FMD

County Executive Fitzwater says the county will use all legal tools at its dispose to oppose this project.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater

Frederick, Md (IKM) County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has announced that Frederick County will petition to intervene in the Public Service Commission’s consideration of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. That a 500-kilovolt, 70-mile long electric transmission line extending through northern Baltimore County, central Carroll County, and southern Frederick County. The line will provide power to data centers in northern Virginia.

“Frederick County totally opposes MPRP, and our decision to intervene should send a message that we will use the legal tools at our disposal to protect our community,” Fitzwater says in a statement. “While the law is clear that Frederick County does hot have the authority to stop MPRP ourselves, we will continue to work with our partners on the County Council to amplify our residents’ voices and advocate against this project.”

In intervening in this case, the county can file briefs and present evidence at hearings.

The project has generated strong opposition from affected property owners and other citizens. They’re concerned any transmission line crossing their properties will decrease their value. Many of these properties are farms that have been put into agricultural preservation.

The Maryland Public Service Commission will decide on whether the line will move forward.

The Public Service Enterprise Group has been awarded the contact by PJM, which manages the regional grid, to build the project, and it has recently filed its application with the PSC  to construct the power line. .

The PSC is expected to hold a public hearing on the project in Frederick County.

By Kevin McManus

The incident happened last August

Frederick, Md. (DG) – The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) has released video footage of a deputy-involved shooting that occurred at the Super 8 Hotel on Monocacy Boulevard in Frederick City on August 1, 2024. The incident involved CPL Alex Mendez of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and OFC Connor Walsleben of the Frederick City Police Department.

Authorities were attempting to locate 45-year-old Jack Edgar Primmer, a Pennsylvania man wanted on felony charges of child sexual assault and abuse. Deputies tracked Primmer to the hotel, where he was registered as a guest.

When law enforcement made contact, Primmer refused to exit his room and claimed he was armed, resulting in a tense barricade situation. Around 12:50 a.m. on August 2, the standoff escalated, and shots were fired by police. Primmer was injured and immediately given medical aid by deputies on the scene.

Following treatment, Primmer was extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges. The release of the footage comes as part of the FCSO’s commitment to transparency in the investigation.

The video of the incident can be found here.

The agency says it’s intended to prevent gun violence.

Frederick, Md (KM) An Extreme Risk Protection Order Liaison Program has been developed by the Frederick County Health Department. ERPO, or Extreme Risk Protection Order, is a an order issued by a judge to law enforcement officers to temporarily  remove firearms from a home if a resident is considered a danger to themselves or others. :”The goal is remove firearms using a civil process when someone is a clear threat to themselves or others,:” says Jay Hessler, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services. “The law gives judges clear legal authority to order firearms removed. And ERPO can be filed by law enforcement, family members of health care providers.”

Hessler says ERPO’s are processed by the Sheriff’s Offices in Frederick and Washington Counties. “The ERPO liaison position will with work their staff in both of those counties to develop a curriculum for law enforcement officers and other agencies and groups of people in Frederick and Washington Counties.” he says.

Along with that, Hessler says the liaison will work with citizens who want firearms temporarily removed from their homes, and that includes guiding them through court  process. :”The idea here is to temporarily reduce access to firearms for someone that is experiencing thoughts of suicide. We can decrease the likelihood that a person will make an impulsive and tragic decision,”  he says.

He says the goal is to prevent gun violence and suicides in Frederick County. “Suicide remains a problem in our county, and it’s something we’re working diligently to address in multiple ways,” says Hessler.

The Health Department says between January, 2020 and August, 2023, 355 suicides occurred in Frederick County, 51 percent involved firearms. Rural areas experience especially high rates of suicide. The Department says from 2018 to 2023, 42 homicides were recorded in Frederick County, with firearms responsible for 52 percent.

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins says he supports the new initiative. “Our office processes all ERPO’s in Frederick County, and we’re pleased to partner with local stakeholders through a Memorandum of Understanding to support this program,” Jenkins said in a statement. “This collaboration will strengthen education, improve safety in our community and help reduce the number of suicides to firearms.”

