Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - June 1, 2023

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland held a public meeting on June 1, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with a Pride Month proclamation, followed by approvals of minutes, consent agenda items, and a public hearing covering 10 items. All votes were 4-0, with Alderwoman Kazemchick absent. The meeting included public comments on several agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Grants: Acceptance of a $13,000 Dugas Family Foundation Grant. Approved 4-0.
• Special Ordinance: Amendment of the FY2023 budget to include the grant revenue and expenditure. Approved 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Annette Breeling (member of Health Care as a Human Right, Frederick chapter) spoke in favor of the Medicare for All resolution, presenting 996 signatures collected over two years. She argued that a single-payer system would reduce administrative costs and improve health equity, noting that other developed countries provide universal coverage at lower cost.
• Gabrielle Beans (Phoebus Avenue) shared her personal experience with chronic illness and difficulty obtaining insurance, supporting the Medicare for All resolution and urging creative solutions for part-time workers.
• Unnamed speaker (76 years old, Section 8 housing) criticized the city's dental insurance agreement for not covering low-income seniors, and raised concerns about fire access on Bauman Lane, tree removal for a new car wash on Route 40, and safety issues in the Taskers Chance area.
• James Wagner (121 East Sixth Street) advocated for on-street EV charging infrastructure for residents without off-street parking, calling it an equity issue.
• Darren Clark (owner of Clark Computer Services) thanked the board for awarding the security camera contract to his company, promising excellent performance.

Discussion Items

• Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor O'Connor read a proclamation declaring June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Chris Fair (Executive Director of the Frederick Center) noted that Frederick Pride moved to the city 10 years ago and now draws over 30,000 attendees, making it one of the largest prides in Maryland.
• Annexation Resolutions (Toms and Mercer Properties): The board introduced resolutions to annex 136.091 acres (Toms property, western boundary) and 106.59 acres (Mercer property, eastern boundary). These were forwarded to the planning commission for processing, with a public hearing to be scheduled.
• Medicare for All Resolution: The board approved a resolution supporting Medicare for All, citing 70% public support and co-sponsorship by four Maryland congressional delegation members. The resolution will be sent to federal and state representatives.
• Maryland School for the Deaf MOU: The board approved a renewed MOU providing a school resource officer (Officer Maggie Lee) to the Frederick campus. Lieutenant Corbett noted Officer Lee's commitment, including learning ASL and declining promotion to stay in the role.
• East 5th Street Extension MOU: The board approved a 50/50 cost-sharing MOU with FPC East Church LLC to design and construct an extension of East 5th Street (CIP 320038). The estimated cost is $1.93 million, with construction expected to start fall 2023 and complete by summer 2024. Staff emphasized pedestrian safety improvements and complete streets compliance.
• Christopher's Crossing Design Change Orders: The board approved $754,453.50 in change orders to Fox & Associates for design of segments between Rocky Springs Road and Old Camp Road. Staff noted that the design will include traffic calming and a robust communications plan with residents.
• Cigna Dental Insurance Agreement: The board approved a one-year agreement with Cigna for group dental coverage, with an option to renew for four additional years. The city's cost is approximately $353,000. The new plan includes orthodontia and an 80/20 cost share, resulting in 161 employees selecting the enhanced plan.
• Security Cameras in Parks: The board approved a $200,000 purchase order (agreement $181,426) with Clark Computer Services for security cameras in 15 locations, prioritized by crime trends and pedestrian/vehicle traffic. The cameras will comply with the city's security camera policy and be managed by the Office of Emergency Management.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Contract: The board approved a contract with Blink for 20 level-2 charging stations across four parking decks (excluding Church Street deck due to demolition). The city will pay $63,048, with revenue from usage fees (50% city share). Staff noted that users will pay for electricity and parking fees, and that signage and enforcement for time limits will be developed.
• Modular Offices for National Park Service: The board approved a modification to the MOU with the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) to install temporary modular offices at Westside Regional Park. The modulars, previously used at Antietam Battlefield, will accommodate a 25% staff increase. A permanent facility is targeted for 2027.
• City Hall Safety and Security Upgrades: The board approved a $120,000 contract with Popowski Brothers, Inc. for City Hall improvements, including a redesigned reception desk, ADA-compliant routes, and restoration of the historic Terrazzo floor. The project is funded by ARPA SLFRF funds.
• Appointment: Todd Troutman was appointed to the Weinberg Center for the Arts Board of Directors, term expiring June 30, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on the consent agenda (grants and special ordinance) passed 4-0.
• All public hearing items (items 1-10) passed 4-0, including the Medicare for All resolution, the East 5th Street MOU, the Christopher's Crossing design change orders, the Cigna dental agreement, the security camera contract, the EV charging contract, the NPS modular offices, and the City Hall safety upgrades.
• The annexation resolutions were introduced and forwarded to the planning commission.
• The board acknowledged public comments on Medicare for All, dental insurance, EV charging equity, and other concerns, but no additional actions were directed based on those comments.