ROCKVILLE RESIDENT QUESTIONS PROPOSED REFUSE FEE INCREASE

David Thomas, a resident of Hungerford in Rockville, questioned the proposed increase in refuse fees in the draft of the city's next budget. Speaking at Monday night's Mayor and Council meeting, Thomas noted that funds were previously designated to be moved from the refuse fee funds to other expenditures. He said such a transfer "means you had plenty in the refuse fund at this point."

ROCKVILLE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETS THURSDAY MORNING

The Rockville Development Review Committee will meet tomorrow morning, March 20, at 10:00 AM, in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room at Rockville City Hall. On the agenda are two projects: a self-storage facility at 1175 Taft Street, and a 740 square foot addition to a child care facility at 850 Nelson Street.

ROCKVILLE TO BACK CURRENT ETHICS STANDARDS IN ANNAPOLIS

Rockville's city council last night voted to send a letter to District 17 legislators in the Maryland General Assembly, notifying them that the city supports the current ethics standards demanded of all elected officials in the state. Legislation that would alter the ethics reporting requirements is on the table in Annapolis.

Councilmember Tom Moore, who has been a strong advocate of the tightened reporting standards adopted a few years ago, warned his colleagues to oppose any efforts to weaken the existing requirements. Mayor Bridget Newton said she believes some of the information demanded is beyond what is necessary or appropriate. Moore said every piece of property owned by a public official, regardless of how it was obtained or its geographic location, should be known to the public.

A majority of the council agreed with Moore's support for the current law, voting 3-2 to send a letter backing today's standards to Annapolis. Voting in favor were councilmembers Moore, Julie Palakovich Carr and Beryl Feinberg. Opposed were Newton and Councilmember Virginia Onley.

Some municipalities have opposed the recent standards, citing privacy concerns and a reduction in those willing to run for office and make such extensive disclosures. Others, such as Moore, have said having the full story on what a politician owns is essential knowledge for voters, in order to reveal any and all conflicts of interest.

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on March 14, according to crime data:

Theft. 2200 block McAuliffe Drive (Twinbrook Forest).

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block Clagett Drive (Twinbrook).

Assault/"other sexual offense." Richard Montgomery HS.

Assault/"other sexual offense." Regal Cinemas Rockville.

Drug arrest. E. Gude Drive at Taft Street.

Drug arrest. 100 block Gibbs Street (Rockville Town Center).

Disorderly conduct. 100 block Gibbs Street.

Drug arrest. 1300 block E. Gude Drive.

Drug arrest. Men's shelter, 600 E. Gude Drive.

ROCKVILLE SNOW UPDATE - HOW MANY INCHES OF SNOW IN ROCKVILLE?

A winter storm warning is in effect across the region today from 2:00 PM until 2:00 PM Monday. Rain is forecast to begin this afternoon, and change over to snow as the sun sets. The heaviest snow will fall during the overnight hours tonight. Currently, the National Weather Service is calling for accumulation of 5 inches, or more. Temperatures will be in the 20s overnight.

Winds during the storm will gust up to 20 MPH, but average around 10.

Highs on Monday will remain in the lower 30s, meaning travel will be dangerous, and road conditions could remain hazardous throughout the day.

Stay tuned for updates on this very late winter storm.

ROCKVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING FOR MARCH 20 IS CANCELED

The Rockville Historic District Commission will not meet on March 20 at 7:30 PM. The reason for the cancelation was not given. No prospective agenda for the canceled meeting was provided.

MCDONALD'S BACON CLUBHOUSE CHICKEN SANDWICH REVIEW (VIDEO)

What if you put Big Mac special sauce on Fried Chicken? McDonald's just answered that question. The new McDonald's Bacon Clubhouse can not only be ordered as a quarter-pound burger, but as a crispy or grilled chicken sandwich, as well.

I tested the crispy chicken version, and here is my review. This sandwich features all the same ingredients as the burger version I tested last week, including Big Mac special sauce, white cheddar cheese, grilled caramelized onions, tomato, whole leaf lettuce and thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, on the brand-new "soft, warm Artisan bun."

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