Mayor and Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening, Rockville. Today is 02/02/2026. We are convening meeting three dash twenty six. We're gonna start off with our pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Guests from the Rec and Parks Foundation and we're going to move that recognition first. So if my colleagues would please join me at the podium. I'm going to welcome our first presenter Chip Boylan, President of the Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation. He'll be conveying a certificate and donation for the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund in the amount of $14,100 from the proceeds from the 2025 Rubber Duckie Derree. I just want to say this team does a lot not just for the swim center but has helped us on projects across the city to expand recreational programs and activities, scholarships, as well as sometimes when we need help supporting some of the infrastructure.

So, Thank you both.

Oh, I have to turn around. You guys

can be on this side.

Alright. So, I really do wanna address you because we have two things to talk about. First of all, you are all so fashionably dressed this evening. Chip Boylan, Kathleen Shannon, both trustees of the foundation, and we want to talk about our success from last year. First thing we're going to talk about isn't the one you're thinking about, but we recently made a purchase of a LYNX training system for the city's track and field and cross country program.

It's a tiny mean system that will bring our program to a state of art in the city and was a little expensive at almost $22,000, but we've been raising money for that kind of infrastructure, as the mayor mentioned, and we're thrilled that we could do that. And now Kathleen's gonna talk about our other event.

Well, thank you, mayor and council, for your fabulous support of our Rockville Rubber Ducky Derby. Our intent is to raise money for the city programs. And this year, specifically, we chose the theme of sending kids to camp. And with the help of the, Rockville Swim Center staff, all of you, the good people of Rockville, and the fabulous Rockville business partners, we were able to raise $14,100 to present to you. And that was twenty eight ninety eight ducks.

Our sponsors gave us over $6,000. These were business sponsors. Yes. We had cash donations from good people who thought it was a great cause and had no interest in ducks. Almost $2,000. We had a total of 23 prizes donated from local merchants. So we are very grateful today to be able to present to the city of Rockville our check for $14,100.

I don't think it's going to fit into the ATM.

Thank you

Excellent. Thank you so much. That was very inspiring. I am very pleased to be able to present, the proclamation, honoring Lunar New Year. Rockville really is, home to such a beautifully, diverse tapestry of the AAPI, community.

I every time I I really enjoyed filling in for half a second and stepping into our very able mayor's shoes at an event. I think I believe it was last year and it was just phenomenal. And the event is wonderful, but the holiday is one that I truly, I really truly cherish. This is both beautiful and very meaningful. So, on that note, whereas Rockville is home to a diverse Asian community that adds to the richness and culture of our great city.

And whereas, this is the year of the fire horse, and the fire horse is known for its lively spirit and enthusiasm. And in Chinese culture, people born in this year are often seen as warm hearted and hardworking. Now, therefore, the mayor and council of the city of Rockville, Maryland do hereby proclaim 02/17/2026 as Rockville celebration of the Lunar New Year culminating with the Lantern Festival on 03/03/2026 and call upon all residents of Rockville to join us in this joyous celebration. Madam Mayor, I move the proclamation. And joining me up here is Mr.

John Lynn, Chair of the Rockville Asian Pacific American Task

Force. Of

course, Thank you.

You wanna say

a few words?

Okay. Thank you. I wanna say thank you to Rockville City, the mayor council. You've been so grateful, on behalf of the Asian community. We thank you for your support.

For the last fifteen years, you know, we have so many great events, Lunar New Years, year after year. And now the audience is, like, about a thousand people, and we have the next event coming up on the twenty first. So I wish that everyone can come and enjoy the program and the snacks. And I wanna say Rockville mayor council rocks. Thank you very much.

Take picture. Thank you.

Thank you.

Our next proclamation is for rare disease day which is being celebrated this year on February 28 but fun fact rare disease day internationally is technically February 29 which only occurs on leap years to signify how rare those diseases are in those days. Rare diseases are defined as diseases that two hundred thousand people or less in the country have a diagnosis for. There's not that many of those. And I will say one of those diseases is retinitis pigmentosa, and I know six people in my immediate family that have that particular rare disease. So I do know first hand how difficult it can be to have a rare disease, to build awareness, to fund and move research and treatments forward, and to simply find a community and support.

So I do appreciate that we take one day a year to group them all together and think about those diseases that don't get a whole lot of attention every year. With that, whereas there are nearly 10,000 rare diseases and conditions considered rare in The United States according to the National Institute of Health, and whereas thousands of residents of of Maryland are among those affected by rare diseases since nearly one in ten Americans has a rare disease. Now, therefore, the mayor and council of Rockville do hereby proclaim 02/28/2026 as rare disease day and encourage the Rockville community to learn more about rare diseases through resource resources such as the National Organization of Rare Disorders, nord,.org. Madam Mayor, I move the proclamation.

Thank you. Do we have a second? Councilman Bragg, second. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye.

Aye. And I believe we have Erica Eakin from our own community planning and development services to come accept the proclamation. Thank you. Would you like to say a few words? I'm just very honored. This is a very important cause. And I also to have family members with rare disease.

So it's very important to raise awareness for the betterment of care for patients with rare diseases.

You so much. Thank you. We appreciate everyone who's coming out to celebrate all the important acknowledgments for the month. We also are celebrating African American History Month, and I wanna thank our entire team. I know it took a village between the Human Rights Commission, our communications team, our JEDI team, so many people working together to pull that through, and it was a fantastic doctor Martin Luther King Junior event that we celebrated.

I just wanna say I know that it's it feels like it's a tough time when you've been working on civil rights and celebrating Black History Month to feel like some things are going backwards. And I will remind us that Doctor. King has shared that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice and that arc depends on us us putting our hands upon it us helping to create more justice and to create opportunity for all. And with that, I'll read the proclamation. Whereas in 1976, Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, was formally adopted to honor and affirm the importance of African American history, and the theme for 2026 is a century of black history commemorations.

Because of determination, hard work, intelligence, perseverance, African Americans have made valuable and lasting contributions to the city of Rockville and to our country, achieving success in all aspects of society. There is a long list of leaders who are represented in our proclamation, including doctor Martin Luther King, Jesse Owens, Thurgood Marshall, doctor Mae Jenison, Charles Drew, and many recent notable African Americans such as astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, president Barack Obama, vice former vice president Kamala Harris, and poet laureate Amanda Gorman, among many others. Whereas the sixty seven term of the mayor and council is the most diverse in the history of the city of Rockville, Maryland, including the first BIPOC, black, indigenous person of color female mayor, and now therefore the mayor and council of Rockville, Maryland do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026 to be African American History Month and encourage Rockville and all of our community to learn about and share the stories, recognize, appreciate, and work towards justice justice for all. Encourage you to celebrate throughout the region and participate in the many educational events honoring the contributions of African Americans throughout the month, and a lot of me say all year.

Council member Shah moves the proclamations. Do we have a second? Council member Valeri seconds. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. And I would like to welcome, Jean Booth, who is our director of the city of Rockville office of equity justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and she is cooking up some great plans for us in the city Of Rockville. Welcome.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Alright. So thank you mayor and council and my colleagues and the community here here in Rockville for this proclamation and for Rockville's continued commitment to honoring black history, not just as a reflection of the past, but as a living guide for how we lead today. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and civic courage, and it reminds us that progress happens when we choose to act with intention and accountability. All of these evenings proclamations further remind us that the city story is shaped by many cultures, histories, and traditions and conditions, and that the way through these difficult times is together in community. I'm honored to accept this proclamation with gratitude and a renewed commitment to turn remembrance into action for our community.

Thank you very much.

So this month is also American Heart Month. And I think it's important to recognize I've had numerous family members who've unfortunately passed from heart disease under the age of 50 and under the age of 40. And one of the things that I know that my family talks about all the time is understanding that this is something that we need to be aware of. And one of the things that American Heart Month does is it educates folks on what they can do with their health professionals and looking within themselves, such as swimming or exercising in Rockville's wonderful parks, to understand how they can make themselves and their family members more safe. Whereas during American Heart Month, we recognize we rec we commit to fighting this disease and promoting better health, wellness, and prevention awareness in our communities.

And whereas heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in The United States, it affects Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities. Now, therefore, the mayor and council of Rockville, Maryland do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026 as American Heart Month and encourage the community to wear red or sometimes yellow and wear national wear wear red day on February 6 to encourage and keep up to date on the news and activities that will benefit the health and well-being of our families. Madam mayor, I move the proclamation.

Thank you. Do we have a second? Councilman Jackson seconds. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. That's unanimous.

And I know, we have, Kenya Craven here to say a few words and accept the proclamation.

Thank you. Absolutely. My pleasure.

Well, of course, we'd like to thank Rockville for taking the time to place such emphasis on something so important. And I do encourage everyone to read the material that is available to you. Please participate on Friday, wear red. It's a small thing that we can do and let's get to the doctor. Let's make sure we're doing all that we can to make sure that our health is what it needs to be so that we can be around for a long time, so that we can help to train the next generation and just to help us overall live our best life. So thank you all.

