Budget, Community Grants, and Sustainability on the March 24 Council Meeting
Rockville’s Mayor and Council will hold its regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025. Topics range from citywide budget priorities to neighborhood services, affordable housing, economic development, and the future of sustainability. Here’s what’s on the agenda—and why it matters.
Town Center Master Plan: Zoning Changes Under Review
The Council will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning changes related to the Rockville Town Center Master Plan. This initiative introduces three character areas—MD-355 Corridor, Core, and Edge—each with specific development standards. Notably, the proposal allows increased building heights to 235′ for projects that include at least 20% affordable housing units. These changes aim to support economic vitality, encourage housing development, and improve the pedestrian experience in the city’s core. The hearing gives residents and businesses an opportunity to weigh in on how the plan’s goals—such as better connectivity, mixed-use development, and revitalized public spaces—should be implemented through zoning updates.
Sustainability and Electric Vehicles on the Move
As part of the city’s climate action goals, the Council may approve its Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan. This includes preparing infrastructure to support EVs and integrating low-emission technology into city operations. It’s one step in a broader environmental strategy that includes green space planning and expanded use of electric landscaping equipment.
Big Picture: FY 2026 Budget in Focus
The Council will continue work on the proposed FY 2026 operating budget totaling $173 million, a 4.5% increase over last year. Rising personnel costs, inflation, and key investments in public safety, community services, and infrastructure are shaping this year’s spending plan. While costs are going up, the city is not planning to issue new debt this year and maintains a healthy reserve to ensure financial stability. An online budget priorities survey—available in English, Spanish, and Chinese—is also open for feedback. Visit rockvillemd.gov/budget to submit comments, take the survey, or view meeting materials.
Discrimination, Economic Hardships, and Mental Health Challenges in Rockville
The Rockville City Council will meet on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:30 pm to discuss a Human Services Needs Assessment Report, results from a community survey on human services, budget adjustments for FY 2025, a Zoning Text Amendment to implement changes from the Town Center Master Plan, and amendments to infrastructure contracts totaling $13.2 million for road and sidewalk improvements. A work session on the city’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan will explore strategies for expanding EV infrastructure. No public hearings or board appointments are scheduled. The meeting is open to the public.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Continue reading →Council Seeks Community Input on Budget, Downtown Growth, and Reuse of King Farm
At its Monday, October 28, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss Fiscal Year 2026 budget, another hearing on the Town Center Master Plan, and a worksession for a master plan on the adaptive re-use of the King Farm Farmstead Park Complex. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are funding emergency management facilities, energy-efficient lighting, office upgrades, and electricity supply contracts. Reminder: Council meetings now start at 6:30 pm.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Continue reading →Rockville Council Discussed Financial Oversight, Emergency Preparedness, and 2025 Legislative Priorities at October 7 Meeting
Note: I’ve been out of town in August and September, so I’m doing a bit of catch-up on the Mayor and Council meetings, including this meeting from last week. The next meeting is October 21.
At its Monday, October 7, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council discussed Emergency Management and the 2025 Mayor and Council State Legislative Priorities. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) were agreements for on-call roofing services with three companies, totaling up to $4.5 million annually; a contract with Magnolia Plumbing, Inc., for stormwater facility maintenance, not exceeding $435,000 annually; and approval of a storm drain easement at Rockshire Village Center, among others. The Mayor and Council also received reports on Financial Advisory Board’s FY 2024 Annual Report and FY 2025 Action Plan.
Mayor and Council Meeting Schedule Changed on October 7: Meetings now begin a
half hour earlier at 6:30 p.m. Proclamations — official statements or declarations presented by a city’s mayor and council to recognize and honor specific events, causes or individuals — will be presented
from 5:30-6:30 p.m. before the first meeting of the month. The Mayor and Council drop-in, where the mayor and a councilmember meet with members of the public, will be held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. before
the second meeting of each month. More details in Rockville Reports (October 2024), page 3.
