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What software are you using to hold virtual meetings? Would you recommend it?
Mar 18, 2020 by
jjames (42 points)
3Votes Up
0Votes Down
What software are you using to hold virtual meetings? Would you recommend it?
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Wondering what other cities and towns are doing about all things related to businesses closing. Like supporting businesses, enforcing the shutdowns, etc...
Mar 17, 2020 by
Caleb Wolf (67 points)
6Votes Up
0Votes Down
Wondering what other cities and towns are doing about all things related to businesses closing. Like supporting businesses, enforcing the shutdowns, etc...
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Has your community enacted a State if Emergency? Is it necessary to receive future funding from the State or Federal Government??
Mar 17, 2020 by
Scott Hancock (35 points)
3Votes Up
0Votes Down
Has your community enacted a State if Emergency? Is it necessary to receive future funding from the State or Federal Government??
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Some Maryland municipalities have decided to close their doors and only allow residents who have appointments. How has this transition worked for you? Have you had complications with water & sewer...
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Some Maryland municipalities have decided to close their doors and only allow residents who have appointments. How has this transition worked for you? Have you had complications with water & sewer payments, etc.? What tips could you share?
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Mar 17, 2020 by
Felicia Banuelos (28 points)
2Votes Up
0Votes Down
Some Maryland municipalities have decided to close their doors and only allow residents who have appointments. How has this transition worked for you? Have you had complications with water & sewer payments, etc.? What tips could you share?
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Will special funding be available through grants or emergency reimbursements to help municipalities cover the additional public safety overtime expenses as a result of the COVID-19 response?
Mar 18, 2020 by
* (8 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Will special funding be available through grants or emergency reimbursements to help municipalities cover the additional public safety overtime expenses as a result of the COVID-19 response?
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We know that there are many municipal elections coming up over the next few months. How are you handling the administration of your election? Are you changing the date or method of collecting ballots...
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We know that there are many municipal elections coming up over the next few months. How are you handling the administration of your election? Are you changing the date or method of collecting ballots in light of the COVID-19 restrictions?
The Governor provided some flexibility to amend municipal charters in the March 30 Executive Order Link.
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Mar 31, 2020 by
Bill Jorch (7 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
We know that there are many municipal elections coming up over the next few months. How are you handling the administration of your election? Are you changing the date or method of collecting ballots in light of the COVID-19 restrictions?
The Governor provided some flexibility to amend municipal charters in the March 30 Executive Order Link.
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The Town of Washington Grove has established an electronic meeting process using Zoom. The members of the group meeting (e.g. Planning Commission) are able to connect with video and audio using Zoom...
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The Town of Washington Grove has established an electronic meeting process using Zoom. The members of the group meeting (e.g. Planning Commission) are able to connect with video and audio using Zoom. The meeting Host has a Zoom licence to allow meetings longer than 40 minutes, with cost of this monthly license ($14.99/month) reimbursed by the Town. The advance notice to all residents ("Grove Alert" via email and regular posting at Town Hall) provides a telephone number and the Zoom "Meeting ID". Various license options available; we are testing this concept and learning as we go. Zoom appears to work great for this application, and lots of residents have Zoom experience. There is no cost to those connecting either by computer video/audio or just telephone audio.
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Mar 18, 2020 by
Charlie Challstrom (66 points)
4Votes Up
0Votes Down
The Town of Washington Grove has established an electronic meeting process using Zoom. The members of the group meeting (e.g. Planning Commission) are able to connect with video and audio using Zoom. The meeting Host has a Zoom licence to allow meetings longer than 40 minutes, with cost of this monthly license ($14.99/month) reimbursed by the Town. The advance notice to all residents ("Grove Alert" via email and regular posting at Town Hall) provides a telephone number and the Zoom "Meeting ID". Various license options available; we are testing this concept and learning as we go. Zoom appears to work great for this application, and lots of residents have Zoom experience. There is no cost to those connecting either by computer video/audio or just telephone audio.
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Is your municipality providing Hazard or Emergency Pay to employees that are required to come in and work during the State of Emergency? What is your policy/protocol for this action?
Mar 20, 2020 by
Stephanie L. Berkey (5 points)
0Votes Up
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Is your municipality providing Hazard or Emergency Pay to employees that are required to come in and work during the State of Emergency? What is your policy/protocol for this action?
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How are other municipalities handling parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces? Specifically I am wondering if there has been any recommendations or directives as it would relate to tennis courts;...
