Additional Questions from WECA Citizen’s Forum

Rockville has always had wonderful city services.   I wish I could say that I thought that this was still true.  Our twice weekly trash pickup, that I used to joke that I didn’t want to part on the street or else risk having them pick up my car, is being replaced by once-a-week “just what I can fit in the City supplied can,” serviceRockville has its own police force, yet when my tires were slashed while my car was parked in front of a friend’s Croydon Park home, the Rockville City Police would not let my friend file a police report, since it was not his car, and it was parked on the street, and not on his property. Why are we paying for these services when Montgomery County has trash pick-up at one a week and they have a police force that I am paying for already?  I don’t mind paying for services when I get a return on my taxes, but we’re paying extra and getting nothing extra in return. 

Trapper Martin:

 I personally love the new trash service.  The bins are convenient and available in different sizes based on need.  Additional bins can be ordered from the City if needed also.  The best part of this service is the single stream recycling which is by far better than what we had before.  This new system is a win-win for us. I can’t speak to this since I am not a lawyer or police officer and am unclear on proper procedure here.  You would also have to pay for Montgomery County trash services and as mentioned above they don’t have the convenience of single stream recycling.  As far as the police force goes, each department handles different types of cases.  Rockville officers handle mostly non violent crime and neighborhood offenses that hit closest to our homes and hearts.  I appreciate being able to have someone that works for the City handle these.  The City does receive money from the County for duplication of services (not enough). 

Carl Henn:

The once a week service is well designed and is saving us money compared to the costs of continuing with the twice a week, manual system.  I am pleased with the refuse and recycling service we get from Rockville, though I would be willing to consider suggestions to improve the service or reduce the cost to provide it.

For Rockville police to refuse to take a report for a crime that occurred in Rockville is wrong.  I hope that such an event is far from the norm.  I spoke to Chief Treschuk about a similar event where the police’s performance wasn’t up to the standards we would expect.  His response reassured me that they are working hard to maintain high professional standards.  Our police have thousands of interactions with us.  Sometimes they screw up.  What you describe shouldn’t happen and if we knew which officer was responsible, he should be made to understand that this wasn’t appropriate.  Personally, I think the Rockville Police are worth the money we pay them.

John Britton:

I believe the city is well served by the Rockville city police.  If there are specific instances where a resident may feel that the police or a particular officer are not performing in the best interests of the community, then a complaint should be filed with the city.

Mark Pierzchala:

You’re asking why we’re a City. Believe me, the City is far more responsive to you as a citizen than a distant county government would ever be. We control our own zoning, our own services such as snow removal, and our own programs such as recreation and parks. There is vast benefit to being a City in Montgomery County.

Phyllis Marcuccio:

I am willing to give the new trash system a little more time. I am frustrated with the restrictions on additional items being left outside the can requiring a special (call in pick up) and the limitations on how often you can call. I have experienced the city services. I have not experienced the county’s services. While there are times, when I wish things were better, but I am not ready to say that I want to switch. I want to give us another chance to make you feel that your tax dollar well spent.

Tom Moore:

I disagree. I think we have excellent recreation programs, great city facilities, responsive police, lovely parks, careful planning, responsible stewardship of our land, and a responsive mayor and council (though I would work to make it even more so if elected!)  What had to be done about trash is disappointing, to be sure – I still remember when I first moved here and realized what the trash service was, and it made me very, very happy to be here. I will miss that service.  But I can’t agree that we’re getting nothing for what we’re paying in city taxes and fees.

Waleed Ovase:

The response times for RCPD is usually faster than MCPD, and it is unfortunate that they were unable to help you out.  However, the RCPD remain vigilant when it comes to drug busts and keeping our community safe.  We have lower crimes than any of the adjacent communities.  Fortunately, our trash pick up has gone down to once-a-week and in the near future, your costs for this service should be going down, and hopefully will under my term.  Like RCPD, Rockville's refuse is more reliable than Montgomery County's. 

Piotr Gajewski:

The City provides cans of different sizes, and will even provide multiple cans, if needed, in unusual circumstances.

This sounds like an unfortunate situation, but it is understandable that the police cannot take reports from third parties with respect to property damage.

The trash pick-up payment is billed separately; it is not supported through taxes. Rockville Police gives citizens extra protection and many extra services in and above the County Police.

Bridget Newton:

I think Rockville will need to consider very carefully the future of our separate tax if we continue to cut the services and amenities that those taxes were intended to fund.  At some point it will no longer be “special” to live in Rockville – and people will refuse to the pay additional property taxes.

Virginia Onley:

This question has been debated for years.  We are a municipality and our goal is to provide the highest level of services.  If you have an issue with the police department, I suggest that you make an appointment to speak with Chief Treschuk.  In my opinion we have one of the finest police departments in the Country.