Key Agenda Items:
Financial Oversight and Policy Recommendations (pp 95-125). The Financial Advisory Board (FAB) presented its FY 2024 Annual Report and proposed FY 2025 Action Plan. The FAB plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency and accountability for Rockville’s residents and businesses. Key accomplishments from FY 2024 include reviewing the City’s annual financial reports, assessing financial policies, and overseeing procurement practices. The FAB found no significant discrepancies in the City’s finances and recommended establishing an independent internal audit function to further enhance fiscal oversight. For FY 2025, the board will continue reviewing financial reports, monitor City-awarded grants, and evaluate revenue sources. The FAB will also focus on improving the City’s use of financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure Rockville’s finances remain healthy. These efforts aim to support informed financial planning and decision-making that benefits the entire Rockville community. BTW, this committee is among the best prepared and managed in the city, a model for others to follow.
Emergency Preparedness (126-42). The City’s Emergency Management team highlighted key developments, including the completion of a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that identifies 97 essential city functions and outlines strategies for dealing with potential disruptions. Rockville’s emergency responsibilities are closely integrated with Montgomery County’s Emergency Operations Plan, with the City playing a vital role in law enforcement, water supply, debris management, and damage assessment during emergencies. State law designates the county as the emergency management authority; the City of Rockville cannot declare a disaster and their authority is limited. A new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is being developed at Taft Court, supported by federal funding, to improve coordination and response. Looking ahead, the City is finalizing its own Emergency Operations Plan, with a draft expected by December 2024.
State Legislative Priorities (143-50). The City of Rockville outlined its key priorities for the 2025 Maryland General Assembly. These legislative goals include advocating for the State Highway Administration to maintain sidewalks and bicycle pathways on state-owned roads and expanding the state property tax credit for low and moderate-income homeowners, including seniors, to help with rising living costs. Rockville will also work to preserve municipal highway user revenues (HUR) to maintain critical transportation infrastructure, which is at risk due to the state’s projected budget deficit. Rockville is also seeking funding for local projects, including the renovation of the Elwood Smith Community Center and the development of Talbot Street Park. In addition to these legislative efforts, the City is focused on ongoing support for education from birth to community college, pedestrian safety through Vision Zero initiatives, climate action, senior services, and more broadly on economic development, housing and zoning, and public safety and wellness.
How to Participate:
Attend in Person: The meeting will be held at City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue (downtown, behind the Maryland District Courthouse). We encourage residents to attend and voice their opinions during Community Forum.
Watch Online: If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the live stream on the city’s website at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/157/Rockville-11.
Submit Comments: You can submit your comments or questions in advance by emailing MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city. Whether you have specific concerns or just want to stay informed, we hope to see you at the meeting.
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Thank you for being an active and engaged member of our community. More details in the 160-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072024-7299.
Rockville Council Agenda Includes Major Forest Preservation Updates and Transportation Achievements
There’s something for everyone at the Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting of the Rockville Mayor and Council. They will discuss amendments to the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance; rezoning of 5906 Halpine Road to permit construction of residential units (with a floating zone amendment); a budget amendment; authorizing the sale of $27 million in bonds to fund capital improvements; and an acknowledgement of the lack of proper notice for the May 4, 2024 meeting. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are subaward agreements, license agreements, a public art project in Town Center, MPDU Program Agreement for the Flats at Northside, and July 8 minutes approval (which was marked as having “explicit language”; I’ll have to see what that was about). The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on Vision Zero and from the Transportation and Mobility Commission.
In March 2023, Rockville’s Traffic and Transportation Commission was renamed the Transportation and Mobility Commission (TMC) with a broader focus on all transportation modes (p. 17+). The TMC provides guidance to the Mayor and Council on multimodal transportation, emphasizing economic development, sustainability, social activity, equity, and resilience. They’ve recommended budget priorities, intersection safety improvements, and updates to transportation plans. For 2024, they will focus on zoning ordinance recommendations, intersection improvements, and public communication. The TMC is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible transportation system for all Rockville residents.
Rockville’s new Asphalt Art Project, funded by a $25,000 Bloomberg Philanthropies grant and an additional $15,000 from the city, aims to beautify Beall Avenue in the Town Center (187+). Set to start after summer roadway improvements, the project will feature artistic designs painted on the road surface between North Washington Street and Gibbs Street. The selected artists, Chalk Riot, will incorporate community survey results into their designs, highlighting local flora, fauna, and historical elements. The project not only aims to enhance aesthetic appeal but also to improve pedestrian safety and foster community pride. Completion is expected by late 2024.
