OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Rockville City Council Meeting, July 27, 2026: JEDI Plan Adoption, Code Revisions, and Appointments

Meeting Portal — Monday, July 27, 2026
BodyRockville, Maryland
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, July 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:33:02

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Evening, Rockville.

0:01

Today is July 27, 2026, and we're convening meeting 19-26.

0:07

Please join me as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:34

Thank you, everyone.

0:35

We'll now move on to our agenda review, Miss Sarah Taylor Pharrell.

0:40

Madam Mayor and Council members, there are no changes to this evening's agenda.

0:45

Thank you.

0:46

We'll now move to the city manager's report, Mr.

0:48

Jeff Mahalick.

0:50

Mary Ashley, members of City Council, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

0:55

Next week is Parks and Recreation Recognition Month.

0:58

So of course, we're running around town making improvements to all kinds of parks, which we're excited about.

1:03

These parks include the Village Green Park, Logan Oak Park, improvements to the Maryvale Park, and we made some really good improvements to the Civic Center Park in cooperation with Eagle Scar Andrew Schiff.

1:18

Andrew did a fantastic job working with us.

1:20

We congratulate him and we really appreciate his work improving one of our parks.

1:25

Also, next week, Tuesday evening is national night out.

1:29

There are a number of different um neighborhoods in and around the city that will be hosting events.

1:34

And we'd love to see a lot of people attend.

1:35

I know mayor and council will be out there.

1:38

Um if people want to see where those events are or they want to register their event, they should go to Rockville MD Gov backslash NNO.

1:45

Again, N N O National Night Out.

1:48

Last thing I want to make a plug for results, Rockville.

1:51

I do that on occasion, so people won't have to listen to me or the mayor or anybody else to find out what's going on.

1:56

They can do their own research themselves.

1:58

They can go to results Rockville and find out about all kinds of things, including affordable housing, climate action plan, vision zero, and so on.

2:06

That's all I have, Mayor.

2:07

Thank you.

2:08

Thank you very much.

2:08

A plan is only good if we do the work in it.

2:11

So thank you.

2:12

Appreciate you mentioning that.

2:13

Uh, I wanted to note um the mayor and council will be uh being participating in members of the council will be at part of national night out.

2:22

There are over 20 events across the city.

2:25

I will ask for grace on behalf of all of us because we try to get to everyone.

2:31

I think last year we got to 13, some of us got to 13.

2:34

Uh please know that we love every community, and we're trying to get out as best we can.

2:40

So I just wanted to say that um we we do try to spread the love and uh we appreciate everyone who's planning those events.

2:47

Um I also wanted to thank staff.

2:49

I know the members of the council have been working very hard on getting out into communities, especially those who haven't been engaged in the past in the same way, and so we've had some really good neighborhood connects across the city.

3:02

Uh so that that's something that the team has helped us organize, and those are going to be continuing at the end of August.

3:09

And then lastly, I wanted to note a very important county resource given all that is going on in terms of immigration.

3:17

Uh, the Gilcrest Center is a resource that's available to Rockville residents as well.

3:23

Uh, and that number is 240-777-4940.

3:27

And thank you for the city manager's report.

3:31

Okay.

3:33

We'll now move on.

3:34

Oh, Councilmember Jackson.

3:35

Thank you, Mayor.

3:36

Just uh wanted to put a plug in.

3:38

So last week I went uh to the uh graduation ceremony of the first annual uh police uh Rockfell Police Academy, and uh it was put on by um uh Corporal Crow and uh Corporal Lee uh as well as uh it was a brainchild of uh uh uh uh deputy chief um uh who really put on the uh program that the uh residents had.

4:05

It was a fantastic uh addition to uh the uh residents uh getting to know the police.

4:11

Um and uh they think there was about uh 10 to 12 graduates, and so I've just put in a plug that um they're doing the second annual uh Rockville Police Academy, and it's gonna be in the fall, so check the website because it's a really fantastic a way to get to know the police and what they do.

