Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The Frederick Planning Commission met on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, continuances, miscellaneous items, and two new business items: a preliminary forest conservation plan for Brickworks and a text amendment to allow hospitals in mixed-use districts. Several votes were taken, with some split decisions. Discussion Items - Minutes Approval: Three sets of minutes were approved: November 12, 2024 (4-0-1 abstention), November 18, 2024 (unanimous), and December 6, 2024 (unanimous). - Continuance – Renn Quarter Phase 3, Section 2 (PC24-555PSU/FSI): The applicant requested a 30-day continuance to January 13, 2025, due to outstanding issues. The commission unanimously granted the continuance. - Approval of 2025-2026 Planning Commission Deadline Schedules: The commission unanimously approved the submission calendars for 2025-2026. - Summers Farm Extension (PC21-1245PSU): The applicant requested a one-year extension of the preliminary plat, citing the need for approvals from multiple agencies (FEMA, Army Corps, MDE, SHA). The commission found that the applicant had pursued development in good faith and that external agency approvals hindered completion. Unanimously approved extension to December 13, 2025. - Kellerton Land Bays D & E and City Park Extension (PC21-515PSU/FSI): The applicant requested a six-month extension, but the commission extended it to one year (to January 12, 2026) due to unresolved title issues and a quiet title action in court. Unanimously approved. - Fence Modification – 91-92 Blueridge Drive (PC24-655PCM): The applicant requested an 8.5-foot tall fence in a residential district to address trespassing and dumping. Staff recommended approval, finding the modification consistent with code and comprehensive plan, with tapering design as compensating feature. The commission unanimously approved with additional findings under Section 821(D2). - Brickworks Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan (PC24-622PFCP): Two actions were considered. The first was a modification to remove 83 specimen trees (out of 95 on site). The applicant justified removal due to environmental remediation and road construction. Commissioner Beattie expressed concern about precedent and suggested limiting removal to road-impacted trees, but the motion for approval passed 4-1 (one opposed). The second action was approval of the preliminary forest conservation plan with conditions, passed unanimously. - Text Amendment – Hospitals in MU Districts (PC24-661ZTA): The applicant, Frederick Health Village, requested a recommendation to city council to allow hospitals as a permitted use in MU-1 and MU-2 zones. Staff supported the amendment, citing consistency with comprehensive plan policies. Some commissioners expressed concerns about precedent and timing, but the motion to recommend approval to city council passed 4-1 (one opposed). Commissioner Beattie recused himself. Key Outcomes - Approved three sets of minutes. - Granted continuance for Renn Quarter Phase 3 to January 13, 2025. - Approved 2025-2026 schedules. - Approved one-year extension for Summers Farm (to Dec 13, 2025) and one-year extension for Kellerton (to Jan 12, 2026). - Approved fence modification for 91-92 Blueridge Drive. - Approved specimen tree removal modification for Brickworks (4-1) and preliminary forest conservation plan (unanimous). - Approved recommendation to city council for hospital text amendment (4-1, with one recusal).

The Frederick City Council held a public meeting on December 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included public comments, a consent agenda item, a resolution to adopt updated city council rules of procedure, and two quasi-judicial public hearings for rezoning properties. Key decisions included the approval of an electricity supply agreement, adoption of revised council rules, and rezoning for both a county government complex and a future county library. Consent Calendar - Approval of Electricity Supply Agreement with Freepoint Energy Solutions: Unanimously approved (5-0). The agreement was the cheapest bid among 335 accounts. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Newmark (Frederick resident): Opposed Policy 443, which allows transgender students to participate in sports and use facilities matching their gender identity. He argued the policy harms girls' fairness, safety, and privacy, and cited scientific evidence against affirmative therapy for gender dysphoria. - Misty Lucente (Iamsville): Opposed abortion, specifically describing the procedures of second-trimester abortions. She criticized Mayor O'Connor's support for abortion access and called it "dismembering a baby." - Shelley Aloy (City of Frederick): Opposed non-citizen voting, stating the RISE Coalition petition had only 132 signatures while her petition garnered over 2,300 signatures. She urged the council to reconsider or add