Mayor O’Connor says city meetings to start up next month.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick City’s Department of Economic Development is offering some assistance tor small businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The Small Business Resiliency Micro Grant Program was launched on Wednesday by Mayor Michael O’Connor. “While funding is limited, this program will provide up to $2500 to numerous city small businesses to help with rent, mortgage and utility costs,” he says.
Companies which want to apply must be a registered entity in good standing within Maryland, have a physical presence in Frederick and employ at least 15 people. Not eligible to participate are home-based businesses, churches, non-profits, banks and financial institutions, real estate investment entities, food trucks and government agencies.
Businesses which want to apply should go on line to [email protected]. They can also call the Department of Economic Development at 301-600-6360.
Meetings
Since Mayor O’Connor declared a state of emergency in the city as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, all meetings were canceled through the end of March. But the Mayor says they’re expected to start up again. “Workshops and meetings for Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic Preservation will begin again the week of April 13th, 2020 in virtual and limited gathering options,” he says.
The public access to city buildings is limited due to the coronavirus and that means no in-person comments during city meetings. . But citizens will be able to comment remotely. Anyone whose testimony is needed for a meeting will be allowed to present their comments in-person to the board or commission.
“At this of year, we would typically be embarking on a series of budget hearings. The Budget Department is redesigning that budget schedule which will be announced next week,” says O’Connor.
But non-judicial boards and commissions as well as NAC meetings are still canceled.
By Kevin McManus