Rockville City Council Meeting Summary - November 10, 2025

The Rockville City Council convened on November 10, 2025, to address routine administrative tasks, receive public testimony, and deliberate on several critical ordinances and policy initiatives. Key topics included the adoption of the second fiscal year 2026 budget amendment, the enactment of the Montgomery County plastic carryout bag ban within city limits, an update to eviction notice periods, and a comprehensive work session on rental license inspections. The meeting also featured a special presentation to the police chief and general public comments regarding community values and housing concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Council unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting upon motion by Councilmember Jackson and second by Councilmember Fulton.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Larry Yates (Retired Captain, Rockville Police): Expressed deep pride in the Rockville City Police Department and its history. Presented a certified flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Chief Jason West and the department, which has been in existence since 1801. The speaker emphasized the honor of serving alongside half of the city's mayors. Chief West accepted the gift.
• Drew Diego Camaro: Expressed strong support for the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and the concept of the British Commonwealth. Stated a position of not pledging allegiance to the Montgomery County government, characterizing it as having "seceded" and using vulnerable minorities as a "dangerous militia." Identified specific officials (e.g., State Senator Sherlock Kagan, Council Eldrich, Raskin) as "Evil Doers." Expressed a desire to run for U.S. House or County Council. (Note: The speaker's language was highly charged and included unproven characterizations of local government entities.
• Pat Rever (Representing Newmark Commons): Reported that a team of 60 residents is working on an issue regarding properties at Newmark Commons. Stated that over half of the homes in the area are represented on a petition currently being drafted, with over 300 signatures collected. Invited the Mayor and Council to view the property.
• Glenn Felman (Lifelong Resident of Rockville 20853): Expressed full support for retiring the current Rockville city flag and commissioning a new design that reflects the city's motto, "Rise Together." Argued that the current flag's use of the red Botany cross in a white field is a divisive symbol of the Confederacy and secession, unlike the balanced Maryland state flag. Cited Howard County's recent flag replacement as a precedent.

Discussion Items

• FY 2027 Budget Public Hearing: Director Kim Francisco and Finance Team outlined the kickoff of the FY 2027 budget process, noting a new interactive digital budget book and three scheduled public hearings (November 10, March 9, and March 23, 2026). The City Manager (Jeff Mahalick) confirmed that revenues remain strong despite external economic pressures like tariffs and shutdowns, though emphasized a prudent approach for future budgeting.
• FY 2026 Budget Amendment (Item 11A): Staff recommended adopting an amendment to appropriate funds for carryover purchase orders, increased police overtime (offset by community support revenue), a zero-emission vehicle grant, public art funding at David Skull Park, and contingencies. Councilmember Valeri proposed a friendly amendment clarifying that funding for the Twin Brook Pedestrian Bridge design will come from the original FY 2023 appropriation, not new funds. Council supported this clarification, noting that the federal grant rescission of $284,000 simply requires a shift to existing allocations.
• Plastic Carryout Bag Ban (Item 11B): An ordinance was introduced to adopt the Montgomery County "Bring Your Own Bag Law" (effective Jan 1, 2026) within Rockville. The measure bans plastic carryout bags at retail establishments with exemptions for food, dry cleaning, and charitable food distribution. Council expressed strong support for consistency with county law and environmental benefits, despite questions on enforcement of charitable exemptions. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• Eviction Notice Requirements (Item 11C): An ordinance was introduced to extend eviction notice requirements from six days to 14 days in accordance with new state law. Councilmember Shaw proposed adding a requirement for landlords to copy the housing department, which the City Manager noted required further legal review and a potential work session. Council unanimously adopted the 14-day notice requirement as written.
• Rental License Inspections Work Session: Chief of Inspection Services Keena Campbell and Code Enforcement Manager Sharnita Jackson presented a proposal to stagger multifamily license renewals (moving away from a single March 31 deadline) and increase the inspection rate from 20% to 25% annually, aiming to inspect all units every four years. They also proposed an "Enhanced Inspection Program" to target distressed properties with violations, bumping inspection rates to up to 40% for those properties.
  • Positions on Recommendations:
    • Staggering Licenses: Council unanimously expressed support for staggering renewals to manage workload and increase efficiency.
    • Enhanced Program: Council overwhelmingly supported the enhanced inspection program, with several members (Mayor Ashton, Councilmember Fulton) advocating for inspecting even higher than 40% for properties with severe failure rates.
    • Parity: Multiple council members (Mayor Ashton, Councilmember Valeri) expressed concern over the lack of parity between single-family (inspected every 2 years) and multifamily (inspected every 4 years) units, suggesting future goals to align inspection cycles.
    • Enforcement: Council supported continuing current enforcement tools but emphasized the need for better education for landlords and tenants, and protection against tenant intimidation.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Amendment 2 (FY 2026): Adopted unanimously (Aye). Includes funding for police overtime, EV grants, and art, with a clarification added that Twin Brook Bridge design funds will source from FY 2023 allocations.
• Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance: Adopted unanimously (Aye). Rockville opts into Montgomery County's bag ban, effective January 1, 2026.
• Eviction Notice Ordinance: Adopted unanimously (Aye). Landlords must now provide 14 days' written notice prior to eviction.
• Rental Inspection Strategy: Council authorized staff to immediately implement staggered multifamily license renewals and the Enhanced Inspection Program (starting at 25%, targeting 40% for distressed properties). Staff to report back in December 2026 with findings and to seek budget allocation for a Senior Community Enhancement Inspector. Future work sessions are scheduled to address parity between single and multifamily inspection cycles and potential transparency initiatives (publishing distressed property lists).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned upon motion by Councilmember Fulton.