Frederick City Council Public Meeting – June 6, 2024

The Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on June 6, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, approval of minutes, appointments, a consent agenda, and a public hearing covering multiple purchases, agreements, resolutions, and ordinances. All votes were 4-0, with Alderman McKazemchek absent.

Presentations & Proclamations

• If I Were Mayor Essay Contest: Tao Tao Yang, a fourth grader at The Banner School, presented his essay on creating a "Zen Garden" park. He was recognized as a semifinalist among 1,300 entries statewide.
• Pride Month Proclamation: The Mayor read a proclamation declaring June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Frederick, commemorating the Stonewall riots and affirming the city's commitment to equity and respect.

Consent Calendar

• Release of Sureties: Three bonds were released: (1) $87,472.13 for Redeemed Christian Church of God; (2) $128,731.00 for Day Development (Tuscarora Creek Phase 4); (3) $154,571.50 for Day Development (Tuscarora Creek Phase 5A). Approved 4-0.
• Grant Acceptance: Accepted a $30,912 Housing Counseling Program grant from HUD. Approved 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vicky Understein (East Church Homeowners Association and East Frederick Rising) commented on the St. John Properties easement agreement, urging that park funds not be diverted and requesting a crosswalk and pathway connectivity improvements.
• Heather Goddard (East Frederick Rising President) voiced support for the East 5th Street extension ordinance, praising the city's efforts to improve connectivity and relieve congestion in East Frederick.

Discussion Items

• Pavement Marking Contract: Awarded to Alpha Space Control for $200,000 (year one). City staff noted it supports long-line striping and ADA improvements.
• Talley Recreation Center Roof Unit: Approved an amendment with McClure Company ($79,797) to replace a failing rooftop unit; staff emphasized proactive replacement to avoid cooling outages.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Engineering: Approved an agreement with Whitman, Requardt and Associates ($75,836.17) to study high-flow events and system upgrades.
• Stormwater Easement with St. John Properties: Approved granting a 9.8-acre easement for East Park stormwater management on Renn Quarter parkland. In exchange, the developer will acquire and convey an adjacent parcel to the city, construct a $200,000 parking lot, and contribute $90,000 toward park improvements. Public comment raised concerns about preserving park funding and ensuring safe pedestrian access.
• Lucas Village Redevelopment Funding: Approved a $1 million grant agreement with the Housing Authority of Frederick, plus a budget amendment to use MPDU funds. Alderman Russell noted the project will replace 88 dilapidated public housing units with 220 units, and all existing residents will receive vouchers with a right to return. He emphasized that a reversion clause protects city funds if the project stalls.
• Bird City Maryland Resolution: Approved Resolution 24-08 to pursue recognition; staff highlighted partnerships, habitat improvements, and mental health benefits. An upcoming public event will unveil the city's official bird.
• National Park Service Training Center: Approved Resolution 24-09 supporting relocation of the Historic Preservation Training Center to Westside Regional Park. The resolution includes land sale terms and $750,000–$1.4 million in park amenities.
• Active Mobility Advisory Committee: Approved Ordinance G-24-10 creating a new committee to replace the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, broadening its scope to all non-motorized modes and emphasizing equity. Alderman Russell sponsored the change after months of committee work.
• East 5th Street Extension Right-of-Way: Approved Ordinance G-24-11 to acquire 4,991 sq ft at 603 East Church Street for extending East 5th Street through the County Lane corridor; staff noted construction may begin the first week of July.

Key Outcomes

• All nine action items received unanimous 4-0 approval, with Alderman McKazemchek absent.
• Next steps: The city will proceed with contracting, easement negotiations, and capital projects as outlined. The Active Mobility Advisory Committee will be formally established, and the Lucas Village grant agreement will move forward pending any further conditions from the Housing Authority.