Frederick City Council Public Meeting - August 7, 2025

The Frederick City Council held a public meeting on August 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered consent agenda items, public hearings on several contracts and a fee waiver, and extensive public comments regarding a proposed ceasefire resolution. Councilmember Donna Kuzemchak made two motions related to a resolution calling for an end to U.S. complicity in global violence, both of which failed for lack of a second or a second failed vote. All other agenda items were approved unanimously (3-0).

Consent Calendar

• Release of Surety: Approved the release of a United Bank Letter of Credit for $66,556.70 (JR Capital Build, LLC, 206 Broadway project) and a Capitol Indemnity Corporation Bond for $270,569.94 (Bloomfields, LLC, water loop project). Motion by Councilmember Kuzemchak, second by Councilmember Russell. Vote: 3-0.
• Alcohol in City Parks: Approved a waiver for the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. to serve beer and wine at the Monocacy Village Park pavilion on September 26, 2025, from 5-10 p.m. Motion by Councilmember Kuzemchak, second by Councilmember Russell. Vote: 3-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ceasefire Resolution (Majority of speakers): Over 20 speakers, many representing or affiliated with Frederick Justice for Palestine, the Islamic Society of Frederick, and the NAACP, urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution proposed by Councilmember Kuzemchak. Speakers cited the death toll of over 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza, U.S. tax dollars funding violence, and the moral obligation to act. Several speakers criticized Council President Katie Nash for not attending and for stating there was “no need to rush.” A few speakers expressed opposition, arguing the resolution was one-sided and failed to condemn Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks.
• Other Public Comments: One speaker discussed a Maryland Public Information Act request dispute with City Attorney Mike Fry. Another speaker (Washington County Commissioner Derek Harvey) made disruptive and obscene comments, including flashing the council. Several speakers also addressed the broader issue of U.S. complicity in global violence and referenced prior council resolutions on nuclear disarmament, racism, and climate.

Discussion Items

• 7th Street Fountain Park Revitalization, Phase I (RFP 25-CC): Nicole Harshman (Manager of Projects and Inspections) presented a contract with Hazen Global LLC for $593,501 (plus $60,000 contingency, total purchase order $653,501) for fountain restoration/renovation. The project includes removing basin jets, adding a new underground mechanical vault, and restoring cast iron elements. Design to start in September with a 7-month performance period. Approved 3-0.
• Crossing Guard Services Contract: Originally deferred, but later moved forward. Approval to piggyback Frederick County’s agreement with All City Management Services for crossing guard services for the 2025-2028 school years; purchase order of $216,056.20. Motion by Councilmember Kuzemchak, second by Councilmember Russell. Vote: 3-0.
• Talley Recreation Center HVAC Replacement (RFP 25-C): Sean Poulin (Superintendent of Recreation) presented an amendment to the agreement with McClure Company for $66,464 to replace a rooftop unit. Approved 3-0.
• Linganore Traveling Screen Upper Section Repair: Robert Rosenberg (Superintendent of Water Treatment) presented a purchase order to Atlas-SSI for $153,510 (including $15,000 contingency) for sole-source repairs. Approved 3-0.
• Linganore Water Treatment Plant Vertical Turbine Pump: Tim Moffett (Superintendent of Water and Sewer Facilities Maintenance) presented a purchase order to Sydnor Hydro for $78,575 to replace an inoperable raw water pump. Approved 3-0.
• Maryland Ornithological Society Pavilion Fee Waiver: Bob Smith (Deputy Superintendent of Parks and Recreation) presented a request to waive the rental fee for the Monocacy Village Park pavilion on September 26, 2025 (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for a birding field trip and dinner social. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended reducing the fee to the city resident rate ($75). Council approved the reduced fee (motion by Councilmember Kuzemchak, second by Councilmember Shackelford). Vote: 3-0.
• Ceasefire Resolution Motions: Councilmember Kuzemchak first moved to add a resolution calling for an end to U.S. complicity in ongoing violence to the agenda. The motion failed for lack of a second. Later, she moved to place the resolution on the August 21, 2025 agenda. That motion also failed (seconded by Councilmember Russell? No – transcript indicates: “Has been motioned by Councilman Zemchek is our second. Motion fails.” The second motion also lacked a second from another member). The council did not adopt the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• All consent and public hearing items (except the ceasefire motions) were approved unanimously (3-0).
• The requested ceasefire resolution was not added to the agenda and was not discussed or voted on. Two motions by Councilmember Kuzemchak failed due to lack of a second or insufficient support.
• Councilmembers noted the precedent of prior resolutions on issues beyond local jurisdiction (e.g., nuclear disarmament, Medicare for All, racism as a public health crisis).
• A crossing guard contract was continued to the August 21 meeting but then approved after Councilmember Russell asked and received assurances about pay equity.
• Public comments were acknowledged, and the council president reminded attendees of the rules of procedure and code of civility.