
02:37:25,440 --> 02:37:27,660
were in the senior disability community.

1652
02:37:28,800 --> 02:37:32,500
There's programs in Princeton County, other parts of the country that got over subscribe,

1653
02:37:32,960 --> 02:37:35,540
but we have to have a formal role in that.

1654
02:37:35,780 --> 02:37:37,860
There's just too many people, especially as we age.

1655
02:37:38,600 --> 02:37:43,640
As a parent of MCPS students, in the chair of the Education Culture Committee, I trust

1656
02:37:43,640 --> 02:37:43,880
me.

1657
02:37:43,980 --> 02:37:47,820
I wanted the schools open sooner, but I mostly wanted to open in a safe way.

1658
02:37:47,820 --> 02:37:53,340
and with one and five of our kids walking, with the site where my kid, three of my kids take the

1659
02:37:53,340 --> 02:37:57,780
bus, I didn't want them standing next to those snowpiles. We have to have better communication

1660
02:37:58,240 --> 02:38:02,360
to keep people safe but also get them back. I think virtual learning has to be a part of that

1661
02:38:02,360 --> 02:38:08,320
conversation. We'll take some of those issues up in E&C if there are extended periods but I think

1662
02:38:08,320 --> 02:38:13,080
more coordination there. And then the other bucket is coordination, which I'm sure you're here

1663
02:38:13,080 --> 02:38:13,680
from others.

1664
02:38:14,120 --> 02:38:15,620
Where does the states roll begin?

1665
02:38:16,220 --> 02:38:18,140
Where does the counties roll in?

1666
02:38:18,140 --> 02:38:20,480
And how do we work on streets that intersect?

1667
02:38:20,620 --> 02:38:23,340
Where there's big piles of snow at a state in county road?

1668
02:38:23,900 --> 02:38:25,820
Whose responsibility is it to do what?

1669
02:38:25,880 --> 02:38:28,860
To clear those pathways, the sidewalks?

1670
02:38:28,900 --> 02:38:35,500
Part of the coordination is bus stops, MCPS, road stops, making sure that we are prioritizing

1671
02:38:35,500 --> 02:38:36,600
some of those pathways?

1672
02:38:37,300 --> 02:38:38,700
I think could be something.

1673
02:38:38,820 --> 02:38:42,860
That was another thing we heard a lot was, well, who gets prioritized with what?

1674
02:38:42,860 --> 02:38:48,780
And this will be where I end, transparency, transparency with the residents about why we're going

1675
02:38:48,780 --> 02:38:51,700
where and how they can track it, I think it's critical.

1676
02:38:51,900 --> 02:38:54,620
And so we need to build better systems of transparency as well.

1677
02:38:54,920 --> 02:38:55,640
Thank you.

1678
02:38:57,460 --> 02:38:59,700
Thank you, Council member, Sydney Cats.

1679
02:39:01,360 --> 02:39:04,880
Thank you very much, Madam President, and thank you all for everything that you do.

1680
02:39:05,560 --> 02:39:11,940
And for all those who actually did the work in the fields as well, in the streets, you know,

1681
02:39:11,940 --> 02:39:22,800
This is perhaps the worst snowstorm I've ever seen, and I push snow for my own driveway twice,

1682
02:39:23,120 --> 02:39:29,180
thought I was doing just fine on Sunday, and then that ice came in, and by snowblower, wouldn't do anything.

1683
02:39:29,840 --> 02:39:35,780
Of course, misery loves company. We all know that, but we need to try our best not to have this misery again,

1684
02:39:36,400 --> 02:39:38,240
and obviously you all are working on that.

1685
02:39:38,240 --> 02:39:46,840
We, I always say we do not remove snow, we move snow except where you're haul it, which is not everywhere, that's for sure.

1686
02:39:47,640 --> 02:39:51,760
And yes, we have many things to discuss, and how we can do them better.

1687
02:39:51,960 --> 02:39:59,120
But communication has been mentioned, is really, with correct information, is a problem that we need to be certainly solving.

1688
02:40:00,000 --> 02:40:06,860
All roads were piled when they weren't, certainly becomes frustrating. We did hear that some who called

1689
02:40:06,860 --> 02:40:13,500
3-1-1 and they did a pretty good job in general, but some who called 3-1-1 were told that they

1690
02:40:13,500 --> 02:40:19,260
didn't handle this complaint. If you had an emergency, call 9-1-1. That's not the answer. The answer

1691
02:40:19,260 --> 02:40:28,360
is yes, you need to be handling complaints. Years ago, I was on a, I went to a snow rodeo and the

1692
02:40:28,360 --> 02:40:36,880
How many manager drove the plow and I drove the little plow itself, the blades themselves.

1693
02:40:37,400 --> 02:40:41,540
It was a sunny day where they had snowed, they had little cones out.

1694
02:40:41,900 --> 02:40:45,140
I had every cone, every ball, and it was a sunny day.

1695
02:40:45,480 --> 02:40:51,580
I mean, how these people can do this kind of work when it's not a sunny day is just amazing

1696
02:40:51,580 --> 02:40:54,320
and at night and ice in others.

1697
02:40:54,320 --> 02:41:02,580
The problem with the sidewalks, and the Vice President talked on this, but here someone

1698
02:41:02,580 --> 02:41:07,380
clears a sidewalk, it was not easy, clear their sidewalk, there's no grass strip in

1699
02:41:07,380 --> 02:41:12,900
some cases, and the snowplow comes and puts the snow back on, and then somebody says,

1700
02:41:12,940 --> 02:41:14,100
you need to clear your sidewalk.

1701
02:41:14,840 --> 02:41:19,260
Well, you've cleared the one from the heavens, and so we need to have a better system

1702
02:41:19,260 --> 02:41:20,920
one that as well.

1703
02:41:20,920 --> 02:41:27,700
For the resources, everybody needs the same equipment at the same time during the same emergency.

1704
02:41:28,400 --> 02:41:36,660
But we need to discuss with the states, the municipalities, the MCPS, private contractors, who do HOA streets,

1705
02:41:37,140 --> 02:41:43,740
we need to coordinate with them if there's extra equipment that we could be using during that time.

1706
02:41:43,740 --> 02:41:50,600
And we need to, once again, do a better job, but we certainly do not want it to be lost,

1707
02:41:50,920 --> 02:41:58,460
that we sincerely appreciate all the work that all of our people did and to make their jobs.

1708
02:41:58,660 --> 02:42:03,520
And if we need to be investing in something, to make their jobs more efficient, easier and quicker,

1709
02:42:03,860 --> 02:42:06,460
and I finish up one time. Thank you very much.

1710
02:42:07,180 --> 02:42:10,180
Thank you so much, Mr. Katz. I can remember, Ed and Les.

1711
02:42:10,180 --> 02:42:12,020
Thank you, Madam President.

1712
02:42:12,520 --> 02:42:18,340
I want to start by thanking everybody, much as the executive team has done our bus

1713
02:42:18,340 --> 02:42:24,820
drivers, our snowplow, operators, first responders, utility, frontline crews, and so

1714
02:42:24,820 --> 02:42:30,420
many others that kept our community functioning to the best of its ability.

1715
02:42:30,720 --> 02:42:31,840
That was the reality.

1716
02:42:32,000 --> 02:42:38,120
But at the same time, it is incredibly important that we recognize the deep frustration that

1717
02:42:38,120 --> 02:42:39,880
our residents faced.

1718
02:42:40,920 --> 02:42:43,340
We were all frustrated and I was frustrated,

1719
02:42:43,540 --> 02:42:46,420
and we handle a lot of issues here in Rockville.

1720
02:42:47,120 --> 02:42:50,640
A plethora of things that we tackle every single day,

1721
02:42:50,940 --> 02:42:54,580
but snow removal is a core function of local government

1722
02:42:54,580 --> 02:42:55,360
full stop.

1723
02:42:55,520 --> 02:42:57,520
That's why we're having this discussion.

1724
02:42:58,500 --> 02:43:01,840
And over the last week, I received hundreds of emails

1725
02:43:01,840 --> 02:43:05,460
and I do want to use a second to give a shout out

1726
02:43:05,460 --> 02:43:21,780
Chris House Smith on my team for fielding all of that, making sure that people knew that we were still operating and put people in touch with the Department of Transportation with the Parks Department, recognizing that we were still working for them.

1727
02:43:21,780 --> 02:43:29,290
And what added to everyone's frustration was the online system showing 100% snow-plowed

1728
02:43:30,920 --> 02:43:37,220
that wasn't operating properly that has been noticed. But I want to fast forward to this morning.

1729
02:43:38,240 --> 02:43:42,820
School returned and neighbors of mine shared with me a video

1730
02:43:43,550 --> 02:43:50,680
from the Flower Avenue apartment where 50 school children were hoisted by neighbors over an ice

1731
02:43:50,680 --> 02:43:53,120
so they could get on the school bus.

1732
02:43:53,500 --> 02:43:54,360
That happened this morning.

1733
02:43:54,980 --> 02:43:58,340
And so I want to thank the neighbors who stepped up to help the kids.

1734
02:43:59,540 --> 02:44:02,400
That's the kind of coordination that has been resulted

1735
02:44:02,400 --> 02:44:03,300
or resulting.

