City of Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council met Dec. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Session of the Mayor and City Council was called to order at 7:30 PM with Mayor Jud Ashman presiding.
| Attendee Name | Title | Status |
| Ryan Spiegel | Council Vice President | Absent |
| Neil Harris | Council Member | Present |
| Laurie-Anne Sayles | Council Member | Absent |
| Michael Sesma | Council Member | Present |
| Robert Wu | Council Member | Present |
| Jud Ashman | Mayor | Present |
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was led by Layla Bahrami, Lakelands Park Middle, Mina Baharami, Rachel Carson Elementary, and Navid Bahrami, Academy Stone Mill Pre-K.
3. REFLECTION
Mayor Ashman called for a moment of silence.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Work Session held November 13, 2018
Motion was made to approve the above minutes.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Sesma, Council Member
SECONDER: Robert Wu, Council Member
FOR: Neil Harris, Michael Sesma, Robert Wu
ABSENT: Ryan Spiegel, Laurie-Anne Sayles
5. APPOINTMENTS
A. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Establishing the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation and Confirming Appointments Thereto
This resolution established the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation (G- PARC) and confirmed the following appointments made by the Mayor:
Mary Fehlig (Arts), 1 Arch Street, #421, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, three-year term; Tony Glander (Arts), 14726 Myer Terrace, Rockville, Maryland 20853, two-year term; Richard Stang, DeLeon & Stang, CPAs and Advisors, 100 Lakeforest Boulevard, Suite 650, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, three-year term; Bridget Lalley Ryder (Recreation), 580 Chestertown Street, Gaithersburg Maryland 20878, three-year term; and Tracy Rouleau, TBD Economics (Parks), 337B Cross Green Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.
An ordinance to amend Chapter 6B of City Code was approved by the Mayor and City Council during their November 19, 2018 regular session. The ordinance expanded the scope of the Gaithersburg Arts and Monuments Funding Corporation (GAMFC), a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity organized under the authority of Chapter 6B, so that the organization could continue to support the City’s revitalization and arts initiatives, while also working to benefit the City’s recreation and parks programs, projects, facilities and initiatives. To reflect the expanded scope, the ordinance also amended the organization’s name to the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation (G-PARC); and the qualifications for the Mayor and Council appointed board of directors were amended to include members that represent not only arts, but also parks and recreation.
The charge of the G-PARC is as follows:
Provide support to the City of Gaithersburg, Maryland;
Heighten awareness of and seek support for revitalization and arts, recreation and parks facilities, initiatives, projects and programs within the City of Gaithersburg;
To raise funds and use those funds for capital projects within the City of Gaithersburg and approved by the Mayor and City Council and the Corporation;
To raise funds and use those funds for revitalization and arts, recreation and parks facilities, initiatives, projects and programs as approved by the Corporation and in compliance with City codes, the City Charter and applicable City policies as amended from time to time;
Identify, organize, promote and manage fundraising events for approved revitalization, arts programs and initiatives and capital projects;
Establish donor contacts;
Account for donated funds;
Create and distribute promotional/informational material;
Prepare sponsorship and naming rights packages, for approval by the Mayor and City Council, in support of capital projects;
Prepare and promote sponsorship packages in support of revitalization, arts, recreation and parks initiatives, projects and programs as approved by the Corporation and in compliance with City codes, the City Charter and applicable City policies as amended from time to time;
Allocate a portion of donations and revenue for operational expenses in accordance with board policy;
Establish one or more endowment funds;
Perform all other related duties as determined from time to time by the board of directors.
The G-PARC Board of Directors shall include at least three (3) voting and no more than fifteen (15) voting members, with at least one member representing the interests of each of the three key focus areas of the corporation: arts, parks and recreation; the members shall serve two and three staggered year terms
Motion was made to approve the above resolution.
