[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455075,"mediaKeyId","5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968","parentId",5855969,"title","Rockville council pulls proposed decorum rules after hours of public criticism","audioSeconds",3222,"startMs",38000,"endMs",3260000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968&start=38&end=3260","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968/thumbnail_38000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455075/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Rockville-council-pulls-proposed-decorum-rules-after-hours-of-public-criticism","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455075-6cfd032a23bc70f2fd158f9c2fdf5051/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179619&Signature=bpapn6KJTJxbC4MsGxo9qVAXzNzMDJONtrfFSl0CGdsbmRXIGXaZvmqUpQzGQf4zLbyjHMsp8vvOTOywjS-BMfIDLXur0NAxuPBDBH4qkMJRnE7LUF~RPjTsVWQLQxdmeZG0eHYEYbXsUszW2v3Dl5wEAdfzzWzHxjmlJHAPbns-FFQTnorFpFSPUfh1rGs49Pc3nX8O6ImR8E8h-M81ll7MmGF9rD-1ABEkCTgmkoN3sh8E3~OSW25JgXPMAWY-RaNeCISwUPD1sHww3nDTepxZXFlKI3UxRQU5vTOPhywg0Kor9CMbx47Cta15jpD3lH2y0k1a-k3UCMwrgBlOiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockville","date","2025-09-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Rockville Mayor and Council removed a proposed resolution establishing rules of decorum from the council agenda and delayed further action after hours of public comment protesting the measure.

The council voted during its agenda review to pull agenda item 11A — described in the agenda packet as “approval of resolution adopting rules of decorum and protocol” — and said the item will be considered at a later date. City staff had noted the item’s removal publicly at the start of the meeting. \"We removed agenda item 11A, approval of resolution adopting rules of decorum and protocol,\" a staff member told the council and audience.

Why it matters: dozens of residents used the council’s community forum to criticize the proposal, saying decorum rules have historically been used to suppress dissent and that the draft would give the presiding officer unchecked power to limit speech. Speakers tied the issue to ongoing local fights over rent stabilization and other policies, saying strict decorum could silence historically underrepresented voices.

During community forum, speakers repeatedly urged the council to abandon the proposal. \"In a time where the First Amendment is in national peril, it is absolutely mind‑boggling that a council member would push now on a local level for measures that suppress free speech,\" said Jamie N., who identified herself as a Rockville resident. Several speakers said the proposed measures would bar clapping, limit when residents may sign up to speak, or otherwise curb expressive activity at meetings.

Council members and staff responded publicly during and after the forum. City Attorney Robert Dawson said the draft rules were prepared by the Office of the City Attorney and described their intended purpose: \"The purpose of the rules ... was to consider adopting reasonable, content‑neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to facilitate the body's interest in orderly, efficient, and productive meetings. It was not for the purpose of violating the First Amendment rights of any community members,\" Dawson said.

Councilmembers said they had voted as a group to pull the item earlier in the day so the body and staff could do more work. Several council members, including Councilmember Jackson and Councilmember Van Grama, emphasized they support free speech and that the vote to remove the item reflected concern about broad restrictions on community forum speech.

Public complaints and calls for council accountability also played a role in the discussion. Multiple speakers alleged that a council member had repeatedly used aggressive language toward constituents during off‑dais encounters; some said the council should first address conduct by elected officials before imposing stricter rules on public commenters.

How the council said it will proceed: the mayor closed the community forum by thanking speakers and saying the council would continue to prioritize open public comment. Council members signaled they want additional staff work and review before any rules return to a future agenda.

What was not decided: the council did not adopt any new rules at the meeting. The council's action was limited to removing the item from the evening’s consent/regular agenda for later consideration. No formal restrictions were imposed and no ordinance or resolution was adopted that evening.

Looking ahead: the city attorney and staff will rework materials and the council expects additional discussion at a later meeting. Council members asked for more time to review the draft and for staff to report back on implications for First Amendment protections and enforcement protocols.

Ending: After a lengthy public forum and responses from staff and council members, the meeting moved on to other agenda items; the decorum proposal will return for further study at a later date.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rockville - Mayor and Council Meeting - September 29, 2025 (Meeting No. 23-25)","oneSentenceSummary","The Rockville Mayor and Council removed a proposed “rules of decorum and protocol” resolution from the evening agenda after public commenters and several council members said the measure risked chilling free speech; city attorney said rules were drafted as content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions.","taxTitle","Rockville City, Montgomery County, Maryland","taxId",9268,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455060,"Council approves appointments, software and MOU on consent agenda",5528,268000,5796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968&start=268&end=5796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968/thumbnail_268000.jpg","/articles/6455060/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Council-approves-appointments-software-and-MOU-on-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455060-1943f4f84c0faec58054efa9907bd308/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179619&Signature=IZ2RG1EptlA2x~xL~cAU28mJXEBhfqD8aHKQi3vo1Krk7eRsdGTbKRBVPFPwTwQIH4oX9TR0vXitdv08W4K5y-83Mn31v40bgZHGzC5vzGGPABPVzGYn~Lw8xe711DNmZiHfC21QUCKdNbOU8ldbUHmwtCbc7ZIZRB69MpbDEp-Q10Q4TZJhYvMpyZ7KBTt6NqrdrFkvoayeLicXgdFZTIhjnBv3ZoaNUHxZ4~cRm4MC1HeLB51gEgKeCdKUh85eOn0iWFd5HGjgDyt33xOArUGQgLOiRBzgGct9bPGwxMWvvMldDRM9Yj2dOIgPjDDTitEUa8IT3XYnt6H7CPZGMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockville Mayor and Council approved multiple appointments and six consent agenda items after brief discussion. Actions on the consent agenda included board appointments, the purchase of enterprise asset management and customer relationship management software, an off‑duty police officer administration agreement, ratification of arts grants, adoption of a county transportation impact tax memorandum of understanding and approval of minutes.

