Public Meetings - Frederick, Maryland

This meeting, held on February 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM, focused on a presentation by the Center for Election Science (CES) regarding approval voting as an alternative voting method. Council members heard from Mary Kramer Wagner and Alison Sardinas, who detailed the mechanics, benefits, and real-world applications of approval voting. No public comments were offered, and the meeting concluded with a brief update on committee work plans. Presentation on Approval Voting - Presenters: Mary Kramer Wagner (Pinnacle Strategies, representing CES) and Alison Sardinas (Director of Public Affairs, CES). - Background: Wagner shared her 21 years of experience in elections and a task force bill (bipartisan, introduced in state House and Senate) to study approval voting and ranked choice voting (RCV). A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM. - Definition: Approval voting allows voters to select all candidates they approve of (like a Doodle poll). It aggregates consensus rather than seeking a 50% threshold. - Case study – St. Louis, MO: Proposition D passed with 68% support, implementing approval voting. In the first election, two women (a black woman and a white woman) rose to the top with over 50% approval each, the first such outcome in city history. The previous plurality system had allowed a candidate to win with 32% due to vote splitting. Implementation cost only $1,000 for voter education. - Case study – Fargo, ND: Used approval voting the longest among modern U.S. municipalities. Council races saw reduced vote splitting and more candidates winning with higher approval percentages. - Cost & Complexity: No additional ballot paper costs; no software changes required (overvote function turned off). Compliant with risk-limiting audits and hand counts. - Voter Behavior: Initially about 30% of voters choose multiple candidates; this increases as voters become more familiar. No increased burden on election administrators. - Turnout: Voting method not a primary driver of turnout; strong parties and GOTV efforts matter more. Approval voting moderately increases turnout (1-2%). - Discrimination Concerns: Sardinas stated a forthcoming peer-reviewed study found approval voting is the easiest method for minority populations and not discriminatory. - Funding: CES is funded primarily by individual donors from mathematics and engineering fields; all donor information is transparently disclosed. Q&A Highlights - Councilmember Atkins: Asked whether approval voting eliminates primaries. Sardinas clarified it is compatible with any primary structure; CES prefers a single open primary (as in St. Louis) to save costs. - Councilmember Taylor: Inquired about winning thresholds and why approval voting is not more widespread. Sardinas noted it is a newer method in public use, with only two municipalities currently using it, but it has long academic history. - Councilmember (unidentified): Raised concerns about name recognition bias. Sardinas cited studies showing approval voting helps overcome incumbency bias and allows first-time candidates to win. - Councilmember (senator volunteer): Asked about low-turnout elections and bullet voting. Sardinas explained outcomes still change under approval voting (e.g., winners reach 50% approval even in low turnout). About 33% bullet vote initially, but that declines over time. - Councilmember (unidentified): Asked about open primaries. Sardinas confirmed St. Louis used an open, nonpartisan primary with approval voting and a top-two plurality runoff. - Councilmember (unidentified): Asked if approval voting has been called discriminatory. Sardinas acknowledged it has been, but their research found the opposite; results will be published soon. - Councilmember (unidentified): Asked about funding sources. Sardinas listed individual donors from technical fields; CES is small and transparent. - Councilmember (unidentified): Asked about mail-in ballots and elderly voters. Sardinas noted that older voters tend to be more politically informed and may vote for more candidates; no ballot errors occur because any vote is counted. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken. - The presentation was received by the committee as part of its ongoing elections reform study. - A rescheduled presentation on related topics by Walter Olson will be arranged. - CES will share additional studies and data with council members. - The work plan status was briefly updated; next week’s meeting will focus on budget monitoring.

