Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

The board convened in a closed session on November 3, 2022, at 10:45 AM to discuss personnel matters as allowed under Maryland law. The session was held to consider the appointment of personnel and a final determination regarding a personnel board recommendation. Discussion Items - The board moved to convene in closed session under §3-305 B1(i) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. Topics included the appointment of personnel and final determination regarding a personnel board recommendation. Key Outcomes - Motion to convene in closed session by Alderman McSemchek, seconded by Alderman Shackelford. The motion passed 4-0 (Alderman McShane absent). The closed session was held in Room 212.

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission met on October 27, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing, consideration of a consent item, a demolition review, a zoning map amendment, a workshop on Prospect Hall's site plan, and legal training. Several items were tabled due to missing public notice signs. Consent Calendar - HPC22-234: 3 E. 3rd Street – Rehabilitation by Thomas & Denise Loeper. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizen comments were offered during the designated period. Discussion Items - Announcements: Staff reported that HPC22-769 (18 E. 2nd Street) and HPC22-792 (106 E. Church Street) did not post required public notice signs; therefore, the commission took no action on those items. - HPC22-935 – 256 S. Carroll Street (Demolition Review): Staff recommended finding the 1920s terracotta tile garage a contributing resource to the Frederick Town Historic District. Applicant Laurie Zook stated the garage was no longer sustainable due to roof failure and deterioration, and she had no immediate replacement plans, though she noted prior approval for 10 units on the property. After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to find the garage a contributing resource. - HPC22-950ZMA – 1700 Atlas Drive (Historic Preservation Overlay): Staff presented the application for a historic preservation overlay on a relocated circa 1800 mill house. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval, finding the structure eligible under criterion D1 because it embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, and meets the 50-year age requirement with retained historic integrity. - Workshop – Prospect Hall, 889 Butterfly Lane: The commission reviewed a revised site plan that reduced parking from 89 to 41 spaces and added a solar canopy. Applicant Michelle Sigler and consultants explained efforts to minimize visual impact by tucking parking away from the front vista. Commissioners expressed support for the revised plan, noting it better preserves the historic setting, and requested additional documentation submitted by October 31, 2022, for the November 10 hearing. - Legal Training: Assistant City Attorney Scott Waxter provided training on quasi-judicial duties, including the importance of basing decisions on substantial evidence, avoiding ex parte communications, managing conflicts of interest, complying with the Open Meetings Act, and making clear findings for a defensible record. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 13, 2022 hearing and workshop minutes. - Approved consent item HPC22-234. - Determined the garage at 256 S. Carroll Street is a contributing resource. - Recommended approval of the historic preservation overlay for 1700 Atlas Drive. - No action taken on HPC22-769 and HPC22-792 due to missing signs. - Workshop on Prospect Hall continued; formal hearing scheduled for November 10, 2022.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on October 20, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, a consent agenda with grants and budget amendments, public hearings on a concrete repair contract and a bronze statue installation, an appointment to the Planning Commission, and public comments from candidates and a resident on urban planning issues. Consent Calendar - Category A – Grant: Unanimously approved a $115,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant to update air traffic control tower equipment, authorizing the Mayor to sign documents. - Category B – Special Ordinances (3 items): Unanimously approved amendments to the FY2023 budget for: - $115,000 from the FAA grant. - A U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (amount not specified in transcript). - An additional $214,681 for the Community Services Block Grant. Public Comments & Testimony - Megan LaRue (Frederick resident) announced her candidacy for Clerk of the Circuit Court, noting her 15 years of court experience and current role as a victim advocate. - Marvin Schwab announced his candidacy for Judge of the Orphan's Court, emphasizing his independent decision-making and business background. - Chris Manners (Democratic candidate for Register of Wills) introduced himself as the chief deputy register of wills and an attorney, highlighting his 13 years of service. - Vladimir