gaithersblog.net

Well, after making a big deal last week about how the City was starting to post full meeting packages as single PDFs, this week they have done no such thing. They did include a background PDF in the “From Staff” section, and this contains some memos of a sort they hadn’t provided before. There is no correspondence in there, though; I don’t know if this is because they’ve backed off on that or if there just wasn’t any to publish. Also, in the background materials for the appointments to various committees and commissions they did include the letters of application, which I don’t recall them having done previously. Perhaps the holiday made the preparation of the single-file packet problematic.

Regarding the agenda itself, perhaps the most interesting item is the public hearing on the Municipal Growth Element of the City’s Master Plan. From the background materials,

A Master Plan Element, Municipal Growth will serve as an informational and policy document to the Mayor and City Council, the Planning Commission, other boards and committees of the City, and the residents of Gaithersburg. The Element, required by the State of Maryland under House Bill 1141, will identify potential Maximum Expansion Limits (MEL). Specific land use, zoning and infrastructure needs will continue to be addressed in the Land Use and Community Facilities Elements.

The Municipal Growth Element will serve as the framework and projector of future growth rates and needs over the next 20-30 years. It is important to note that the MEL is not intended to show areas the City is considering or pursuing for annexation into the City limits. Rather, these are the logical areas for expansion should the City expand during future decades. Ultimately, this Element will support the policies and principles of the City, as well as the other Master Plan Elements.

There are two background documents linked from the agenda. The first is the draft Master Plan Element itself; it is 72 pages and is brimming with all manner of maps and tables documenting the City’s vision of Gaithersburg’s future. One particularly interesting map, pasted in below, shows the City’s Maximum Expansion Limits, highlighting all the land that is not now part of the City but which could be annexed in the future. These areas include, for example, Johns Hopkins’ future Belward Campus and the Montgomery Village shopping centers on the opposite side of Lost Knife from Lakeforest Mall. This is highly recommended reading. The second document contains a bunch of related correspondence and a PowerPoint presentation.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Mayor and City Council Meeting, 12/1/2008

Posted 11/26/2008

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held November 17, 2008

  TBA - Background Material (pdf format)

V. CONSENT ITEMS
(resolutions for approval by the City Council that do not need discussion)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Extend the Architectural and Engineering Services Contract for Additional Design Services Related to the New Olde Towne Youth Center ($53,912)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for Construction Services for the Rabbitt Road Green Street Retrofit ($30,570)
   Background Material (pdf format 16M)

VI. ELECTION OF CITY COUNCL VICE PRESIDENT

VII. APPOINTMENTS

1. Resolution of the City Council Confirming a Reappointment by the Mayor to the Historic District Commission (Michael Sesma)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the City Council Confirming Appointments and Reappointments by the Mayor to the Arts and Monuments Funding Corporation, Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs, Communications Committee, Cultural Arts Advisory Committee, Education Committee, Gaithersburg Senior Council, and Technology & Innovations Committee

   Background Material (pdf format)

VIII. PRESENTATION

Proclamation of the Mayor and City Council Designating December 1, 2008, as “Marty Monks Day” in the City of Gaithersburg
Background Material (pdf format)

IX. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
(public is invited to speak on any subject that is not a public hearing topic on tonight’s agenda - each speaker three minutes)

X. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Board/Commission/Committee Vacancy Update
• Upcoming City Events

XI. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. JOINT — MP-2-08, Municipal Growth Element
   Background Material - I (pdf format 19M)
   Background Material - II (pdf format)

2. JOINT - T-388, Amend Chapter 24 of the City Code (City Zoning Ordinance), Entitled, “Zoning,” Article IX, Entitled, “Signs,” § 24-211 Entitled, “Signs Permitted In All Zones,” Subsection (e), Entitled, “Election Campaign And Ballot Questions Signs,” to Eliminate Conflicting Provisions and Renumber Accordingly
   Background Material (pdf format)

XIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND REGULATIONS

(ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to be introduced or adopted following appropriate procedures required by the City Code, or resolutions that may require discussion by the Mayor and Council prior to approval)

1. Introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 7A of the City Code Entitled “Ethics Code”, Section 7A-1 Entitled “Applicability of Chapter”, Section 7A-4 Entitled “Conflicts of Interest” and 7A-5 Entitled “Financial Disclosure Statements” to Amend Applicability, Gift Amounts and Filing of Disclosure Statements (anticipated public hearing January 5, 2009)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the Woodland Hills Community to Use a Previously Approved Matching Grant for a Different Project ($2,825)
   Background Material (pdf format)

XIV. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

• Background Material (pdf format)

XV. ADJOURNMENT

---

ANNOUNCEMENT
Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gaithersburg will conduct a Work Session on Monday, December 8, 2008, to discuss the proposed Mayor and City Council paperless packages and physical changes to the Council Chambers related to cable upgrades.

---

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008, 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE

Via Connected Communites, where reports for all six districts are available.

P1 Beat:

• A residential apartment burglary occurred in the 17100 block of Queen Victoria Court in Gaithersburg between Thursday, 11/6 at 10:00 p.m. and Friday, 11/7 at 1:15 pm. There was no sign of forced entry and property was reported missing.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 500 block of West Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg on Friday, 11/7 between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Forced entry and property was removed.

P2 Beat:

• A street robbery occurred in the 700 block of Clopper Road in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, 11/5 around 6:20 p.m. The adult male victim was approached by three suspects, who demanded money. One suspect struck the victim in the face knocking him down. His pockets were searched and property was stolen.

  Suspect: B/M 15-16, 5’7”, black hoodie, blue jeans
  Suspect: B/M 15-16, 5’7”, black hoodie, blue jeans
  Suspect: B/M 16-20, 5’11” to 6’0”, heavy build, black hoodie, blue jeans

R1 Beat:

• A robbery occurred near the intersection of Contour Road and Copps Hill Drive in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, 11/5 around 11:30 pm. Four suspects surrounded the adult male victim and one implied he had a gun. They demanded his money and property and the victim complied. All
  fled toward South Lake Elementary.

  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 5’5” to 5’8”, 130, 140, dredlocks, black Northface jacket
  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 5’8” to 5’10”, black tee shirt, blue jeans
  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 220 lbs, black hair
  Suspect: B/M 16-18

• An armed robbery of a pizza deliverer occurred in the 18600 block of Kingfisher Terrace in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 11/6 around 9:20 p.m. A request for a pizza was made from this address by the suspects, who robbed the driver upon arrival. All fled toward Strawberry Knoll Road.

  Suspect: B/M 16-20, 5’9”, 140, short hair, gold jewelry, black striped polo shirt, handgun
  Suspect: B/M 16-20, 5’6’ to 5’8”, 130, black shirt with graphics, blue jeans
  Suspect: B/M 16-20, 5’6” to 5’8”

• A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 18300 block of Lost Knife Circle in Montgomery Village on Friday, 11/7 around 6:45 p.m. One of the two suspects asked the juvenile male victim for a cigarette and then demanded the victims’ property.

  Suspect: B/M 18-19, 6’3”, slim. dredlocks
  Suspect: B/M 16-29, 5’5”, slim, black hair

• A strong-arm robbery occurred near the intersection of Tunstall Place and Treyford Terrace in Montgomery Village on Friday, 11/7 around 6:15 p.m. The elderly male victim was knocked to the ground by the suspects. Passing citizens came to the victim’s aid. Two B/Ms, one with an afro hair style.
• A strong-arm robbery occurred at the Transit Center at 9650 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 11/11 around 5:45 pm. The adult male victim was punched and robbed of his property.

  Suspect: described as an African-American with a light complexion.

• A bank robbery occurred at The Sovereign Bank at 481 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Friday, 11/7 at 6:00 p.m. Two suspects entered the bank, announced the robbery. Tellers did as instructed and the suspects fled the bank. Both suspects wore dark clothing, black masks, gloves, and were armed with handguns.

