Frederick City Council Public Meeting - March 21, 2024

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland held a regular public meeting on March 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included recognition of the Frederick High School boys' basketball state championship, routine approvals, a public hearing on several items including a tree planting contract, affordable housing grant, settlement agreement, and property acquisition. All votes were 4-0 with Alderman McShane absent.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• The Mayor and Board recognized the Frederick High School Cadets boys' basketball team for winning the Maryland 4A state championship, the school's first state title in 42 years. Head coach Amante Hill Sr. and team members were presented with a proclamation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the February 15, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0).
• Appointment: Appointed Tyler Boyle to a three-year term (March 22, 2024 – March 21, 2027) on the Sustainability Committee (4-0).
• Grant Amendment: Approved Amendment 1 to the USDA NRCS Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production Composting and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Project grant, extending the timeline to June 30, 2025 (4-0).
• Special Ordinances (budget amendments):
  • S-24-08: Amended FY2024 budget to include revenue/expenditures from the Downtown Frederick Partnership for purchase of a security camera (4-0).
  • S-24-09: Amended FY2024 budget to include revenue/expenditures from the Dakota James Foundation for purchase of a security camera (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Funderburg (public comment during the street tree planting item): Expressed concern that recent city contracts are often awarded to out-of-town firms and rarely to minority- or women-owned businesses based in Frederick. He urged the city to prioritize Frederick-based contractors, especially for projects in minority neighborhoods like Hillcrest, to keep money in the local community. He acknowledged meeting with Alderman Russell on the purchasing process.

Discussion Items and Public Hearing

1. Street Tree Planting – Empire Landscape, LLC ($75,000)

• Staff Presentation: City Arborist Josh Dunk requested approval of a $75,000 purchase order to Empire Landscape LLC (a certified small, minority- and women-owned business) for planting street trees in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Funding comes from a grant from the Alsherman Family Foundation. The project will increase canopy coverage by over two acres and provide heat reduction, improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, and increased property values. Planting is scheduled for spring 2024.
• Discussion: Alderwoman Kazemchak praised the focus on an equity emphasis area previously lacking street trees.
• Vote: Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Russell. Approved 4-0.

2. Grant Agreement with Habitat for Humanity – West All Saints Project ($200,000)

• Staff Presentation: Ruth Waxer (Assistant Director, Housing and Human Services) presented a $200,000 grant from the city's Housing Fund (MPDU proceeds) to Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County for the West All Saints Affordable Housing Condominium Project at West All Saints and Ice Streets. The project will provide 12 owner-occupied condos for low- to moderate-income households (targeting 50-80% AMI). The grant will help cover unexpected excavation costs due to rock. The project is built on a community land trust, ensuring perpetual affordability.
• Discussion:
  • Alderwoman Kazemchak asked about AMI thresholds and the resale formula to preserve affordability. Eric Anderson (Executive Director, Habitat) explained the community land trust structure and resale formula.
  • Alderman Shackelford highlighted the partnership with Asbury United Methodist Church and the importance of generational wealth building.
  • Alderman Russell suggested a future briefing on lessons learned to streamline future projects.
  • Anderson noted the applicant process: from 285 interested parties to 23 applicants, now 11 finalists for the first 6 units. First homeowners expected to move in summer 2024; phase 2 by summer 2025.
• Public Comment: A representative (likely from Habitat) expressed gratitude for the city's partnership and the project's lasting affordability.
• Vote: Motion by Alderman Shackelford, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak. Approved 4-0.

3. Settlement Agreement with Friends for Neighborhood Progress

• Staff Presentation: City Attorney Rachel presented a settlement agreement resolving litigation between the city and Friends for Neighborhood Progress concerning properties at 14 East All Saints Street and 121 South Market Street. Under the agreement:
  • The city will vacate and cease use of 121 South Market Street.
  • Friends for Neighborhood Progress will continue using 14 East All Saints Street for CDBG-eligible activities (e.g., food bank) until at least August 31, 2025.
  • The city will continue to operate a food bank somewhere in the city.
• Discussion: Alderman Russell noted the city's health and human services provide services countywide and urged better county cooperation.
• Vote: Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Shackelford. Approved 4-0.

4. Special Ordinance S-24-10 – Budget Amendment for Property Purchase

• Description: Amends the FY2024 budget to include donation revenue from Friends for Neighborhood Progress for the purchase of 14 East All Saints Street.
• Vote: Motion by Alderman Russell, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak. Approved 4-0 (introduced and adopted at same meeting).

5. Ordinance G-24-03 – Authorize Property Purchase at 14 East All Saints Street

• Description: Authorizes the city to purchase 14 East All Saints Street for continued operation of a food bank and other city services/programs.
• Vote: Motion by Alderwoman Kazemchak, second by Alderman Shackelford. Approved 4-0 (introduced and adopted at same meeting).

Aldermanic Comments

• Alderman Shackelford congratulated the basketball team and noted he previously coached at Frederick High School.
• Alderman Russell reminded about Bike to Work Day on May 17 and encouraged registration.
• Alderwoman Kazemchak acknowledged Women's History Month, honored past female leaders Fran Baker and Marsha Hall, and encouraged women's participation in public life.
• Alderman Russell thanked the scouts from Troop 271 for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Key Outcomes

• All votes passed 4-0 with Alderman McShane absent.
• Approved: meeting minutes, appointment of Tyler Boyle, USDA grant amendment, two special ordinances for security cameras, street tree planting contract ($75,000), Habitat for Humanity grant ($200,000), settlement agreement, budget amendment for property purchase, and ordinance authorizing property purchase.
• The city will fund $200,000 to Habitat for Humanity for 12 affordable condos on a community land trust.
• The city settled litigation with Friends for Neighborhood Progress, continuing food bank operations at 14 East All Saints Street.
• The city will plant street trees in the Hillcrest neighborhood using a $75,000 grant from the Alsherman Family Foundation.