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From the City’s website:

On September 14, 2007 Gaithersburg City Manager David B. Humpton announced his retirement, effective April 1, 2008. Humpton has worked for the City of Gaithersburg for more than 22 years, serving as its City Manager since 1995.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Gaithersburg and to work with a dedicated staff to implement the goals, policies and programs of the Mayor and Council for the past two decades,” said Humpton. “I am proud of my accomplishments with the City and I know that the opportunities afforded me here will serve me well into the future.”

With a Bachelor’s Degree from Wake Forest University and a Master’s in Public Administration from American University, Humpton began his employment with the City of Gaithersburg as an intern in 1986. He served as Deputy City Manager from 1990 to 1995 and was appointed City Manager on February 6, 1995.

“This community has witnessed tremendous growth in population and diversity in the past twenty years,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz. “With a well-deserved reputation for team building and collaboration, Dave has skillfully guided us through some significant changes. We are definitely a stronger community because of his efforts”

Among Humpton’s accomplishments are enhanced inter-governmental relationships that have broadened the City’s revenue sources, the creation of a strategic planning process that has helped develop long term goals for the City, and the revamping of the budget process to streamline decision-making. In 2004 he was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Community Leadership Association.

Humpton has helped manage many significant development projects in the past 22 years, including the Kentlands and Lakelands communities, the Washingtonian Center and revitalization efforts in Olde Towne.

A number of capital projects have also come on line during his leadership, including the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, the Diamond Square Apartments/UpCounty Senior Center, the Arts Barn, and the City’s first green building, the Youth Center at Robertson Park.

During his tenure the City has won multiple awards for livability, economic development initiatives, budgeting and accounting, communications, and recreation services.

At their regular meeting on Monday, September 17 the Mayor and City Council are expected to ratify an Employment Agreement that ensures a smooth and orderly transition and recognizes Humpton’s service to the City. The Agreement compensates Humpton for his services as City Manager until April 1, 2008, and requires at least 30 days’ notice should he announce his intentions to leave before that date.

“We think this agreement serves the best interests of all parties,” said Mayor Katz. “Dave has been an invaluable asset to this community, and we want to recognize his contributions while at the same time allowing him the flexibility to pursue new opportunities. We wish him nothing but the best.”

This is, to my knowlege, the largest City-sponsored annual event of the year; last year’s attendance was estimated at 30,000 people. Text from the City’s press release, the pictures are from my post on last year’s event:

“Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne,” Gaithersburg’s popular street festival, is back for its 26th year. A several block area around the intersection of Summit and Diamond Avenues will be closed to traffic as the entire community comes out for a day of music, food, arts, crafts, amusements, and much more. It all happens on Sunday, September 16 from Noon to 5 p.m.

Local restaurants will be on hand to offer delectable samples from their menus in this year’s “Taste” of Gaithersburg. Enjoy a wide range of culinary delights ranging from Southern fried chicken to African stews. Special tickets, priced at $1.25 each, must be purchased to buy “Taste” items. No item will sell for more than three tickets. Other favorites, including funnel cakes and ice cream, will be available throughout the festival. “Taste” tickets are not valid at these vendors. Advance “Taste” tickets sales are going on now at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Visit the festival website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/celebrate for details.

Five stages of live entertainment showcase a wide range of musical styles, headlined by Sister Hazel. Pat McGee and Friends kick off the entertainment on Stage I, the City Hall Concert Pavilion, at 1 p.m., followed by platinum and gold album recording artists Sister Hazel, taking the stage at 2:45 p.m.

On Stage II in Olde Towne Park near the train station, enjoy the classic sounds of the Olney Big Band from Noon until 2 p.m. Then kick up your heels to the Americana, roots rock sounds of Ruthie & the Wranglers from 3 to 5 p.m. Stage II is sponsored by Sandy Spring Bank.

Stage III at Diamond and Park Avenues will feature the Latin rhythms of Sol y Rumba, Sin Fronteras and Mystic Warriors throughout the day. A variety of community performances, including dance and choral music, can be found on Stage IV on East Diamond Avenue. Stage IV is sponsored by Sport & Health.

