OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Frederick City Council Public Meeting – June 20, 2024: Approvals, Police Contracts, and Public Testimony on Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

City Council — Thursday, June 20, 2024
BodyFrederick, Maryland
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, June 20, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
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Transcript — Verbatim
3:04

Good evening and welcome to the Mayor and Board of Alderman public meeting for the twentieth of June.

3:09

We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:14

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States mayor.

3:42

I practice this all day and I'm gonna mess it up.

4:15

Come a little bit closer here.

4:18

Don't be shy.

5:00

On June 3rd, the engineering department held a workshop at Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School, where Schrada was an integral part of the presentation on traffic calming.

5:05

The focus was a project for E16th Street between East Street and Schifferstad Boulevard.

5:10

Sherrata outlined the project and gathered community input.

5:14

Initially, the city planned to extend bicycle lanes to Schifferstadt Boulevard, but safety concerns led to a revised plan, a buffered two-way bicycle lane on one side of the road with street parking on the south side.

5:25

This change aims to enhance safety, improve connectivity, and aligns with the city's Vision Zero goals to expand transportation options and reduce traffic congestion.

5:35

It is a great example of community engagement at work to solve problems.

5:39

This collaborative spirit is how we get things done that benefit all 80,000 plus residents who share this community.

5:47

Please join me in congratulating Shrata on this recognition and saying thank you for the work you do for our community every day.

6:14

Thank you for the recognition.

6:16

It's an honor to work with the city with all the exciting projects.

6:20

Thank you.

6:35

We have minutes to approve May 16th, 2024.

6:39

So moved.

6:40

Second.

6:42

Motion by Alderman Shackleford, seconded by Alderwoman Kazemchek.

6:45

All those in favor.

6:46

That is 3 0.

6:48

Alderwoman Nash and Alderman McShane had previously indicated they would be unavailable for this evening's meeting.

6:58

Mayor's comments.

7:14

It is a conference that happens to be at the beach.

7:17

Those of us who are attending the conference are not going to the beach.

7:20

We're going to a conference.

7:22

And I can tell you that is specifically true in my case because on Tuesday I am expected to receive the Gavel to become the president of the Maryland Municipal League for 2025, 2024-25.

7:35

And so I'm honored to take on that responsibility.

7:41

Alder Manick comments.

7:43

Alderwoman Kazemchak.

7:45

Happy Pride, y'all.

7:48

Alderman Russell.

7:52

Happy Pride Saturday at the amphitheater, and congratulations to Mayor, I mean President elect Mayor O'Connor for NMO.

8:02

Thank you.

8:02

Alderman Shackelford.

8:04

No comments.

8:05

Echo my colleagues' comments.

8:08

We're the third.

8:11

Thank you.

8:12

We have two opportunities at all of our public meetings for public comment.

8:16

It is an opportunity for members of the public to address the mayor and board regarding items, whether they are on this evening's agenda or not.

8:24

We ask speakers to come to the podium to give their name and a general address for the record and are reminded that these proceedings are being telecast and recorded.

8:35

If you would like to make public comment, we will first call on the individuals who have signed up to make public comment, and then anyone else who wishes to make public comment will be invited to do so at that time.

8:50

The first individual who has signed up is Walter Ruby.

9:09

There you go.

9:10

Is it green?

9:10

It's now green.

9:11

Perfect.

9:12

Okay, sorry about that.

9:14

My name is Walter Ruby.

9:15

I live at 202 Uh Dill Avenue and been in Frederick for about three years.

9:20

And I'm I'm speaking today about the whole issue of Israel-Palestine, and um I gather that a kind of a resolution is being, or that you're being urged to pass a resolution about this.

9:32

Um I don't have it in front of me right now, but I've read it.

9:35

In fact, a friend of mine who supported the resolution called me and said, You know, would you want to come out and speak in support of it?

9:40

I said, Well, let me read it.

9:41

And after I read it, I said I had to inform my friend that even though um I supported many pieces of it, I would have to come and oppose it.

9:50

So I I thought it was um worth kind of explaining all of that today.