The Community and Culture Committee met on February 19, 2026, to receive updates on the future Frederick Youth Center and the city's reentry program. Presentations were led by Chief of Staff to the Mayor Guy Samson and Manager of the Office of Opportunity and Transformation Erica Robaugh, with contributions from program managers and community partners. The meeting had a hard stop at 3:55 PM. Discussion Items - Frederick Youth Center: The project originated from the 2018 Human Needs Assessment, the Livable Frederick Master Plan, and the city's Community 2030 Plan, which identified gaps in youth services. The city received an 18,000-square-foot facility gifted by Frederick County government. Site plans were approved two weeks prior, construction is on track to begin in September 2026, and the facility is expected to open in early 2028 (summer/third quarter). The city secured $3 million in federal THUD (Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative) funding. The center will serve youth aged 14–24, with a focus on "opportunity youth" disconnected from school, work, and community supports. Top five youth-requested features: a gym, lounge, game room, wellness room, and cafe area. The facility will also house a re-engagement center. Key staff introduced: Jason Francis (re-engagement program manager) has already received over 200 referrals; Amy Wilkinson (backbone director for the 12 to 24 Collaborative). The RISE framework (Reach, Invest, Stabilize, Empower) guides programming. A Valentine's Day event "Daddy Does" (hair care and parenting workshop) was highlighted. Transportation concerns were addressed via walkability and potential future transit line. Partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County and Frederick Community College was noted. The center will eventually transfer from the Office of Opportunity Transformation to Housing and Human Services. - Reentry Program Update: The city completed the Good Jobs Great Cities Academy in July 2024, which highlighted reentry as a priority. The Frederick Re-entry Advisory Coalition met from October 2024 to October 2025 and produced recommendations. Data from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office 2024 Corrections Annual Report: 1,800 total intakes, average daily population of 300, average length of stay of 20 days, recidivism rate of 51.9%, 70% of residents are Frederick County residents, 20% from other parts of Maryland, and nearly 10% from out of state. The coalition cataloged 57 resources across housing, health, economic opportunity, and pro-social supports. Key recommendations: establish a full-time re-entry navigator (proposed for 2027 budget), formalize the re-entry network, lead advocacy and public awareness, and implement a shared data strategy. Advocacy highlights: the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 (HB 499) passed, and a mock interview day was held. The re-entry network meets bimonthly on the second Wednesday at 6 PM at FPD and is open to the public. A re-entry simulation is planned for April 2026 in partnership with the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. The city is exploring a juvenile re-entry component and partnerships with the LEAD program and the crisis car co-responder model. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The committee received the presentations and asked clarifying questions regarding service access, success metrics, transportation, budget, and policy support. Councilmembers expressed support for both initiatives. The chair noted that the committee will develop work plans based on the information heard. Next steps include continued advocacy, budget requests for a re-entry navigator, and ongoing construction and programming planning for the youth center.

The Frederick City Council convened on February 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting included routine approvals, public comments on snow removal and transit-oriented development, a public hearing on stadium signage, and a presentation on transit-oriented development (TOD) designation. The council also introduced a draft for a Land Management Code Review Commission. Consent Calendar - Release of Sureties: Approved unanimously (6-0). Appointments - John Temple to the Planning Commission (term Feb 20, 2026 - Jul 18, 2029): Approved 4-2. - Eric Jones to the Active Mobility Advisory Committee (term Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 19, 2030): Approved 6-0. - Missy Connor to the Neighborhood Advisory Council (term Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 19, 2028): Approved 6-0. - Gwen Kinsey to the Historic Preservation Commission (term Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 19, 2029): Approved 6-0. Reports - A council member reported on Arts Advocacy Day, noting that nonprofit arts organizations in Maryland have a $1.2 billion economic output and generate $28.4 million in state and local tax revenue. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Sharp (Rosemont area) expressed dissatisfaction with snow clearing of crosswalks on Rosemont Avenue; one of three crosswalks was never cleared, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road. - Christian Benford (750 Carroll Pkwy) urged the council to delay approval of the TOD designation application until pending pedestrian and bicycle plans (Let’s Move Frederick, East Street redesign, etc.) are completed, to prevent application denial. - Randy Cohen (Highland Trail owner, P.O. Box 278 Monrovia) expressed strong support for the TOD designation, requesting an expanded boundary beyond the standard half-mile radius. He highlighted the financial burden of infrastructure improvements on developers and the need for workforce housing. - Willie Mahone (President, Frederick County NAACP) criticized the previous redistricting process, citing a Haystack DNA report that found racial block voting in 6 of 19 elections over 8 years. He argued the council's adoption of a single majority-minority district (instead of the ACLU's proposed two) constituted voter suppression, but acknowledged the council's reconsideration of the matter. - Heather Goddard (President, East Frederick Rising Board) spoke in support of the TOD designation, noting it will unlock potential on the east side and encouraged monitoring of local policies to strengthen walkability. Discussion Items Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Designation - The mayor's office (Guy Samson, Alan Etzler, Ben Groff, Ben Smith) presented an update on state TOD legislation. The Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act would not apply to the Frederick MARC station because it only covers stations with hourly service from 8 AM to 6 PM. Instead, the city is pursuing its own TOD designation application through MDOT, which allows local control. - Planning Director Gabrielle Collard and Brandon Mark presented the application for a TOD designation around the Frederick MARC station. The proposed boundary extends beyond the standard 10-minute walk shed to capture underutilized parcels. The designation would open state funding, technical support, and grant preference. Currently, 3,100 of 6,500 planned units on the east side are within the proposed TOD area. - Council members questioned the timeline of related plans (Let’s Move Frederick, downtown streetscape) and the lack of prior NAC review. Staff replied that the designation does not change local zoning and that plans are progressing (Let’s Move Frederick is in final internal review, downtown streetscape at 15% design). - The council voted 7-0 to approve the resolution supporting the TOD application. Land Management Code Review Commission - Council Vice President Nash introduced a draft resolution to create a Land Management Code Review Commission, similar to a previous charter review commission. The draft includes sections on public engagement, values (affordability, equity, sustainability), and was developed by the Government Operations Committee. The council will hold workshops to refine it; no vote was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved all consent items and appointments as listed. - Approved naming rights signage for IBEW Local 24 on the new batting performance building at Harry Grove Stadium, with internal illumination, by a 7-0 vote. - Approved the resolution to submit a TOD designation application to MDOT by a 7-0 vote. - Introduced a draft for a Land Management Code Review Commission for future discussion. - Council committee chairs provided work plan updates: Government Operations (charter changes, budget monitoring); Public Works (sidewalk maintenance study, brownfields code, data center regulation, housing strategic plan); Community and Culture (equity initiatives, youth programs, city special events, public arts, accessibility).

The Frederick City Council convened on February 19, 2026, to consider a motion to enter a closed session. The motion cited authority under Maryland law (General Provisions Article, §3-305(b)(3), (b)(7), and (b)(8)) to discuss real property acquisition, legal advice, and pending or potential litigation. The proponent argued that public discussion would jeopardize negotiations, compromise litigation strategy, and risk disclosing privileged attorney-client communications. Discussion Items - A council member moved to convene a closed session under the specified statutory exemptions. The motion stated that open discussion would hinder the city's ability to negotiate property acquisitions effectively and would compromise legal strategy and confidentiality. Key Outcomes - The motion to enter closed session was made; no record of a vote or decision is available in the transcript. The meeting proceeded to closed session.

The Frederick Planning Commission met on February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM to discuss several agenda items including architectural review for new home models, a final subdivision plat, a front yard fence modification, the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for FY27-32, and updates to the Commission's rules of procedure. Public comments were heard on the fence modification and CIP priorities. Opening Remarks - Planning Director recognized Pam for her years of service overseeing forest conservation plans and annual reporting to the state, noting her instrumental role and remarkable contribution. Public Comments & Testimony - Heather Goddard (Monoxy Village & East Frederick Rising) commented on the Rencorder fence modification, opposing front yard fences as potentially detracting from a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. She urged the Commission to prioritize open space connectivity and warned that the small front yards (250 sq ft) with restrictions might not encourage use. She also spoke during the CIP discussion, requesting continued advocacy for East Street redesign improvements and emphasizing the need to accelerate infrastructure to match projected growth. She asked for progress on the stream restoration in Ren Park, noting it was originally scheduled for completion in summer 2025. Discussion Items - Kellerton Land Bays C & E – Architectural Review (PC 13-195-14 PND): Edward Mangold (Keystone Custom Homes) presented five new home models and one new elevation for the Kellerton community. A modification was requested for small (2x2 ft) accent windows in attic gables that did not meet the design guide's 1:1.5 proportion requirement; the applicant stated these are non-functional dummy windows. Commissioner Robey questioned the exclusion of Hardy Plank siding from approved materials; applicant noted it could be considered through an internal review process. No public comments were received. The Commission asked for staff comments to be addressed before the next hearing. - Thomas Pemberton Platt – Final Subdivision Plat (EC25-603 FSU): Jim Zanelli (Fox & Associates) presented a consolidation plat to merge two lots after demolition of an existing house. Commissioner Robey raised concerns about the demolition process: the applicant removed a stone facade after HPC recommended historic overlay consideration but before designation was finalized. Staff clarified that the property owner acted within legal rights since no overlay was in effect. Commissioner Temple asked about precedent and noted the Commission's unease with the sequence. No public comments. The item was continued to the next hearing. - Rencorder Phase Three Revision – Front Yard Fences (PC 25-608 & PC 25-609): Karen McJunkin (Ren Quarter TH LC) requested a modification to allow 48-inch front yard fences on all rear-load integral townhouses. After staff recommended limiting to 36 inches and only on units fronting Monroe Avenue and amenity areas, the applicant agreed to 36 inches and proposed adding two more blocks (fronting Minocase and near stormwater pond). Discussion included enforcement by property management, use of synthetic turf, and visual breaks along long fence runs. Commissioner Temple asked for renderings showing open space proximity. Staff expressed concern about precedent and confusion for future homeowners. Public comment from Heather Goddard opposed fences. No final vote; applicant to return with additional renderings. - Fiscal Year 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP): Gabrielle (Planning) and Zach Krishner (COO) presented an update. Key projects discussed: East Street improvements (design funding requested), downtown streetscape, Rails with Trails phases (phase 3 bridge design underway, phase 4 at 30% design), West Side Regional Park Community Center (expected opening 2027), sidewalk retrofit study (survey complete, report spring 2026), and flood mitigation projects (Motor Avenue under construction, downtown design wrapping up). Commissioner Robey emphasized the need for a Streets Master Plan to address future traffic from infill development and requested early community involvement in the pedestrian bridge design. Commissioner Temple prioritized function and safety over beautification, especially for East Street north of Fifth. Both commissioners expressed support for continued funding for East Street improvements. Public comment from Heather Goddard urged prioritization of East Frederick projects and stream restoration. - Rules of Procedure Update: Gabrielle presented the final draft with changes including updated liaison role (city council member no longer voting, not bound by same ex parte rules), requirement for recused members to leave the room (added based on public comment), cross-examination language aligned with city council rules, and formation of special committees needing mayoral resource approval. Commissioner Temple requested adding succession language for officers (chair, vice chair, secretary) to cover absences. The Commission agreed to include that language and aim for adoption at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Kellerton architectural review: Continued pending staff comment responses. - Thomas Pemberton subdivision plat: Continued to next hearing. - Rencorder fence modification: Continued; applicant to provide renderings of open space and fence details. - CIP: No formal vote; Commission will incorporate discussion into a recommendation letter to the Mayor and City Council. - Rules of Procedure: Final language to be reviewed with succession addition; adoption scheduled at next meeting.

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on February 12, 2026, for a combined hearing and workshop. The commission reviewed five cases and conducted a workshop for a new construction proposal. Key actions included approvals for signage, partial demolition, and a major addition with conditions, a continuance for a controversial rear addition, and approval of a roof color change. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the hearing and workshop minutes from January 22, 2026, by a vote of 5-0. - Staff acknowledged the administrative approval report for 14 projects reviewed in January. Public Comments & Testimony - Ann Ryan (Frederick Housing Solutions Task Force) spoke in support of affordable housing options like single-room occupancy (SRO) units, emphasizing the need for housing for residents earning under $25,000/year. - Brian Weinstein (neighbor at 113 East 7th Street) opposed the proposed addition at 111 East 7th Street, arguing it violates several HPC guidelines regarding scale, size, and compatibility with the historic neighborhood. - Sam Hunter (resident at 109 East 7th Street) also opposed the project, stating it does not add value to the neighborhood and raises concerns about past issues with the property. - A letter of support from Vincent Rogers (Frederick County Director of Housing) was read into the record, endorsing the 111 East 7th Street project as a response to the need for attainable housing. Discussion Items - HPC 25-210 (216 Patrick Street): Application for new signage (gold letter sign, aluminum logos, and projecting sign) for the Banyan. Staff recommended approval. The applicant, Stacey Kayola, confirmed no external lighting beyond existing. The commission approved with a condition that no external lighting is added, motion carried 5-0. - HPC 25-238 (11 East 7th Street): Request to demolish a non-historic wooden staircase attached to the rear porch. Staff found the removal would not impact historic integrity. The commission approved contingent upon an HPC-approved replacement plan, motion carried 5-0. - HPC 25-283 (437 North Market Street): Replacement plan for a third floor and rear addition, with modifications to the north elevation. Staff recommended approval with conditions (recessed brick infill, product literature, final structural drawings, and door schedule). Commissioner Carol Kelly expressed concern that the project goes beyond adaptive reuse, but Commissioner Ed McMahon and others supported it as a good adaptive reuse. The motion carried 5-0. - HPC 25-369 (111 East 7th Street): Proposed two-story rear addition to create a large apartment (potentially used as SRO-style affordable housing). Extensive debate ensued regarding the addition's size, scale, and compatibility with the neighborhood. Some commissioners, including Paul Fitzgerald, argued the addition is too large and out of scale. The applicant, Jessica Underwood, requested a continuance to explore funding and potential revisions. The commission voted 5-0 to continue the case to March 12, 2026. - HPC 26-5 (222 East Third Street): Amendment to change approved standing seam metal roof color from green to medium bronze. Staff recommended denial as bronze is not a supported color. The applicant, Thomas Tate, indicated openness to black. The commission approved a modified motion allowing the existing approved green, red, galvanized, or black (as a deviation) to be submitted for staff approval, motion carried 5-0. Workshop: New Construction at 248 South Carroll Street - The applicant presented a proposal for a two-and-a-half story dwelling with a detached garage on a vacant lot. Staff noted concerns about the building's height (34 feet 11 inches) relative to the adjacent historic property, the lack of windows on the north elevation due to fire code, and the need for a shed roof porch instead of a hipped roof. Discussion also covered driveway screening, deck materials, and landscaping. The applicant agreed to provide clarifications and updated product literature for a future hearing. Key Outcomes - Approved: HPC 25-210 (216 Patrick Street) with condition; HPC 25-238 (11 East 7th Street) contingent on replacement plan; HPC 25-283 (437 North Market Street) with conditions; HPC 26-5 (222 East Third Street) as modified. - Continued: HPC 25-369 (111 East 7th Street) to March 12, 2026. - Next Steps: Applicant for 248 South Carroll Street to resubmit updated materials for the March 26, 2026 hearing.

