Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a combined workshop and business meeting on April 10, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. in City Hall. The meeting covered routine approvals, a discussion of the proposed FY2025 fee schedule, a request to use school mitigation funds for portable classrooms at two city schools, and approval of a road mitigation agreement for a large development. Due to the absence of two aldermen, special ordinances requiring a four-vote majority were deferred. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 13, 20, and 27, 2024, were approved unanimously (3–0) with motions by Alderman Kazemchak and seconds by Alderman McShane. Aldermen Shackelford and Nolan Russell were absent. - Grants: A re-approval of an amended Maryland Department of Health grant agreement for School Based Health Center funding was approved unanimously (3–0). Public Comments & Testimony - On School Mitigation Fee Use: M.C. Keegan-Ayer, Frederick County Councilmember for District 3 (which includes Hillcrest and Whittier elementary schools), expressed strong support for the proposed use of mitigation fees to install connected portable classrooms. She highlighted the safety and security benefits for students and families, especially given the unique needs of the Hillcrest community. Missy Dirks, a city resident and 27-year educator in Frederick County, thanked the board for the partnership and noted the capacity challenges facing schools. Discussion Items - Proposed Master Schedule of Administrative and Regulatory Fees for FY2025: City Clerk Phyllis Haynes presented a high-level overview of changes, including new airport tie-down fees, increases in water/sewer impact fees, a 10% stormwater fee increase, parking rate adjustments recommended by the Mobility and Parking Advisory Committee, comprehensive planning fee updates, annual towing fee adjustments, and Parks & Rec fee changes. Alderman Kazemchak questioned the quarterly tie-down fee ($500) not matching the monthly rate ($125) and asked for clarification that the monthly rate requires a one-year commitment. She and Alderman McShane advocated for a city-resident discount on golf fees at the city-owned course, currently operated as an enterprise fund. Director of Public Works Zach Kirchner noted that the course must break even and build capital reserves. The board directed staff to explore a 20% differential. Alderman McShane also asked staff to review whether property rental fees are cost-prohibitive and to ensure equity across parks. Planning fees were discussed; Alderman McShane suggested that fees for utility permits (e.g., pole fees) may be too low relative to staff costs. Staff committed to reviewing the issue. No vote was taken; the fee schedule will be brought to a future public hearing. - Proposed Use of School Mitigation Fees: Victoria Venable (County Government), Paul Lebo (FCPS COO), and Janice Spiegel presented a joint county-schools request to use approximately $1 million in city-collected school mitigation fees to renovate a 12-unit portable and add connecting corridors at Whittier and Hillcrest elementary schools, both primarily serving city residents. The project would add pre-K capacity. Dr. Lebo noted that similar projects at Middletown Primary and Ballenger Creek Elementary have been successful. The board expressed general support but raised concerns about ensuring future projects such as the Hillcrest renovation and the CTC project are not neglected. Alderman Kazemchak emphasized that mitigation fees are separate from impact fees and should be used to add capacity. Alderman McShane asked about the lifecycle of the portables (15–30 years). The board directed staff to prepare a memorandum of understanding and a budget amendment for a public hearing. The Education Commission had already endorsed the request. - Approval of a Mitigation Agreement for Roads with Monocacy Blvd EF Owner LLC for Oxford Monocacy: Chiran Aryal (Engineering) presented the agreement for a 480,000 sq. ft. R&D campus at 600 Monocacy Blvd. The total mitigation fee of $636,408 would be paid pro-rata upon building permits for each of three 160,000 sq. ft. buildings, with a small initial payment on the first permit. The developer’s project manager, Jonathan Pembroke, explained that the agreement does not change the total amount but only the timing. Board members asked what ensures the city will complete the related road projects (e.g., Monocacy and Gas House improvements, Patrick and Monocacy, etc.). Staff confirmed that many projects are already delivered or underway, and the city’s CIP process prioritizes projects based on collected escrow. The agreement was approved by consensus. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Grants approved (3–0). - Special Ordinances (budget amendments for MD Health grant and MSAC grant) were deferred to a future meeting with a full board present. - FY2025 Fee Schedule: No vote taken; staff to bring back revisions on golf fees and other items for a public hearing. - School Mitigation Fee Use: Board support expressed; staff directed to draft an MOU and budget amendment for a public hearing. Timeline for implementation to be fast-tracked. - Road Mitigation Agreement for Oxford Monocacy: Approved by consensus. Developer will pay $636,408 pro-rata with building permits. - Upcoming Meetings: Board reminded that budget hearings would begin the next day (April 11, 2024) and that additional information on parking recommendations and school design would be forthcoming.

The Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop on April 8, 2024, at 7:45 PM. No votes were taken during the meeting. The agenda included consent items for several development applications and discussions on floodplain regulations, stormwater management, and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - 810 East South Street (Major Site Plan): Unconditional approval recommended. No changes since the workshop. The applicant proposes an addition to an existing office building. - 226 West South Street (Preliminary Plat and Final Site Plan): Unconditional approval recommended. No changes since workshop. - Combined Forest Conservation Plan (Preliminary and Final): Unconditional approval recommended. Includes a permanent forest easement; no specimen trees will be disturbed. - Bel Air Farm Architectural Review: Unconditional approval. Not grouped as a consent item due to different public notice requirements. Discussion Items - Sycamore Springs Preliminary Plat and Final Site Plan: Staff reported updates from the workshop, including a sketch of reverse corner lots and a map of regional shared-use path connections. Discussion focused on a modification request for the 25-year floodplain measurement requirement, which the city code mandates but lacks a measurement method. Commissioners noted this anomaly and suggested a potential code update. - Forest Conservation Plan (Sycamore Springs): Afforestation areas were shifted to avoid future stream restoration projects. The applicant will maintain plantings for two years; the city will accept the parkland dedication but not maintenance responsibilities. - Conditional Rezoning and Master Plan (First of Two Required Hearings): Staff presented recommendations for conditions: preventing the applicant from seeking variances to the floodplain buffer, requiring participation in design/construction of an adjacent rails-with-trails path, and requiring on-site forest conservation mitigation (no fee in lieu). Modifications to land use mix, setbacks, and orientation were deferred to site plan stage. Elaboration was provided on the private emergency access (Humlane). No public comments were submitted. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Staff updated a paragraph on infill road networks. Commissioners raised concerns about smart traffic systems, Hughes Ford Road, and Church Street light. Staff suggested that recommendations could be conveyed as a comprehensive plan policy or via a supplemental letter to the mayor and board. Commissioner Ron inquired about pre-meeting communication; staff advised against commissioner-to-commissioner correspondence outside public meetings, offering to act as a conduit instead. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made. All items requiring action (e.g., conditional rezoning, CIP recommendations) will be addressed at subsequent meetings.