Hessler continues:  “Simultaneously, we can increase the knowledge of the ERPO Process among our community and agencies, and increase the likelihood the appropriate interventions are utilized.  At the end of the day  ERPO serves two purposes: it’s a mechanism to try to prevent suicide, and it’s a mechanism to try to prevent firearm violence.”

By Kevin McManus

The defendant is going to prison for a long time.

Tully Hamilton Washington (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)

Frederick, Md I(KM)  A Prince George’s County man is going away to prison for a long time.  In Frederick County Circuit Court on Monday, Tully Hamilton Washington, 47, was given 14 years incarceration for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.   He was convicted on that charge on June 23rd, 2024 by a Frederick County Circuit Court jury.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says Washington was charged following a Frederick Police Tactical Investigations Unit search and seizure operation at a home at 618 North Maxwell Avenue on July 8th, 2023.   Officers say they recovered 15.9 grants of cocaine in a closet in a bedroom where he was staying.

Authorities say Washington’s cell phone contained text messages which indicated  the defendant was involved in drug trafficking.   The search of the contents of Washington’s cell phone was authorized by a search warrant signed by the Circuit Court.

“Motivated by greed, these criminals destroy lives, tear apart families and wreak havoc on our community,” says Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “This sentence and the efforts by ASA {Assistant State’s Attorney} {Paul} Tumulty show that those  who traffic in highly addictive, illegal drugs will be held accountable here in Frederick.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Tumulty represented the State of Maryland in this case.

By Kevin McManus

A juvenile was arrested and charged as an adult with weapons offenses.

The firearm found in a vehicle during a traffic stop last week (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) A juvenile has been charged as an adult following a traffic stop last week in Frederick County where a stolen firearm was recovered. .

The Sheriff’s Office says the youth was one of three occupants in a car which was pulled over Thursday night at around 8:30 in the 3400 block of Urbana Pike. Deputies approaching the vehicle detected an odor of marijuana and saw open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle.  . Authorities say the occupants were under the age of 21.  They were ordered out while the vehicle was searched.

A loaded handgun was found in one of the occupant’s pants. The firearm was one of 13 reported stolen in West Virginia in July of last year. The Bureau of Alcohol,  Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives is investigating this incident as part of ongoing efforts to recover these weapons, the Sheriff’s Office says in a news release.

The youth was charged with the following offenses:

-Possession of Firearm/Minor

-Possession of Firearm/Minor (Ammunition)

-Regulated Firearm: Stolen/Sell Etc.

-Loaded Handgun on Person

-Handgun on Person

-Loaded Handgun in Vehicle

-Handgun in Vehicle

The juvenile was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

By Kevin McManus

State Police say he fired on a vehicle while traveling along Rt. 340 early Friday morning.

Gerome Alexander Quigley, Jr.  (Photo from Md. State Police)

Frederick, Md (KM) A suspect in a shooting in Frederick County early Friday morning is being held without bond. Gerome  Alexander Quigley, Jr., 41, of Montgomery Village, is charged with numerous offenses, including two counts each of attempted 1st-degree murder, and attempted 2nd-degree murder.

State Police say Quigley is suspected of chasing two persons in another vehicle along westbound Route 340 near Jefferson,  firing shots at the victims’ vehicle. They were not hurt.

Troopers located Quigley outside of his vehicle which became stuck in the snow on a highway median.

Authorities says the incident started following an altercation between Quigley and the two victims at the Country Hill Apartments. The victims contacted police at around 2:30 AM on Friday, saying they were being  shot at  by the occupant of another vehicle.

By Kevin McManus

Suspect robbed two stores within 48 hours.

(photo courtesy of Montgomery County Police)

Gaithersburg, MD – 36-year-old Christopher Huser, of Rockville, has been arrested and charged for the armed robbery of two 7-Eleven stores in Montgomery County.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District officers responded to a 7-Eleven in the 3500 block of University Blvd. for the report of an adult male who entered the store, displayed a handgun and stole an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise.

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 1st District and Rockville City Police Department responded to a 7-Eleven in the 13200 block of Atlantic Ave. for an armed robbery matching the description of the robbery that occurred on November 26.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division identified Huser as the suspect.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Huser was taken into custody without incident in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road.

He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit (CPU) where he is currently being held without bond.

