Councilmember Introduces Bill to Regulate Towing in Prince George’s County
Councilmember Camille Exum (D) plans to introduce a bill to regulate the towing of illegally parked vehicles from private property in Prince George’s County, and she is aiming for enactment by October. Exum’s action follows the recommendations of a Task Force that included AOBA representation, initially established in 2007.
This Task Force was charged with reviewing current towing practices and making recommendations to improve the existing laws and regulations regarding towing within the county. While apartment community and office building managers routinely contract with a towing company to remove illegal vehicles from their property, this contracting has raised concerns over a subject referred to as “predatory towing.” The Task Force recommended numerous legislative changes and Councilmember Exum drafted a bill incorporating many of the task force’s recommendations. However, the bill was never introduced.
During the 2008 legislation session, a bill was introduced to address numerous towing issues. It became immediately apparent that the towing issues were far more complicated, involving many parties and agencies. The bill was quickly amended and passed, creating a state-wide towing task force. AOBA was appointed to serve on this task force. This task force is still examining the towing issues and working on drafting legislative recommendations for introduction in the 2010 legislative session.
Meanwhile, Councilmember Exum decided not to wait for the State to act and will introduce a local Prince George’s County bill. The County bill proposes licensing requirements, establishes enforcement procedures, and record keeping standards for all tow truck operators. The bill also sets a fee structure for licensing, towing and storage, and mandates the placement of signage on private property. Under this bill, citizens will have the right to a hearing within 15 days. Property owners making false statements on the towing form (required prior to towing a vehicle from private property) will be subject to criminal penalties. The bill, however, does not alter the current exception which allows a towing company under contract with the property owner or agent to tow a vehicle without an owner or agent’s signature between the hours of 12:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Montgomery County
Reacting to AOBA Input, County Reverses Stand to Allow Rental Discounts for Specific Groups
On June 15, the County Attorney reversed an earlier position and issued a letter stating that Chapter 27, Human Rights and Civil Liberties, permits landlords to offer rental discount programs targeting specific groups of employees, without violating the County’s “source of income” prohibitions outlined in Chapter 27. (Click here to read the complete letter.)
In mid-2007 the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights sent reminders to some property management companies regarding the “source of income” discrimination provisions (Chapter 27, article I, Montgomery County Code) as it relates to offering “military and government discounts.” The reminder stated, “Offering ‘military and government discounts’ is an unlawful housing practice in Montgomery County. Such offers are discrimination based on ‘source of income’ which is prohibited in Montgomery and Howard County. The definition of ‘source of income’ includes ‘lawful profession or occupation.’ ”
AOBA immediately responded by challenging this interpretation. AOBA argued this interpretation is contrary to the County’s goal to encourage property owners to help provide more affordable housing, and that no property owner should be subject to any adverse action based on this interpretation. After discussing this matter with County Executive Leggett, he requested an opinion from the County Attorney, which was then followed by last month’s reversal in the County’s position.
Montgomery County House Delegation: Feldman Re-elected Chair; Lee Re-elected Vice Chair
The Montgomery County House Delegation to the MD General Assembly unanimously re-elected Delegate Brian J. Feldman (D-15) as its Chair to serve a third year and re-elected Delegate Susan C. Lee (D-16) to serve a fourth year as Vice Chair.
Delegate Feldman currently chairs the House Subcommittee on Banking, Economic Development, and Science & Technology and is the House Chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Technology Oversight. He is also a member of the House Economic Matters Committee.
Delegate Lee has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2002. She is a Deputy Majority Whip and a member of the House Judiciary Committee where she also serves as chair of the Juvenile Law Subcommittee.
Bi-County
Jerry Johnson Recommended as WSSC General Manager
After 16 months of searching, it looks like Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) may finally have a new General Manager. Montgomery County Executive Leggett and Prince George’s County Executive Johnson announced their recommendation of Jerry N. Johnson to serve as the new Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of the WSSC. The six member commission voted unanimously to offer him the position. To finalize his appointment, there’s only a background check and salary agreement remaining.
Mr. Johnson is currently General Manager of the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA). AOBA has had an excellent working relationship with Mr. Johnson during the 12 years he has been in charge of WASA, and looks forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity at WSSC.
Calendar Items
Maryland Political Action Committee Meeting
Sept. 15, 2009 at 2 pm
Georgia West
8708 First Avenue
Silver Spring, MD
Meeting with County Executive Leggett
Sept. 22 at 3 pm Executive Office Building
Office of the County Executive
101 Monroe Street
Second floor Conference Room
Rockville, MD
|
