The Public Meeting Index

The Rockville Youth Commission met on September 15, 2026, to recap outreach to student government associations (SGAs), solidify plans for a community engagement event (town hall/spring bash), develop a youth survey, and receive updates on grant reviews and farmstead community meetings. The meeting started at 9:45 AM and included discussion on event logistics, survey design, and next steps for outreach. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Discussion Items - SGA Outreach Recap: Members reported varied responses from SGAs at Richard Montgomery (RM), Woodin, and Julius West. Some SGAs expressed interest in collaboration but requested more details. Leila spoke with an SGA teacher who suggested offering SSL hours to volunteers. Sam reached out to the minority scholars program and black student union at RM. Danielle contacted the SGA president at Woodin, who was interested. Some members noted that one SGA contact said he was not interested. - Town Hall/Spring Bash Planning: The commission decided to hold the event on March 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Thomas Farm Community Center (indoor space with game room, multi-purpose room, and potential outdoor areas). The event will include basketball/soccer activities, booths for clubs, food (pizza/snacks/food truck), and a survey raffle with prizes (to be determined). SSL hours will be available for volunteer helpers. Members discussed balancing fun activities (sports) with civic engagement (surveys, introductions). It was noted that the gym may have limited availability due to a basketball league playoffs ending around 4:00 PM, so alternative activities (VR, trivia, video games) were considered. - Survey Development: The commission drafted survey questions to gather youth feedback: "What programs do you participate in?", "What programs would you like to see?", "List the top three issues facing Rockville youth today", and "Do you feel your voice is heard by the city government? (Yes/No/Why?)". Demographic questions (grade, school) will also be included. The survey will be created using the city’s platform and distributed via SGAs, city events, and advisory slides. A promotional video (created by a member) may be edited to include the survey link. - Grant Review Update: Members who attended the grant review panel shared that they learned about the process and found the debate interesting but noted the meeting was long and could be better organized. The panel was a new format, so it was a learning experience for everyone. - Farmstead Community Meetings: The commission will schedule a visit to the King Farm farmstead and may attend upcoming community meetings about the site. Key Outcomes - Town Hall Date Set: March 22, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM at Thomas Farm Community Center. Rain date or alternative location (e.g., VizArts rooftop) considered if needed. - Survey Finalization: The survey will be created and distributed by next meeting. Members will share the QR code on social media and with SGAs. - SGA Follow-Up: Members will reconnect with SGAs to present the survey and finalize collaboration, including offering SSL hours for event volunteers. - Grant Review: Members will apply lessons from the panel to future grant review participation. - Next Steps: Create a shared calendar of city events; add members to the youth commission folder for resources; finalize raffle prizes (possibly prom tickets or program registration discounts, pending city approval). - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned after all business was covered.

Note: The transcript records this meeting as occurring on September 10, 2025, but per instruction, the meeting date is listed as September 15, 2026. The Rockville Youth Commission held its ninth meeting of the term, covering approval of minutes, reports from the chair and staff liaison, review of survey results, approval of the annual report, and discussion of old and new business. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items Chair Report - The chair reported on summer work: an informal meeting and a Google Doc drafted, later turned into a Google Slide presentation, reviewed by Jordan and Linda. The chair also attended the opening of a Maryland Health Clinic and met two Montgomery County delegates. Staff Liaison Report - The Recreation Department reported a successful summer: camp season ran from June 24 to August 22, serving approximately 5,000 youth ages 5–16, with sports, cooking, nature, travel, leadership, dance camps, and more. - After-school clubs are starting at Lincoln Park, Twinbrook, and Thomas Farm Community Centers, and Twinbrook Elementary, plus a teen club and fishing program. - Upcoming events: Fall Festival at Julius West Middle School on September 25 (6–8 p.m.) – opportunity to distribute youth surveys; Halloween bash at Thomas Farm Community Center on October 24 (7:30–10:30 p.m., free for residents). - 34 applicants for the 2025–2026 Youth Commission; interviews to be conducted in coming weeks, with appointments by end of September and first meeting with new members in October. - The new recreation pool extended its season past Labor Day, with activity pool, wellness pool, and water slides open weekends through mid-September; Olympic pool remains open until cold weather. Youth Survey Results - The commission’s survey still has 38 responses; staff plan to collect more at the Fall Festival. - The Recreation Department conducted a separate team program survey targeting grades 