23-year veteran collapses while fighting a house fire in Laurel.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is mourning the loss of Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, who died Saturday after responding to a house fire in Laurel, Maryland.

Higgins, 46, collapsed while throwing ladders to the house in the 15000 block of Bradford Drive as part of a mutual aid response with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15.

Emergency crews performed CPR on Higgins at the scene before he was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The 23-year veteran firefighter was known for his dedication and commitment to service.

Higgins was also a life member of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company in Severna Park. He is survived by his wife and two children. His cause of death is under investigation by the medical examiner.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein called Higgins’ passing a “devastating loss” to the department and the community.

The session began on Wednesday.

Delegate Kris Fair

Annapolis, Md (KM) Legislators are getting down to work now that the 2025 Maryland General Assembly is underway. One is Frederick County Delegate Kris Fair. “I get excited for the process,:” he says. “We spend nine months preparing for this three-month period, and working with advocates and constituents. You really get to see the fruit of all of  that labor from months on end play out  during this 90-day session.”

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly gaveled into session on Wednesday, January 8th at 12:00 noon.

The biggest challenge facing lawmakers is the state’s projected $3 billion budget deficit.  Fair says the solution will be more than just spending cuts. “I think what you’ll see at the end of the day is a mixture of really great incentivizing  growth opportunities that will be presented that will offer new opportunities for revenue and innovation in the business sector, as well as different revenue mechanisms being addressed as well as budget cuts being addressed,” he said.

A number of legislators say they don’t want to raise taxes or fees to help close the budget gap. But Fair says taxes should not be left out of the conversation. “I don’t think we’re going to get around this conversation without talking about what the state investments look like, what the budget actually looks like and the cost of doing business on a day-to-day basis.  And that does require a conversation about what to do taxes look like,” he says.

“We’re going to be having a series of really intensive discussions about what are the values of Maryland. What are the priorities of Maryland,” Fair continues.

But he says legislators should not let the deficit determine the future of Maryland. “How do we grow a bigger and better Maryland today, and not squander all of the opportunities over the concern of a single fiscal deficit that will be resolved at the end of session,”: says Fair.

Governor Wes Moore is scheduled to release his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Wednesday, January 15th.

By Kevin McManus

Frederick County officials say it will go on line in early February.

Frederick, Md (KM) There’s been a delay in the installation of a new traffic control system at the intersection of Pinehurst Drive and Boyers Mill Road. The Frederick County Division of Public Works Traffic and Permitt Section says due to recent winter weather and unexpected material delays, the portable traffic signals won’t be operational at that intersection until on or around February 3rd.

DPW says the new portable traffic signals are needed due to limited sight distance and the 12-percent grade on Boyers Mill Road.  The agency says this is not sufficient to observe vehicle speeds and driver decision making. The new traffic control system will provide improved conditions for Pinehurst residents entering Boyer Mill Road.

By Kevin McManus

State Police say he continued firing on a vehicle while traveling along Rt. 340.

Gerome Alexander Quigley, Jr.  (Photo from Maryland State Police)

Frederick, Md (KM) A Montgomery County man has been charged in connection with a shooting in Frederick County early Friday morning.  Germone Alexander Quigley, Jr., 41, of Montgomery Village, is charged with two counts each of attempted 1st-degree murder and attempted 2nd-degree murder, along with several firearms offenses. .

State Police say just after 2:30 AM, troopers responded to a shooting in progress along westbound Route 340 in the Jefferson area.. The two victims, who were in a GMC Yukon, said they were being followed and shot at by the driver of gray Volkswagen.

Arriving at the scene, troopers found the Volkswagen stuck in the snow in the highway. median. The driver identified as Quigley was standing near the rear of the vehicle. showing signs of impairment, State Police say.

An investigation revealed it all started with an encounter between the shooter and the two victims at the Country Hill Apartments in Frederick. . The victims told police the shooting occurred at the intersection of Ballenger Creek Pike and Ballenger Center Drive.

Troopers say Quigley continued to pursue the victims after that, firing his weapon at their vehicle.   The victims were not injured.

Investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region were dispatched to Frederick to assist local troopers in the investigation of this incident. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office also responded and assisted. Crime scene analysts from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division processed the scene.

