City Debuts New Magazine
The city’s Public Information Office has produced inGaithersburg, a new magazine for and about the community. A twice-yearly publication is planned, the first of which was inserted in the Gazette newspapers going to households in the city limits on July 11. Additional copies are available at city facilities.
The magazine is designed to convey a sense of vibrancy and be of interest to both residents and visitors, focusing on outdoor events, local parks, and new developments. It also contains a list of city resources. The second edition, which will be direct mailed to all homes, will focus on e-services and the city’s new website when that comes online later in FY13. inGaithersburg is also available as a digital flipbook, accessible at: http://www.e-pages.dk/postnewsweekmedia/198/.
‘Get Wild’ in July
Following Congressional lead, the city of Gaithersburg has proclaimed July 2012 National Parks and Recreation Month. Several local programs support the National Recreation and Park Association’s “Get Wild” theme.
According to Gaithersburg Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Michele Potter, a new fitness class has been inspired by the “Get Wild” theme. Piloxing is a combination of Pilates and boxing. Wild music will also be featured at certain fitness classes. In addition, guppies, minnows, seahorses, dolphins, whales and sharks may make their way into the Water Park.
Art classes will use household, recycled and food items to create artwork in line with the theme, and well-behaved dogs can “Get Wild” with agility training.
The city’s proclamation was intended to bring more awareness to Gaithersburg’s local parks and recreation facilities and the benefits they offer.
CPSC Property Surplus Update
The former Consumer Products Safety Commission site at 10901 Darnestown Rd. was recently declared federal surplus land. As previously reported, the first option for the site goes to any qualified nonprofit organization that is a homeless provider.
According to Gaithersburg Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Michele Potter, one organization from Silver Spring, Md., fitting the proper description has shown interest to date. Potter noted that if a qualified homeless provider did take possession of the property, they would not be allowed to demolish any of the eight light industrial buildings that sit on the 9.54 acres of land.
If no qualified homeless provider takes possession of the land, the property will then be disposed of as regular surplus property. Gaithersburg has been interested in the land since 2003; if the city gains possession of the property, it would have the authority to turn the site into a recreational park.
Gaithersburg Issues Annual Planning Report
The city of Gaithersburg has submitted its 2011 Annual Planning Report for the period January 1 – December 31, 2011, to the Maryland Planning Department. Prepared by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission, the 18-page report includes an introduction and overview, a summary of growth related changes, a section on Smart Growth initiatives, and information on Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) restrictions.
Also included are maps giving a visual representation of planning activity in 2011. The development patterns map shows properties annexed and development plans approved in 2011. A transportation map indicates proposed projects including the Corridor Cities Transitway and the Bus Rapid Transitway corridor, as well as streets built in 2011. A building permits map plots commercial and residential building permits issued throughout the community, and an APFO map locates those schools that will exceed 110 percent capacity within two years.
The document is available for review on the city’s website at http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/Documents/pc/2011_Planning_Report.pdf. For additional information please contact the Planning and Code Administration at 301.258.6330.
City to Utilize State Ammunition Contract
At its July 2 meeting, the Gaithersburg Mayor and Council passed a resolution that will allow the Gaithersburg Police Department to purchase ammunition through an existing Maryland state contract.
According to Gaithersburg Police Chief Mark Sroka, who spoke on behalf of the resolution, the Gaithersburg Police Department will see substantial savings by using the existing contract for ammunition purchases.
MML Legislative Action Requests
Also at the July 2 Mayor and Council meeting, Gaithersburg Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Monica Sanchez recommended three 2013 legislative action requests for presentation to the Maryland Municipal League (MML). The requests include:
“Restoration of Highway User Revenue (HUR)” — Gaithersburg is currently scheduled to receive $165,000 less for FY ‘13 than in FY ‘12. The recommendation is to ask for the full amount received in FY ‘12.
“Legal Notice Publication Option” — This would allow local governments the discretion to post certain legal notices on websites rather than in newspapers, which would result in a significant budget savings for the city.
“Legislation to Allow Trained Technician to Sign Off on Speed Camera Violations” — This would give local governments the ability to treat speed cameras the same as red light camera notices. Trained technicians rather than police personnel can certify red light camera notices.
Sanchez will take more suggestions from the City Council before ultimately forwarding the requests to the MML.
In other MML news, Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz was elected to the MML board of directors during the annual MML Convention held in June in Ocean City, Md.