OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rockville City Council Meeting – February 2, 2026: Annexation, Transit, Green Building, and Proclamations

Meeting Portal — Monday, February 2, 2026
BodyRockville, Maryland
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:58:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good evening, Rockville.

0:01

Today is February 2nd, 2026.

0:03

We are convening meeting 3-26.

0:06

We're gonna start off with our Pledge of Allegiance.

0:15

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:23

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:33

We now have several uh recognitions and proclamations.

0:37

I do want to uh just flag for my colleagues that we have some special guests from uh the Wreck and Parks Foundation, and we're gonna move that recognition first.

0:48

Uh so if my colleagues will please join me at the podium.

1:18

I'm going to welcome our first presenter, Chip Boylan, president of the Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation.

1:25

He'll be conveying a uh certificate and donation for the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund and the amount of $14,100 from the proceeds from the 2025 rubber ducky dairy.

1:40

I just want to say uh 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 uh sometimes when we need help uh supporting some of the infrastructure.

1:55

So welcome.

1:56

Thank you both.

2:06

Oh, I have to turn around.

2:10

All right, so um I I really do want to address you because um we have two things to talk about.

2:16

First of all, you are all so fashionably dressed this evening.

2:22

Um so uh Chip Oylin, Kathleen Shannon, both trustees of the foundation, and we want to talk about our success from last year.

2:31

First thing we're gonna 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.

2:42

It's a tiny meeting system that will bring uh our program to a state of art in the city, and uh was a little expensive at almost 22,000, but we've been raising money for that kind of a uh infrastructure, as the mayor mentioned, and we're thrilled that we could do that.

2:59

And um now Kathleen's gonna talk about our other event.

3:03

Well, thank you, Mayor and Council, for your fabulous support of our Rockville rubber ducky derby.

3:10

Our intent is to raise money for the city programs, and this year specifically, we chose the theme of sending kids to camp.

3:17

And with the help of the uh Rockville Swim Center staff, all of you, the good people of Rockville, and the fabulous Rockville business partners, we were able to raise $14,001 to present to you.

3:33

And that was $2898 ducks.

3:38

Um, our sponsors gave us over $6,000.

3:41

These were business sponsors, yes.

3:43

We had cash donations from good people who thought it was a great cause and had no interest in ducks.

3:48

Almost $2,000.

3:50

We had a total of 23 prizes donated from local merchants.

3:55

So we are very grateful today to be able to present to the city of Rockville our check for $14,000 and $100.

4:12

Do you want us to come forward?

4:22

One.

4:26

One, two.

4:33

I don't think it's gonna fit in the ATM.

4:37

So thank you, one and all.

4:38

Appreciate your support.

4:39

And we'll hope to see the next rubber ducky derby.

4:43

Yeah, thank you so much.

4:54

Excellent.

4:55

Thank you so much.

4:56

That was very inspiring.

5:00

I am very pleased to be able to present the proclamation honoring lunar new year.

5:08

Rockville really is uh home to such a beautifully um diverse tapestry, uh, the AAPI uh community.

5:18

Uh every time I I really enjoyed um filling in for half a second and stepping into our very able uh mayor's shoes um at an event, I think believe it was last year, and it was just phenomenal.

5:34

Um and the event is wonderful, but the holiday is one that I truly um I really truly cherish.

5:42

This is both beautiful and very meaningful.

5:45

So on that note.

5:47

Whereas Rockville is home to a diverse Asian community that adds to the richness and culture of our great city.

5:55

And whereas this is the year of the fire horse, and the fire horse is known for its lively spirit and enthusiasm.

6:03

And in Chinese culture, people born in this year are often seen as warm-hearted and hard working.

6:08

Now, therefore, the mayor and council of the city of Rockville, Maryland, do hereby proclaim February 17th, 2026 as Rockville's celebration of the Lunar New Year, culminating with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd, 2026, and call upon all residents of Rockville to join us in this joyous celebration.

6:30

Madam Mayor, I move the proclamation.

6:37

Hi.

6:38

And uh joining me up here is Mr.