6–12, receiving 39 responses. Most respondents were ages 11–14 from Julius West, Rockville High, Wood Middle, and Richard Montgomery. - Preferred programs: sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, pickleball), gaming/esports (Minecraft, VR, robotics, coding), and life skills/career prep. - Preferred timing: weekends, afternoons; locations: community centers, outdoor parks, and some virtual. - Communication sources: primarily parents and friends; less from school, social media, flyers. - Barriers to participation: friends not joining, cost, lack of knowledge, transportation, scheduling conflicts. Annual Report Review - The commission reviewed the draft annual report for the 2024–2025 term, covering overview, four keywords, projects, community outreach, collaborations, advocacy, school engagement, future initiatives, and commissioner names. - Corrections identified: italicize the "August" callout on slide 5; uppercase "Youth Commission" on slide 8; add Danielle's name and term expiration to the last slide. - The commission voted to approve the report with those corrections. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Annual report approved with corrections (motion passed unanimously). The report will be sent to the Mayor and Council. - Raffle giveaway: The commission decided to conduct the first round of social media raffle before the Fall Festival; staff will provide the list of entrants, and commissioners will draw names, then staff will coordinate prize distribution. - Meeting adjourned at 10:42 a.m.

The Rockville Youth Commission met on September 15, 2026, to establish a new vice chair position, elect officers for the 2025-2026 term, and review results from a citywide youth survey. The commission approved the vice chair role, elected Layla McCarthy as chair, elected Daniella as vice chair, and discussed survey findings to guide the year’s goals. Discussion Items - Creation of Vice Chair Role: Jordan proposed a new vice chair position to provide additional leadership opportunities beyond the chair. The role requires the vice chair to be a junior or senior in high school, be voted in by fellow commissioners, support the chair, represent the commission when needed, help plan events, propose ideas, and lead the end-of-year report. After a motion and second, the commission voted unanimously to approve the creation of the vice chair role. - Chair Election: Layla McCarthy was nominated and elected unanimously as chair for the 2025-2026 term. Jordan, the interim chair, outlined the chair's responsibilities including building relationships with mayor and council, leading meetings, and overseeing the work plan. - Vice Chair Election: Three candidates—Daniella, Anusia, and Alan—each gave a two-minute speech. Daniella emphasized her prior commitment to the commission and leadership roles; Anusia highlighted interest in policy, representation, and event planning; Alan noted his experience in career advisory. A written vote was held, and Daniella received 6 votes to become vice chair. The other candidates were encouraged to remain active. - Youth Survey Results and Recommendations: Melinda and Jordan presented findings from the youth survey (over 175 responses collected at fall festivals and online). The survey aimed to understand youth needs and city program gaps. Key findings: - Age distribution skewed toward middle school (ages 11-13); high school responses were low. - Top school response: Julius West Middle School (95 responses), followed by Richard Montgomery, Robert Frost, and Wootton High School. Rockville High School had only 7 responses. - Current involvement: sports (most common), academics/leadership, creative arts, STEM, community service; 7% not involved. - Program interests: sports, tech events, life skills, career prep. - Barriers to participation: peer influence, awareness, transportation, cost, scheduling. - Top challenges facing youth: mental health/emotional well-being (significantly highest), bullying/discrimination, substance use, academic pressure, technology. - Preferred engagement with government: online surveys, social media, school-based discussions, public meetings. - Recommendations were presented in six areas: strengthening youth outreach, expanding social/peer programming, improving program accessibility, keeping programs affordable/inclusive, addressing mental health, and fostering career readiness/leadership. - Grant Review Panel Opportunity: Jordan announced that the city is seeking 1-2 youth commissioners to serve on a grant review panel to evaluate nonprofit funding requests. Daniella shared her experience from the previous year, noting the time commitment (approximately 6 hours total, including training, independent review, and a virtual meeting) and that SSL hours are provided. Interested members must respond by the end of the week. - Old/New Business: Members were reminded to continue promoting the survey, especially to high school students, to increase older youth responses. Key Outcomes - Motion approved: Creation of the vice chair role (unanimous). - Elected: Layla McCarthy as chair for the 2025-2026 term (unanimous). - Elected: Daniella as vice chair (6 votes; other candidates not specified). - Survey results will be shared with the commission for review; members will use the findings to propose goals at the next meeting. - Next steps: Commissioners to review full survey data and prepare goal ideas; promote survey further; interested volunteers for grant review panel to notify Jordan by end of week. - Meeting adjourned by motion.

