Budget Hearing Draws Testimony (Mayor and Council Recap, December 6, 2010)
Dec 7, 2010 6:30 - 0 Comments
As always, when Rockville’s Mayor and Council meet, we try our best to provide a useful recap of the key points.
This week’s meeting (December 6) featured the introduction of next year’s budget . . . and a public hearing on same.
We don’t cover every last blow-by-blow, we just try to hit the highlights. If we omit something you think should be included, please consider writing up a quick note about and submit it to [email protected].
The meeting began with a brief foray into executive session to discuss the annual performance evaluation of City Manager Scott Ullery. Really and truly, it was brief: about 6 minutes.
City Manager’s Report
- Last week we learned that Moody’s and S&P reaffirmed City’s AAA bond rating. The rating agencies cited strong local economic base. Formal financial management policies and conservative principles, and the financial reserve.
- The city has received notice today that Beall Elementary capacity feasibility study is being launched by the school district. There will be a series of four meetings upcoming starting on December 16 at 7pm. (the next meetings will be on 1/6, 1/20, 2/10). The City will publicize the information as it comes in from the school board.
- Noted that there has been recent interest in the issue of traffic and transportation commission’s decision on permit parking at King Farm – the right time would be to take this issue up and act within 30 business days (by January 18, which would mean it could be taken up at the January 10 meeting). Evidently, Ingleside had requested a permit parking area, but the commission denied it.
Appointments
- Board of Appeals: Stephen Ravas (Appointment as member through December 1, 2013)
- Board of Supervisors of Elections: David Celeste (Reappointment as Chair through December 1, 2011)
- Cable Communications Advisory Committee: Theola Poole (Appointment as member until November 30, 2012)
- Environment Commission: Kris Dighe (Reappointment as Chair until December 1, 2011)
Citizens Forum
Anyone can speak at Citizens Forum. The best way is to call ahead at 240-314-8280, but typically if you just show up you can speak too. If you speak, please consider sharing your remarks with Rockville Central so we can consider publishing them in full.
- Jeremy Martin: Speaking on behalf of Traffic and Transportation Commission. Three recent fatalities on Rockville Pike make it clear pedestrian safety is a life or death issue. Commission feels these acutely. Many factors contributed to the fatalities, and many have been improved. But we need to avoid the next fatality. Motorists should keep an eye out and report problems. Also need to ensure pedestrian safety projects are adequately funded. Second issue is neighborhood connectivity. Unfortunately have not been successful in this area. Commission offers its assistance in addressing this issue.
- Steve Koeppler: Speak in support of green tax incentives for commercial buildings.
- Carrie Clabunde: On behalf of Rockville Advisory Bike Committee, spomke about plans for a 2011 Carl Henn Memorial Bike Ride. A community garden loop route that starts and ends at farmer’s market, 10-12 miles in length. July 23 or July 30.
- Spencer Isko: Spoke on behalf of the Bicycle Advisory Committee about bicyclist and motorist education.
- David Berrigan: Spoke in favor of a full time pedestrian and bicycle coordinator being funded in the FY 2012 budget.
- Carl Harger: Spoke about shifting funds to better help people who are struggling economically.
- Susan Prince: Spoke on the subject of Pumphrey’s parking lot. She is personally opposed to the text amendment allowing the parking lot, because she feels it will not alleviate the problems it claims to. She feels that little has been done to date to sincerely seek alternative solutions or to bring all the parties together to seek consensus.
First budget public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program
In October and November, the Mayor and Council got a preview of the FY2012 budget proposal. (Part I and Part II.) Tonight was the public’s chance to weigh in. The public record for the budget will stay open through May 20, 2011.
- Eric Siegal: On behalf of Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Spoke in favor of tax incentives for green and sustainable building practices. There is also a considerable need for incentives that go beyond just energy retrofits.
- John Moser: President of the Scholarship Foundation of the City of Rockville. Wishes for the City to increase its contribution to $10,000 (from $5,000) because the need has gone up considerably.
- David Borchard: Spoke in favor of the incentive property tax credit. 85% of the buildings that will be in existence in 2020 have already been built. “We can’t build our way to a sustainable future,” he said.
- Reeve Brenner: Speaking on behalf of the Rockville Association for Recreational Equality – thank you for the Bank Shot court in Mattie Stepanek Park. (Brenner is the inventor of Bankshot Basketball.)
- Nancy Breen: Chair of the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee. A full time bike and pedestrian coordinator is needed for the City of Rockville.
- Chris Noonan Stern: Speaking on behalf of people who use the Swim and Fitness Center, as the chair of its advisory committee. 300,000 people use the facility every year. The outdoor bathhouse must be upgraded and maintained. It is used by over 700 people each day.
- Tom Weco: Expressed enthusiastic support for the staff position fo pedestrian and bicycle safety.
- Jim Vitale: Spoke about a more macro perspective. Social Security and other public benefit programs have been frozen for two years. Suggested Rockville do the same – freeze its budget. (A conceptual discussion on principles ensued.)
Review & Comment - First Quarter FY 2011 Financial Report
The Mayor and Council received the Q1 financial report. There was limited discussion.
(At this time Mayor Marcuccio left to give testimony on a Montgomery County bill. Those remaining chose as their Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember John Britton.)
Introduction of Ordinance to Approve Zoning Text Amendment TXT2010-00228
Yes, this is the Pumphrey’s Amendment. (Will allow the funeral home to build a parking lot on adjacent land.) This vote is for introduction of the amendment – the actual vote will come next week. That said, the vote was in favor of introduction.
The next Mayor and Council meeting is December 13. See you!
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