6:41

John Lynn, Chair of the Rockville Asian Pacific American Task Force.

6:51

Okay, thank you.

6:53

Um I want to say thank you to Rockville City, uh, the mayor and council.

7:02

Uh you being so grateful uh on behalf of the Asian community, we thank you for your support for the last 15 years.

7:10

So we have so many great events, Lula New Year's, year after year.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety████████████████████20%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████████18%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Immigration Policy███████7%
Sustainability Initiatives███████7%
Public Health██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Elections████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Rockville City Council Meeting – February 2, 2026

The Rockville City Council meeting on February 2, 2026, included a storm update, several proclamations (Lunar New Year, Rare Disease Day, African American History Month, American Heart Month), and recognitions (Rubber Ducky Derby donation, Police Plunge). The council unanimously endorsed the DMV Moves regional transit funding plan and introduced an annexation process for 1000 Westmore Avenue. An ordinance updating the Green Building Code was adopted. Public comments focused on snow removal, ranked choice voting, Twinbrook Library Sunday closures, immigrant resources, and safety concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement.

Recognitions & Proclamations

  • Rockville Recreation & Parks Foundation: President Chip Boylan presented a check for $14,100 from the 2025 Rubber Ducky Derby (2,898 ducks, 23 prizes donated by local merchants) to support youth recreation and camp scholarships. The foundation also purchased a $22,000 Lynx training system for track and field.
  • Lunar New Year Proclamation: Proclaimed February 17, 2026, as Rockville's Lunar New Year celebration (Year of the Fire Horse), with a Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026. John Lynn (Chair, Rockville Asian Pacific American Task Force) thanked the city for 15 years of support, noting events draw about 1,000 attendees.
  • Rare Disease Day Proclamation: Proclaimed February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day. Nearly 1 in 10 Americans has a rare disease; over 10,000 rare diseases exist in the U.S. Councilmember Van Grack noted six family members have retinitis pigmentosa.
  • African American History Month Proclamation: Proclaimed February 2026 as African American History Month. The 67th Mayor and Council is the most diverse in city history, including the first BIPOC female mayor. Jean Booth (Director, Office of Equity, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) accepted.
  • American Heart Month Proclamation: Proclaimed February 2026 as American Heart Month, with National Wear Red Day on February 6. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved items 9A–9E: 9A) Maryland Market Money Program for food security; 9B) Ratification of right-of-first-refusal for Argal apartments (affordable housing); 9C) Easement releases/executions for water/sewer on Lot 16, Block B, City Center; 9D) Delegation to city manager for EV charging equipment template agreements; 9E) Approval of minutes from January 5 and January 12, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Cesar Barreto (Lincoln Park resident): Described dangerous pedestrian conditions due to uncleared sidewalks and blocked bus stops (e.g., at National Tire & Battery and 7-Eleven on Rockville Pike). Requested safety improvements for seniors and disabled neighbors.
  • Adam J. Wise, Samir Merchant, Brad O., and Gail Holster (Rockville residents): All spoke in support of ranked choice voting (RCV), arguing it reduces polarization, empowers voters, and ensures majority support. Brad O. also urged the city not to collaborate with ICE/CBP, calling federal enforcement "lawless marauders."
  • William "Bill" McGowan (Human Services Advisory Commission, Twinbrook resident): Expressed disappointment over Montgomery County's decision to close 9 of 21 libraries on Sundays (including Twinbrook). Noted that Montgomery County had the largest increase in homelessness (32%, 366 individuals) in the D.C. metro region from 2024 to 2025. Libraries provide shelter, internet, programs for Title I schools, and printing services. Requested council action to restore Sunday hours.
  • Dreva Diego Kumar (JD Kumar): Urged use of the term "established immigrant communities" (EIC) instead of "illegal undocumented." Announced potential candidacy for U.S. Congress (District 8).

Discussion Items

  • Storm Update (City Manager Jeff Mahalik): The snowstorm (6–7 inches of snow, then sleet/freezing rain) required 12-hour shifts for four days. Crews assisted schools and are clearing 50 intersections (25 completed) by hand. Residents can sign up or request volunteer assistance via the Senior Center. Mayor added that volunteer numbers are still needed.
  • DMV Moves Plan Briefing (Tom Harrington, COG): Presented a regional transit plan endorsed by COG and Metro boards in November 2025. Key components: additional $460M/year in new capital funding for Metro (indexed at 3%), bus priority on seven corridors (including Rockville Pike/Route 355), and an integration action plan covering fare integration, customer information, shared resources, and training. The plan does not identify local funding sources for non-Metro transit. A Maryland funding bill (Senate Bill 281) has a hearing February 3, 2026.
  • Annexation Introduction – 1000 Westmore Avenue (Manisha Twari, staff): The council introduced an annexation resolution for a 10.45-acre site (former Winx site) plus two parcels at Zero Stone Street. Petitioner (Interstate Westmore LLC) proposes RMD-25 zoning for townhomes/two-over-twos and IL zoning for the smaller parcels (retaining industrial use). Concerns raised included proximity to a natural gas field, narrow Ashley Avenue, environmental safety, and impacts on Lincoln Park neighborhood. Public hearing set for July 27, 2026.
  • Green Building Code Ordinance (Chris Dempwolf, staff): Adopted an ordinance updating Article 14 to reference the 2021 International Green Construction Code and 2020 National Green Building Standard (NGBS). Amendments include bird-friendly glazing requirements (inspired by D.C. legislation). Two public comments received were strongly supportive. Effective July 31, 2026, with exemptions for projects with signed design/construction contracts.

Key Outcomes

  • DMV Moves Endorsement: Unanimously endorsed the conceptual funding component of the DMV Moves strategy (moved by Councilmember Fulton, seconded by Councilmember Ballari). Council will also send a letter of support for state funding bills.
  • Annexation Process Initiated: The resolution to introduce annexation was introduced (no vote needed); a separate resolution setting the public hearing date for July 27, 2026, was adopted unanimously.
  • Green Building Code Adoption: Ordinance adopting updated green building regulations passed unanimously (moved by Councilmember Van Grack, seconded by Councilmember Valeri).
  • Directives: Staff directed to send a letter to Montgomery County expressing concern over Twinbrook Library Sunday closures. Councilmembers committed to protecting immigrant communities and highlighted available resources (Gilcrest Center, CASA, MoCo Immigrant Rights Collective, Identity).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, Rockville. Today is February 2nd, 2026. We are convening meeting 3-26. 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. We now have several uh recognitions and proclamations. I do want to uh just flag for my colleagues that we have some special guests from uh the Wreck and Parks Foundation, and we're gonna move that recognition first. Uh so if my colleagues will 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 uh certificate and donation for the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund and the amount of $14,100 from the proceeds from the 2025 rubber ducky dairy. I just want to say uh 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 uh sometimes when we need help uh supporting some of the infrastructure. So welcome. Thank you both. Oh, I have to turn around. All right, so um I I really do want to address you because um we have two things to talk about. First of all, you are all so fashionably dressed this evening. Um so uh Chip Oylin, Kathleen Shannon, both trustees of the foundation, and we want to talk about our success from last year. First thing we're gonna 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 meeting system that will bring uh our program to a state of art in the city, and uh was a little expensive at almost 22,000, but we've been raising money for that kind of a uh infrastructure, as the mayor mentioned, and we're thrilled that we could do that. And um 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 uh Rockville Swim Center staff, all of you, the good people of Rockville, and the fabulous Rockville business partners, we were able to raise $14,001 to present to you. And that was $2898 ducks. Um, 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 $14,000 and $100. Do you want us to come forward? One. One, two. I don't think it's gonna fit in the ATM. So thank you, one and all. Appreciate your support. And we'll hope to see the next rubber ducky derby. Yeah, thank you so much. 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 uh home to such a beautifully um diverse tapestry, uh, the AAPI uh community. Uh every time I I really enjoyed um filling in for half a second and stepping into our very able uh mayor's shoes um at an event, I think believe it was last year, and it was just phenomenal. Um and the event is wonderful, but the holiday is one that I truly um 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.

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