Thank you very much. We appreciate everyone for coming out to celebrate and, honor these important commemorations with us. We'll be taking a brief break until six. Good evening, Rockville. Today is 02/02/2026, and we are reconvening meeting three dash twenty six. I'd like to welcome our city clerk lead, Judy Penny.

Good evening, the mayor and council. There are no changes to this evening's agenda.

Thank you very much. And now welcome Jeff Mihalic, city manager.

Mayor Ashland, members of city council. Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I think I'll use my entire time, to give a storm update. I don't think that'll surprise anybody. Boy, that was quite the storm. Let's just admit that. It was really unique, and I guess it presented us some unique challenges. I think most of us know it started off with six to seven inches of snow, then quickly changed over to, sleet and freezing rain and and create a lot of different challenges. How many of us grabbed a shovel? Anybody in the room?

A whole bunch. Right? It was, yeah, it was rough because it was, for a while, heavy, wet snow, then it was icy snow, and then it froze. Then it got really, really heavy, then it got really, really hard. So it doesn't matter whether you were a plow truck driver, you were a resident, shoveling snow, etcetera.

It it made for some really difficult conditions. The good news is I think we're in pretty good shape. Our crews worked around the clock on twelve hour shifts for four days straight and did a really nice job, I think. And having said that, they still have work to do. We did receive a number of requests over the weekend to provide some assistance in and around all the schools to make sure that they could open, and we certainly did that.

We did it all weekend long, and then today, we got requests to help out with 50 different intersections in the city, five zero. We went out there with some heavy equipment to try to open up those intersections. And candidly, we did a lot of that work also by hand, which is hard work, and our crews are up to it. 25 of those 50 intersections are now completed, and we're gonna continue to work all night long, and I mean it, all night long, to continue to open up those intersections. And when I talk about that is there's folks that have shoveled their sidewalks leading to the intersection.

And at the intersection, there's big mounds of snow. We all saw that. And it's hard for folks to navigate. So we're out there doing that work a lot by hand to make sure we can get those intersections done. So we'll be at it for quite a while. We also heard about, bus shelters. We do use a contractor to go out to those bus shelters. It's the 51 highest, used rider participated, bus routes in the city. We're on those shelters. If anybody stays in those shelters that are not done by now, please let us know.

So last thing I'll say about this is that whether someone needs help or better yet, someone who wants to help, they can go online, and they can sign up to have volunteer assistance come and help them with the sidewalk that they're responsible for. Or conversely, if they wanna get some additional exercise and like to hand help out a friend or a colleague in need, they can sign up to be a volunteer. But I think it's really important for us to all recognize that, we, the city, and all of our crews can do a ton of work, and we have done so. We've made our our city very safe, especially especially relative to other areas in the region. And yet, we also also have to look out for our neighbors.

And if we can lend a hand, we should certainly do that. But overall, Mayor, I'm very proud of the team. We have some additional work to do, and we're prepared to get everything in great order very soon. Thank you.

I will just also echo my thanks to all of the staff members who've been working. I know that you've been pulling in support from those who normally shovel and those who don't normally shovel to try to get out there, and I know that they've been working for many, many hours. So I wanna say thank you to our staff who've been out in the cold shoveling what they are termed Snow Creek, and I have shoveled myself as a volunteer, and it's a lot. But I also wanna thank our volunteers. There are many volunteers who helped neighbors in need, people with disabilities, people with mobility issues, people who were senior who just needed a little help.

I do know that there are still people who need help, so we still need volunteers, and I just want to say thank you. This was not normal snow, and it's been a lot of hard work. I've heard of people breaking their shovels and breaking their snow removal devices, but just wanted to thank them because those volunteers were critical during the storm as well as staff. I also wanna thank residents for their patience. I know that there was a lot of snow, and so sometimes it meant that as it the plows went through the city that sometimes it might have went through a driveway that they just cleared, and so I wanna thank residents for their patience.

And then I just wanna ask everyone for their help. I know staff are trying to go out to curbs, but we have cleared many of the roads, and now we need to help we need to help residents be able to walk throughout the city. We need kids to go back to school. I know a lot of parents are saying that. So if you can, you see a curb, if you can help clear it and it's on your, you know, on your corner, please do that. I know corner lots have done a lot of extra double duty work, but please help your neighbors to clear corners, especially around safe routes to school. Please clear your sidewalks. Please clear fire hydrants. And sign up to volunteer. I just wanted to please encourage everyone to do that.

Thank you very much. The other note that's not snow related, I just wanted to note that the city of Rockville has listed on its site the Gilchrist Center. It's the immigrant resource center for the county, and I wanna just note that a lot of people wanna know how they can be helpful as a bystander. A lot of people wanna know, are there resources for people who need help? We are in unprecedented times, and I just wanna make sure that people know that resource is available. The link to the Gilchrist Center is on our site, but you can also go straight there from the county. And just reach out to your neighbor. Be supportive. Check on them, and just learn how you can be helpful. Thank you. Councilman Van Gruek.

One other note if we're since we're talking about helping the community. I think it's important to note this past Friday, the Rockville Police Department team participated in the Maryland Public Safety and Police Plunge. I know that the mayor and I joined in that, and I can attest that the Chesapeake Bay is as cold as you would think it was on Friday. But I think it's more important to note that the, police and public safety plunge this year raised three over $340,000 for Special Olympic Maryland. And the Rockville Police Department team was a participant of 1.5% of that with the contributions of, I know, numerous residents and numerous people up here on the dais.

So thank you to the organizers in the Rockville Police Department putting it together. Because as cold as it was, it was warm to know that we were helping many in our community.

Thank you. And also, continuing with disability support, VisArts Visibility Lab celebrated their tenth anniversary as well. So thanks everyone for finding ways, especially with everything you're seeing in the world, to help your neighbor and to make this a better community. Okay. We are now moving on to our community forum. This is a time for us to listen to ideas, concerns. I encourage everyone to address the mayor and council. Please speak in a civil and courteous manner. And members of the audience, please be respectful and supportive of each other. Each person is allowed three minutes, we ask that you stick to them.

There is a time clock in front of you to help you keep track. When you hear the audible beep, that is the end of the three minutes. Please state your name and whether you live in the city of Rockville for the record. I'm going to call the folks who have signed up in advance, and then I will look to see the folks in the room. First, we have Cesar Barreto. Is Cesar here? Welcome.

If someone can let me know when I'm going I can't see that very well.

I will help you keep track.

Thank you. My name is Cesar Baretto. I live in the residential community of Lincoln Park Community since 2002. I came I come before the council this evening to bring to your attention the condition of the pedestrian sidewalks and to give a voice to the many other pedestrians here who, like myself, do not drive and depend on the safe safely accessing bus stops and their adjoining sidewalks to get to grocery stores, work, school, some of my neighbors on Lendmore Avenue are elderly and disabled and have severe mobility problems. And I can just tell you my walk from here, there's several cross, walks that are very dangerous to cross, especially, and I have pictures of them.

So what I'll do is this evening or tomorrow send pictures to the county council to show you where exactly is. But one in mine is right in front of the natural tire and battery store in PNC. It is very dangerous to cross there. And just my experience taking the bus up and down Rockville Pike, there has been occasions where people could not open up the doors because the it's not even ice. It's snow. I call it blocks of ice at this point, and they can't even open the bus door. So it's very dangerous. A lot of businesses like the flagship car wash and the seven Eleven store have blocked up that pedestrian access. So you have to walk on the street. It's very dangerous.

And I just wanted to bring that attention very quickly, and hopefully, that can be taken care of as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Welcome Deborah Moore. Well, think she gave written comments. Is that right? Perfect.

Next, welcome Adam J. Wise.

Thank you, madam mayor and members of the council. My name is Adam Wise, and I'm a resident of Rockville. I'm personally concerned with the state of the democratic process at all levels of government, and so I look into ways of repairing and improving the democratic process wherever possible. So our current voting system awards the position to the candidate who gets the most votes. While that may appear simple, logical, in reality, the winner of any race with more than two potential candidates is often elected by a minority of voters.

Voters who might be happy with several potential candidates are forced to choose only one. This disregard for second and third choices means that it is possible for candidates to win with only forty, thirty, or 20% support, not a majority. So I'm very much of the opinion that ranked choice voting, RCV, is a powerful tool for improving how we vote. It's really one of our best hopes, I think, for improving the democratic process. Without naming names, there is strong evidence across multiple elections that some of the most problematic, divisive politicians would never have won their elections or even primaries if ranked choice voting were in place.

I also understand that the powers that be at the Maryland state level are going to take their cues from what happens at the city level on this issue. And what happens at the state level, in turn, influences the national debate. So it may sound corny, but I think this really matters to our democracy as a whole. I would encourage the city to use ranked choice voting for our elections to give voters more power and more choice. Thank you.

Thank

you. Next, welcome Sameer Merchant.

Good evening. Sorry. My name is Sameer, and I am a resident of Rockville speaking in support of ranked choice voting for our city council elections. There are six seats up for grabs, and ranked choice voting ensures every vote counts. Being able to rank multiple candidates is a boon as even if your first choice doesn't win, your vote can still help someone else you support.