Tolski (Frederick resident) spoke in both public comment periods. He expressed concerns about: - Urban design and human self-domestication, comparing current development to Dr. John B. Calhoun's mouse experiments. - Inadequate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, saying the city waits for accidents before making changes. - Zoning rules that he argued force car dependency and over-policing. - Public restrooms at parks (e.g., Baker Park) being closed while lights are on, and the lack of facilities discouraging park use. - The new downtown shuttle duplicating existing transit services. - Barriers to civic participation for low-income residents. Discussion Items - Contract for Concrete Repairs (IFB 23-2): Superintendent Mike Winpigler presented a $1,293,661.25 contract with HMF Paving Contractors, Inc. for citywide curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA repairs. Several aldermen questioned why only one bid was received; staff explained the spotty, small-scale nature of the work deters some contractors and noted that rising material costs mean fewer linear feet will be completed compared to the previous contract. The contract was approved 5-0. - Lefty Kreh Bronze Statue at Culler Lake: Bob Smith (Parks and Recreation) and Andy Mecklenberg (Friends of Lefty Kreh) presented an agreement to install a bronze statue of the late fly-fishing legend Bernard “Lefty” Kreh at the northeast corner of Culler Lake. The project has raised over 70% of funds and received positive recommendations from the Public Art and Parks & Recreation Commissions. Aldermen praised the effort, noting Kreh's local significance. The agreement was approved 5-0. - Planning Commission Appointment: April Lee was appointed to the alternate position, term expiring May 6, 2026. Approved 5-0. Alderwoman Ash thanked the Lee family for their community contributions. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (4-0, Alderman McShane absent) for the September 15, 2022 regular public meeting. - Consent agenda items (grants and budget amendments) approved unanimously (5-0). - Concrete repair contract with HMF Paving approved unanimously (5-0). - Bronze statue agreement with Friends of Lefty Kreh approved unanimously (5-0). - April Lee appointed to the Planning Commission unanimously (5-0). - No other business was brought forward; the meeting adjourned. Alderwoman Comments - Alderman Russell reported that the Metropolitan Washington region exceeded its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal of 20% below 2005 levels, despite population growth, due to cleaner electricity and reduced driving. - Alderwoman Ash noted the Frederick Cadets' undefeated football season. - Alderwoman Kazemchak reminded residents about the city's leaf collection program and encouraged mulching leaves in place to avoid stormwater issues.

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a regular meeting on October 13, 2022, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, administrative reports, six demolition reviews, a Section 106 review, a consent agenda item, two heard cases (one deferred due to loss of quorum), and a workshop presentation on a potential historic preservation overlay for a relocated mill house at 1700 Atlas Drive. Consent Calendar - HPC22-898 (32 S. Bentz Street) – Approved unanimously. The consent item HPC22-234 (3 E. 3rd Street) was removed from the agenda because public notice requirements were not met. - Administrative Approval Report – The commission approved the report of 17 administrative approvals for September 2022. - Draft 2023 HPC Schedule – Approved unanimously. - Minutes – The September 29, 2022 hearing and workshop minutes were approved. Discussion Items Demolition Reviews (6 items): All were presented by staff with recommendations not to initiate historic designation. The commission voted unanimously in each case to follow staff’s recommendation. - 197 Upper College Terrace – Brick American Foursquare (1929), contributing resource in National Register district but not individually eligible. Motion: not to make an application for designation. - 243 W. 5th Street – Brick dwelling (first documented 1904), in downtown historic district but not individually eligible. Motion: not to initiate designation. - 601 Magnolia Avenue (Garage) – Frame garage likely postdating the 1920s bungalow, not individually eligible. Motion: not to make an application for designation. - 401 E. Patrick Street – One-story frame commercial building (circa 1969), non-contributing resource, not individually eligible. Motion: not to make an application for designation. - 420 E. Patrick Street – Commercial/light industrial building (1928 ice cream plant), located outside existing National Register boundaries but within revised 2021 boundaries. Staff found it lacks historic integrity; motion: not to initiate designation. Section 106 Review – Intersection of East Street and East Patrick Street: The commission considered a proposal for a concealed utility pole with a wireless communications antenna (31 feet tall) within