Mayor Says City Of Frederick Is Still Delivering Most Services During COVID-19 Emergency

But he says not all services may be available at this time.

 

Frederick, Md (KM) A number of services which citizens get from the City of Frederick are being provided, even during the coronavirus outbreak. That’s according to Mayor Michael O’Connor, who briefed citizens on Wednesday morning. He provides an example. “Trash pickup, yard waste, commercial recycling are all operating on their normal schedules. Bulk trash pickup, however, is suspended at this time. We do anticipate that that service will return when we’re able to handle it  operationally,” he said.

Since the Governor issued a state of emergency following the first cases of coronavirus in Maryland, local and county government have been affected. Mayor O’Connor says there’s  public access to  municipal buildings. “Public access to city facilities is currently restricted and by appointment only. Residents should contact the appropriate city staff member to arrange appointments. But please note that reducing staffing levels at some offices has occurred, and will likely delay some response,” he said.

The Mayor says the city’s parks  are accessible, but many of the programs have been suspended until further notice. “In the Parks and Recreation areas, the Talley Recreation Center and all of our satellite facilities are closed. Classes and programs are suspended, Parks and city-owned fields are remaining open. However, permitted field reservations have been canceled,” O’Connor says.

But some other city agencies are fully operating, such as the Police Department. “Law enforcement operations are continuing in full force and in affect in the city of Frederick, and emergency planning protocols are in place should the situation change,” he says. “If you need a police officer, call the Police Department. If you see something, say something.”

One particular agency  continues  to function normally  in most cases. “The Frederick Community Action Agency is continuing to operate our health center, the food bank and the soup kitchen. Additional agency services are operating for emergency and urgent needs only,” says Mayor O’Connor.

Earlier this week, the Governor issued an executive order closing all restaurants and bars where, at times, more than 50 people gather. But restaurants could continue takeout and food deliveries. The Mayor says the city has worked to make that easier for local eateries. “And to support the city of Frederick’s restaurants during the state-mandated dining room closures, the city, through our Department of Economic Development and the Downtown Frederick Partnership, established curbside pickup zones in downtown Frederick. These are located throughout the downtown where residents may park for 10-minutes to receive their carryout orders from local restaurants and operations,” O’Connor says.

The City of Frederick has established a website for residents to keep up to date on the coronavirus emergency. It’s cityoffrederickmd.gov/covid19.

 

By Kevin McManus