The system also reflects diversity of our community here in Rockville as instead of majority taking taking all the seats, different viewpoints can can win representation proportional to their support. In short, our council will be better represented will better represent the priorities of residents here in the city. Ranch choice also reduces polarization as candidates have to appeal to their base, but a broader audience to earn second and third choice votes. It rewards coalitions over attacks. It also opens the doors for independents, progressive candidates, well as outsiders.

And outsiders and community focused leaders can compete in a fair way rather than being drowned out by well funded incumbents. And finally, this process is the most mathematically fair way to vote. The winner truly reflects a majority of support in the community. I'd like to thank everyone who supported ranked choice voting so far, and I urge the rest of the council to also support this and fully implement ranked choice voting for the top six seats so that Rockville City Council becomes more representative, fair, and responsive to its residents. Thank you.

Thank you. Welcome, William Bill McGowan.

Good evening, mayor Ashton and esteemed council members. My name is Bill McGugan, and I stand before you representing the Human Services Advisory Commission. Beyond that, I'm a resident of Rockville in the Rockville in the Twinbrook neighborhood. The commission was disappointed in the county's decision to close nine of their 21 libraries on Sundays. This is just under 50% of the libraries in the county. Though any library closes a travesty, and I would love for all libraries to remain open, I'm here today to discuss this the Sunday closure of the Twinbrook Library. Sundays are one of the few days many library patrons may not be working. It is then that they use library resources, which they may not have time to access during the week when they are working. Further,

according

to the National Homeless Information Project, Montgomery County had the largest increase in homelessness from 2024 to 2025 in the entire Washington DC Metro Metro Region a total of 366 individuals now experiencing homelessness. This is an increase of 32%, yet the county decided to cut services like opening the Twinbrook Library on Sundays that directly help these individuals. Libraries are more than a place to check out books and movies. They're one of the last places on Earth where it's okay to exist for free. They provide shelter from the elements, yet during this coldest time of the year, nearly 50% were closed on Sunday, one of the hardest days to find resources.

More than shelter, the Twinbrook community is now losing programs that are or could have been available to them. Students may not have reliable access to the Internet. They may lose a place to complete assignments and lose additional story times connecting with kids that have a shared passion for books. According to a 2025 Brown University study, when libraries close, reading and math scores for the affected area plummet for students across the board. While this is not a complete closure of branches, we cannot simply ignore the fact that closing even one day the effect that closing even one day a week will have Twinbrook already services title one schools that are struggling for resources.

The impact for the closure of even one day a week goes far beyond affecting students. It affects the entire community's access to information and resources. The library offered language meetups for individuals to practice their language skills. It is offering many other meetups for like minded individuals to enjoy time together. It provides pre free printing services of up to 15 pages, or patrons can print resumes, cover letters, job applications, or whatever other knowledge resources they may need.

The Twinbrook community stands behind us. Some are in the meeting today. Beyond their presence, they're working to reinstate the library advisory committee to ensure more recess resources to the community are not lost. In conclusion, the commission request that mayor and council take action with the county and make our concerns known. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Thank you. Welcome, James Druva Kumar.

Disclaimer. This is a limited access forum, so not all my thoughts. City of Rockwall mayor, Maryland government, mayor and council, thank you for this opportunity, this open democracy forum. My name is Dhruva Diego Kumar. During our military family days, many knew me as James Dhruva Kumar also, which is JD Kumar. Diego in English means James. All this has so much meaning for me. Many call me JD, Dhruva, or just Drew. Now I pledge allegiance to USA America everywhere, American values, rule of law, rule of law. Thank you.

Recently, I was at the Montgomery County, Maryland government trust act meeting on 01/13/2026. I just I discussed use of the term established for migrants of illegal undocumented background. Many most in this area are from Latin And Central America. I tax I tasked you all with a new not derogatory term. I refer as established immigrant communities, EIC, established established immigrant merit communities, EIMC, instead of established immigrant migrant communities.

We keep improving on this thought and concept. Whether you came as illegal, undocumented, or legally, we are all now established due to many reasons. So EIC or EIMC, and this also honors our Montgomery County, Maryland, one of the original DMV refugee protection locations. Now for those of you, a Latin American self criminal, illegal undocumented background, and others who have not passed my nondiscrimination certification training, which this county has not implemented despite many suggestions, you are yet this. Not established, but abusers, segregationists, etcetera, not respecting other people's constitutional protected rights, yet only promoting for your discriminating, segregating clicks.

I hold you to our highest standards because all of you claim to be refugees, persecuted. I hold you to a higher standard. This is painful for me as I meet a few beautiful potential decency young people emanated from this background. Many others are so damaged because of hearing the illegal undocumented term for decades. We must protect them and others that do not abuse. The county and country need to issue the great apology, the great apology. I altered all of this a few years ago. The use of the term illegal undocumented for decency established EIMC peoples is similar to the n word. This is why I always use the this term together. Neither is better.

It's an offset for me. As mentioned, I'm evaluating candidacy for US Congress. This district ain't not humble on this. I'll be the best ever. Know all issues and can work with all groups, belief systems. If I do proceed with this, I will request to file as j d Kumar, James Dhruva Kumar. American values, an independent democrat, make America great for all. If you care for the vulnerable, those left behind, less educated. If you are this, then you are also MAGA. But MAGA brand is not good due to the past three g's and Trumpism. Now we have five g's, three g's to five g's. We will be a poverty country in less than twenty years if you don't elect competent America protect American values many subject knowledge leaders. American values make America grateful all for all

Thank you

very and beyond. You can look for more info for me at vote j d k, my ex account.

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And YouTube is the same. Vote JDK.

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very much.

Expired. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Welcome, Brad O.

Hello, mayor and council. My name is Brad, and I live in Rockville. I am here tonight to urge the city of Rockville to adopt ranked choice voting. This is a common sense measure to increase voter empowerment. In almost any electoral system of government, there tends to be tension between the competing goals of voter equality and voter empowerment.

The electoral college is a good example of this. The electoral college, in many cases, increases voter empowerment by shrinking the size of the electorate. If you vote in a national election of 77,000,000 people, the odds that your vote will swing that election are extraordinarily low. In a statewide election of closer to a million voters, your odds are 77 times better. The problem is that the electoral college badly distorts voter equality.

The wonderful thing about ranked choice voting is that it increases voter empowerment without sacrificing voter equality. Everybody still gets the same one vote, but voters have an increased opportunity to support candidates who they like or worst case scenario to oppose candidates who they have concerns about. There's no downside to this, and I do urge the city to adopt ranked choice voting. On a separate note, I wanted to thank the city for its snow removal efforts. Obviously, it's not perfect, but I think that we're doing pretty well all things considered.

I will say the sidewalks near the Rockville Metro Station still need some work. And then on another separate note, I wanted to thank the mayor for bringing up the Gilchrist Center earlier. I am extremely concerned about the increasing reports that we're all hearing about federal agents in Montgomery County, and I wanted to urge the city not to collaborate with ICE or CBP. These agencies are hopelessly politicized, and they are not providing any type of legitimate law enforcement activity. Rather, they are lawless marauders who are roaming through our communities, kidnapping people, attacking people with both nonlethal and lethal rounds, and attacking citizens and noncitizens alike with chemical weapons.

The city of Rockville should devote its resources to protecting residents from these agents rather than collaborating with those agencies. And I urge the city to maintain the autonomy of our local government and local law enforcement. ICE out of Montgomery County, ICE out of Rockville. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Welcome, Gail Holcher.

Good evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. I do not live in Rockville. I live in Bethesda. But my claim to fame is that I worked as an ESOL counselor at Julius West Middle School, Richard Montgomery High School, and Rockville High School over a period of many years, so I love Rock Ville.

I also love ranked choice voting, and I love ranked choice voting because it promotes civility during the election process, something that's just so missing in our culture today. If voters I knew I'd messed this up. If voters aren't a candidate's first choice, then they would be their second or third. And so candidates are less likely to be unkind to one another. Thank you. That's all I had.

Thank you very much. That exosolus of those who have signed up in advance, and we have received written comments as well. Is there anyone else who would like to speak? I just wanted to address two quick things since there were some resources mentioned, and I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to know where to report things. Our snow shoveling volunteer program that is managed through our senior center, you can get in contact with them.

The number also is (240) 314-8810. You can also email seniorcenterrockvillmd dot gov. There is an online form which is greatly helpful to fill out that form. And then also in terms of our roads and support for where you see issues, You can do report a concern. You can also call (240) 314-8570 or pwrockvillemd dot gov.

Since there was a question about and I I don't normally go into this level of of comment, but I just wanna say that Rockville does have a fostering community trust ordinance. It's actually in our code, ordinance eight dash 17. So folks can look that up. But Rockville has a long history of social justice and inclusion, and it speaks to how we believe the need for our police department to be able to do their jobs and making sure that we're protecting all residents without having any they don't collaborate in any way that is would make our community feel unsafe. So I just wanted to note there is that code ordinance eight dash 17 if anyone wants to look it up, and it's on our justice equity and inclusion page.

