Meet the finalists to be next Rockville City Manager on November 12

Who is the best choice to be the next Rockville City Manager? Gather some firsthand intelligence before you share your opinion with the Mayor and Council by attending a special meet-and-greet with the finalists on Saturday, November 12, from 1:00-2:00 PM in the conservatory of Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Park, located at 603 Edmonston Drive.

The Mayor and Council are scheduled to attend. Novak Consulting Group is leading the nationwide search for the next City Manager. Craig Simoneau is currently the acting City Manager.

New civic group aims to Empower Montgomery voters

If you are a registered voter, and have voted in a past Montgomery County election, you likely received a mailing from Empower Montgomery yesterday. The non-profit, tax-exempt organization has been formed by several heavy hitters from the Montgomery County business community with the stated goal of increasing voter engagement.

Montgomery County's voter turnout in the 2014 election was the lowest in the state of Maryland. Contrary to claims by term limits opponents that such laws result in lower turnout, we in fact had less turnout than the counties that currently have term limits.

Empower Montgomery aims to change this race to the bottom, they say, by pushing for open primaries that allow independents to vote for state and local office nominating contests, easing voter restrictions, expanding early and absentee voting, and engaging communities with low rates of voter participation. They say they will primarily promote public education and advocacy activities, but will also act on major issues at election time.

Who's behind Empower Montgomery? Charles Nulsen III, the president of Washington Property Company; Chris Bruch, president and COO of The Donohoe Companies; David Blair; and former County Council member and lobbyist Steve Silverman.

Rockville Rewards card helps non-profits earn almost $29,000 in 1st quarter

Non-profits selling the Rockville Rewards card earned almost $29,000 in the 1st quarter, the Rockville Chamber of Commerce announced yesterday. The card is a program of the Chamber, aided by a grant from the City of Rockville, that allows non-profits to sell the card, and consumers who buy one to save money. In the process, the card also encourages cardholders to spend their money at Rockville businesses, as that is where the savings are found.

The Richard Montgomery Athletic Club led all nonprofits in fundraising, taking in $18,000 dollars since card sales began August 1. The cash boost will help the school's athletic programs close a $150,000 funding gap between what they need, and what Montgomery County Public Schools has allocated to them.

Other nonprofits selling the card have used the 100% proceeds to fund scholarships, house the homeless, and provide free medical care.

Cards cost $25, and will be valid until August 31, 2017 at more than 135 businesses. For more information, visit the official Rockville Rewards card website.

City of Rockville to experience communication outages Nov. 4-6

It's not your computer,
it's the City of Rockville

Upgrades to the City of Rockville's government communications systems will have the ironic effect of shutting those systems down during the installation work from November 4-6, 2016. Telephone, internet and WiFi will all shut down beginning at 5:00 PM this Friday. Portions of the City's websites may go down as well this weekend. Service will be restored by opening of business Monday morning, November 7.

Not affected by the outage will be 911 and the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) non-emergency number, 240-314-8900. Rockville Channel 11 will be available on cable TV, but not to stream online, during the outage. Electronic credit card payments will not be possible at City facilities during the outage.

Flats at Shady Grove apartments now leasing in Rockville (Photos)

The new Flats at Shady Grove apartments at 1380 Piccard Drive have begun leasing. Converted from a former hotel, the apartments are located right off of I-270 near the Shady Grove exit. More than 200 units are being offered at rents developer Kettler says undercut market prices in the surrounding area.

Amenities include two courtyards, a large outdoor pool, a clubhouse with free WiFi, 24-hour emergency maintenance, pet salon, billiard and movie rooms, and complimentary coffee or tea.

Signs are inviting drivers to visit the building's leasing office, as the finishing touches are put on the renovated building.

Jeep Meetup Nov. 2 in Rockville

New auto dealership, customizing and service center Limitless Garage, Inc. will be participating in Capital Jeepers' Jeep Meet next Wednesday, November 2, at 5:00 PM, at Miller's Ale House at 1471 Rockville Pike. All Jeeps are welcome. The organizers are encouraging attendees to bring canned food for a food drive to help families in need during the upcoming holiday season.

Limitless Garage not only sells Jeeps, but also customizes them, and can build one to your specs. They are located at 1400 Rockville Pike, and their phone number is (301) 442-0690.

Early opportunity to speak to Mayor & Council on FY-18 Rockville budget Nov. 1

In an effort to get more public feedback about the Rockville budget before it starts to take shape during the official process, the Mayor and Council are holding a public hearing on Tuesday, November 1, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. If you have comments about taxes, fees, spending and priorities, this is the time to make them known.

Anyone wishing to testify should call 240-314-8280 before 4:00 PM on November 1 to get on the speakers’ list.

The proposed FY-2018 budget is scheduled to be introduced by the City Manager on February 27, 2017, and the Mayor & Council will vote on its adoption in May.