1736
02:44:03,900 --> 02:44:06,700
And we do need better coordination between MCPS and

1737
02:44:07,240 --> 02:44:08,600
DOT and all of our partners.

1738
02:44:10,180 --> 02:44:14,320
And my question is in 2021.

1739
02:44:15,380 --> 02:44:17,620
I pass the shovel our sidewalks act.

1740
02:44:17,980 --> 02:44:20,520
Recognizing the last major snowstorm that we had,

1741
02:44:20,520 --> 02:44:25,520
There were too many people who could not walk to the bus stop who could not roll down the street

1742
02:44:25,520 --> 02:44:30,340
and were literally stopped in their tracks because they're transit dependent

1743
02:44:31,080 --> 02:44:35,120
and they live in equity emphasis areas and some of them are lower income

1744
02:44:36,020 --> 02:44:40,900
and a constant theme that we've been hearing is there are still people who had to get to work

1745
02:44:40,900 --> 02:44:46,460
who had no other options and we want to ensure their safety first and foremost

1746
02:44:46,460 --> 02:44:59,520
And so my question is, how was this law enacted or how was it implemented, given all of the challenges that are existing, but given the time constraints, the resource constraints,

1747
02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:05,500
Recognizing not everybody was able to stay safely in their home, some still had to go out and venture

1748
02:45:05,500 --> 02:45:07,900
the streets. How did we help them?

1749
02:45:08,420 --> 02:45:13,400
Thank you for the question. So, the sidewalk snow clearing is an integral part of the DOT operation.

1750
02:45:14,000 --> 02:45:20,240
So, when we move off that emergency response in primary function, the sidewalk snow clearing

1751
02:45:20,240 --> 02:45:24,600
comes next because those are generally on the arterial streets that are part of that first phase.

1752
02:45:25,200 --> 02:45:37,640
We did doodifully go out and shovel those sidewalks, the ones that are required in the law and the ones that don't have clear ownership that were sort of in place before the additional state highway mostly ones were put in place.

1753
02:45:38,280 --> 02:45:47,000
There are some locations that we held off on shoveling that because the state highway administration had not yet cleared the road and the same frustration all of our residents face, right?

1754
02:45:47,000 --> 02:45:53,000
We moved to clear those when it became evident that that time sequence just wasn't going to work out.

1755
02:45:53,060 --> 02:45:55,080
We couldn't wait for them to clear that lanes.

1756
02:45:55,280 --> 02:45:58,140
We went and cleared those sidewalks earlier this week.

1757
02:45:58,500 --> 02:46:05,680
In terms of bus stops, we had a much bigger emphasis on bus stop clearing in this storm than we had in 2016 the last major storm.

1758
02:46:06,080 --> 02:46:10,600
We cleared bus stops as part of our sidewalk clearing effort to the maximum extent we can.

1759
02:46:10,860 --> 02:46:16,680
Our transit division has inches of accumulation based thresholds on which they increase the number of bus stops.

1760
02:46:16,680 --> 02:46:22,700
that they clear. They did the maximum number, which I believe is over a thousand. In this storm,

1761
02:46:22,980 --> 02:46:28,020
they haven't quite got all thousand done, but they've got most of them done. And I really want to thank

1762
02:46:28,020 --> 02:46:32,640
our colleagues at Womada. They were generous enough over the weekend, offered to come to Montgomery County

1763
02:46:32,640 --> 02:46:38,920
and help us clear some side bus stops in the county and we took advantage of that and they cleared about 100 bus stops

1764
02:46:38,920 --> 02:46:45,040
with our crews yesterday. So that has become an embedded and important part of the overall snow removal operation,

1765
02:46:45,040 --> 02:46:50,500
not just the street clearing itself. Thank you, director. Thank you, Council Member Interfeetson.

1766
02:46:52,180 --> 02:46:56,560
Thank you. First of all, I share in the appreciation that was expressed here and thanks to all

1767
02:46:56,560 --> 02:47:01,560
of our hardworking county employees who worked around the clock in extremely difficult conditions during

1768
02:47:01,560 --> 02:47:07,300
an after the storm. Thank you. The failure of the county's response is overwhelmingly not on our

1769
02:47:07,300 --> 02:47:13,320
public servants who were doing their job. It was challenging storm, significant one, but the

1770
02:47:13,320 --> 02:47:17,100
forecast were pretty much spot on. We knew this was coming. And the

1771
02:47:17,100 --> 02:47:19,720
coordination within county government and with outside agencies,

1772
02:47:20,380 --> 02:47:23,300
communication systems, failures and a lack of adequate

1773
02:47:23,300 --> 02:47:26,820
preparations, fell short of resident expectations. I appreciate

1774
02:47:26,820 --> 02:47:29,880
everybody being here to talk about that because I think we all know

1775
02:47:29,880 --> 02:47:35,520
that our residents deserve better. I just want to provide a quote of

1776
02:47:35,520 --> 02:47:39,100
a reaction. I'll quote both three one one in the snow map were an

1777
02:47:39,100 --> 02:47:42,160
issue in the last big storm. And I thought we were going to fix

1778
02:47:42,160 --> 02:47:45,500
particularly the snow map after the last big storm.

1779
02:47:45,920 --> 02:47:48,700
So I was disturbed to get phone calls from the very same people

1780
02:47:48,700 --> 02:47:51,980
who said we had problems and quote, and then I'll quote again.

1781
02:47:52,200 --> 02:47:56,340
And on the 311 issue, I'll say this to you,

1782
02:47:56,340 --> 02:47:59,500
this is an epic fail in some ways and quote.

1783
02:47:59,920 --> 02:48:01,180
This wasn't from the past week.

1784
02:48:01,640 --> 02:48:02,620
That was Mark Elrich.

1785
02:48:03,240 --> 02:48:06,020
In 2016, nearly a decade ago.

1786
02:48:06,540 --> 02:48:08,480
So these challenges are not new,

1787
02:48:08,960 --> 02:48:10,660
and they weren't resolved in over a decade.

1788
02:48:10,660 --> 02:48:16,120
This storm exposed them and our families, students, and most vulnerable residents face the consequences.

1789
02:48:16,960 --> 02:48:21,800
So, in light of their understandable frustration, we aggregated questions and concerns from residents

1790
02:48:21,800 --> 02:48:27,560
and given the time constraints today, I sent a very detailed and comprehensive letter of those questions

1791
02:48:27,560 --> 02:48:33,400
to the county executive earlier and hope that each will receive a detailed and comprehensive response

1792
02:48:33,400 --> 02:48:37,100
understanding that it is a long list of very substantive questions.

1793
02:48:37,720 --> 02:48:41,320
So I'll just ask a couple questions here or while I have time remaining.

1794
02:48:42,040 --> 02:48:46,880
Once it became clear that storm response efforts were failing and public confusion was widespread,

1795
02:48:47,840 --> 02:48:52,640
what corrective actions were taken by the county executive and executive branch leadership

1796
02:48:52,640 --> 02:48:53,360
to adapt.

1797
02:48:53,500 --> 02:48:54,280
That's question one.

1798
02:48:54,300 --> 02:49:00,340
And the question two is what coordination occurred with MCPS State Municipal and Parks Department

1799
02:49:00,340 --> 02:49:06,460
leadership before, after and during the storm, specifically, including anything that happened

1800
02:49:06,460 --> 02:49:13,780
formally before that late 2013, Sunday afternoon, requests from MCPS that you noted.

1801
02:49:16,740 --> 02:49:21,600
So as soon as we learned that the snow tractor was not working, Chris and I were in regular

1802
02:49:22,460 --> 02:49:29,860
consultation, I mean, you should see the updates that come out through, OMHS through DOT,

1803
02:49:29,860 --> 02:49:36,060
the reports that are coming to all of us on a regular basis, providing updates on a consistently

1804
02:49:36,060 --> 02:49:40,620
every three hours. We were getting an update about what was happening around the county.

1805
02:49:40,960 --> 02:49:47,220
So as soon as the tracker identified problems, they took action to take it down. They thought they

1806
02:49:47,220 --> 02:49:53,940
fixed it. And then when it clearly, it wasn't working, we were like, all right, we just need to take it down

1807
02:49:53,940 --> 02:49:56,860
because it's not helping the situation.

1808
02:49:57,460 --> 02:49:59,980
But by that time we had been through the first path.

1809
02:50:00,000 --> 02:50:09,060
And decided to move to then the response, the 3-1-1 response system. If you want to talk about the communication part.

1810
02:50:10,160 --> 02:50:20,560
And in terms of communication with other agencies, we met in the fall with Adnan and his team, set up communication protocols between our highway services division and MCPS.

1811
02:50:20,560 --> 02:50:29,940
We were in contact with Adnan and his team seven or eight times over the course of the cleanup between the stop of snow and today.

1812
02:50:31,300 --> 02:50:41,760
Around Thursday as the director dies mentioned we also released resources that we were no longer we could still be using but we knew the school actions for a higher priority at that point.

1813
02:50:41,760 --> 02:50:48,260
we released resources for MCPS and we coordinated over the weekend to understand with those critical

1814
02:50:48,260 --> 02:50:54,100
issues that might affect school opening more school opening conditions at MCPS's judgment

1815
02:50:54,100 --> 02:50:58,900
weren't where they needed to be from Monday. We got an additional set of issues to address.