the downtown historic district. Staff found minimal physical and visual impacts. Commissioners discussed finish color and the necessity of an attached light, but noted city design standards apply. The commission elected not to send a formal letter; staff will email the applicant that no concerns were identified. HPC22-769 (18 E. 2nd Street) – Shutter Replacement: This case requested post-work approval for new mahogany wood shutters. Staff recommended approval with a condition that the shutters be painted or stained with a solid opaque stain. The applicant’s representative stated the owner did not agree to paint. Commissioner Iva Saller recused herself due to a business relationship with the applicant, and Commissioner Paul Fitzgerald was not eligible to vote (absent from previous workshop). This left only three eligible commissioners, below the quorum of four. No action was taken; the case will be re-advertised and heard at the next meeting on October 27, 2022. HPC22-870 and HPC22-871 (118 S. Market Street) – Partial Demolition and Rehabilitation: - 870 (Partial Demolition): Staff recommended approval of the removal of an abandoned chimney and rear wall alterations, noting the building is a contributing resource but not of unusual importance. The commission approved the application with the condition that a replacement plan (covered under 871) is also approved. - 871 (Rehabilitation): Staff recommended approval of a rear addition with rooftop balcony, dumpster enclosure, and covered wood storage area. The commission approved the application with the condition that product details for the dumpster enclosure and wood storage area be submitted for staff review. Workshop – HPC22-950ZMA (1700 Atlas Drive): Staff presented a proposal to apply a Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) zoning map amendment to protect a circa 1800 mill house that had been moved 140 feet north in 2022 as part of a road expansion project. The original HPO was tied to the land and did not transfer with the building. Staff argued the building meets designation criteria (over 50 years old, retains historic integrity, and has architectural significance as a hall-and-parlor log dwelling). The new property owner had expressed concerns about timing but was aware of the process. No vote was taken; the matter will be heard at the next HPC hearing on October 27, 2022, before proceeding to the Planning Commission and Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, administrative report, and 2023 schedule. - Voted not to initiate historic designation for all six demolition review properties. - Took no action on Section 106 review; staff to communicate no concerns. - Approved HPC22-898 (consent) and HPC22-870/871 (partial demolition and rehabilitation) with conditions. - Deferred action on HPC22-769 (shutters) due to loss of quorum; rescheduled for October 27. - Discussed HPC22-950ZMA (Atlas Drive) as workshop; will be heard again for a recommendation vote on October 27.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a public meeting on October 6, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered approval of minutes, consent agenda items, and five public hearing items. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Key discussions included the purchase of a new citizen services software suite, a replacement mower, a crossing guard program contract, and two items related to Culler Lake improvements. Aldermen raised equity concerns about the crossing guard program and park investment priorities. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from the September 1, 2022 regular public meeting (5-0). - Grant Acceptance: Accepted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playground Grant (CPP 7115-10-441) in the amount of $228,155 (5-0). - Special Ordinance: Approved a special ordinance to amend the FY23 budget to include revenue and expenditures from a Maryland DNR grant of $461,755 (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public made comments during either public comment period. Discussion Items - OpenGov Citizen Services Suite (Item 1): IT Manager Matt Boom presented the purchase of the OpenGov Citizen Services Suite from Software House International for $285,276.57. The system will replace the current 15-year-old ERP system for permits, licensing, and code enforcement, improving online access and staff efficiency. The board approved (5-0). - Toro Groundsmaster Mower (Item 2): Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Smith requested approval to purchase one Toro Groundsmaster model 5900 mower from Turf Equipment and Supply for $122,984.16, replacing a 14-year-old unit. The price exceeded the budgeted $120,000 by $2,984. Approved (5-0). - Crossing Guard Program (Item 3): Lieutenant Corbett of the Frederick Police Department requested approval to piggyback on Frederick County's contract with All City Management Services to manage a crossing guard program at a cost of $123,832.80 for FY23. The program covers nine city locations. Aldermen expressed strong frustration that the