At a meeting in January a local government official expressed frustration over a lack of communication with the mayor’s office, and publicly threatened resignation if an official meeting was not set.
On Jan. 26, Stephen Parnes, chairman of the Historical Preservation Commission, advocated for communication and respect from the mayoral government.
“We’re all due that,” Parnes said during the meeting.
Nicki Bamonti, executive assistant to the mayor, reported no previous indication of tension between the HPC and mayoral staff, even after several meetings with Parnes. Bamonti added that the mayor’s office was waiting on Parnes’ letter, officially requesting a meeting, to “enlighten” them. She estimated the meeting would be set for a Wednesday in March, and noted that it would be open to the public.
Parnes’ colleagues on the Historical Preservation Commission also stated they were unaware of conflict.
Donna Kuzemchak, alderman and liaison between the commission and mayoral government, said the problem stemmed from how the latter dealt with utilities. She said the conflict was “regarding making sure the elected officials have their back.”
Additionally, Kuzemchak cited the installation of a non-historic gas pump that bred controversy.
Regarding issues about utilities and properties that Parnes mentioned, Bamonti emphasized that the guidelines the HPC enforces are very straightforward. However, she also noted that the mayor’s office wanted the commission to be independent and its own entity.
At the meeting Parnes clarified that the commission does not write the guidelines but simply interprets them, while other government entities decide the fate of historic downtown Frederick.
The Historical Preservation Commission carries a stigma associated with their strict rules and regulations. Alderman Donna Kuzemchak later acknowledged the HPC’s reputation with the public, and drew a direct correlation between the mayor’s office and the constricting rules Parnes mentioned.
“They get a lot of flak for things we wrote,” she said, “It’s not fair, but that’s how it goes.”
