New Social Gathering Ordinance Effects University Students

The policies that enforce the coexistence of university and municipality life are often called “Town and Gown Ordinances.” The City of Frostburg has long standing rules about noise, rental properties, and codes of conduct related to Frostburg State University students who travel here for their education. In March 2019, a new ordinance is set to be accepted.

This new proposal, the “Social Host/Unruly Gathering” ordinance is modeled after a Baltimore County rule suited for the Towson University population. An “unruly social gathering” is defined as a party, event, or assemblage of four (4) or more persons where either alcoholic beverages are being consumed by underage persons or where “behavior or conduct is occurring that results in the disturbance of the peace or a disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property.” There are over ten such behaviors that can be considered a disturbance including the obstruction of public streets or presence of unruly crowds that have spilled into public streets or sidewalks, littering, or public urination. The previous precedent required a neighbor’s complaint before police officers would address a large party. Now, with the new ordinance, the City of Frostburg Public Safety Commissioner, former Police Officer Grove explains that the ordinance will, “allow the officer first off to observe and go into action without citizen complaint.”

The ordinance carries a penalty of $250 for each host for the first offense, and $500 for each offense, thereafter. This ordinance was created in conjunction with Frostburg State University’s Office on Student Conduct and will be enforced by both city officials and university police officers. Frostburg City Administrator John Kirby deems this change necessary as a “tool for officers to address large gatherings.” At the February 21, 2019 City Council meeting, the description of these gatherings prompted local citizens to speak during public comment. One, whose identity will be protected by The Bottom Line due to his homes location near the university, said he felt the ordinance needed more “teeth on it.” Another local citizen requested a delay on the adoption of the ordinance in order to amend the process by which the social host was formally punished. This additional step would include a letter sent to the landlord of the property where the social host ordinance was violated as a “leverage point” to encourage landlords to curb their tenants behavior.

The City Council, after consideration of the public comments made by four local citizens, agreed to table the final adoption of the proposed Social Host/Unruly Gathering Ordinance until their March 21, 2019 meeting. Students and community members will once again have the opportunity to speak at the 7:00PM meeting at the Frostburg Community Center located at 27 S. Water Street in Downtown Frostburg.