A public hearing will be held regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 10.5 of the City Code, the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance, to align with Maryland Senate Bill 526 and enhance local forestry practices (243+). These changes aim to increase tree canopy and streamline the ordinance’s administration. Key amendments include higher reforestation rates, expanded priority retention areas, and new public notice requirements for forest conservation plans. Additional updates involve improving the replacement standards for significant trees and expanding the use of fee-in-lieu funds for street tree plantings. The amendments support Rockville’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urban canopy preservation, promoting a greener, more resilient community.
In addition to need to align with state law, there are concerns about using non-native tree species in city planting projects. The Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance currently prioritizes native trees for reforestation and afforestation, but staff flexibility allows for the use of non-native species when urban conditions necessitate. While native trees support local biodiversity and are well-adapted to the environment, they can present challenges in urban settings, such as maintenance issues and susceptibility to pests. Non-native trees are often better suited for urban conditions. If you have thoughts, share your thoughts for this public hearing in person or by email (see below).
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 663-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052024-7248.
Contradictory Suggestions Challenge Decision-Making Process for City’s FY2025 Budget
At its Monday, March 18, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss the budget for FY2025, tax rates, and modifying Council rules and procedures. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are contracts for engineering and design services, a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME #1453, and nearly $500,000 in data center and disaster recovery, among others. The Mayor and Council will also hold a worksession on the FY25 revenues, fees, and cost recovery. They are also approving the minutes from the Closed Sessions held on November 9, 2023 and November 15, 2023–long after the requirements of the Maryland Open Meetings Act (“as soon as practicable after a public body meets, it shall have minutes of its session prepared.” § 3-306(b)(1)).
The bulk of the agenda is devoted to the budget for FY2025 and will include a public hearing to collect more comments (p. 770+. The City has received nearly 800 comments from residents and businesses, which identified the top three priorities as community safety, quality neighborhoods, and maintenance of existing infrastructure (receiving about 35-45% of votes). The highest response rate was from the north end of the city (north of West Montgomery between 270 and 355) and lowest were from the east side of the city (east of 355).
Upon reviewing the open comments, it becomes evident that decision-making is a complex process. There are suggestions that fall outside the City’s jurisdiction, such as implementing a Bitcoin standard (a federal issue), improving academics at Twinbrook Elementary School (a school board issue), and prioritizing common sense (whose responsibility is this?). Once these are set aside, a multitude of individual suggestions remain, some of which are in conflict. For instance, while one person suggests increasing pay for police, another proposes eliminating the police department altogether. Similarly, opinions diverge on the addition or removal of bike lanes. With the assistance of ChatGPT, these suggestions seem to cluster around five major issues. However, the ways to address these can also be contradictory, and understandably, no one is keen on increased taxes to fund these initiatives:
- Infrastructure and Environment, such as improving traffic light timings, addressing potholes and street noise, maintaining and improving existing parks, preserving RedGate as green space, increasing preventative maintenance for storm water infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability through controlling invasive species and planting more native trees.
- Community Development and Safety, such as reviving the Town Center [didn’t we already do this?], improving safety in neighborhoods and near the Metro station, addressing crime, improving Rockville Pike, adding or removing bike lanes, and ensuring law enforcement is effective and well-funded.
- Housing and Zoning , such as upzoning detached SFH-only zoning areas, discussing housing for asylum seekers, preserving single-family zoning, and increasing residential density in Rockville Town Center.
- Services and Amenities, such as improving water customer service, providing free shuttle buses to key locations, expanding the Latino Youth Development Program, adding a compost service, increasing public art, establishing more dog parks and exercise classes, and providing easily accessible senior services.
- Economic and Business Development, such as supporting local businesses, reducing business turnover, and encouraging businesses to open in the Town Center (TC continues to be a perennial issue—I guess redevelopment in the 1960s didn’t cure it).
I wonder if if the City Council would have better information if they conducted random, in-depth phone interviews with a couple dozen residents, rather than survey of a thousand who decided to participate?
The Council is considering a change in its current Rules and Procedures because of the increase from five to seven members (p. 957). The City Attorney has drafted an amendment for the Council’s consideration, including that an item may only be removed from an agenda with the approval of at least six Council members, otherwise it follows Robert’s Rules of Order (developed by US Army officer Henry Robert in 1876; it is now in its twelfth edition). To add an item to the agenda still requires the request of two or more members.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 1028-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182024-7139.