city bears the cost while the county pays more per hour for its crossing guards and does not contribute. Alderman Russell said she would vote yes only to avoid endangering children but called the arrangement inequitable. Alderwoman Nash supported the contract but questioned why the county does not pay. Mayor O'Connor noted this is a longstanding policy but agreed to raise the issue with the next county administration. Approved (5-0). - Friends of Baker Park MOU – Culler Lake Phase II (Item 4): Bob Smith presented an agreement with Friends of Baker Park for a $275,000 donation to facilitate Phase II improvements at Culler Lake (pathways, lighting, plaza). Friends of Baker Park President Peter Brem spoke in support. Alderman Shackelford referenced the recent parks master plan draft, cautioning that the city should not neglect other parks while investing heavily in high-profile ones. Approved (5-0). - Culler Lake Park Improvements Contract (Item 5): Project Manager Ron Wingfield requested approval of a $899,848 contract with DSM Properties, LLC (plus a $949,848 purchase order) for construction. The project was rebid after initial bids exceeded budget; three bids were received, and the low bidder was selected. Alderman Shackelford asked about the vetting process and winter construction timeline. Approved (5-0). Key Outcomes - All five public hearing items were approved unanimously (5-0). - The board directed staff to gather information on how crossing guard locations and funding are handled by Frederick County for non-city schools, and to prepare for a policy discussion with the county. - Mayor O'Connor noted that crossing guard funding equity will be raised with the incoming county administration. - Aldermen acknowledged the tragic traffic fatality earlier that day in the Hillcrest area and thanked police and traffic calming efforts. - Alderwoman Nash highlighted October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and shared a personal story of a family member's recovery.

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall for a public hearing followed by a workshop. The meeting included demolition reviews, rehabilitation approvals, a recommendation on a National Register boundary increase, and a workshop on a proposed partial demolition and addition at 118 S. Market Street. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the August 11, 2022 hearing and August 25, 2022 workshop unanimously. - Approved consent items HPC22-756 (300 E. 3rd Street, rehabilitation) and HPC22-865 (140 W. Church Street, solar panels) unanimously. - Item HPC22-234 (3 E. 3rd Street) was continued to October 13, 2022 at the applicant's request. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the citizen comment portion of the hearing. Discussion Items - HPC22-840DR – 303 W. College Terrace: Staff presented a demolition review for a 1923 Mediterranean Revival house built for McKendry R. Etchison, a prominent local funeral director. Staff found the building contributory to the National Register district but not individually eligible for local designation. The commission concurred and voted not to initiate designation. - National Register Frederick Historic District (F-3-39) – Boundary Increase: Staff introduced the nomination for additional documentation and boundary increase. The commission voted to recommend acceptance to the Maryland Historical Trust, authorizing the chair to sign a letter prepared by staff. - HPC22-558 & HPC22-504 – 150 W. Patrick Street: The applicant proposed partial demolition of a rear wing roof and two chimneys, and construction of a two-story addition. The applicant agreed to retain the exterior portions of the chimneys and to modify the roof demolition scope. The addition features a setback from the historic wing, wood double-hung windows, fiber cement siding, and a standing seam metal roof. The commission approved both applications with conditions, including retention of chimneys, addition of windows on the east elevation, and use of approved materials. - HPC22-767 – 205-207 N. Market Street: The owner proposed replacing siding and windows on a 1990s rooftop addition with beaded vinyl siding and vinyl windows. Staff noted the addition is minimally visible from the street and unique physical/logistical constraints. The commission approved the application based on the applicant's thorough workshop presentation. - HPC22-769 – 18 E. 2nd Street: The applicant was not present; the item was continued to October 13, 2022. - HPC22-792 – 106 E. Church Street: The applicant sought to install a freestanding sign made of synthetic stucco (polystyrene core with proprietary coating) in front of the historic Trail Mansion. Staff recommended denial because the material is not permitted under the guidelines. The applicant agreed to revise the application to use brick, wood, or metal. The item was continued to October 27, 2022 for administrative review of revised plans. - HPC22-793 – 123 E. 3rd Street: The owner proposed replacing two historic double-hung windows, enlarging a non-historic opening, and