RESULT: PASSED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Neil Harris, Council Member
SECONDER: Michael Sesma, Council Member
FOR: Neil Harris, Michael Sesma, Robert Wu
ABSENT: Ryan Spiegel, Laurie-Anne Sayles
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of Kentlands/Lakelands 5k Race Proceeds to the Dolores C. Swoyer Scholarship Fund
Parks, Recreation, and Culture Director Potter was joined by Rob Garretson, Chair, Kentlands Community Foundation, Elisabeth Monaco, Executive Director, Kentlands Community Foundation, Layla Bahrami, race t-shirt designer, and Danny Talmage, Race Director. The 25th annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K was held on Saturday, September 1, 2018. The event is hosted by the Kentlands Community Foundation in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg. The 5K Race raises funds, promote volunteerism and showcase the benefits of new urbanism and walkable communities.
More than 1,000 participants finished the 5K and approximately 168 children completed the Kids’ Runs. Additionally, 240 runners, aged 50 and over finished the 5k, running to qualify for the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This 5K is certified by the USA Track and Field Association. Nicolas Crouzier of Darnestown, was the top male finisher in at 15:47; the top female finisher was Jenn Dietz, of Fairfax, VA, in at 19:04. Kid’s Run participant, Layla Bahrami, sixth grader at Lakelands Park Middle School and creator of the t- shirt design, completed the race with her father.
The event benefits local charities including an $11,000 contribution to the City's Dolores C. Swoyer Scholarship Fund. Including this amount, the Foundation has donated a total of $164,856 since 2002. As a result, Gaithersburg children who cannot meet the financial requirements without assistance are able to participate in the City's summer camps program. Members of the Foundation, City staff and the many volunteers were thanked for their continuous efforts.
B. Employee Recognition Committee Third Quarter Awards
Congratulations to the winners of the Employee Recognition Award for the third quarter of the 2018 calendar year (July 1 - September 30). Award winners are nominated by their peers and final selections are made by the Employee Recognition Committee which is comprised of employees from each City Department.
The winner of the 2018 Third Quarter Employee Recognition Team Award is the Administrative Support Team (P&CA) consisting of: Jennifer Armour, Bobbi Fulmer, Myriam Gonzalez, Maryzeil Moore, Sheila Oliver, Keith Pumphrey, and Gretchen Wyrick.
The Administrative Support Team was nominated for their consistently excellent work in assisting citizens, visitors and City staff. The Team provides friendly, helpful and professional support to the Planning and Code Department whether assisting with permits, citations, or simply providing support to City employees. As frontline employees of City Hall, the Team encounters all individual that comes through the doors. The Team is friendly, patient and goes above and beyond to offer expertise and assistance. The nominator states “I have experienced many jurisdictional front desks in my previous career, ours is by far the most helpful and most happy.this Team is one of the most incredible in the City.”
C. Auditors Required Communications on the City's FY18 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Finance and Administration Director Walker reported that City staff and the auditors have completed the audit of the FY18 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR was filed with the State by the October 31, 2018 deadline and posted on the City's website. Announced that the City's FY17 CAFR received Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA's) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The City has received this award for the last 40 years. This Certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Finance staff plans to submit the FY18 CAFR to this award program for consideration as well. Staff from various City departments were thanked for their assistance and help to meet the required deadlines.
Daniel Kenney and Foula Masrovasilis, representatives from CohnReznick, the City's external auditing firm, presented the required audit communications for the FY18 Report for the City of Gaithersburg. The auditors reported on the Independent Auditor’s Report, that evidence obtained was sufficient and appropriate to render a clean opinion on the City’s financial statements. The internal control over financial reporting and compliance, indicated that there were no material weaknesses. The results disclosed no instances of noncompliance. It was noted that no new accounting practices were adopted this year by the City and all significant transactions have been recognized in the financial statements in the proper period. Key factors were evaluated that impacted accounting estimates and were deemed reasonable on the financial statements as a whole. No difficulties were encountered during the audit and there were no disagreements with management. The audit did not require any additional consultations with other accountants.
Staff and the auditors were thanked and commended for a thorough and healthy report.
