Carol Goldstein introduced Dick Menzer as the narrator for the Annexation Debate.  Dick Menzer stated the time format for the Annexation Debate and then introduced Frederick County Commissioner President Mrs. Jan Gardner who would present the “against position for annexation” and Frederick City Alderman Mr. Alan Imhoff who would present the “for position for annexation.” It was decided that Mr. Imhoff would begin the debate with a five minute presentation and Carol Goldstein would be the time keeper for the debate.

Alan Imhoff’s Beginning Five Minute Presentation:  Alan stated that the annexation debate would be about the Thatcher Farm and the Crum Farm and that there had been a back log of fourteen annexations nine years ago due to the water moratorium at the time.  He added that the Frederick City governance had criteria that had been established for the purpose of making decisions on annexation and that the process had been thoroughly vetted in the community with public input and two workshops. The primary goal was based on how Frederick City would grow within the construct of a comprehensive plan.  The Frederick County Commissioners were completely aware of this growth plan which had been included in the City Comprehensive Growth Plan for many years.  

Jan Gardner’s Beginning Five Minute Presentation:  Jan stated that the Frederick County Commissioners were unanimously opposed to both annexations at this time.  The reasons for their position were as follows: