(1/2019) Frederick County Council Elects Mc Keegan-Ayer As President, Michael Blue As Vice President

On December 4, the Frederick County Council unanimously elected MC Keegan-Ayer as president and Michael Blue as vice president of the Council. They will serve two-year terms as officers of the Council.

Council President Keegan-Ayer, who serves representing the Third Council District, served as vice president of the Council for the past four years. She is beginning her Fifth year on the Council. Council Member Michael Blue, who represents the Fifth Council District was unanimously elected as Vice President. Councilmember Blue is beginning in his first term on the Council.

In accordance with the Frederick County Charter, every two years, the County Council must meet to elect their officers from among their members.

"We are ready to work with the County Executive; we want a County Government that works for and respects everyone. We will seek results for all the people of Frederick County. We will work with the County Executive to ensure our County Government remains focused on addressing the needs of all the residents," stated President Keegan-Ayer.

Vice President Blue commented, "The most important thing we can do is to improve our economic competitiveness, invest in our transportation infrastructure and continue our commitment to our schools. I eagerly look forward towards working to improve the quality life here in Frederick County"

2018 Annual Report & Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

On December 6, County Executive Jan Gardner presented an Annual Report for 2018 on the accomplishments of Frederick County Government, emphasizing cutting-edge initiatives, new infrastructure and many achievements.

"My emphasis continues to be on making life better for people," said Executive Gardner. "This past year has been a year of big ideas, cutting-edge initiatives, new infrastructure and accomplishments for which we can all be proud."

The past year saw the opening of the new downtown technology center called ROOT, reaffirmation of the AAA bond rating by all three rating agencies, collaboration with Frederick County Public Schools to build new schools and add exciting programs for students, building public libraries, re-energizing sustainability programs and much more. Progress has primarily focused on four key priorities -- jobs, seniors, education and community needs.

Executive Gardner also presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. The annual report and financial statement will be presented to the County Council Dec. 18

"Frederick County’s financial outlook is strong and our long-term conservative approach to budgeting and managing county government meets the highest financial standards," said Executive Gardner. "Our future is bright thanks to our team of directors and employees who work hard with me every day to serve our citizens!"

The CAFR is an extensive document presenting various levels of reporting and disclosures regarding financial statements, and includes an audit from a firm of licensed certified public accountants who provided an independent review of county government. No findings were made in the audit.

To obtain a copy of the annual report and CAFR, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/executive.

County Breaks Ground for Solar Project

On December 19, County Executive Jan Gardner today held a ground-breaking ceremony for Frederick County Government’s first solar project. This major sustainability project will involve the construction of a nearly 2 million kilowatt hour photovoltaic solar array on 4.9 acres of vacant land to provide low-cost renewable energy to the Ballenger-McKinney Waste Water Treatment Plant.

"As the first solar project for Frederick County Government, this project will save green by going green," said Executive Gardner. "Frederick County has a bright future using solar power!"

This project is a large step toward meeting the county’s goal of 4 million kilowatt hours generated from renewable energy sources, a goal the county set as part of the Maryland Energy Administration’s Smart Energy Communities program. Frederick County Government’s goal is to have 20% of its electricity consumed come from renewable energy sources by the year 2022. This solar project, combined with the solar hot water heating project in place at the Adult Detention Center, brings the county more than halfway to its goal.

The solar project is made possible through a $2.4 million grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment from their Energy Water Infrastructure Program. Due to the scope of the project, the county is utilizing engineering and project management resources via the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority for the design, construction and long-term operation of the facility.

The project will be located at the end of Metropolitan Court on property adjoining the division’s existing office building. This is the former location of the proposed waste-to-energy facility.

For more information, contact Mr. Demosky at 301-600-2997 or via e-mail at kdemosky@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Frederick County Emergency Responders to Conduct Community Preparedness Seminar

Frederick County Emergency Responders will conduct a free community preparedness seminar on Jan. 12, from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Facility, 5370 Public Safety Place. Attendance will be restricted to the first 80 registrants and will be closed on January 4.

Visit www.tinyurl.com/FCEmergencyPreparedness2019 to register for the seminar.

The Department of Fire & Rescue Services, Frederick County Department of Emergency Management, Frederick County Health Department, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, The City of Frederick Police Department, Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Health have partnered to provide the emergency preparedness training in response to requests by county citizens.

The classes will include: welcome and emergency preparedness planning; Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE); Stop the Bleed training; hands-only CPR (non-certificate class); Naloxone/Narcan training, closing remarks and the issuance of certificates of participation.

The opening will introduce the instructors and provide information on how to prepare for emergency and disaster situations. The CRASE training topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues and considerations for conducting drills.

Stop the Bleed training, a White House initiative launched October 2015, is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. No matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, therefore it is important to quickly stop the blood loss. Those nearest to someone with life threatening injuries are best positioned to provide first care.

The Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR, hands only) class will provide non-certificate training in this lifesaving skill. Bystander hands only CPR provided after cardiac arrest can significantly increase the victim’s chance of survival.

Naloxone/Narcan© is a prescription medicine that reverses an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe and effective and has been used by emergency medical professionals and doctors for decades. Training will include: types of opioids, how to recognize an opioid overdose, how to administer Naloxone and resources for family members, friends and loved ones.