State Police say personnel on the scene located several areas inside the GMC Yukon which appeared to have been struck by gunfire. The driver’s window was shattered, and two projectiles were located inside the Yukon. Three bullet holes were observed on the passenger side of the GMC.

Troopers say shell casings were located  in Quigley’s Volkswagen. A loaded 9mm handgun was found at the scene. The two vehicles  have been stored as evidence.

The investigation into this incident is continuing, and Maryland State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has information which could help to call the Frederick State Police Barrack at 301-600-4150.

By Kevin McManus

The state is facing at $3 billion shortfall for fiscal year 2026.

Delegate Jesse Pippy

Annapolis, Md (KM) Legislators are getting down to work in Annapolis now that the 2025 Maryland General Assembly is underway.

Frederick County Delegate Jesse Pippy says he and other lawmakers are not necessarily “excited,” but “anxious”: about tackling the issues  facing the state. “So I think anxious because we’re ready to get to work. We got to solve some of these challenges. This is just the beginning. It starts off slow, but it picks up quickly,” he says.

Pippy says one of he challenges facing legislators is the state’s projected $3 billion deficit. “The Minority Caucuses—both the Minority House and Senate Caucuses— had a press conference yesterday (Wed) morning where we outlined our priority and what we were not willing to do which was to raise taxes or increase fees,” he says.

Pippy is the Minority Whip in the Maryland General Assembly.

“We’re hoping to find $3 billion dollars.” Pippy continues, “either in the reduction in increased spending, or to make some of our agencies a bit leaner and meaner, so to speak, so the government can work and live within its means.”

Governor Wes Moore is expected to release his fiscal year 2026 budget  on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025.

Another issue expected to come before the General Assembly this year is energy. “Our energy policy is completely out of whack,” says Pippy. “We’re closing down energy-producing facilities. We’re having to import more energy which is causing more problems similar to like transmission lines and other things.”

Pippy says a number of Marylanders are concerned that they could be facing higher electric rates. “Energy is become a significant point of contention in our state,” he says. “You’re going to have Marylanders all over the place that have a sharp increase in ratepayer fees and costs. And, on top of that, people don’t like these transmission lines crisscrossing through their personal property, through their historic areas, and protected environmental easements.”

In his comments, Pippy was referring to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, which is 500-kilovolt, 70-mile long electric transmission line which is proposed to go through northern Baltimore County, central Carroll County and southern Frederick County, ending at the Doubs substation in Adamstown. The electricity going through this line is expected to power data centers in northern Virginia.

“That project impacts my district significantly,” Pippy says. “We have been on record as opposed to the project, Our delegation is opposed to the project. That’s an active application with the Public Service Commission as we speak. That’s why we’re in the legislative process.”

A number of bills are expected to be put forward during this General Assembly Session to address issues connected with Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

By Kevin McManus

FCPS says a ‘threat actor’ gained unauthorized access to data about teachers and students.

Frederick, Md (KM) A nationwide data breach involving school systems across the country has affected Frederick County Public Schools.  FCPS posted a statement on its website to say the data breach involved PowerSchool, a Student Information System used by school systems across the country, including Frederick County.

The breach occurred between December 19th and the 28th, 2024, when a threat actor gained unauthorized access to school systems around the country, including FCPS   The local school system says it became aware of the threat on January 7th, and was told on January 8th that this data breach affected FCPS..

FCPS says the compromised data included information about teachers and students. PowerSchool says the data has been deleted and is no longer accessible. It also says the FBI and a cybersecurity firm called CrowdStrike have been called in to investigate.

CrowdStrike says none of this data has been found on the dark web, but it will continue to monitor those sites.

Frederick County Public Schools says it stopped collecting Social Security numbers from students ten years ago.

“While PowerSchool is responsible for this incident and its impact, our team acted swiftly once we were notified and is continuing to investigate,” says Frederick County Public Schools in that news release. “FCPS understands the importance of your trust and is diligently committed to protecting our student and staff data,”

Continuing in its news release, Frederick County Public Schools says: “PowerSchool has informed FCPS that they will provide additional information, including contact information, that community members can dialogue directly with the company. We will share that information with you once is available.”

By Kevin McManus

No injuries have been reported at this time.