Key votes and motions: councilmembers moved and seconded appointments to the Education Commission, the Ready Board and several youth commissioner positions. On the consent agenda, Councilmember Jackson moved to approve items A–F; Councilmember Lehi seconded. The mayor called for a voice vote and the council approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

Major items approved:
- Appointment of Sarah Clark to the Education Commission as a private‑school representative through April 1, 2027 (motioned by Councilmember Fulton).
- Multiple youth commissioner appointments and reappointments for one‑year terms through 2026 (motioned by Councilmember Valeri).
- Several appointments and reappointments to the Ready Board of Directors for three‑year terms through 10/01/2028 (motioned by Councilmember Jackson).
- Consent item 9B: award and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Atkins Revelis USA (Atkins?) for enterprise asset management and CRM software; staff said the procurement followed RFP procedures and the unified vendor can provide both asset and customer software and will increase service efficiency.
- Consent item 9C: authorize the City Manager to enter into a service agreement for administration of off‑duty Rockville Police Department officers; staff said the program is budget neutral and will allow streamlined invoicing to event organizers.
- Consent item 9E: approve an amended and restated memorandum of understanding with Montgomery County for transportation impact taxes for new development in Rockville; staff said the MOU replaces an older version and will speed reimbursements including prior requests to which Rockville expects to be reimbursed.

What was not in the vote: individual roll call tallies were not read; approval was by general voice vote with members answering “aye” when asked. No ordinances or resolutions were adopted on the consent agenda beyond the approvals noted.

Ending: Council approved the consent agenda and proceeded to the scheduled work session items.","The Mayor and Council confirmed multiple appointments and approved six consent items including a new enterprise asset management and CRM contract and an amended transportation impact tax memorandum with Montgomery County.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455065,"Tenants at Fields of Rockville report mold, city says inspections and remediation are underway",594,2822000,3416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968&start=2822&end=3416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968/thumbnail_2822000.jpg","/articles/6455065/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Tenants-at-Fields-of-Rockville-report-mold-city-says-inspections-and-remediation-are-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455065-34c1d52e06c2b6523a906d9a4e92da00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179619&Signature=cUini6yquNQiwxYLCAO6t~Kf95vR2UWIPR66lNTZmAoicHQiMaNOYAcjxNzW33I3Ja9HBJmbjMgq3KCC2nv1hWjS~RaRoZCJ-ToXx6ULg17sDqkqmSuQ07v~oBEZbByIXac-teoZIYVlL8ZHXBkKF5qAGlt38AjWFY-CkR0sMjG-7~1hXsRmORNnwgQgkCmsX~sh5-uT~Z0yeMMzBtptreJZS0VNxMgdgL1ZRGs2spaStaiYRoUEt8IFSORhMc48TKPEVtLQxo9ncRKQFZNx23Iaalc6L44TsQLO9beOtd542rwofKWfnpBsK7Mimz14s6I4NZgF2fB60qyHUo4VfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of the Fields of Rockville apartment complex told the council during community forum that recurring mold and water intrusion are making people sick and that city enforcement has been slow to resolve the problems.

Several speakers described health effects and property damage. \"I've been getting many more headaches ever since then,\" said Madison Dunn, a resident and student who testified that family members missed school because of mold. Elizabeth Adams said multiple residents had filed complaints and that the landlord appeared to have failed to follow up on permit and code enforcement requests.

The city manager and staff responded during the meeting and afterward. City Manager Mahila said code enforcement and a city HAP (Housing and Assistance) team have been out to the property multiple times, have issued tickets and required remediation by the property owner, and that enforcement staff will continue inspections and require testing after remediation. Mahila said the city has language services and that staff have canvassed the property and are available to meet in the lobby after the meeting to collect names and addresses for follow‑up.

What the city said it has done: staff reported on repeated visits to the property, issuance of tickets to the owner, targeted remediation work initiated by the owner in some units, and scheduling of follow‑up testing to confirm conditions were corrected. City staff said they would provide language assistance and housing navigation resources for affected residents.

What residents asked for: multiple tenants asked for stronger enforcement and quicker responses, and for the city to ensure follow‑up testing is done thoroughly (not limited to areas inside temporary containment). One resident, William Martinez, said he had been told a city code inspector could not force access in certain cases and that he had been directed to pay for his own mold inspections.