4:30

Thank you.

4:31

And we just had some additional swearing in, so thank you to our RCPD.

4:35

Okay.

4:36

We'll now move on to boards and commissions appointments and reappointments.

4:40

Uh we have appointment nominations for the commission on aging, the education commission, the environment commission, the human rights commission, the human services advisory commission, and the retirement board.

4:51

Uh thank you to all of our volunteers in advance.

4:54

We greatly appreciate you.

4:56

Now I would like to uh request a motion for the nominal the nomination that we've made for uh the commission on aging.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety███████████████15%
Racial Equity█████████████13%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Arts And Culture█████████████13%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Zoning And Land Use███████████11%
Urban Planning██████6%
Procedural████4%
Affordable Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Rockville City Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

The Rockville City Council convened on July 27, 2026, at 11:30 AM for Meeting 19-26. Key actions included unanimous adoption of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategic Plan, approval of several board and commission appointments, and work sessions on arts ordinance revisions and transportation code updates. Community members testified on pension COLAs, mold enforcement, and transportation policy.

Consent Calendar

  • Agenda Items 9A-9H: Approved unanimously. Items included:
    • 9A: Carpentry contract services (not to exceed $200K)
    • 9B: Natural gas supply agreement with WGL Energy Services (initial term: Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027, with renewals through Jun 2031)
    • 9C: Electricity supply agreement with WGL Energy Services (terms consistent with Howard County contract, renewals through Sep 2036)
    • 9D: Authorization for PEPCO's Empower MD rebate program for LED streetlight conversion (Climate Action Plan)
    • 9E: Software subscription/services with CDW Government LLC (virtual service, not to exceed ~$1.496 million over 5 years)
    • 9F: Amendment to rider agreement with Gale Associates for building envelope construction/repair (not to exceed ~$390K annually)
    • 9G: Amendment to interlocal contract for SPDC software licensing with South Central Planning and Development Commission (Louisiana)
    • 9H: Approval of minutes for June 29 and July 6, 2026

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Levy (Rockville resident, former employee): Expressed concern that Rockville granted a 0% pension COLA for the second consecutive year, while 133 local government units in Maryland (including Annapolis, Bowie, Hartford County) received 2.698% (CPI estimate). Stated that retirees have lost 26% purchasing power over 11 years. Urged the council to provide CPI-based COLAs for retirees.
  • Elizabeth Adams (former Rockville resident): Detailed that after filing a mold complaint at Fields of Rockville on April 4, 2026 (with positive test results for black mold), the complex had not conducted a professional mold assessment within the required 15 days (114 days passed) and remediation timeline also expired. Claimed the city is not enforcing the Mold Law and that her family is facing eviction. Asked for enforcement and legal resources.
  • Madison Dunn (resident): Supported his mother Elizabeth Adams's testimony, stating the family has received no help and their belongings (including childhood items) are mold-damaged. Expressed frustration with the council's inaction.
  • Jake Jacobeck (Chair, Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee; personal capacity): Spoke on the Comprehensive Transportation Review (CTR) update. Recommended: (1) ensuring more developments pay the Transportation Improvement Fee (TIFF), (2) adding an adequacy measure for whether cycling/pedestrian facilities exist (not just capacity), and (3) relaxing thresholds that mandate roadway widening for added vehicular trips, which can harm pedestrian/cyclist safety. Supported maintaining balance across modes.