1816
02:50:59,600 --> 02:51:05,160
I personally took the opportunity both Sunday and Monday to reach out to my colleagues at the State

1817
02:51:05,160 --> 02:51:10,960
Highway Administration who deployed additional resources from other districts to district three to work on

1818
02:51:10,960 --> 02:51:15,180
priority areas. You'll note there's still lots of issues on state highways that haven't been

1819
02:51:15,180 --> 02:51:20,220
addressed, but they took that list, prioritize those items, cleared those items, did the same

1820
02:51:20,220 --> 02:51:25,400
with the city of Rockville, the city of Gathersburg, the city of Tacoma Park, Mr. Madelano

1821
02:51:25,400 --> 02:51:30,240
reached out to other colleagues and the villages and towns in the Chevy Chase area and we

1822
02:51:30,240 --> 02:51:34,420
dispatched the regional service centers and office community partnerships to contact large

1823
02:51:34,420 --> 02:51:38,720
private owners that were identified in this list that's having issues that needed to be resolved.

1824
02:51:38,720 --> 02:51:40,080
So there was a lot of interaction.

1825
02:51:40,860 --> 02:51:42,500
Every one of those agencies was strained,

1826
02:51:42,660 --> 02:51:43,580
dealing with the same issues.

1827
02:51:43,780 --> 02:51:46,160
The schools was dealing with, and we were dealing with,

1828
02:51:46,320 --> 02:51:49,420
I've got to say I've never seen that group of people

1829
02:51:49,420 --> 02:51:53,000
come together to respond to the desire to get schools open

1830
02:51:53,000 --> 02:51:54,200
like they did in this event.

1831
02:51:54,740 --> 02:51:57,560
Not on the timeframe, anybody would have wanted necessarily,

1832
02:51:58,200 --> 02:52:00,340
but the commitment was real, the responses were real,

1833
02:52:00,340 --> 02:52:02,300
and the actions were taken by all of those agencies

1834
02:52:02,300 --> 02:52:03,500
to meet those needs.

1835
02:52:04,480 --> 02:52:06,240
So I'll slower than everybody would want,

1836
02:52:06,480 --> 02:52:08,600
but it was effective in the end to get schools

1837
02:52:08,600 --> 02:52:19,160
open today. Thank you. Thank you. As my colleagues, I don't want to repeat what was said already,

1838
02:52:19,360 --> 02:52:24,720
but I do want to say thank you to the staff, everybody who was out there and worked really,

1839
02:52:25,000 --> 02:52:30,980
really hard during the storm. One request, I did see all the questions that Council Member

1840
02:52:30,980 --> 02:52:36,300
Freeton forwarded. And I would say, I think we all agree there's a lot of overlap from what we're

1841
02:52:36,300 --> 02:52:39,920
hearing. So I'd ask that those questions not only be shared with all of us, but shared with

1842
02:52:39,920 --> 02:52:43,560
the public. Because I think it'll go a long way through transparency and understanding

1843
02:52:43,560 --> 02:52:49,340
why we got here today. So the three, the big buckets for me, as we've all said here,

1844
02:52:49,640 --> 02:52:55,440
is communication and sharing that communication with the entire Council as Council Vice President

1845
02:52:55,440 --> 02:53:01,060
Boutham said, we can get to our residents. Many of us translate our newsletters and other things

1846
02:53:01,060 --> 02:53:07,920
to multiple languages, we can repeat, repeat, repeat is 101 in communications and so please

1847
02:53:07,920 --> 02:53:11,180
help us with those tools to do that.

1848
02:53:11,720 --> 02:53:16,820
Wednesday as Director Conquins said was a really, really tough day for a lot of people.

1849
02:53:17,220 --> 02:53:21,200
Council Member Durwondo specifically talked about those of our residents who are in vulnerable

1850
02:53:21,200 --> 02:53:21,820
positions.

1851
02:53:22,260 --> 02:53:24,140
I do want to say thank you to Director Conquins.

1852
02:53:24,780 --> 02:53:29,560
Well, I was on the phone with a woman who was undergoing cancer treatment, I know you

1853
02:53:29,560 --> 02:53:34,940
on the phone with her husband, trying to get her out because she had already canceled one treatment.

1854
02:53:35,240 --> 02:53:36,960
And so I just want to say thank you for that.

1855
02:53:37,340 --> 02:53:40,040
My questions are about prioritization and equity.

1856
02:53:40,900 --> 02:53:44,580
Pretty much everyone here has talked about prioritization and maybe today we don't have

1857
02:53:44,580 --> 02:53:48,660
the time to get into it, but I'd really like to note how we're doing that prioritization.

1858
02:53:49,200 --> 02:53:53,080
Director Dice, you talked about prioritizing count of facilities, we talked about prioritizing

1859
02:53:53,080 --> 02:53:55,600
certain roads, prioritizing different bus stops.

1860
02:53:55,600 --> 02:53:59,260
But who's making those decisions and how are we prioritizing?

1861
02:53:59,620 --> 02:54:02,060
Because I know there are parts of my community,

1862
02:54:02,080 --> 02:54:03,680
I mean those are the people I hear from,

1863
02:54:04,060 --> 02:54:06,440
but the Rolling Terrace Elementary School area

1864
02:54:07,600 --> 02:54:10,400
had from what I heard from residents and experience myself

1865
02:54:10,400 --> 02:54:14,200
when I went out there had not seen a plow to later in the week.

1866
02:54:14,720 --> 02:54:16,620
And I know there may be other areas too,

1867
02:54:16,660 --> 02:54:20,100
but I think we need to really look at how we're prioritizing

1868
02:54:20,100 --> 02:54:23,800
and we probably don't have time in my 54 seconds to do that.

1869
02:54:24,880 --> 02:54:28,360
School of bus stops, thank you for the question on coordination.

1870
02:54:29,140 --> 02:54:32,760
One question I have is whether or not our county actually knows where all the school bus

1871
02:54:32,760 --> 02:54:36,940
stops are while you're doing the plowing is that something that's overlaid.

1872
02:54:37,520 --> 02:54:43,320
For our parks, folks, and regarding trails, really appreciate, understand you can't clear

1873
02:54:43,320 --> 02:54:47,620
all the trails, but this is one thing that I very much have appreciated your office and really

1874
02:54:47,620 --> 02:54:52,800
thinking about in our communities, where our trails are our sidewalks and our connectors, like

1875
02:54:52,800 --> 02:54:57,940
the rolling terrorist area, if we can think about for future events, are there areas that we

1876
02:54:57,940 --> 02:54:59,980
do need to be clearing because they do act.

1877
02:55:00,000 --> 02:55:05,000
Like sidewalks. They are connectors. And so, I think my time is up. Thank you.

1878
02:55:06,220 --> 02:55:08,940
Well, somebody can answer a question about, do you know where the school bus stops are?

1879
02:55:11,080 --> 02:55:17,720
So, the individual plow operators probably do not. That's an issue that we can take up and see how that can be known.

1880
02:55:18,380 --> 02:55:24,760
There are many, many of them, and Mr. Katz indicated, that work is intense continuous in the people who are tired of doing it.

1881
02:55:24,760 --> 02:55:29,820
So that's a detail that I'm not sure will be able to effectively translate to that operation,

1882
02:55:30,040 --> 02:55:33,080
but we can maybe think of other ways to address those post-operation.

1883
02:55:34,240 --> 02:55:39,200
For sure, once we are done with the snow and you work on that report, we need to come back

1884
02:55:39,200 --> 02:55:44,400
here and go through that report and answer many of these questions so we can be ready for next

1885
02:55:44,400 --> 02:55:44,760
year.

1886
02:55:45,500 --> 02:55:46,820
So now, can some members on Luki?

1887
02:55:47,460 --> 02:55:48,140
Thank you, Madam President.

1888
02:55:49,340 --> 02:55:54,080
Look, I am incredibly sympathetic to the level of all hands-on deckness that had to occur.

1889
02:55:54,080 --> 02:56:01,700
to manage, to manage this, and also, you know, and thank you to Council Member Glass for pointing out the Shidewalk subdling

1890
02:56:01,700 --> 02:56:10,720
Sh-sidewalk, shoveling legislation that he did, and yet we had folks who didn't move their cars, we have folks who didn't move their, you know,

1891
02:56:11,120 --> 02:56:21,800
shovel their sidewalks, and now they're blocked, right, everything's blocked, and so things don't work well when there's not compliance with stuff that we all need to do.

1892
02:56:21,800 --> 02:56:25,660
And I was saying that haven't spent a fair amount of time shoveling so on Monday because I

1893
02:56:25,660 --> 02:56:30,580
have surgery on Tuesday and I need to get out of my house in order to make sure I could

1894
02:56:30,580 --> 02:56:31,980
make it for my operation.

1895
02:56:33,600 --> 02:56:37,000
But I'm sitting here listening to all the things that have been said and I'm thinking

1896
02:56:37,000 --> 02:56:41,740
about other school districts that probably deal with this on a more frequent basis than we

1897
02:56:41,740 --> 02:56:42,340
do.

1898
02:56:42,680 --> 02:56:48,520
Like the Toronto Unified School District which has 600 schools and about 100,000 more students

1899
02:56:48,520 --> 02:56:49,220
than us.

