(5/2020) Department of Solid Waste Management Facilities Reopen

Pandemic use restrictions have been lifted from the County’s waste processing facilities located at 9031 Reichs Ford Road. The transfer station, yard waste drop-off, Citizens’ Convenience Center and recycling drop-off center are open to the public. Mulch and compost sales have resumed. Procedural changes at this time include: administrative offices remain closed to all walk-in business; paid transactions must be completed using check or credit card only; cash payments will not be accepted at this time.

Normal facility hours are in effect (Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and the regular holiday site closure will be observed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Please visit the Department of Solid Waste Management website for further information: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/landfill.

Community Partnership Grant Awards

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced awards to 27 local organizations through the county’s Community Partnership Grant program for Fiscal Year 2021. She expressed appreciation to the human service nonprofit agencies that help others reach their potential and share in the community’s prosperity. Grants will provide food to children and seniors; respite service for caretakers of seniors with dementia; home repairs for veterans and seniors with low income; job skills and education for homeless youth; emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence; and 2-1-1 crisis services for residents facing addiction, among many other services. County Council President M.C. Keegan-Ayer and Vice President Michael Blue joined Executive Gardner in announcing the grant awards.

"Our nonprofit partners make a tremendous difference in our community, especially during these difficult times," said Executive Gardner. "By supporting these human services organizations, we are able to leverage our efforts and resources so we together can make a bigger difference."

Executive Gardner launched the Community Partnership Grants program five years ago to restore the county’s longstanding partnership with human service nonprofit agencies. The program leverages county resources, avoids duplication of effort and establishes a strong functional collaboration to meet the human service needs in the community. The county saves tax dollars working with the community organizations through early intervention and prevention.

Of the 46 competitive applications received for the grants, an independent panel selected 30 grants to 27 nonprofits to meet needs in one of three categories – housing, seniors and community needs. Funds were made available for one-time purchases, ongoing programs, or both. A list of the grantees is available online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPGawardsFY21

For more information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CommunityPartnershipGrants or contact the Frederick County Division of Citizens Services at 301-600-1454.

Households with Energy Saving Home Improvements

Frederick County residents can save money by making their homes more energy efficient. Funding through the Power Saver Retrofits Program will help low- and moderate-income households to have energy audits conducted and energy-efficient home improvements made.

Improvements and audits will be funded through a $155,984 Clean Energy Communities grant that was awarded to the Frederick County Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources by the Maryland Energy Administration. Eligible homeowners can apply now, although the program will not begin until July 1, 2020.

To qualify, households must meet income requirements equal to $57,750 for a one-person household or $82,500 for a four-person household.

For more information about the program, income limits, or to download an application, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/psr or contact Dawn Ashbacher, the County's Sustainability Program Manager, at 301-600-6864

County Council New Portal For Public Participation

The Frederick County Council announced the launch of a web portal that will allow the public new ways to participate in Council meetings. People can watch a live meeting, leave written comments before or during a meeting, or use the toll-free number listed at the site to leave voice mail messages that may be aired during the public comment portion of Council meetings. This new feature can be found at www.FrederickMarylandMD.gov. The portal also uses built-in translation services so those for whom English is not their native language can leave comments or read responses in more than 100 languages.

Additional features will be added to the portal in the coming weeks, including the ability for the public to listen to a live meeting over the phone if they do not have access to the internet or cable television. Eventually, the public also will be able to address the council via phone at the appropriate times during a meeting.

The public is reminded that all comments, both written and orally, will be made part of the public record. Voice mail messages should include a caller’s name and address at the beginning of the message. To leave a message for the County Council, call 855-925-2801, and provide the appropriate meeting code, which appears on the portal for each Council meeting. Please continue to stay tuned as the Council continues to try and meet the needs of all of its residents during these challenging times.

Public meetings will continue to be broadcast live on FCG TV cable channels 19 and 1085. Live web streaming is available at the portal, www.FrederickCountyMD.gov, and previous meetings may be viewed at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV. For additional information, contact the County Council Chief of Staff, Ragen Cherney, at 301-600-1049.

County Executive Appoints Black as County Attorney

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner is pleased to announce the promotion and appointment of Bryon Black as County Attorney. The County Council unanimously confirmed Mr. Black’s appointment today. Mr. Black succeeds longtime County Attorney John Mathias, who retires this month after 31 years in the position.

Mr. Black has served as Senior Assistant County Attorney since 2018. Prior to joining the public sector, Mr. Black was a partner at Schaffer & Black, PC, where he focused on the areas of criminal and contract law, property disputes, family law, administrative law, personal injury and estate planning. He also worked in the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office as an assistant state’s attorney.

"John Mathias has been a steady presence in Winchester Hall for decades. His legal guidance and sense of humor will be missed," Executive Gardner said. "We are fortunate to have someone of Bryon’s caliber ready to take over the role. Bryon brings a wealth of experience, strong management skills, and an emphasis on customer service. I’m sure he will hit the ground running and provide a smooth transition."

Mr. Black earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1991. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University. Mr. Black was admitted to the Maryland State Bar in 1991 and the U.S. District Court in 1992. A resident of Middletown, Black is a member of the Frederick County Bar Association, served as treasurer and president of the Frederick County Criminal Defense Bar, was a member of the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission, and a District Court alternative dispute resolution mediator. He served on the Board of Directors of Hospice of Frederick County, is a Master Mason with Columbia Lodge 58 AF&AM, and is a member of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, where he is a 32nd degree Freemason. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout from BSA.