guardrails to the decision. - Jane Temania (Middletown): Expressed support for the rezoning of 501 S. McCain Drive from parkland to institutional for a county library. She thanked the city and county for the thoughtful process and noted the site has immediate access to schools and transit. - Jim Smersall (downtown Frederick): During the rezoning hearing for 585 Himes Avenue, he raised concerns about visual impacts on the US 15 corridor, including a large communications tower, and urged keeping government jobs downtown. Later, during public comments, he noted the city had previously abandoned parkland (Sagner Park) and suggested the council may face similar decisions with Husky Park. Discussion Items - Updated City Council Rules of Procedure: The council debated and amended the proposed rules extensively. Key changes included: - Section 5 – Standing Committees: Committees to be initially formed by February 1, 2025, and thereafter in January after each new administration. Committees will be formally proposed by the council president and adopted by the council after a public organizational workshop. - Section 6 – Special Committees: Duration clarified: expire at end of term or at conclusion of work, whichever occurs first. - Section 7 – Workshops & Business Meetings: Retained ability to hold workshops; business meetings allowed for consent agenda action at any time. - Section 13 (Ordinances): Filing deadline reduced from 21 days to 10 days before introduction; council members receive copies at least 7 days before meeting. Mayoral veto: passage delivered within 5 days instead of 10. Unanimous vote of members present (not all elected) to declare emergency. Publication updated to "city's website and through contemporary communication methods." - Section 14 (Resolutions): Mirroring ordinance timeline: 10-day filing, 7-day distribution to council. Mayoral veto delivery amended to 5 days. - Section 17 (Reconsideration): Changed "chairman" to "council president" and clarified that hearing on merits is a full reconsideration without added language. - Rezoning of 585 Himes Avenue (Prospect Center) – Ordinance G-24-22: The applicant (Frederick County) seeks to rezone 19.5 acres from Professional Business (PB) to Institutional (IST) for a government services complex. Discussion included concerns about alternative sites, visual impacts along US 15, and conditions (landscape screening, covered bike parking, communications tower restrictions). The motion carried 3-2. - Rezoning of 501 S. McCain Drive (Hillcrest Park) – Ordinances G-24-23 and G-24-24: Two ordinances: one to remove the Open Space (PRK) floating zone, reverting to R8 residential; another to apply the Institutional (IST) floating zone for a future county library. Councilmembers expressed frustration with the loss of parkland but acknowledged the need for a library in the underserved west side. Both ordinances passed 5-0. The findings included consistency with land use policy 8 and municipal growth policy 6. Key Outcomes - Electricity Supply Agreement: Approved (5-0). - City Council Rules of Procedure: Adopted (5-0) as amended. - 585 Himes Avenue Rezoning (Prospect Center): Approved (3-2) with conditions: maximize landscape screening along Route 15, covered bike parking, emergency communications tower limited to county use, co-location prohibited, and access to conduit for future telecom needs. - 501 S. McCain Drive (Hillcrest Park) Rezoning: Both ordinances (removal of PRK and application of IST) approved (5-0). Findings emphasized facilitating a public library and consistency with the comprehensive plan. - Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Nash affirmed support for LGBTQ+ community and women's healthcare. Councilmember Shackelford responded to earlier speakers, defending the ability to change one's mind with new information and urging opponents of abortion to become foster parents or adopt.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on December 4, 2024, to receive the Frederick Police Department's mid-year update from Chief Jason Lando and Captain Kirk Henneberry. Council members McShane and Kazem Shak were absent. The presentation covered recent initiatives, technology upgrades, wellness programs, and future staffing needs. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Mobile Command Post: Chief Lando announced the department acquired a free mobile command post from the Capitol Police, refurbished over two years, now operational. Equivalent new cost would be $1 million. - Drone Program: The department has 7-8 drone pilots. A new "Drone as First Responder" program will automatically deploy a drone from the new headquarters roof to calls, feeding real-time video to officers. Chief emphasized it is not for constant surveillance. - License Plate Readers: A mobile trailer reader is deployed as needed. The department ordered 20 stationary cameras for city ingress/egress points to enhance crime response. - CAD and RMS Systems: New dispatch system (CAD) in final testing with fire, Brunswick, Thurmont, and sheriff’s office. A new records management system (RMS) is critical as the old one is unsupported; expected to go live by January 2025. - Wellness Program (Resiliency & Wellness Coach): A clinician hired to start mid-January 2025, embedded in the department to provide mental health support, ride-alongs, and build trust. Chief Lando stated this is the top priority for retention and officer support. - Wellness App: Grant-funded Magnus Works app launched, covering mental, physical, and financial wellness. Officers trained; app also available to family members and retirees. Chief noted typical early adoption is 10-15%. - Struggle Well Training: Grant-funded training from Gary Sinise Foundation/AT&T. Command staff and a pilot group of officers completed it; overwhelmingly positive. The department plans to train all staff over two years, starting with a class of 20 in January 2025. - Academy Class: 68th academy class started with 17 student officers; 7 for FPD, 10 from outside agencies. - Traffic Division: A full-time traffic unit is a priority once staffing reaches full complement. Currently, officers on each shift handle traffic enforcement. - New Headquarters: On time and on budget, move-in expected May 1, 2025, with a tour confirming progress. - Staffing and Annexation Planning: Council member noted the need to connect land-use decisions with police resource impacts. Chief Lando and Captain Henneberry expressed willingness to coordinate with planning and provide data on staffing needs from annexations. Chief stated the upcoming budget will focus on non-sworn professional staff. - Perception of Safety: Chief Lando discussed the balance between transparency and public perception. Crime statistics are down significantly in all but one category. He emphasized community collaboration, multicultural liaison efforts, and the trust built with residents. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. - The wellness coach position has been filled and will start in January 2025. - The Magnus Works wellness app is live and training is complete. - Struggle Well training will continue quarterly until all staff are trained. - The new CAD and RMS systems are expected to go live by early 2025. - The department will present a budget request focusing on non-sworn staff positions. - The police department will be more involved in annexation discussions to assess resource impacts. - The new headquarters is on track for a May 1, 2025 move-in.

The Frederick City Council held a special workshop on December 3, 2024, to receive an update and presentation on the city's new Election Districting Project from the consulting firm Haystack LLC. The meeting began with the election of a new Council President and Vice President. Council members reviewed a racial bloc voting (RBV) analysis, examined two draft district maps, debated the public participation process, and adjusted the project timeline to allow for more community input. No final maps were adopted. Election of Council Officers - Councilmember Katie Nash was elected Council President (vote 5-0). - Councilmember Derek Shackelford was elected Council Vice President (vote 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Lance English (Resident, Emerald Farm): Expressed surprise at the speed of the districting process. Questioned the utility of the racial block voting analysis, noting that it only found polarized voting in a small number of elections (2 of 19 for Black voters, 4 of 19 for Hispanic voters). Asked whether new developments and a clear definition of "resident" for voting eligibility were being factored into the maps. - Mr. Mahone (NAACP Representative): Strongly criticized the proposed timeline, arguing it "functionally eliminates citizen input" and stated that "democracy is messy." Requested a deeper analysis of countywide election data for the RBV study and asked whether the city's allowance of non-citizen voting should be reflected in the data used to draw districts. Pressed for exploration of remedies other than majority-minority districts if drawing one is geographically impractical. - Deb Reynolds (Resident): Requested that income balance and parity between districts be included as a consideration when evaluating and adjusting the draft maps. Discussion Items Racial Bloc Voting (RBV) Analysis: Haystack LLC presented the results of a racial bloc voting analysis, a standard step for Voting Rights Act compliance. Using the Thornburg v. Gingles test, the firm analyzed 19 statewide elections at the precinct level. The analysis found instances of racial polarized voting for Black voters in 2 of the 19 elections (the 2022 Democratic primary for Governor and the Attorney General race) and for Hispanic voters in 4 of the 19 elections. Regarding the third prong of the Gingles test, Haystack concluded that drawing a geographically compact and contiguous majority-minority district was not possible without extreme gerrymandering due to the dispersed nature of the city's minority populations. Council Member Ximchek confirmed that statewide elections were used because no city council district elections existed previously to analyze. The Council agreed that the draft maps should not consider incumbency or partisan breakdown. Draft Maps and Public Process: Senior Analyst Zach Coombs presented two draft district maps (Map 1 and Map 2). The maps were drawn using the 2020 prisoner-adjusted census population (78,303 total, ideal district size 15,661) with a maximum population deviation of 10%. Map 1 had a total deviation of 5.34%. The maps prioritized compactness, major roads, natural boundaries, and keeping neighborhoods intact. Haystack noted a discrepancy between the city boundary provided by the clerk's office and the 2020 census boundary due to recent annexations, but confirmed these areas have negligible population for current districting purposes. The Council discussed the balance between encouraging public participation via the Dave's Redistricting App and managing an unwieldy number of submissions. Councilmember McShane cautioned against a "free-for-all" process, while Councilmember Kelly Russell and Vice President Shackelford expressed concern that the original timeline was too short to gather meaningful public input, especially from residents without reliable technology access. Timeline Debate: The original timeline proposed final map adoption by January 20, 2025 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Councilmember Russell argued this was insufficient over the holiday season. Vice President Shackelford supported extending the comment period to ensure robust engagement. Councilmember McShane expressed comfort with the existing proposals and favored adopting one of the two maps unless a fundamental flaw was found. Council President Nash proposed a compromise, moving the target adoption date to the February 6 regular meeting. Key Outcomes - Council Leadership: Katie Nash and Derek Shackelford were elected President and Vice President by unanimous 5-0 votes. - Map Criteria: The Council affirmed that the districting process would not consider incumbent addresses or partisan data. - Timeline Adjustment: The schedule was relaxed. The target for the public hearing and adoption of final maps is now the regular business meeting on February 6, 2025, allowing more time for public engagement. - Public Engagement: Residents can submit feedback and alternative maps to the City Clerk or via the Dave's Redistricting App. Verbal descriptions of desired changes are also accepted. The Council requested that city staff present a comprehensive communications plan to ensure outreach reaches all residents. - Next Steps: The public comment period is open as the city works toward finalizing maps by February. The Council is scheduled to discuss related Rules of Procedure at its December 5 meeting.

The Historic Preservation Commission held a special public hearing on December 2, 2024, at City Hall in Frederick, Maryland, to consider a demolition review request for the dwelling at 1207 North Market Street. The commission evaluated whether the property is potentially eligible for historic designation. Public Hearing – Demolition Review (HPC24-955DR) - Property: 1207 N. Market Street, located in the Maple Park subdivision (platted 1922). The dwelling was constructed by either William Bumgardner or Charles Ken, both small-scale real estate investors. The property was the long-term home of the Palmer family and site of Albert Palmer's piano business. - Staff Recommendation: Staff determined that the structure is over 50 years old and considered the historic designation criteria. They found the property does not hold significance for an event, cultural group, or association with significant persons. While the dwelling is a good example of early suburban development, it lacks the high level of significance for individual distinction. Staff recommended the commission not pursue historic designation. - Correction: A commissioner noted that the property is outside the historic preservation overlay but within the National Register District, where it is currently listed as non-contributing (based on a 1949 construction date). Staff clarified that their documentation indicates an earlier construction date, which could make it a contributing resource, but still not individually eligible for designation. - Applicant Remarks: The applicant (recently moved to Frederick) thanked staff and the commission, expressed no objections to the staff report, and asked to proceed as soon as possible. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously (all present in favor) to accept the staff report and not pursue historic designation for 1207 N. Market Street. - No citizen comments were offered. - The meeting was adjourned after this single business item.