Discussion Items

JEDI Strategic Plan Adoption

  • Presentation: Jean Booth (Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and Dr. Patricia Morgan (CEO, Executive Learning Lab) presented the final plan. Highlights:
    • Process: 7 months, 210+ staff surveyed (38% participation), 9+ focus groups, community listening sessions.
    • Staff survey strengths: 81% feel valued; 74% engage with diverse community; 98% of leaders confident in inclusive environments.
    • Gaps: Only 35% rated JEDI training positively; 38% believe residents are aware of city JEDI efforts (36-point gap vs. internal confidence).
    • Four key gaps: training, data use, resident awareness, leadership accountability.
    • Subgroup analysis: Frontline staff, women, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and new employees reported lower ratings on discrimination and microaggressions.
    • Seven strategic priorities: (1) Shared definition and training, (2) Inclusive service delivery/language access, (3) Accessibility/inclusive design, (4) Trusted messenger community engagement, (5) Policy alignment, (6) Accountability/public reporting, (7) Governance/shared ownership.
    • Year one roadmap: Five phases (Jul 2026 – Jun 2027) focusing on foundations, tools, pilots, and governance.
    • Requested adoption and direction to proceed with year one implementation.
  • Council Discussion: Members expressed strong support. Specific points:
    • Mayor and council requested a ratifying resolution and appendix of past council actions.
    • Concern that 10-21 (racial equity) may need updating to be more expansive.
    • Importance of geographic equity (Route 355 and I-270 dividing lines), interfaith inclusion, and socioeconomic disparities.
    • Desire for outcomes-based metrics and measurable social impacts (not just process).
    • Need for training to be mandatory (staff and council).
    • Emphasis on disability access beyond physical, and participatory decision-making.
  • Vote: Motion by Councilmember Fulton, seconded by Councilmember Van Grack. All in favor. Unanimous adoption of the JEDI Strategic Plan with amendments (include ratifying resolution and appendix).

Arts and Cultural Affairs Ordinance Revisions (Chapter 4)

  • Presentation: Anne O'Donnell (Arts and Culture Program Manager) proposed revisions to merge Articles 3 (AIPA) and 5 (AIPP) into one Public Art Program article, clarify roles, update definitions, and revise Article 4 (public art in private development). Key changes:
    • Preamble to clarify scope.
    • Shift budget/project management from Cultural Arts Commission to staff.
    • Merge funding streams and allow public art on sites in public realm (not just city property).
    • For AIPD: eliminate option to remove artwork (require permanent, 30-year minimum); change formula to 1% of development cost (not to exceed $300,000) with only two options (install on-site or pay into city fund).
    • Enhance community engagement via art selection committees including community members.
  • Council Feedback: Generally supportive of merging and updated processes. Concerns raised:
    • Mayor and council should retain final approval for large contracts (>$250K) and oversight due to fiduciary responsibility.
    • Need for wiggle room on “permanent” to allow removal if culturally inappropriate over time.
    • Desire to encourage local artists and support performing arts spaces (though developers rarely use that option).
    • Importance of aligning with Vision Zero (avoid art obstructing pedestrian/cyclist safety).
  • Next Steps: Staff to prepare draft ordinance incorporating council feedback, share with Cultural Arts Commission, then return to council.

