Public Meetings - Annapolis, Maryland

The Finance Committee held a special virtual meeting on July 24, 2026, at 1:05 PM (note: the provided timestamp indicates 18:15 UTC, conflicting with the transcript's start time of 1:05 PM). The meeting was called to order by Alderman Huntley. The sole agenda item was legislation R-29-26 updating Fiscal Year 2027 city fees. The committee voted to take no action, allowing the item to proceed to the full City Council for discussion on Monday night. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the agenda as amended, removing approval of the minutes from the previous meeting (July 15, 2026) so that only R-29-26 would be considered. Discussion Items - R-29-26 – Update of Fiscal Year 2027 City Fees: The resolution proposed updating fees for city-owned parking facilities, metered spaces, rental operating licenses, moorings, and alcoholic beverage licenses and permits. Alderman Huntley recommended that the finance committee take no action to allow the full council to weigh in without delay. No further discussion occurred. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (3 ayes) to take no action on R-29-26, effectively moving the resolution out of committee for consideration by the full City Council at their Monday night meeting. - The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote. Note: The meeting time as per the transcript is 1:05 PM, while the provided event timestamp is 18:15 UTC (2:15 PM EDT), indicating a discrepancy.

The Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on July 23, 2026, from 12:13 PM to 1:58 PM under the chairmanship of Alderman Smith Brown. The committee considered five pieces of legislation and received a presentation on ranked choice voting. Key actions included postponements, favorable recommendations on several bills, and extensive discussion on election reform. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda – Moved and seconded; passed unanimously. - Approval of Minutes – Minutes of the June 4, 2026, regular meeting and the July 9, 2026, special joint meeting were approved separately without objection. (Alderman Shannemeyer recused from voting on the July 9 minutes as she was not present.) Discussion Items - CA226 – Expanding Board of Supervisive Elections Membership – Alderman Savage and Chair Smith Brown are working on a merged amendment. The committee voted to postpone action until the next meeting to allow completion of the draft amendment. - O0926 – Updating Standing Committees Section of City Code – Three amendments were considered (two from Mayor Littman, one from Alderman Huntley). After discussion, the committee voted favorably on amendment three (inserting that if legislation is referred to more than two standing committees, the council shall hear it in a committee of the whole). The bill as amended received a favorable recommendation. - O1426 – Art in Public Places (Definitions, Duties, Membership) – Laura Richards, Community Engagement Strategist, explained the need to reconstitute the AIPPC board. City Attorney Tony Cooper Smith noted the six-month deadline (set by an uncodified ordinance) runs in August and suggested an extension. The committee voted to postpone action on the bill and its seven amendments, and will recommend the City Council extend the deadline to September 30, 2026, to allow further public input. - O1626 – Forest Conservation Program Amendments (Conforming to State Law) – Alderman Savage proposed several amendments to align city code with state law. After discussion, the committee voted favorably on amendments 4, 5A, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 (as a block), with amendment 5 withdrawn in favor of 5A. Amendment 11 clarifies that exemptions do not apply to subdivision or site plans. The bill as amended received a favorable recommendation. (Projects approved before July 1, 2026, are unaffected.) - General Discussion – Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) Presentation – Michelle Whitaker (Executive Director) and Owen Anderson (Deputy Director) of Ranked Choice Voting Maryland presented on RCV mechanics, history, and benefits. They cited examples from Tacoma Park, Greenbelt, and Berwyn Heights (Maryland), New York City, and others. Key points: RCV ensures majority winners, reduces spoiler effects, and can increase diversity of candidates. They offered voter education support. Committee members asked about costs (estimated $225,000–$465,000 per election currently), error rates (1–2%), and data on candidate diversity. Whitaker and Anderson agreed to provide additional data. The committee expressed interest in potentially placing an RCV charter amendment on a future ballot. Key Outcomes - Postponed: CA226 and O1426 (with recommendation to extend deadline). - Favorable Recommendations (with amendments): O0926, O1626. - Received Presentation: Ranked choice voting – committee will consider possible ballot question. - Next Steps: Amendments for CA226 to be drafted before next meeting; City Council to consider deadline extension for O1426; additional data on RCV costs and diversity to be shared with committee.

The Annapolis City Council convened on July 22, 2026, to discuss agenda item ID 159-26 concerning maintenance issues with the Spa Creek Bridge. Alderman Shatemayer and Alderman Savage led the discussion, noting three recent bridge failures due to heat. The council intended to invite representatives from the city's Public Works department and the State Highway Administration (the primary maintenance entity) to provide updates, but no representatives attended, leading to an adjournment with plans to revisit the topic. Discussion Items - Alderman Shatemayer requested the meeting after three failures of the Spa Creek Bridge over the prior two weeks due to heat. He hoped to discuss what went wrong, how the bridge was restored, future maintenance plans, and eventual replacement, as the bridge is "on its last legs." - No representatives from Public Works or State Highway were present. Alderman Shatemayer expressed frustration, calling the meeting "pointless" without them. The council noted the August recess and agreed to invite the relevant departments to the September meeting. Key Outcomes - The council directed Ms. Jackson to formally invite representatives from Public Works and the State Highway Administration to the next meeting in September 2026. - If an emergency occurs before September, a special meeting could be called. - The meeting was adjourned after a motion. No votes or actions were taken on the bridge issue itself.

