One bill recently passed by the Frederick County Council establishes expanded zoning guidelines for woodworking operations, and it would define and allow woodworking as a permitted use in the Agricultural District. Currently, woodworking is only permitted through a home-based business operation, and woodworking has not been identified specifically. It would be considered to be like other home-based businesses that produce items like artisan crafts to sell. This bill expands the capacity for woodworking to be treated similar to a limited landscape contracting business, as the equipment and materials used must be screened from view with evergreens. With expanded operations, woodworking businesses would be permitted to create items such as furniture, sculptures, and cabinetry.

At the first annual Frederick County Forestry Forum held earlier this year, regulatory updates to the County Code regarding woodworking and the timber industry were discussed as a way to help these types of small businesses to expand. I was happy to vote in favor of this bill.

Another bill recently passed would allow public schools to operate within ORI (Office, Research, and Industrial) zones. This bill was introduced by Council President Brad Young on behalf of a public charter Montessori school. Currently, a school must periodically apply for a special exemption to operate in that zoning area. With the passage of this bill, a charter school can purchase space and establish a permanent location, pending site plan approval by the Frederick County Planning Commission.

I supported this bill also. To address the continuing anticipated increases in student enrollment, we should look for opportunities to be flexible with our use of space, when possible, as the county continues to grow.

Earlier this year, the County Council passed a bill to establish a Board of Health. Without this bill, under Maryland state code, the Frederick County Council and the County Executive functioned as the Board of Health. Under the new county established guidelines, the Frederick County Health Officer became a voting member, and six non-voting liaison members are now included on the Board. The liaisons include an epidemiologist, a nurse, a mental health professional, a veterinarian, a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and one person with a science related background.

I opposed this bill because I believe decisions with regulatory implications should be made by elected representatives who can be held accountable by the voters in election years. The bill did pass, and the Board of Health, which includes the County Council, recently had a chance to meet the candidates selected to become the liaisons. Each of them is extremely qualified in their respective fields related to public health. In fact, they each hold a doctoral degree, and are eager to contribute their knowledge and experience to public service. The candidates were confirmed unanimously by the Board of Health and I’m confident they will be a valuable resource in their advisory role.

Beginning September 1, Frederick County will begin accepting applications for the Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program. To qualify, historic properties must be located in unincorporated areas of the county and meet other additional criteria. Frederick County has scheduled several workshops to provide information about the program and how to apply. The next workshop will be held on September 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the C. Burr Artz Library Programming Room.

If you would like additional information about this program or something else, feel free to contact me at rknapp@frederickcountymd.gov.

Hope to see you at the Great Frederick Fair!