Okay. We now move on to our consent agenda. There are a couple of items on this list. We have Consent Agenda Item 9A, authorize the city manager to execute the Maryland Market Money Program. This is a program that supports people who need help with food insecurity.

The City Of Rockville's Farm and Market Eat Fresh Rockville program with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. 9B is a resolution to ratify the approval and exercise the right of first refusal by York Management to acquire Argyle Apartments and maintain affordable housing in the City Of Rockville. Item nine c is authorization for the city manager to release and extinguish an existing waterline easement and execute two new easements for sewer and water meters on Lot 16, Block B, City Center. 9d, this would grant approval and delegation of authority to the city manager to specifically execute a template agreement for private improvements in the right of way associated with residents' installed and maintained electric vehicle charging equipment. We have an EV readiness program, and we talked about creating this type of template, and this will do that.

And then the last one is 9E, approval of our minutes from Mayor and Council on 01/05/2026, and 01/12/2026. Colleagues, does anyone have any questions, or can we move forward to approve nine through e? Does anyone want to make a motion? Councilmember Fulton.

I move to approve consent agenda items a,

b, c, d, and e. Thank you very much. Do we have a second? Councilmember Vallari seconds. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. Excellent. Thank you very much. We now have Agenda Item 11A, a briefing and endorsement of the DMV Moves Plan. This is presented to the Council of Governments We welcome Tom Harrington of COG, Multimodal Planning Program Director. I know we have staff lead, Barak Muntete, as well. Welcome.

Good evening, mayor Ashton and members of council. I am Tom Harrington, multimodal planning program director at the council governments. So my presentation tonight will primarily focus on DMV moves, but I'm gonna start with a brief overview of the council of governments for those who may be not as familiar. There we go. Back a slide.

So, again, COG is unique in this region because they focus on regional issues. And transit's a great example of how interconnected the region is. Clean air, clean water don't pay attention to boundaries, neither does the transportation system. So the council governments was created with 24 local government members representing our region of 6,000,000 people. It's the one place in our Tristate region that brings leaders together from DC, Maryland, Virginia to tackle, all the common issues what we are dealing with and to plan for the future.

And I should recognize that Mary Ashton is on the COG board of directors and also on the Transportation Planning Board, which is our metropolitan planning organization. So the TPB, which is the MPO for the region, one of 400 in the country, It ensures that all of our transportation projects are part of our long range plan. They're part of our short term transportation improvement program and and can therefore receive federal funding. At COG, our main focus areas include transportation, but also public safety, community planning, and the environment. In transportation, the TPB recently approved Visualize twenty fifty, which is the region's long range transportation plan consisting of highway and transit projects totaling almost $300,000,000,000.

And COG also manages several regional programs such as Commuter Connections, which helps provide services to employers and connects workers and helps them make smart commuting choices. We also wanted to mention that over $800,000 in grant funding was received by the city recently on transportation improvements, and that's through programs like our TLC, which is a transportation land use connections program and a regional roadway safety program. So those are some example of grant programs that administers. Another benefit to the region is COG has a cooperative purchasing program, and the city is able to purchase through agreements things like fuel and roadway salt, which is timely. And oop.

Move forward there. So if you look at COGS revenue, 9% of our funding comes got a little behind, comes from member dues, and that helps leverage the $41,000,000 in state and local funding. And and for reference, we did include the city's dues to the council governments. So that's just the brief overview of the council governments. So moving on to DMV moves.

So our presentation tonight comes after a significant milestone in November when the COG and Metro boards came together to endorse the final DMV moves plan. And that was after eighteen months of hard work by COG, Metro, and really the whole region to help define what's needed to achieve world class transit in our region and to continue to to maintain momentum. We're fortunate to have one of the best transit systems in the country. In fact, the American Public Transit Association ranked Metro as the number one transit agency in the country in 2025. But we do have challenges.

And, actually, when this work started in 2024, the region was still coming off of the pandemic's impact on transit ridership. So there was a funding crisis and particularly on the operating side, operating costs. But just in the last year, Metro's operating budget has sort of stabilized. Ridership has come back to the system. And what the focus is right now is on their capital funding.

So in the last funding agreement, Metro's debt capacity would be exhausted by 2028. And so what that means is a big drop in the capital program and the potential to increase the pipeline of projects for Metro. So unless this is addressed, we're gonna see some backsliding in terms of some of the progress Metro has made recently. Another challenge in this region is that we have a complex network of providers, and that's an opportunity too. So it's not just Metro that runs transit in the region.

We have 14 different operators of transit in the region. And so finding a way to coordinate helps the riders so that they have a seamless trip across the region. So to address all these needs, the Cog and Metro boards came together to create the DMV moves initiative. It was governed by a task force of elected officials, and it also had a series of advisory groups, both government representatives and community partners to help define what is needed to achieve world class transit. The DMV moves plan is available online at dmvmoves.org.

But to give you a quick overview, there are four key components of the plan. First is a metro funding plan. And so the plan calls for an additional 460,000,000 per year in new capital funding, and that will be indexed to grow at 3% a year because having escalation was not part of the previous funding agreement, which led to some reduction in buying power with that. And Metro has talked about how they would use that money and in particular wanted to highlight Metrorail modernization. So the metro system, which is celebrating its fiftieth year, I believe this year, so it has many parts of it that have been updated over the past decades.

But the signal system is one of those that's lagging a little behind. And so Metro wants to replace that outdated signal system, move to something that's really more state of the art technology, communication based train control. And so that's a key part of the the plan. A second part is identifying local funding needs. So it's not, as I said, not just metro, but also the local bus systems.

And so the plan does call out and identify what's needed to bring all the regional bus systems up to a standard of of frequent service. And it also identified the needs for commuter rail for both MARC and VRE. But the plan does not identify the funding source for those local needs. So whereas the the metro number was pretty specific for the the local systems, there was an identification of need, but a need to identify a source. In the middle of the chart, chart, there is bus priority.

So Metro also emphasized the need to get buses out of traffic because that's something that really slows down buses. It impacts customers, and it also impacts the cost to run the bus service. So that was something that there was broad consensus is a priority. Of course, Montgomery County through the Flash BRT already has pretty ambitious plans to roll out BRT across the county. And so what the plan does is identifies the top seven corridors where Metro says we need to move first on getting priority to get buses out of out of congestion.

The plan did not identify a new regional source for bus priority. So, again, that was part of it that we we agreed on a partnership, but not necessarily on how to fund that. And the last piece is an implementation plan for that transit integration, and I'm gonna talk about that a little bit more. So in addition to the regional bus priority, the action plan has has the six areas. So in addition to bus priority, there's looking for more uniform reporting of performance and so adopting service guidelines among all the transit systems so that customers get sort of a consistent quality of service across the region.

In fare integration, looking for ways to make it easier to pay for transit no matter what system you're on. Customer information facilities, so looking for ways to standardize what you find at a bus stop and the types of information. And also improving Metro's customer service numbers, making it so that you call one number and regardless of what bus system you're on, you'd get the same level of care and sort of attention in terms of the information that you need to make your trip. On shared resources, we're looking at ways similar to the cooperative purchasing that COG already does, really focus on transit agencies. How can they save money by purchasing things together?

And then the last bit is on training, and so looking at ways to train bus operators and mechanics and so forth through programs that would serve all the the region's region's transit systems. And just to, again, mention the bus priority plan. So it's these are the initial seven corridors called out in the plan. The idea is to implement priority improvements in the next six to eight years on these corridors. Jurisdictions will work with COG and and with Metro to identify roles and responsibilities in this first year.

And then there's gonna be work as as the partners because it really takes the transit agencies, but also the roadway owners to implement these types of improvements. They'll work together on implementation. And so four corridors reach into Maryland. Of course, the the Maryland 355 Raphael Pike segment is already in the county's BRT plan. And so this is identifying particularly the the segment from the district line up to Rockville as a priority for Metro.

And so that was kinda called out in the plan. So we're you know, the the region came together on consensus on that we need to move forward on this. Some of the hard work has to happen now where we actually look at each of these segments and figures out roles and responsibilities and kinda what the what the next steps will be. And so our ask at this point is is for your help to advocate for both securing the funding, the new metro funding, but then also a partnership to work to implement that regional integration action plan. TPB recently endorsed the plan, accepted its role as lead coordinator of the plan, and that means things like reporting back on an annual basis implementation and how how the region is doing in fulfilling the DMV moves plan.

We're currently meeting with our city and county partners like we're doing tonight. And also work is being done at the state level legislatures to move forward with the the funding bills. So, you know, we're at a pivotal moment, and, you know, Metro has really made great strides in the past decade. But the time now is to kinda continue the momentum of that. DMV moves. The plan offers a regional vision. And so we really appreciate your support in moving forward together with that vision. And I'll answer any questions that you may have. Thanks.

Thank you for the excellent presentation. I'll just have a baseline clarification just so that we can my colleagues and I can So move this along and help we all know how important metro is and buses are, and not only just to think by jurisdiction, but that they collaborate regionally. And I understand also that the funding is a question every year. So this is gonna help to just to clarify, put more firm footing on what is Metro actually working with and then how it can actually fulfill its strategic priorities so that you have an understanding of what you your budgets will be so you can actually plan ahead. Is that right?