The Planning Commission of Frederick, Maryland met on April 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting covered a consent agenda of four routine items, an architectural review for the Belle Air development, major new business including the Sycamore Springs subdivision (120 single-family homes and 58 townhouses) and the Wormans Mill Court Apartments mixed-use rezoning (first public hearing), and recommendations on the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). All votes were unanimous except where noted. Consent Calendar - PC23-799FSI: Final site plan for an 820-square-foot addition at 810 E. South Street. (Approved unanimously) - PC22-924PSU: Preliminary plat to resubdivide 226 W. South Street into eight lots (seven townhouse lots and one existing house lot). (Approved unanimously) - PC22-291FSI: Final site plan for seven new townhouse units at 226 W. South Street. (Approved unanimously) - PC23-1300PFCP/FFCP: Combined preliminary and final forest conservation plan for a new Carriage House Museum at Rose Hill Manor. (Approved unanimously) Public Comments & Testimony - Sycamore Springs: Doug Towilliger (resident of 2108 Rocky Gorge Court) expressed support for the tighter street radii (traffic calming) and noted that a planned park area is in the floodplain, cautioning against costly development there. He also questioned why a public notice sign was placed on Rocky Springs Road while it is closed for bridge work. The applicant explained signs were posted when the application was filed months earlier. - Sycamore Springs: Mary Stone (resident of 778 Kemp Lane) stated that the public notice signs on Kemp Lane were unreadable due to traffic danger. She recounted that in 1990 residents were promised the Christopher's Crossing alignment would connect Kemp Lane once development occurred, but that section remains unbuilt. She urged that Sycamore Springs prioritize constructing their portion of Christopher's Crossing first, as city officials indicated the city would build their segment once the development starts. The applicant responded that Christopher's Crossing is in Phase 2 of the project, with timing market-driven. - CIP: Jim Smersel (city resident) emphasized the CIP's importance as a planning tool and commended the city's matrix. He suggested mapping future infrastructure and recommended continued funding for the East Street parking garage (Site G) and equity-focused park improvements in underserved areas (e.g., Hill Street, Molinak's Park). Discussion Items - Architectural Review – Belle Air (PC14-640-06PND): The applicant (Paul Crohn, Ryan Holmes) presented four new townhouse models (the ”Symphony Series”) for Phase 4. The three front elevations feature varying stone water table heights and a mix of vertical and horizontal siding. Staff recommended unconditional approval. The commission asked no questions and voted unanimously to approve. - Sycamore Springs Combined Preliminary Plat and Final Site Plan (PC23-1054PSU/FSI): Staff presented the project for 120 single-family detached homes and 58 townhouses in the Sycamore Springs PND. The applicant (Jonathan Pembroke, Alshman Properties) highlighted that the project will extend Christopher's Crossing and provide 16.98 acres of parkland and 20.74 acres of open space, as well as key trail connections. Five modifications were requested: 1. Reduce front/side street setbacks for corner lots to 10 feet (except lots 26, 41, 65, 67). 2. Modify standard city details (ST-9.0 and 11.0) for Christopher's Crossing and local streets. 3. Reduce the centerline radius on local streets from 100 feet to 36 feet (traffic calming and traditional neighborhood feel). 4. Allow the parkland requirement on the 25-year floodplain and 8% slope provisions to not apply. 5. Allow street tree requirements to be met by overplanting on other streets. Staff concurred with all modifications. The commission discussed the centerline radius measurement and the parkland floodplain issue. All modifications and the combined plat/site plan were approved unanimously. - Sycamore Springs Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan (PC23-1055PFCP): Staff noted the site has 36 specimen trees; the applicant seeks a modification to remove 13 trees (mostly in fair/poor condition, four in good condition). The removal is necessitated by sensitive environmental areas and the extension of Christopher's Crossing. Staff recommended approval. The commission questioned why trees would be planted in wetland areas (response: priority reforestation areas for water quality, sited to avoid future stream restoration). The modification and plan were approved unanimously. - Wormans Mill Court Apartments – Zoning Map Amendment and Mixed-Use (PC23-1056ZMA & PC23-1057MU): This was the first of two required public hearings; no action was taken. The applicant (Bruce Dean, attorney; Judd Allen, Standard Communities; Chris Mariga) seeks rezoning of 11.54 acres from Light Industrial (M1) and General Commercial (GC) to Mixed-Use (MU-2) to build up to 315 multifamily units (100% income-restricted at 60% AMI) and 5,000 square feet of non-residential space. Staff noted challenges: need for MTA easements, coordination with the Rails-with-Trail CIP, floodplain setbacks, and parkland fee-in-lieu request. The applicant argued the site is uniquely challenging and the rezoning is a ”once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to add affordable housing. Commissioners discussed the proposed Hum Lane access (right-in/right-out plus emergency), the location of the non-residential building, the need for on-site amenities (tot lot, dog park, basketball court), and the appropriateness of the MU-2 zone for a primarily residential project. No vote was taken. - FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP): Deputy Director Gabrielle Collard reviewed last year’s recommendations and updates. The commission discussed adding new projects. After public comment, the commission unanimously approved a motion to: - Retain the first five recommendations from the previous year (Conference Center parking facility, East Street improvements, downtown streetscape plan, East Street improvements between Monocacy Blvd and South Street, and Rails-with-Trail funding). - Remove the long-standing recommendation for an interchange at MD 26 and Monocacy Boulevard (Item 6). - Add four new recommendations: 1. A new CIP project to identify areas needing new road and infrastructure construction not tied to specific development (a streets master plan study). 