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Council introduces amendments to Rockville personnel code; layover period will apply
Summary
Councilmembers introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 15 (personnel) on June 16 to clarify administrative procedures, personal appeals board timing, reporting for policy changes and restrictions on staff political activity. The body did not waive the one‑week layover period; staff and council will return with final language.
The Rockville Mayor and Council introduced an ordinance on June 16 to amend Chapter 15 (Personnel) of the City Code, focusing on appeal timelines, administrative approval of personnel policies and limitations on employee political activity.
City staff summarized the proposed changes and the Council discussed several targeted edits. Key points included extending time for employees to prepare for hearings before the Personal Appeals Board (PAB), adding reporting on substantive changes to the Personnel Policy Manual (PPM) and clarifying language that prohibits city employees from actively supporting candidates or coercing coworkers in elections.
City Attorney Robert Dawson presented a recommended revision to the elections language to read: "No employee shall actively support any candidate or group of candidates or referenda by either directing or coercing in any manner another employee or by using their knowledge, position or City of Rockville resources." Councilmembers conducted straw polls and asked staff to return with final drafted language.
Council action
Councilmember Adam Van Grama introduced the ordinance as revised by staff and asked that it be placed for further consideration. Councilmember Fulton moved to waive the mandatory layover period so the ordinance could proceed immediately; Councilmember Shaw seconded the motion to waive. Waiving the layover requires a higher threshold under council rules; the motion to waive did not receive the necessary votes and the ordinance will lay over for the minimum period required by charter.
Next steps and questions
City Manager Mihailak and staff said they will provide a clear summary of the draft changes and will include an annual date (Council requested July 1 instead of August 1) to provide council an annual list of substantive PPM changes. Councilmembers also asked staff to highlight any PPM changes with material budgetary impact so those items can be considered in the annual budget.
Ending
Because the council did not waive the layover, the measure will return after the required period for final action or additional amendment.