Yeah. Metro is really the largest transit system without a dedicated source of funding. So that really means every year's budget cycle is metro trying to figure out how how it's gonna sort of pay how the region's gonna pay for the service. So what this new funding would be by being sort of a dedicated, reliable source of funding It allows them to bond and to really support the whole capital program for METRO. And so METRO will be reporting on an annual basis how they're using the funding and sort of what the results are. And also, at TPB, we'll be reporting back on implementation.

Thank you. And at the Transportation Planning Board, you also shared that this is a collaboration between Virginia, mostly Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland

Yep.

And that the funding formulas are worked out among the jurisdictions.

That's right.

Okay. That's

great. Thank you. Colleagues, do we have any questions? Councilman Van Gruyk.

So first of all, thank you for the great presentation. I mean, it's really detailed, and this is the type of thing that we need. The one question I have is you see this a lot more within international politics. But, like, since we are multiple jurisdictions, to what degree is there going to be some type of either assurance or relationship with some of the other jurisdictions with regard to as a whole? Because if there's a certain jurisdictions that are all in and others aren't necessarily all in or come out a year or two into this, how would that affect the whole? And is there some type of either relationship or rubric or structure that you're looking to kind of create cohesion here.

Yeah. And it's probably helpful to separate the funding part of it from the the integration action plan. I think on the funding side, that that's gonna require action at the state level. I think we have the date on here, but it's really beginning of fiscal year twenty twenty nine. So July 2028 is when Metro wants the funding in place.

And we know that, ideally, that would happen in this current legislative session. It may not for all three states, it may be next year when that happens. But it is critical that that that be done really across the whole region at the same time. I think on the integration action plan, there's a little flexibility. I think we, as long as we're all have consensus on where we're going, it may be that the the pace at which certain improvements are done, you know, varies at different different places. I think, for example, with some of the bus stop improvements, we know each city and county may be on a different schedule on when they're gonna replace bus stops. And so what the resolution says is when when you do go to improve your bus stop, you use the guidelines, you know, to do those improvements.

Thank you. Councilman Valeri.

Yes. Thank you. And thank you so much for coming here and taking the time to providing all the resources ahead of time as well. As a self professed transit nerd, I am always up for looking and Madame Mayor can confirm that status for me I'm always interested in looking at where the improvements are possible. And also, Councilmember Van Gruk as well as people who were raised in Montgomery County and still live here, we've seen the various changes, and in particular with Metro and with WMATA, so it'll be interesting.

To that point, it just feels to me I did not do an assessment of the landscape but it always feels to me that there is a particular state jurisdiction that seems to always kick in to support WMATA late or as last waiting for other jurisdictions. So do you see this model as kind of making, maybe eliminating that? Because I would hate to see that trend continue forward.

Well, again, I think when with the new funding in place, the idea there is some predictability. I think that's what we're after.

I think that's great.

Getting there is going to be tough. But, yeah, once we're there, I think it's going to help the region.

Yeah. No. And I

think that's fantastic, with that being the stated goals, because it'll allow for WMATA to do that. I do have just one last comment, in that in looking at the bus priority plan concept, which I totally I completely sorry, yeah, if you want to pull it. I was being a nerd and looking at that. But I totally I can see where the intent is. You were looking at cross border bus connectivity.

I would also just kind of flag as well, though, three fifty five is actual road that crosses the jurisdiction, you also see a lot of that similar sort of crossed traffic because we're looking at Georgia Avenue as well along Deers Mill. And there's going to be some sort of there's going to be, I think, a really good opportunity to maybe it's prioritization within our own jurisdiction and working with the county and so forth. But I see that as also being a benefit too for some of these major bus routes. So I just wanted to give a plug to Beers Mill and, in general, just being supportive of all the flash BRT that's coming online.

So

Yep. And and the seven quarters don't preclude other quarters being implemented, and Montgomery County has been out ahead on bus priority. And I think, yeah, I agree. Yeah. Adding Viers Mill to the network would help Yeah. Make those connections. Connections. Yeah. Yeah.

Absolutely. I appreciate it. Thank you so much for for all of this and for bringing this forward.

Thank you. Doctor Miles.

Thank you, madam mayor. Thanks also for this presentation. I'll echo that of my colleagues. Before getting out too far ahead of them, do recognize that Rockville is a jurisdiction, you know, at the within a a county and some of the funding things we have less control over. I know it because often this happens at the county at higher levels.

But I think, you know, again, without getting ahead of my colleagues, it's something that we could support at a minimum resolution and continuing to work with our colleagues across jurisdictions within the county and at higher levels to help you achieve your goal, or the collective goal that can benefit us all. That's all I have. Thanks for coming out, and thanks again for this presentation and the work that you all do. Thank you.

Thank you. And I understand that you're going and doing a tour among jurisdictions. Yeah. Yeah. And you've gotten quite a bit in Northern Virginia and working through Maryland. Yep. So thank you for being on the roadshow.

Glad to be here. Thank you.

Council member Shah.

I also wanted to echo my colleagues and thank you for the presentation. There was an equity statement. I believe it was from it may have been from staff. But I was just curious. I I'm definitely supportive of expanding our our transit system and improving our transit system, but I I just wanted to ask, do you think there'll be any impact on the cost of the fare?

Yeah. It's interesting. Fare integration is one of the areas that was looked at. And in the process of doing DMV moves, we had three or four systems go fare free. So some of the issues about making sure we had consistent fares across the region became moot points because they systems weren't charging bus fares.

But but Metro bus, it still has a fare, and Fairfax and Arlington still have have bus fares. So having consistent fares and also having passes so that you can go between the local bus and and metro and ultimately commuter rail too so that I mean, we've made great strides. The smart trip card allows you to do some of that. You can pay with credit card now. But I think looking for convenience, I think, is the key here. Thanks.

I just wanna also thank you for your focus on the user experience cause that's who we're here to serve, to make sure that they can get information from central sources, that they don't have to have confusion between jurisdictions. I think this is a fantastic plan and want to applaud the team for pulling it together. Just to just a question. I understand that there may be a bill circulating in the in Maryland. I know delegate Corman's been working closely on this. Is there anything you wanna say about that or any bill numbers?

If I if my information's correct, there is a hearing tomorrow. 2PM senate bill two eighty one on on, in fact, the Maryland funding bill. So as I mentioned, at the moment, there are bills in both Maryland and Virginia that are being evaluated. And the hope is that the the new funding will be in place July 2028.

Excellent. Thank you. And our our team is gonna be able to move forward with a potential motion to support and endorse this plan. And my hope is that we'll also include a letter of support for the bills that are introduced. Mister city manager, is that possible that we can also, in addition to our letter our our endorsement, get a letter of support for the bill?

Sure. We can certainly do that.

Excellent. Thank you very much. Okay. And then since I have you, this council has been working to try to create transit oriented development. And if you can convey to our Amada friends that we would love to see housing at our Rockville and Twinbrook Metros. We are, and I think listed as phase two, so since you're advocating to us, we're going to advocate to you. Please help us on that mission and also help fund Metro. Colleagues, thank you for your presentation. We appreciate it. Do we have a motion to endorse? Councilmember Fulton.

I move to endorse the conceptual funding component of the DMV move strategy that is being introduced during the twenty twenty six state legislative session.

Thank you. Second by Councillor Morioli. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. It is unanimous.

Thank you very much. I appreciate it, and we'll work to make sure that we show letters of support for the legislature as well. Thank you. We'll now move on to Agenda Item 11B. This is an introduction of an annexation resolution to initiate the annexation process for the property at 1000 Westmore Avenue, which is the former WINX site, including two parcels, both addressed as 0 Stone Street, and potential adoption of a resolution setting the public hearing date. I'd like to welcome Manisha Turwari as well as Craig Simonell. Welcome.

Thank you, madam mayor, members of the council. Just by short very short introduction, we are considering tonight an application from property owners at 1000 Westmore for annexation into the city. And this is a very long process prescribed by state law and by city code, and there's many opportunities for public input, public hearings, both at the Planning Commission and at the mayor and council. And I wanna emphasize that today is just a beginning. All the questions are not gonna be answered today.

They don't have a detailed layout that we're gonna be considering, and the process is going to, tease that out and and and produce annexation plan that we brought back to the mayor and council. In addition, after the annexation, they still have to go through the detailed site plan process. So you will not see a lot of details about that tonight, and that's by design. And so tonight, you're gonna fulfill, hopefully, the state, your state responsibility to introduce, this resolution promptly, as the state law says, after application. So with that, I'll turn it over to Manisha Tewari, who'll give the presentation.

Thank you, Greg, and thank you, madam mayor and members of the council. So here is the presentation outline. We'll be talking about the petition and a little bit of background. We'll also talk about Montgomery County master plan and zoning for the site that is proposed for annexation. We'll talk about Rockpool's comprehensive plan and land use and also talk about the zoning requested, key next steps, and suggested motion.

