OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - October 3, 2024

City Council — Thursday, October 3, 2024
BodyFrederick, Maryland
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, October 3, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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2:51

Good evening, and welcome to the mayor and board of Alderman public meeting for the third of October.

2:56

We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:23

So I'll ask the board to join me down on the floor, and we will invite our guests to come forward.

4:00

You're good.

4:01

This is a proclamation for World Habitat Day, October seventh, twenty twenty-four.

4:06

Whereas the United Nations has designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day, a time to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

4:15

Whereas Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Maryland has been dedicated to improving housing conditions in the community, working tirelessly to build and renovate homes to ensure that everyone has a decent place to live.

5:00

Now, therefore, I'm Michael O'Connor, mayor of the City of Frederick to hereby proclaim October 7th, 2024 as World Habitat Day in Frederick, Maryland, and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the importance of affordable housing and supporting efforts to provide decent, safe, and affordable homes for all.

5:18

Signed by the mayor on behalf of the Board of Alderman and the residents of the City of Frederick.

5:23

Thank you very much.

5:26

Anyone can take a picture?

5:27

Yeah, oh, that's my job.

5:45

Thank you, Ruth.

5:55

And I will turn the microphone over to you, Eric, if you'd like to say a few words and introduce who you have with us.

6:00

Absolutely.

6:01

Um thank you, Mr.

6:02

Mayor.

6:02

So with us tonight, we have Scott McCaskill, our recent board treasurer, and as of last week, our new board president.

6:10

And we also have uh Nicole Rolls.

6:13

Nicole is our director of development and marketing for habitat.

6:17

And uh as many of you probably know, um, this week, uh, two days ago, um, former President Carter became the first president to reach the triple digit mark uh and became he is the oldest living president, and uh um a lot of folks think that he founded Habitat.

6:36

Uh but uh the um he and his wife Rosalyn uh perhaps became even more known for their humanitarian efforts than even some of the things that they achieved while in office.

6:50

And so they became so synonymous with Habitat for Humanity uh and giving back to others in service that folks thought that they founded Habitat, but it was actually founded several years before that.

7:03

They became associated in 1984.

7:05

Uh they worked together on more than 4,000 projects uh across the globe uh in I think what, 14 different countries, and um and uh were very influential and and their work at their ethic was uh was renowned.

7:21

So we're very, very proud to be part of an organization and uh that they've been a part of and really extremely proud of the work that we get to do in this community.

7:30

Thank you very much.

7:34

Thank you very much for being with us this evening.

7:37

Thank you.

7:38

And congratulations.

8:20

We're on to mayor's comments.

8:21

I had the opportunity today, along with the Maryland Municipal League and some representatives from the National League of Cities to attend a federal briefing at the old executive office building, the Eisenhower Building in Washington, D.C.

8:35

today, to hear about the federal efforts on infrastructure, on the inflation reduction act, and on cybersecurity.

8:42

So a lot of really good information.

8:44

And if there was one central theme, it's that these funds that are available for inflation reduction and infrastructure that were approved during the the immediate post-pandemic to infuse uh opportunities into communities all across this country.

9:01

Um, the the funds are there, there are opportunities that are there, there are opportunities there both for governments but for public sector and nonprofit partners as well.

9:10

And so I would just strongly encourage people to check out the opportunities available through the federal government for uh grants to support things like what we heard about this evening, uh, housing and and infrastructure projects.

9:22

It's all really very important.

9:24

So it was uh an exciting opportunity for us to uh get that federal briefing today.

9:32

Oh, okay, we'll go back.

9:34

Approval of minutes, September 5th, 2024.

9:36

So move.

9:37

Motion by Alderman Shackleberg, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak, all those in favor.

9:42

That is 4-0.

9:43

Alder McShane is not with us this evening.

9:45

He let us know prior to the meeting that uh he is attending to uh death in the family.

9:51

Alderman business in comments.

9:52

Alderman Shackleford.

9:54

No comments, thank you.

9:56

Alderwoman Nash.

10:00

Yes, I have several things to say, but to everyone's relief, I have written them down ahead of time and will not ramble.

10:07

So first, uh, I have two things.

10:10

First, uh, very clearly, I would like to publicly call for a review of the city's emergency planning, security, and police protection services, and crisis response.

10:21

This isn't the first time I'm asked for updates on our emergency planning, but it's the first time I feel compelled to do so formally during a hearing, and I do not ask for this review lightly.

10:31

The City of Frederick, like all municipalities faces evolving challenges related to public safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis management.

10:38

I know I can trace my concerns about contingency planning back to September 11th when I was a student at Hood College.

10:44

The pandemic certainly challenged the way that we think about planning for the unknown, and I thank my colleagues, those of the were here during that time and their service.

10:52

And we merely have to consider our southern neighbors who felt ill-prepared and are responding to a devastating hurricane to know that preparedness is an evolving yet constant necessity of government.