1900
02:56:49,220 --> 02:56:56,680
I know it's less miles, but Toronto also has the world's busiest highway running through it, right, so it's no joke.

1901
02:56:57,420 --> 02:57:07,700
Buffalo, Boston, New York City, and maybe we look at them to see what we could do better in terms of coordinating with our public transit,

1902
02:57:08,060 --> 02:57:14,280
our school transit, our sidewalks, et cetera, in order to make sure that's working better.

1903
02:57:15,680 --> 02:57:39,360
I wanted to note and ask, I guess, there was commentary that led me to go, hey, Red Flag, one of the things you all need to audit is if the contractors were being shared by State Highway Department of General Services and MCPS, were they billing each entity at the same time for the same work, because I want to know that.

1904
02:57:40,040 --> 02:57:44,700
And then, you know, look through it and tell me no for certain after you've looked at all the bills, right?

1905
02:57:45,740 --> 02:57:47,320
People, people want to know.

1906
02:57:48,080 --> 02:57:55,140
And also, you know, to council member Friedson's point about the comments that were made by the county executive in 2016,

1907
02:57:56,420 --> 02:57:58,820
was an after-action report done then?

1908
02:57:58,920 --> 02:58:01,760
If so, could you all resurface it and send it to us?

1909
02:58:01,960 --> 02:58:08,460
I'd love to read it and see what was supposed to have been addressed based on what came out of that after-action,

1910
02:58:08,460 --> 02:58:14,180
exercise and then what we're still not having had addressed successfully 10 years later.

1911
02:58:15,260 --> 02:58:20,240
My final question is who had charge of incident command for this storm within County

1912
02:58:20,240 --> 02:58:22,360
Government? Can somebody answer that please?

1913
02:58:25,230 --> 02:58:28,250
Okay. But Hodgson as our emergency manager

1914
02:58:28,250 --> 02:58:39,110
has that overall coordination. Right. Right. So, and I appreciate director Hodgson and all

1915
02:58:39,110 --> 02:58:48,590
We were trying to be responsible for your time understood, but I mean, I would love to I mean, I'm assuming because director Hodgson had control of this as incident commander

1916
02:58:48,590 --> 02:58:54,310
Then then he would be directing the after action on this and my one question is

1917
02:58:55,510 --> 02:59:04,350
Director Hodgson, do you believe this was a success or do you believe we have things that need to be improved upon based on this incident as it stands now?

1918
02:59:10,640 --> 02:59:11,760
Good afternoon

1919
02:59:13,200 --> 02:59:23,540
I think this was a particularly challenging situation I think there was a mismatch in the expectations amongst the public and what can realistically be done.

1920
02:59:24,540 --> 02:59:30,700
That said, I think we've all acknowledged that there are things we could have absolutely done better. We have a list of those already.

1921
02:59:31,580 --> 02:59:34,980
You all further contributed to those that public continues to contribute to those.

1922
02:59:35,580 --> 02:59:38,440
So the short answer to your question is absolutely we can do better.

1923
02:59:38,700 --> 02:59:40,280
Every one of these events we can do better.

1924
02:59:40,280 --> 02:59:43,120
Thank you, I appreciate it.

1925
02:59:43,560 --> 02:59:45,680
Thank you, councilmember Lorenzels.

1926
02:59:46,800 --> 02:59:47,500
Thank you.

1927
02:59:49,060 --> 02:59:59,960
Yeah, I remember looking at the news and speaking with Dr. Bridgers about what notices we're going to be sharing.

1928
03:00:00,920 --> 03:00:14,880
In advance of the snow storm, because I was traveling. And he said, well, the county executive will be hosting a press conference tomorrow, and I'm like, but where's the information? Why is it anything on social media?

1929
03:00:14,960 --> 03:00:22,800
Where are people supposed to go? What are they going to do? And I just feel like we were underprepared for this storm.

1930
03:00:22,800 --> 03:00:30,340
And I heard many reports about the impact that this storm was going to have on our region.

1931
03:00:30,700 --> 03:00:36,000
For days leading up to it, and I feel like we were under prepared.

1932
03:00:37,140 --> 03:00:45,260
And so just thinking about what we have experienced, whether it's the communication breakdown,

1933
03:00:45,260 --> 03:00:58,910
the supplies, the technology, what sort of snow plows we need to have to break down

1934
03:00:59,760 --> 03:01:08,480
the ice and the snow, the amount of salt that we are using across. I remember

1935
03:01:08,480 --> 03:01:13,620
coming, I was driving back from New York and saw, you know, the rows were salted.

1936
03:01:13,620 --> 03:01:20,360
So, I don't know if, you know, they did a first pass, but I don't know how often these

1937
03:01:20,360 --> 03:01:27,480
plows went through the communities or went through the main roads or as my colleague said,

1938
03:01:27,480 --> 03:01:31,640
how you prioritize which roads to go through.

1939
03:01:32,160 --> 03:01:41,060
So, I just want to understand what sort of communication did you all plan to have throughout

1940
03:01:41,060 --> 03:01:48,380
the snowstorm. How did you deploy the trucks to wear, how often were they supposed to make

1941
03:01:50,200 --> 03:01:57,100
pass through through the different communities? And at the end of the day, what lessons have we

1942
03:01:57,100 --> 03:02:06,720
identified from this event that can inform our FY27 budget priorities? What steps will be taken to

1943
03:02:06,720 --> 03:02:10,700
through interagency coordination and resource allocation

1944
03:02:10,700 --> 03:02:13,240
for future severe weather events.

1945
03:02:13,860 --> 03:02:19,700
Why didn't MCPS have a contingency plan in place

1946
03:02:19,700 --> 03:02:21,780
to have one line learning?

1947
03:02:23,740 --> 03:02:27,920
So those are just a few of the concerns

1948
03:02:29,440 --> 03:02:35,880
and what prior assessments were taken to assess

1949
03:02:35,880 --> 03:02:42,240
the potential risk. Did we make sure that we had enough equipment on the road? We're staffing

1950
03:02:42,240 --> 03:02:48,940
challenges part of the problem. So I just think there were, you know, we appreciate each and

1951
03:02:48,940 --> 03:02:54,020
everyone of you. We celebrate our department heads and we know you all do a good job. This just

1952
03:02:54,020 --> 03:03:00,880
should not have come as a surprise and to see the snow and banked in so many parts of the community

1953
03:03:00,880 --> 03:03:10,820
still over a week after it's truly disappointing and it's unsafe so I'll stop there.

1954
03:03:12,760 --> 03:03:13,980
Any reactions from anyone?

1955
03:03:14,860 --> 03:03:19,720
I can give a little bit of discussion about the preparation communication plan within DOT.

1956
03:03:20,400 --> 03:03:24,960
This storm followed the pattern that most storms that strike our area follow.

1957
03:03:25,420 --> 03:03:27,720
It was as you heard at the beginning of this much more severe.

1958
03:03:27,720 --> 03:03:32,120
Our communication plan is consistent across those storms.

1959
03:03:32,300 --> 03:03:37,640
In this case, we had snow emergency briefings twice before the storm at the county executive.

1960
03:03:38,660 --> 03:03:49,820
During the storm event, our reporting was as it always is with periodic storm operation center reporting that I think many of you are, I think, all of you, your offices receive.

1961
03:03:51,380 --> 03:03:53,040
That continued throughout the storm.

1962
03:03:53,140 --> 03:03:55,820
We did everything we could to inform the public of our status.

1963
03:03:55,820 --> 03:04:02,900
the issue with the reporting of the closed or closed tickets and the and the completed

1964
03:04:02,900 --> 03:04:08,840
streets was a software to software issue. It was not related to the communications plan

1965
03:04:08,840 --> 03:04:14,940
or strategy. It was an unfortunate direct computer to the public communication. And that's

1966
03:04:14,940 --> 03:04:19,820
what I said we need to reinsert a human and that process to assess whether the computer report

1967
03:04:19,820 --> 03:04:24,860
is matching reality. And we continue to do that reporting and communication through the weekend

1968
03:04:24,860 --> 03:04:28,400
And then today, to keep everybody apprised of what our activities are.

1969
03:04:28,820 --> 03:04:31,080
So that component of it was relatively strong.

1970
03:04:31,980 --> 03:04:37,660
And in terms of resources, staff, materials, equipment, we had no issues that really

1971
03:04:37,660 --> 03:04:39,580
hampered the effort in any of those areas.

1972
03:04:40,060 --> 03:04:46,560
It was slow based on the conditions based on the type of material we're moving, that some

1973
03:04:46,560 --> 03:04:47,820
of our equipment can't do it.

1974
03:04:47,860 --> 03:04:51,520
So we have a slightly smaller fleet of equipment to do that work.

1975
03:04:51,520 --> 03:04:59,800
This stuff happens very rarely, so if you were to equip for this event, that equipment might not get used before you retire it.

1976
03:05:00,000 --> 03:05:05,500
And would be have to be maintained for years without use for that purpose. County executive asks that exact same question.

1977
03:05:06,080 --> 03:05:13,720
We said we would look at what equipment could serve multiple functions that we might acquire that we could also use in these events and that's something that will include in the after actions.

1978
03:05:14,460 --> 03:05:15,520
Thank you for those questions.

