OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Frederick City Council Public Meeting - September 4, 2025

City Council — Thursday, September 4, 2025
BodyFrederick, Maryland
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, September 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 48:11

Transcript — Verbatim
1:21

Good evening and welcome to the September 4th City Council regular public meeting.

1:26

We will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:45

We will begin tonight with a Labor Day proclamation.

1:49

So anyone involved, I saw Christian, I see Charlie, come on up.

1:53

Well, and the council, if you could join me.

2:12

Thank you comes to the uh mayor's team for providing the staff support to create this for us.

2:20

I'm just gonna read it.

2:24

So we have representatives of labor here.

2:26

Yes.

2:27

My favorites.

2:28

I mean, Charlie, of course, is my favorite.

2:31

All right.

2:32

Whereas the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our community is built on the hard work, determination, and dignity of working people.

2:40

And whereas the labor movement has been at the heart of securing many of the fundamental protections, includes including the 40-hour work week, weekends, child labor laws, workplace safety standards, and the right to organize and collectively bargain.

2:54

And whereas the City of Frederick recognizes that unions remain a vital force of fairness, equity, and economic opportunity, especially as working families continue to face rising costs of living and economic uncertainty.

3:07

And whereas in Frederick, we are proud of the working people who power our economy, public employees, educators, health care providers, construction workers, service workers, and so many more.

3:20

And we affirm their right to a safe workspace, a fair wage, and a voice in shaping their future.

3:26

And whereas, Labor Day is not only a day of rest and celebration, but a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of working people who fought for justice, fairness, and the dignity in workplace.

3:38

Now, therefore, I, City Council, do hereby proclaim Monday, September 1st is Labor Day in Frederick, and we call upon all residents to honor the contributions of working people, past and present.

3:48

Thank you very much.

3:49

Do you want to say who you represent while you're up here?

3:53

I am uh Charlie Snyder.

3:54

I'm the president of the local FOP who represents the sworn law enforcement officers here in the Sea of Frederick.

4:01

And I am the vice president of our FOP.

4:07

I am Dawn Lynch.

4:14

Hi, good evening.

4:15

My name is Christian Goldwith with AfSme Maryland Council Three.

4:18

Our labor council represents 50,000 public sector employees across the state of Maryland.

4:24

And that's it.

4:25

Thank you very much.

4:25

Thanks for joining us tonight.

4:26

Thank you, thank you.

5:01

Move for approval.

5:02

Second.

5:03

All those in favor?

5:05

It's 4-0.

5:06

Thank you very much.

5:07

We have appointments and reappointments.

5:09

Planning commission, appointment of Zach Bueno for a five-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2030.

5:18

So move.

5:18

Second.

5:19

First and second, all in favor.

5:20

It's 4-0.

5:22

Thank you.

5:22

Historic Preservation Committee, appointment of Jerry DeYoung for a three-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2028.

5:30

So move.

5:31

Second.

5:32

All in favor.

5:33

It's 4-0.

5:34

The Weinberg Board of Directors, appointment of Christine Ando for a three-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2028.

5:43

So move.

5:44

Second.

5:44

First and second, all in favor, it's 4-0.

5:47

And the Ethics Commission, appointment of Neil Fay for a three-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2028.

5:53

So move.

5:54

Second.

5:54

All in favor.

5:55

It's 4-0.

5:56

Thank you very much.

5:57

All right, back up here for council business comments.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████████35%
Public Engagement████████████████████████24%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Labor Relations████████8%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Zoning And Land Use█████5%
Public Safety████4%
International Relations████4%
Building Codes████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Frederick City Council Public Meeting - September 4, 2025

The Frederick City Council held a regular public meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a Labor Day proclamation, approval of appointments, public comments on a range of topics, consent agenda items, and public hearings on several contracts, a school resource officer agreement, and a rezoning. Seven ordinances were introduced for future consideration. All votes were 4-0 unless otherwise noted.

Proclamation & Appointments

  • Labor Day Proclamation: The council proclaimed Monday, September 1st as Labor Day in Frederick, recognizing the contributions of working people. Representatives from the FOP and AFSCME spoke in support. Passed 4-0.
  • Appointments: Approved appointments to the Planning Commission (Zack Buono, 5-year term), Historic Preservation Committee (Jeri DeYoung, 3-year term), Weinberg Board of Directors (Christine Ando, 3-year term), and Ethics Commission (Neil Fay, 3-year term). All passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sam Rosenbloom offered a prayer for the safety of Israeli soldiers and the return of hostages, expressing support for Israel's right to self-defense.
  • Levi Trumbull criticized City Attorney Michael Fry for alleged delays in responding to public records requests, stating that the city's actions have brought negative attention to Frederick. He introduced a costumed speaker.
  • Derek Harvey (appearing in an Alf costume) criticized City Attorney Michael Fry's handling of surveillance footage and public records, and also discussed his own pending assault case, alleging political interference. He expressed opposition to the current city legal department.
  • Tina Meadows O'Rear called on the council to pass a resolution condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, stating that silence is complicity.
  • Grady O'Rear urged the council to connect local injustices with international atrocities, referencing past council resolutions on racial equity and calling for a resolution on Palestine.
  • Gwendolyn Stewart (1522 Beverly Court) described a persistent weed problem on city parkland behind her home, alleging inaction by the city. She requested the creation of an Office of Ombudsman for citizen complaints.