So the city received a petition for annexation. This is for approximately 10.45 acres of land at 1000 Westmore Avenue. The petitioner for the annexation is Interstate Westmore LLC, who is the owner of 1000 Westmore Avenue. The Law Offices of Bregman, Burbridge, Schwartz and Gildy are representing as a counsel for petitioner. The property, as outlined in red, is located in the northwest corner of the section between at the intersection of Westmore And Ashley Avenue.

It includes industrial uses to the North and the East and Lincoln Park neighborhood to the South. Per state law, an annexation cannot create an enclave of unincorporated area that would be completely surrounded on all sides by the city. So the annexation of Wing's property as a single application would have created the enclave since the two other parcels with the address of like 0 Stone Street Avenue would be completely surrounded on all sides by the city if the annexation would occur with the bank's property alone. So the annexation area does includes three discrete parcels of land to be annexed together. The petitioner has obtained consent from owners of all three parcels to initiate the annexation.

The property is currently not served by public water and sewer, and the applicant would be requesting to connect to the city utility services. The property is outside the WSSC service district. As background, Rockwell's comprehensive plan was adopted in August 2021. The municipal growth element is one of the elements of the comprehensive plan that requires municipal growth element. The right side map shows an enlarged portion of the proposed annexation area that is adjacent to contiguous to the city boundary and within the city's maximum expansion limits, which are the core requirements for any annexations in Maryland.

Rockwell's 2040 plan also recommended a proactive annexation strategy, which he endorsed for specific properties in the municipal growth element. The Westmore property is included in the city's proactive annexation area, where the Marin Council directed staff to conduct outreach to the property owners to discuss interest in annexation. So with respect to Montgomery County master plan and zoning, this property is a part of the Upper Rock Creek master plan. Since the property is currently not sold by public water and sewer, the plan recommends a low intensity light industrial uses. However, over long term, the plan recommends in cooperation into the city limits with residential developments.

The current zoning Montgomery County zoning on the property is I'm 2.5 H 50, which means it's moderate industrial. Maximum total FAR allowed is 2.5, and the maximum building height allowed is 50 feet. For the City Of Rockwell's comprehensive plan, it recommended that the city work with the property owner to reach an annexation agreement for primarily residential development. The land use policy map designation for 1000 West Morris RF, residential flexible. And also for the two parcels, the applicant is requesting an IL zoning, service residential, which is consistent with the other users near the property.

So the applicants are requesting the city's RMD 25 for the property at 1000 Westmore Avenue so that they can develop with residential and IL for the two Stone Street Avenue parcels. So it remains consistent with what's in the neighborhood, and it is allowed to function as is. Staff supports the applicant's requested zoning as of now since it's consistent with Rockwell's comprehensive plan. As mister Seminole noted, the annexation process is pretty long, and it's governed by state's land use article of the annotated code of Maryland and Rockwell zoning ordinance. There will be plenty of opportunities for public engagement and notification throughout the process.

Once you introduce the annexation, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the preliminary annexation plan. The purpose of the annexation plan is basically to ensure that the city is able to provide the necessary services. The proposed zoning is appropriate, and whether the cost of such services can be managed. And the Planning Commission is also scheduled to hold a public hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for April 22 as of now. And once the once the Planning Commission holds a public hearing, they will review again, transmit the annexation plan with their comments to you, and that's scheduled for July 1.

Once you have the plan, you adopt it, and then the merit council process starts where you would be holding a public hearing on the annexation. And then eventually, once you adopt the resolution, if you decide to go through the process and adopt resolution, the annexation is completed and effective forty five days after you adopt the annexation resolution. So here is a suggested motion that you introduce a resolution for annexation for the property at 1000 Westmore Avenue and two adjacent properties, both addressed at 0 Stone Street Avenue. And you adopt the second resolution that sets the date for the public hearing, which is July 27. This concludes my presentation, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Thank you very much for the presentation. Colleagues, do you have any questions? Councilmember Miles.

Thank you, madam mayor. I want to also thank staff for getting back to me on the question I've asked before, but I'm asking it just to, you know, let folks in the public know that it's on our minds. In the past, and I'd have to also rely on my colleagues, particularly, the mayor, there was concern about, sort of this this area of this city, as it abuts the unincorporated, like, unincorporated lines, and particularly its proximity to that gas field and, you know, concerns for residents in the community about to what extent is the presence of that natural gas field there conducive, consistent with housing, people who, you know, live there more broadly. And I I did take the response from from staff that, I guess, there's no concerns that they can identify, but I do wanna just let the listening public know that we it's something that's on our mind, something we have heard in the past. And I don't know if there's any more toe pine on it, but, you know, I I just wanted to make sure it's it's out there for the for for for folks to know.

That's all.

Thank you. Would it be possible for staff to share? There was some history of this when it went through the comprehensive plan. You can also, you know, if you if you do have any updates on this, if you need to share anything later, that's fine.

Mayor, there really is no change. I think what, council member Miles said is essentially accurate. But if council decides to move forward with the annexation process and we get an annexation plan and the site plan, we'll evaluate all those different concerns and make sure we include that in the staff report.

Okay. I have some follow-up questions to that. I'll come back. Councilmember Van Graeck, sorry

about that. Thanks. And thanks for the presentation. I know this is something that I know we've talked about with regard to annexation of certain commercial properties to potential fund what we're looking to do for Shady Grove. So thanks to staff and the whole department for really putting this, which I understand is just part of what we're looking to do together. One question I had is from the presentation, I understand that there's the RMD 25 that's being requested. And correct me if I understand from the presentation, being requested from the applicant. Right? So I just wanna make sure that still fits into what we're looking because this is still within that, you know, the town center master plan and the transit oriented development that we're kind of looking for in the general vicinity? It's adjacent to 355.

Is this still within what we're looking to do? And is there an idea as to what the further use of the property would be turned into?

The applicant has noted that they would like to develop it with a mix of townhouses and two o o twos. So it does provide the opportunity for missing middle and which is what we've been trying to develop into the city, and that's been one of our initiatives to have more housing. So it does meet the housing goals.

Thank you.

Councilmember Vallari.

This is a little bit connected to Councilmember Doctor. Miles' comment, but a little bit different in that the concern is more with this virtual pipeline aspect, which I think it's worth it. There's not enough for me to say no to this annexation, but I think we need to have a really good sense of, which I don't know if the public at large has heard completely, sort of public safety concerns with natural gas vehicles coming through. There's the issues of it being on the spot natural gas, but then there is differing concerns of tractor trailers and natural gas and what is the public safety plan and any sort of mitigation for if there were issues like a vehicular collision or some such. I would love to hear that.

I want I think this is a great idea, but I feel completely comfortable once we get to that point, as you said, Mr. City Manager, that we have kind of a good conversation from the city perspective on what, if anything, we would do or coordinate with the county should this virtual pipeline continue into perpetuity.

Councilmember Fulton.

Thank you, and thank you for this. Further to those sorts of comments, I take Mr. Cimino, the point that this is the beginning. The time that there is a potential site plan, I think there's a lot to discuss about that site. We've heard about the transit in the area, so we've had some residents talk about the roadway there, how would this help or hurt. I would want to understand natural gas as well, public safety. But trusting that our process will work that way, I think this is exactly what we were asking for, to bring these types of things. So thank you. Just want to echo I'm supportive because I understand the process.

Thank

you. Does everyone questions? Alright. I did wanna circle back. I do want to make sure that our council is fully aware of environmental issues, if there are any, and then what the mitigation would be.

Are there any things that will fall more in the city because it is in our city to handle versus the county? So just wanna make sure that as we're going through the annexation process. First of all, I just wanna say thank you for bringing an annexation request. We always love to annex in more parts of the city, but just wanna make sure we're asking the right questions on what what the responsibilities are and what is the appropriate use of that land. So I think that will be important as we get through discussions, and I hope the planning commission will also receive the same information so that they understand the parameters and constraints of that land.

I think there was something related to gas before, and Washington Gas, when they were doing some work, had also made some comments about that. So I will just note that one concern that I had is if we are looking at residential, I want to make sure that it's always safe. And I know that you all will do that. But that's my primary, our duty to residents and safety. This part of the area, that street on Ashley Avenue, is very, very narrow. We've heard from residents on that. I was there multiple times this weekend. Especially with snow, it is impossible. It's not even a full one lane. So just would wanna also understand there would have to be some improvements done to do anything there.

So that's just more information I'd like to hear when you come back so that you're prepared with some of the questions that we might have. And then the zoning question for me, one of the things I've heard from the county executive as well as Rockwell Economic Development Inc. Is that they have challenges attracting some small manufacturing. They move up north or out of the state. And so is this you know, if we accept the annexation, is it immediate that it would have to be R and D?

Or are are we gonna be talking about what that would be if it's, opportunity for small scale manufacturing. There were some projects that recently came through. Won't mention the specific businesses that we just didn't have the site for them. So I just wanted to raise the question since we're talking about economic development in the next few months as a topic.

The proper zoning is part of the application, is part of the annexation plan that will have to be looked at, and it is up to the mayor and council ultimately to make that decision. However, the applicant is requesting residential on the land right now.

