Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - February 15, 2024

The Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on February 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting included a presentation of an Accredited Airport Executive certification, approval of minutes, public comments on traffic safety, a consent agenda, and seven public hearing items. All votes were 4-0 in favor, with Alderman McShane absent.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Mayor and Board presented a plaque to Sean Dempsey, Assistant Airport Manager, for earning the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives, awarded December 18, 2023.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Josh Faust (Jefferson Street resident) spoke about ongoing traffic safety concerns on Jefferson Street. He expressed cautious optimism after receiving communications from the Department of Public Works about a community meeting scheduled for February 27 at 6:00 p.m. He urged the board to prioritize immediate and long-term solutions, stating that the issue will require political will and that his neighbors will remain involved.
• Jim Smersal (downtown Frederick resident) commented during the second public comment period, noting a survey from Parks & Recreation about Hill Street and Mullinix Parks and thanked staff for outreach.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (January 18, 2024) – Approved 4-0.
• Category A: Release of Sureties – Approval to release Liberty Mutual Insurance Company bond of $83,242.18 for Sheetz Northgate project (Lot 10R-AA). Approved 4-0.
• Category B: Special Ordinances – Items B.1 (S-24-04 speed camera budget amendment) and B.2 (S-24-05 Dugas Family Foundation grant) were initially on the consent agenda. B.2 was removed for discussion; B.1 approved 4-0. B.2 later approved separately (see Discussion Items).
• Category C: Alcohol in City Parks – Items C.1 (Benefactor Events Battle of the Bands, April 27, 2024), C.2 (Celebrate Frederick 4th of July in Baker Park), and C.6 (Downtown Frederick Partnership Lawn Party, July 13) were approved together 4-0. Items C.3, C.4, and C.5 were removed for discussion (see Discussion Items).

Discussion Items

Special Ordinance B.2 – Dugas Family Foundation Grant

• Alderwoman Nash noted the $13,000 grant will fund sport wheelchairs. No public comment was offered. Approved 4-0.

Alcohol in City Parks – Items C.3, C.4, C.5

• C.3 (Celebrate Frederick In the Streets, September 14, 2024): Approved 4-0 after public comment from Jim Smersal clarifying that alcohol sales are limited to the designated areas (Carroll Creek Linear Park south side, from Market Street to Amphitheater and Site C-2).
• C.4 (The Frederick Center Pride, June 22, 2024): Approved 4-0. Staff confirmed that alcohol service is only at the amphitheater and Site C-2, not the entire event area.
• C.5 (Downtown Frederick Partnership Alive @ Five, Thursdays May 9 – October 3, 2024): Approved 4-0 after clarifying the date range (a typo in the agenda was corrected).

Public Hearing Item 1 – Police Mobile Command Unit Upfitting

• Lt. Aaron Lapp presented a request to accept a U.S. Department of Justice grant ($83,450) and issue a purchase order ($82,448.75) to 911 Rapid Response for retrofitting a donated command vehicle. The vehicle will serve as a mobile command post and crisis negotiation center. Estimated cost of a new comparable vehicle is over $1 million. Two votes taken: (a) Special Ordinance S-24-06 to amend the FY2024 budget for the grant – approved 4-0; (b) Purchase order – approved 4-0.

Public Hearing Item 2 – Airport Lease with Airways Inn

• Andrew Moore, Airport Manager, presented a 10-year lease extension for the first floor of the terminal building. Rent increased by approximately 10% initially, with 3% annual increases thereafter. Approved 4-0.

Public Hearing Item 3 – CDBG Program Year 2023 Substantial Amendment

• Rebecca Gramling, CDBG Program Manager, presented a substantial amendment to reprogram funds from canceled projects (2019-2023). Key changes: $150,000 to Carver Center additions (over budget), $17,000 moved between FCAA projects, $297,342 in COVID funds for Asbury Foundation Senior Escapes Park. Public comment from Jim Smersal supported the amendment. Staff acknowledged past delays but assured improved tracking. Approved 4-0.

Public Hearing Item 4 – Forest Conservation Easements on Parkland

• Takako Sato, Engineering Manager, requested approval of 12.29 acres of conservation easements at three parks (Willowbrook, Taskers Chance, and others). Alderwoman Nash raised concerns about relying solely on parkland planting and the need for broader tree canopy policy. Approved 4-0 (Alderman Shackelford temporarily absent but later registered aye).

Public Hearing Item 5 – Forest Conservation Planting Contract

• Scott Keesey, Parks Superintendent, requested two purchase orders to Empire Landscaping: $72,001.78 for invasive removal and tree planting at four park locations, and $83,939 for planting at Sanner Farm (related to Christopher’s Crossing Road). Trees will be 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, planted at 200 per acre, with a two-year warranty and 85% survivability requirement. Funding from forest conservation fees. Alderwoman Nash noted the fees may not cover long-term care but acknowledged an upcoming forest conservation ordinance update. Approved 4-0.

Public Hearing Item 6 – Second Amendment to Mitigation Agreement (Renn Property)

• Tracy Coleman, Deputy Director of Public Works, requested approval to modify condition 8 of the mitigation agreement to allow a roundabout instead of a traffic signal at the intersection of Monocacy Boulevard, Hughes Ford Road, and Monroe Avenue. Condition 6 remains unchanged. Staff recommended roundabout for safety and efficiency. Approved 4-0.

Public Hearing Item 7 – Replacement Pickup Truck and Snow Plow

• Scott Satherity, Fleet Maintenance Superintendent, requested a purchase order for $77,063.20 to Blake Ford for a 2023 F-250 with plow, replacing a 2004 vehicle. No MWBE forms were submitted due to limited vehicle availability. Approved 4-0.

Appointments

• Natasha Valencia appointed to the Education Commission for a three-year term (February 16, 2024 – February 15, 2027). Approved 4-0.

Aldermanic Comments & Mayor’s Comments

• Alderwoman Nash recognized Jackie Duda for advocacy on accessibility issues.
• Alderman Shackelford announced a Black History Month celebration on February 21 at 6:00 p.m.
• Mayor O’Connor reminded the public of the Tree Frederick program ($20 trees pickup in May) and announced two budget town halls: February 20 at Waverley Elementary and February 26 at Governor Thomas Johnson High School (evenings).

Key Outcomes

• All action items were approved by a vote of 4-0 (Alderman McShane absent).
• Approval of minutes, consent agenda items, special ordinances, alcohol permits, and all seven public hearing items.
• Community meeting on Jefferson Street traffic safety scheduled for February 27, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
• Upcoming budget town halls and Black History Month celebration announced.
• Staff will return with updates on the forest conservation ordinance in spring 2024.