Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - November 3, 2022
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Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - November 3, 2022
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a public meeting on November 3, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, five public hearing items, and multiple board appointments. All votes were 4-0 except for the Community Bridge mural restoration, which passed 3-1.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: October 6, 2022 public meeting approved unanimously (4-0).
- Grant (Item A1): Approved a 2022 State Homeland Security Program Sub-recipient Agreement with Frederick County in the amount of $15,650.
- Special Ordinance (Item B1): Approved a special ordinance to amend the FY2023 budget to include $15,650 in revenue and expenditures for the Homeland Security grant.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public signed up to speak during either public comment period.
Discussion Items
- Designation of Resident Agent (Public Hearing Item 1): Acting City Attorney Rachel Nesson presented a resolution to designate herself as the city's resident agent for service of process. Approved unanimously (4-0).
- Child Care Incentive Program MOU (Public Hearing Item 2): The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Mental Health Association to administer the child care incentive program, which provides $10,000 annually to assist child care providers in meeting state quality standards. The program has been funded since FY2019. Approved unanimously (4-0).
- Community Bridge Mural Restoration (Public Hearing Item 3): Deputy Director Bob Smith presented an agreement with Studio William Cochran, Inc. to recreate the Community Bridge mural for $142,368.75, with a 42-month timeline. The project involves painting on waterproof panels to prevent future water damage. Artist William Cochran spoke about the history and urgency. Alderwoman Kazemchak requested a two-week delay to allow the Public Art Commission to review, but the board voted to approve immediately. The motion passed 3-1, with Alderwoman Kazemchak opposed. The total project cost is estimated at $1.1 million over four years, including $250,000 from a state bond bill and CIP funds.
- FITCI Grant Agreement (Public Hearing Item 4): Approved a $250,000 SLFRF grant to the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) for construction of a new business incubator (The Edge at 321 Ballenger Center Drive). FITCI reported a 500% growth in clients (12 to 74) and a 213% return on investment for the city/county. Unanimous (4-0).
- Frederick Arts Council Grant Agreement (Public Hearing Item 5): Approved a $250,000 SLFRF grant to the Frederick Arts Council for the purchase or long-term lease and accessibility improvements of Sky Stage, an outdoor amphitheater and public art installation. The grant provides flexibility if purchase is not possible. Unanimous (4-0).
- Appointments: The board approved several reappointments:
- Historic Preservation Commission: Ann Hart (3-year term, Nov 2022 - Nov 2025).
- Parks and Recreation Commission: Josh Henson and Sarah Coslo (3-year terms, Dec 2022 - Dec 2025).
- Housing Authority Board of Commissioners: Phyllis Carroll (3-year term), Dolores Ambush (4-year term), and Greer Garcia (5-year term) — staggered terms to create a one-appointment-per-year cycle.
Key Outcomes
- All consent agenda items and public hearing items were approved, with the Community Bridge mural restoration passing 3-1.
- The board emphasized the importance of the child care incentive program and the ARPA-funded grants for economic recovery and the arts.
- Mayor O'Connor reminded residents of the November 8, 2022 election day.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the mayor and board of Alderman regular public meeting for the third of November. We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to Republican, which is one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We have minutes to approve October sixth, twenty twenty-two public meeting. Move for approval. Motion by Alderman Kazemchak, seconded by Alderman Shackford. All those in favor. That is four zero. Alderman McShane is not present. Mayor's comments. Alderwoman Nash. I'm going to congratulate my cadets for their big win. Congratulations. Alderman Russell. The community had an opportunity last evening to celebrate the life of Susie Miller, who was a just an amazing human being, and uh it was really wonderful to be in the presence of all the people that had shared moments. Um with everyone about Susie and the wondrous uh life that she led. So she will be missed in this community. Thank you. Alderman Shackelford. Yes, thank you, Mayor. Um, just I know some of us tended last night, just like to say a special thank you to city staff and to Golden Mao Alliance board members and to volunteers into businesses and to our residents for celebrating the tenth anniversary. The mile on the mixer last night. It was a great event. And so just to recognize it that the golden mile is alive and vibrant and uh still uh a viable part of an important part of our city. Thank you. Thank you very much. Alderwoman Kazemchak. I I'm just gonna note, like I noted yesterday. Um, I I did early vote yesterday, and there were lines at the polls, which was really nice to see. Today was the last day of early voting. I'm not sure if how what time it's open until might still be. So they've just closed. But um, for those of you who have not gotten out and voted yet, please do. Uh, an important part of our democracy. Thank you. Thank you. We offer two opportunities for general public comments. It's an opportunity to address the mayor and board about any item, whether it is on this evening's agenda or not. We ask speakers to give their name and a general address for the record, reminded that proceedings are being telecast and recorded. Comments are limited to five minutes per individual. You may also comment using the e-comment feature available on the city's website prior to the meeting. We don't have anyone who has signed up to make public comment, but that doesn't mean you are deprived of the opportunity. If you wish to come forward now, you may do so. Seeing none, we will move forward with our consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are considered routine by the mayor and board. Approved in one motion without separate discussion of each item, unless any person present request that an item be removed from the consent agenda. An item that is removed will be considered separately at the end. If you would like to have an item below considered separately, please say so when I announce the category. Category A is grants move for approval second.
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