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How are other municipalities handling parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces? Specifically I am wondering if there has been any recommendations or directives as it would relate to tennis courts; whether they should close altogether, whether people should be encouraged to use them, etc.
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Mar 20, 2020 by
Matthew Trollinger (38 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
How are other municipalities handling parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces? Specifically I am wondering if there has been any recommendations or directives as it would relate to tennis courts; whether they should close altogether, whether people should be encouraged to use them, etc.
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President Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the initial coronavirus relief bill. The new law requires small employers — those with fewer than 500...
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President Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the initial coronavirus relief bill. The new law requires small employers — those with fewer than 500 employees — to provide limited paid-leave benefits to employees who are affected by the coronavirus emergency. Small employers are given new tax credits and federal payroll-tax relief to pay for the new mandatory benefits.
Does anyone know if that applies to local government?
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Mar 23, 2020 by
jjames (42 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the initial coronavirus relief bill. The new law requires small employers — those with fewer than 500 employees — to provide limited paid-leave benefits to employees who are affected by the coronavirus emergency. Small employers are given new tax credits and federal payroll-tax relief to pay for the new mandatory benefits.
Does anyone know if that applies to local government?
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Please click on the links below for information on what several MML Parks and Recreation agencies have done with regard to amenity closings as of 3/25/20.
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Please click on the links below for information on what several MML Parks and Recreation agencies have done with regard to amenity closings as of 3/25/20.
http://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6292/COVID-Survey-by-Municipality
http://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6293/MML-COVID-19-Park-Survey-Resultsdocx
The signage referenced in the links has not been included here, but is available on the provided google drive for MML Parks and Recreation Department members.
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Mar 27, 2020 by
Susan Petito (11 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Please click on the links below for information on what several MML Parks and Recreation agencies have done with regard to amenity closings as of 3/25/20.
http://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6292/COVID-Survey-by-Municipality
http://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6293/MML-COVID-19-Park-Survey-Resultsdocx
The signage referenced in the links has not been included here, but is available on the provided google drive for MML Parks and Recreation Department members.
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Signs
Mar 24, 2020 by
Mike Benton (41 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Signs
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What plans have you made in your community for any “shelter in place” mandates from the State?
Mar 21, 2020 by
Scott Hancock (29 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
What plans have you made in your community for any “shelter in place” mandates from the State?
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Are any municipalities making adjustments to the ways you reinforce ordinances; for example, have you relaxed parking/standing vehicle rules to accommodate restaurant pick ups or suspended cut offs...
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Are any municipalities making adjustments to the ways you reinforce ordinances; for example, have you relaxed parking/standing vehicle rules to accommodate restaurant pick ups or suspended cut offs for water and sewer late payments?
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Mar 24, 2020 by
Tom Reynolds (12 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Are any municipalities making adjustments to the ways you reinforce ordinances; for example, have you relaxed parking/standing vehicle rules to accommodate restaurant pick ups or suspended cut offs for water and sewer late payments?
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Until large gatherings are allowed, executive and sub committee meetings can be held via Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms to keep business moving. Chapter matters needing votes can be handled...
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Until large gatherings are allowed, executive and sub committee meetings can be held via Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms to keep business moving. Chapter matters needing votes can be handled via email following bylaw protocol for voting i.e. per individual or per municipality.
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Mar 18, 2020 by
Paula Chase Hyman (53 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Until large gatherings are allowed, executive and sub committee meetings can be held via Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms to keep business moving. Chapter matters needing votes can be handled via email following bylaw protocol for voting i.e. per individual or per municipality.
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I know that section 2.6.vi explicitly exempts construction from the Governor's Orders; however, I am curious if any municipalities have taken steps to limit construction activities further during...
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I know that section 2.6.vi explicitly exempts construction from the Governor's Orders; however, I am curious if any municipalities have taken steps to limit construction activities further during stay-at-home orders.
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Mar 31, 2020 by
Matthew Trollinger (38 points)
1Votes Up
0Votes Down
I know that section 2.6.vi explicitly exempts construction from the Governor's Orders; however, I am curious if any municipalities have taken steps to limit construction activities further during stay-at-home orders.
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Most College Park businesses have closed or are struggling with this huge hit to their business. We are exploring how we as a municipality can best support them and ensure they are able to reopen when...
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Most College Park businesses have closed or are struggling with this huge hit to their business. We are exploring how we as a municipality can best support them and ensure they are able to reopen when this crisis is over. Although the City-University Partnership just put up a website (https://collegeparkpartnership.org/supportbusinesscovid19/) to encourage people to purchase gift cards and patronize those businesses that are still open, we are looking for additional ideas to help support these businesses. We appreciate the opportunity to learn about what other municipalities are doing!