  Suspect: B/M 25-30, 5’10” to 6’0”, 180 to 200 lbs., white gloves
  Suspect: B/M 25-30, 5’10”, black puffy ¾-length coat

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 400 block of Christopher Avenue in Montgomery Village overnight between Monday, 11/03 and Tuesday, 11/04. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9400 block of Royal Bonnet Terrace in Montgomery Village overnight between Monday, 11/03 and Tuesday, 11/04. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18300 block of Lost Knife Circle in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 11/04. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9600 block of Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village on Monday, 11/03 between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. Suspects entered an unlocked vehicle and removed a handicapped placard.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18700 block of Walkers Choice Road in Montgomery Village on Friday, 11/07. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18500 block of Boysenberry Way in Montgomery Village on Saturday, 11/08. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9900 block of Boysenberry Way in Montgomery Village overnight between Friday, 11/07 and Saturday, 11/08. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9800 block of Hellingly Place in Montgomery Village on Saturday, 11/08. Suspects broke the window and removed camera equipment, camera and speakers.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred on Windbrooke Circle in Gaithersburg overnight between Friday, 11/07 and Sunday, 11/09. Suspects broke the window and removed the GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 700 block of Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 11/09 between 12:00 noon and 2:30 p.m. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18100 block of Tunstall Drive in Montgomery Village on Monday, 11/10. Suspects broke the window and removed tools and a flashlight.

R2 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 10200 block of Ridgeline Drive in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, 11/5 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Forced entry and property was removed.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 10400 block of Kardwright Court in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 11/09. Suspects broke the window and removed a stereo system.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 19000 block of Stedwick Drive in Montgomery Village on Thursday, 11/06. Suspects entered an unlocked vehicle and removed cash, coins, and a passport.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 10500 block of Cambridge Court in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 11/09. Suspects cut the convertible top to gain entry and removed a portable CD player from the trunk.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 19900 block of Apple Ridge Place in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 11/04. Suspects broke the window and removed a cell phone and charger.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 20100 block of Torrey Pond Place in Montgomery Village on Monday, 11/03. Suspects broke the window and removed jewelry and an iPod.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 19200 block of Watkins Mill Road in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 11/04. Victim left her vehicle unlocked and suspects entered the vehicle and removed a purse, which contained a wallet, cash and cell phone.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9900 block of Forest View Place in Montgomery Village on Friday, 11/07. Suspects broke the window and removed money, a cell phone, and a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 19100 block of Capehart Drive in Montgomery Village on Thursday, 11/06. Suspects broke the window and removed a stereo, clothing, and a GPS unit.

S1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred on Sunday, 11/9 at 3:00 a.m. in a parking lot at North Summit Avenue and North Summit Drive in Gaithersburg and involved several party-goers. The adult male victim stated he got into an argument with the suspect over a female and the suspect stabbed him.
  Suspect: H/M, 5’5” to 5’7”, yellow shirt, light blue jeans, knife
• A commercial burglary occurred to a house used as a dentist office at 9 Desellum Avenue in Gaithersburg between Thursday, 11/6 at 6:00 p.m. and Friday, 11/7 at 8:00 a.m. Forced entry and property was taken.
• A commercial burglary occurred at The Parkeeza Market at 117 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg between Monday, 11/10 at 10:00 p.m. and Tuesday, 11/11 at 9:00 a.m. Forced entry and property was taken.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of Billingsgate Lane in Gaithersburg on Friday, 11/07. Forced entry and property was taken.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of Bowspirit Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 11/10. Forced entry but nothing was reported missing.

S2 Beat:

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 17600 block of Wheat Fall Drive in Derwood on Thursday, 11/06. No force but cash, CD’s, and a portable DVD player were taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 17500 block of Wheat Falls Drive in Derwood on Thursday,
  11/06. No force but cash and a jacket were removed.

Via Connected Communites, where reports for all six districts are available.

P1 Beat:

• A commercial burglary occurred at the Brighton Beer & Wine, 225 Muddy Branch Road, in Gaithersburg on Monday, 11/3 around 3:15 a.m. Officers responding to the alarm found the burglary. Forced entry, property taken.
• An armed robbery that occurred on Thursday, 10/30 at the Homestead Suites on Research Boulevard in Rockville was determined to be between relatives. An argument escalated when one threatened the other with a razor. The suspect was quickly located and arrested.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 9900 block of Shelburne Terrace in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30 between 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Forced entry, property taken.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of West Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 10/28 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Forced entry, nothing taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 17100 block of Queen Victoria Drive in Gaithersburg on Wednesday 10/30. Unlocked vehicle, car stereo taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9600 block of Marathon Circle in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30. Forced entry, satellite stereo taken.
• A theft of a vehicle part occurred in the 15300 block of Gable Ridge Court in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30. Forced entry, passenger side door removed.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 15600 block of Marathon Circle in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, 10/29. Forced entry, GPS taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 600 block of Coral Reef Drive in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30. Unlocked vehicle, GPS and cash taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred on Red Kiln Court in Gaithersburg on Friday, 10/31. Forced entry, GPS and cash taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 400 block of Muddy Branch Road in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 11/01. Forced entry, GPS taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9900 block of Killarney Lane in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 11/01. Forced entry, radar detector taken.
• An attempted theft from a vehicle occurred in the 17000 block of King James Way in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 11/2. Unsuccessful attempt at forced entry.

P2 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred at Chuck E. Cheese at 516 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Saturday 11/1 around 10:45 p.m. An employee was walking to his vehicle when, three suspects dressed in dark clothing and Halloween masks with white lines under the eyes ran up behind the adult male employee and assaulted him. One of the suspects had an accent and demanded money. All three suspects fled on foot.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 700 block of Quince Orchard Blvd. in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 11/01. Forced entry, DVD, monitor taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 900 block of Clopper Road in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 11/02. Forced entry, GPS taken.

R1 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg between Sunday, 10/26 and Wednesday, 10/29. No signs of forced entry, property taken.
• A burglary occurred at South Lake Elementary School, 18201 Contour Road in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 11/2 between 6:56 a.m. and 7:11 a.m. No signs of forced entry, nothing taken.
• A strong-arm robbery occurred outside the McDonalds, 19388 Montgomery Village Avenue in Montgomery Village on Friday, 10/31 around 4:15 pm. The 15-year-old-male victim was approached by two suspects who demanded his cell phone and began assaulting him. Both fled towards Brassie Place.

  Suspect#1: B/M, 15 – 17 years old, 5’8” to 5’9”, 130-140 lbs., black afro in a ponytail, black winter coat
  Suspect#2: No description

• A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Travis View Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 11/3, between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Forced entry, property taken. The suspects also stole a vehicle using keys they took during the burglary. That vehicle was found on nearby Wake Forest Drive. Suspects: 2 B/Ms, 20-25 years old, dark hooded winter jackets

R2 Beat:

• An armed robbery occurred near the park at the 10400 block of Stedwick Road in Montgomery Village on Friday, 10/31 around 10:20 p.m. Two juvenile males were approached by a group of five males wearing white masks and black hooded sweatshirts. One suspect produced a knife and held it to the victim’s chest. They obtained cash and fled.
• A peeping tom was discovered on a ladder outside a home in the 10300 block of Watkins Mill Drive in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30 around 7:40 p.m. The resident saw the suspect looking into his home and chased him off.
  Suspect: Male, black windbreaker, blue jeans, white sneakers with black writing

S1 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Meadowgate Terrace in Gaithersburg between Saturday, 11/1 at 11:45 p.m. and Sunday, 11/2 at 3:00 a.m. Forced entry, property taken.

S2 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 8200 block of Hedge Apple Way in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/30 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Forced entry, property taken.

There are several interesting items in this agenda. The first thing is that for the past few weeks — as I’ve so far failed to note — the City has started to include the entire Council “package” as circulated to the Council by City Staff. This is, I expect, a side-effect of preparations for the City’s plan to go to paperless Council meetings, with all the background materials being available to the Council on computer screens at the dais. While PDFs of the various background materials have been available with these online agendas for years, the interesting thing is that the full packages now include several documents — including correspondence — which had previously only been circulated to the Mayor, Council and City staff. Thus, we are now able to see copies of letters and emails that had been sent to and by the Mayor and Council, along with some internal City memos. It also means that if you send an email to the Mayor and Council, it is going to be published on the web. In any event, this can make for fascinating reading. In recent weeks the additional documents have included a correspondence trail, including photographs, regarding “illegal decks” in Shady Grove Village, letters from the Mayor thanking people, applications for committee nominations and even hand-written thank-you notes. These packets can be found linked from the online agendas for the meetings beginning November 3.