The Frederick City Council held a public meeting on November 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The agenda included approvals of minutes, appointments, a consent agenda, public hearings on purchases, agreements, and resolutions. The meeting also featured extensive public comment on a ceasefire resolution regarding Gaza, historic preservation, and local governance issues. All votes were 4-0 unless noted. Consent Calendar - Special Ordinance S-24-29: Approved unanimously (4-0) to amend the FY2025 budget, increasing the transfer to the Capital Improvements Program for Park and Housing and Human Services projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Ceasefire Resolution: Eight speakers (Willie Mahone, Tina Meadows O'Rear, Grady O'Rear, Emily Malley, Nick Zube, Emily Van Norden, Eric Musa) urged the council to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, U.S. veto of a UN ceasefire resolution, and examples from other Maryland jurisdictions. Mahone also reiterated the NAACP’s objection to the downtown hotel/conference center as “corporate welfare.” - Historic Preservation: Todd Offitty criticized the Memorandum of Agreement for the Downtown Frederick Hotel/Conference Center as inadequate for preserving the Byrley Tannery site, especially the iconic smokestack. He noted the Historic Preservation Commission’s support for a more robust exhibit. - Non-Citizen Voting: Shelley Alloy criticized the council’s vote to allow non-citizen voting, calling it a lack of transparency and presenting a petition of 2,300 residents. She requested guardrails on the policy. - Mayor’s Press Conference: Colt Black and Jamie Brennan, both recently elected officials, condemned Mayor O’Connor’s remarks about them being “anti-education and regressive,” calling the comments divisive and made without prior conversation. Discussion Items - Dark Fiber Acquisition (Segra): Approved 4-0 for $16,925 construction cost plus $1,000/month over eight years to connect the Trinity Building to the city’s network. Councilmember Nash verified the trenching process for multiple entities. - License Plate Readers (Utility Inc.): Approved 3-0 (Councilmember Nash abstained due to employment conflict) for $52,000 for stationary LPRs. Police emphasized 30-day data retention, no demographic targeting, and human verification of alerts. - Sidewalk Trip Hazard Repair (Precision Concrete Cutting): Approved 4-0 for $88,728.23 to repair over 1,100 trip hazards in the Golden Mile equity emphasis area. Councilmember Russell expressed caution about vendor-driven hazard identification. - Demolition of Fishing Creek Caretaker House: Approved 4-0 for $68,310. Councilmember McShane noted the symbolic loss of the historic building. - Airport Fence Completion (Long Fence): Approved 4-0 for $263,257 to finish 3,600 linear feet of perimeter fence, funded 75% by Maryland Aviation Administration grant. - Motter Avenue Stormwater Improvements: Two actions approved 4-0 each: (1) Special Ordinance S-24-30 reallocating $2.2 million in ARPA funds from other stormwater projects and $356,000 from stormwater fund balance to close a funding gap; (2) Contract with Triangle Contracting for up to $7,196,019 (including contingency) for 24-month construction. YMCA CEO Chris Colville urged faster action, noting past flood damages and long delays. - Memorandum of Agreement with Maryland Historic Trust (Hotel/Conference Center): Approved 4-0. Councilmember McShane requested honoring slave labor history in interpretation. Councilmember Shackelford deferred finance questions. - Reimbursement Letter with Plamondon Hospitality Partners: Approved 4-0 for $1 million state grant distribution. Councilmembers emphasized prompt payment and project scale, requesting updated economic study. - Rezoning Conditions for 585 Himes Ave (Frederick County Prospect Center): Adopted 4-0 with four conditions: (1) maximize landscaping along US 15, (2) covered bicycle parking, (3) telecommunications tower limited to exclusively emergency communications use, (4) city and county to develop an agreement for city fiber optic conduit access across the site. Revised language accepted per county input. - Payment in Lieu of Parkland (7615 Hayward Road): Resolution 24-26 approved 4-0, setting the fee at $95,000 for 112 apartments (1.29 acres required), based on July 2024 appraisal. Key Outcomes - All consent and hearing items approved with 4-0 votes, except license plate readers (3-0-1 abstention). - Council adopted four conditions for the rezoning of 585 Himes Avenue; the rezoning ordinance will return for final acceptance on December 5, 2024. - The meeting marked the last under the old mayor-council format; starting December 1, 2024, the mayor will no longer preside at council meetings under the new city government structure. - The council did not take action on the ceasefire resolution requested by public speakers. - Councilmember Nash abstained from the LPR vote due to a conflict of interest. - The city will proceed with reallocating ARPA funds to ensure no funds are returned by the December 31, 2024 deadline.

