Rockville Board of Appeals to present annual report to mayor and council; legal advice limits alternate participation

City staff told the Rockville Board of Appeals that the board will give an annual report to the mayor and council on May 19, covering the board’s responsibilities, 2024 accomplishments and goals for the coming year.

Mr. Wasilek, a city staff member, introduced a draft PowerPoint prepared in the city’s new branding and said the city clerk’s office hired a new board and commission coordinator, Veronica Mitchell, who helped organize annual reporting requirements. The draft report notes that the board held three meetings in 2024, reviewed and approved two variance applications, continued and saw the withdrawal of one application, and approved one special-exception modification.

Staff suggested the board might want to track the ongoing zoning ordinance rewrite. "I did note that the zoning ordinance rewrite is underway," the planner said during the meeting, urging board members to follow the process as it will affect future appeals and reviews.

Board members agreed the draft looked suitable for presentation and suggested adding a bullet highlighting the board’s record of timely decisions. During the meeting, the city attorney reviewed state law and a prior 2016 advice memo and advised that alternates are not permitted to sit and participate with the board during hearings. "State law really doesn't allow for the alternate to sit with the body," the attorney said, noting the prior interpretation and counsel memo.

The board had no additional business and adjourned. Staff said there were no pending applications for the board’s May meeting at the time of the discussion.