FREDERICK, MD–  A burning FedEx truck kept Frederick County Fire and Rescue crews busy Thursday morning. The Frederick Scanner Facebook page says units were dispatched to West Patrick Street at Old Camp Road just after 10:30 Thursday morning and found the truck fully involved in flames.

The fire was brought under control about 13 minutes later.  The blaze was declared out just before 11 A-M. No injuries were reported.  A hazmat crew was sent to the scene due to a leaking fuel tank.

Traffic in the area was affected by fire fighting operations.  A link to the Frederick Scanner Facebook Page with a video of the fire can be found here.

By Kevin McManus and Jimmy Key.

Governor and Lt. Governor pay a visit to the House of Delegates meeting.

Maryland  State House

Annapolis, Md (KM) The 2025 Maryland General Assembly gaveled into session on Wednesday. The session will last until Monday, April 9th, and adjourn at midnight on that day.

The House of Delegates held a meeting starting at around 12:00 PM where lawmakers voted on some procedural matters.

Governor Wes Moore paid a visit to the House. “This is going to a good session for the people of Maryland. And by the time we get to sine die, the people will know that we call came here and we got the work done on their behalf,” he told legislators.

Sine die means that the General Assembly will adjourn on April 9th indefinitely, and has no set date for meeting again.

Also attending was Lieutenant Governor  Aruna Miller, who served in the House of Delegates for eight years before she was elected to her current post in 2022. “It is such a joy to be back here and I’ve got tell you some of the best years of my life were the eight years that I got to serve in this Chamber,” she said. “And let me tell you something: you can take the girl out of the House, but you can’t take the House out of the girl.”

Maryland’s projected budget deficit estimated at $3 billion will be one issue legislators will face over several; weeks. Governor Moore is scheduled to release his fiscal year 2026 budget on Wednesday, January 15th.  He has said when it comes to cuts, everything is on the table.

There are also expected to be some bills coming before lawmakers regarding the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. That’s a proposed 500-kilovolt, 70-mile long electric transmission line expected to travel across northern Baltimore County, central Carroll County and hook into the Doubs substation in southern Frederick County.  The electricity going through this line is expected to power data centers in northern Virginia.

It has generated opposition among landowners in its path who are worried the utility planning to build the line, Public Service Enterprise Group, may use eminent domain to take their properties.  Many of those lands are in agricultural preservation.

Delegates and Senators from Frederick County will be pushing for funding for the widening of US Route 15 in Frederick. It is the number-one transportation project for Frederick County.

By Kevin McManus

It helps farmers purchase and preserve farmland.

Frederick, Md (KM) Applications are now being accepted for Frederick County’s Critical Farms program. That provides assistance to farmers who want to buy property, but can’t compete against other buyers who have more resources. It also helps to preserve agricultural property.

The County says the Critical Farms Program was created in 1994, and has helped with the transfer of ownership of 65 farms with a total land size  of 9,622 acres.

Through the Critical Farms Program, the County pays a farmer to purchase an option to acquire an easement on the property. This option agreement requires the farmer to apply to the state easement program or any  other government land preservation program  during a five-year period.

Anyone who wants to apply must have a contract of sale on the property they want to purchase. The deadline is Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

For more information, go on line to www.frederickcountymd-land-preservation-agriculture.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/46979. or call Beth Ahalt, Frederick County’s Agricultural Preservation Program Specialist, at 240-549-2125;  or send to e-mail to [email protected].

By Kevin McManus

Suspect attacked and robbed a mother and 8-year old child.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A Frederick man pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbery with a dangerous weapon following a May 2023 attack in which he pepper-sprayed a mother and her 8-year-old child before fleeing with the woman’s purse.

Nicholas Peter Albanes, 42, admitted his role in the incident and was originally scheduled to stand trial on additional charges, including attempted kidnapping, robbery, theft under $1,500, and two counts of second-degree assault.

According to the Frederick News-Post, authorities said the assault occurred on Hillcrest Drive, where the mother and child were walking when Albanes pulled up in a vehicle. He reportedly got out, grabbed the woman’s purse, and attempted to grab her daughter before using pepper spray on both victims and fleeing the scene.

Under Maryland law, robbery with a dangerous weapon is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Albanes is set to be sentenced on February 18 at 9 a.m.

