MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 3, 2002

CITY/COUNTY JOINT TASK FORCE REGARDING ESTABLISHMENTS LICENSED TO SERVE ALCOHOL IN CONCURRENT JURISDICTIONS

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick and Frederick County have joined forces in the creation of a task force designed to look into establishments licensed to serve alcohol in concurrent jurisdictions. The task force met for the first time in late November and will convene again after the New Year.

The City/County Task Force was designed to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare relative to fire codes, building codes, zoning, permits and general safety needs. The goal of the initial task force meeting was to create a communication mechanism under which the Task Force would agree to operate in the future.

Several issues were sited as being critical for the success of the Task Force. Communications remained the number one priority for success. Both City and County identified several other items as consistent with the goal. The task force has agreed to share information, which will aid in the enforcement of existing and proposed establishments. Both groups have a list of actions to take prior to the January meeting.

Members of the City/County Joint Task Force include; Kathy Ruffa, County Liquor Board; Chuck Boyd, Director of the Department of Planning, The City of Frederick; Walter F. Murray, Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue; Michael Blank, Code Enforcement, The City of Frederick; Keith Heckler, Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue; Roger Twigg, Division of Permits, The City of Frederick; Kim C. Dine, Chief of Police, The City of Frederick; Heather Price Smith, Chief Legal Services Officer, The City of Frederick; Nevett Steele, Assistant County Attorney, Frederick County.

--30--

www.cityoffrederick.com