The Government Operations Committee of the Frederick City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM to discuss work plans for a data center regulatory framework, sidewalk maintenance, and a brownfield ordinance. The committee also heard public comments and deliberated on next steps for each item. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Salneres (speaker name unclear) commented on the data center regulatory framework, urging the inclusion of maximum water demand per day (in addition to average) as a criterion, citing the county's experience during drought. - Joe Whitebird, representing Tramel Crow Company (applicant for the Critical Digital Infrastructure zoning text amendment), spoke in support of the framework. He noted that the proposed text amendment limits data center construction to less than 0.5% of the city's land area and retains City Council control over future expansions. He expressed the company's willingness to collaborate on developing performance standards. - Donna Kazamchak (City of Frederick) raised concerns about poor audio quality in the meeting room, making it difficult for attendees to hear. She also expressed concern about potential liability and tax increases if the city assumes responsibility for sidewalk repairs. Discussion Items - Data Center Regulatory Framework Work Plan: The committee reviewed a draft work plan and a list of regulatory questions (water consumption, power, noise, taxes, community benefits, etc.). Councilmember Shackleford argued that the scope is too broad for a few presentations and recommended forming a task force to gather holistic input from all stakeholders (city departments, residents, developers, county). Councilmember Hempeling (also referred to as Heppel Rennie) suggested a field trip to other municipalities with data centers and proposed inviting departments to provide executive summaries. The chair noted that the work plan is a starting point and that the committee would first invite the City Sustainability Department to present. A broader discussion of the regulatory framework will continue after the zoning text amendment is received from the planning commission (expected May 2026). - Sidewalk Maintenance Work Plan: The committee discussed a plan to study sidewalk maintenance costs, hear from the Department of Public Works (DPW) on a pending sidewalk study, and evaluate potential cost-sharing models. Councilmember Hempeling raised equity concerns about focusing on downtown versus all districts. Councilmember Shackleford emphasized the need for an equitable solution and noted that the mayor allocated $2 million in the previous budget for sidewalk repairs. The city attorney warned that assuming full city responsibility for sidewalks could increase liability and insurance costs. The committee agreed to wait for the DPW sidewalk study before making decisions. - Brownfield Text Amendment: The committee reviewed a draft amendment to the land management code requiring documentation of environmental mitigation for vacant land before development. The amendment originated from resident concerns (e.g., Brickworks area) and was initiated by the previous council. The city is awaiting an opinion from the Maryland Attorney General on legal feasibility. The committee will continue discussions once the opinion is received. Key Outcomes - The committee will invite the City Sustainability Department to present on data center issues as the first action item. - The data center regulatory framework work plan and list of questions will be refined based on feedback, with the goal of gaining knowledge before the planning commission's May 2026 zoning text amendment. - The committee will await the DPW sidewalk study before considering changes to the sidewalk repair ordinance. - The brownfield text amendment will be revisited after the city obtains an Attorney General's opinion. - No formal votes were taken; all decisions were procedural.

The Frederick Planning Commission held a regular meeting on February 9, 2026, to elect officers, approve minutes, and consider three development proposals: signage at Harry Grove Stadium, a Chase Bank final site plan, a Frederick Youth Center site plan, and a WIP Clean Car Wash site plan. All votes were 4-0 in favor of staff recommendations except where noted. Election of Officers - The commission elected Commissioner Llewellyn as chair by a vote of 4-0 after discussion to postpone election of vice chair and secretary until a full commission is seated. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from January 12, 2026 (Planning Commission hearing), January 20, 2026 (workshop), and February 7, 2026 (pre-planning meeting) were approved with votes of 4-0 (one abstention on January 12 minutes from Commissioner Temple who did not attend). Continuance - A zoning text amendment (PC 25-248 ZTA) regarding sections 404, 816, and 824 was continued to March 9, 2026 by a 4-0 vote. Harry Grove Stadium Signage Request - The applicant (Richard Griffin, Economic Development Director, and Slater Fuchs, Frederick Keys GM) requested a recommendation to City Council for two new signs (each 183 sq ft) on the new batting building, with naming rights for IBEW Local 24. - Staff recommended approval of the signs but with a condition that they not be internally lit, citing code restrictions on lighted electronic signs. Commissioners debated this, noting existing internally lit signage (Nimeo Field) and minimal distraction. The commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the signage as depicted (internally lit) to City Council, contrary to staff's non-lighting recommendation. The motion did not include the lighting restriction. Chase Bank Final Site Plan (PC 25-191 FSI) - The applicant (Reed Cooksey, Stonefield Engineering) proposed replacing an existing bank with a