Council Member O'Leary.

Yes. Sorry. Correct. So but we're excluding or are we trying to adjust that little jutting out square moving that away from light industrial? I'm looking at the little jutting up, and struggling to read exactly. I don't think it's this it's not the Ashley Avenue side, but the other side.

Yeah. The 0 Stolt Street Avenue, the applicant has requested that those two parcels be retained as industrial use.

Okay. But primarily, this would be residential on this?

Cool. That's

all I wondered. Thank you.

And then the other question I have is, has the Lincoln Park Community been made aware of this request? And I know that we will be alerting them to the public hearing process, but I think the earlier, the better that we get them engaged so that they know what's going on.

Yes. I did alert the Lincoln Park community president about this, that this was coming forward tonight. And he said that they they didn't have any questions at this point in time, but we will be presenting this to the community as well, along with the applicant.

Excellent. Can I also just add the East Rockville community because they share an adjacent road that feeds into that property, as well as the Lincoln Park Historic Foundation? Alright. So you'll be coming back to us with the constraints. We'll be thinking about the zoning that we're gonna allow. You mentioned two over twos and townhomes, but then this is listed for RMD 25, which is higher density. What are you thinking? Because we just had this discussion on another property. So what are you thinking here? We haven't received kind of

the site plan as yet. So we will be working with the applicant on the detailed site plan. Miss Sully Cho is here if you have any questions specific to the applicant. But

Good evening. It's been a little while. Welcome.

Welcome.

It's good to see everyone. Sue Lee Cho with the law firm of Bregman, Berber, Schwartz, and Gilday on behalf of the principal applicant of Parcel J, Interstate Westmore, LLC. We have submitted a concept plan. It is mostly a townhouse concept. And the concept is actually when you look at it, it indicates an RMD15 density.

We've requested RMD25 to just allow for that flexibility because it is only a concept. And if we were to swap out some of the townhouse sticks with twotwo, we're not quite sure where we'll land in density, but we think it'll be more towards RMD 15. It might be slightly above. So that's the only reason why requested RMD 25 as a place hold for the annexation petition. But as indicated by staff, the exact zoning is part of the process of this very protracted conversation that we are glad to start tonight.

And we'll be going through the Planning Commission process to really hone in on the correct zoning. To answer one of the questions, the residential concept that is being proposed under this application is really flows out of the city's 2040 comp plan. There is a long history with regard to this property, and I'm embarrassed to say that I've been part of a lot of it for the last twenty years, frankly. So this is not our first run at annexation, and the current owner is Perry Cho of Interstate Westmore. He's been with the property for many, many years.

We had come to the city with a proposal for industrial use that wasn't, I would say, well received or as well received. And I think the residential use is something that really flowed out of the city's 2040 process. And, you know, we're I think, to speak for the property owner, he has been trying to just kind of work with the city and trying to deliver, and take this property, get it to a finish line in terms of getting it annexed, get it properly served with water and sewer, get a zoning on it. It's in this limbo state where it is in the county, but it's not being served by water sewer. The county has no intention of serving it, so it has encouraged through its master plan in the Upper Rock Plan, as staff has mentioned, for it to be annexed.

It has long been anticipated, planned, encouraged, whatever adjectives you wanna put to it, to be in the city of Rockville. And the the quandary that we've been in is exactly in what form is it going to enter the enter Rockville? The property owner has entertained an industrial use concept, you know, warehouse storage, usage. The community of Lincoln Park and the adjacent, there is an existing community that is adjacent to these natural gas fields. We all understand that.

We are introducing a new community, but this is an existing condition that we've been well aware of. We've been back and forth between industrial and residential. Your plan calls for residential, and it calls for residential of the type that we are proposing. RMD 25 is an example zone that is referenced in the comp plan. And you are correct in that the two pieces, we have their consent authorization, in fact, to join in this annexation petition so that there is not an enclave that remains which would violate state law, but they are conditioned, that their cooperation is conditioned on their remaining industrial.

Specifically, the WINX, the radio tower that is is the WINX property is one of the small parcels. It exists there. It continues to exist there. It doesn't want to, you know, remove the radio tower. So we it is imperative that we maintain industrial zoning for those two small pieces. But for Parcel J, we are talking about residential development.

Thank you. Process question for staff. Thank you very much for that and thank you for bringing forward the annexation. I do remember this property has had a long history. Given that we don't have a Department of Health and Human Services, and I know we do have some level of environmental support with sustainability and great work by our team, who would be oversight in terms of making sure that the land is safe for residents to live on? Would that be working only with the city, with the state, with the county?

This question came up previously in 2005, 2006. Unfortunately, like miss Sully Cho, I was here and lived through it also. And we have a lot of documents where we reached out to Washington Gas, etcetera, and asked about safety, etcetera, and we can share that document through this process, so we can all understand who regulates the field, how they do it, etcetera. It is not the city of Rockville.

Yes. And we engaged with Washington Gas when there was a temporary virtual line that they were putting through, and they actually made comments. So this is why this is important to just make sure that we're thinking about safety as well.

We we also participated recently on a tabletop safety exercise with Washington Gas on on the site. Mister Woods participated in that, and that was around the time when the virtual pipeline was coming up. So we do have that cooperation. We do understand, a little about each other, etcetera, through that exercise, etcetera.

If we annex, will this force mitigation to make sure that it's safer for everyone, existing residents and incoming residents?

Mitigation could be considered. However, if the mitigation's on Washington Gas, they're not party to this. And so we would have to figure out what that mitigation would be that would make it safer, which I'm not sure we know right now.

Okay. I think there's a lot more homework that we need to do when it comes back to us. And I think this needs to be a page or a section in our brief book so that we understand what we're dealing with and how we can make this safe for residents. All right. So we understand this is a process with many more discussions.

This will also go to the planning commission. We'll So this is just the potential support for opening the process. And with that said, I introduced the resolution as attached for the annexation of the property located at 1000 Westmore Avenue along with two adjacent properties addressed at 0 Stone Street Avenue and adopt the resolution to set a public hearing date. So I'll introduce this. I understand that we don't need any other motions on this particular one that will come back to us in the future.

However, we do need to sorry. I we do need to separate out the adoption on the resolution to set a public hearing date. So if someone can introduce that portion only, and then we will move forward from there.

And are we just adopting? I think we're yeah. Correct. Yeah. Madam mayor, I move forward to adopt the second resolution, which is attachment two in our packet that sets the date for the public hearing for the annexation as 07/27/2026.

Perfect. So I've introduced this process, and we are, have a motion to move forward with the setting of the public hearing dates. Can we just say those out loud for the public and then we'll I'll wait just a second. Go ahead.

So the public hearing date, is that what you want me to say? It's July 27.

July 27. Okay. Do we have a second? Council Member Shah seconds. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. Excellent. Thank you very much. It's been introduced, and we have moved on the public hearing dates. Thank you.

And thank you for your time. Thank you for bringing the annexation forward. Okay. Now we're moving on to agenda item 11C, which is a potential adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter five of the Rockville City Code entitled Building and Property Maintenance Regulations. This relates to our Green Building Code Regulations. I'd like to welcome Mr. Chris Dempolff, and I understand that there are panelists, Craig Simoneux, Keene Campbell, and Erica as well. Thank you.

Thank you. Good evening, madam mayor, members of council. We're back again for the adoption of the green building regulations tonight. You recall we were here most recently for introduction, but wanted a little more time to get some public feedback. So our presentation tonight, we're just gonna review the purpose why we're doing this, the proposed amendments, responses to some of the questions that you had during the introduction, review of our public outreach, next steps, and then we have the suggested motion for you.

So our purpose for doing this for updating our Article 14 green building regulations is to remain a leader in sustainability and resiliency by adopting the 2021 international green construction code and the 2020 national green building standard with some amendments. This will support the climate action plan and add sustainable and resilient building stock to the city as well as build on some of our successes with local amendments to the energy conservation code. So just a a quick review of the proposed amendments. We did a little bit of housekeeping in article 14, relocated some definitions and scoping requirements. We also crafted some flexible implementation language that's to avoid that that rush of applications and also to take into consideration projects that have put a considerable amount of time into design and working out the financials and all of that.

We don't want this to impede development. And then as far as the international green construction code, which deals with the nonresidential and certain certain multifamily residential, We had a few few items in there to allow off-site renewable energy to meet the on-site provisions that are in there as well as requirements for EV charging infrastructure that goes above what we have in our energy conservation code. And we did add a section for bird friendly materials in high rise buildings. And then the national green building standard, not a whole lot of changes to the code itself, but we have included a requirement to obtain the NGBS verified third party certification for the applicable projects. So as I said, some responses to the questions that were brought up during introduction.

I believe it was Councilmember Van Grak asked about the EV charging impact on the electric grid. That was a fun and interesting research project for me. But there is no data suggest it'll be an issue. They there's a a task force commission, what have you, at the state level making sure that the local utilities are prepared for this, are thinking ahead, and being strategic about it. So at this time, no no concerns there.