Next steps: city staff said they would meet with interested residents in the meeting hall after the session to gather contact information and will continue inspections and enforcement. Staff also said they will coordinate language services for non‑English speakers and that housing navigators are available to help residents who may need temporary relocation or support.

Ending: Tenants said they will continue to press the city for timely enforcement and for inspections to cover full units rather than partial containment spaces; staff said they would continue to pursue compliance from the property owner and provide residents with follow‑up and resources.","Multiple residents of the Fields of Rockville apartment complex told the council they and their children are sick; city staff said code enforcement has visited, issued citations and will continue inspections and offer language‑access support and housing navigation services.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455070,"Rockville council hears detailed options for King Farm Farmstead; members press for earlier reuse of dairy barns",7326,1294000,8620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968&start=1294&end=8620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5855969-df3a58e8215cdcc85216321fca1aa968/thumbnail_1294000.jpg","/articles/6455070/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Rockville-council-hears-detailed-options-for-King-Farm-Farmstead-members-press-for-earlier-reuse-of-dairy-barns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455070-a0320a97726b3ef264a8125c95abd461/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179619&Signature=Az6JG-dJGGzqSdxm0jQqVhrORKXZAoRz9suyBYpUUBSD2cSfA1UF5lF2HcYlhXWjZvyavibggUbvuQpFjZtreljt6Mfdq9FdUV6y4WfIxLjsof-W4icuHMMvxrxgkoSJ27uNfdu2vNSaevw0HtY9-LbSKlxHDLcWuuuYovJoonEIS7y9Ro~wtfgUXVo17VSUtD8nwvphLB814wQelakP-SKoYKoudhyM4g7GhfWmW6X6iY7S7K9qI0EFJA9m3FOzzSfALmX2sBlluD2wCg76aBpxQM83Yh4bWFA1EBpwIsLJYQlz1RITY21ZnbBfTHvgetbDJtw6d0gm5VLypt8kWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Rockville staff and consultants presented refined building concepts, cost estimates and two phasing scenarios for the King Farm Farmstead master plan at a work session, and councilmembers pushed for faster reactivation of the dairy barns and for creative approaches to parking and site access.

What was presented: Recreation and Parks Director Tara Stewart and consultant Mike Stover summarized an 11‑month community engagement process and offered four building‑use options for the site. The community generally favored a higher‑intervention plan (option 4) that would convert the dairy barns into arts and tech studios, multipurpose rooms and a smaller performance space, plus a kitchen and courtyard connections. The horse barn was proposed for multipurpose use, tenant houses and a garage for maker spaces, and the farmhouse was proposed for childcare.

Cost and phasing: The consultants estimated construction‑only costs for a full option 4 buildout of the dairy barns around $6.9 million for the existing building work and an additional $2.0 million for an east‑side addition; site work and parking brought the project total for option 4 into the upper range when contingencies and soft costs are added. The team laid out two phase packages. Option 1 prioritized the farmhouse and horse barn (phase 1) before garage/tenant house improvements (phase 2) and dairy barn work (phase 3). Option 2 prioritized the farmhouse and some maker spaces first, followed by the horse barn and then the dairy barns. Staff recommended Option 1.

Parking was the most contested issue. The site has 47 existing spaces. The consultant presented three event/operation scenarios that depend on incremental parking: use of only existing parking; adding 44 paved spaces (to 91 total); and adding up to 100–120 additional spaces for peak events. Councilmembers emphasized using nearby Maddie Stepanek Park and shuttle or remote parking options, but several said the farmstead cannot be fully activated for citywide use without more on‑site parking; others warned that pavement near the community garden would harm green space and asked staff to minimize hard‑scape.

Council feedback and next steps: After a lengthy Q&A, several councilmembers said they favored bringing the dairy barns into an earlier phase so the city’s prior investment in stabilizing those structures is preserved and so the community can see tangible progress. Councilmember Fulton asked staff to ensure that historic preservation review (Historic District Commission) would be closely involved. Several councilmembers asked staff to return with refined cost figures that include escalation, design and construction contingencies and estimates for hazardous‑materials abatement where demolition may be required.

City staff said the draft master plan is scheduled for adoption consideration on Oct. 20; they will revise cost estimates to include escalation and contingencies and return with parking and phasing alternatives after incorporating council direction.

Ending: Council voiced broad support for a phased approach and for moving the dairy barns earlier in the schedule; staff will return with revised cost estimates and a plan for parking and site access ahead of the Oct. 20 adoption meeting.","Staff presented refined designs, cost estimates and phasing options for the King Farm Farmstead master plan; councilmembers and residents urged creative parking solutions and suggested moving the dairy barns earlier in the implementation schedule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rockville council pulls proposed decorum rules after hours of public criticism

Council approves appointments, software and MOU on consent agenda

Tenants at Fields of Rockville report mold, city says inspections and remediation are underway

Rockville council hears detailed options for King Farm Farmstead; members press for earlier reuse of dairy barns