installing an exhaust vent. Staff found the historic windows repairable and recommended denial of their replacement. The owner accepted. The commission denied replacement of the two historic windows (citing pages 56-58 of the design guidelines) but approved the alteration of the non-historic opening (with condition to protect the historic brick arch) and the vent installation. - HPC22-813 – 29 N. Market Street: The applicant proposed replacing five rear first-floor windows with aluminum-clad double-hung units with simulated divided lights; security grilles to remain. Staff supported the replacement due to difficult site conditions (zero-lot line, mezzanine interior) and lack of visibility. The commission approved with the condition that grilles use permanently affixed grids with a spacer bar (Detail J). - HPC22-814 – 112 E. Patrick Street: The applicant proposed two brick-clad CMU support piers at the rear loading bay, concrete beam repair, and brick repointing. Staff recommended approval with conditions that piers be differentiated from historic brick (either recessed or with alternate material). The applicant agreed to recess the piers per engineer's advice. The commission approved with conditions. - HPC22-815 – 106 N. Court Street: The applicant proposed a two-story rear addition with solid PVC panels, aluminum-clad windows, standing seam metal roof, new patio and pergola. Staff found the addition appropriate given its setback and screening. The commission approved with conditions that PVC have smooth finish and any pressure-treated wood be painted/stained. Key Outcomes - HPC22-840DR: Unanimous vote not to designate property. - National Register Vote: Unanimous recommendation to accept boundary increase. - HPC22-558 & HPC22-504: Approved with conditions as amended. - HPC22-767: Approved. - HPC22-769: Continued to October 13, 2022. - HPC22-792: Continued to October 27, 2022 for revised materials. - HPC22-793: Denied replacement of two historic windows; approved remainder with condition. - HPC22-813: Approved with condition on window grids. - HPC22-814: Approved with conditions. - HPC22-815: Approved with conditions. Workshop Items - HPC22-870 & HPC22-871 – 118 S. Market Street: The workshop addressed the proposed partial demolition of a rear chimney and rear wall, and the construction of a one-story addition with rooftop balcony for Black Hog BBQ. Staff found the building a contributing resource but not of unusual importance; the commission unanimously agreed. The addition design – with CMU walls, metal elements, a green screen (eco-mesh), and a pergola – was discussed at length. Commissioners expressed support for the utilitarian industrial character that relates to the historic warehouse. The applicant agreed to provide context renderings and update details. The application will proceed to a hearing on October 13, 2022.

The City of Frederick Zoning Board of Appeals met on September 27, 2022, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The board considered one new business item: a temporary use request due to a fire at a local business. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a continuance, and a unanimous vote to approve the temporary use with conditions. Consent Calendar - Call to Order and Announcements: No announcements were made. - General Public Comment: None. - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the June 28, 2022, meeting minutes as written (motion by Bob Sisson, seconded by Lawrence Aronow, vote 4-0). - Continuances: ZBA22-806CU (Conditional Use, 137 N. Market Street) was continued to the October 25, 2022, hearing because public notice requirements were not fully met. Discussion Items - ZBA22-886TU – Temporary Use, 11 Byte Court: The applicant, Scott Wiles, representing Potomac Town Carpet, requested a temporary use approval to operate a floor coverings sales establishment at 11 Byte Court, which is zoned Light Industrial (M1) where that use is not normally permitted. The request stemmed from a fire on September 9, 2022, at their primary location at 918 East Street (zoned General Commercial). The temporary space would allow them to continue operations while their main location is being renovated. The applicant stated the use would be low-traffic (estimated up to 15 customers per day, mostly by appointment), and no new construction is involved. Staff recommended approval with conditions, noting the use would not generate significant additional noise, odor, dust, or traffic, and is compatible with the surrounding area. No public comment was offered. Key Outcomes - Vote: The board approved ZBA22-886TU unanimously (4-0) with the following findings and conditions: - The property use does not conform to the M1 zoning code, but Section 867 of the Land Management Code (LMC) allows the ZBA to authorize temporary uses. - The proposed use is temporary and does not involve new construction. - The use will not adversely affect public health, safety, security, morals, or general welfare, and will not create dangerous traffic conditions or jeopardize life or property. - Conditions: The applicant must apply for and receive a six-month zoning permit to supplement the previously approved permit for the floor covering sales and service use. At the end of that six-month period, the applicant may request up to two additional six-month extensions from the Planning Division, for a total possible approval of 18 months. - Board Business: The board welcomed Garrett Knapp as a new alternate member; this was his first official meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned until the next scheduled meeting in October 2022.