MAYOR AND COUNCIL
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND

Meeting No. 14-08
May 5, 2008

The Mayor and Council of Rockville met on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. In the Mayor and Council Chambers, Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland.  Prior to the meeting, upon motion by Councilmember  Marcuccio, duly seconded by Councilmember Britton, and unanimously passed, the Mayor and Council met in Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. pursuant to Section 10-508 (a) (7 of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.  Present at the Executive Session were the Mayor and Council, City Manager Scott Ullery, City Attorney Paul T. Glasgow, Deputy City Manager Catherine Tuck Parrish, Director of Public Works Craig Simoneau, and City Clerk Claire Funkhouser.  The Mayor and Council discussed the Town Center paver issue.  There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

In attendance: City Manager Scott Ullery, City Attorney Paul Glasgow, City Clerk Claire Funkhouser. 

Re: FY 2009 Budget Worksession 

City Manager Scott Ullery introduced the new Director of Community Planning and Development Services, Susan Swift.  Also present were the Division Chiefs of the department, Ed Duffy, Jim Wasilak, Charles Baker, and David Levy.  Mr. Ullery said that because Mr. Duffy, Chief of Management and Support, was the acting director of the department during most of the budget preparation, he would present the departmental overview for CPDS.  Mr. Duffy explained the functions of each of the divisions, highlighting some of the most significant accomplishments in each in FY 2008.  These included the drafting of the new Zoning Ordinance, the development of the Rockville Pike Plan, and activities surrounding the final work on Town Square. 

In terms of significant changes in the FY 2009 budget related to the work of the Department, Mr. Duffy said that the CPDS departmental budget for FY 2009 is projected to be somewhat lower because of the transfer of the management of the garages to Recreation and Parks and the discontinuation of funding for several studies.  Mr. Duffy said that one additional position is included in the budget, which would make a temporary position permanent.

In discussion, Councilmember Marcuccio expressed concern about the amount of money budgeted for the development of neighborhood plans such as the Rockville Pike Plan.  David Levy, Chief of Long Term Planning said that, in some cases, like the Town Square Management District, plans are covered by other funds.  In that instance, it would be covered by the Town Square Management Tax. 

Councilmember Britton asked about the reduction of personnel in Inspection Services from twelve inspectors to eleven when there were concerns about code enforcement.  Charlie Baker, Chief of Inspection Services , said this was a position for a building inspector.  Inspection Services related to Code Enforcement is situated in the Police Department.

Councilmember Britton asked about funding for the Community Development Block grants.  Mr. Duffy said that the funding of $340,000 is routed through the County had stayed constant for several years.  The amount that the City receives is based on prior census figures.  The next census should take the City over 60,000 in population, which could mean additional funding depending on the level of federal funding.

Councilmember Britton asked why, in looking at performance measures, it appeared that some of the money was not being spent.  Mr. Duffy explained that the funding straddles two fiscal years so that is why it appears that way.  Councilmember Robbins commented on the degradation of funding under the current administration, expressing her hope that things would improve after the presidential election.

Councilmember Marcuccio asked about the discrepancy between the projected revenues and the actual revenues for the parking garages.  Stacey Tate, Budget Officer, said that the difference was due to not charging for parking for the entire fiscal year.

Re: FY2009 Capital Improvements Budget

Ms. Tate went over some changes that would impact the CIP as a result of the discussion of the Operating Budget at the worksession on April 28 and other input.  This included a reduction in the concrete repair budget of $46,305 and the loss of Project Open Space (POS) funding for Mattie Stepanek Park, which will be compensated by delaying some of the work until 2010.  City Manger Ullery added that he knew there was some interest in putting “Bankshot” Basketball in the Stepanek Park in FY2009.  Ms. Tate said other changes involved the readjustment of the project at the Swim Center.  The water main rehabilitation project will be updated to reflect a twenty-year implementation schedule.

Recreation and Parks

Burt Hall, Director of Recreation and Parks, introduced the staff from his department who were present and highlighted some of the projects that are underway or beginning soon.  These included the Thomas Farm Community Center, and improvements at both Maryvale Park and College Gardens Park.  The dedication for the Mattie Stepanek Park is scheduled for October 18.  Mr. Hall said that due to the delayed schedule for the fields there, it would be necessary to use Dogwood Park for football for one more year.  Mr. Hall commented that the reduction in POS funding had really affected a number of projects and thanked the Mayor and Council for their unwavering support of the department’s programs.

In discussion, Councilmember Marcuccio asked about the asked about the funding for roofing.  Since there was an illustration of the Pump House there, she wondered if that was just for that facility.  Mr. Hall said that the CIP item is for repair and replacement of roofing at City facilities, not just the Pump House.  The project specific to the Pump House in FY 2009 is for a rehabilitation of the interior.

Councilmember Marcuccio also had questions about the landscaping along Veirs Mill Road.  She wondered about the timing of the project in case some of the shopping areas were to be redeveloped.  Mr. Hall said the breadth of the project is in the right-of-way so would not be affected necessarily by redevelopment.  Mr. Ullery added that, if anything changed in terms of redevelopment, it probably would be wise to check further.