Consent Calendar (All Passed 4-0)

  • Release of Surety: Release of $35,806.20 cash surety from Whitehill Holdings, LLC for the B&O Properties, Lot 7 project.
  • Acceptance of Parkland: Acceptance of Belle Air Farm Park Parcel O (approx. 5 acres) from FredRock Partners, LLC; acceptance of 77.99 acres of parkland from WVS Renn Farm, LLC.
  • Grants: Acceptance of the FY26 State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.
  • Special Ordinances: Approval of four special ordinances to amend the FY26 budget for: Internet Crimes Against Children Grant, Police Retention and Recruitment Grant, State Aid for Police Protection Grant, and a Chesapeake Bay Trust Urban Trees Award ($494,500).

Public Hearings / Discussion Items

  • Boat Ramp Construction (Riverside Center Park): Approved a contract with MJ Double K Farm, LLC for $462,058.50 and a purchase order of $500,000 (RFP 25-11). Funded by a $500,000 DNR grant. Passed 4-0.
  • Carroll Parkway Intersection & Drainage Improvements: Approved a contract with Fox and Associates for $165,314 to design intersection and drainage improvements at Carroll Parkway and West College Terrace. Passed 4-0.
  • Trinity School Pump Station Upgrades: Approved an agreement with Mid-Atlantic Utilities, Inc. for up to $817,895 (plus $50,000 contingency) for design-build upgrades. Passed 3-1, with Councilmember O'Connor opposed, citing the cost relative to the building's limited use. Also approved a special ordinance to transfer unused funds from the West Patrick Street Pump Station project (CIP 370013) to this project (CIP 370017). Passed 4-0.
  • Memorandum of Understanding with Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD): Approved an MOU for continuation of a School Resource Officer, with MSD reimbursing the city for costs. Passed 4-0. (Note: A proposed MOU with East Frederick Rising was pulled from the agenda.)
  • Rezoning – 300 Scotty's Bus Lane: Approved an ordinance to rezone 1.35 acres from General Commercial (GC) to Institutional (IST) to establish a youth center. The council adopted specific findings of fact regarding population, public facilities, transportation, compatibility, and consistency with the comprehensive plan. Passed 4-0.

Introductions (No Action Taken)

  • Ordinance to authorize collective bargaining for non-sworn City of Frederick employees.
  • Ordinance to amend Chapter 26 (Electrical) to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code.
  • Ordinance to amend Chapter 12.5, Article I (Property Maintenance) adopting the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code.
  • Ordinance to add local amendments to the Property Maintenance Code (Section 12.5-1.2).
  • Ordinance to amend Chapter 5 (Buildings) to adopt Maryland Building Performance Standards.
  • Ordinance to amend Chapter 16 (Plumbing and Gas) to adopt the Maryland Plumbing Code.
  • Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 (Fire Protection) to update code references.

Council Business & Comments

  • Councilmember highlighted a new mobile laundry service, Fresh Step Laundry, started by retired Frederick police officer Wade Milliard, which provides free laundry services to the homeless.
  • Councilmember noted that September 22 is Car Free Day and encouraged residents to participate.
  • Councilmember acknowledged September as National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, emphasizing mental health and kindness.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items passed unanimously (4-0).
  • The Trinity School Pump Station contract passed 3-1, with Councilmember O'Connor voting no.
  • All other public hearing items passed 4-0.
  • Seven ordinances were introduced and will be considered at a future meeting.
  • The meeting adjourned without further action.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the September 4th City Council regular public meeting. We will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. We will begin tonight with a Labor Day proclamation. So anyone involved, I saw Christian, I see Charlie, come on up. Well, and the council, if you could join me. Thank you comes to the uh mayor's team for providing the staff support to create this for us. I'm just gonna read it. So we have representatives of labor here. Yes. My favorites. I mean, Charlie, of course, is my favorite. All right. Whereas the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our community is built on the hard work, determination, and dignity of working people. And whereas the labor movement has been at the heart of securing many of the fundamental protections, includes including the 40-hour work week, weekends, child labor laws, workplace safety standards, and the right to organize and collectively bargain. And whereas the City of Frederick recognizes that unions remain a vital force of fairness, equity, and economic opportunity, especially as working families continue to face rising costs of living and economic uncertainty. And whereas in Frederick, we are proud of the working people who power our economy, public employees, educators, health care providers, construction workers, service workers, and so many more. And we affirm their right to a safe workspace, a fair wage, and a voice in shaping their future. And whereas, Labor Day is not only a day of rest and celebration, but a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of working people who fought for justice, fairness, and the dignity in workplace. Now, therefore, I, City Council, do hereby proclaim Monday, September 1st is Labor Day in Frederick, and we call upon all residents to honor the contributions of working people, past and present. Thank you very much. Do you want to say who you represent while you're up here? I am uh Charlie Snyder. I'm the president of the local FOP who represents the sworn law enforcement officers here in the Sea of Frederick. And I am the vice president of our FOP. I am Dawn Lynch. Hi, good evening. My name is Christian Goldwith with AfSme Maryland Council Three. Our labor council represents 50,000 public sector employees across the state of Maryland. And that's it. Thank you very much. Thanks for joining us tonight. Thank you, thank you. Move for approval. Second. All those in favor? It's 4-0. Thank you very much. We have appointments and reappointments. Planning commission, appointment of Zach Bueno for a five-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2030. So move. Second. First and second, all in favor. It's 4-0. Thank you. Historic Preservation Committee, appointment of Jerry DeYoung for a three-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2028. So move. Second. All in favor. It's 4-0. The Weinberg Board of Directors, appointment of Christine Ando for a three-year term from September 5th, 2025 to September 4th, 2028.

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