10:00

Um as I said, um I do uh support uh many of the pieces of it, including support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the safe returns of hostages on both sides, restoration of full funding for UNRWA, um unrestricted provision of humanitarian aid to um those in desperate need of of food and and um medicine and uh self-governance for both sides.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
International Relations██████████████████18%
Foreign Policy█████████████13%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Public Comment████████████12%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Safety██████6%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Tree Planting████4%
Labor Relations███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Frederick City Council Public Meeting – June 20, 2024

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on June 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with a recognition, approval of previous minutes, and brief comments from Mayor O'Connor (who announced his upcoming presidency of the Maryland Municipal League) and aldermen. The bulk of the meeting consisted of public testimony—most speakers urging the council to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza—followed by routine consent agenda approvals and then a series of public hearings on purchases, agreements, resolutions, and an ordinance. Only three of the five aldermen were present (Mayor O'Connor, Alderwoman Kazemchak, Alderman Shackelford; Alderman Nash and Alderman McShane were absent). All votes were 3-0.

Recognition

  • Shraddha Praharaj (Institute of Transportation Engineers Young Leader to Follow) was recognized for her role in a traffic calming workshop on E. 16th Street, including a revised plan for a buffered two-way bicycle lane.

Public Comments & Testimony (First Session)

  • Walter Ruby (202 Dill Avenue): Opposed the proposed ceasefire resolution because it labels Israel’s actions as genocide without mentioning the October 7 Hamas attack. Stated he supports many parts (ceasefire, hostage returns, humanitarian aid) but said the resolution would feel hostile to Jewish residents.
  • Tina Meadows O'Rear (1726 Shookstown Road, Facilitator of Frederick Ceasefire Now): Called for the council to sponsor and adopt a ceasefire resolution, arguing that U.S. tax dollars contribute to genocide and citing the International Court of Justice’s finding that genocide is plausible. She urged bravery and alignment with peace.
  • Bob Lewis (301 College Place): Raised the city’s low tree canopy (estimated ~20%, lower than Hagerstown and Annapolis) and warned of lethal heat risks without a robust tree-planting program.
  • David Walinski (South Clifton Road): Spoke emotionally about the Israel-Palestine conflict as a Jew, arguing that silence is complicity and that a local resolution would give hope to Palestinians. He urged the council to introduce the resolution.
  • Willie Mahome (president of local NAACP chapter): Stated the NAACP national president called for a ceasefire. Supported the resolution, called what is happening in Gaza genocide, and also urged the city to establish a truth and reconciliation commission for African American heritage.
  • Eric Musa (704 Trail Avenue): Described his Palestinian family history and the trauma of loss. Provided statistics: over 38,000 Palestinians killed (15,000+ children), 1,000 child amputees, 19,000 orphans. Argued the war is collective punishment and asked the council to support the resolution.
  • Nabal (rising sophomore at Frederick High School, Palestinian American): Described personal loss of family members (14 killed, 34 of friend’s family), asked why the council remains silent on a “textbook genocide.”
  • Malek Keman (17 years old, Urbana High School): Asked how anyone can remain silent while 37,000+ are killed, demanded a permanent ceasefire.
  • Annette Breeling (Quaker perspective): Supported the ceasefire resolution from a faith standpoint, urging adherence to the Geneva Conventions, disavowing dehumanization, and calling for moral action.
  • Desiree Mortensen (Frederick County resident, student of international law): Argued that U.S. military support to Israel violates Geneva Conventions, noted the International Court of Justice’s plausible genocide finding, and urged the council to adopt the resolution to influence federal policy.
  • Sayyid Hawk (local physician, 24-year resident): Spoke as a voice for the Muslim community, said the resolution is 100% supported by Muslims in Frederick, called the situation genocide, and asked the council to act out of humanitarian concern.
  • Additional speaker (Shookstown Road, affiliated with Frederick Ceasefire): Described medical crisis in Gaza (amputations without anesthesia, famine), noted U.S. approved $26 billion+ in military aid to Israel, and urged the council to support the resolution.

The council did not take any action or vote on the ceasefire resolution; it was solely a topic of public comment.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes – May 16, 2024 (passed 3-0).
  • Grants – Maryland Energy Administration Solar Canopy Grant ($220,320) for Police Headquarters (3-0).

Public Hearing: Purchases

  • Historic Context Study – Agreement with EHT Traceries, Inc. for $69,275 to study sites of enslavement in Frederick Town (phase 1). Funded by a $21,000 grant from MHT and city budget. Approved 3-0.
  • East Street Rails with Trails Phase 4 – Agreement with KCI Technologies for 30% design ($240,000 total; $200,000 from M.SHA bikeways, $40,000 city match). Approved 3-0.