Item I below is regarding a request that the Mayor and Council formally support state legislation proposed by Sen. Nancy King which would limit the amount of a prison sentence which could be reduced by “diminutive credits”. This effort is inspired in part by the tragic murder of Lindsay Harvey.

Items II, III and IV appear to mostly be an effort to clean up and update some parts of the City Code, changing the employee gift limit from $10 to $50, raising various procurement policy thresholds, and eliminating a probably-unconstitutional prohibition against some sorts of political activity by City employees. Item V is a review of the City’s matching grant program, which provides funds to neighborhoods for various projects and activities.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Work Session - Various items, 11/24/2008

Posted 11/13/2008

City of Gaithersburg
WORK SESSION
Mayor and City Council

Monday, November 24, 2008
7:30 P.M.
Full Meeting Package (pdf format - Large File: 2.6M)

1. Discussion Concerning a Citizen Request that the Mayor and City Council Support Statewide Legislation Associated With the Use of Diminutive Credits to Reduce Prison Terms (hear presentation, and provide staff guidance)

   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Proposed Amendment to Section 61 of the Charter Entitled “Prohibitions and Restrictions Regarding Persons in Classified Service” (staff seeking guidance on whether to schedule for public hearing)
   Background Material (pdf format)

3. Proposed Ordinance to Repeal and Reenact With Amendments to Chapter 7A of the City Code Entitled “Ethics Code”, Sections 7A-1, 7A-4 and 7A-5 (staff seeking guidance on whether to schedule for introduction)
   Background Material (pdf format)

4. Proposed Amendment to Section 57 of the City Charter and Adoption of a Resolution Establishing New Administrative Purchasing Procedures (staff seeking guidance on whether to schedule for public hearing)
   Background Material (pdf format)

5. Discussion Concerning Proposed Additional Criteria for the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program (hear presentation, and provide staff guidance)

   Background Material (pdf format)

In a recent Business Week article, Gaithersburg was chosen as the best place in Maryland to raise your kids. The comments were brief:

Gaithersburg, a former farming town at the terminus of the D.C. Metro’s Red Line, is a diverse, affordable place with a shopping district called “Old Towne” that dates back to the 19th century.

The Maryland runners-up were both also in Montgomery County: Silver Spring and Aspen Hill. Nationwide, their winner was the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect. Regarding their selection criteria, the said:

The most important factors in our analysis were school performance, affordability, and safety. But we also gave weight to cost of living, air quality, job growth, racial diversity, and local parks, ball fields, zoos, recreation centers, museums, and theaters.

We knocked out towns with populations of fewer than 50,000 and median household incomes of less than $40,000 or more than $100,000.

These criteria were substantially different than those used in last year’s rankings, which appear to have been the subject of a fair amount of criticism:

“I guess we’re all supposed to pick up, saddle up the horses, and move out to Nebraska,” reader John Sasko said—a reference to the 11 Nebraska hamlets, all with populations under 2,500, on the list. As Sasko and others pointed out, we didn’t reward towns for ethnic diversity or for ample employment opportunities, factors that would favor more urban places. Indeed, most of the top 50 places are small towns in the Midwest.

It’s pretty easy to see how this year’s criteria were specifically designed to address those complaints.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, City growth plan looks at chances to gain land:
  

  Gaithersburg city leaders are gearing up to review a municipal growth plan that projects job, housing and population increases and identifies opportunities to expand city limits.

• Alan Brody writes, Gaithersburg man gored by deer in front of wife, dog:
  

  Like any other morning, Gil Genn went outside his Gaithersburg home Thursday to walk his Chocolate Labrador Yuffie.

  But by day’s end, Genn, an Annapolis lobbyist and former Democratic state delegate from Montgomery County, would spend six hours in the emergency room and was fortunate to be alive.

• C. Benjamin Ford writes, MARC riders speak out against schedule cutbacks:
  

  Montgomery County riders of the MARC train protested this week the state’s plan to eliminate the 1:45 p.m. Brunswick Line train out of Washington except on Fridays, curtail rail service on holidays and eliminate the 10-trip tickets favored by frequent commuters to Washington, D.C.