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Mar 29, 2020 by
Patrick Wojahn (21 points)
1Votes Up
0Votes Down
Most College Park businesses have closed or are struggling with this huge hit to their business. We are exploring how we as a municipality can best support them and ensure they are able to reopen when this crisis is over. Although the City-University Partnership just put up a website (https://collegeparkpartnership.org/supportbusinesscovid19/) to encourage people to purchase gift cards and patronize those businesses that are still open, we are looking for additional ideas to help support these businesses. We appreciate the opportunity to learn about what other municipalities are doing!
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The Department of Labor information does not mention exemptions for essential employees. Is there an exemption from the "2/3 pay and stay home for up to 12 weeks" provision should an employee have a...
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The Department of Labor information does not mention exemptions for essential employees. Is there an exemption from the "2/3 pay and stay home for up to 12 weeks" provision should an employee have a school age child since all schools are closed right now?
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Mar 27, 2020 by
Jeffrey D. Rhodes (24 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
The Department of Labor information does not mention exemptions for essential employees. Is there an exemption from the "2/3 pay and stay home for up to 12 weeks" provision should an employee have a school age child since all schools are closed right now?
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Seat Pleasant: A Smart City of Excellence appointed it’s first Health Officer on Thursday, March 18, 2020, in response to COVID19. Dr. Dawne Carroll is responsible for the health response in Seat...
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Seat Pleasant: A Smart City of Excellence appointed it’s first Health Officer on Thursday, March 18, 2020, in response to COVID19. Dr. Dawne Carroll is responsible for the health response in Seat Pleasant. She will be in charge of all testing conducted in the city and will also be responsible for all Emergency Health situations in the city. We are developing a temporary hospital as we anticipate that there will not be available beds as this situation worsen. Our Health Officer will be in charge of all activities regarding the temporary hospital and the COVID19 response. The Seat Pleasant Health Officer will communicate directly with the Prince George’s County Health Officer and the University of Maryland Medical Director, the MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other healthcare experts.
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Mar 20, 2020 by
Mayor Eugene Grant (35 points)
2Votes Up
0Votes Down
Seat Pleasant: A Smart City of Excellence appointed it’s first Health Officer on Thursday, March 18, 2020, in response to COVID19. Dr. Dawne Carroll is responsible for the health response in Seat Pleasant. She will be in charge of all testing conducted in the city and will also be responsible for all Emergency Health situations in the city. We are developing a temporary hospital as we anticipate that there will not be available beds as this situation worsen. Our Health Officer will be in charge of all activities regarding the temporary hospital and the COVID19 response. The Seat Pleasant Health Officer will communicate directly with the Prince George’s County Health Officer and the University of Maryland Medical Director, the MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other healthcare experts.
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Governor Hogan has named former Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides as the Coronavirus liaison n to Municipal Government. His contact information is here. 410-212-4933 Michael.Pantelides@maryland.gov.
Mar 19, 2020 by
Scott Hancock (29 points)
1Votes Up
0Votes Down
Governor Hogan has named former Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides as the Coronavirus liaison n to Municipal Government. His contact information is here. 410-212-4933 Michael.Pantelides@maryland.gov.
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With our spring meeting being postponed we still need to have an election of Officers. We will be using Election Runner. It is fairly easy to setup but does require a little work. I created a...
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With our spring meeting being postponed we still need to have an election of Officers. We will be using Election Runner. It is fairly easy to setup but does require a little work. I created a Google Form so that municipalities may register the elected official to vote. Once they register I will enter their information in Election Runner, it will generate a Voter ID and a Voter Key. When the election is launched they will receive an email with the Voter ID and Voter Key. We are allowing the election to run for about 5 days.
There is a minor cost associated with the election but if you have an election with 20 or less registered voters it is free. Since we have two districts we are running two ballots which will cost about $30 total.
Election Prices
1 to 20 $0.00
21 to 100 $15.00
101 to 300 $29.00
301 to 500 $45.00
501 to 750 $64.00
751 to 1,000 $90.00
1,001 to 100,000 $0.09 / Voter
100,001 to 500,000 $0.09 / Voter
500,001 to 1,000,000 $0.08 / Voter
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Mar 24, 2020 by
Muir Boda (16 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
With our spring meeting being postponed we still need to have an election of Officers. We will be using Election Runner. It is fairly easy to setup but does require a little work. I created a Google Form so that municipalities may register the elected official to vote. Once they register I will enter their information in Election Runner, it will generate a Voter ID and a Voter Key. When the election is launched they will receive an email with the Voter ID and Voter Key. We are allowing the election to run for about 5 days.
