Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting – October 6, 2022
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting – October 6, 2022
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.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the mayor and board of Alderman Public Meeting for the 6th of October. We will begin with a Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation under God. We have minutes to approve from the September 1st, 2022 regular public meeting. Move for approval. Second. Motion by Alderman McZemC, seconded by Alderman Shackelford. All those in favor. That's five zero. Thank you very much. Mayor's comments. I do not have any at this time. Aldermanic comments. Alderman Shackleford. No comments. Alderman McShane. No comments, thank you. Alder Roman Kazemchak. Thank you. Alder Woman Ash. Outside is lit up for breast cancer minus. Is it pink or is it red? I think it's pink. For for the purpose. Okay. That's why I thought wanted to make it the um. So we got some news. Uh we have someone in our family who uh has been diagnosed, and um uh she had really been given a very short time, and we got news today that actually like a miracle happened, and she basically beat it. So we're still waiting for some of the additional scans, but I just want to thank the city for acknowledging that and remind all my fellow women, and of course, men too, actually, but especially the women, please go get your scans. Thank you. Thank you very much. Alderman Russell. Thank you. We offer two opportunities for public comment. It is an opportunity to comment on any item, whether it's on this evening's agenda or not. You'll be asked to give your name and general address for the record, or reminded that the proceedings are being recorded and telecast. Public comments are limited to five minutes per individual. You can also use the e-comment feature that is available with our agendas on the city's website prior to the meeting. Is there anybody who wishes to make public comment at this time? Seeing none, we will move on with our agenda. We have a consent agenda this evening. Items on the consent agenda are considered routine by the mayor and board of aldermen and are approved in one motion without separate discussion of each item, unless a person anyone present should request that an item be removed from the consent agenda. An item that is removed will be considered separately at the end of the consent agenda. So if you would like to see an item below considered separately, please say so when I announce the category. Category A is grant. So move. Second. Motion by Alderman Shackleford, second by Alder Woman Kazemchek. All those in favor.
openpublica.com