1979
03:05:15,860 --> 03:05:22,500
And in fact, one of the things that we have found with contractors and I think Mr. Dyson, I have spoken about this on a few occasions.

1980
03:05:22,500 --> 03:05:27,200
some of the contractors that we used to deal with got out of the business, because we've had several

1981
03:05:27,200 --> 03:05:34,240
something winters of really no snow. So they retired their equipment, they moved on as they

1982
03:05:34,240 --> 03:05:42,320
replaced stuff. And so we're constantly trying to figure out new new partners to work with as they

1983
03:05:42,320 --> 03:05:48,420
were making quite understandable business decisions about where to invest time and money.

1984
03:05:49,360 --> 03:06:04,900
And everything you asked are things that will go into an after-action report for all of you, and of course, we will be back with you all for the after-action report, mindful of the fact that we're still in the same pay period.

1985
03:06:06,220 --> 03:06:16,240
So the pay period started Sunday, so we haven't even been able to assess over time since people haven't even filed their time cards for this two week period.

1986
03:06:16,240 --> 03:06:20,060
on just to thank you. Next council member Mink.

1987
03:06:22,370 --> 03:06:25,890
Thank you first. There is one thing that I do

1988
03:06:25,890 --> 03:06:29,170
want to repeat that I think we all have said and it is important to say which is expressing

1989
03:06:29,170 --> 03:06:36,910
appreciation for all of the employees who have been out working hard at day and night and we

1990
03:06:36,910 --> 03:06:43,830
have systems issues to address but that is not the fault of individual folks who were out doing

1991
03:06:43,830 --> 03:06:48,590
very, very best they could around the clock and we appreciate that so much and I also want to

1992
03:06:48,590 --> 03:06:53,830
give a shout out to members of my team, David Hondawitz, who has also been working practically around

1993
03:06:53,830 --> 03:06:58,310
the clock to try to make sure everybody is getting a response and that we're in communication with

1994
03:06:58,310 --> 03:07:05,190
all of you up here and also a shout out to my husband who has also been doing a lot of shoveling,

1995
03:07:05,550 --> 03:07:10,710
including shoveling out my shoveling out one of our streets so that a kid could get to the hospital

1996
03:07:10,710 --> 03:07:16,870
to be an emergency surgery, it is times like this when we do see communities come together.

1997
03:07:17,570 --> 03:07:21,610
And it is also times like this that teased up as you all have said.

1998
03:07:22,010 --> 03:07:25,590
The systemic importance of systemic changes that we maybe did not realize were so pressing,

1999
03:07:25,850 --> 03:07:33,310
but the time is now. The presentations, I think, really did correctly identify many of the issues

2000
03:07:33,310 --> 03:07:37,230
that we were seeing. We've been seeing crop up in the many hundreds of emails and communications

2001
03:07:37,230 --> 03:07:43,450
that we have been getting. So that is that's good to see and I really and I look forward to the update that we're going to be getting on those questions.

2002
03:07:43,650 --> 03:07:50,370
I did want to mention two of them. One is specifically the issue with the fact that the sidewalks get recovered when we plow.

2003
03:07:50,510 --> 03:07:59,670
That that raises concerns from residents who are concerned that they're going to be fined and maybe they've put hours into clearing a sidewalk and then a county or a state

2004
03:07:59,670 --> 03:08:04,650
cloud comes by and covers that sidewalk up again and they, you know, and they just don't

2005
03:08:04,650 --> 03:08:08,830
have it in them to do that again. And so how should we think about that? How should we deal with

2006
03:08:08,830 --> 03:08:09,530
that situation?

2007
03:08:11,570 --> 03:08:16,090
And I also want to come back to the school bus stop issue and I'll apparently

2008
03:08:16,090 --> 03:08:26,550
I just, I think here that we have a two hour delay just announced for tomorrow as well. So on the school,

2009
03:08:26,550 --> 03:08:28,130
I mean, safety is the number one priority.

2010
03:08:28,710 --> 03:08:30,450
Also, we need our kids to be able to learn.

2011
03:08:30,590 --> 03:08:32,050
And I know that's what we're here talking about.

2012
03:08:32,250 --> 03:08:35,550
This morning, as one example, kids who walk to Blair

2013
03:08:35,550 --> 03:08:38,730
and I'll note this one because we saw this on the bus tour

2014
03:08:39,650 --> 03:08:41,310
for the University of Illinois Quarter Plan, right?

2015
03:08:41,350 --> 03:08:43,510
They have to cross the University Boulevard twice, right?

2016
03:08:43,510 --> 03:08:45,250
The East Side and the West Side and the Little Island

2017
03:08:45,250 --> 03:08:45,730
in the middle.

2018
03:08:46,170 --> 03:08:48,630
And that sidewalk was not cleared as of this morning.

2019
03:08:49,370 --> 03:08:51,550
So you have kids then who are being forced either

2020
03:08:51,550 --> 03:08:54,590
climb up and onto that iceberg, right?

2021
03:08:54,590 --> 03:08:57,930
or walking on university, walking on university Boulevard.

2022
03:08:58,710 --> 03:09:00,970
And so I was a little nervous in the response

2023
03:09:00,970 --> 03:09:03,630
to Council Member Stewart's question about whether

2024
03:09:03,630 --> 03:09:06,430
and how we're incorporating school bus stops.

2025
03:09:06,590 --> 03:09:10,030
And I'll add on the walking routes to school as well.

2026
03:09:10,890 --> 03:09:13,170
Logistically, yes, that is going to be difficult.

2027
03:09:13,650 --> 03:09:17,370
But I would say a worthwhile thing to figure out

2028
03:09:17,370 --> 03:09:19,870
as you use this moment, as a time to figure out

2029
03:09:19,870 --> 03:09:22,650
how we're going to cross coordinate, how we're going to make sure

2030
03:09:22,650 --> 03:09:25,590
that we are allocating across all of the different areas

2031
03:09:25,590 --> 03:09:27,890
to please try to figure out how we can include

2032
03:09:27,890 --> 03:09:29,290
the bus stops in Roots to School

2033
03:09:29,290 --> 03:09:31,210
because that really is what determines

2034
03:09:31,210 --> 03:09:34,150
how so much of our county is able to move forward

2035
03:09:34,150 --> 03:09:35,490
the next morning.

2036
03:09:37,960 --> 03:09:38,940
Any reactions?

2037
03:09:39,820 --> 03:09:40,880
Especially from the school.

2038
03:09:42,920 --> 03:09:45,940
So as far as coordinating the question

2039
03:09:45,940 --> 03:09:47,540
or are you talking about the delay

2040
03:09:47,540 --> 03:09:49,240
for tomorrow, Jim, just trying to.

2041
03:09:49,980 --> 03:09:51,040
Well, if you want to break some news

2042
03:09:51,040 --> 03:09:52,380
with the reaction about the two hour delay,

2043
03:09:52,540 --> 03:09:54,640
you're welcome to my systemic question

2044
03:09:54,640 --> 03:09:59,620
is a deal I think that there is a path forward to incorporating prioritization specifically.

2045
03:10:00,000 --> 03:10:13,300
Of school, bus stops, and routes to school. I don't know how you've been thinking about that in the kind of, you know, amidst the craziness that we're the whack-a-mo that we've been trying to do. But what are your thoughts on that from moving forward?

2046
03:10:13,580 --> 03:10:26,820
Yeah, no, I think that's a great question. And I think one of the things that we are also capturing in this is what we are seeing out on the streets with our all-or drivers that are driving right now, as well as having trouble picking up the kids.

2047
03:10:26,820 --> 03:10:32,420
So we're trying to gather all that information and we've been sharing information with MCDOT.

2048
03:10:32,660 --> 03:10:37,600
So we'll continue to do that and I think that gives us an opportunity to kind of maybe

2049
03:10:37,600 --> 03:10:43,880
identify some of the problem spots that we're seeing and it's assuming that it's

2050
03:10:43,880 --> 03:10:47,520
kind of continue to be an issue in the future.

2051
03:10:47,700 --> 03:10:53,460
So that would allow us to create those certain areas that we can then have that shared list

2052
03:10:53,460 --> 03:10:56,800
with the MCDOT, where we will be observing, obviously,

2053
03:10:56,920 --> 03:10:58,680
will be the eyes and ears, our buzz drivers

2054
03:10:58,680 --> 03:11:00,200
as they're picking up.

2055
03:11:00,660 --> 03:11:02,880
But obviously, that list, if it's already created,

2056
03:11:03,340 --> 03:11:06,520
then it will allow MCDOT to prioritize those locations as well.

2057
03:11:07,320 --> 03:11:09,700
I know, just like Council Member Surt brought up,

2058
03:11:09,740 --> 03:11:11,260
I believe the flower avenue apartments.

2059
03:11:11,600 --> 03:11:14,380
I know in other, oh, I'm sorry.

2060
03:11:17,160 --> 03:11:19,540
But another context, some of the information

2061
03:11:19,540 --> 03:11:20,920
that we've gotten from the school system

2062
03:11:20,920 --> 03:11:23,320
where things like this apartment complex,

2063
03:11:23,740 --> 03:11:26,380
getting the bus through the apartment complex.

