(7/2021) Frederick County Government to Phase-In Re-Opening

Based on improved health metrics, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced plans to phase-in the reopening of Frederick County Government buildings. County buildings will open to employees on Tuesday, July 6, as they transition back to office worksites. Beginning Monday, August 2, divisions may begin to offer access to the public as appropriate, such as by appointment. All County buildings will return to normal operations and be fully open to the public beginning September 1.

"I am extremely appreciative of the many County employees who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to deliver services to the public," Executive Gardner said. "At no time did we ever stop work. In countless instances, employees went above and beyond their normal duties to do heroic work to help people in our community. This past year has been difficult and challenging, but it has also produced some of the greatest examples of selfless public service I have ever witnessed."

Because the virus remains in the community and 46% of Frederick County residents are not yet vaccinated, masks will be required to be worn in all public areas of County buildings and in all meetings or gatherings of employees during the transition period. After September 1, employees and members of the public who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to wear masks.

Annual Open Burn Ban Notification

The Frederick County Health Department reminds county residents that there is an open burning ban in effect each year from June 1st through August 31st. Open burning permits cannot be used during this time period. This ban does not apply to small recreational fires such as campfires, barbeques, or gas grills.

The annual ban, which is required by the Maryland State Air Quality regulations, first went into effect in June 1995. The ban extends throughout the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Region and is designed to reduce the high ozone levels that affect the region during the summer months, allowing for better air quality. The ban is not related to rainfall.

Residents are also reminded that when burning is allowed, an open burning permit is required from the Health Department. Permits can be obtained by mailing an application and $15.00 check to the Health Department’s Environmental Health Division located at 350 Montevue Lane. Applications are attached to previously issued permits and can also be printed from the Health Department’s website www.health.frederickcountymd.gov/344/Open-Burn-Permit.

Open burning ban violations or open burning without a permit is subject to a fine of up to $500 under the Frederick County Code and up to $25,000 under Maryland State Regulations. Burning of household trash is not allowed at any time of the year. For additional information, contact the Community Services Office in the Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 301-600-1717.

Police Impersonations Scam Growing Exponentially

Since the beginning of June, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office has received a large amount of calls regarding a fraud in which someone is calling Frederick County residents, posing as a FCSO senior leader, and stating they have a warrant for the caller or someone in their family.

The caller is asking that the person to pay for this warrant with gift cards/green dot cards and instructing them how to do this. The callers are using Frederick County numbers and giving the person the FCSO main line number. They are instructing the callers that if they do not pay, a deputy or police officer will be there to arrest them immediately.

This is a growing scam and the FCSO is receiving more than 10 calls or in-person visits a day about this fraud. Just last night a young nurse practitioner came to the Law Enforcement Center and filed a report as she paid approximately $12,000 to the scammers.

First-Ever Rural Historic Preservation Grants Awarded

Eight historically significant rural properties will be preserved through Frederick County’s inaugural Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program, one of only few rural historic preservation programs of its kind. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner was joined by County Council President M.C. Keegan-Ayer to announce recipients of the competitive grants, which total $358,000.

"Frederick County values its rich history. By protecting our historic and cultural resources, future generations will understand what makes our rural communities distinct and special," Executive Gardner said. "We are taking action to protect what we value and love about Frederick County."

For additional information about the Frederick County Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program, visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/7981/Historic-Preservation. Questions about the program can be directed to Amanda Whitmore, Historic Preservation Planner at AWhitmore@FrederickCountyMD.gov

County Recognizes Juneteenth as Holiday

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced that county government agencies will be closed henceforth on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

"Frederick County has celebrated Juneteenth with proclamation ceremonies for years, and I am pleased to now honor the occasion as an official holiday," Executive Gardner said. "As a nation, we must continue to work toward ensuring freedom and justice for all Americans,"

Congress has passed S. 475, bipartisan legislation recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. In addition, Executive Gardner issued a proclamation and prepared a video message.