gaithersblog.net

• Sebastian Montes writes, Teen indicted for murder in son’s death:
  

  The 17-year-old from Gaithersburg accused of killing his 2-year-old son last month was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury Thursday on one charge each of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse.

  Darryl Eugene Powell, of the 9400 block of Merust Lane of Gaithersburg, was arrested Jan. 8 after an autopsy determined that his son Zjaire Williams died the day before of “multiple injuries” — revealed by bruises inside his mouth and on his body — while the boy was in his father’s custody.

• Bradford Pearson writes, Teen charged in bomb case pleads guilty to carjacking charge:
  

  A Bethesda teen, who was also charged last summer in connection to a bomb-making probe, pleaded guilty last week to attempted carjacking, Montgomery County courts officials said.

  Collin McKenzie-Gude, 19, pleaded guilty on Feb. 18, conceding that he tried to steal a car from an elderly man in the White Flint Mall parking lot on July 29, 2008.

• Sebastian Montes writes, With early funding OK’d, Leggett’s ‘Initiative’ heads into choppier waters:
  

  The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday signed off on nearly $40 million to fund the opening phase of County Executive Isiah Leggett’s sweeping proposal to relocate a dozen county operations.

• Meghan Tierney writes, Germantown man killed in Gaithersburg hit-and-run:
  

  A Germantown man was found dead in the Muddy Branch Square Shopping Center parking lot early Saturday, the victim of an apparent hit-and-run collision, according to police.

• Nathan Carrick writes, Teenager who escaped from detention center is still at large:
  

  16-year-old boy remains at large after escaping on foot from a juvenile detention center in Rockville last week.

  Neither county police nor officials at the state Department of Juvenile Services could say whether the teenager posed a danger to the community.

• Sebastian Montes writes, County seeks bus solution:
  

  For more than an hour every school morning, bus after bus exits the 12-acre bus depot near Shady Grove Road until all 391 buses are on their way — 157 more than the depot was ever meant to hold when it was built 30 years ago.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Neighbors band together in the fight against crime:
  

  Some members of Neighborhood Watch groups in Gaithersburg say the safety-oriented groups are helpful not only for staying up-to-date on crime statistics, but also for getting to know their neighbors.

• Erin Donaghue writes, Mardirossian aims to depose Planning Board in lawsuit:
  

  A Potomac resident and developer is seeking to subpoena Montgomery County Planning Board commissioners in relation to his lawsuit against a county preservationist, a move that has stirred controversy about when and how quasi-judicial bodies should be deposed.

• Janel Davis writes, County budget gap up to $520M:
  

  The county’s budget gap has grown to about $520 million due to declining tax revenues during the first six months of the fiscal year, as the recession continues to hit all facets of the economy.

• Susan Singer-Bart writes, County to delay Clarksburg bus depot:
  

  The county will build a bus depot and maintenance yard in Clarksburg despite concerns over worsening water quality, but the higher-than-expected cost will delay the project by two years.

Either it’s been really quiet lately or the City Police are kind of behind on posting incident reports…

From the City’s website:

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Burglary

On 2/22/09 at 7:48 P.M. there was a burglary in the 300 block of West Deer Park Road. The suspect was arrested on the scene.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Attempted Strong Arm Robbery

On 02/12/09, at 1:13 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of North Frederick Avenue, for a robbery. The suspect stole property from victim and fled the scene.

Suspect - Black male, 6′3″, 200 lbs., wearing a long black coat.

Note that, for the Mutual Aid discussion, the full plan document was included in the meeting package for the February 2 meeting of the Mayor and Council.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Work Session: Emergency Management, Paperless Package, 2/23/2009

Posted 2/12/2009

City of Gaithersburg
WORK SESSION
Mayor and City Council

Monday, February 23, 2009
7:30 P.M.
Full Meeting Package (pdf format)

1. Discussion of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Area Emergency Management Mutual Aid Operational Plan (MAOP)

   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Discuss Computing Options and Costs for the Proposed Mayor and City Council Paperless Package System and Associated Physical Changes to the Council Chambers
   Background Material (pdf format)

Via Connected Communites:

Fatal Hit and Run Collision Involving a Pedestrian In Gaithersburg

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run collision. The incident occurred in the 800 block of Muddy Branch Road during the early morning hours of February 21st.

