The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Maryland, met on August 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the June 6, 2024 minutes (motion by Alderwoman Nash, second by Alderman McCzemchek; passed 4-0, with Alderman McShane initially absent). The meeting featured extensive public comment on a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, followed by a public hearing on two contracts: school crossing guard services and HVAC maintenance at the Talley Recreation Center.
No council action was taken on the ceasefire resolution; it was brought forward only during public comment.
Good evening and welcome to the mayor and board of Alderman meeting for the first day of August. We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God with liberty and justice for all. We have minutes to approve June 6th, 2024 public meeting. Second. Motion by Alderwoman Nash, second by Alder McZemchek. All those in favor, that is 4 0. Albert McShane is not present. In uh Annapolis today, Alderwoman Nash and I, and a number of members of our staff were at an all-day housing symposium as the state is rolling out new rules with regards to how to incentivize more moderately priced and workforce housing. A lot of good panels, a lot of good information, a lot of good takeaways. But it was a good day. So to be continued. Ditto, I will say that uh the mayor rightly pointed out I had my airport commission meeting tonight. Usually they aren't the same night as our hearing, so I just wanted to make note that during that commission meeting, members of the commission praise city staff over and over again for their proactive approach. And so I'm looking forward to when they're here, and we can we can thank them, but I just wanted to relay that um they're doing a great job, and the commission members really notice it tonight. So thank you very much. Thank you. Alderman Shackelford. No comments, thank you. Alderman McShane. No, thank you. Alderman McCazemchek. Alderman Russell. We are on to public comments. It is an opportunity for members of the public to address the mayor and board about any item, whether it is on this evening's agenda or not. Speakers are asked to give their name and a general address for the record, reminded that the proceedings are being telecast and recorded. You should speak clearly into the microphone at the podium. Comments are limited to a total of five minutes per individual. We will take those who have signed up first, and then we will open it up to anyone else who wishes to make public comment at that time. We did receive one public comment through the online public comment portal, which I would just remind the public is another way to have your comments included on the record. Tina Meadows O'Rear. Good evening. Some of our members and a number of supporters, uh, are here. Um are going to testify, and some are here to listen, learn, and support. Um board of sorry, council. And so I'm not going to read that again, but I do want to remind you that you've received it. And we are here to garner your support. Uh we're looking for one or more sponsors uh for that resolution. Um here to seek the support of leaders who are brave. Frederick citizens are threatened by a war in the Middle East that could each easily turn into a regional and even worldwide conflict. It is critical that you broaden your perspective beyond your local blinders. You have a responsibility to protect all citizens of our community, including minority groups, people of color, those with language differences. I don't know if you have already read about this, but over 400 protesters from Jewish Voice for Peace, including more than a dozen rabbis, were arrested at peaceful sit-in at the Canon House office building rotunda this past weekend during Netanyahu's visit to Congress. They wore shirts that said, not in our name, and other garments that said Jews say stop arming Israel. To help differentiate this cause, I urge you to listen carefully to Stephanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace. Stephanie stated this past week, quote, for nine months we've watched in horror as the Israeli government has carried out a genocide, armed and funded by U.S. She called for an immediate arms embargo. Jane Hirschman, daughter of Holocaust survivors and member, uh member of Jewish Voice for Peace said, quote, the Israeli government is using U.S. funding and weapons to slaughter and starve Palestinians in Gaza.