Andrew Bolduc

The City Council convened in a closed session to meet with counsel regarding an audit related to the City of Park. The closed session was held pursuant to Maryland Code General Provisions article 3-305B1 III to discuss personnel matters affecting specific individuals, and/or 3-305B7 to obtain legal advice concerning the audit. The council indicated they would not reconvene in public session following the closed meeting.

The council meeting agenda covered legislative updates and included several presentations, such as updates from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments regarding a DMV moves resolution, the urban forest managers report, and the tree commission annual report. The voting session addressed the DMV moves resolution, FY27 community quality of life grant priorities, recommendations from the re-imagining public safety task force, and council compensation committee recommendations. Work sessions were scheduled for an ordinance amending the code regarding outdoor cafes and the purchase of replacement pickup trucks. The Mayor announced upcoming closed sessions to discuss audit matters related to litigation and personnel matters, as well as future public hearings concerning charter amendment council term lengths and budget presentations for FY27.

This document provides an update on the City of Takoma Park's Sustainability and Climate Action initiatives and Council Priorities for 2025-2026. The plan outlines progress towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, enhancing climate change resilience, and sustainably managing natural resources, with an emphasis on equity. Key areas of focus include reducing GHG emissions from buildings and transportation, implementing community solar projects, expanding EV charging infrastructure, promoting multimodal transit, and strengthening partnerships and funding for climate action.

Council comments centered on transitioning from paper documents to digital materials for meetings and a representative's attendance at the Council of Governments meeting, emphasizing policy suggestions related to energy waste reduction inspired by policies in Babylon, New York. Public comment included suggestions to invite President Obama to local events, advocating for non-violence pledges for youth, and urging parental supervision at community gatherings due to safety concerns. A business owner raised concerns about the local inventory tax rate compared to surrounding areas in Montgomery County and advocated for the city to take a leadership role in promoting solar energy infrastructure on commercial rooftops. A community services representative provided updates on financial reporting, pool maintenance, contract finalization for the upcoming school year, and progress on the Sycamore Avenue house. The City Manager reported an upsurge in crime, specifically burglaries often involving rear entry through basement windows, and thefts from vehicles and open sheds. The department is increasing plainclothes and bike patrols, conducting crime analysis, and holding supervisory staff meetings to improve patrol techniques.

The meeting commenced with council comments, including congratulations to a councilmember for completing a marathon and raising funds for a clinic. A public service announcement was made regarding free tax return preparation assistance for low to moderate income residents by the Montgomery County Community Action Agency. During public comment, a citizen advocated for naming the new Montgomery County Library in memory of seven fallen county residents who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting that the Rockville City Council had unanimously supported this initiative. The Council proceeded with the first reading of an ordinance revising the scope and responsibilities of the Emergency Preparedness Committee to clarify roles and avoid duplication with county functions. A second ordinance revision concerned amending the code related to the Noise Control Board to allow operation with five to seven members instead of strictly seven. The primary work session involved a financial and status report on the Community Center, detailing revenue from property sales (one finalized, one pending closing) and expenditures, including the status of the contract with James F. Night Construction and a settlement agreement with subcontractor PowerMax. Discussions also covered seeking rebates from Montgomery County for senior and potentially youth programming offered by the city, tying into broader revenue discussions with the county.