Council Member Harris pointed out the interest income for 2018, but mentioned the report showing a decrease in the market value due to the interest rate change. Questioned whether the negative number would be reflected differently when the investment reaches maturity. Staff responded that the negative number does represent City investments that are held until maturity. The City is required to recognize changes in the market value on investments as increases or decreases occur. There are times that the City will sell an investment at a loss due to market conditions, which is rare, the City typically will hold until maturity. It was noted that the amount of interest earned has increased substantially over the years for Gaithersburg.
Staff responded to a question about government funds reported, stating that under the governmental accounting standards, the City is limited in what revenue can be recognized until payment has been made on such receivable and included in the revenue. There is a deferred revenue recognition in connection with resources that have been received, but not yet earned.
Good news was shared that demographic statistics in the report showing the change in population and the personal income of City residents earned almost $6 Billion in the latest year. The per capita income has gone up about 15 percent in the last four years. In addition, it was noted for recognition that over 13 percent of the City is parkland.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no speakers from the public.
8. FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Robert Wu
1. Wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah.
2. Extended congratulations to newly sworn in Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the new Councilmembers.
Michael Sesma
1. Wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah.
2. Recognized former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett for his work. Extended congratulations to newly sworn in County Executive Marc Elrich and the new Councilmembers.
3. Thanked the Kentlands Community Foundation for their support of various charities including the Dolores C. Swoyer Scholarship Fund.
4. Congratulated the recipients of the Team of the Quarter.
5. Mentioned the holiday tree lighting that occurred earlier in the evening at City Hall.
Neil Harris
1. Wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah.
2. Extended congratulations to newly sworn in Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the new Councilmembers. Thanked former County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers for their work.
3. Mentioned that three sessions for Marc Elrich’s transition team has been completed. Stated that more than 190 people participated in various roles during the sessions.
4. Attended CHARACTER COUNTS! celebrations at Rosemont and Washington Grove Elementary Schools.
5. Mentioned that the City hosted the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission meeting at City Hall.
6. Attended a meeting with the head of Identity Inc.
7. Attended the annual breakfast meeting of the Jewish Community Resources Council.
8. Extended congratulations to the Quince Orchard High School football team who recently became 4A Maryland State Champions.
Jud Ashman
1. Extended congratulations to the Quince Orchard High School football team. Mentioned that in the past eleven years, Quince Orchard has been in the Maryland State title games six times, which is an amazing record.
2. Encouraged everyone to come out and see the holiday tree outside of City Hall.
3. Announced the upcoming work session scheduled for Monday, December 10, 7:30 p.m., at City Hall to receive annual committee briefings from the Cultural Arts Advisory, Economic and Business Development, Multicultural Affairs, and Olde Towne Advisory Committees.
9. FROM CITY MANAGER
City Manager Tomasello
1. Mentioned that a letter addressed to Mayor Ashman from the Montgomery County Board of Elections was received, thanking the City for hosting Early Voting sessions at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park during the 2018 Elections. The support of staff was recognized, specifically Community Facility Director Gardner Torrence. For planning purposes, a request was made for the use of the center for the 2020 Elections in April and October.
2. Reported on the fence and gate enhancements of the Forest Oak Cemetery. Before and after photos were shown for the Mayor and City Council and the public. City Manager Tomasello and Public Works staff were commended on the project to improve the 355 Corridor.
10. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Economic Development Director Lonergan
1. Mentioned that he, along with Grants Administrator Sukal, have been meeting with Garden Style Apartment owners to highlight the City’s loan program through the housing initiative fund to help enhance properties.
2. Reported that he and Planning and Code Administration Director Schlichting, attended the International Council of Shopping Centers CenterBuild Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, November 28-30. During the conference a workshop was conducted on Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall with eight tables of real estate professionals brainstorming ideas for repositioning and rehabilitating the City’s 100-acre urban frontier. Thanked the Mayor and City Council and City Manager Tomasello for allowing them to represent the City.
3. Announced that the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for the Gaithersburg Yard House restaurant in the RIO Washingtonian Center is scheduled for Monday, December 10, 10:30 a.m.
11. FROM CITY ATTORNEY / DEPUTY CITY MANAGER / OTHER STAFF
No report from staff.
12. CORRESPONDENCE
A. Outside
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the session was adjourned at 8:13 PM
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