The Mayor and City Council of Frederick met on November 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM in City Hall for a workshop. The meeting included a proclamation for GIS Day, routine approvals, and two major discussion items: a proposed five-year water and sewer rate structure and proposed revisions to the structure of the City Council. All votes were unanimous (4-0), with Councilmember Shackelford absent. Presentations - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day Proclamation: Mayor O'Connor proclaimed November 20, 2024, as GIS Day in Frederick, recognizing the value of GIS technology for decision-making, public safety, transportation, and transparent governance. GIS staff Kim Parr, Bill, and Matt accepted the proclamation. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of October 9, 16, and 23, 2024, were approved by a 4-0 vote each. - Release of Surety: Approved the release of a $5,517.68 bond posted by Hood College for on-site afforestation related to a residence hall project (4-0). - Special Ordinances: Approved three budget amendments (all 4-0): - Special Ordinance 24-29: Amendment to FY 2025 budget for a State Homeland Security Subgrant from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. - Special Ordinance 24-30: Amendment to FY 2025 General Fund Budget for an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. - Special Ordinance 24-31: Amendment to FY 2025 Budget for a HUD Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant. Discussion Items Water and Sewer Rate Study (FY 2026–2030) - Presenter: Lacey Gordon (Budget Manager), Mike Maker (NewGen Strategies), and Katie Barkthal (Director of Budget and Administration) presented the results of a comprehensive rate study. The study recommended a 3% annual increase in water and sewer rates for each of the next five fiscal years (FY 2026–2030) to cover operating expenses, debt service, capital projects, and reserve targets (90 days of operating expenses and a repair/replacement reserve). - Impact Fees: Staff recommended maintaining current water ($7,200) and sewer ($6,300) impact fees per single-family dwelling, with annual increases tied to CPI. - Council Questions: - Councilmember Kazemchak asked about the impact of including debt service in the enterprise fund and whether removing it could lower rates. Staff clarified that debt service is a necessary component and that moving it to the general fund would reduce general fund debt capacity. - Councilmember Russell asked whether increasing impact fees could provide rate relief to existing customers. The consultant explained that impact fees are based on capacity costs, not directly linked to rate revenue. - Next Step: The item will be scheduled for a public hearing; no vote was taken at the workshop. Proposed Revisions to City Council Structure - Presenter: Chief of Staff Guy (last name not given) and Legislative Assistant Claire Jackson presented a draft memo outlining a new structure for the legislative branch, including roles for a Council President and Vice President, standing committees, and standard legislative processes. - Key Discussion Points: - Councilmember Russell expressed concern about the phrase "evaluating the performance of city services and programs," arguing it could blur legislative and executive functions. He preferred language about "evaluating the efficacy of city policies." Councilmember Nash supported the original wording as a broad authority for oversight. - Councilmember Kazemchak questioned how the structure would be codified (likely as amendments to the Rules of Procedure). - Councilmember McShane raised issues about committee composition, the role of the Vice President, and the grouping of policy areas (e.g., combining housing, health, and public safety). He advocated for more public input before adoption. - Councilmember Nash proposed moving forward with a resolution at the December 5, 2024, meeting, while Councilmember McShane preferred delaying committee structure decisions for the next council term. - Staff noted that the draft is flexible; the Council President would assign committees and legislation, but several members requested adding language that the President act "in collaboration with the Vice President" for committee assignments and agenda-setting. - Outcome: Staff will incorporate feedback (e.g., clarifying the Vice President’s role to preside over meetings in the President’s absence, adding collaboration language) and prepare a resolution for the December 5, 2024, City Council meeting. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Business Meeting Items: Approved unanimously (4-0). - Water/Sewer Rate Study: Directed to proceed to a public hearing; no final vote. - Council Structure Revisions: Staff to draft a resolution for adoption on December 5, 2024, incorporating feedback from the workshop. - Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Nash commended the Housing and Human Services Department for the annual turkey distribution at Harry Grove Stadium, noting the integration of social services. The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop on November 18, 2024, to discuss two agenda items: a fence height modification request at 91-92 Blueridge Court and a final site plan for a storage building at Stulz Air Technology Systems. Commissioners heard presentations from applicants and staff, asked clarifying questions, and provided feedback. No votes were taken. Item 1: Fence Modification (PC24-655PCM) – 91-92 Blueridge Court Applicant Danielle Reap (Claggett Management, representing the Mountaingate Homeowners Association) requested permission to increase fence height from the standard 6 feet to 8.5 feet for several panels between two townhomes. The goal was to deter foot traffic and illegal dumping from a neighboring apartment complex (The Grove) into the HOA’s common area. Keisha Wilburn, a board member and resident, noted the area is unlit and unsafe, with rodent issues from trash. The proposed fence