The Rockville Youth Commission met on September 15, 2026 at 4:15 PM (called to order at that time, not the 09:30 indicated in source metadata). The meeting focused on planning a community town hall at the Twinbrook Community Center, reviewing the FY27 city budget, and finalizing a letter to advocate for youth programs. No members of the public were present for comment. Twin Brook Town Hall Discussion - The commission reviewed plans for a town hall on April 10, 2026 from 7:00–9:00 PM at the Twinbrook Community Center. The event will feature game stations, a computer lab, arts and crafts, survey boards (like a scavenger hunt), free pizza, and ice cream from Carmen’s (with a coupon from the survey). - Staff liaison Jordan reported that the postcard design is ready and will be mailed to households the week of March 30. E‑blasts will be sent initially and again the week of the event. Flyers will be distributed during school lunch periods at Julius West Middle School and, pending approval, at Wood Middle School. - Commission members will be assigned roles: two people in arts and crafts, one in the computer lab, three in the gym, one at the final survey board, two scooping ice cream, two at the pizza station, and one floater. Center staff can handle many tasks so commission members can focus on engaging with youth and collecting feedback. - The survey boards will ask about preferred activities (sports, creative arts, hands‑on learning, STEM, etc.). After discussion, the commission agreed to add an open board where youth can write what they wish the community center offered. They also decided to replace “SAT prep” with “mental health support” and to rename “hands‑on learning” to “STEM programs” to better match middle‑school interests. A suggestion to offer Spanish translations on boards was raised but not decided. - Council liaison Alisha (name inferred) highlighted the unique challenges of the Twinbrook community, noting that many residents are non‑English speakers and low‑income, and encouraged the commission to think about mental health and life‑skills needs beyond sports. She shared that her son had experienced a stressful conversation in elementary school about immigration, underscoring the importance of safe spaces for youth to share concerns. - The commission agreed that this first town hall will be a pilot; lessons learned will inform future events. FY27 Budget Review - The commission discussed the city’s proposed FY27 budget for youth programs. They noted that many enhancements submitted by recreation staff (such as expanded teen programming, a fishing program at Redgate Pond, and skate camp expansion) were not included in the city manager’s draft budget. - Commissioners observed gaps in current offerings: a lack of arts programs for middle/high school students, no cooking classes (though the senior center has a kitchen used for “Tiny Chef”), and limited life‑skills workshops (career prep, financial literacy, cooking). They referenced the 200 survey responses already collected from school fairs, which showed demand for these activities. - Council liaison Alisha advised that the commission can advocate directly to mayor and council using personal stories and survey data, and that pilot programs are a viable path. She noted that the city funds a “Linkages to Learning” program at Maryvale Elementary (East Rockville) and that the commission could advocate for its expansion to other Title I schools like Twinbrook. - Commissioners expressed interest in seeing the full list of staff‑requested enhancements and obtaining the recreation guide to compare current programs with survey feedback. Letter Advocacy and Next Steps - The commission finalized a letter to mayor and council (previously drafted) by approving minor edits: capitalizing “Census,” adding a comma, and fixing a missing sentence. The letter was approved by a motion (unanimous voice vote). - Staff announced that the application process for new commission members (grades 7–12) is open; all current members must reapply. Five seniors are graduating and will not be returning. New appointments will be made by the mayor in September 2027. - No additional new business was raised, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from the previous meeting (order changed to later in agenda). - Approved the town hall event plan, survey board content, and marketing timeline. - Approved the letter to mayor and council with minor edits. - Directed staff to send role sign‑up sheets and draft email blurb for school outreach. - Set the next commission meeting for two days before the town hall (April 8). - Decided to wait for town hall feedback before making further budget recommendations.

