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Board unanimously approves ordinances to restructure parks/open-space funds and update weeds code
Summary
The Town of Frederick Board of Trustees approved Ordinance 13‑97 (consolidating parks and open‑space funds and dissolving the golf enterprise fund) and Ordinance 13‑98 (amending weeds and brush regulations to allow management agreements), each passing by a 6–0 vote.
The Town of Frederick Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve two ordinances during the meeting.
Ordinance 13‑97: restructure parks/open‑space accounting and dissolve golf enterprise fund Unidentified staff presenter (Speaker 6) summarized Ordinance 13‑97 as a three‑part change: dissolve the existing parks and open space funds and create a single parks and open space fund (to align with voter‑approved Initiative 2c, 2023), dissolve the golf enterprise fund, and transfer golf assets into the general fund while retaining departmental transparency in the budget. The presenter said the changes follow recommendations from the town treasurer and the town's outside auditor (John Cutler and Associates) and noted the golf course's operational subsidy has fallen nearly 70% over three years. Trustee vote (roll call): Trustee Padilla — Yes; Trustee March — Yes; Trustee DeBelly — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Brown — Yes; Trustee Lamont — Yes; Trustee Mahan — Yes. Motion passed 6–0.
Ordinance 13‑98: weeds, brush and alternative open‑space management Christine (Speaker 12) presented amendments to chapter 7, article 2 of the municipal code to allow alternative vegetation management on private and public open spaces, permit phased plant establishment and enforceable maintenance agreements with developers, and clarify definitions related to noxious weeds. During Q&A, staff explained the maintenance agreements would contain strict, enforceable language and that the default code would continue to apply where no agreement is in place. The board moved and approved Ordinance 13‑98 by a 6–0 vote (roll call recorded the same six 'Yes' votes).
Votes at a glance [Consent agenda] Motion by Member Rocha (Speaker 3); seconded by Speaker 8. Roll call: Trustee Padilla — Yes; Trustee March — Yes; Trustee DeBelly — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Brown — Yes; Trustee Lamont — Yes; Trustee Mahan — Yes. Motion passes 6–0.
The ordinances change the town's budget/fund structure (13‑97) and municipal code enforcement options for open‑space vegetation management (13‑98). Staff said both items are intended to increase financial transparency and offer flexibility to developers while preserving enforcement tools.
