Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The Frederick City Council held a workshop meeting on May 8, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The meeting included the approval of minutes, routine business items, a discussion on a budget amendment, a fee waiver request, and a detailed presentation on a proposed youth center. The council voted on several items and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: April 17, 2024, minutes were approved unanimously (5-0). April 24, 2024, minutes were approved 4-0 with one abstention (Alderwoman Kazemchek). - Grant Agreement: Approval of a FY25 Grant Agreement with the Maryland Department of Health for School Based Health Center Operations was approved unanimously (5-0). Discussion Items - Special Ordinance 24-19: A budget amendment to increase the FY2024 budget by $431,135 to expend final grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services Lifting All Voices Grant. Ashley Wars, Senior Assistant Director in Housing and Human Services, explained the need to move funds into the budget to close out the grant. Alderman Shackelford expressed opposition, citing insufficient information in the backup about the grant's use. The motion passed 4-1, with Alderwoman McZemcek opposed. - Fee Waiver Request: A request by Deaf Pickleball of the United States of America, Inc. to waive a $250 fee for gymnasium rental at William Talley Recreation Center for a preliminary tournament on May 11, 2024, to raise funds for a national tournament. Bob Smith from Parks and Recreation noted the Parks Commission recommended against the waiver due to precedent and facility costs, though they supported the event. Audrey Frank, an organizer, stated the tournament would raise funds for the Maryland Deaf Community Center. One alderman recused themselves due to contractual work with the center. The motion to waive the fee passed 3-2. - Proposed Youth Center at 300 Scotty’s Bus Lane: Romenta Catrell, Director of Housing and Human Services, and Lee Adams, Executive Director of the Oshman Family Foundation, presented a plan to transfer a county-owned building to the city for a youth center serving ages 14-24. The project is a collaborative effort with over 120 youth providers, aiming to create a hub for services including employment, behavioral health, and education. The estimated city operational costs are $400,000-$600,000 annually, plus $70,000 for building maintenance. Several aldermen expressed support but raised concerns about placing the center under Housing and Human Services and the need for detailed operational plans. Alderman Shackelford stated he would not support it under that department. The next steps include presenting two MOUs in a few weeks: one for the county donation and one for the Oshman Family Foundation to occupy the building until construction. The target ribbon-cutting is 2027. Public Comments & Testimony - Josh Peterson: Resident and volunteer, expressed strong support for the youth center, emphasizing the youth council involvement and the center as a poverty prevention tool. - Brandon Chapman: Father, entrepreneur, and mentor, supported the center as a safe space for youth to find themselves and develop skills. - McKenna: Youth speaker, described the center as a game changer for self-expression and community connection. - Tiana Massicoy: Representing the education commission, highlighted the need for youth supports amid a mental health crisis. - Jason Francis: Youth worker and former resident, shared personal experience and advocated for the center as a safe space with caring adults. - Veronica Lowe: Grandmother and school board candidate, expressed excitement and the need for such a space. - Cindy Morgan: Founder of Steadfast, highlighted the center's role in preventing youth homelessness and building community. - Diana Fulshawan: Vice President of community impact at the Community Foundation, noted funding trends for collective impact projects and state support for youth mental health. - Natasha Valencia: Mother of four, praised the collaboration and expressed hope for the center's impact on socialization post-COVID. Key Outcomes - Special Ordinance 24-19: Approved 4-1. - Fee Waiver: Approved 3-2 with one recusal. - Youth Center: Council directed staff to return with detailed MOUs in a few weeks. Further discussions on departmental placement and operational funding are expected.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland held a public meeting on May 2, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of routine administrative items, appointments, and substantive public hearing items including affordable housing developments, police mental health services, and policy updates. Key decisions included approval of funding for the Junction and Madison affordable housing projects, a mental health app for the police department, and amendments to property tax credit ordinances. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from April 4, 2024, approved unanimously (5-0). - Appointments: Unanimous reappointments to the Sustainability Committee (Will Cotton, Katie Grogan, Natasha Browne), Planning Commission (Dorothy Menelas), Personnel Board (Michael Bernard), and Community Action Board (Kenneth Allread). - Consent Agenda Items: All routine items under Consent Agenda were approved unanimously, including: - Release of sureties for Canterbury Station Phase 3 and Nicodemus Property (Category A) - Acceptance of deed for Canterbury Station Dog Park (Category B) - Alcohol on public property permits for Gran Fondo Maryland, Key City Foundation Octoberfest 5K, and Maryland Craft Beer Festival (Category C) - Special ordinances D2 (Maryland State Arts Council grant for Weinberg Center) and E1, E2 (Waterway Improvement Fund grant extension and HUD Continuum of Care planning grant) approved. Public Comments & Testimony - First Public Comment Period: No speakers. - Second Public Comment Period: CJ Tyree (Taft Mills Group, developer of The Junction) thanked the board and staff for their work on the project, noting the urgency of meeting a May 15 submission deadline to Wells Fargo and a planned July 10 closing. He also praised city planning and engineering staff for their assistance. Discussion Items - Special Ordinance D1 (Maryland Department of Health Grant): Alderman Kazemchak raised questions about the administration of the health center and the medical director position. Ashley Waters (HHS) confirmed the grant supports the school-based health center at Hillcrest, and that a full-time medical director position had recently closed with applicants. Alderman noted the need for cost-per-person data. Motion to approve passed 5-0. - Special Ordinance D3 & Grant E3 (Community Bridge Mural): Alderman Shackelford expressed concern that the city had not fulfilled a prior agreement to spend $50,000 annually on the mural since its 1998 acquisition, estimating a cumulative shortfall of about $1 million. Bob Smith (Parks and Recreation) noted that the $50,000 had not been consistently budgeted, but a CIP was created in FY24. The board approved both the budget amendment (D3) and grant acceptance (E3) unanimously, with Alderman Shackelford noting the city owes the project. - Purchase Agreement A1 (MagnusWorx Mental Health App for Police): Corporal Mike Runwell and Corporal Grunwell presented the app, funded by a DOJ COPS grant. The app provides wellness resources, analytics, and family/spouse access. Alderman Kazemchak raised a concern about spiritual wellness language; staff clarified it is optional and includes meditation. The contract is for three years with a termination clause. Approved 5-0. - Contract A2 (SB & Company Auditing): Piggybacking on Frederick County's contract. Discussed MWBE form submission issues. Approved 5-0. - Agreement B2 (Mitigation Agreement for Oxford Monocacy): Approved 5-0 without discussion. - Agreement B3 (MOU with Maryland School for Deaf for SRO): Lieutenant Corbett presented the fifth year of the MOU; Officer Maggie Lee and therapy dog Fred are integral. Approved 5-0. - Agreement B4 (MOU with Frederick County for Housing Needs Assessment): Ruth Waxter (Housing) described the $100,000 city contribution for a three-phase assessment. Alderman Kazemchak read a letter from community groups requesting specific items be included in the RFP. After discussion, the mayor agreed to discuss with the county executive. Approved 5-0. - Agreement B5 & B6 (Madison on North Market Housing): $800,000 MPDU fund grant to Housing Authority for 60 units at 60% AMI. Alderman Russell noted the location and partnership with YMCA for Head Start. Approved 5-0. - Agreement B7, B8, B11 (The Junction Housing): $2 million city contribution to county's deferred loan program for 179 units at 60% AMI. Alderman Shackelford opposed the MOU (B8) and the PILOT agreement (B11), citing the high per-unit cost and concern that the rents ($1,550 for 1BR, $1,850 for 2BR, $2,100 for 3BR) are not affordable for the lowest-income residents. Alderman Russell also opposed the PILOT. The MOU passed 4-1, the PILOT 3-2. The MPDU agreements (B9) and PILOT policy revision (B10) passed unanimously. - Resolution C1 (Parkland Fee in Lieu for The Woods): $12,650 fee for an 11-unit townhouse development. Approved 5-0. - Resolution C2 (Employee Compensation Policy): Three changes: increasing salary offer threshold to 25%, adding hiring bonus authority for HR Director (removed by amendment), and reducing out-of-title pay eligibility from 90 to 30 days. Alderman Kazemchak and Alderman Shackelford expressed concern about the lack of parameters for hiring bonuses. The board voted to remove the hiring bonus paragraph entirely, then approved the rest 5-0. - Ordinances (First Read): - G-24-04 (Stormwater Management and Illicit Discharge): Approved 5-0. - G-24-05 (Elderly and Uniformed Service Members Property Tax Credit): Approved 5-0. - G-24-06 (Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit): Corrected a typo from 25% to 50% disability rating. Approved 5-0. Key Outcomes - Appointments: All six appointments approved unanimously. - Mental Health App: Contract with MagnusWorx for FPD mental health app approved (5-0). - Housing Projects: - Madison on North Market: $800,000 grant approved (5-0). - The Junction: $2 million contribution to county deferred loan program approved (4-1); PILOT agreement approved (3-2); MPDU agreements approved (5-0). - Housing Needs Assessment: MOU with county approved (5-0). - Employee Compensation Policy: Approved with removal of hiring bonus section (5-0). - Tax Credit Ordinances: Both elderly/uniformed and disabled veterans tax credit amendments approved (5-0). - Postponed Item: The fee waiver request for Deaf Pickleball tournament was postponed to the next business meeting due to a sign language interpreter glitch.