The Infrastructure & Housing, Budget & Appropriations, and Social Services, Disabilities & Human Rights committees of the Westchester County Legislature held a joint meeting on September 15, 2026, to discuss and vote on four items related to the Oasis Center emergency shelter in New Rochelle, and to receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Second Quarter Fiscal Forecast for FY 2026. The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and adjourned at 12:05 p.m. Discussion Items Oasis Center Shelter Infrastructure Improvements and Land Acquisition - The Department of Social Services (DSS) presented follow-up information on Capital Project BSS 22-3272, which includes the purchase and renovation of the Oasis Emergency Overnight Shelter at 19 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle, currently owned by the Archdiocese Church of St. Gabriel. - First Deputy Commissioner John Befus provided: - Two appraisals: $1.3 million (2025) and $1.1 million (2024), and a tax assessment of $1.6 million (2024). - The current lease with WestCOP expires December 31, 2026, at $107,100 annually ($8,925/month). - Cost breakdown for the $11.1 million request: $1.2 million purchase, $100,000 transaction fees, $500,000 resident relocation, and $9.3 million for renovation (including two years of inflation, design, and construction). - Renovation timeline: 9 months design, 18 months construction, requiring full closure of the facility. - Legislators asked about the shelter population (all men, approximately 50 beds, though mixed-gender services are provided elsewhere) and relocation plans (use of Grasslands shelter overflow and hotel space). - The four agenda items (2026-381 Environmental Resolution, 2026-382 Capital Budget Amendment, 2026-383 Bond Act for $11,100,000, and 2026-384 Land Acquisition Act) were voted on together. Note: The agenda lists these as items 381–384, while the minutes assign final act numbers RES-2026-95, CBACT-2026-194A, BOND ACT-2026-195ACT, and ACT-2026-196, respectively. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 - Nick and Scott from O’Connor Davies presented the audit opinion, stating the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. - Key highlights for the General Fund: - Total fund balance increased from $563 million to $568.9 million, a $5.7 million surplus. - Sales tax receipts were $956 million, $13 million below budget but up $26 million from 2024. - Property tax levy remained flat at $542 million. - The county received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. - Discussion included the health insurance fund balance (down to $5.9 million, designed drawdown), tobacco securitization bonds (potential default on subordinate bonds projected for December 2027, but no county legal obligation), and airport fund balance ($75 million, with FAA restrictions). - Legislators queried about the fund balance policy (no formal policy; rating agencies satisfied with 21–22% level), mortgage tax versus transfer tax, and the Rye tax dispute. Second Quarter Fiscal Forecast for FY 2026 - Larry Sowell and Christina presented the economic backdrop, noting GDP deceleration, high energy prices (heating oil over $6/gallon), and inflation at 3.5%. - Forecast variances: - Net projected deficit improved from $16.6 million (Q1) to $9.4 million (Q2), considered manageable on a $2.5 billion budget. - Favorable variances: sales tax (+$17.2 million net), state daycare subsidies (+$2.55 million), state operating assistance for Bee-Line bus (+$5 million), and vacancy savings (+$2.675 million). - Unfavorable variances: overtime ($3 million increase), pension amortization placeholder ($3.6 million—assumed not needed), tax certs placeholder ($2.9 million), children with special needs transportation ($2.17 million), Playland operations ($1.6 million lower), and school bus arm camera revenue ($1.5 million lower due to non-enforcement). - Discussion included the school bus arm camera enforcement issue (over 5,000 uncollected tickets due to lack of adjudication) and the decision to avoid the pension amortization in 2026, saving future interest. Key Outcomes - Oasis Center Items (Agenda 381–384): All four items were approved by voice vote with the following legislators voting yes: Chair Shanae Williams, Vice Chair Pierce (online), Majority Leader Holstein, Legislator NBR, Legislator Samuels, Legislator Williams Johnson, Chairman Goshen, and others. The items authorize the purchase, renovation, and bonding for the Oasis Center shelter. - Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Item 349): Received and filed unanimously. - Second Quarter Forecast (Item 420): Received and filed unanimously.

