Frederick City Council Public Meeting - November 17, 2022
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Frederick City Council Public Meeting - November 17, 2022
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a regular public meeting on November 17, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The council approved minutes, a closed session report, consent agenda items, three public hearing items, and two appointments. All votes were unanimous (5-0). No public comments were made during either opportunity.
Consent Calendar
- Approved release of a $10,000 cash surety posted by One Eleven, LLC for the 110 East 5th Street project.
- Approved release of a $25,466.75 letter of credit from Frederick County Bank posted by Zahler Construction & Development, LLC for Millie's Delight afforestation.
- Approved a $50,000 Emergency Housing Program subrecipient agreement with Advocates for Homeless Families Inc.
- Approved a $320,000 Emergency Housing Program subrecipient agreement with Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, Inc.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke during either of the two public comment periods.
Discussion Items
- Varonis Software Purchase: Matt Bowman, Manager of IT, presented a request for a three-year purchase order with Presidio for Varonis software at $95,758.53 per year. The tool monitors network behavior, detects unauthorized data access, and helps prevent ransomware. The council approved the purchase 5-0.
- Stormwater Pump Station #3 Upgrade: Eti Oudia, CIP Program Manager, presented two related items. The project is part of the Carroll Creek flood control system. The low bid came in higher than budgeted, requiring a $2,100,000 increase to the FY2023 CIP budget. The construction contract with CPP Construction Inc. was awarded for $7,227,000 (lump sum) with a purchase order of $7,588,350. The new station will include gender-neutral public restrooms, a staff facility, and above-grade electrical panels. The contract includes an expected 33% minority and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation, reviewed by the city's equity office. Both votes passed 5-0.
- Community Health Center Co-Applicant Agreement: Romenta Cotrel, Director of Housing and Human Services, presented a request to approve a new co-applicant board for the federally qualified health center serving underinsured and uninsured residents. The agreement was approved 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes & Closed Session: Approved minutes of October 20, 2022, and the report of a closed session held November 3, 2022 (4-0 vote, Alderman McShane absent). The closed session discussed the appointment of Patty Slimmer as Director of Finance (effective November 3, 2022) and a personnel board recommendation.
- Appointments: Reappointed Renee Bourassa to the Sustainability Committee for a three-year term (November 22, 2022 – November 21, 2025). Appointed Terrell Thrasher to the Frederick Community Action Agency Board of Directors for a four-year term (November 18, 2022 – November 17, 2026). Both approved 5-0.
- Mayor's Comments: Mayor O'Connor reminded the public to be mindful of COVID-19 and flu season, urging those feeling unwell to stay home and to practice good health etiquette.
- Aldermanic Comments: Alderwoman Nash thanked the police department for professional service and a follow-up survey. Alderman Shackelford noted his fraternity's 111th anniversary of community service and highlighted holiday decorations including boats on Carroll Creek and flower baskets. Alderwoman Kazemchak urged community members to check on neighbors and mentioned the suicide hotline. The meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the mayor and board of alderman regular public meeting for the 17th of November. We will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the Black of the United States of America. To the Republic for which it stands. Under God. Liberty and Justice for All. We have minutes to approve October 20th, 2022 regular meeting. Move for approval. Second. Motion by Alderman Kazemchak, seconded by Alderman Russell. All those in favor. That is 5-0. Thank you very much. Nice to see you back here, Alderman Shackelford feeling feeling better. Thank you. I have report of a closed meeting to read into the record. Closed session summary Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at 5 30 p.m. Motion made by Alderman McKazemchak, seconded by Alderman Shackleford. The Board of Alderman voted 4 to 0 with Alderman McShane not present to convene in closed session for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee employee or official over whom it has jurisdiction pursuant to Section 3-305 B1i of the General Provisions Article Maryland annotated code. Present were Mayor Michael O'Connor and Alderwoman Katie Nash, Alderman Kelly Russell, Alderman Derrick Shackelford, and Alderwoman Donna Kazemchak. Item one others present were Rachel Nesson, Acting City Attorney, Phyllis Haynes, City Clerk, Katie Barkdahl, Director of Budget Administration, and Karen Paulson, Director of Human Resources. The topic for discussion was appointment of personnel on a motion made by Alderman Russell and seconded by Alderwoman Kazemchak. The board voted four to zero to approve the mayor's appointment of Patty Slimmer to the position of Director of Finance, effective November 3rd, 2022 at the requested salary. Item number two, others present were Rachel Nesson, Acting City Attorney Phyllis Hain, City Clerk, Karen Paulson, Director of Human Resources. On a motion made by Alderwoman Kazemchak and seconded by Alderwoman Nash, the board voted four to zero to uphold the recommendation of the personnel board. The meeting was adjourned at 6 15 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Phyllis Hain, City Clerk. Mayor's comments. Knowing, however, since I received uh yesterday a report of a positive COVID test among a member of the city uh staff that it's not gone and flu season is rearing its its uh its ugly head as it does every year. Um worse in some places than others, and so um I would just ask everyone to continue to be mindful of general good neighborhood and citizenship when it comes to public health. That uh if you're not feeling well, uh do everyone a favor and take some time to convalce. And um uh it's the only time I'll say don't share. Please don't share. And so um we certainly wish throughout the holiday season that everyone finds um reasons for peace and thanksgiving. And uh it's gonna be a whirlwind, I'm sure. Um so find time to rest and uh be with family and friends. Whatever whatever recharges your battery, find a way over the coming weeks to find the things that recharge your battery. Alderman comments. Alderman Shackelford. Oh, thank you. Um good to be back. Thank you, colleagues, for your uh your concerns and for your will wishes um feeling better today. Um, also thank you, Mayor. Um this is up next week is Thanksgiving. I'm also mindful of those persons who have voice in their family during this time. It's a difficult time, so let's please have some compassion and understanding with each other. Thank you. Thank you. Alderwoman Ash.
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