The suspect ran through a parking lot hitting parked cars with the weapon after assaulting victims.

Gaithersburg, MD – Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District have arrested 24-year-old Maikol Darinson Vicente Gomez, of Silver Spring, for attempting to assault three random people with a machete.

On Sunday, January 5, 2025,  at approximately 5:42 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the area of Broadbirch Drive and Tech Road for the reports of a male armed with a machete.

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect ran away through the parking lot of the shopping center and struck parked vehicles with the machete. Officers chased the suspect who shortly after tripped and fell, causing him to lose the machete. Officers took him into custody and secured the machete.

Officers spoke with three victims who stated that the suspect attempted to assault them with the machete for no apparent reason near the shopping center. The victims were able to get away from the suspect and escape to a secured location.

The suspect was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he was charged with three counts of first-degree assault and second-degree assault, two counts of vandalism, resisting arrest and related charges. He is being held without bond.

Lawmakers are expected to deal with the state’s looming deficit.

Md. State House

Annapolis, Md (KM) Legislators from all across the state will gather in Annapolis Wednesday for the first day of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly. Opening ceremonies begin at 12 noon.

Lawmakers are expected to be dealing with a nearly $3-billion deficit during the 90-day session. Some legislators say it’s due to the spending mandated by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future  while others say it was entitlement spending which was above projections.

The Governor is expected to release his fiscal year 2026 budget on January 15th. When it comes to cuts, he has said  everything is on the table.

Delegates and Senators from Frederick County will be working to obtain state funding for widening US Route 15 in Frederick which is the area’s number-one transportation project. It was slated for construction funding a few years ago, but that disappeared.

Legislators from the region will be supporting bills related to the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. That’s a 500-kilovolt, 70-mile electric transmission line extending from northern Baltimore County through central Carroll County ending at the Doubs substation in southern Frederick County.

Opponents say it will cross over farmland, much of which has been placed in agricultural preservation. They also say the electricity coursing through this line is expected to go to data centers in northern Virginia.

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to complete its work by April 7th, 2025.

By Kevin McManus

A public  library for Frederick’s west end is planned for that site,

Councilwoman Donna Kuzemchak

Frederick, Md (KM) In a unanimous vote last week, the Frederick City Council approved an agreement turning over Hillcrest Park to the County to build a public library.

Before the vote was taken, Councilwoman Donna Kuzemchak raised a concern about when work will begin on the construction of the library. “Ground must be broken within a year; and if that doesn’t happen, the property reverts back,” she said. “That was the whole purpose was that they were in a big, big hurry, and therefore needed this piece of land that the city never went through any process to decide was unneeded.”

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Mayor Michael O’Connor and County Executive Jessica Fitzwater in July, 2023, to transfer the 4.15-acre plot to the County for a public library for Frederick’s west end.  Hillcrest Park is located along McCain Drive prior to Butterfly Lane.

Council President Katie Nash also brought up the concern about when ground will be broken for this library, and construction can begin. “I think there should be some language that adds some sort of way that we can–if the county changes their mind in this fiscal climate–and I’m saying that they are and I’m not suggesting that’s happening—but I do think there should be some ability for us that seems logical to me,” she said,

Victoria Veneble, the County’s Director of Government Relations, said the county is ready to move forward with this project. “I would be completely shocked if we were in a position that the six-year time line would even come into play,”  Veneble said,. “We have done every single thing we can possibly do prior to getting the land in advance of tonight to prepare for this project.”

She also said funding for constructing the library is in the county’s capital improvements plan, and the county has applied for some state funding for this project. “We are ready to go on this project,”: she said.

Prior to taking a vote on the agreement, the City Council made a change to the agreement where the County would need to break ground on the library project within three years instead of the original six years, or  the property reverts back to the city.

Councilman Ben MacShane said he supports the agreement, and is confident the library will be constructed. “I’m comfortable with that language. I’m comfortable with that sort-of claw back provision. That’s all that I needed.  I also do not have real concerns that this isn’t going to happen,”: he said.

Another change made to the agreement removes the requirement that the city relocate the youth softball field at  Hillcrest Park to the Westside Regional Park.

By Kevin McManus