First Public Hearing on FY2025 Budget Scheduled for Newly Elected Rockville Council
At its Monday, November 20, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will receive the certification of the 2023 election and hold its first public hearing on the FY2025 budget. This is the first meeting of the new Mayor and expanded six-member Council.
After resolving all challenges, the Board of Supervisors of Elections certifies the results of the election to the City Clerk/Director of Council Operations, who records the results in the minutes of the Mayor and Council. In January, the Board of Supervisors of Elections will hold two Post-Election Forums and prepare a report on the 2023 Vote by Mail Election to the Mayor and Council.
This election was marred by two major instances of Rockville residents not receiving ballots. Most recently, voters in the Bainbridge community did not receive ballots, which was not discovered until Election Day when voters requested provisional ballots on Election Day at City Hall.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 153-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11202023-7061.
Candidates Share Their Vision for Rockville at October 5, 2023 Forum
Community Reach of Montgomery County, in partnership with Rainbow Place Shelter, hosted a Rockville Election 2023 Candidate Forum at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on October 5, 2023. The Forum, which was a significant event in the lead-up to the November election, saw candidates take to the stage to present their qualifications, experiences, and key policy positions. It’s important to note that the candidates’ statements were not independently verified, or as Ronald Reagan loved to say, “trust but verify.”
Candidate forums are a valuable opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates on a range of important issues but if you didn’t attend or don’t have time to watch the 90-minute replay on YouTube, I’m offering ChatGPT-generated summaries (with some light editing) to the candidates’ responses to the major questions in the attached six-page handout (thanks TM!). This will enable you to swiftly share your preferred candidate’s stance on issues with friends and family, strategize on the optimal choices for Mayor and Council seats, or potentially identify which candidates may be unclear, evasive, or inconsistent in their responses.
If you’re a candidate, these summaries could serve as a tool for reviewing your positions and assessing how effectively you stand out from others. Do the summaries accurately capture your ideas? Did any crucial points get overlooked? How do your views align or differ from other candidates? Are your statements well-rounded, or do they lean towards being too abstract or too specific? Do any of your opponents exhibit a significant lack in knowledge or critical thinking?
Mayor and Council to Approve 82-Townhouse Development Despite Environmental and School Capacity Concerns
At its Monday, October 2, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss permission to build 82 townhouses at 2200 Tower Oaks Boulevard and reduce parking by 18% at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are increasing funding for stormwater management from $95,000 to $422,000 and appointing David Sklar to the Board of Supervisors of Elections. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the Seven Locks Road Diversion Center (aka “county jail”), Financial Advisory Board, and Pedestrian Master Plan.
The Planning Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Pedestrian Advocacy Committee reviewed and approved the proposed 82-townhouse development, but strangely, the Mayor and Council excluded the Environment Commission and Education Commission. This project will replace about 10,000 sf of forest and with 7,600 sf of “new” forest; is adjacent to a stream; and subject to an existing Forest Conservation Plan (pages 47-8)—aren’t these environmental issues? For those who are concerned about school capacity in the Richard Montgomery Cluster Area, the proposed townhouse development will generate 18 students at the elementary school grade level; 10 students at the middle school level; and 14 students at the high school level (page 44). That means capacity is expected to rise to 99% for Bayard Rustin Elementary School, to 95% for Julius West Middle School, and to 123% for Richard Mongomery High School. By fall 2027, however, “capacity at Richard Montgomery is slated to be adequate due to an approved CIP project that will reassign students among Gaithersburg HS, Richard Montgomery HS, Quince Orchard HS, Thomas S. Wootton HS, and Crown HS.” What’s the purpose of the Education Committee if they aren’t aware of one of the most contentious school issues?
On pages 135-166, the Financial Advisory Board, chaired by Bob Wright, presented its FY2023 Annual report and found no discrepancies in Rockville’s financial reports; had no recommendations on the financial policies (although noted that no policies on donations was needed); found that the investment portfolio declined in value due to rising interest rates; stated that the city staff had done an outstanding job in preparing the annual budget; made three recommendations regarding the Capital Improvements Program; made complex findings and recommendations regarding the 2015 Purchasing Study; reported that the City has spent nearly $6 million on the King Farm Farmstead (and noted that the Mayor and Council do not agree on future uses); and that City is making good progress on including performance measures in the budget.