The Rockville Youth Commission convened on September 15, 2026, at 4:08 PM to review goals for the 2025-2026 term and develop an action plan based on survey results. The meeting included reports from the chair and staff liaison, approval of previous minutes, and a substantial discussion on youth priorities and outreach strategies. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared for community forum. Reports - Chair Report: The chair encouraged commissioners to continue building relationships with schools and SGAs and promoting the youth survey. - Staff Liaison Report: The staff liaison announced the launch of a new city website, changes in program registration (residents can register before non-residents starting winter), and volunteer opportunities for the city's holiday drive. - Council Liaison Report: Council Member Bile was not present; the report was tabled. Discussion Items - Youth Commission Goals for 2025-2026 Term: Commissioners reviewed survey results indicating top youth challenges: sports as top program interest, barriers related to social connections, and mental health/emotional well-being as the top youth challenge. The commission discussed several initiative ideas: - Partner with local mental health nonprofits for youth-led forums. - Organize a youth street festival with local businesses, school clubs, and internship opportunities. - Host smaller events like movie nights targeting high school students. - Advocate for a youth-specific social media account or presence (e.g., Instagram highlights, TikTok) to improve outreach; a formal letter to the communications director will be drafted. - Create a digital youth newsletter and text alert system. - Conduct town halls at community centers (Twinbrook, Lincoln Park, Thomas Farm) with themes and incentives to gather youth input. - Address racism and bias in schools, expand recycling bins, support the Rockville Ballet's space needs, and enhance career readiness (internships, resume workshops). - Action Plan Creation: The commission agreed to form subcommittees for each community center to plan town halls. They also decided to draft a letter requesting social media approval and to liaise with school SGAs. The staff will provide information on community center availability and the Twinbrook master plan. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved from the previous meeting. - Social Media Advocacy: The commission will draft a formal letter to the communications director requesting youth-specific social media and online newsletter, citing survey data on communication preferences. - Town Hall Subcommittees: Commissioners will sign up for one of three community center committees (Twinbrook, Lincoln Park, Thomas Farm) to plan themed town halls with incentives (SSL hours, food, activities). - School Engagement: Commissioners are to attend SGA meetings and establish school liaisons to amplify outreach. - Next Steps: Staff will provide community center availability and master plan info at the next meeting; the letter draft will be reviewed before submission. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:12 PM.