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a public meeting on September 15, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Ostomy Awareness Day, approval of consent agenda items, four public hearing items, an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission, and aldermanic comments including a personal disclosure from Alderwoman Nash regarding an ethics commission finding. Presentations & Proclamations - Ostomy Awareness Day, October 1, 2022: Mayor O'Connor read a proclamation recognizing the date. Patrick McKinney, president of the Frederick Area Support Group, noted that approximately one million Americans have an ostomy, with 100,000 new procedures annually. The group, one of four in Maryland, serves about 150 people each year through donations and supports the region including parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Members Mora Fitzpatrick (wound ostomy nurse) and Robin Edwards also attended. Consent Calendar - Extension of Agreement: Approved an amendment to the MOU with MDOT SHA for 100% design of the Golden Mile Multimodal Access Plan, extending the timeline to August 24, 2024. (Vote: 4-0) - Grant: Accepted a FY2023 Internet Crimes Against Children grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control Prevention, Youth and Victim Services in the amount of $40,824. (Vote: 4-0) - Special Ordinance: Approved a budget amendment to include revenue and expenditures for the ICAC grant. (Vote: 4-0) Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during either of the two public comment periods. A few emails were received but no e-comments on the agenda. Discussion Items - Compost Pilot Program Change Order: Jenny Willoughby, Manager of Sustainability, presented a change order to the Key City Compost agreement to include NACs 3 and 8 for continued pilot program data collection. Approved 4-0. - Building Height Increase in PB Zoning District: Gabrielle Collard, Division Manager of Current Planning, presented an ordinance to amend Section 405 of the Land Management Code, increasing the maximum building height in the Professional Business (PB) district from 45 to 60 feet. The Planning Commission recommended approval on July 12, 2022. Staff supported the correction of a 2012 mapping error. Approved 4-0. - State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Grant for Maryland Deaf Community Center: Mark DiCampo, Director of Strategic Planning and Executive Projects, presented a $500,000 grant agreement funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Lori Bonhango, Vice President of MDCC, expressed gratitude and noted the center is working with architects and engineers, with an anticipated opening in early 2024. Alderwoman Kazemchak commended the advocacy. Approved 4-0. - Airport – Relocate Taxiway Project Phase III: Andrew Moore, Airport Manager, presented three related items for the relocation of Taxiway Alpha Phase III. The project is funded 90% federal, 5% state, and 5% local (split 2.5% city and 2.5% county). The Airport Commission recommended approval. - a. FAA Airport Improvement Grant: $5,476,556.25. Approved 4-0. - b. Task Order 5 with Delta Airport Consultants: $570,000 for construction observation services. Approved 4-0. - c. Contract with C. William Hetzer, Inc.: $5,500,062.50 for construction. Approved 4-0. Appointments - Historic Preservation Commission: Paul Fitzgerald was appointed for a term expiring January 17, 2025. Approved 4-0. Aldermanic Comments - Alderwoman Nash: Announced that she received a finding from the City Ethics Commission after a complaint filed by the Frederick County Executive. She stated she believed she acted within ethics guidance but the commission disagreed. She expressed regret and said she is considering an appeal. The announcement was made publicly for transparency. - Other Comments: Alderwoman Ash praised Alderman Russell’s transit work; Alderman Russell promoted Car Free Day on September 22; Alderwoman Kazemchak encouraged citizens to apply for city commissions; Alderman Shackelford thanked staff for the successful Celebrate Frederick event. Key Outcomes - All votes on consent agenda items, public hearing items, and the appointment were unanimous (4-0). Alderman McShane was absent. - The building height ordinance, compost program change order, deaf center grant, and airport project approvals were finalized. - Alderwoman Nash’s ethics disclosure is pending further action (appeal process). - The next regular public meeting was not announced, but the meeting was adjourned.