Public Hearing: Agreements

  • Electric Vehicle Charging at Airport – Amendment to Blink Network contract for two dual-port chargers (four spots). Approved 3-0.
  • Pension Plan Amendment (G-24-12) – Restated the city’s 22‑year pension plan for police; includes gender‑neutral language, trust funding language, and changes to compensation calculation for new hires. Alderwoman Kazemchak disclosed past ethics opinion on pension benefits but was cleared to vote. Approved 3-0.
  • Police Non‑Commissioned Officers Agreement (FOP Lodge 91) – New collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2024. Includes new rank of “Master Police Officer” (for officers with 5+ years, meeting evaluation and discipline standards). Discussion on the term “master” led to pledges from the Mayor and FOP President to revisit the name via a future side agreement. Approved 3-0.
  • Police Commissioned Officers Agreement (FOP Lodge 91) – Parallel revisions for lieutenants and above (no MPO rank). Approved 3-0.

Public Hearing: Resolutions

  • CDBG Annual Action Plan (Resolution 24-10) – Program Year 2024: $435,469 entitlement plus $341,148.64 program income ($776,618 total). Allocations include Habitat for Humanity, Health Care for the Homeless, food pantry roof repair, and other projects. Approved 3-0.
  • Substantial Amendments to CDBG Action Plans (Resolution 24-11) – Reprogram $440,203.51 from cancelled projects to new ones: $128,192 for program administration, $119,052 to Lifestyles for medical mobile unit (CV funding), $110,000 for Trinity Recreation Center renovations. Approved 3-0.

Public Hearing: Ordinance (First Read & Final Vote)

  • Ordinance G-24-12 (Vacant Property Tax Classification) – Originally sought to remove LITEC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) projects in MU‑2 districts from the “habitually vacant property” definition to avoid a tax increase conflicting with pilot agreements (e.g., Sharp Square). After debate, Alderwoman Kazemchak proposed limiting the exemption to the tax year beginning July 1, 2024. Staff and Mayor agreed. The amended ordinance passed 3-0, effective for one year only, requiring a future longer‑term solution.

Aldermanic Comments

  • Alderwoman Kazemchak reminded attendees about Pride on the Creek event on Saturday (June 22) and urged heat safety.

Public Comments (Second Session)

  • One speaker (Jim Smersal) commented on tree canopy percentages, noting that the city’s absolute tree count increases while the denominator (city area) grows, which explains the declining percentage.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the Mayor and Board of Alderman public meeting for the twentieth of June. We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States mayor. I practice this all day and I'm gonna mess it up. Come a little bit closer here. Don't be shy. On June 3rd, the engineering department held a workshop at Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School, where Schrada was an integral part of the presentation on traffic calming. The focus was a project for E16th Street between East Street and Schifferstad Boulevard. Sherrata outlined the project and gathered community input. Initially, the city planned to extend bicycle lanes to Schifferstadt Boulevard, but safety concerns led to a revised plan, a buffered two-way bicycle lane on one side of the road with street parking on the south side. This change aims to enhance safety, improve connectivity, and aligns with the city's Vision Zero goals to expand transportation options and reduce traffic congestion. It is a great example of community engagement at work to solve problems. This collaborative spirit is how we get things done that benefit all 80,000 plus residents who share this community. Please join me in congratulating Shrata on this recognition and saying thank you for the work you do for our community every day. Thank you for the recognition. It's an honor to work with the city with all the exciting projects. Thank you. We have minutes to approve May 16th, 2024. So moved. Second. Motion by Alderman Shackleford, seconded by Alderwoman Kazemchek. All those in favor. That is 3 0. Alderwoman Nash and Alderman McShane had previously indicated they would be unavailable for this evening's meeting. Mayor's comments. It is a conference that happens to be at the beach. Those of us who are attending the conference are not going to the beach. We're going to a conference. And I can tell you that is specifically true in my case because on Tuesday I am expected to receive the Gavel to become the president of the Maryland Municipal League for 2025, 2024-25. And so I'm honored to take on that responsibility. Alder Manick comments. Alderwoman Kazemchak. Happy Pride, y'all. Alderman Russell. Happy Pride Saturday at the amphitheater, and congratulations to Mayor, I mean President elect Mayor O'Connor for NMO. Thank you. Alderman Shackelford. No comments. Echo my colleagues' comments. We're the third. Thank you. We have two opportunities at all of our public meetings for public comment. It is an opportunity for members of the public to address the mayor and board regarding items, whether they are on this evening's agenda or not. We ask speakers to come to the podium to give their name and a general address for the record and are reminded that these proceedings are being telecast and recorded. If you would like to make public comment, we will first call on the individuals who have signed up to make public comment, and then anyone else who wishes to make public comment will be invited to do so at that time. The first individual who has signed up is Walter Ruby. There you go. Is it green? It's now green. Perfect.

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