September 2019 County News Briefs

New Solar Array at County Landfill

County Executive Jan Gardner officially commissioned a new solar array at the Reichs Ford Road Landfill that will generate enough renewable energy to supply close to 20% of the county’s general electric usage. The array, comprised of 7,776 panels over nearly 14 acres, is expected to produce more than 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year.

"Frederick County is powered by the sun and leading the way on renewable energy," Executive Gardner said. "Our electric buses are being charged using solar energy, so they are running on 100 percent renewable energy! This project ensures that Frederick County is poised for a bright future for generations to come."

Through a net metering agreement, electricity generated by the solar array is transferred to Potomac Edison’s power grid. The county then offsets power costs at designated county facilities. In addition to the TransIT electric bus charging stations, the buildings served by this project include: Winchester Hall; the Frederick Senior Center; the landfill’s scale house; and three public libraries, the C. Burr Artz Library, the Urbana Regional Library, and the Emmitsburg Library, which is also home to the Emmitsburg Senior Center and the Emmitsburg Town Offices.

The county will have access to renewable power at a fixed rate for at least the next 20 years, under the terms of a 20-year agreement between the county and TESLA Energy. TESLA will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the solar array.

The agreement also allows the county to purchase and own Solar Renewable Energy Certificates that the system generates for at least the next six years at a reduced rate of $22. By comparison, RECs on the market today cost between $54 and $57. The county is also looking at solar solutions at the Ballenger McKinney wastewater treatment plant, which by the end of this year will be home to a second solar array.

For more information, contact Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michael Marschner at 301-600-1133 or via e-mail at mmarschner@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

County Calls for Installment Purchase Program Applications

The Frederick County Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now accepting applications for the Installment Purchase Program Easement program. The program is the county’s farmland preservation program, which purchases agricultural preservation easements that forever restrict development on prime farmland and woodland. The Installment Purchase Program was established by the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County in 2002. Through the use of Installment Purchase Agreements, this program pays the farmer tax-free interest only over a term with a balloon lump sum principle payment at the end of the term.

Since the program began, it has preserved more than 20,000 acres of farmland in Frederick County. Applications will be accepted in the Division of Planning & Permitting, 30 N. Market Street, until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Information about the program may be found by visiting www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/agpres. For more details, contact Land Preservation Planner Shannon O’Neil at 301-600-1411 or via e-mail at soneil@frederickcountymd.gov.

New Food Waste Composting Initiatives

Executive Jan Gardner announced three new initiatives to encourage composting of food waste by residents, schools and businesses. Composting extends the life of landfills, conditions soils, and improves water and air quality, and was the recommendation of the Solid Waste What’s Next steering committee’s 2017 final report.

"We can be proud that Frederick County is moving in the right direction when it comes to composting," commented Executive Gardner. "We want to demonstrate that composting works and to help establish a market for composting businesses in Frederick County."

The first initiative is a pilot program to accept commercial food waste at the county’s transfer station for a reduced rate. The goal is to encourage private businesses to offer composting of food waste by demonstrating that it works. Executive Order 01-2019 establishes a lower tipping fee for haulers that bring source-separate food waste to the transfer station, beginning Sept. 9, 2019. Compostable material will be taken to an existing organic composting facility.

Food items that will be accepted through the pilot program are: fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, dairy products, fish, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, shredded paper and paper products, such as paper towels, napkins and tissues, and pizza boxes.

The Executive’s second initiative will help public school students learn the proper way to separate their foods. In order to ensure the schools’ food waste is free of contaminants, the county is providing a grant to Frederick County Public Schools to support part-time composting coaches so the schools’ food waste can be free of contaminants.

The third initiative announced today is an effort to encourage more backyard composting by residents. The county will provide low-cost composting bins to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis at a special event in the spring of 2020. For more information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/compost.

Frederick County Earns LEED Silver Community

The U.S. Green Building Council today announced that Frederick County is a LEED Silver community certified through the Council’s LEED for Communities program, one of fewer than 10 counties in the nation to earn this designation to date. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. County Executive Jan Gardner accepted the county’s certification Tuesday from Hilari Varnadore, Director of LEED for Cities and Communities. During the ceremony, Varnadore also presented Mayor Michael O’Connor with the City of Frederick’s LEED for Cities certification.

"Frederick County is proud to be leading the way as a LEED Silver certified community," Executive Gardner said. "We are reducing our energy usage with all-electric transit buses and hybrid vehicles, increasing our renewable sources with solar arrays, improving water quality through our Creek ReLeaf program, and adding bikeways and trails. Sustainability is the responsible way to ensure a bright future for our community and fits with our goals and vision for Livable Frederick."

Frederick County achieved LEED Silver certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and a high quality of life. LEED for Communities enables areas to measure and track outcomes in key areas, including energy, water, waste, transportation, health, education, safety, and prosperity.

"The work of cities and communities such as Frederick County is a driving force in ensuring a more sustainable future for all," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. "Cities and communities that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and striving to improve the quality of life for their residents. Frederick County is setting a standard for what it means to be a high performer, and we applaud their efforts and achievements."

Weaver as Budget Director

Kelly Weaver, CPA, has been appointed budget director for Frederick County Government. Ms. Weaver has been serving as the acting budget director since March 19.

"Kelly brings an extensive knowledge of the county budget and a wealth of financial expertise and experience to this important positon," Executive Gardner said. "I am pleased to promote her based on her management skills, graduate level education in accounting, and professional certifications that will further advance our open, transparent and inclusive public budget process. I know Kelly will do an exemplary job in this leadership role."

Ms. Weaver has served as Frederick County Government assistant budget director since 2007. Previously, she was Accountant II and III for the county from 2004 – 2007. Before that, she was the Senior Accountant at City Hospital, Inc., from 2000-2004.

Ms. Weaver holds a bachelor of science from Salisbury University, a master of business administration from Mount St. Mary’s University and a certificate in general management from the American Management Association. She is a licensed CPA in the State of Maryland.

Ms. Waver succeeds Rich Harcum, who previously served as budget director before being appointed to chief administrative officer on Feb. 1.

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