Comprehensive Transportation Review (CTR) and City Code Chapter 21 Amendments

  • Presentation: Sean Murphy, Craig Simoneau, and Ahmad Al-Shafi proposed updates to Chapter 21 (Streets, Roads, Rights-of-Way) and CTR regulations. Key topics:
    • Private Streets: Restrict private streets to limited cases (alleys, non-residential campuses, mixed-use zones under specific conditions) – council supportive.
    • Private Improvements in ROW: Allow administrative approval for EV chargers, awnings, balconies, etc., with license and maintenance agreements – council supportive, with larger changes requiring council oversight.
    • Easements: Clarify approval and abandonment process – supportive.
    • Primary Access: Allow alleys and shared driveways for residential access (with pedestrian connectivity) – supportive.
    • Road Code Waivers: Allow dead-end streets under 150 ft without turnaround if fire access is maintained – supportive.
    • Street Classification: Administrative approval for emergency access drives – supportive.
    • Street Closings: Temporary closures administratively (permits) vs. permanent closures requiring council resolution – council noted need for notification and potential veto power.
    • CTR Changes:
      1. Eliminate mitigation requirement if intersection still operates at acceptable level of service – focused discussion.
      2. Eliminate on-site transportation report for <30 net peak-hour trips (duplicative with site plan) – concern from some members about loss of information.
      3. Lower TIFF threshold from 30 to 10 net peak-hour trips and add 50 total trip threshold – supportive.
  • Council Feedback: Emphasis on getting input from Transportation Mobility Commission, RPAC, and RBAC. Desire for holistic transportation evaluation (not just vehicular) and alignment with Vision Zero. Concerns about developer-generated trip counts and need for robust review.
  • Next Steps: Staff to hold public meeting, briefings with commissions, return with draft ordinance and CTR in September for further work session.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimously adopted the JEDI Strategic Plan, including directive to include a ratifying resolution and appendix of past actions.
  • Approved all consent agenda items (9A-9H) as presented.
  • Approved appointments/reappointments to multiple boards and commissions (Commission on Aging, Education Commission, Environment Commission, Human Rights Commission, Human Services Advisory Commission, Retirement Board) – all unanimous.
  • Directed staff to prepare a letter of support for Peerless Rockville’s grant application for the “Rural Roots, Freedom and Kinship in Rockville’s Haiti Community” project.
  • Set next meeting for August 3, 2026 (virtual).
  • Adjourned at approximately 10:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Evening, Rockville. Today is July 27, 2026, and we're convening meeting 19-26. Please join me as you're able for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, everyone. We'll now move on to our agenda review, Miss Sarah Taylor Pharrell. Madam Mayor and Council members, there are no changes to this evening's agenda. Thank you. We'll now move to the city manager's report, Mr. Jeff Mahalick. Mary Ashley, members of City Council, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Next week is Parks and Recreation Recognition Month. So of course, we're running around town making improvements to all kinds of parks, which we're excited about. These parks include the Village Green Park, Logan Oak Park, improvements to the Maryvale Park, and we made some really good improvements to the Civic Center Park in cooperation with Eagle Scar Andrew Schiff. Andrew did a fantastic job working with us. We congratulate him and we really appreciate his work improving one of our parks. Also, next week, Tuesday evening is national night out. There are a number of different um neighborhoods in and around the city that will be hosting events. And we'd love to see a lot of people attend. I know mayor and council will be out there. Um if people want to see where those events are or they want to register their event, they should go to Rockville MD Gov backslash NNO. Again, N N O National Night Out. Last thing I want to make a plug for results, Rockville. I do that on occasion, so people won't have to listen to me or the mayor or anybody else to find out what's going on. They can do their own research themselves. They can go to results Rockville and find out about all kinds of things, including affordable housing, climate action plan, vision zero, and so on. That's all I have, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you very much. A plan is only good if we do the work in it. So thank you. Appreciate you mentioning that. Uh, I wanted to note um the mayor and council will be uh being participating in members of the council will be at part of national night out. There are over 20 events across the city. I will ask for grace on behalf of all of us because we try to get to everyone. I think last year we got to 13, some of us got to 13. Uh please know that we love every community, and we're trying to get out as best we can. So I just wanted to say that um we we do try to spread the love and uh we appreciate everyone who's planning those events. Um I also wanted to thank staff. I know the members of the council have been working very hard on getting out into communities, especially those who haven't been engaged in the past in the same way, and so we've had some really good neighborhood connects across the city. Uh so that that's something that the team has helped us organize, and those are going to be continuing at the end of August. And then lastly, I wanted to note a very important county resource given all that is going on in terms of immigration. Uh, the Gilcrest Center is a resource that's available to Rockville residents as well. Uh, and that number is 240-777-4940. And thank you for the city manager's report. Okay. We'll now move on. Oh, Councilmember Jackson. Thank you, Mayor. Just uh wanted to put a plug in. So last week I went uh to the uh graduation ceremony of the first annual uh police uh Rockfell Police Academy, and uh it was put on by um uh Corporal Crow and uh Corporal Lee uh as well as uh it was a brainchild of uh uh uh uh deputy chief um uh who really put on the uh program that the uh residents had.

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