Concerns over stadium lease negotiations with the Single-A Frederick Keys (Carolina League) forced City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement to pull the topic from last night’s public workshop. Alderwoman Karen Young minced no words when she said Frederick Atlantic LLC submitted a stronger proposal. Alderwoman Shelley Aloi said negotiators are “giving away the store and begging for scraps” in their lease negotiations with the Keys.
According to her calculations, Aloi said the proposal from indy pro Atlantic League group would have netted the city $219,118, while the current proposed lease with the Keys would only bring in $26,907 or $115,006, depending on a parking provision.
To provide more transparency, aldermen are expected to vote tonight on a motion to release closed-session minutes from sessions in which officials discussed matters related to the RFP process. It looks like four aldermen are prepared to vote in favor of the motion. Read more here.
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Fascinating stuff. I’m sure the Keys will end up getting the lease in the end as the city does not want to lose the affiliated minor league team. But clearly there is some shady backroom dealings going on and the bids are not being scrutinized equally. I suspect the Keys know they can use the city to get a better deal.