Frederick City Council Public Meeting - January 19, 2023
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Frederick City Council Public Meeting - January 19, 2023
The City Council of Frederick met on January 19, 2023, at 12:15 PM UTC for a regular public meeting. The agenda included approval of minutes, a consent agenda, a public hearing on the final report of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup, an appointment to the Neighborhood Advisory Council, and aldermanic comments. The meeting was streamed live on Channel 99 and online.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved (5-0) the minutes of the December 15, 2022 Regular Public Meeting and the December 15, 2022 Closed Session.
- Release of Surety and Acceptance of Public Improvements: Approved (5-0) the release of sureties for three projects: Monocacy Park Townhouses ($103,177.76), Kellerton Yellow Springs Road Phase 2 ($768,317.75), and Sycamore Ridge Christophers Crossing Phase 1 ($83,984.64).
- Grants: Approved (5-0) acceptance of an FY23 Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services PACT grant.
- Special Ordinances: Approved (5-0) a special ordinance to amend the FY2023 budget to include revenue and expenditures for the PACT grant.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Barb (last name not given): Spoke in support of the resolution on the Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup report. She thanked the council, urged expedited action on a green bank study, called for increased staff capacity and investment, and requested a formal mechanism to evaluate the climate impact of council decisions.
- Kevin Sellner: Echoed support for the resolution, emphasized the need for department heads to assess the climate relevance of policies and ordinances, and noted the report's 40 recommendations as a resource. He also highlighted the importance of a partnership with the county on the green bank.
- Karen Cannon (Mobilize Frederick): Supported the workgroup's efforts, framed climate action as an opportunity for growth, new jobs, and improved air quality, and encouraged the council to view climate challenges as a source of positive change.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearing – Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup Final Report: The council considered a resolution to accept the final report. City Attorney Rachel Nesson noted the resolution had been workshopped in December and the date would be corrected to January 19, 2023, upon passage. After public testimony, the resolution was moved and seconded. Alderman Shackelford, Russell, and the mayor expressed gratitude for the workgroup's efforts, noting the city's ongoing steps toward electrification, fleet and building improvements, and collaboration with the county.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution on Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup Report: Passed unanimously (5-0). The council accepted the final report and directed staff to incorporate its recommendations into future decision-making.
- Appointment of Jack Weaver: Appointed as Neighborhood Advisory Council 1 Coordinator for a two-year term (January 20, 2023 to January 19, 2025), approved unanimously (5-0).
- Report of Closed Meeting (January 5, 2023): Noted that the council convened in closed session to discuss personnel compensation, resulting in approval of an employment offer at requested salary (vote 3-0).
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned without further public comment.
Meeting Transcript
Regular public meeting uh for January 19th. We will start with a pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the FAG. United States of America to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. The mayor had plans to join us uh electronically, and we are working on that. So in his stead, we'll keep on going. Uh we have a minutes to approve for December 15th for the regular public meeting. Move for approval. Second. Uh all in favor. Okay. That is uh five in favor. Uh December 15th, closed session. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? That is five zero. Uh I have a report of a closed meeting from January 5th. Uh on a motion made by Alderman Russell and seconded by Alderman McSheen. The board voted three to zero with Alderwoman Nash and Kazemchek 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 B, etc. Of the general provisions, article Maryland annotated code. Present were Michael Mayor Michael O'Connor, Alderman Kelly Russell, Alderman Derrick Shackelford and Alderman Ben McShane. Others present were Rachel Nesson, City Attorney, Phyllis Haynes, City Clerk, Tracy Coleman, Deputy Director for Engineering and Operations, Zach Kirshner, Director of Public Works, and Karen Poulson, Director of Human Resources. The topic for discussion was compensation of personnel. On a motion made by Alderman Russell and seconded by Alderman Shackeford, the board voted three to zero to approve an offer of an employment at the requested salary. The meeting was adjourned at 6 54 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Phyllis City Clerk. All right. Automatic business and comments. Alderman Shackelford, you want to start us off. Yes, uh, good evening. Um yesterday in Maryland was a historic day as our governor uh Westmore was sworn in. Um, and also in terms of historical perspective as being the first African American governor in the state's history, and so that is something to be proud of, and also the uh first well elected governor to have the most votes uh in our state. So uh we are looking forward to the great work this administration is doing, and we also know that uh here in Frederick we are expecting to be a great partner uh with Annapolis in what moving forward for our state. Thank you. And I see the mayor has joined us. Altoman Russell, any comments. Thank you. Just to piggyback on Alderman Shacklewood's comments. I was very excited to see some cabinet appointments and two municipal leaders uh uh appointed to the governor's cabinet, mayor Jake Day from Salisbury will be the Secretary of Housing and Community Development, and Mayor Emily Keller from Hegerstown will be the uh special secretary on opioid response. So it's very exciting to see uh the recognition that municipal officials are doing good work and that they can contribute to the state. Thank you. Auditorman Kazinchek. Okay, Mayor, did you have any comments this evening? I don't. I'm sorry, I'm not able to uh join you this evening, and then I unfortunately, due to um the continuing existence of COVID in our community, not attend uh as Alderman Shackelford said, a very historic day yesterday in Annapolis, but we certainly wish the new administration well. Thank you all for those who were able to attend yesterday. I know the city was well represented.
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