Frederick City Council Meeting - March 19, 2026

The Frederick City Council met on March 19, 2026, to address appointments, public comments, a resolution, and a detailed presentation on traffic calming and safe streets. The meeting covered routine approvals, contentious debate on an ethics commission reappointment, and extensive community input on transportation safety and immigration enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the March 5 regular public meeting, February 19 closed session, and March 5 regular meeting (unanimous).
• Approved the release of a surety bond ($48,127.50) posted by World Rent Development Company for on-site improvements at Monocase Center.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ian Thompson (resident) expressed full support for the City Values Act (G-261), emphasizing the need for judicial warrants and application to both ICE and Customs and Border Protection. He thanked Council President Diaz for introducing the ordinance.
• Tom Rotondo (East 16th Street) opposed the planned bike lanes on East 16th Street, arguing they create hazards due to narrow travel lanes (10 ft), inadequate parking for large vehicles (e.g., dually pickups), and unsafe driveway sightlines. He noted that only nine bicycles were observed on the street over eight months.
• Ed Remus (East 16th Street) suggested alternative designs (parking adjacent to curb, then buffer, then bike lanes) and argued that the street has 50 houses with driveways, unlike other projects (e.g., Tuscany, Hayward).
• Robert Sharp (North Market Street) criticized the existing bike lane on Market Street, noting that cyclists often don't use it, and speeds remain high. He called for restoration of two travel lanes from 7th to 9th Street.
• Jim Smurse (resident) praised city staff for making the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) visible on Spire's GIS, calling it a valuable planning tool.
• Walter Ruby (Dill and Bent Street) complained about persistent late-night speeding on Bent Street, stating that police responses have been ineffective and that the issue harms residents and downtown tourism.
• Gail Peterson (Villa Estates) argued that striping alone hasn't reduced speeding; effective traffic calming requires dynamic crosswalks and chicanes. She urged the city to prioritize retrofitting existing neighborhoods (e.g., Military Road) for pedestrian safety.
• Robert Duggan (Military Road) expressed frustration that Military Road has been on the traffic-calming list for over 20 years. He proposed low-cost measures such as painting speed limits on pavement, 3D crosswalk illusions, and signs to deter speeding.
• William Mahom (NAACP Frederick Chapter) applauded the City Values Act, but also called for revisiting redistricting, citing findings of racial bloc voting and the need for expanded electoral participation.
• Christian Benford (Carroll Parkway) supported the City Values Act and recommended clear reporting guidelines (e.g., SALUTE format) and transparency for employee discipline. He urged the council to consider banning surveillance equipment using proprietary data.

Discussion Items

• Appointments:
  • Planning Commission: Council interviewed and unanimously approved (7-0) the appointment of Mr. Mogtez, who emphasized alignment with the comprehensive plan and responsible development.
  • Neighborhood Advisory Councils: Reappointments of David Furman, Gail Peterson, and Denise Sparks for two-year terms (March 20, 2026 – March 19, 2028) were approved 7-0.
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Reappointment of Stephen Collar for a three-year term (March 20, 2026 – March 19, 2029) was approved 7-0.
  • Ethics Commission: The reappointment of Kevin Lawler for a three-year term was debated. Councilmember Nash raised concerns about a conflict of interest: Mr. Lawler is director of the Housing Authority, and she had been corresponding with him and his wife (also at the Housing Authority) about Lucas Village issues. An ethics complaint against Nash had been filed, and Mr. Lawler's term had expired on December 1, 2025, but he continued serving under a holdover provision. Nash questioned the timing and transparency. Councilmember Hempolani moved to table the appointment to the next meeting; the motion passed (5 in favor, 1 abstention, 1 against).
  • Council Liaison Appointments: Approved 7-0: Councilmember Peter Brem to Ferdinand Committee Action Board, Councilmember Sarah Hempolani to Public Arts Commission and Containment Lab Community Advisory Committee, Councilmember Joe Atkins to Planning Commission, Councilmember Derrick Chalkover to Wanderer Board of Directors.
• Councilmember Comments:
  • Councilmember Nash detailed her concerns about the Ethics Commission reappointment, citing a pattern of questionable timing, expired terms, and potential conflicts of interest. She urged transparency and recusal.
  • Councilmember Brown recognized Women's History Month and noted the contributions of women on the council.
  • Councilmember Shackleford recognized Captain Daniel Hayter, a firefighter injured in a fire, and asked for thoughts for his recovery.
• Traffic Calming & Safe Streets Presentation:
  • Traffic engineer Shrada Praraj presented on the city's approach to traffic calming (horizontal/vertical deflection, street width reduction, routing restrictions) and its evolution toward Vision Zero and Safe Streets. Key statistics: pedestrian survival probability drops from 90% at 23 mph to 50% at 42 mph and 10% at 58 mph. Roundabouts reduce all crashes by 70–80% (when converting signalized intersections) and 30–40% (when converting two-way stops). Completed projects include Rosemont Avenue, Hayward Road, Tuscany Drive, Walter Martz Road, Jefferson Street, Villa Estates, and Baumans Lane. Ongoing projects include East 16th Street (protected bike lanes with parking as buffer), Willowdale Drive (bike lanes and mini-roundabouts), and 7th Street (protected bike lanes). Councilmembers discussed the need for post-installation data, maintenance of crosswalks, and the importance of addressing both speed and perception of safety.
• Resolution 265: The council passed a resolution (7-0) supporting Maryland House Bill 1142, which would create a task force to study modernizing municipal revenue sources. The city joined the Maryland Municipal League in urging the state to address the fact that Maryland is one of six states that does not share sales tax revenue with local governments.

Key Outcomes

• Planning Commission appointment approved 7-0.
• Neighborhood Advisory Council reappointments approved 7-0.
• Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment approved 7-0.
• Ethics Commission reappointment (Kevin Lawler) tabled to the next council meeting (motion passed 5-1-1, with one abstention and one vote against).
• Council liaison appointments approved 7-0.
• Resolution 265 (support for state task force on municipal revenue) passed 7-0.
• Traffic calming presentation: No vote taken; staff will continue design and implementation of projects, including East 16th Street (weather-dependent) and Willowdale Drive. The Safe Streets for All action plan is due by August 2026.
• City Values Act (G-261): Noted as introduced; public comment was received, but no vote occurred at this meeting.