As far as the soundproofing, I spoke with Katie Gerbis, our our long range planning manager, and we discussed action item, I believe it's 5.1 from the comp plan, which was calling for this. And essentially, what was determined was the goals of that have been met in ensuring that there are standards in place. And at this time, we're not suggesting anything above and beyond what is in place.

Can I sorry? Just a follow-up question. Because you mentioned that specifically. Were those standards in place when it was put in this the comp plan? Because staff helped to come up with that action item.

Those standards have been in the International Building Code for a number of years now. I'm not certain if there was, you know, unclear communication or what. I don't want to speculate on it. But Thank you. Point is that we have met the goal of that, and I don't believe that there's anything further needed to meet the goal that's stated in the comp plan at this time.

As far as the bird friendly materials, councilmember Valeri, thank you for pointing out the the lead requirement. Again, another fun research project getting into the threat ratings for glazing on buildings. So we did look into that. We looked into in Washington, DC. They they introduced some legislation a while back to have certain requirements on that.

So we were able to craft some language and incorporate that in this. And as far as the impact on rent, I believe it was councilmember Shaw brought that up. Did a lot of digging on that. Could not find conclusive empirical data to suggest a correlation between new green building regulations and rent increases. So that's all I have on those.

As I said, the reason that we're coming back now, we had public outreach open, document online, as well as an online form. We did receive two responses, both of which were very strongly supportive of the updates. And I did, in the staff report, include the comments that were shared with us as well as I had attachments that shared all the responses. So as far as our next steps, we'll share the adopted amendments via the city website, and we have the ability through MGO to share things to permit applicants. We'll work with Home Innovations Research Labs to set up our jurisdictional access to the NGBS portal for certification, again, making sure that we get that information as quickly as possible so we don't delay certificate of occupancy.

And then the code changes will largely be effective 07/31/2026, again, with some certain stipulations for projects that are currently in the pipeline and have signed design contracts or are in have a site plan in review, what have you. Those would be permitted to continue under what is currently adopted.

Can you clarify that?

Pardon?

Can you just I didn't hear the last part. Sorry. Can you repeat that?

So the projects that are currently in the pipeline and that fall under the language that was written for this, they would be permitted to continue under the current additions, all of our current amendments that are, you know, presently adopted. So with that, we have a suggested motion. And if there are any additional questions, I'm certainly happy to try and answer those for you.

I have a couple of questions. Just want to wait to see if my colleagues have any others. I know that you did a really nice job on presenting as well as on the follow-up questions that each of my colleagues and I have asked. Thank you for including them as clear sections so we could see where everything stands. I'm not seeing any hands at this time.

So I just wanted to clarify when this will take place with people who have projects in motion. Did you say anyone who has already a site map plan approved? And then I also heard something about design, that they have to have design. I just wanna clarify that because I do know that housing these days, financing is an issue. So and and also if you can clarify for the public what type of buildings this would apply to.

So

I don't have exactly the language in front of me right now. It is included in the attachment, and it is included in the staff report. But the intent that I shared with the city attorney's office when trying to write this portion of it was projects that either are currently in the site plan process or have really progressed far enough along that having to adapt to these new amendments would be a significant hindrance to the project, and that's really kind of hard to put metrics on. So we looked at other jurisdictions, even in other states, and found some language that essentially referred to having a signed design contract in place or signed construction contract in place. So that basically, at that point, means that you have engaged with a design professional and are, you know, really working to pursue the project.

Is that usually at the point of when financing is also worked out as well by then?

It varies, but it could be at that point, yes.

Okay. Thank you for I know this was an issue that came up last time where we had, like, hundreds of people trying to beat our deadline. So thank you for trying to think through the process, while also we must advance our climate action goals and try to make sure that we have opportunities for people to be able to choose green. And then my last question was just clarifying which building types this would apply to.

So generally, Article 14 applies to all new construction, residential, nonresidential, single family, multifamily, any any new construction as well as, I would say, significant alteration or addition to buildings. And we have some square footages associated with them. I cannot recall off the top of my head right this moment what they are. But generally, we're looking at at the new construction primarily and fitting it where we can on existing projects that are undergoing alterations.

Excellent. Thank you. And you've reached out to everyone who's working on or has an application in with us to let them know what we're doing just so that they're aware and can consider planning ahead?

So we will be sending something out through MGO to people who have applied for permits previously. Anything that has been applied for currently that is, you know, undergoing a site plan or that has active permits is essentially going to, I would say, generally be allowed to continue under the current adopted code. So there shouldn't be any changes for a lot of those projects already in motion.

Excellent. And you're gonna be doing that, the first part of what you said, to let people know about what the changes are to plan ahead. That'll happen in the next month or

so? Yes.

Okay. Excellent. All right. Colleagues, I don't see any questions. So I think we can can we move to the motion, please? Councilmember Ben Grack.

Madam Mayor, I move to adopt the ordinance to amend chapter five of the Rockville City Code entitled Buildings and Property Maintenance Regulations article 14, green building code regulations.

Thank you. Council member Valeri seconds. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. Excellent. And I also imagine that the city will be abiding by this call with any facilities or major changes that we make. Is that right?

Yes. City buildings are subject to chapter five.

I just wanted to say that for the record. Yep. Thank you. We really appreciate the good work on this, the thoroughness that you've come back, and the research that you've done for us. Appreciate it.

Great. Thank you.

Thank you for helping us advance our goals. Okay, colleagues. It is 08/2009, and I'm moving on to our mock agenda, which we discussed this morning. Does anyone have any other comments questions about mock agenda? Okay. We're now moving on to old new business. Does anyone have any comments or questions?

Madam Mayor, may I make a quick

Absolutely. Doctor. Myles?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just wanted to bring from my colleague's attention a request for a certificate of recognition as we did last year for the Morehouse College Glee Club. It came last year during Black History Month. Morehouse being a historically black college. It's alma mater of Martin Luther King. They do a tour every year and was going to ask if it's okay with the colleagues to send another certificate of recognition for this year's club and college tour.

Colleagues, I'm fine with that. Can we just see a thumbs up? Perfect. Yes. Thank you for raising. Thank you I wanna just thank staff for helping us to be able to have a city of Rockville testimony for the operating budget testimony, which I delivered in between our meeting break time. So we really I wanna thank Linda Moran and the team really spoke up for all kinds of things for our teachers, workers, staff, and making sure that our schools within the Rockville and the students have the necessary support they need. So thank you all for supporting that testimony. Councilman Vallari.

So this is a two parter. The first part, because we heard from the Human Services Advisory Commission and Ms. Moore was also going to be either testifying separately or it sounds like she wasn't able to virtually, but I wanted to follow-up on that with a request to send a letter to Montgomery County, to the county executive I presume, on the issue of closing the Twinbrook Library on Sundays. I had previously shared this concern, so this is kind of more of a follow-up if we can for certain do that because I think some great points were tonight.

Thank you. I do see that as an important resource for the community, and it's a long haul to have to go to the town center. There's a lot of social service needs that the libraries provide in addition to books. And so I I would support this letter. I just wanna see if my colleagues support this.

No. Thumbs up.

Okay. I'm seeing everyone thumbs up. Do you need us to make a motion to authorize you?

I saw it. I saw it. Seven thumbs. I'm good.

Thank you. Let the record show unanimous support for the letter for the library opening.

I did have one other. This is more of a comment and less of an ask. Thank you for indulging me, colleagues. Colleagues. At this time, for the benefit of the record and for the viewing public, I am compelled to make the following statement lest I personally be accused of not caring about our community in Rockville.

Personally, I could not live with myself if I do not say something at this time in our country's history. As some of you know who have heard me speak, I come from a family that survived genocide in Turkey because of their religious faith. My grandmother barely escaped Athens as the Nazis marched into the city to occupy it. There are too many strands that connect the current actions of this federal government to those echoes of the past. What we are seeing from federal civil immigration enforcement is no less.

I want our entire community, and especially the immigrant community of Rockville, to know that I hear your stories. I see what is happening literally and will do everything and anything in my power to ensure your safety, security, and liberty. You deserve nothing less. If I am vilified for this statement, so be it. But I will never stand idly by nor be silenced during this time. The time is always right to do what is right. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Thank you. I appreciate the comments of my colleague. I also just want to reiterate fostering community trust and our resources that we talked about earlier, I recognize this is a difficult time for people and wanna highlight again the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center. Council member Shah.

I additionally wanted to highlight a few resources. CASA has a center here in Rockville, And this is an immigrant led organization, as well as it's well trusted and has hundreds of members throughout Rockville, as well as the MOCO immigrant rights collective, which is also immigrant led and has similar resources.

Thank you. And identity as well. There is a list. If you go to the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, it has a very detailed list of the services the county provides as well as their nonprofit grantees. Thank you to my colleagues for raising your voices. I know that all of us are working hard to make sure we protect Rockville residents. With that, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Van Grette.

Madam Mayor, I move to adjourn.

Do we have a second? Councilmember Villarney seconds. Doctor. Maas, do I see your hand go up? You can second. Okay. All right. All those in favor, please raise your hand and say aye. All right. Have a good night everyone. Be safe.