(4/2020) Frederick County Health Department operational changes

The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) building will be closed to public access until further notice. "This action allows us to promote social distancing measures and to redirect our public health workforce to focus on COVID-19 response," said Dr. Barbara Brookmyer, Frederick County’s Health Officer. Essential services needed for the immediate protection of public health will continue, but walk-in services will no longer be available.

The following services will continue to operate by calls only, with no walk-in service available:

• Behavioral Health: Syringe Services Program (reduced schedule), narcan training, treatment services, AERS
• Community Health Services: communicable disease investigation and surveillance, rabies, tuberculosis, HIV case management, preventive health, Safe Kids, Special Delivery, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritional Program
• Environmental Health Services: essential food service inspections, food service complaint investigations, emergency septic system repairs, rabies investigations, building permit review, limited burn permits for prior permit holders, inspection of permitted sewage disposal systems, emergency well permits, plan review, water sample and water supply evaluations
• Developmental Center: dental clinic, audiology and Infants & Toddlers
• Public Health Preparedness
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program

The following services will continue to operate by appointment only, no walk-in service:

• Medicaid enrollment: Please call 301-600-3124 to make a Medicaid enrollment appointment.
• Qualified Health Plans: The Coronavirus Emergency special enrollment period will begin Monday, March 16, and end Wednesday, April 15. Coverage will begin April 1, regardless of when a qualified health plan (WHP) is selected during that time period.
• Mental Health appointments for current patients.

All other services have been suspended or reduced until further notice.

The Frederick County Environmental Health Services Division has suspended wet season soil evaluations and percolation testing. Precipitation and water table observations will be monitored to determine when testing may resume. No new applications for testing are being accepted for this wet season. If you have questions please call the FCHD Environmental Health Services Division at 301-600-1715.

For questions about FCHD programs and services, please visit www.health.frederickcountymd.gov.

Accurate COVID-19 information is critical to the community. For the most current and accurate information about this situation, please visit www. health.frederickcountymd.gov/coronavirus

Schools, Libraries and Other Major Projects in Preliminary Capital Budget

County Executive Jan Gardner shared highlights of major construction projects included in the preliminary capital budget, reviewed operating budget requests, and announced plans to hold a virtual public hearing on the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is based on no property or income tax rate increases. Highlights of the six-year Capital Improvement Program include moving up construction of a new Brunswick Elementary School, a library in Middletown, and the expansion and renovation of Animal Control. Executive Gardner encouraged the community to share their priorities via email, phone or social media.

"Preparing and presenting the county budget is the most important responsibility I have as County Executive and the most significant task we do together as a community," said Executive Gardner. "During this public health crisis, a virtual public hearing is the safest way for residents to share their priorities."

In the draft capital budget, priority school projects remain on track. These include the construction of new Urbana Elementary and Rock Creek schools, a new and expanded Waverley Elementary School, a new Blue Heron Elementary School in Lake Linganore, and a 300-seat addition to Oakdale Middle School. Other construction projects in the six-year Capital Improvement Program include renovations to Linganore Hall at Frederick Community College and new park development and expansion. Funding for fire stations, improvements to Gas House Pike, technology, and other requests are also in the draft budget. Fiscal Year 2021 begins July 1, 2020.

A full list of budget appeals is available for review at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget.

Frederick County Announces Modified Inspection Services

In light of current events surrounding the pandemic, and with regard to the health and safety of our citizens, employees, customers and contractors, the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting announced today that they will continue to provide inspection services under the following modified plan:

• All inspection requests will continue to be accepted via the public portal at https://planningandpermitting.frederickcountymd.gov/ or via e-mail at permits@frederickcountymd.gov.
• Residential interior alteration inspections of existing occupied residential dwelling units are suspended until further notice, unless approved by the department director or designee.
• Inspections of existing and occupied family/commercial day care facilities, group homes and health care facilities, such as nursing homes and hospitals, are suspended until further notice, unless approved by the Department Director or designee.
• Inspections of home occupation use permits are suspended until further notice.
• Contractor certification and documentation (photo or video) may be considered at the discretion of the department director or designee.
• Alternate inspection and/or temporary use and occupancy may be considered at the discretion of department director or designee.
• Live video inspections may be considered at the discretion of department director or designee.