The Rockville Youth Commission (a mayor-and-council-appointed body) held its monthly business meeting, convened at 9:30 AM by the commission chair. Commissioners approved the prior meeting's minutes, tabled reports where liaisons were absent, and devoted most of the agenda to two initiatives: a draft letter to the city's Communications and Community Engagement (CCE) department requesting social media authorization, and early planning for youth town halls at Rockville community centers. The meeting closed with a preview of the city's budget timeline and the commission's role in it. Note: The meeting record lists this date (September 15, 2026); the raw transcript references "Wednesday, December 10th," a discrepancy that could not be reconciled from available materials. Consent Calendar - Community form (open public comment): No members of the public were present, so the item was tabled. - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting: Approved by unanimous voice vote ("all in favor, say aye"). Reports - Chair's Report: Noted that the city's Teen Lock-In event, originally scheduled for the previous Friday, was postponed to the 19th due to weather. - Staff Liaison's Report: The city has moved to resident and general registration dates; the first general registration date was December 2nd, with staggered anniversary registrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years, and so on). - Council Liaison's Report: Tabled because Councilmember Valeri was not present. Discussion: Youth Commission Letter to CCE Department - Commissioners reviewed the draft letter section by section. The letter introduces the commission as the "City of Rockville, Mayor and Council, Youth Commission," whose goals are "to be leaders within the city, advocate for Rockville's youth," and work alongside the staff liaison and the mayor and council. It states their commission experiences have been "incredibly rewarding" and that they are speaking out "as a testament of our moral values and standards for our city's engagement with the youth." - The letter requests a social media presence, proposing to post ads before events and results afterward, and to promote not only commission opportunities but also those of city schools and nonprofits. Safety measures include checking with staff liaisons before posting, ensuring content is appropriate for all ages, and proofreading to avoid offensive or biased material; the group noted that all physical posters already require admin sign-off. - A member cited reach statistics: the commission could promote itself "on platforms that nearly 40% of children 8 to 12 use and 95% of youth 13 to 17 use." The letter also commits to representing all backgrounds, "not just a small segment," and to measuring success through engagement metrics such as comments, shares, and follower growth. - Members discussed fallback options if the request is denied (mail, email, or a school messaging service such as Remind). One member pushed back on proposing a newsletter as a compromise, arguing "how is that solving anything because we're just going back into that?" The chair cautioned against getting stuck in "what ifs" and outlined a process: compile the draft in a shared Google Doc, have the chair and co-chair (Danielle) construct the formal letter, send it to staff (Jordan and Melinda) for review and edits, vote at the next meeting (agree / disagree / agree with changes), and then send the letter as a PDF attachment to the CCE director. - Members expressed appreciation for the CCE department, stating they "really agree with the support of the government in allowing us to reach our goals." The chair also noted the commission may seek mayor and council permission to post on their platforms and may speak with other city departments (environmental, police, housing). A member summarized the core rationale: "as the youth commission, we're trying to spread independence and... empower youth" by sending information directly rather than filtering it through schools. Discussion: Youth Town Hall Series - Over the previous month, members were placed into three groups (with the chair and co-chair embedded in each), each representing Rockville's community centers, to draft a foundation for the town halls. - Ideas included a college-and-career-readiness town hall with speakers from schools and nonprofits and a Q&A, and a "program showcase" where the city's programs would be presented and youth could try each program in miniature at the community center. - Staff asked whether the town halls are meant to complement the earlier community survey, explaining that a town hall lets people "verbally" describe what they are struggling with and what the city is lacking across recreation, housing, and public works, whereas the survey captured digital responses. - Staff proposed showing the commission an inventory of existing city programs so members "can identify gaps," and offered to gather information from housing, the police department, and public works. Staff envisioned meeting with a community center supervisor the first month and hosting the town hall the following month, with support from the staff liaison, center supervisors, and the teams division. - The format discussion included a guest speaker or panel in one room and board games or activities in another, with one member noting the challenge of "what can you say that's fun to a 16-year-old." - The commission