2. Prioritize implementation of a citywide smart traffic system (including bi-directional vehicle-to-infrastructure communication), starting with a study. 3. Continue funding for three flood control CIP projects (North Market Street, Monocacy Avenue, and downtown flood improvements). 4. Support the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s recommendations on bicycle and pedestrian plans and projects. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: March 11, 2024 (4-0-1, Commissioner Nicholas abstaining) and March 18, 2024 (unanimous). - Consent Agenda: All four items approved unanimously. - Belle Air Architectural Review: Unanimously approved. - Sycamore Springs – Combined Preliminary Plat/Final Site Plan: All five modifications and the plat/site plan approved unanimously. - Sycamore Springs – Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan: Modification for tree removal and plan approved unanimously. - Wormans Mill Court Apartments: First public hearing; no action taken. Second hearing scheduled for a future meeting. - CIP Recommendations: Unanimously approved the nine-point recommendation motion. Staff will draft the letter and post it for public review and final approval at the next workshop.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a regular public meeting on April 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included three proclamations, approval of the March 7, 2024 minutes, two purchase approvals, a memorandum of understanding for road improvements, and a lengthy debate on a proposed $2,237,000 budget amendment for MPDU-funded housing initiatives. The budget amendment and related grant agreements were ultimately pulled after it became clear they lacked sufficient support. Presentations/Proclamations - Child Abuse Prevention Month: Mayor O'Connor proclaimed April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Robin Grove (Director, Child Advocacy Center) noted that the CAC served 316 children and families last year, alongside partners from Child Protective Services, law enforcement, and the State's Attorney's Office. Several multidisciplinary team members were introduced. - Month of the Young Child: Proclaimed April 2024 as Month of the Young Child. Pat Rosensteel (Interagency Early Childhood Committee) highlighted the Children's Festival on the last Saturday of April in Baker Park (10 AM – 3 PM) and thanked the city for support. - Fair Housing Month: Proclaimed April 2024 as Fair Housing Month. Chris Alcorn (President, Frederick County Association of Realtors) and Hugh Gordon (CEO) expressed support for fair housing and affordable housing efforts. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the March 7, 2024 meeting were approved by a vote of 4–0 (Alderman McShane absent). Discussion Items - Purchase: Traffic Calming Design (Willowdale Drive, Key Parkway, Schaffer Drive, Motter Avenue & 13th Street): Staff Engineer Roman presented an agreement with Wallace Montgomery for $247,600 to design three roundabouts. The project aims to improve safety and remove a signal at Willowdale Drive and Key Parkway. Alderman Nash expressed support and requested clearer fiscal impact information in future CIP reports. The board approved unanimously (4–0). - Purchase: West Patrick Street Sewer Line Design/Build: Engineer Sam Downs presented an agreement with Guyer Brothers for a not-to-exceed $544,000 to install a parallel sewer line across West Patrick Street to address overflow manholes (last overflow in 2021). Construction will occur at night. Approved unanimously (4–0). - Agreement: Shookstown Road MOU with Gambrill View Development: Engineering Manager presented an MOU for constructing approximately 800 linear feet of roadway improvements (curb, gutter, pavement, sidewalk) on the south side of Shookstown Road, east of Kemp Lane. The partnership with the developer saves mobilization costs. Approved unanimously (4–0). - MPDU Budget Amendment & Related Grant Agreements: The proposed special ordinance would amend the FY24 budget to recognize $2,237,000 in MPDU funds for housing initiatives. Director of Housing and Human Services presented the breakdown: $662,000 for rental gap assistance, $75,000 for foreclosure prevention, $500,000 for the Madison on North Market project (by Housing Authority), and $1,000,000 for Lucas Village redevelopment. Several aldermen expressed concerns: - Alderman Nash stated she would not support rental gap assistance without clearer evidence that it expands affordable housing, and she wanted a workshop on Lucas Village citing environmental justice concerns (proximity to train tracks). - Alderman Shackelford noted frustration with direction and requested items be pulled if not enough votes. - Alderman Russell asked procedural questions about the budget amendment. - The Mayor remarked that the board had not achieved consensus and that staff had thought they had direction. He pulled items 2, 3, 4, and 5 (the budget amendment and all grant agreements) after it became clear there were not four votes. - Alderman Kuzemchak expressed frustration that questions asked in public hearings were not answered in time for her to respond by the requested Friday deadline. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Not addressed; the meeting proceeded directly to purchases. - Items Approved: (1) Traffic calming design agreement with Wallace Montgomery ($247,600) – 4–0. (2) West Patrick Street sewer line design/build with Guyer Brothers ($544,000) – 4–0. (3) Shookstown Road MOU with Gambrill View Development – 4–0. - Items Pulled: The MPDU budget amendment (Special Ordinance) and all associated grant agreements (rental gap assistance with Religious Coalition, Advocates for Homeless Families, Housing Authority; Madison on North Market; Lucas Village redevelopment) were pulled by the Mayor due to lack of consensus. The Mayor requested that aldermen submit any remaining questions by close of business April 5, 2024, and staff will provide answers by the end of the following week. A workshop may be scheduled to address concerns, but the workshop schedule is crowded. - Next Steps: The Mayor directed staff to assess which specific projects (if any) have board support and to bring forward revised proposals. The junction project (affordable housing units) is expected to be presented at a future workshop (April 17 or May 1). - Public Comments: None were made during either public comment period.

The Frederick City Council held a closed session on April 4, 2024, to discuss a potential property purchase that could pose a risk to network security if discussed publicly. The meeting convened at 11:30 UTC per provided timestamp, though the agenda listed the public meeting at 6:30 PM local time (discrepancy noted). The council voted unanimously (3-0) to enter closed session. Closed Session Motion - Motion by Alderman Shakover, seconded by Alderman Kazemchak, to enter closed session to discuss a potential purchase that could compromise network security if disclosed publicly. - The motion passed with all three aldermen in favor (3-0). - The council then moved to room 212 for the closed session. Key Outcomes - The council voted to proceed into closed session to discuss the sensitive purchase. No further decisions were made in the public portion.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on April 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The meeting included recognition of employee service milestones, a discussion of proposed low-impact landscaping legislation, and a request from the Frederick Police Department to expand automated enforcement cameras. No formal votes were taken on either workshop item. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from March 20, 2024, was deferred and not considered. - Employee Years of Service Recognition: Employees were honored for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service. The list included 12 employees at 5 years, 11 at 10 years, 23 at 15 years, 9 at 20 years, 1 at 25 years, and 1 at 30 years. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered on either agenda item. Discussion Items - Proposed Low Impact Landscaping Legislation: Jenny from the Sustainability Department presented a draft ordinance to define and regulate low-impact landscapes. The proposal includes requirements for managed plantings with at least 85% native species, prohibition of noxious and invasive plants, and a ban on unmanaged vegetation. Meadows under one contiguous acre would be prohibited unless accompanied by a management plan. Enforcement would rely on subject matter experts from city departments. Aldermen raised concerns about aesthetic subjectivity, potential for attracting rodents or other vermin, and the need for clear neighbor engagement. Staff recommended a six-month education and outreach period before enactment. The Board directed staff to develop educational materials and engage community stakeholders, including those with reservations, and to bring back a refined proposal after six months. - Expansion of Automated Traffic Enforcement: Lt. Justin Thomas and Stephanie Kaiser of the Frederick Police Department presented a request to add three red light cameras and three speed cameras. Proposed red light camera locations: Thomas Johnson Drive at Opossumtown Pike (east/west directions) and Ballenger Creek at Ballenger Center Drive. Proposed speed camera locations: 1700 block and 7900 block of Opossumtown Pike (northbound and southbound). Data from crash reports, citizen complaints, and vendor surveys supported the need. Each camera costs $4,400 per month, to be added to FY25 budget via amendment. Aldermen discussed complaint processes, court challenge rates, and the ability of civilian personnel to review violations. The department affirmed that automated enforcement improves safety. The Board expressed support and directed staff to proceed with a budget amendment. Key Outcomes - Low Impact Landscaping: No formal vote; staff will prepare educational materials, consult with homeowners’ associations and neighborhood advisory councils, and return with a final proposal after at least six months. - Automated Enforcement Expansion: No formal vote; the Board supported the request and authorized staff to work with the Finance Department to amend the FY25 budget to cover the ongoing cost of the six additional cameras ($4,400/month each). The project will proceed pending budget approval. - The meeting concluded with a reminder of the budget public hearing at 7:00 PM that evening.