There was discussion about the need to look for ways to add more pervious surfaces to City parks and facilities.  There was also discussion about the acceleration of Bankshot Basketball at Mattie Stepanek Park from FY 2010 to FY2009.  Mr. Hall said he had received some figures from Rabbi Brenner, the vendor for the system, based on a model that was in the mid-range to stay within the budget.  Mayor Hoffmann said she was very interested in having it installed in time for the dedication, but was cognizant of the cost.  Councilmember Gajewski asked for a further explanation of how that might be accomplished.  Mr. Hall said that it might be possible to install fewer stations, say 18, rather than 24.  Mr. Hall said that, for basis of comparison, the Swim Center has 12 stations.

Councilmember Gajewski said he would rather err on the side of more, rather than fewer stations.  Mayor Hoffmann said she was comfortable with 18 stations as recommended.  Councilmember Britton said he really appreciated the effort in accelerating this and that, he, too, was comfortable with 18 stations.  Councilmember Marcuccio said she agreed, especially if more stations could be added later.  Councilmember Gajewski commented that adding on could be more expensive and wondered if there might be other ways to finance additional stations.  Mayor Hoffmann, said, either way, there was sure to be Bankshot in the Mattie Stepanek Park.

Councilmember Robbins said she had spoken with Bob Balkam and that Mattie’s mother Jenni Stepanek was thrilled with the progress on the park dedicated to her son, Mattie.

Public Works

Director of Public Works Craig Simoneau introduced the staff from his department who were present for this evening’s discussion.

Mr. Simoneau described some of the projects scheduled for FY 2009, including trying some pervious pavement along an alleyway parallel to West Montgomery Avenue in West Rockville.  In terms of transportation projects, Emad Elshafei, Chief of Transportation, said that there was a great emphasis on projects to strengthen pedestrian and bike safety.  Some of the projects mentioned were the Baltimore Road intermodal access road, bus shelters, better signage, increased use of speed cameras, flashing beacons.  Mr. Simoneau added that Mr. Elshafei and his staff would also be looking at transportation policies that would incorporate a more multi-modal approach.

Councilmember Britton asked about the square footage of the alley parallel to West Montgomery Avenue that had been mentioned.  He said he thought, in terms of using pervious surfaces like this, the City could be considered a leader.  Susan Straus, Chief of Engineering, said that in the 1970’s, the City had been considered a leader in using concrete so it would probably be wise to be conservative in any approach.
Councilmember Britton also asked about the enhancement of the John Brown Bridge on Edmonston Drive.  There was some discussion about what could be done in terms of paint, decoration, etc., and the possibility of receiving some funding from the state.

There was also discussion about stormwater management, which Mr. Simoneau acknowledged had been the recipient of a lot of discussion this budget season.  Mr. Simoneau reiterated that everything related to water would now rest in the water fund.

Ms. Straus mentioned a few other projects, including the Carnation Drive stormwater retrofit, which is just being finished in order to bring it up to more modern standards.  The one at Maryvale Park is well underway.  Other projects of note included the Lakewood Country Club retrofit and the final design for College Gardens Park.  Construction should begin on that project in September.  Staff is also hoping to start paving the bottoms of the City’s stormwater culverts.

Regarding the City’s utilities, the water main rehabilitation project was mentioned again.  Staff will be coming back to the Mayor and Council for specific approval of items related to this project in June after the budget is approved.

Ms. Straus reminded the Mayor and Council that another significant cost related to water is the City’s contribution to the Blue Plains Treatment Center.  In terms of the meter replacements, the work there is almost complete.  A budget amendment scheduled for the meeting of May 19 will address this project so that work can proceed.  There was discussion about the removal of solid waste form the water supply and the costs associated with either processing them or hauling them away to a landfill.  Ms. Straus said that, either way, it is important to look at long-term costs.  Ms. Straus also mentioned that some new technologies were being explored.

Mayor Hoffmann returned to the topic of the replacement of the individual water meters, asking about the benefits.  Gavin Cohen, Director of Finance, said there is certainly some payback from properly functioning meters.  Mr. Simoneau said that the meters are also easier to read and may allow the City to go to a monthly billing if desired, which would improve cash flow.

General Government

Mr. Ullery said the last section in the CIP related to other parts of the City’s government.  Mr. Ullery said that the Police Station project would be scheduled for completion in 2010.  It is hoped that the City will get approval from the Maryland Historical Trust for the project.

Regarding City Hall improvements, Director of Recreation and Parks Burt Hall said that staff is trying to expand parking on the premises.  Also, work is planned on improving the HVAC system and constructing an enclosure for the new generator.  A feasibility study for new office space will also commence.

Next steps

Mr. Ullery said that he did not fee another worksession was necessary so that budget adoption could proceed on May 19.  Mr. Ullery reminded everyone that the City’s budget was available on-line.  Copies are available in both of the libraries in the City.

Mayor Hoffmann extended the Mayor and Council’s thanks to Mr. Cohen, Budget Officer Stacey Tate, Mr. Ullery, Deputy City Manager Catherine Tuck Parrish, and all of the staff that had participated in the budget process this year.

Re: New Business

Mayor Hoffmann commended Mr. Hall and the Department of Recreation and Parks for the great kick-off party on the rooftop of the VisArts building last Friday, May 2.  Councilmember Marcuccio thanked Betsy Robbins, the City’s Web Administrator, for the upgrade of the City’s website.  She said she found the new search feature to be very helpful.
Mayor Hoffmann informed the members of the Council that she would be nominating Jeremy Tucker to fill a vacancy on the Historic District Commission.  The appointment will be on the agenda on either May 12 or May 19.

Re: Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.