2064
03:11:26,500 --> 03:11:29,660
Again, not our road, but of course, we have people,

2065
03:11:29,900 --> 03:11:32,520
whether it's the regional directors, the HCA,

2066
03:11:32,640 --> 03:11:35,700
where we can get people to contact that property owner,

2067
03:11:35,880 --> 03:11:38,460
or that manager and say, hey, do you realize

2068
03:11:38,460 --> 03:11:39,380
here's the problem?

2069
03:11:39,400 --> 03:11:42,160
The bus can't get through, what can we do to clear it?

2070
03:11:42,600 --> 03:11:47,020
And so we are putting out people and trying

2071
03:11:47,020 --> 03:11:49,420
to use all of our connections to address those issues

2072
03:11:49,420 --> 03:11:52,420
as they come to our attention.

2073
03:11:52,600 --> 03:11:53,760
Thank you.

2074
03:11:53,840 --> 03:11:54,460
Thank you so much.

2075
03:11:54,700 --> 03:11:56,060
We have, as I said at the beginning,

2076
03:11:56,420 --> 03:11:58,740
we can have a few more minutes for the second round.

2077
03:11:58,960 --> 03:12:02,020
If people have questions or something else,

2078
03:12:02,200 --> 03:12:04,040
can I summarize, but I understand my own welcome.

2079
03:12:07,280 --> 03:12:09,160
So a lot, just a lot's been said.

2080
03:12:09,660 --> 03:12:12,760
A couple things about the bus stops is

2081
03:12:14,380 --> 03:12:15,260
for MCPS.

2082
03:12:15,800 --> 03:12:18,100
At what point did you start thinking

2083
03:12:18,100 --> 03:12:20,280
that you needed to clear the bus stops?

2084
03:12:21,140 --> 03:12:30,840
because I get that you ask the county on Sunday for help, but at what point, like why weren't

2085
03:12:30,840 --> 03:12:40,020
you doing bus stops on Monday or Tuesday after the storm? That's my one question. And

2086
03:12:40,020 --> 03:12:45,960
the other point is, you know, the snow track are being down. Again, I just want to reiterate

2087
03:12:45,960 --> 03:12:54,420
communicating to us. We have a great relationship with fire and police. Anytime anything happens in our district, we get communication right away.

2088
03:12:55,260 --> 03:13:02,000
Our comms team can get you wouldn't be responsible for reaching all of us. Our comms team can do that.

2089
03:13:02,280 --> 03:13:08,180
But we just need that information because we're still putting out the message to go on the tracker.

2090
03:13:08,180 --> 03:13:28,780
So, I think that those are the two things that I wanted to bring up, but the MCPS, at what point did you prioritize the clearing the bus stops and the safe routes to schools, the walkshad for the schools?

2091
03:13:30,320 --> 03:13:32,460
Yeah, and thanks for the question.

2092
03:13:33,120 --> 03:13:47,400
So basically, we had our drivers trying to go out for transportation as, you know, as it was safely, you know, they were able to do and we were kind of focusing on first on making sure our buses could go through.

2093
03:13:47,440 --> 03:13:51,240
And those are the lists we started gathering and sharing.

2094
03:13:51,740 --> 03:14:00,300
And obviously, you know, we were, you know, because of the domestic number of bus stops, we were not able to basically identify individuals.

2095
03:14:00,300 --> 03:14:06,960
stops with their issues till we actually started running the routes to be honest with you,

2096
03:14:07,300 --> 03:14:14,360
because each bus, we have 1,200 and plus buses, and they run routes throughout the county,

2097
03:14:14,600 --> 03:14:22,800
and they have stops at many places. So as we are running the routes, that's the only way we can,

2098
03:14:22,880 --> 03:14:28,120
identify each one of those places where there's going to be an issue, and that's what we are collecting

2099
03:14:28,120 --> 03:14:34,280
now. And that's not, you know, that was something that again, we had our drivers out there,

2100
03:14:34,480 --> 03:14:39,220
checking all the roads, checking all the conditions, where buses could pass, but to be able

2101
03:14:39,220 --> 03:14:45,400
to individually say, you know, that this is a problem spot for each individual bus stop was something

2102
03:14:45,400 --> 03:14:51,000
that we before we ran and operations we could not pinpoint every single one of them.

2103
03:14:51,320 --> 03:14:57,620
So I appreciate that the bus has to get through, but it doesn't matter if the bus gets through

2104
03:14:57,620 --> 03:14:59,460
if the kids can't get on the bus.

2105
03:15:00,000 --> 03:15:06,980
So I think that looking at your priorities in terms of how to prioritize the two go hand-in-hand.

2106
03:15:07,320 --> 03:15:10,520
I mean, the kids got to get on the bus. So thank you.

2107
03:15:10,760 --> 03:15:11,420
Thank you.

2108
03:15:12,600 --> 03:15:18,720
We've been trying so hard to, to also think through what are other communications tools should we work,

2109
03:15:19,040 --> 03:15:24,080
you know, because MCPS has quite the network of communications through listservs of every school.

2110
03:15:24,080 --> 03:15:30,820
should we reiterate parking policies? Sidewalk policies. Things that aren't school issues that

2111
03:15:30,820 --> 03:15:36,000
typically they don't but maybe we you know we should next time make sure that everyone knows

2112
03:15:36,000 --> 03:15:43,840
this is the day you park on the even side of the street. This is the simple messages that can be reiterated

2113
03:15:43,840 --> 03:15:49,460
through as many channels as possible because while we might be putting it out on all of our

2114
03:15:49,460 --> 03:16:09,000
kind of government social media. It only has so much of a of a of a of a reach having it be hit. If your mailbox is hit by 10 messages saying Park on the even side of the street. For example, that's no harm to just to reiterate that. So I think, you know, we are already thinking through ways that we can improve.

2115
03:16:09,560 --> 03:16:14,840
That's part of the coordination that I asked and look forward to that. We only have a few more minutes.

2116
03:16:14,840 --> 03:16:19,240
Council Member Stewart. Thank you. I just want to piggyback on the Council Vice President

2117
03:16:19,240 --> 03:16:23,800
was saying and the coordination between MCPS and the safest to school and the Department

2118
03:16:23,800 --> 03:16:28,700
of Transportation is something this body this council has talked about a great deal. We had a

2119
03:16:28,700 --> 03:16:34,700
joint T&E session and education and culture session what now two and a half years ago and I know

2120
03:16:34,700 --> 03:16:40,100
there's been some improvements in some areas but we need to step it up just quite frankly and

2121
03:16:40,100 --> 03:16:44,780
because I'm going to say MCPS putting out something on Sunday night to say Monday school was

2122
03:16:44,780 --> 03:16:49,320
closed and to blame the county because the sidewalks weren't cleared is not coordination

2123
03:16:49,320 --> 03:16:56,560
and is not working together because we got blasted by constituents who are like the sidewalks

2124
03:16:56,560 --> 03:17:01,420
aren't clear that your responsibility and take responsibility for it.

2125
03:17:01,540 --> 03:17:05,940
We have very angry constituents who are like take responsibility and so I think when we're

2126
03:17:05,940 --> 03:17:12,860
this, it is about partnership and coordination and understanding, but for MCPS to put out that message

2127
03:17:12,860 --> 03:17:18,300
on a Sunday when Department of Transportation, even if there was coordination before that, but

2128
03:17:18,300 --> 03:17:26,080
didn't get like pages of where to shovel and everything and help you until 2013 on Sunday,

2129
03:17:26,200 --> 03:17:30,600
and then for you all to put out that message, I think it's just, it's hard for us. So we need much

2130
03:17:30,600 --> 03:17:35,280
better coordination on our safe routes to school between MCPS and DOT.

2131
03:17:35,900 --> 03:17:39,400
The other thing I didn't get chance to mention before on the food distribution, I'm glad

2132
03:17:39,400 --> 03:17:43,540
you had nine food distributions, none of them were accessible from my to my resonance in my

2133
03:17:43,540 --> 03:17:43,900
district.

2134
03:17:44,400 --> 03:17:46,260
And I talked to the superintendent about that.

2135
03:17:46,320 --> 03:17:50,960
And as we're talking again, for everyone here, prioritization and equity, we need to take

2136
03:17:50,960 --> 03:17:57,000
a hard look at how we're prioritizing these issues because we have residents who are in

2137
03:17:57,000 --> 03:18:02,420
very vulnerable positions and such as that you're up here on them. I think this is part of the

2138
03:18:02,420 --> 03:18:09,400
coordination plan because I think on Wednesday, I was scrambling to figure out, okay, who

2139
03:18:09,400 --> 03:18:14,820
do I call for the woman who needs the IV changed and her home health care person can't get

2140
03:18:14,820 --> 03:18:20,980
it? You know, who do we call for this? I appreciate your quick response, Mr. Hartman

2141
03:18:20,980 --> 03:18:27,180
spot of who I see back there is everybody jumped on it but it's hard in the moment and when

2142
03:18:27,180 --> 03:18:30,800
we know something like this is going to happen we need to be planning ahead of time.

2143
03:18:31,400 --> 03:18:33,340
So just wanted to raise those extra points.

2144
03:18:33,620 --> 03:18:34,380
Thank you.

