Subject
title
Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No. 30-73, requesting the name change of the “Senior Citizens Commission” to the “Rockville Commission on Aging,” and to update the mission thereof.
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Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
The Mayor and Council of Rockville should adopt changes to Resolution No. 30-73, requesting the name change of the “Senior Citizens Commission” to the “Rockville Commission on Aging,” and to update the mission thereof.
Change in Law or Policy
Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No. 30-73.
Discussion
Background on the Senior Citizens Commission:
On November 3, 1969, the Mayor and Council passed Resolution No. 62-69, creating a five (5) member “Senior Citizens Commission” focused on the concerns of the elderly, establishing local programs for seniors, and integrating the senior population into all city activities. On May 11, 1970, the Mayor and Council by resolution No. 21-70, amending resolution No. 62-69 to increase the number of commissioners from five (5) to seven (7). On May 14, 1973, by resolution No. 30-73, amended resolution No. 21-70 to further increase the number of commissioners from seven (7) to nine (9) and to impose staggered 3-year terms. At the May 1, 2025, Senior Citizens Commission Meeting, a significant portion of the meeting discussed changing the name of the commission to the “Rockville Commission on Aging,” as well as updating its mission. (Attachment A - Meeting Minutes) A commissioner made a motion to present the name change and updated mission to the Mayor and Council, and all commissioners were in favor. Alexis D’Angelo Swope, Senior Support Services Supervisor, created a letter dated May 9, 2025, to be sent to the Mayor and Council, requesting consideration for a name change and an updated mission. (Attachment B - letter to Mayor and Council)
Recommendations for Resolution Updates:
Members of the Senior Citizens Commission propose the following updates to Resolution No. 30-73
1. Change the name of the Senior Citizens Commission to the “Rockville Commission on Aging. Consisting of nine (9) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, who serve as a vital link between the Mayor and Council and Rockville’s older population.
2. Change the mission of the Rockville Commission on Aging, including:
- To advocate on behalf of older adults, promote policies and programs that support the well-being of older adults, and serve as ambassadors to those living in or visiting the Rockville community.
- To work closely with City staff to identify the needs of aging residents and to gather community input and support for both existing and new initiatives that enhance the quality of life for aging residents.
- Represent the interests of Rockville’s older adults at the local, county, and state levels, striving to ensure the voices are heard in relevant social and legislative discussions.
Benefits of Proposed Changes:
The Commissioners felt the edits will have the following benefits:
- The name change and updated mission will better reflect the evolving needs of older adults in our community.
- The updated name aligns with terminology used by neighboring jurisdictions and presents a more inclusive and welcoming image for both current and prospective commissioners.
- The updated mission better reflects the Commission's broader mission of advocating for all older adults in our community.
The proposed changes in the Resolution as reflected in Attachment C are presented for your consideration. (Attachment C - proposed resolution changes.)
Mayor and Council History
On November 3, 1969, the Mayor and Council passed Resolution No. 62-69, creating the “Senior Citizens Commission” as a five (5) member board focused on the concerns of the elderly, establishing local programs for seniors, and integrating the senior population into all city activities.
On May 11, 1970 by resolution No. 21-70 the Mayor and Council amended Resolution No 62-69 to increase the number of Commissioners from five (5) to seven (7)
On May 14, 1973, by resolution No. 30-73 the Mayor and Council amended resolution No. 21-70 to further increase the number of commissioners from seven (7) to nine (9) and to impose staggered terms three (3) year terms.
On May 9, 2025, the Mayor and Council of Rockville received a letter from Alexis D’Angelo Swope, Senior Support Supervisor and liaison to the Senior Citizens Commission, requesting consideration of the name change and updated mission for revisions to Resolution No. 30-73.
On July 17, 2025, a draft resolution was approved by the Senior Citizens Commission, to then be presented to the Mayor and Council.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the adoption of this resolution.
Next Steps
If the Mayor and Council adopt the resolution updates, the Senior Citizens Commission will move forward with promoting their new name and continue to represent the interests of Rockville’s older adults, focusing on implementing its new mission.