The victim has been identified as 26 year old Michael John Greenya, of Sky Blue Drive in Germantown Maryland. Greenya was found around 6:30 a.m. in the area of the driveway of the Muddy Branch Square Shopping Center. The striking vehicle fled the scene prior to police arrival. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact investigators at 301-840-2435.

Specifically, investigators would like to speak with anyone who was near the area of the shopping center parking lot between 4:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

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

P1 Beat:

• No significant activity.

P2 Beat:

• A rape occurred in the 900 block of Beacon Square Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 2/2 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The victim had arranged a date at her home with an acquaintance.

R1 Beat:

• A street robbery occurred in the 400 block of North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 2/7 around 6:40 p.m. The victim was assaulted by three suspects, who knocked him down and kicked him several times. After obtaining his property, all suspects fled on foot.

  Suspects: Three B/M’s, 19-25 years, one with an afro, and another with corn rows

• An attempted bank robbery occurred at Wachovia Bank, 607 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Monday, 2/9 around 3:50 p.m. The female suspect waited in line and passed a note demanding money. No gun was seen. The teller refused to comply and the suspect walked out of the bank. The 26-year-old female suspect has since been arrested and charged.

• An attempted garage burglary occurred in the 9000 block of Green Run Way in Gaithersburg sometime between Saturday, 2/7 and Monday, 2/9. Force used but no entry was made.

• An aggravated assault occurred at the intersection of Montgomery Village Avenue and Russell Avenue in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, 2/3. After an argument, the defendant followed the victim and tried to run the victim over. This incident was witnessed by officers and the suspect was arrested at the scene.

R2 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 20300 block of Highland Hall Drive in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 2/8 between 2:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Force used and property was removed. Keys to three vehicles were also removed and all three vehicles were taken from the scene.

• A residential burglary occurred in the 9400 block of Chadburn Place in Montgomery Village on Saturday, 2/7 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. No forced used but property was removed.

S1 Beat:

• An attempted street robbery occurred in the 300 block of North Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 2/8 around 10:45 p.m. A group of five males attacked an adult male victim, struck him in the head with a bottle, and demanded his money. The victim had no money to give. Witnesses called the police and one suspect was arrested nearby.

• A residential robbery occurred in the 17800 block of Vinyard Lane in Gaithersburg on Monday, 2/9 around 10:30 a.m. The victim reported that an unknown suspect entered the home through an unlocked door and demanded her dog. The suspect displayed a handgun and tried to grab the dog; the dog escaped outside. The suspect was last seen chasing after the dog.

  Suspect: B/M 20-23 years, 6’0” to 6’6”, 130-140 lbs., black jacket, blue jeans

• A residential burglary occurred on Anna Court in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 2/3 between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. No force was used but property was removed.

• A theft from a construction site occurred at Washington Grove Elementary School, 8712 Oakmont Street in Gaithersburg between Friday, 2/6 and Monday, 2/9. Copper wiring and construction materials were removed.

S2 Beat:

• A residential burglary occurred in the 8700 block of Snow Valley Court in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, 2/11 around 4:00 a.m. No force used but victims awoke when they heard their vehicle being driven away. Officers made one arrest.

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 8800 Gingerbread Court in Gaithersburg overnight between Monday, 2/2 and Tuesday, 2/3. Suspects entered an unlocked vehicle and removed cash, CD’s and an umbrella.

• A theft of a vehicle part occurred in the 18500 block of Cherry Laurel Lane in Gaithersburg overnight between Tuesday, 2/3 and Wednesday, 2/4. Suspects removed one hubcap from the victim’s vehicle.

• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18300 block of Flower Hill Way in Gaithersburg between Wednesday, 2/4 and Friday, 2/6. Suspects broke out the window to gain entry, ransacked the inside, and removed coins.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Henderson found guilty in Harvey murder:
  

  The mother of the Gaithersburg woman shot and killed in a random attack outside her apartment in April said she was grateful that friends of the murderer told police what transpired the night her daughter died.

  “I’m just thankful that everybody saw in their heart the right thing to do,” Deb Harvey said Tuesday, after Shawn M. Henderson was found guilty of killing her daughter, Lindsay Marie Harvey, 25. She said she was happy that Henderson’s loved ones and acquaintances testified against him.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, While in jail, murderer threatened to kill co-defendant:
  

  The man found guilty Tuesday of killing of a Gaithersburg woman in April had threatened to kill a 16-year-old co-defendant and his family if he did not take the blame for the woman’s death, the teen testified during the man’s trial Feb. 10.

  Shawn M. Henderson, 26, of Landover threatened Anthony Moore, 16, of Gaithersburg at the county jail in Boyds as the two waited to be taken to court, Moore testified. Prosecutors had requested that the prisoners be kept separate.

• Sebastian Montes and C. Benjamin Ford write, Crime attacked on three fronts in Montgomery:
  

  Looking to beat back a spike in crime, Montgomery County is rolling out a three-pronged strategy that will add “new tools” to keep violent and repeat criminals off the streets.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, GHS student charged after firing gun at party:
  

  A Gaithersburg teenager was arrested earlier this month for shooting a stolen gun at a party near a homeowner’s association’s community center, but the manager of the HOA says she was not informed of the shooting or the arrest.

• Janel Davis writes, Council committee to revisit disability retirement payments this week:
  

  An update on the county’s new monitoring system for former employees receiving disability retirement payments is expected on Thursday, when a council committee continues its discussion of the county’s disability system.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Belward is at the heart of ‘Science City’ debate:
  

  The view from Jan Fine’s backyard opens onto a 19th-century farmstead atop the crest of one of the Belward farm’s swells of rolling green — a bucolic scene unsullied by the cul-de-sacs and office parks that crept in.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Hearing to be held March 26 on ‘Gaithersburg West’ plan:
  

  The first public hearing on the county’s blueprint for quadrupling development at the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center is set for March 26, putting the County Council’s approval of the Gaithersburg West master plan on a timeline to coincide with the state’s decision on shifting the proposed Corridor Cities Transitway further into the 800-acre area.

• Marcus Moore writes, With vote imminent, parents are debating the ‘gifted’ label:
  

  Few issues are as contentious these days as the question of what the Montgomery County school system should do with “gifted and talented” education.

  The school board is expected to vote Monday night on its Policy Committee’s work plan, which includes a school system proposal to drop the “gifted and talented” label.

Uriah A. Kiser writes in InsideNova.com,

Police search for man in rape of 8-year-old

A 25-year-old Honduran national is wanted in connection with the rape of an 8-year-old girl.

Police said Marcos Danilo Reyes Banegas is accused of raping the child in Woodbridge on Monday, said Prince William County police spokeswoman Erika Hernandez.

Police said Reyes Banegas is an acquaintance of girl.

Hernandez said the man has ties to the Woodbridge, Alexandria, and Gaithersburg, Md.

Police have obtained warrants charging Reyes Banegas with rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor, Hernandez said.

He is about 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds. He has short black hair and brown eyes.

Hernandez said he is driving a dark gray four-door 2004 Pontiac Grand Am sedan with Maryland registration “2DWK45.”

Hernandez said because of his immigration status Reyes Banegas may try to flee the country.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes Banegas is encouraged to call police at 703-792-6500 or Crime Solvers at 703-670-3700. Callers don’t have to give their names. Tips leading to arrest could earn a cash reward up to $1,000.