2145
03:18:35,580 --> 03:18:38,940
Yeah, man, just respond to that just for one moment please because I think this is critically

2146
03:18:38,940 --> 03:18:44,840
important for the public to understand that when you have a medical emergency and when you

2147
03:18:44,840 --> 03:18:50,260
cannot go to dialysis or you cannot go to one of your medical treatments or you need to otherwise

2148
03:18:50,260 --> 03:18:56,200
go see your doctor, that is a medical emergency. If you cannot get out, that is a medical emergency.

2149
03:18:57,100 --> 03:19:02,760
You need to call 911. In any one of these situations, whether it be weather that's keeping you

2150
03:19:02,760 --> 03:19:07,880
at home or whatever it is, we want to get you where you need to go as soon as you need to get there.

2151
03:19:08,240 --> 03:19:13,620
So please call 911. Don't hesitate for that. We will come out there and get you. And we will

2152
03:19:13,620 --> 03:19:18,920
bring the right apparatus to your house and make sure you safely get out. So I realize we have to do that

2153
03:19:18,920 --> 03:19:24,120
the fly several times but I want that message to carry over not just with this event but with any time

2154
03:19:24,120 --> 03:19:29,260
that people feel stranded or otherwise cannot get to their medical appointments they need to utilize

2155
03:19:29,260 --> 03:19:33,900
911 that's what we're here for. I move forward because we have another committee work session

2156
03:19:33,900 --> 03:19:40,740
soon. Councillor Member Will Jo Wanda. Thank you. I appreciate that point to an important one.

2157
03:19:42,360 --> 03:19:50,840
capacity. What don't we have enough of? You know, you mentioned Mr. Medellano, the contractor

2158
03:19:50,840 --> 03:19:58,240
issue, and Mr. Anon, you mentioned the, and I heard this earlier in the week, that you

2159
03:19:58,240 --> 03:19:59,980
Guys, recall, you guys are getting conscious.

2160
03:20:00,000 --> 03:20:24,320
And then the county called, called them in, and you couldn't use them. And so you had shared list, and so you had less people. So what equipment is part of the after action, but it answered, I'd love an answer right now, equipment, people, contractors, what do we, what do we not have enough of, or do we not have enough, I think we don't, but I don't want to ask your professional opinion.

2161
03:20:26,340 --> 03:20:30,440
It all revolves around what your planning event is.

2162
03:20:30,840 --> 03:20:31,640
So this was an issue.

2163
03:20:31,640 --> 03:20:37,880
The one that just happened, you would, well, what time frame do you want to be clear?

2164
03:20:38,540 --> 03:20:43,160
And how much of the sidewalk network or other things do you want to have clear?

2165
03:20:43,760 --> 03:20:46,560
Because I appreciate the whole discussion of the sidewalks and bus stops.

2166
03:20:46,680 --> 03:20:48,840
Currently those are property on our responsibilities.

2167
03:20:49,460 --> 03:20:52,320
That's a very unsatisfactory answer in this storm.

2168
03:20:52,340 --> 03:20:53,280
Everybody knows that.

2169
03:20:53,280 --> 03:20:54,720
but that's what it is.

2170
03:20:54,960 --> 03:20:58,580
In this storm, you don't have responsibility for sidewalks

2171
03:20:58,580 --> 03:21:00,400
and bus stops, under current law.

2172
03:21:00,800 --> 03:21:04,100
Currently, so it was not being done in the case of kids getting,

2173
03:21:04,380 --> 03:21:05,040
so what is that?

2174
03:21:05,380 --> 03:21:07,260
But you understand the unsatisfactory nature.

2175
03:21:07,260 --> 03:21:08,760
I absolutely understand it.

2176
03:21:09,660 --> 03:21:12,040
And in this storm, we cleared a lot of areas around schools

2177
03:21:12,040 --> 03:21:15,420
that we don't have that authority to do, but we did.

2178
03:21:15,680 --> 03:21:18,480
So if you wanted to have everything open in a storm

2179
03:21:18,480 --> 03:21:23,060
like this after say two days, you would need three times

2180
03:21:23,060 --> 03:21:25,080
the resources that we have.

2181
03:21:26,360 --> 03:21:31,200
If you look at a storm that's half this intensity, it probably would have been cleared in

2182
03:21:31,200 --> 03:21:31,700
two days.

2183
03:21:32,360 --> 03:21:36,040
Now, whether those resources are available as another question, we had this long discussion

2184
03:21:37,640 --> 03:21:40,560
when Council Member Glass to the sidewalk clearing bill.

2185
03:21:40,820 --> 03:21:45,160
What was the reasonable expectation of availability of resources to be able to satisfy the

2186
03:21:45,160 --> 03:21:45,600
requirements of the law?

2187
03:21:46,420 --> 03:21:51,600
So we would have to go through that exercise to understand what the desired service delivery

2188
03:21:51,600 --> 03:21:55,380
is under what conditions and what time frame to figure out what resources they are.

2189
03:21:55,620 --> 03:21:59,760
Every resource we have available was available and we deployed them to the maximum.

2190
03:21:59,940 --> 03:22:00,680
I think that's hard to say.

2191
03:22:00,900 --> 03:22:08,780
Part of the after action is what with additional technology, vehicles, people, what could we do?

2192
03:22:08,960 --> 03:22:13,660
Like I think we need to range, we need to be clear on what we currently can do and when how quickly

2193
03:22:13,660 --> 03:22:19,860
can we respond based on XYZ of storm, you know, small, medium-large, you know, and then

2194
03:22:19,860 --> 03:22:24,940
need to have a conversation about what do we need given the weather update of things that

2195
03:22:24,940 --> 03:22:27,700
direction we're probably heading and we're going to get more or not less of these going

2196
03:22:27,700 --> 03:22:28,040
forward.

2197
03:22:28,460 --> 03:22:33,020
So, Council Member Joe Mono, I know we're at time, so I won't go too long, but our work

2198
03:22:33,020 --> 03:22:38,400
forces geared towards an event like we might have tonight, which is a couple, nothing to

2199
03:22:38,400 --> 03:22:42,800
a couple inches and can we get at a draft for schools to open with a delayed opening.

2200
03:22:43,040 --> 03:22:45,480
That's our baseline that we have in place.

2201
03:22:45,480 --> 03:23:11,440
Now, I think this storm was on the threshold of, should, of the, on the threshold of, but probably not past, was there a need for external resources, like we're delivered in 2016, when the storm was a little bit more intense, a little bit more impactful, and state and other resources were deployed that aren't typical Maryland State Highway or other resources with national guard or other state emergency response resources.

2202
03:23:11,440 --> 03:23:16,260
This was close to that threshold, maybe not over, but for those larger events, you probably

2203
03:23:16,260 --> 03:23:18,420
aren't going to have all the capabilities in house.

2204
03:23:18,780 --> 03:23:19,340
Thank you.

2205
03:23:19,700 --> 03:23:21,200
And we are creative.

2206
03:23:21,740 --> 03:23:23,060
Councilmember Andrew Freitzen.

2207
03:23:23,500 --> 03:23:24,260
I had to move forward.

2208
03:23:25,360 --> 03:23:26,600
I just wanted to hone in.

2209
03:23:26,860 --> 03:23:28,680
People have kind of touched on this.

2210
03:23:29,580 --> 03:23:34,520
But it was said earlier, but you just finally know that you didn't receive any communication

2211
03:23:34,520 --> 03:23:41,280
from MCPS until 2013 on Sunday afternoon, which was a week and a day after the storm.

2212
03:23:41,280 --> 03:23:45,980
It was said by Director Conflict that there was ongoing communications and conversation.

2213
03:23:45,980 --> 03:23:47,860
It's not disputing what you said.

2214
03:23:48,380 --> 03:23:51,140
I'm just trying to understand what does that mean?

2215
03:23:52,720 --> 03:23:57,960
What were the seven to eight communications that Director Conflict noted with MCPS?

2216
03:23:58,080 --> 03:23:59,420
What were you being told?

2217
03:23:59,980 --> 03:24:01,160
What were you being asked to do?

2218
03:24:01,200 --> 03:24:03,820
What was being requested specifically?

2219
03:24:04,700 --> 03:24:07,560
And what specifically were the protocols that were put in place

2220
03:24:08,560 --> 03:24:12,460
based on a joint understanding and under what struggles it was at an MOU.

2221
03:24:12,760 --> 03:24:16,860
Is it some other type of agreement? Is it a spit on your hand and make a handshake?

2222
03:24:16,980 --> 03:24:21,600
And everybody kind of understands what's going to happen and who's responsible for carrying it out?

2223
03:24:22,220 --> 03:24:27,700
Because this has been the core question on coordination and we've heard a lot of different things,

2224
03:24:27,840 --> 03:24:32,780
but I don't think we've honed in on the actual answer to who's responsible for what?

2225
03:24:32,780 --> 03:24:35,040
What happened? Who talked to whom?

2226
03:24:35,040 --> 03:24:39,580
and how is it undertaking, so if you could answer that, that would be helpful.

2227
03:24:41,500 --> 03:24:44,040
So I'll let Mr. Madalena speak to his part of the communication.

2228
03:24:44,280 --> 03:24:46,000
The seven to eight interactions between

2229
03:24:46,980 --> 03:24:48,580
Adnan's team and ours were

2230
03:24:49,900 --> 03:24:53,500
required messages from us saying what do you need to respond

2231
03:24:54,220 --> 03:24:58,800
and then asking for specific needs which MCPS delivered to us on Sunday.