tabled detailed town hall planning until speaking with a community center supervisor, since the setup "will be different for each community center." Staff said the department would package the commission's ideas and present them to their supervisor as a recommended structure for a career fair. Old & New Business: Budget Process and Priorities - Jordan briefed the commission on the budget calendar: in January, the finance department meets with the city manager and presents the city staff's budget submission; the city manager reviews it and prepares a proposal for mayor and council. Community input is being collected now. - Next month's meeting at a community center (rendered "Trimbrook"/"Turnbrook" in the transcript; likely Twinbrook) will include a discussion of the city's current youth programs, correlated with the commission's survey results. The youth department will share highlights of its own budget submission to see whether the commission supports them. - Key dates: April 13th — another budget work session and the close of community surveys and public budget records; May 4th — budget adoption. - Members discussed a Fall Festival idea: the city funding small projects that schools cannot fund, with the note that a project cannot necessarily be paid for in one fiscal year, but the mayor and council could step in with support. - Members were reminded that "you guys are the voice of the youth to mayor council" as the commission formulates budget and town hall recommendations. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously by voice vote; public comment tabled for lack of attendees. - CCE letter: The compiled draft will be finalized by the chair and co-chair, reviewed by staff (Jordan and Melinda), voted on at the next meeting (agree / disagree / agree with changes), and then sent to the CCE director with the letter attached as a PDF. - Town hall planning tabled pending a meeting with a community center supervisor (expected next month at the community center referenced as "Trimbrook"); staff will prepare an inventory of existing city programs to support a gap analysis. - Budget engagement: The commission will review the youth department's budget submission and align survey data next month; relevant dates are the April 13th budget work session and May 4th budget adoption. - Adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM by Chair Nancy Barr with a quorum present. The committee discussed two major items: a capital project for infrastructure improvements to the Oasis Center shelter, and the receipt of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the second-quarter budget forecast. All four agenda items related to the Oasis Center were approved, and both the ACFR and the forecast were received and filed. Oasis Center Infrastructure Improvements Department of Social Services (DSS) representatives presented a follow-up on Capital Project BSS 22-3272, which involves the purchase and renovation of the Oasis emergency overnight shelter at 19 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle. The property, currently leased from the Archdiocese of St. Gabriel, is 0.35 acres with a 7,482-square-foot building built in 1900. The lease expires December 31, 2026, at an annual cost of $107,100 ($8,925/month). The total project cost is $11.1 million, broken down as follows: - $1.2 million for purchase (supported by two appraisals: $1.3 million in 2025 and $1.1 million in 2024, and a 2024 tax assessment of $1.6 million) - $100,000 for transaction fees - $500,000 for relocation of residents during construction - $9.3 million for renovation, including design (9 months) and construction (18 months), with an expected completion in late 2027 The shelter currently houses approximately 50 men (all-male facility), though women are served at a Mount Vernon site. During construction, residents will be relocated to the Grasslands shelter or hotel overflow capacity. A phased approach was deemed infeasible due to the extent of work. Four related items were considered and approved unanimously: - 2026-381: Environmental Resolution (negative declaration) - 2026-382: Capital Budget Amendment - 2026-383: Bond Act authorizing $11,100,000 in bonds - 2026-384: Land Acquisition Act (19 Washington Avenue) All four motions carried 5–0 (Ayes: Barr, Imamura, Puja, Williams, Williams Johnson). Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2025 Representatives from O'Connor Davies (Nick and Scott) presented the ACFR. The county received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOAA), an honor received by only 25–30 municipalities in New York State. The opinion stated that the financial statements are presented fairly and free from material misstatement. Key financial highlights for the General Fund: - Total revenues: $2.518 billion (actual) vs. $2.503 billion (final budget) – a positive variance of $15 million - Total expenditures: $2.504 billion (actual) vs. $2.515 billion (final budget) – savings of $11 million - Net surplus: $26.3 million better than planned - Fund balance: increased from $563 million (start of 2025) to $568.9 million (end of 2025), a gain of $5.7 million - Unassigned fund balance: $436 million (17% of general fund expenditures) Discussion topics: - Sales tax: Gross sales tax receipts of $956 million fell $13 million short of the $969 million budget, though they increased $26 million over 2024. - Property tax levy: The general fund levy decreased from 2021 levels due to reallocation to sewer and refuse districts; overall county levy remained within the 2% tax cap. - School bus stop-arm camera revenue: Legislators raised concerns about low enforcement and collection of citations, with over 5,000 tickets ignored due to lack of consequences. DSS noted efforts are underway with the vendor and municipalities. - Tobacco securitization: The county's tobacco bonds face potential default on subordinate bonds (projected December 2027). Commissioner of Finance Karen noted no legal or moral obligation for the county, and the county is monitoring the situation. - Health insurance fund: The fund had a $20 million drawdown in 2025, leaving a $5.9 million balance. Budgeting is precise, with actuaries predicting costs within 2% of actuals. - Airport fund: Fund balance grew to $75 million. Future capital projects (e.g., terminal modernization) may require additional debt service, but parking garage revenue (over $10 million/year) will now flow to the fund. Second Quarter Budget Forecast (2026) Budget Director Larry Sowell presented the forecast, highlighting a projected deficit of $9.4 million (on a $2.5 billion budget), considered manageable. Key favorable variances (net $17.2 million): - Sales tax outperforming budget - Additional state funding for daycare subsidies - State operating assistance for the Bee-Line bus system ($5 million) - Vacancy savings ($2.675 million) Key unfavorable variances: - Pension amortization not utilized (saving future interest but requiring current-year adjustment) - Special needs transportation costs (retroactive state rate increases) - Bus farebox revenue lower than budgeted - Playland operations revenue down $1.6 million - School bus camera citation non-collection - Overtime increases ($3 million) The forecast assumes no pension amortization or tax cert bonding (placeholders in the budget), which benefits future years. The county aims to manage within existing resources. Discussion included concerns about enforcement of school bus stop-arm citations, vacancy savings vs. overtime (particularly in corrections), and retroactive state rate increases for special needs transportation (which can go back multiple years). Key Outcomes - Approved (5–0): 2026-381 (Environmental Resolution), 2026-382 (CBA), 2026-383 (Bond Act, $11.1M), 2026-384 (Land Acquisition) - Received and Filed (5–0): 2026-349 (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and 2026-420 (Second Quarter Budget Forecast) - The committee adjourned at 12:05 PM.

The Rockville Youth Commission met on September 15, 2026, to discuss youth programs, budget requests, and a planned town hall at Twinbrook Community Center. The meeting included reports from staff and a presentation on youth program data. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting: Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Twinbrook Community Center Teen Program: Supervisors Kali and Melinda discussed the teen scene after-school program (currently 12 students, up from 5-7) and proposed a town hall to gather input from middle school students. The commission suggested a multi-activity event (e.g., sports, arts, gaming) with informal discussions and surveys rather than a traditional town hall. A subcommittee (led by Katie and Zuse) will coordinate activities and dates. - Youth Program Portfolio Presentation: Staff presented detailed data on sports (247 sessions, 59% capacity, basketball and soccer often over capacity), teen programs (99 sessions, 591 waitlisted, travel programs at 95-100% capacity), after-school programs (93 sessions, 58% capacity, high demand at Twinbrook), arts and enrichment (47 sessions, 4% capacity, low interest), summer camps (159 sessions, 83% capacity, 1,595 waitlisted), and swim programs (680 sessions, 88% capacity, 4,700+ waitlisted). Budget requests for FY27 include two full-time positions: an equity specialist to expand after-school care at Twinbrook (from 30 to 45-60 students) and a teen program coordinator to launch adventure sports, career prep, and STEM workshops. - Gaps Identified: Survey results (youth voice and government survey) show high demand for life skills (74% interest), modern tech (esports, VR, coding), SSL opportunities during the school year, transportation (request for shuttles), and a dedicated teen safe space. The budget enhancements do not fully address these gaps. - Commission Role: Staff requested the commission to: (1) draft a letter of support for the budget enhancements to the Mayor and Council, (2) help define curriculum for the first three workshops (e.g., financial literacy, resume building), and (3) create social media content to improve communication with teens. Key Outcomes - The commission agreed to move forward with planning a town hall at Twinbrook Community Center, with a subcommittee to finalize activities (e.g., arts and crafts, sports, video games) and a date (likely a Friday evening in March before the spring break lock-in on March 20). - Staff will provide a budget letter template for the commission to submit to the Mayor and Council as part of the FY27 budget process. - Discussion about vice chair succession: The chair raised the issue of clarifying the vice chair’s role when the chair leaves mid-term, but no formal action was taken. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard; the community forum item was tabled.