The FRD Committee convened on February 7, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a primary focus on a proposed noise abatement monitoring system aimed at addressing community concerns in the City of Frederick.
Delegate Ferre introduced the bill, which seeks to expand an existing pilot program currently operational in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. The initiative was prompted by complaints from residents in downtown Frederick regarding excessive noise from modified vehicles, particularly during late-night hours. The proposed system functions similarly to speed cameras but is designed to monitor noise levels. It would capture images or videos of vehicles exceeding designated decibel limits, which would then be reviewed by law enforcement for potential citations.
During the discussion, committee members raised questions about the necessity and implementation of the bill. Delegate Boucher suggested inviting a representative from the City Council or the mayor to provide testimony at the next meeting, emphasizing the need for clarity on the bill's motivations and the specific issues faced by residents, particularly concerning late-night disturbances from drag racing on Market Street.
Delegate Miller echoed this sentiment, recalling concerns raised during the previous year's discussions about the bill's implementation. The committee agreed to gather more information and consider the input from city officials before proceeding further.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to revisit the topic in the following week, allowing time for further deliberation and potential testimony from city representatives. The committee aims to ensure that the proposed measures effectively address the community's noise concerns while considering the implications for enforcement and compliance.