2232
03:24:59,340 --> 03:24:59,840
So that happened.

2233
03:25:00,000 --> 03:25:10,980
Okay, so seven to eight times, I just want to get to evaluate services. And seven to eight times on what you're saying is seven to eight times, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation, yes,

2234
03:25:12,440 --> 03:25:18,140
sought from MCPS, what they needed in order to get schools open.

2235
03:25:18,740 --> 03:25:26,580
Yes, and it wasn't until Sunday at two 13 PM that a formal request came over of what exactly was needed.

2236
03:25:26,580 --> 03:25:31,200
there were some other issues that were identified in those other communications that we responded to,

2237
03:25:31,400 --> 03:25:36,120
but a longer list of issues that had been identified through the root testing and other activities

2238
03:25:36,120 --> 03:25:38,560
that MCPS did was delivered to us on site.

2239
03:25:38,580 --> 03:25:42,280
And based on the protocols that were put in place in the fall that you told us,

2240
03:25:42,420 --> 03:25:48,240
what was supposed to happen? Because I can't imagine that the protocol suggested not responding

2241
03:25:48,240 --> 03:25:54,400
until eight days after a storm requesting help. The protocol is to have an open line of communications

2242
03:25:54,400 --> 03:25:58,360
and to communicate needs and resources to each other. There's nothing beyond that.

2243
03:25:58,700 --> 03:26:01,800
Okay. To me that doesn't sound like a protocol, just to be totally clear.

2244
03:26:02,620 --> 03:26:06,080
It seems like a general understanding, which to me is inadequate.

2245
03:26:06,820 --> 03:26:12,260
I met with the superintendent and we agreed that we would establish those lines of communication and use those,

2246
03:26:12,300 --> 03:26:14,800
but there is no written agreement to back that up.

2247
03:26:14,900 --> 03:26:18,580
Okay. All evidence of the contrary that that was followed through upon,

2248
03:26:19,500 --> 03:26:21,260
the spirit of not the letter of that agreement,

2249
03:26:21,260 --> 03:26:29,660
And I would strongly urge there to be a written MOU between Montgomery County government,

2250
03:26:29,820 --> 03:26:35,140
Department of Transportation, wherever within County government it should be an MCPS that's

2251
03:26:35,140 --> 03:26:40,060
specifically delineates what will be done and how it will be achieved.

2252
03:26:40,180 --> 03:26:45,560
On communication and on execution, because clearly this is an area that fell short and it was

2253
03:26:45,560 --> 03:26:52,000
just a breakdown. And that breakdown is part of what has led us to the arms and

2254
03:26:52,000 --> 03:26:56,220
other direction and the public understandably being extremely frustrated because it feels

2255
03:26:56,220 --> 03:27:00,340
like no one's taking responsibility and accountability for what happened and why students

2256
03:27:00,340 --> 03:27:02,560
weren't in school for eight days.

2257
03:27:03,920 --> 03:27:10,120
Thank you. This is cool. Want to share any remarks after that questioning? Because I think

2258
03:27:10,120 --> 03:27:16,060
that's one of the main questions here. Why wait it's so long until Sunday?

2259
03:27:17,380 --> 03:27:22,520
Yeah, so we wanted to, again, we wanted to make sure that all, you know, we were focusing

2260
03:27:22,520 --> 03:27:30,960
on cleaning up our schools first and then as we noticed issues with the roads and we were,

2261
03:27:30,960 --> 03:27:36,560
you know, anything that we noticed that would be difficult for the buses as it was say for our

2262
03:27:36,560 --> 03:27:41,860
to start traveling, the transportation drivers to start traveling on the roots and seeing all those

2263
03:27:41,860 --> 03:27:50,720
we started gathering the intel and we shared with our partners but we again you know our

2264
03:27:51,280 --> 03:27:56,960
initial focus wants to make sure our facilities were ready so we worked on that making sure that you

2265
03:27:56,960 --> 03:28:06,540
know those were were done and then we you know obviously again have to focus on continuing our work with the

2266
03:28:06,540 --> 03:28:22,600
was cleared. It was, again, we, you know, got covered in snow again. So we focused on that. And then as we, you know, we were able to send out our drivers to get to these, the locations we started gathering the intel and shared with the county.

2267
03:28:23,280 --> 03:28:25,280
Thank you. Councilmember make.

2268
03:28:27,760 --> 03:28:34,440
I just wanted to agree with the, as I know that you all have, we've plans for you all to come together and figure out what you're going to do.

2269
03:28:34,440 --> 03:28:39,260
to work together and coordinate, taking into account the school, bus stops, and sidewalks, and Ruth

2270
03:28:39,260 --> 03:28:40,160
St. Francisco, etc.

2271
03:28:40,380 --> 03:28:40,900
And I appreciate that.

2272
03:28:41,280 --> 03:28:45,240
I'm looking forward to hearing that, and also wanted to agree with what Tuft.

2273
03:28:45,240 --> 03:28:49,300
On Restored said about the food distribution sites, for my down county residents, also this

2274
03:28:49,300 --> 03:28:49,780
was an issue.

2275
03:28:49,880 --> 03:28:57,500
I was also reaching out to MCPS, and it was not clear to me if the issue was school MCPS or

2276
03:28:57,500 --> 03:29:03,280
DOT or private sidewalks that we, that are technically the responsibility of the homeowner,

2277
03:29:03,280 --> 03:29:07,280
but really they're the issue of the public at large and what are we doing about that.

2278
03:29:07,780 --> 03:29:12,340
So if you could please do include the school distribution sites and making sure we have equitable

2279
03:29:12,340 --> 03:29:18,000
access to those in part of the overhaul that you are going to be looking at putting together.

2280
03:29:18,760 --> 03:29:24,340
And then to lift up a question that I am now being flooded with, if you could please explain

2281
03:29:24,980 --> 03:29:30,600
the purpose of a two hour delay tomorrow. Does that have to do with temperatures in the morning?

2282
03:29:30,600 --> 03:29:35,660
it does it have to do with that we can't get those sidewalks clear enough but two hours is going

2283
03:29:35,660 --> 03:29:39,300
to make all of the difference and what is the, what is the benefit there?

2284
03:29:39,900 --> 03:29:45,260
Yeah so there is a predicted event tonight into tomorrow morning so we just wanted to make sure

2285
03:29:45,260 --> 03:29:49,760
we're going to be you know meeting this evening as well as really early tomorrow morning just to see

2286
03:29:50,220 --> 03:29:57,900
what this this upcoming storm is going to bring us just so that it gives our folks enough time

2287
03:29:57,900 --> 03:29:59,840
If there is any additional clearing needed.

2288
03:30:00,000 --> 03:30:07,080
Both on our sides at the school sites as well as the sidewalks, and giving students enough time.

2289
03:30:07,360 --> 03:30:11,060
There are a lot of student drivers as well, and there will be a lot of walkers to more morning.

2290
03:30:11,300 --> 03:30:16,100
So we just wanted to make sure that we are aware of the actual situation on the ground.

2291
03:30:16,240 --> 03:30:22,600
And the two hour delay this morning was for the same question for the two hour delay that we had this morning.

2292
03:30:22,600 --> 03:30:40,540
Yeah, so the same same same answer we just wanted to make sure again, we do have a lot of student drivers and and and and again get wanted to give our bus drivers enough time to get to all the routes understanding that there's going to be some challenges with picking up students at a lot of these bus stops.

2293
03:30:40,540 --> 03:30:45,360
we wanted to give, you know, our buses enough time, and in of daylight hours because of the

2294
03:30:45,360 --> 03:30:52,080
re-freezing that has happened over, you know, since last night, we wanted to give that extra

2295
03:30:52,080 --> 03:30:58,100
time to get our schools prepared. Okay, and the frustration of course is because we open to

2296
03:30:58,100 --> 03:31:02,460
hours later, and then we still have kids climbing over icebergs and stuff, you know, two hours later,

2297
03:31:05,140 --> 03:31:12,580
I had to say this as a parent, you know, I understand that you need to be mindful of the drivers,

2298
03:31:12,800 --> 03:31:18,380
but you also have to be mindful of the parents who need to now, you know, rescal your

2299
03:31:18,380 --> 03:31:22,640
their entire work life because there's another to our delay going on.

2300
03:31:22,680 --> 03:31:29,080
So I think that's missing and I look forward to all of you to come back, we need to, you know,

2301
03:31:29,080 --> 03:31:34,600
throughout the time. Once you have all that information and truly think about how we can do better.

2302
03:31:35,420 --> 03:31:40,700
And this is not criticism about the workers that people who are out there for many hours

2303
03:31:40,700 --> 03:31:45,480
and we truly appreciate them, but as a county we have responsibility to work and do better.

2304
03:31:47,180 --> 03:31:51,300
And not just for the workers, but for the families that we're serving with that.

2305
03:31:52,240 --> 03:31:58,680
Just a reminder that we have a go at a chess EC committee work session today at 315.

2306
03:31:58,680 --> 03:32:05,180
you have five minutes to get ready and we've had this consultation is adjourned. Thank you for your time.