Inspection services covered under this modified plan include all Frederick County building, plumbing, electric, fire and site utility. The modified inspection services are effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

SGA Extends Hours At Emmitsburg Victors’ Center Rest Area During Covid-19 Emergency

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) today is extending the operating hours at the Mason-Dixon Welcome Center Rest Area on southbound US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) to around-the-clock operations indefinitely for parking and restroom access.

"We are happy to extend this service to the men and women out there making sure that needed supplies, whether they be food, medicine, or household items, are reaching customers who need them quickly and safely," said MDOT SHA Acting Administrator Tim Smith. "We are looking for any opportunities to help while also complying with health guidelines. We are committed to working together during this difficult time."

Frederick County Council re-schedules Public Hearings Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Due to the coronavirus, the County Council postponed the public hearings on the two rezoning cases scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th, Cromwell PUD Rezoning (R-19-01) and Delauter/Hutzel MXD Rezoning (R-19-02). To April 14, at 7 p.m., in the First Floor Hearing Room, Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick.

Additionally, the Council workshop scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th to receive the 287(g) Audit Report regarding the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has been postponed. The Council meeting of Tuesday, March 31st has also been postponed. No new dates and times have been scheduled at this time. These items will be rescheduled at a later date and the public will be notified in advance in accordance with public notification requirements.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, and in accordance with the direction by the Governor banning large gatherings, Council President Keegan-Ayer has taken the precaution of postponing these highly visible and closely followed agenda items to some date in the future.

Council President Keegan-Ayer stated, "The safety of the residents of Frederick County is of the utmost importance at this time. We will re-schedule these items when this virus is better contained, the danger to the general public is significantly reduced and gathering in large crowds is once again permitted. Until then, I urge every resident to follow the lead and direction of our public health officials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For additional information, contact the County Council Chief of Staff, Ragen Cherney, at 301-600-1049 or via e-mail at RCherney@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All playgrounds are closed until further notice

Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, the Frederick County Parks & Recreation Division announced today the following unprecedented steps for all county park reservations planned by the public:

• All park shelter and building reservations will be cancelled until June 1, 2020. Citizens may receive a credit to their account, a transfer, or a full refund.
• All Spring Seasonal programs at Frederick County Public Schools’ Recreation Center locations, nature centers, park shelters, as well as community park buildings (Ballenger Creek Community Building and Browning Building at Pine Cliff Park) are cancelled through June 1, 2020.
• All water fountains have been shut off and all functioning restrooms in parks are currently closed. Porta-Johns have been added where needed to provide options for walkers in the park.
• All county park playgrounds will be closed until further notice.

Frederick County Parks and Recreation continues to monitor developments as well as federal, state and local responses to coronavirus disease COVID-19. The county is committed to the health and safety of everyone who visits parks and facilities. For more information, visit www.recreater.com.

Tom Coe Appointed Frederick County Fire Chief

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced the promotion and appointment of Tom Coe as Frederick County Fire Chief and Director of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services. The County Council unanimously confirmed Mr. Coe’s appointment.

Chief Coe brings tremendous experience, both as a volunteer and a career firefighter. He has served as interim director of the division since July 1, 2019.

"Tom’s knowledge and ability to manage our combination fire service makes him the clear choice to lead the division," Executive Gardner said. "He is a problem-solver, identifying ways to serve our growing community with an outstanding level of care and professionalism, and he is well respected by both career and volunteer staff."

A member of Recruit Class 4, Chief Coe joined the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services in 2000. He worked his way through the ranks. During his tenure, Chief Coe helped to create the County’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, oversaw the Special Operations functions, and served as Emergency Medical Services Battalion Chief before being promoted to Deputy Chief of Emergency Services.

Chief Coe is a nationally registered paramedic and holds numerous national and state certifications, including: Firefighter II, Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, Incident Safety Officer, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, and several specialized rescue technician certifications. As a volunteer, he has served in all ranks, up to and including chief, of the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. Before joining the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Chief Coe worked as a 9-1-1 emergency communications specialist.