On pages 167-189, the Pedestrian Master Plan seems to be running ahead of itself and should take a step back. It offers five goals and ten recommendations, but nothing sufficiently specific nor any priorities to help the Mayor and Council know what to do next and why. Strangely, the Traffic and Transportation Department is hoping to propose an ordinance to City Council on October 23 even though the nearly 300 public comments collected since May haven’t been summarized (it doesn’t even close until October 13!). Perhaps they’re trying to get in done in “Walktober” month but it looks like they need to do a lot more research and analysis. For examples, here are pedestrian master plans from Portland and Seattle. Let’s hope the Mayor and Council provides clarity on expectations for a master plan.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month and the Rockville’s Cultural Arts Commission recommends that you celebrate by reading book, putting your child’s art on the fridge, and singing in the car, among others. Alas the expectations are pretty low, so here are five better suggestions from the non-human ChatGPT:
- Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery: Explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent in your community by visiting local museums and art galleries.
- Attend a Workshop or Lecture: Many institutions offer workshops, lectures, or webinars during National Arts and Humanities Month. These can provide a deeper understanding of various art forms and humanities topics.
- Participate in a Community Art Project: Engage with your local community by participating in a collaborative art project or humanities event. This could be a mural painting, a community theater production, or a local history project.
- Read a Book: Celebrate the humanities by reading a book on a topic you’re interested in, such as history, philosophy, or literature. Consider joining a book club to discuss and share insights.
- Support Local Artists and Scholars: Purchase artwork from local artists or attend performances and presentations by local scholars. Your support can help sustain the arts and humanities in your community.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 197-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10022023-7016.
Should the Mayor and Council Give Themselves a Raise?
At its Monday, July 17, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss whether to ask voters to lower the voting age, allow non-citizens to vote, adopt term limits for council members, adopt ranked choice voting, and create representative districts for council members. They are also considering an annexation of 1202 Seven Locks Road (an office building south of Wootton Parkway near Seven Locks Plaza); a revision of the maximum rental rate for Moderately Priced Housing; adoption of Floating Zones; affordable housing on North Stonestreet Avenue in Lincoln Park; and a letter to the County Council regarding rent control. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are agreements for employee retirement management, workers’ compensation, and water quality management, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the final Rockville branding initiative and compensation for council members.
Many residents assume that the Mayor and Council are volunteers, but they are considered “part time” positions and given an “annual stipend” of $37,560 for the Mayor and $30,483 for council members. Ten years ago, it was $25,750 for the Mayor and $20,600 for council members. They are also issued a laptop computer and printer; can request office supplies, furniture, and equipment; have access to all City facilities at the same rate as City staff; and have access the City’s health, dental, vision, and life insurance at their own expense. To consider whether this should change or remain the same, the Compensation Commission conducted a city-wide survey that received 95 responses (of which 56% felt that the current compensation was reasonable; the rest were mixed) and a public forum (only two residents provided comments). They also compared stipends with other jurisdictions (Gaitherburg’s Mayor is paid $37,560 and Frederick’s is $105,937–but that’s a fulltime position), but did not consider the income of Rockville residents ($57,336 per capita; $116,031 per household; 7% live in poverty according to the US Census Bureau). The Commission is recommending that the annual stipend increase at the same COLA rate given to City staff; increase the travel allowance for council members according to the Consumer Price Index and for the Mayor by 10% to $6,600 (travel for Sister City events is provided elsewhere in the budget). Otherwise, no additional benefits (e.g., no additional funds for cell phones). The Commission also discussed the role of the annual stipend on attracting candidates for council. More details starting on page 50 of the agenda.
Interested in running for Mayor or Council? Right now there are two candidates for Mayor and nine for Council. There were 13 candidates for Council in 2019. The deadline for petitions is Friday, September 8. More details at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2262/Running-for-Office.
Coming up on the next agenda is a report from Rockville Housing Enterprises, allowing accessory apartments as a conditional use in single family residential zones, revising the responsibilities of the Cultural Arts Commission, and extending the moratorium on vape shops.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 463-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07172023-6963.
Max for Rockville 