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing and workshop on March 28, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered a demolition review, multiple partial demolition and rehabilitation applications, a consent item, and workshop discussions. Key decisions included approval of several demolitions and rehabilitations, often conditioned on replacement plans, and continuances for absent applicants. Consent Calendar - HPC24-246DR (607 W. Patrick Street): Demolition review for a circa 1917 dwelling. Staff found the property not individually eligible for historic designation. The Commission voted unanimously not to pursue a designation application. - Administrative Approval Report: Staff reported that 27 applications were reviewed administratively. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Pearcy (All Saints Street resident): During the workshop, Mr. Pearcy expressed concern about the potential sterilization of the historic district through demolition of industrial/warehouse buildings, and worry about noise from new construction creating a canyon effect along Carroll Creek. He urged preservation of the area's working-class character. Discussion Items - HPC24-117 (55 E. Patrick Street – Window Replacement): Initially on consent but pulled by Commissioner Hart. Applicant Kristy Erfurdt proposed replacing a cracked single-pane window with two panes and a central mullion for structural support. Hart argued the full plate glass was a defining element of the storefront. Commissioners Van Rens, Fitzgerald, and Saller supported the change as less intrusive. Vote: 3-1 in favor (Hart opposed). Approved. - HPC24-055 (216 E. Patrick Street – Partial Demolition): Removal of two rear blocks and a roof opening. Staff found the structure contributing but the proposed demolition elements not character-defining. Approved unanimously, conditioned on HPC approval of the replacement plan (HPC24-056). - HPC24-123 (170 W. All Saints Street – Demolition of Retaining Wall and Shed): Applicant Blaine Young (Mountain City Elks) described the site as part of a $1.3 million restoration of the historic African American Elks Lodge. Staff found the shed and concrete block wall non-contributing. The Commission unanimously found them non-contributing and then approved demolition, conditioned on the replacement plan (HPC24-170). - HPC24-125 (173 W. All Saints Street – Rehabilitation): Removal of chain link fence, replacement of non-historic metal door, new window opening, and security camera. Approved unanimously with condition that the camera be installed through the mortar joint. - HPC24-168 (610 N. Market Street – Demolition of Brick Garden Wall): Applicant not present. Continued to April 11, 2024. - HPC24-170 (170 W. All Saints Street – Replacement Plan): New shed and retaining wall. Staff recommended approval with conditions (e.g., board-and-batten siding, corrected plans). The Commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about the appropriateness of manufactured stone veneer on the retaining wall, given its historic association with African American neighborhoods. Approved with conditions. Workshop Items (No Votes Taken) - HPC23-1260 (69 S. Market Street – Partial Demolition): Applicant Andrew Welker presented revised plans reducing the scope of demolition. Discussion focused on: (1) a vertical wall section on the south elevation – the Commission suggested treating it as rehabilitation rather than demolition; (2) roof replacement – the applicant may need to change the pitch for mechanical systems, but the Commission was open to a deviation if kept below the parapet; (3) rear porch removal – the Commission encouraged paying homage to the porch form in the new construction. The consensus was to workshop the Level 1 replacement plan before finalizing the demolition application. - HPC24-071 (31 W. Patrick Street – Modify Entry): Applicant Steve Knott proposed replacing a revolving door with a pair of double doors and removing a single door to improve ADA access. The design is contemporary and matches existing storefront fenestration. The Commission requested a manufacturer's finish sample by the April 11 hearing. It will proceed to a hearing. - HPC24-056 (216 E. Patrick Street – Rehabilitation & Addition): Extensive discussion on the addition and rooftop deck. The applicant (Will Randall, agent Brian Bradfield) presented details on roof insulation, new front entry doors (custom wood), granite step reuse, and a rooftop deck. The deck is highly visible but the Commission expressed conditional support, noting the need to consider deviation standards. The applicant will provide a rendering showing the proposed hotel context. The application will return for a hearing. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: February 22, 2024, minutes approved unanimously. - Consent Item Pulled: HPC24-117 removed from consent and approved 3-1. - Continuances: HPC23-1262 (77 S. Market Street) and HPC24-168 (610 N. Market Street) continued to April 11, 2024, due to applicant absence. - Demolition and Rehabilitation Approvals: - HPC24-246DR: Not to pursue designation (unanimous). - HPC24-055: Partial demolition approved (unanimous), conditioned on replacement plan. - HPC24-123: Non-contributing finding and demolition approved (unanimous), conditioned on replacement plan. - HPC24-125: Rehabilitation approved (unanimous) with condition. - HPC24-170: Replacement plan approved (unanimous) with multiple conditions, to be finalized at staff level. - Workshop Directions: For HPC23-1260, the Commission advised refining the demolition scope and presenting a clearer Level 1 plan before the next hearing. For HPC24-071, additional product information is due April 11. For HPC24-056, the applicant will provide a contextual rendering; the rooftop deck will be evaluated against deviation standards at the hearing.

Key Outcomes - Motion to convene in closed session under Maryland General Provisions Article 3-305 B1(i) to discuss appointment of personnel was made, seconded, and approved by a vote of 5-0. - The board recessed to the mayor's office for the closed session, and the public meeting was adjourned.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a workshop on March 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting covered routine business approvals, a mitigation agreement for the Summervale development, and revisions to the Code of Civility. No public comments were made. The workshop concluded with elected officials' remarks. Consent Calendar - Approved the release of two sureties: a $45,005.73 bond for Kellerton Land Bay B, LLC and an $85,059.47 letter of credit for Riverside Technology Park IV, LLC. Approved by a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items - Approval of a Mitigation Agreement for Roads for Summervale (formerly Summers Farm): Staff presented a draft mitigation agreement related to a provisional certificate for roads issued in March 2019. The developer, represented by Eric Soder of Rogers Consulting, highlighted that the plan remains true to the 2009 annexation. The agreement outlines phasing for road improvements and a linear park. The board discussed the item and staff recommended approval. - Discussion of Proposed Revisions to Resolution 21-18 (Code of Civility): Mayor O'Connor introduced a refreshed Code of Civility, expanded to address civility among staff and public attendees, not just board members. The draft was researched by Legislative Assistant Clara Jackson and reviewed by the communications department. Board members expressed support for moving the revisions directly to a public meeting for adoption. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (5-0). - The Summervale mitigation agreement was discussed but no formal vote was taken; it will proceed to a future meeting for decision. - The proposed Code of Civility revisions will be brought to the next regular public meeting for adoption. Elected Officials' Comments - Alderman Ash congratulated Alderman Shackleford and noted a mock trial event. - Alderman Russell acknowledged long-serving city employees honored at the police department. - Alderman Shackleford shared her fandom for the Toronto Blue Jays. - Mayor O'Connor wished blessings for various faith traditions and noted the upcoming busy season.