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on May 1, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss two key agenda items: preliminary findings from the Westside Regional Park Action Plan and an update on the National Park Service (NPS) facilities plan. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and a consensus to advance the NPS agreement. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the March 27, 2024 workshop by a vote of 4–0 (Alderman Russell absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Smith (city resident) urged consideration of a petition for more pickleball courts and questioned the dichotomy between a city park and regional park, noting that county residents will use any major park. - Jim Smersaw (downtown resident) observed that community services emerged as a top need before the county acquired the old State Farm building for similar purposes, suggesting the survey might yield different results now. He also recommended the mayor contact the Humberson family about future development on the adjacent property. - Daniela Figueroa (interpreter) provided her name and address for the record. - Steve Jacupsick (representing the RISE coalition) emphasized that the community wants a park, not a sports complex. He noted that the consultant's focus on sports was initially concerning, but feedback from the RISE meeting stressed the need for a community center, bike trails, and passive recreation; he believed this message was reflected in the survey results. - Eric Anderson (Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County) requested that a portion of the property (potentially the southeast corner) be set aside for affordable housing development, noting that housing was a high priority in community engagement sessions. - Pop Ready (resident, second street) questioned the study's objectives, asking what scale of project (e.g., $5M, $50M, or $100M) the city is considering and who defined the scope. He expressed concern about the lack of clear goals and the potential cost to the city. Discussion Items Presentation: Westside Regional Park Action Plan – Preliminary Findings - Mark DeCampo (Director of Strategic Planning) introduced the Oshman Family Foundation and Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), who are conducting the action plan. - Kat Visseri (Oshman Family Foundation) explained that the previous Fielder study was out of date, and a new community engagement process was launched. - Dan Morton (SFC Vice President) presented SFC's background and methodology. He reported that community engagement included two open houses and a survey (380 responses as of the meeting). Preliminary findings showed strong demand for community services (e.g., education, senior activities, job training), followed by outdoor passive, aquatics, indoor passive, and indoor athletic. Open house sticker boards ranked community services highest. Comment cards also highlighted transportation, social services, arts, and nature. - Morton noted that Kimley-Horn conducted an initial site conditions assessment and found no major constraints. SFC plans to develop actionable recommendations by June 2024, focusing on short-, mid-, and long-term options, including cost and operational projections. - Alderman discussion included concerns about SFC's potential future financial interest in the facility; the Oshman Foundation and city staff explained that SFC was chosen for operational expertise and that any future management would require a separate competitive process. Several aldermen stressed that the park should primarily serve city residents, maintain affordability, and avoid gentrification. Alderman Russell expressed skepticism about the need for a sports tourism focus, emphasizing community-oriented amenities. Alderman Shackelford questioned whether the park should be a regional attraction or a highly-amenitized city park, noting the lack of county or state partnership commitments. Alderman McShane urged moving forward with budget decisions soon, given the long history of delays. Presentation: National Park Service (NPS) Facilities Plan at Westside Regional Park - Mark DeCampo (with NPS's Mike Seibert and Parks & Rec's Bob Smith) updated the board on relocating the NPS Historic Preservation Training Center. Originally planned for a 10-acre site west of the historic farmstead, that area proved unavailable due to a program open space easement. The new proposed site is a 10-acre parcel east of the farmstead. - The proposed terms: NPS reimburses the city $1 million for the land, to be used for park improvements; the city may use NPS meeting rooms on weekends and after hours; NPS will maintain and restore the historic farmstead buildings; NPS will construct a shared maintenance facility (2,500–3,200 sq ft, valued at $750k–$1.4M) to replace the planned city maintenance shed, freeing the southeast corner for other uses. - The NPS facility includes a training center and public education programming. The city will continue maintaining exterior grounds. - Next steps: NPS must secure final funding authorization; city will proceed with rezoning, subdivision, a sale agreement, and a cooperative management agreement. The board expressed general concurrence to bring the proposal to a public hearing for formal action. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the March 27, 2024 workshop minutes. - The board gave informal concurrence to advance the NPS facilities agreement and related resolutions to a public hearing. - SFC will continue data analysis, close the community survey, and present final recommendations to the board in June 2024. - Several aldermen emphasized that future decisions must prioritize city residents, ensure affordability, and avoid unintended displacement or over-commercialization of the park.

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing and workshop on April 25, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included three demolition review requests, certification of historic preservation tax credits, approval of consent items, a continuance, a case for a rear egress and gate, and a workshop discussion on a new construction project. All votes were unanimous (3-0) where taken. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from March 28, 2024 (hearing and workshop) with an amendment to correct applicant/agent names on HPC24-055, and minutes from April 11, 2024. - Consent items HPC24-297 (200 E. 2nd St – gas meter) and HPC24-315 (206 S. Market St – railing) were approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were offered during the hearing or at the citizen comment period. Discussion Items Demolition Requests (Three Separate Properties) - 1051 & 1055 Rocky Springs Rd (HPC24-280DR): Staff presented that the two dwellings (a circa 1914 American Four-Square and a circa 1932 brick dwelling) and a garage were not individually eligible for historic designation. The commission voted not to pursue a historic preservation overlay (HPO) for any of the structures. - 402 W. 2nd St (HPC24-377DR): The circa 1935 dwelling retained historic integrity but lacked significance for events or persons. The partial demolition of a rear sunroom and concrete pad was noted. The commission voted not to pursue an HPO. - 170 Baughman’s Lane (HPC24-412DR): An American Four-Square dwelling estimated from circa 1927, but deteriorated and missing its porch. Staff found it not individually eligible. The commission voted not to pursue an HPO. Certification of 2023 Historic Preservation Property Tax Credits (Group II) - Staff reported 30 applications with a total investment of $311,750.84 and a credit amount of $77,937.71. The commission certified the recommendations and forwarded them to the Director of Finance. Continuance - HPC24-168 (610 N. Market St – demolition) was continued to the May 9, 2024 hearing. Case: 179 W. All Saints St (HPC23-1272) – Basement Egress & Alley Gate - Applicant Brandon Newman proposed a new basement bulkhead door and a combined wood/metal alley gate. Staff recommended approval with conditions that the existing opening width not be enlarged and the bulkhead not extend above the stone foundation. The commission approved with those conditions. Workshop: B&O Properties – Lot 7 (HPC24-343) – Level One Review of Five Townhomes - The applicant presented a four-story, five-unit townhome project on a challenging infill lot adjacent to White Hills Row. Staff and commissioners discussed location, plot plan, massing, height, scale, facade, and materials. Key concerns included the building’s height relative to adjacent historic structures, the double-wide garage doors, the repetitive gables, and the need for context renderings and a colored site plan. The applicant agreed to provide additional documentation. No vote was taken; the item will return for level two review after site plan approval. Workshop: 54 E. Patrick St (HPC24-008) – Repoint/Paint Masonry - The applicant was not present, so the item was rescheduled for a future date. Key Outcomes - Demolition requests: Three properties were found not eligible for historic designation; HPO overlay applications were not pursued. - Tax credits: Group II tax credits were certified and forwarded to the Director of Finance. - Consent items: Approved. - Continuance: HPC24-168 continued to May 9, 2024. - 179 W. All Saints St: Approved with conditions (width of opening not enlarged, bulkhead height not above stone foundation). - B&O Properties Lot 7: No decision; further documentation and revised plans requested before level two review. - 54 E. Patrick St: Rescheduled due to applicant absence.