smaller 2,938 sq ft bank with one ATM drive-through lane. Seven modifications were requested regarding setbacks, building orientation, parking, lighting, drive-through stacking, lane width, landscaping, and street trees. - Staff recommended approval of all modifications. Commissioners praised the design, walkability, and use of native plants. The commission voted 4-0 to approve all nine actions (eight modifications plus final site plan) as recommended by staff. Frederick Youth Center Final Site Plan (PC 25-520 FSI) and Forest Conservation Plan - The applicant (Jeremy Holder, Osherman Family Foundation) proposed repurposing a vacant office building into a youth center with a 623 sq ft addition and improvements to the adjacent Boys & Girls Club site. Six modifications were requested: forest conservation (specimen tree), parking reduction (37 to 35 spaces), lighting spillover, street trees, and two buffer reductions. - Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Roby questioned tree removal; the applicant explained efforts to retain key trees and planting replacements (16 trees on youth center site, 4 on Boys & Girls Club site). Commissioner Temple requested a five-foot sidewalk (commitment made). All actions (eight total) were approved 4-0. WIP Clean Car Wash Final Site Plan (PC 25-481 FSI) and Forest Conservation Plan - The applicant (Brett Schechter) proposed renovating an existing car wash with new equipment, vacuum stations, and modernization. Four modifications were requested: loading space reduction from large to small, lighting spillover, buffer width reduction, and using existing landscaping for street tree credit. - Staff recommended approval. Commissioners asked about employee parking; applicant noted carpooling and an agreement with an adjacent skating rink. No public comment. All six actions were approved 4-0. Key Outcomes - All four development items were approved unanimously (4-0). The commission elected a new chair and continued one item to March 9, 2026. No public comments were heard.

The Government Operations Committee met to continue drafting a resolution to establish the Land Management Code Review Commission (LMC). The committee refined the commission's name, composition, scope, and resource needs, and discussed how to proceed with potential charter amendments. No votes were taken; the resolution will be presented to the full council as a briefing. Discussion Items - Land Management Code Review Commission Name and Purpose: The committee agreed on the name "City of Frederick Land Management Code Review Commission." The purpose and scope were edited to include evaluating best practices from comparable jurisdictions and explicitly addressing affordable housing and housing diversity (including size, density, and price-appropriate housing). The scope also includes considering the comprehensive plan, climate action plan, active mobility plan, housing accelerator, Alice report, and other pertinent plans and studies. - Commission Composition: The draft proposed 11 members, with discussion shifting to a range of 11–15 to allow flexibility. A clause limiting development and real estate representatives to a specific number was removed; the committee noted the need for expertise from developers, lawyers, architects, and urban planners. An aspirational goal of geographic diversity (one member per council district) was included. The committee decided not to be prescriptive about specific organizations for business, nonprofit, and civic representation. - Council Liaison Role: The committee discussed having one or two council liaisons who would participate in meetings but not vote. The role would include asking questions and sharing opinions, with the liaisons appointed by the council (president or full council). - Public Engagement: The committee emphasized creative approaches to gather public input, including facilitated sessions and online surveys, rather than relying solely on traditional hearings. Terms like “walkability,” “accessibility,” and “economic opportunity” need further definition. - Moratorium Deliverable: The draft includes a request for planning and legal staff to provide options on a full or partial moratorium on permitting new development (not just residential) while the commission works. Some members raised concerns about housing supply impacts. The committee agreed to have the planning department produce a memo with options, but to consider the moratorium debate separately after the commission is established. - Staff Support and Resources: The draft requests support from planning, legal, historic preservation, and other departments. The committee discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to reduce the burden on city staff. This resource question will be part of the full council presentation. - Charter Review Items: The committee reviewed a list of eight potential charter amendments (including redistricting, elections, surplus property). They agreed to handle these individually, starting with a public call for suggestions, and to keep a running list on the committee’s work plan. No immediate action was taken. Key Outcomes - The committee finalized the name and composition framework for the LMC review commission, with the number of members set at 11–15 and without a strict cap on development or real estate representatives. - The committee decided to present the draft resolution to the full council as a briefing (not a vote) at a future meeting, with legal review still pending. - The committee agreed to defer the moratorium discussion to a later date, but will request a memo from planning and legal outlining options and impacts. - For charter review, the committee will compile suggestions and address them one at a time, with public input invited. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2026.