• Janel Davis writes, Public schools system falling short of county savings goal:
  

  The county school system can come up with $3 million in savings as a midyear target, said Superintendent Jerry D. Weast, falling far short of a $19 million figure issued by County Executive Isiah Leggett.

• Douglas Tallman writes, Montgomery going without helicopter:
  

  As Maryland State Police recover from the Sept. 27 crash of one of their helicopters, Montgomery County is lacking its own helicopter to fly trauma patients from accident scenes.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Wonderland plugs into human energy:
  

  Memo to Clark Griswald: Don’t bother. Gaithersburg’s 13th annual Winter Lights Festival features more tiny bulbs, more extension cords and more toothy grins from furry animals, herald angels, carolers, Santas and snowmen than can be matched, no matter how obsessed the homeowner.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Guilty plea closes case on waiter’s murder:
  

  The 18-year-old illegal immigrant from Honduras charged with killing a beloved waiter in Montgomery Village pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Monday during a hearing marked at times by his apparent confusion and reluctance to agree to the plea.

  Manuel Antonio Barahona of Gaithersburg, who has a second-grade education, told the judge through a translator that he did not understand the proceedings of the plea hearing and that he needed more time to speak to his lawyer.

• Jason Tomassini writes, Charges dropped against officer involved in fatal shooting:
  

  A grand jury ruled Thursday that a Montgomery County police officer was justified in his use of deadly force June 6 when he shot and killed a Gaithersburg man inside a Silver Spring apartment building.

  Third District Officer Nathan Kane, who had been on administrative leave during the investigation, will not be indicted on criminal charges in the death of 25-year-old Hector Jose Marinero of the 18700 block of Walkers Choice Road. Kane will return to duty “as soon as possible,” said his attorney, Jim Shalleck.

• Meghan Tierney writes, Explosives, drug, weapons charges dropped against Gaithersburg man:
  

  All charges have been dropped against a man accused of manufacturing explosives in the basement of his Gaithersburg townhouse, but prosecutors will continue to investigate the case.

  Prosecutors dropped 17 of the 23 charges filed against James L. Boka, 48, in August, and dismissed the remaining charges on Nov. 10 in Montgomery County District Court, according to an online state court records database.

• Susan Singer-Bart and Sebastian Montes writes, Witnesses of fatal Friday crash sought:
  

  A 74-year-old man died Friday in a three-car collision in rush hour traffic at the intersection of Route 355 and Montgomery Village Avenue, but police are calling on witnesses to help sort out the sequence of events.

  The man, Mohamed Aboul-Enein of the 800 block of Trotters Ridge Lane in Gaithersburg, was riding in a 2003 Volkswagen Golf driven by his son, Ibrahim Aboul-Enein, 44, of the same address just before 4 p.m. when they collided with a 1999 Volkswagen Passat traveling south on Route 355, according to county police.

• Nathan Carrick writes, Man accused of killing friend takes stand:
  

  The Rockville man accused of murdering a local athletic trainer took the witness stand Wednesday morning in his own defense and said he remembers holding the gun and the gun firing in his hand, but that he did not want to kill his friend, Jason David Hadeed.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, City’s longtime historic preservation advocate dies:
  

  David Shayt, the longtime Gaithersburg volunteer and museum curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., died Nov. 4 of multiple myeloma at his Olde Towne home on DeSellum Avenue. He was 56.

From the City’s website:

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 11/18/08 at 3:24 pm the victim was walking in the 400 block of East Diamond Avenue when the suspects approached from the rear. They stole a PSP and fled on foot. Investigation to continue.

suspect #1 - black male, 506-507, thin, approx 24 years old, North Face black jacket, blue jeans, black knit cap
suspect #2 - black male, 506-507, 120 lbs, 16 years old, North Face black jacket, blue jeans, black knit cap

---

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 1:00 p.m. on 11/15/08 and 12:30 p.m. on 11/16/08, unknown subjects entered 10 Keystone Court and removed several items. There were no signs of forced entry.

---

Friday, November 14, 2008

Significant Events

On 11/14/08, at 3:57 p.m., two vehicles collided in the intersection of Route 355 and Montgomery Village Avenue. The passenger in one of the vehicles sustained fatal injuries. The collision is under investigation.