11:01

In light of recent developments, both nationally and abroad, it is critical that the city takes proactive steps to ensure that emergency planning, security, and crisis response protocols are comprehensive, up to date, and capable of addressing any potential threats or emergencies.

11:15

Since taking office in 2021, I have asked for a review and assessment of the city's existing emergency plans.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use███████████████████████████████████35%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Comment██████████10%
Charter Amendments███████7%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
International Relations████4%
Foreign Policy████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Frederick Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting - October 3, 2024

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen held a public meeting on October 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Key actions included approval of a purchase order, a forest conservation planting agreement, reconsideration and approval of conditions for a major rezoning and master plan (Wormans Mill Court), and adoption of several ordinances implementing charter changes. The meeting also featured a proclamation for World Habitat Day, public comments on a Middle East ceasefire resolution, and discussions on emergency planning and security.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: Minutes from September 5, 2024, were approved by a vote of 4-0.
  • Purchase Order – Decanting Centrifuge Bowl (X.A.1): Approved a $129,620 purchase order from Alfa Laval Inc. for a spare centrifuge bowl assembly for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Vote: 4-0.
  • Sycamore Springs Forest Conservation Planting (X.B.1): Approved a request to plant 3.09 acres of forest conservation area on parkland dedicated to the City as part of the Sycamore Springs Planned Neighborhood Development. Vote: 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • World Habitat Day Proclamation: Mayor O'Connor proclaimed October 7, 2024, as World Habitat Day in Frederick. Representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County (Scott McCaskill and Nicole Rolls) spoke about the organization's work and President Jimmy Carter's legacy.
  • Charter Review: Tom Lynch (34 East All St.) thanked the Charter Review Committee, staff, and the Board for prompt action on charter recommendations.
  • Ceasefire Resolution: Multiple speakers (Tina Meadows O'Rear, Grady O'Rear, Emily Van Norden, Annette Brilling, Khalil El Shazley, Jamie Morar) urged the Board to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. They cited U.S. complicity, international law violations, and the need to add Frederick's voice to over 150 other jurisdictions. No council member made a motion on this item.
  • Wormans Mill Court Rezoning/Master Plan:
    • Eric Anderson (Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County) expressed strong support for the project, citing the need for workforce housing and the positive impact of the Rails with Trails contribution.
    • Heather Goddard (East Frederick Rising) supported the project, emphasizing its proximity to retail, schools, and the enhanced Rails with Trails contribution.

