(12/2021) County Unveils New Customer Service Tool

People who live and work in Frederick County can now request services, report concerns, and ask questions of Frederick County Government any time of day, using the new FCG FixIt public engagement tool. County Executive Jan Gardner unveiled the new service during her public information briefing today. The FCG FixIt app offers a one-stop location to reach any of the County’s 18 divisions, from Animal Control to Public Works.

"FCG FixIt continues our efforts to deliver outstanding customer service to residents," Executive Gardner said. "By leveraging technology, people can submit requests and concerns whenever it is convenient to them, at any time of day or night. The service is another way we are working to make life better for the people who call Frederick County home."

Using the app, people can take photos, note specific locations on a map, and provide other details of their requests. Once a request is submitted, staff is immediately notified and can view the uploaded photos and maps. FCG FixIt can be downloaded to smart phones from app stores for Android and iPhone users. The service also can be accessed on the County’s website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCG-FixIt. People who choose can continue to call County divisions directly during business hours.

FCG FixIt should not be used to request emergency services. The public should continue to call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Department of Highway Operations Prepared for Winter Conditions

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the Division of Public Works’ (DPW) Department of Highway Operations (DOHO) has been planning how staff will manage winter operations, comply with social distancing requirements, and ensure the service level that citizens expect from Frederick County. DOHO is prepared to keep roads cleared, but it may take longer to treat all roads to the standards of past years. The department is seeing a shortage of about 20% of staff due to the nationwide truck driver shortage. Our top priorities are drivers’ safety and accessibility to Frederick County’s 2,657 miles (1,328 miles centerline) of roadway.

DOHO’s winter preparations began in October with its annual Snow Road-eo training that sharpens equipment operators’ skills and prepares them for the challenges of inclement weather. DOHO is ready to treat County roads with its 91 pieces of snow and ice equipment, a stockpile of 24,000 tons of salt, and the 67,000 gallons of liquid salt brine that DOHO produces in-house at a substantial cost savings. Salt brine is a water solution of 23% salt that is sprayed before a storm, if conditions warrant. It prevents snow from bonding to pavement, reduces the overall amount of material needed to treat County roads, and aids overall snow removal operations.

Storm water maintenance is also a key component of DOHO’s winter preparations. Clearing debris from roadside drainage and culverts keeps pollutants out of waterways and minimizes ponding, which enhances safety and prolongs road integrity.

DOHO has approximately 100 permanent road maintenance staff who clear winter roads. As storms approach, they closely monitor professional meteorological forecasts. During major winter storms, 22 contractors, with 67 pieces of snow removal equipment and various types of larger equipment are on standby, ready to assist DOHO staff in around-the-clock maintenance of the County’s extensive roadway infrastructure.

Winter Driving Safety

On average, more than 200,000 crashes occur statewide every year due to unsafe driving – moving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and overcorrecting – in inclement weather. Winter weather conditions require motorists to drive more slowly and allow extra space between their vehicle and others’. Under any type of weather conditions, wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are crucial.

Winter Driving Tips:

• Remove snow and ice from a vehicle’s roof, windows, mirrors, and lights prior to driving.
• Only travel in winter weather when it is essential, and leave early to provide adequate time to safely reach your destination.
• Slow down on winter roads: speed limits are based on dry pavement and clear weather.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
• Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they may be icy.
• Before traveling, check tires, brakes, lights, battery, wipers, defroster, heater, vehicle fluid levels.
• When traveling, take tire chains, flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, first-aid supplies, extra clothes/gloves, blanket, flares, non-perishable food/water, jumper cables.

Frederick County resident and motorists are encouraged to visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/roadsclosed for updated information on road closures and other pertinent information before traveling.

Frederick County Health Department Awarded National Reaccreditation

The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) announced it has successfully completed a review process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for the next five years. PHAB’s accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance.

"We are pleased and excited to have successfully been reaccredited," said Dr. Barbara Brookmyer, the Health Officer of the Frederick County Health Department. "Since becoming accredited in 2014, we have worked hard exceed national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health. Our reaccreditation process was delayed slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic taking priority for both our staff and PHAB staff. Even with that additional focus, our reaccreditation shows that Frederick County is served by a high functioning public health department and workforce. Our active engagement with community partners was a recognized strength, and we know that this collaboration is something that makes all of Frederick County special. We are so proud of this accomplishment and our continued commitment to improving the health and wellness of Frederick County residents."

FCHD first achieved national accreditation through PHAB in December 2014, which was the first month when any Maryland county health departments were accredited.

The accreditation process is a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure the health department can meet a set of quality standards and measures. Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Frederick County Health Department is well equipped for our mission to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Frederick County through programs to prevent disease and illness, promote wellness and safety and protect public health.

For more information about the Frederick County Health Department, please visit our website www.frederickcountymd.gov/health.