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a regular public meeting on the evening of September 1, 2022, at City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, reports of closed sessions, consent agenda items, four public hearing items, and appointment announcements. Several aldermen offered tributes to the late Alderman William G. Hall and expressed support for businesses affected by a recent downtown fire. All votes were unanimous 5-0 unless otherwise noted. Report of Closed Meetings - The board reported on a closed session held August 22, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. On a motion by Alderman Shackelford, seconded by Alderwoman Kazemchak, the board voted 4-0 (Alderwoman Nash not present) to convene in closed session to discuss appointment, employment, and performance evaluation of an appointee. Present were Mayor O'Connor, Aldermen Russell, Shockford, Kazemchak, and McShane, along with staff. The board voted 4-0 to approve the mayor's request for removal of two members of the Frederick Community Action Agency Board of Directors and 4-0 to approve the appointment of two new members. Consent Calendar - Category A: Request to Serve Alcohol on City Property – Approved a request from the City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Department to serve beer, wine, and spirits at its Spooky Movie Night on the Creek event on October 15, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Carroll Creek Linear Park Amphitheater and Site C-2. Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Russell. Passed 5-0. - Category B: Special Ordinances – Approved two special ordinances to amend the FY2023 budget: (1) to include revenue and expenditures for a United States Tennis Association Grow the Game Grant; (2) to include revenue and expenditures for a Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network grant. Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Russell. Passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during either of the two public comment periods. No e-comments were received. Public Hearing Items (Discussion & Votes) - Item 1: Memorandum of Understanding for Homeless Services – Acting City Attorney Rachel Nesson presented an MOU among the City, Frederick County Government, and the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs to coordinate homeless services and provide funding for the Alan P. Linton Emergency Shelter, the only emergency shelter in Frederick County serving homeless adults. The City will award $50,000 in FY2023. Alderwoman Nash noted that this funding is in addition to other city investments in housing and human services. Alderman McShane expressed appreciation for continued city investment. Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Shackelford. Passed 5-0. - Item 2: Microsoft Office 365 Purchase – IT Manager Matt Bowman presented a three-year purchase of Microsoft Office 365 from Software House International (SHI) for $119,111 per year for FY23-FY25. He noted the transition to Office 365 three years ago was critical during the pandemic, enabling telework and remote meetings. Motion by Alderman McShane, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak. Passed 5-0. - Item 3: Dark Fiber Runs for SCADA Network – IT Manager Matt Bowman presented an agreement with Lumos Network (dba Segra) for three dark fiber runs to connect city treatment plants to the SCADA network. The current T1 line is outdated. The cost is $190,000 for construction and $3,000 per month over 10 years. The upgrade will improve network uptime, efficiency, and security. Motion by Alderman McShane, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak. Passed 5-0. - Item 4: Lease Assignment at Frederick Municipal Airport – Airport Manager Andrew Moore presented a request from Advanced Aviation Group LLC to assign the lease of Frederick Flight Center (a flight training school) to Empire Aviation Leasing LLC. Advanced Aviation has operated the center under a management agreement since 2018. The Airport Commission recommended approval, and legal review found no fiscal impact. Motion by Alderwoman Nash, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak. Passed 5-0. - Item 5 (Pulled): A proposed State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Grant Agreement for the Maryland Deaf Community Center was pulled from the agenda for technical cleanup. Appointments - The mayor announced the appointments of Cindy Freeman and Terrence Wiley to the Frederick Community Action Agency Board of Directors, previously approved in closed session. No vote was required. Key Outcomes - All votes on consent agenda and public hearing items passed unanimously 5-0. - The board acknowledged the passing of former Alderman William G. Hall and expressed condolences to his family. - The board expressed support for businesses and residents affected by a recent downtown fire and thanked first responders. - Alderman Russell reminded the public of Car Free Day on September 22, 2022. - The meeting was adjourned without further business.