Discussion Items

  • Aldermanic Business – Emergency Planning and Event Security: Alderwoman Nash called for a formal review of the city’s emergency planning, security, police services, and crisis response. She expressed concerns about private security contracts and requested transparency. Alderwoman Kazemchek asked to broaden the conversation to include costs of city events and who pays for police support. No formal resolution was introduced; discussion was deferred to future workshops.
  • Reconsideration of Conditions for Wormans Mill Court Rezoning (X.B.2): Following a September 5 vote that imposed conditions the applicant could not accept, the Board reconsidered. The applicant proposed replacing the on-site forest conservation condition (Condition C) with a $1,188,000 contribution to CIP project 38004 (phase three pedestrian bridge over MD 26) for planning, design, and construction. Staff recommended removing the phrase "to be applied to the city's anticipated 20% match" to avoid limiting the use of funds. The Board debated the language and the value of the contribution. The motion passed 3-1 (Russell opposed), adopting four revised conditions: (A) contribution equal to cost of constructing an at-grade shared-use path bisecting the property; (B) developer to fully fund access points across Rails with Trails; (C) $1,188,000 contribution for phase three of the bridge; (D) Hum Lane access limited to emergency vehicles.
  • Ordinance G-24-16 – Planning Commission (X.D.1): Transfers planning commission provisions from charter to city code and removes the requirement for a voting elected official, replacing it with a non-voting liaison. Passed 3-1 (Russell opposed). Alderman Russell argued that a voting elected member provides accountability.
  • Ordinance G-24-17 – Zoning Board of Appeals (X.D.2): Transfers zoning board of appeals provisions from charter to code and updates removal procedures per state law. Passed unanimously (4-0).
  • Ordinance G-24-18 – Compensation Commission (X.D.3): Establishes a compensation commission to recommend salary amounts for the mayor and council. Discussion arose about whether the charter allows the council to reduce salaries; language was unclear. The item was deferred to second reader (vote 4-0) to allow time for clarification.
  • Ordinance G-24-19 – Personnel Board (X.D.4): Transfers personnel board provisions from charter to code. An amendment was made to strike membership options allowing non-residents, requiring all members to be city residents. Passed 3-1 (Shackelford opposed).
  • Ordinance G-24-15 – Rezoning to MU-2 (X.D.5): Rezones 11.54 acres (parcels at Wormans Mill Court, North Market Street, and adjacent to US 15 off-ramp) from General Commercial and Light Industrial to Mixed-Use floating zone (MU-2). Staff presented findings of fact. Alderwoman Kazemchek sought explicit language linking the contribution to the Rails with Trails bridge as a compensating feature. Language was added to the findings. Passed 3-1 (Russell opposed).
  • Resolution 24-17 – Master Plan for Wormans Mill Court Apartments (X.D.6): Approves the master plan for a mixed-use development with up to 315 multifamily units and 5,000 square feet of nonresidential space, along with a finding of adequacy for failing intersections (MD 26 at Monocacy Boulevard and MD 26 at Wormans Mill Road). Staff revised the resolution to correct dates and to change the Hum Lane condition to an emergency-access-only driveway with a 20-foot paved road and trail connection. Passed 3-1 (Russell opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Purchase Order Approved: $129,620 for centrifuge bowl (4-0).
  • Forest Conservation Planting Approved: Sycamore Springs (4-0).
  • Revised Conditions for Wormans Mill Rezoning Adopted: Four conditions including $1,188,000 contribution toward the Rails with Trails bridge over MD 26. Vote: 3-1.
  • Rezoning (G-24-15) Approved: 11.54 acres rezoned to MU-2, incorporating revised conditions. Vote: 3-1.
  • Master Plan (Resolution 24-17) Approved: Up to 315 units, 5,000 sq ft nonresidential, with modifications. Vote: 3-1.
  • Ordinances Adopted: G-24-16 (Planning Commission, 3-1), G-24-17 (ZBA, 4-0), G-24-19 (Personnel Board amended, 3-1).
  • Ordinance G-24-18 Deferred: Compensation commission ordinance deferred to second reader for clarification on salary reduction authority (4-0).
  • No Action on Ceasefire Resolution: No motion was made; public comments were received.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, and welcome to the mayor and board of Alderman public meeting for the third of October. We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. So I'll ask the board to join me down on the floor, and we will invite our guests to come forward. You're good. This is a proclamation for World Habitat Day, October seventh, twenty twenty-four. Whereas the United Nations has designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day, a time to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. Whereas Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Maryland has been dedicated to improving housing conditions in the community, working tirelessly to build and renovate homes to ensure that everyone has a decent place to live. Now, therefore, I'm Michael O'Connor, mayor of the City of Frederick to hereby proclaim October 7th, 2024 as World Habitat Day in Frederick, Maryland, and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the importance of affordable housing and supporting efforts to provide decent, safe, and affordable homes for all. Signed by the mayor on behalf of the Board of Alderman and the residents of the City of Frederick. Thank you very much. Anyone can take a picture? Yeah, oh, that's my job. Thank you, Ruth. And I will turn the microphone over to you, Eric, if you'd like to say a few words and introduce who you have with us. Absolutely. Um thank you, Mr. Mayor. So with us tonight, we have Scott McCaskill, our recent board treasurer, and as of last week, our new board president. And we also have uh Nicole Rolls. Nicole is our director of development and marketing for habitat. And uh as many of you probably know, um, this week, uh, two days ago, um, former President Carter became the first president to reach the triple digit mark uh and became he is the oldest living president, and uh um a lot of folks think that he founded Habitat. Uh but uh the um he and his wife Rosalyn uh perhaps became even more known for their humanitarian efforts than even some of the things that they achieved while in office. And so they became so synonymous with Habitat for Humanity uh and giving back to others in service that folks thought that they founded Habitat, but it was actually founded several years before that. They became associated in 1984. Uh they worked together on more than 4,000 projects uh across the globe uh in I think what, 14 different countries, and um and uh were very influential and and their work at their ethic was uh was renowned. So we're very, very proud to be part of an organization and uh that they've been a part of and really extremely proud of the work that we get to do in this community. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for being with us this evening. Thank you. And congratulations. We're on to mayor's comments. I had the opportunity today, along with the Maryland Municipal League and some representatives from the National League of Cities to attend a federal briefing at the old executive office building, the Eisenhower Building in Washington, D.C. today, to hear about the federal efforts on infrastructure, on the inflation reduction act, and on cybersecurity. So a lot of really good information. And if there was one central theme, it's that these funds that are available for inflation reduction and infrastructure that were approved during the the immediate post-pandemic to infuse uh opportunities into communities all across this country. Um, the the funds are there, there are opportunities that are there, there are opportunities there both for governments but for public sector and nonprofit partners as well. And so I would just strongly encourage people to check out the opportunities available through the federal government for uh grants to support things like what we heard about this evening, uh, housing and and infrastructure projects. It's all really very important. So it was uh an exciting opportunity for us to uh get that federal briefing today. Oh, okay, we'll go back. Approval of minutes, September 5th, 2024. So move. Motion by Alderman Shackleberg, second by Alderwoman Kazemchak, all those in favor. That is 4-0. Alder McShane is not with us this evening. He let us know prior to the meeting that uh he is attending to uh death in the family. Alderman business in comments. Alderman Shackleford. No comments, thank you. Alderwoman Nash.

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