would tie into an existing 6-foot fence atop a 30-inch retaining wall at 92 Blueridge Court, then taper down to 6 feet. Commissioners asked about materials (proposed board-on-board wood), the connection to an existing chain-link fence, and why a fence at the top of the path was not chosen (to still allow maintenance access). Commissioner Valencia suggested considering alternative materials like brick or cinder block for durability. Chair Strawson noted the planning sign had already been destroyed, indicating potential vandalism. Commissioner Menelas asked about precedent, as 8.5-foot fences are not allowed in residential districts except between industrial uses. Staff noted a prior modification for a higher fence in a non-industrial context may exist and offered to check. Commissioner Beattie requested a clearer drawing with a directional key for the full hearing. The public had no comment. The workshop concluded with the commission seeking more visual renderings of the tapered fence and considering whether the proposal meets modification criteria. Item 2: Final Site Plan (PC24-757FSI) – Stulz Air Technology Systems, LLC Applicant Mike Battern (Fox & Associates) presented a proposal to construct a 7,400-square-foot, three-sided metal pole building between two existing buildings at 1560 and 1572 Tilco Drive. The building would replace a current tent structure and be used for storing manufacturing components. No additional employees or water/sewer demand are anticipated. The building height is 40 feet, matching or slightly less than existing buildings. Commissioner Beattie asked about building visibility from the street (yes) and its dimensions (5 feet from each existing building, with an open north end for forklift access). Staff noted all review comments have been addressed or are in process, including an archaeological assessment (applied for) and APFO requirements. The FAA issued a determination of no hazard; Maryland Aviation Administration notification is pending. Stormwater management and landscaping have been approved. No public comment was offered. The workshop concluded with staff expecting all conditions to be satisfied before the scheduled hearing. Key Outcomes - Fence Modification: Commissioners requested additional visual materials (renderings, directional key) for the full hearing. Staff will research prior fence modifications for precedent guidance. The applicant was encouraged to explore alternative fence materials. - Stulz Site Plan: All agency comments are being addressed; archaeological assessment and APFO compliance are pending but expected to be resolved before the hearing. No additional traffic or utility impacts are anticipated.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on November 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall to hear cases, discuss proposed projects, and conduct a workshop. The meeting included a public hearing, approval of minutes, administrative reports, consent items, and four regular cases. The commission also recognized Christina Martinkosky as the first Division Manager of Historic Preservation Planning. Consent Calendar - HPC24-778 (522 Klineharts Alley) – Rehabilitation approval for Derrick and Molly Harrigan, agent Robert Johnston. The commission approved the consent item unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - On HPC24-759 (200 E Patrick Street): A member of the public, identified as Totoff, spoke in opposition to the current site plan, supporting staff comments regarding the mitigation for the historic Byerly Tannery. He urged the incorporation of the smokestack into the design and requested a more meaningful interpretation of the site's industrial heritage. Discussion Items - HPC24-702 (127 E 6th Street) – Continuance: Staff announced that this demolition case was automatically continued to the December 12, 2024 hearing due to public notice requirements. No action was taken. - HPC24-779 (10 N Carroll Street) – Amendment (Crabby Bunch, LLC): The commission considered a modification to allow a new wood service door and wood soffit to be finished with a clear stain (rather than solid opaque), plus new hardware. Staff noted the elements are recessed under cover and recommended approval. The commission agreed, finding the location protected from the elements, and approved the application unanimously. - HPC24-759 (200 E Patrick Street) – Level II Review (Frederick Conference Center Hotel): Staff presented a detailed report on materials, landscaping, and lighting. A major point of discussion was the extensive artistic uplighting proposal. Staff recommended conditions including removal of uplighting on upper stories of the south elevation and an 80% reduction overall. After discussion, the applicant agreed to remove the lighting plan from the current application and resubmit it separately. The commission then voted to approve the remainder of the Level II application with that condition, unanimous. - HPC24-764 (132 W Church Street) – Demolition: Partial demolition of a non-historic rear stoop. Staff found the removal would not affect the historic integrity of the contributing resource. The commission approved the application unanimously. - HPC24-769 (132 W Church Street) – Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation of a non-historic rear addition. Staff recommended approval, noting the rear location and non-historic nature. The commission approved the application unanimously. Key Outcomes - All regular cases (HPC24-779, HPC24-759, HPC24-764, HPC24-769) were approved, with HPC24-759 having the lighting plan removed for future review. - Administrative Approval Report for October 2024 (30 cases reviewed and approved) was noted. - The commission amended the hearing agenda to hear HPC24-779 first, consistent with staff request for interpretive assistance. - Workshop cases (HPC24-477, HPC24-685, HPC24-744) were discussed and applicants were directed to resubmit updated materials by December 2, 2024 for the December 12 hearing.