Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - December 1, 2022

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, held a regular public meeting on December 1, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, a public hearing on eight items, and two appointments. Key actions included approval of employee policy enhancements, a lease extension with the National Park Service, and a purchase of an electric vehicle. A rezoning discussion was continued to a future meeting.

Public Comments

• Hundred Wiley (1718 Jacob Bruner Drive) expressed frustration about planned removal of parking on Baldwin Lane, citing lack of public input and concerns about a new bike lane. He noted 47 cars currently park there, and the removal would adversely affect the neighborhood. The mayor stated the city would follow up.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of Annexation Petitions: Two petitions were introduced: one for 106.59 acres east of the city (from C. Edward Mercer and Belva J. Mercer trusts) and one for 136.091 acres north and south of Gashouse Pike (from TC EIL FCC South LLC and TCFC owner one LLC). No action taken; resolutions will be introduced at a future meeting.
• Kellerton Parkland Deed Approval: Planning Director Joe Atkins presented the approval of a deed for over 22 acres from Yankee Land LLC to the city for parkland. Improvements include a tot lot, basketball court, pavilion, walking path, and 43 parking spaces. The developer had advanced improvements at a cost of up to $600,000. The board voted 5-0 to approve the conveyance.
• Employee Policy Handbook Revisions: Director of Human Resources Karen Paulson outlined seven resolutions to enhance employee benefits: adding Juneteenth as a holiday, increasing sick leave from 12 to 15 days, removing the cap on compassionate leave donations, adding bilingual pay, enhancing education assistance (reimbursement increased to $5,000), removing benefit eligibility waiting period, and extending health coverage to part-time employees and survivors. Each resolution was approved separately by a 5-0 vote.
• Lease Amendment with National Park Service: Mark DeCampo presented Amendment No. 5 to the lease for 106 Commerce Street, extending the term five years through September 30, 2028, with annual rent of $26,087. The National Park Service employs approximately 70 professionals at the facility. Discussion included potential relocation to West Side Regional Park, contingent on congressional approval. The board voted 5-0 to approve.
• Rezoning Request for 1724 N. Market Street: Pam Rappert presented a request to rezone 5.37 acres from Neighborhood Commercial to Mixed-Use (MU-2) for up to 60 multifamily units and 4,000 sq ft of nonresidential space. The board discussed eight conditions of approval, including a four-story height limit, protected bike lane, eight-foot pedestrian/bicycle path connecting to the rails-to-trails path, and a bicycle repair station. Attorney David Severin and developer David Ling confirmed the conditions were acceptable. The board voted 5-0 to approve the conditions, and the applicant will return for final approval.
• Renn Property Mitigation Agreement Amendment: Traffic Engineer Chari Ann presented a request to amend the timing of two road improvements (five-lane Monocacy Boulevard section and access points D and E) from the first residential use and occupancy permit to the 132nd permit. The project is a mixed-use development with over 1,000 residential units. Discussion centered on residents' concerns about infrastructure timing and the need to avoid unnecessary reconstruction. The board voted 5-0 to continue the matter to the December 15 meeting for additional information.
• MOU with Fraternal Order of Police: Katie Barkdall presented an MOU providing survivor benefits for sworn officers, matching the earlier approval for non-sworn employees. A typo was corrected. Jen Alcorn, widow of Lieutenant Stu Alcorn, spoke in support, describing the financial hardship of losing health coverage quickly after her husband's death. Charlie Snyder, FOP Lodge #91 president, also supported the MOU. The board voted 5-0 to approve.
• Purchase of Electric Vehicle: Mike Quinpick requested approval to purchase an all-electric 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL for $52,630 for the parking department. The vehicle was found after a five-month search. Alderman Nash raised concerns about battery recycling. The board voted 5-0 to approve.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items on the public hearing agenda were approved by a vote of 5-0, except the Renn Property amendment which was continued to December 15, 2022.
• Appointments: Kate Wilson was appointed to the Sustainability Committee for a three-year term (December 2, 2022 – December 1, 2025) by a 5-0 vote. Kevin Lollar was appointed to the Ethics Commission for a three-year term (same dates) by a 5-0 vote.
• Next Steps: The rezoning request for 1724 N. Market Street will return for final approval. The Renn Property mitigation amendment will be discussed further at the December 15 meeting.

Aldermanic Comments

• Aldermen expressed optimism about the incoming county administration under County Executive-elect Fitzwater, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for December 5 at the Weinberg Center.
• Alderman Russell disclosed a lifetime honorary membership in the FOP prior to the MOU vote.