Artisans, importers and entertainers from around the globe will share their wares and talents in the City World Market, located in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall. A unique element of the World Market is an education initiative, supported by Gaithersburg’s Economic Development office. Qualifying artisans received free business development training over the summer, including information on registering a business, where and how to obtain loans, product pricing, marketing, and more. Sponsored in part by the Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne Montgomery College Hispanic Business & Training Institute and the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the award-winning City World Market is also home to Stage V, featuring African dance, Argentine Tango, Middle Eastern belly dance, and much more.

Youngsters are in for a special treat with interactive theatre, games, demonstrations and amusements. Little ones will enjoy wandering through Bubble Island, or trying their skills on the Forest Oak Boy Scouts rope bridge. Creativity comes alive at the Middle Earth Studios, with costumed story telling and creative dramatics. Explore the natural world in the Discovery Creek Rolling Rainforest. Have your picture taken with Smokey the Bear at the Firehouse Museum, be in your own safety video with KinderVision, and visit Operation Lifesaver at the Community Museum to learn about safe railroad crossing.

Two children’s activity areas will feature circus clowns, balloon artists, jugglers and interactive entertainment. Located in the parking lot adjacent to Wells/Robertson House near City Hall and on Summit Avenue near Bank of America, the activity areas are sponsored in part by Six Flags America and Washington Parent Magazine. There will be other amusements such as moon bounces, a climbing wall and slides throughout the festival.

The City of Gaithersburg will recognize its newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony conducted at noon at the City Hall Concert Pavilion. Immediately following the swearing in, the Mayor and City Council will present awards for the Distinguished Citizen, Outstanding Organization, and Friend of Gaithersburg.

Free shuttle service is available to and from satellite parking at Lakeforest Shopping Center. A bike valet parking service will be available behind the Victor Litz Music Center off of Summit Avenue. Free parking is also available at the public garage on the corner of South Summit and Olde Towne Avenues. Additional parking is available at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, less than a quarter mile from the festival area. Please note that no alcohol, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or pets are allowed at the event.

Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne is sponsored in part by MIX 107.3 FM, Washington’s CW Television and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic Area. For a complete festival schedule visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/celebrate or call 301-258-6350.

From the City’s website:

Thursday, September 13, 2007
Significant Events

On 09/13/07, at approximately 12:04 p.m., an officer responded to the parking garage, located at 108 Olde Towne Avenue for a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer observed a vehicle parked blocking the travel portion of the garage in a suspicious manner. Officers detected an odor in the area which smelled like propane gas. As a precautionary measure, Montgomery County Fire Rescue was requested to rule out any hazardous material and/or explosive devices. As a further precaution, a building containing residences and retail establishments was evacuated. A second building nearby was partially evacuated. All railroad traffic was halted as well. After investigation, at approximately 3:00 p.m. it was determined that there was no threat and no hazardous material. At that time, occupants were allowed to return to the buildings and railroad traffic was resumed. Olde Towne Avenue and S. Summit Avenue were closed in the area for several hours during this event.

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Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Attempted Burglary

On 09/12/07, between 6:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., an unknown person attempted to enter a residence in the 200 block of Lee Street. There were no indications that entry was actually made, but there were signs of tampering on the door lock.

This would probably be Park Station Apartments; that block of Lee St runs between Park Ave & N. Summit, but is interrupted by the Park Station garage.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Aggravated Assault

On 09/11/07, at approximately 5:32 p.m., officers responded to the Home Depot, 15740 Shady Grove Road, for the report of an assault on a store employee. The employee attempted to stop the suspect on suspicion of theft, and the suspect brandished a razor, threatening to cut the store employee. The suspect was apprehended a short time later and charged with first and second degree assault, and theft.

Significant Events

Victim reports that sometime between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on 09/11/2007, she discovered an unknown male suspect attempting to look in through the bedroom window of her residence in the 400 block of North Frederick Avenue. The suspect was startled and fled when the victim yelled at him.