Maryland’s governor delivered some good news and some dismaying news to the county regarding the COVID–19 vaccine this week. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) yesterday announced that Montgomery County would be getting one of six new mass vaccination sites around the state. However, the governor also issued an order that forbade other jurisdictions, such as the county, to make vaccine priority rules that were different from the state’s rules.
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, plans to meet this afternoon (March 19) to hold a public hearing and vote on an amended regulation that would loosen restrictions on organized youth sports. If the regulation is passed, all organized sports, whether played indoors or out, would need to have a COVID protocol plan approved by the county’s health officer (or his designee).
The County Council, acting as the Board of Health, yesterday unanimously approved a regulation loosening many of the COVID–19 restrictions that were in place. During the discussion, council members made it clear they felt pressured to do so after Gov. Larry Hogan surprised officials with a March 9 announcement that lifted many statewide COVID-19 restrictions as of 5 p.m. Friday, March 12.
The County Council is set to meet this afternoon for a public hearing and vote on revisions County Executive Marc Elrich has proposed to his executive orders implementing certain pandemic-related restrictions in the county.
The County Council has announced it is looking for applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the Planning Board. Commissioner Tina Patterson’s term ends June 14 and she has indicated that she will apply for another term. Applications to fill the position are due no later than March 23 at 5 p.m.
Two groups of local elected officials have written to Gov. Larry Hogan (R) urging him to address availability and racial equity issues with the COVID-19 vaccines in Montgomery County. All nine County Council members signed on to a letter sent Wednesday asking the governor to specifically address racial inequity in both the vaccine distribution and the pre-registration system.
Leaders from The City of Takoma Park and Montgomery County Council will commemorate the launch of the Feed The Fridge program in the city this Friday, February 26 at the Takoma Park Recreation Center.
Due to a member’s resignation, the County Council is looking for applicants to complete a partial term on the Public Election Fund Committee, according to a press release. The committee is responsible for recommending to the council the necessary funds needed to implement the county’s public campaign finance system.
Bell Flowers is the featured business in a new ‘Made In Montgomery’ segment from the County Council and County Cable Montgomery.