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on April 24, 2024, to discuss seven proposed resolutions to amend the City Charter, based on recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. Due to the absence of a quorum, the business meeting items were postponed to a future consent agenda. The meeting included public comment on non-citizen voting and a detailed staff presentation on each charter amendment resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - A public commenter spoke against allowing non-citizens to vote in municipal elections, arguing that voting should be a right of citizenship and that non-citizens already have a voice through public input channels. He noted an unofficial Facebook survey showed opposition and requested a referendum before any change. He referenced approximately 6,500 non-citizens in Frederick and expressed concern that low voter turnout (about 10,000 out of 65,000 registered voters in 2017) could be exploited to create a voting base. Discussion Items - City Attorney Rachel’s Presentation: Rachel presented seven draft resolutions based on Charter Review Committee recommendations but noted they do not necessarily reflect her or the board’s consensus. She explained each resolution was drafted to be independent where possible. - Resolution 1 (Separation of Branches): Would remove the mayor as president of the Board of Aldermen and presiding officer at meetings, along with related changes (e.g., veto process, check signing). - Resolution 2 (Renaming Legislative Body): Would change the name from “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council” and individual members from “alderman” to “councillor.” - Resolution 3 (City Council President): Would establish a City Council President elected by council members, with duties and a role in mayoral succession. Drafted assuming Resolutions 1 and 2 are in effect. - Resolution 4 (Council Size and Districts): Combines recommendations for seven council members (four from districts, three at-large) and a districting process. A placeholder was left for detailed district creation criteria. - Resolution 5 (Qualifications for Office): Would require mayor to be at least 21 and city council members at least 18, with durational residency requirements (two years for mayor, one year for council) and actual residency during term. City attorney noted legal challenges to longer residency requirements and recommended not increasing the mayor’s requirement beyond one year, but the draft reflects the committee’s two-year recommendation. - Resolution 6 (Term Limits): Would limit mayor to two four-year terms and council members to three four-year terms, applying prospectively from the 2025 election. Alderman Russell stated he does not support term limits. - Resolution 7 (Primary Elections): Would allow unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections of the two principal political parties (semi-open primary). City attorney raised constitutional concerns based on a Fourth Circuit case, noting that other jurisdictions with open primaries have alternative nomination methods. She confirmed no other Maryland municipality has open primaries in partisan elections. - Alderman Kazemchak’s Comments (read by staff): Expressed support for most changes, specifically four districts and three at-large members, consecutive term limits, and a semi-open primary. She opposed non-consecutive term limits and reiterated belief that anyone should be able to run for office regardless of party affiliation. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on any of the resolutions; the discussion was informational only. - The board agreed to continue the charter amendment conversations at the last workshop of each month, with the next discussion scheduled for the end of May 2024. - The city attorney will research additional legal issues raised (e.g., durational residency requirements, enforcement of qualifications, constitutionality of open primaries) and provide further information.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on April 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission, public comments, and unanimous approval of several contracts and a resolution. A proclamation for International Dark Sky Week was deferred due to the absence of the recipients. Public Comments & Testimony - One speaker, a resident, expressed strong support for the Lucas Village Project, describing it as a good long-term planning effort that would integrate affordable homes into an affluent and up-and-coming neighborhood. The speaker urged the board to avoid repeating past social injustices and to fully support the project. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (March 21, 2024; March 27, 2024 Closed Session; April 4, 2024 Closed Session): All three sets of minutes were approved unanimously (5-0). - Appointment to Historic Preservation Commission: Alyssa Fortune was appointed for a three-year term from June 3, 2024, to June 2, 2027 (5-0). - Police Promotion Consultant Services (RFP 25-A): Approval of a contract with Emergency Services Consulting International to provide promotion process consulting for ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. The contract is a renewal with an incumbent selected via RFP. Noted as a self-certified SBE. Approved 5-0. - Psychological Services for Police Department (RFP 25-B): Approval of a contract with Atlantic Occupsych to provide pre-employment and biennial mental health services for Frederick Police Department. Also a renewal after RFP. Approved 5-0. - Pool Management Services (RFP 24-Q): Approval of a three-year agreement with Pool Management Inc. for management of Edward P. Thomas Jr. and William R. Diggs Memorial Swimming Pools. During discussion, Alderwoman Ash questioned the search for SBE/MWBE firms; staff explained it was an RFP process and further review was needed. Approved 5-0. - Mitigation Agreement for Summervale (Summers Farm): Approval of a mitigation agreement with Summers Family, LLLP and D.R. Horton, Inc. for roads related to the annexed development. The property was annexed in 2009, master plan approved 2019. Approved 5-0. - Resolution 24-04 – Code of Civility Update: Approval of an updated Code of Civility to replace attachment one in the Rules of Procedure. Presented by Alderman Russell; adopted unanimously 5-0. Key Outcomes - All votes this evening were unanimous (5-0) across minutes, appointment, three purchase contracts, one mitigation agreement, and one resolution. - The proclamation for International Dark Sky Week was deferred to a future meeting when recipients can attend. - The board noted upcoming events: Bike to Work Day (May 17) and a briefing for the Month of the Young Child (April 19).

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland held a workshop on April 17, 2024, beginning at 3:00 PM. The meeting focused on proposed uses of the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Housing Fund, revisions to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) policy, and specific project proposals. No votes were taken to allocate MPDU funds; instead, the board discussed and provided direction for future public hearings. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 3, 2024): Approved unanimously, 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Parker (Lucas Village resident): Expressed support for the Housing Authority’s relocation and redevelopment plans. She requested clarity on sinkhole responsibility, noting that a sinkhole in the community garden appears to be on city property. She emphasized residents’ desire to return to a rebuilt community. - Ryan Trout (517 Wilson Pl., Frederick): Advised that MPDU funds should prioritize new construction over gap financing or preservation. He suggested setting aside a percentage of the fund for new construction and creating predictable per‑unit gap financing. Regarding Lucas Village, he proposed a land‑swap or delaying redevelopment to allow the city to remediate the sinkhole‑prone land and later require affordable housing on the site, rather than rebuilding immediately in a currently isolated area. Discussion Items - Housing Authority of Frederick – Lucas Village Redevelopment: - The Housing Authority seeks a $1 million grant from the MPDU fund for pre‑development costs of rebuilding Lucas Village (88 existing units replaced by 220 units) and $462,000 for relocation rental support for displaced residents. - Angie Lawler (Deputy Executive Director, Housing Authority) presented the project, citing sinkhole risks, relocation challenges (only about a dozen rental communities in Frederick have rents below the voucher payment threshold, with waiting lists of 6–12 months), and plans to use geotechnical solutions similar to nearby Hamilton Station. She emphasized preserving community ties and offering first right of return to current residents. - Board Positions: - Alderman McShane: Opposed the $1M grant for rebuilding on the same site, calling it a social justice issue; more open to relocation rental support. - Alderman Shackelford: Expressed strong support, viewing the project as an opportunity to right historical wrongs and catalyze East Frederick redevelopment. He stressed the need for proper investment to ensure residents can return. - Alderman Russell: Raised concerns about concentrating poverty in an industrial area, questioned the wisdom of rebuilding on sinkhole‑prone land, and noted the conceptual conflict with inclusionary zoning goals. - Alderman O’Connor: Initially skeptical of the location but acknowledged potential benefits if site challenges (sinkholes, train noise) are mitigated. Asked for detailed information on sinkhole remediation, cost of a sound wall, and a timeline. - Alderman Azem: Noted that the project aligns with transit‑oriented development principles and sound planning, and supported moving forward. - After extensive discussion (approximately 2 hours), consensus for the $1M grant was only 3 votes (needs 4 to amend budget). The mayor directed staff and the Housing Authority to provide additional information, particularly to Alderman O’Connor and McShane. - PILOT Policy Revision: - Ruth Waxter (Assistant Director, Housing & Human Services) presented revisions to the city’s PILOT policy, originally from 1991 and last revised in 2014. Key changes: (1) removing the requirement for a joint city‑county PILOT agreement (allowing city‑only PILOTs if the county declines); (2) deleting the formula that ties the city’s abatement to the county’s abatement; (3) adding a new section for “enhanced abatements” that prioritize projects providing deeply affordable units (30–50% AMI), senior housing, brownfield/blight redevelopment, or job creation. Board members raised concerns about the word “will” preferring “may” to avoid mandatory prioritization of blighted areas. Staff agreed to revise language to “may”. - Madison and Junction PILOTs: - Mike Font (New Harbor Development) described the Madison project (60 units) and noted that a deeper PILOT (an additional $400/unit/year, totaling $24,000) would help close a financing gap caused by rising interest rates and construction costs. - CJ Tyree (Taft Mills Group) presented the Junction project (over 200 units, shovel‑ready). He explained that PILOTs provide operating expense stability, critical for projects with rent restrictions; the revised policy gives the board flexibility to offer enhanced abatements without being tied to the county’s more restrictive policy. - The board expressed general support for the revised PILOT policy and both project‑specific PILOTs. These will be placed on a public hearing agenda. - Rental Gap Assistance Programs: - Two separate grant requests were presented (Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs and Advocates for Homeless Families). The board agreed to seek funding sources other than MPDU funds for these programs, pending identification of appropriate funds. No action taken at this workshop. Key Outcomes - Lucas Village Redevelopment Grant ($1M): No consensus to move forward at this time. Staff and Housing Authority to provide additional technical information (sinkhole mitigation, cost of sound wall, detailed funding sources and timeline) to address concerns of Alderman O’Connor and McShane. The item will return to a future workshop when four votes are likely. - Lucas Village Relocation Rental Support ($462,000): Board expressed support for the expenditure but directed that funds come from a source other than the MPDU fund. Staff will identify alternative funding and bring a proposal to a future workshop. - PILOT Policy Revision: Board reached consensus to revise the policy with the change of “will” to “may” in the enhanced abatement criteria. The revised policy and the Madison and Junction PILOT agreements will be placed on a public hearing agenda for the first meeting in May (date TBD). - Madison Deferred Loan Grant ($800,000 from MPDU fund): Sufficient support exists; the grant agreement will be included in a budget amendment for the first meeting in May (requires 4 votes). - Junction Deferred Loan Grant (amount not specified, but referenced): Similarly, will proceed on the same timeline. - Rental Gap Assistance Programs (Religious Coalition, Advocates for Homeless Families): Deferred pending identification of non‑MPDU funding. Staff to return with a proposal.

This was a special meeting of the City of Frederick Planning Commission held on April 15, 2024, at 2:30 PM. The sole purpose was to review and vote on the draft recommendation letter to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen regarding the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Commissioners discussed the letter's language, which included support for several projects: the conference center parking facility, East Street improvements (including sidewalks, lighting, and street furniture), rails with trails improvements, a study on smart traffic systems, a streets master plan, and flood control projects. The letter reflected consensus from a prior meeting. The commission voted unanimously (with one abstention from Alderman McShane) to approve the letter. Consent Calendar - There were no items on a consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were received. Discussion Items - Approval of the CIP Recommendation Letter: Staff member Gabrielle Collard presented the draft letter, which summarized the commission's earlier consensus. The letter included continued support for: - Conference center parking facility with downtown hotel - East Street improvements with design elements from the East Street Quarter Small Area Plan (sidewalks, lighting, street furniture) - Rails with trails improvements - A study to implement smart traffic systems - A streets master plan referenced in the comprehensive plan, with potential CIP projects for land acquisition and infrastructure - Continued funding and support for multiple flood control projects - Commissioners had previously reviewed the draft and offered comments. No further edits were proposed at this meeting. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Strawson moved to approve the recommendation letter and forward it to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Commissioner Beattie seconded. - Vote: The motion passed unanimously with all commissioners voting aye. Alderman McShane abstained. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded immediately after the vote.

The Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop on Monday, April 15, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM to discuss two agenda items: an architectural review for the Kellerton subdivision and a final site plan for a self-storage facility at 345 Ballenger Center Drive. A third item regarding a Hood College parking lot expansion was pulled for discussion at a future date. No formal votes were taken, as workshops focus on commission feedback, with public hearings scheduled for a later stage. A special meeting on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) letter immediately followed the workshop. Note on Attendance: The published agenda listed Commissioners Joan Strawson (Chair), Dorothy Menelas (Vice Chair), Natasha Valencia, and Ben MacShane (City Council Liaison). However, the meeting transcript references comments from individuals addressed as “Commissioner Beattie” and “Commissioner Lee,” indicating a discrepancy between the agenda and actual attendance. Discussion Items Kellerton Architectural Review (PC13-195-13PND) The applicant, Keystone Homes, presented the architectural elevation for the “Nottingham” model, a detached single-family home proposed for Land Bays B and C of the Kellerton Planned Neighborhood Development (PND). The design meets the required minimum of five out of ten predetermined architectural elements from the PND design guidelines, consistent with previously approved models (e.g., the Devonshire cottage). The Commission had no questions or comments and raised no concerns, effectively accepting the proposed elevation for the next phase. 345 Ballenger Center Drive Final Site Plan (PC24-78FSI) Representatives from Colliers Engineering & Design presented plans for a three-story, climate-controlled self-storage facility on behalf of the property owner. The site is located between an assisted living facility (east) and a hotel (west), fronting Ballenger Center Drive. Key features of the proposal included: - A shared driveway with the adjacent hotel to minimize curb cuts. - Interior loading bays accessed via four roll-up doors, allowing tenants to load and unload in a climate-controlled environment. - A circulation loop enabling fire trucks and service vehicles to fully circumnavigate the building without reversing. - Stormwater management handled by an existing regional facility across the street. - Forest conservation satisfied via an existing conservation easement along I-70. Outstanding Issues Discussed: Parking Modification Request: The applicant requested a reduction from the required 124 parking spaces to 27 spaces. Staff noted the applicant must satisfy the criteria in LMC Section 309 J4, including verifying the reduction is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and identifying compensating design or architectural features. Commissioner Menelas asked the applicant to clarify the compensating features. The applicant cited the four interior loading bays and the design of the drive aisle allowing on-street parallel parking in front of exterior-access units. Staff advised these justifications must be formally submitted as part of a future submission. Lighting: Chair Strawson raised a concern about light spillover onto the adjacent assisted living facility’s residential units. The applicant confirmed the lighting plan had been adjusted to achieve zero light spillage at the eastern property line. Commission Discussion on LMC Standards Commissioner Beattie observed that this was the third recent self-storage application requiring a parking modification, suggesting the LMC’s standard of one space per 1,000 square feet may be outdated for this evolving use. She recommended the Commission consider updating the parking standards. Staff agreed, acknowledging the LMC was adopted in 2005 and that frequent modification requests for specific provisions signal a need for code revision. Key Outcomes - Kellerton: The architectural elevation was reviewed at the workshop level. No further action or formal decision was required. - 345 Ballenger Center Drive: The applicant must submit a comprehensive parking modification request addressing the LMC’s Section 309 J4 criteria and a finalized lighting plan ensuring no light spillover onto the eastern neighbor before the item can advance to a public hearing. - Code Evaluation: The Commission discussed evaluating and potentially updating the Land Management Code’s parking standards for self-storage facilities. - CIP Special Meeting: The workshop adjourned into a special meeting to discuss the Commission’s CIP letter (not covered in this transcript).