Ashenafi Arega

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to recognize the passing of former city employee Kam-Lam Pierre. Key agenda items included the approval of five sets of minutes from previous meetings (Regular Sessions from April 1 and April 15, Regular Session from June 17, and Work Sessions from July 29 and August 12). A major presentation involved honoring Officer Mary Liddy with the Class A Accommodation Life-Saving Award for rescuing two individuals from the water on July 31, 2019. The Peterson Companies also presented a certificate of appreciation and made a donation in her honor. The council proclaimed September 2019 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Mental Health Recovery Month, alongside updates regarding the Wells Robertson House. Public comments addressed the excellent execution of the Labor Day Parade, commended Officer Liddy and Sergeant Scott Scarf for police work regarding traffic control, and raised concerns regarding the site selection process and alleged exclusion of community voices concerning a proposed school at Kelly Park. A resident also questioned potential inconsistencies in contracting for sidewalk repair work.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance led by a member of the parks and recreation department, followed by a moment of silence for reflection as the first meeting of 2026. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from three prior sessions: a work session on November 24, 2025, and regular and work sessions from December 1 and December 8, 2025, respectively. A consent agenda item was also approved. The council heard presentations, including the City Attorney presenting a second certificate of completion for a unique municipal attorneys program to an assistant city attorney. Proclamations were presented, one declaring January 2026 as Financial Wellness Month in Gaithersburg, and another proclaiming January 18 and 19, 2026, as days of service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The finance department provided an update on the FY25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), noting an $8 million increase in the general fund balance due to outperforming revenues and expense savings, and confirming the city would not require a single audit for FY25. The external auditing firm issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and reported no material weaknesses or audit adjustments. The meeting concluded by opening the floor for public comments on non-hearing topics.

This functional plan examines and provides recommendations for transit, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure to create complete transportation options. It proposes implementing a 102-mile bus rapid transit network across 10 corridors, expanding MARC commuter rail service, and designating Bicycle-Pedestrian Priority Areas. The plan aims to mitigate congestion, increase person-throughput, provide enhanced mobility for all users, and support land use, environmental, and economic development goals, contributing to the county's carbon emissions reduction goals with a forecast horizon extending to 2040.

The special session was convened for the sole purpose of receiving the certification of election results and administering the oath of office to the newly elected officials. The board of supervisors of elections presented the certified results for the 2025 Gaithersburg city elections for mayor and two city council members, noting a total of 6,273 valid ballots cast. The newly elected Mayor Jud Ashman and City Council Members Lisa Henderson and James Francis McNelte subsequently took the oath of office. Following the swearing-in, brief remarks were made by the newly elected officials, focusing on gratitude, commitment to core issues such as housing affordability, smart development, public safety, and continuing the collaborative spirit within the council.

This document, a Conceptual Alternatives Report, details the MD 355 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Planning Study, which evaluates preliminary concepts for an enhanced premium transit service between Clarksburg and Bethesda. The study aims to improve transit service quality, enhance mobility choices, and support master-planned development within Montgomery County. Key objectives include increasing transit ridership, reducing roadway congestion, providing competitive travel options, and serving transit-reliant populations through sustainable and cost-effective solutions.