---

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Burglary

On 11/13/08, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., there was a burglary reported in the unit block of Duvall Lane. Entry was made into an enclosed porch and property was taken. There are no suspects.

---

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., a residence in the 500 block of S Frederick Avenue was burglarized. There were no signs of forced entry. Property was taken.

---

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Burglary

Sometime between 8:00 p.m. on 11/10/08 and 10:00 a.m. on 11/11/08, an unknown suspect entered a business located at 117 N. Frederick Avenue and removed cash.

---

Monday, November 10, 2008

Attempted Burglary

On 11/10/08 an attempted burglary was reported in the unit block of Shuttle Court. The incident occurred between 10/10/08 and 11/10/08. The suspect attempted to drill out the dead bolt lock. There are no suspects.

Burglary

On 11/10/08, at approximately 10:30 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of Bowsprit Court for the report of a burglary. The front door was kicked in but no property was taken.

From the City’s Website:

Agenda - Mayor and City Council Meeting, 11/17/2008

Posted 11/13/2008

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008, 7:30 P.M.
Full Meeting Package (pdf format - Large File: 27M)

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Minutes of a Work Session of the Mayor and City Council Held October 27, 2008
  Background Material (pdf format)

• Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held November 3, 2008
  Background Material (pdf format)

V. CONSENT ITEM
(resolutions for approval by the City Council that do not need discussion)

Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract to Provide Equipment and Personnel to Perform Snow Plowing Services ($90,000)
Background Material (pdf format)

VI. APPOINTMENT

Resolution of the City Council Confirming Appointments and Reappointments by the Mayor to the Resolution of the City Council Confirming an Appointment by the Mayor to the Gaithersburg/Washington Grove Fire Department
Background Material (pdf format)

VII. PRESENTATIONS

Readings of the Winning Essays from the City’s National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week Adult Heroes in OUR Community Writing Contest
Background Material (pdf format)

XIII. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
(public is invited to speak on any subject that is not a public hearing topic on tonight’s agenda - each speaker three minutes)

IX. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Upcoming City Events

X. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

XI. RECESS MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

---

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

• Minutes of a Historic District Commission Meeting Held November 3, 2008
  Background Material (pdf format)

3.Certificate of Approvals

• HAWP-106A Applicant: Pete Geiling, for the City of Gaithersburg, 100 DeSellum Avenue, Gaithersburg International Latitude Observatory Park Enhancements
  Background Material (pdf format)

4. Adjournment

---

XII. RECONVENE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

XIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND REGULATIONS
(ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to be introduced or adopted following appropriate procedures required by the City Code, or resolutions that may require discussion by the Mayor and Council prior to approval)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract to Design and Build a Replacement Cable Television System ($415,000)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. SDP-08-0008 - Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg Granting Approval of a Height Waiver as Part of Preliminary Site Plan SP-08-0008, Known as Residences at Olde Towne, in the Central Business District (CBD) Zone
   Background Material (pdf format)

XIV. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

• Background Material (pdf format - 4.7M)

XV. ADJOURNMENT

---

ANNOUNCEMENT
Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gaithersburg will conduct a Work Session on Monday, November 24, 2008 to:

• Discuss Statewide Legislation Associated With the Use of Diminutive Credits to Reduce Prison Terms

• Proposed City Code and Charter Amendments (Election, Ethics, and Purchasing)
• Discuss the Criteria and Application Process for the City’s Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

---

HE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008, 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE

---

MCPS press release via Connected Communities:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Critically Missing Rockville Man

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police 1st District Investigative Section are seeking the public’s help in locating a critically missing Rockville man. Patrick Joseph Carew was last seen in the Bethesda area yesterday at approximately 7:00 p.m. Officers had contact with him attempting to locate his vehicle in a parking garage. He was last seen when police helped him find his vehicle, a dark-green 1996 Honda four door with Maryland registration 6AND73.

Mr. Carew is described as an 84-year-old white male, 5’09” tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has balding grey/brown hair and brown eyes.

While there is no evidence of foul play, there is concern because Mr. Carew is diabetic and takes medication that he does not have with him.

Anyone who has information about Mr. Carew’s whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.