There is a minor cost associated with the election but if you have an election with 20 or less registered voters it is free. Since we have two districts we are running two ballots which will cost about $30 total.
Election Prices
1 to 20 $0.00
21 to 100 $15.00
101 to 300 $29.00
301 to 500 $45.00
501 to 750 $64.00
751 to 1,000 $90.00
1,001 to 100,000 $0.09 / Voter
100,001 to 500,000 $0.09 / Voter
500,001 to 1,000,000 $0.08 / Voter
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Here's some additional useful info circulated by a County Councilmember in my county yesterday regarding supermarket hours, guidance for older residents, support for businesses and workers, and other...
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Here's some additional useful info circulated by a County Councilmember in my county yesterday regarding supermarket hours, guidance for older residents, support for businesses and workers, and other items:
http://councilmemberriemer.com/2020/03/some-useful-information.html?fbclid=IwAR3iy12fXdI1tgO7oJvTMhaZbvbCjM6rtXj8QZEmSj0V2y4EShcTEKXzb8A
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Mar 20, 2020 by
Ryan Spiegel (14 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
Here's some additional useful info circulated by a County Councilmember in my county yesterday regarding supermarket hours, guidance for older residents, support for businesses and workers, and other items:
http://councilmemberriemer.com/2020/03/some-useful-information.html?fbclid=IwAR3iy12fXdI1tgO7oJvTMhaZbvbCjM6rtXj8QZEmSj0V2y4EShcTEKXzb8A
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MML was contacted by a group called POLCO - https://polco.us - which has created a civic engagement platform with ICMA and NLC to help get "vital real-time information from residents" through free use...
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MML was contacted by a group called POLCO - https://polco.us - which has created a civic engagement platform with ICMA and NLC to help get "vital real-time information from residents" through free use of their platform. Has anyone used the POLCO platform? Or do you have any general thoughts on the value of such a tool during the ongoing crisis? Any feedback would be appreciated. For more info visit https://polco.us.
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Mar 19, 2020 by
Tom Reynolds (12 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
MML was contacted by a group called POLCO - https://polco.us - which has created a civic engagement platform with ICMA and NLC to help get "vital real-time information from residents" through free use of their platform. Has anyone used the POLCO platform? Or do you have any general thoughts on the value of such a tool during the ongoing crisis? Any feedback would be appreciated. For more info visit https://polco.us.
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MML's annual Budget Prep Memo #2 was distributed last week and provides some insights into how to prepare your FY21 municipal budget in what could be a challenging fiscal year. The challenges...
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MML's annual Budget Prep Memo #2 was distributed last week and provides some insights into how to prepare your FY21 municipal budget in what could be a challenging fiscal year. The challenges surrounding the economic impact of COVID-19 remain difficult to predict, but the impact is likely present some degree of financial impact in the remainder of FY20 and into FY21.
The Comptroller indicated a potentially large deficit in the State budget for the remainder of FY20, and considering other factors could transition into FY21. The Budget Prep Memo #2 highlights many of the potential factors that could impact your municipal budget to varying degrees.
Budget Prep memo #2: https://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6336/BudPrepMemo2-_2020
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Apr 10, 2020 by
Bill Jorch (7 points)
0Votes Up
0Votes Down
MML's annual Budget Prep Memo #2 was distributed last week and provides some insights into how to prepare your FY21 municipal budget in what could be a challenging fiscal year. The challenges surrounding the economic impact of COVID-19 remain difficult to predict, but the impact is likely present some degree of financial impact in the remainder of FY20 and into FY21.
The Comptroller indicated a potentially large deficit in the State budget for the remainder of FY20, and considering other factors could transition into FY21. The Budget Prep Memo #2 highlights many of the potential factors that could impact your municipal budget to varying degrees.
Budget Prep memo #2: https://www.mdmunicipal.org/DocumentCenter/View/6336/BudPrepMemo2-_2020
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A local school is providing up to 3 meals each day. We have identified qualified local providers to manage the daycare. We believe this will encourage employees to remain at work.
Mar 27, 2020 by
Jeffrey D. Rhodes (24 points)
1Votes Up
0Votes Down
A local school is providing up to 3 meals each day. We have identified qualified local providers to manage the daycare. We believe this will encourage employees to remain at work.