According to Maryland court records, a Marcos D. Banegas, who turned 26 a few weeks ago and is around the right height and weight, was arrested in Montgomery County just a year ago this week for disorderly conduct and second degree assault; his address at the time was on Story Drive in Gaithersburg. The State’s Attorney did not pursue the charges.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Planning Commission Meeting, 2/18/2009

Posted 2/9/2009

City of Gaithersburg
31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
Telephone: 301-258-6330

PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA [subject to change]
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
7:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

February 4, 2009, Planning Commission Meeting
TBA - Background Material (pdf format)

RECORD PLATS

CONSENT ITEM

AFP-08-022 – Saint Martin’s Convent
R-90 Zone
110 South Frederick Avenue
Porch Architectural Elevations
COMPLIANCE WITH SITE PLAN CONDITION
Background Material (pdf format - 9M)

SITE PLANS

SP-08-0010 — Valentine Gardens
CD Zone
525 South Frederick Avenue
Reuse for Office and Hair Salon

FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format - 4M)

SP-08-0006 — Medimmune - Building 6/Garage B
MXD Zone
1 Medimmune Way

Building and Surface Parking Expansion
COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITION OF APPROVAL
Background Material (pdf format - 4M)

AFP-08-029 — Washingtonian Center
MXD Zone
Washingtonian Blvd./Grand Corner Avenue

Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format - Large File 14M)

FROM THE COMMISSION

FROM STAFF

Strategic Plan Update
TBA - Background Material (pdf format)

MP-2-08 — Municipal Growth Element
Closing of the Record
Background Material (pdf format)

ADJOURNMENT

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Mayor and City Council Meeting, 2/17/2009

Posted 2/12/2009

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009, 7:30 P.M.
Full Meeting Package (pdf format - Large File: 1.6M)

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Minutes of a Work Session of the Mayor and City Council Held January 26, 2009
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held February 2, 2009

   Background Material (pdf format)

V. PRESENTATIONS

1. Introduction of New City Police Officers
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Proclamation of the Mayor and City Council Designating February 2009 as “African American History Month” in the City of Gaithersburg and Recognition of the BROTHERS Mentoring Program at Gaithersburg High School
   Background Material (pdf format)

3. Certificate of Recognition Presented to the Recipient of the Character Counts! Person of Character Award
   Background Material (pdf format)

4. Certificate of Recognition Presented to the 2009 Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance Award Recipient

   Background Material (pdf format)

VI. 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 Work Session
• Executive Session Motion/Announcement
• Upcoming City Events

X. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Comments on the City’s Strategic Planning Retreat

XII. 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)

Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into a Contract to Purchase Copiers, Software and Maintenance ($245,000)
Background Material (pdf format)

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

XV. ADJOURNMENT

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EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg plan to conduct a closed Executive Session at City Hall, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, immediately following the scheduled meeting of the Mayor and City Council, pursuant to Section 10-508(7) and (8), State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to consult with staff about pending litigation. The topics are (1) to obtain legal advice about development of an agreement with the County limiting the use of the GE Tech site; and (2) to consult with staff about the AvalonBay litigation. The closed executive session will be conducted pursuant to a motion properly adopted during the session of the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

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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, February 23, 2009 to discuss the following topics:

• Discussion of the Greater Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Area Emergency Management Mutual Aid Operational Plan (MAOP)
• Discuss Computing Options and Costs for the Proposed Mayor and City Council Paperless Package System and Associated Physical Changes to the Council Chambers

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THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2009,, 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE

From the County’s website:

2/13/2009

Update: Female Suspect Arrested for Attempted Armed Bank Robbery in Gaithersburg

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division – Robbery Section and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been investigating the attempted bank robbery that occurred on Monday, February 9, 2009, in Gaithersburg.

Through the course of the investigation a suspect was developed and a warrant was obtained. The warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence yesterday and Kelly A. Phillips, age 26, of the 14100 block of Heritage Lane in Silver Spring was arrested and charged with attempted armed bank robbery and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana). She is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

The attempted bank robbery occurred on Monday, February 9 at approximately 3:54 p.m., at the Wachovia Bank located at 607 N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The preliminary investigation revealed that a female suspect entered the bank, and passed a demand note for cash. She stated that she had a gun, but none was seen. For unknown reasons, prior to receiving any cash, the suspect left the bank and fled on foot towards the Holiday Inn. Since her arrest, she has not provided the reason why she left the bank prior to receiving any cash.

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Contact: Media Services Division Phone: 240.773.5030