The Housing and Human Welfare Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on July 21, 2026, to receive updates on the management and conditions of several affordable housing communities. The committee heard presentations from property owners and managers, questioned them on maintenance, communication, and health concerns, and later accepted public testimony from residents. No formal votes were taken, but the committee set expectations for follow-up and additional data. Consent Calendar - Roll call established presence of Aldermen O'Neill, Smith Brown, and Conte. The agenda was approved by voice vote. Minutes from the March 17, 2026 committee meeting were also approved. Oberry Court (Penrose Companies) Update (ID-58-26) - Jason Newman (Vice President, Asset Management, Penrose Companies) presented alongside legal counsel, operations, and maintenance executives. He acknowledged resident complaints and outlined corrective actions. - Positions: Penrose committed to improving communication, considering an AI platform (Elise AI) for 24/7 resident support, but emphasized building personal relationship first through the property manager. - Key numbers: From April 15 to July 15, 2026, the property generated 311 work orders, of which 275 (88%) were completed. Additional maintenance resources were deployed: 3 permanent, 2 traveling, and 2 temporary maintenance staff (7 total). - Trash: Added a Sunday pickup to existing Tuesday schedule; dumpster cameras are under consideration. - Snow removal: Evaluating contractor performance after a challenging winter; plan changes before next season. - Moisture/Mold: Follow procedures per Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act; providing 10-day follow-up letters to residents. - Property Manager Dicola Dickerson (hired April 2026) stated no regular tenant meetings currently, but she welcomes facilitation. Homes at the Glen Update (ID-59-26) - Dana (President, Homes for America) and Frank Fudala (Senior Vice President, Habitat America) presented. Homes at the Glen is a 56-unit lease-purchase community; 22 homes were sold before the program expired in 2025. The next purchase opportunity is expected around 2032. - Homes for America spent approximately $1 million on capital improvements (roofs, HVAC, water heaters, appliances) in the last two years. - Plumbing issues: Specific incidents in Units 25 and 28 (clogged toilets) were addressed immediately; one resident was placed in a hotel. Frank stated these were isolated, not systemic. - Work orders: Since January 2026, 128 work orders, 7 outstanding. - Occupancy: 100% with a waitlist of about 1.5 years. - Challenges: Staffing shortages in property management industry; operating expenses rising faster than rents, threatening preservation of affordable housing. - Committee: Asked about resident services and management's response time. Resident services available but no formal homeownership counseling until next purchase period. Annapolis Gardens Update (ID-20-26) - Attorney Latisi Rollins with Melanie Holmes and Grayson Flynn represented the property. They addressed snow removal struggles (elderly population), plumbing backups (tree root growth and pipe blockages), and communication issues. - Measures: Implemented AI platform (Lease AI) and portal for work orders. They plan quarterly jetting of sewer lines. - Data: 150 units (75 LIHTC, 75 project-based voucher), 93% occupancy. - Safety: Camera count not provided verbally; committee requested count and lighting audit. Playground light was fixed after being hit. - Community center: Programs run Monday-Thursday (youth mentoring and activities). Residents face costs for private events; key fob access considered. - Redevelopment: Property is being purchased by Winds; redevelopment is expected within next couple of years. - Responsiveness: Committee noted unresponsiveness to rent ledger disputes. Management said residents should come to office or contact via portal. Bywater Mutual Homes Update (ID-60-26) - Stacey Ringold (Regional Property Manager, Quantum Real Estate) and Janice Sargrove (new Property Manager) with resident board president Denise Fisher. This is a cooperative housing community. - Accounting: Bywater was not required to have a rental license until 2021; a city notice told residents not to pay rent during the licensing gap. This created back rent balances. Management is working with each resident to verify balances and offers repayment agreements; no evictions have been filed yet. - Mold: Issues due to condensation. Contractor ESI performs moisture testing; relocation offered (to another unit or hotel) if needed. - Maintenance: Fully staffed as of next week. Backlog acknowledged, but they are responding. - Process: Walk-in hours 8:30-4:30, phone, portal, after-hours emergency line. Admiral Oaks (Enterprise Community Development) Update (ID-57-26) - Elizabeth Hawley (Director of Asset Management), Princess Robinson (Regional Manager), Sherry Conde (VP Operations), Jamila Palmer (Property Manager) presented. - Capacity: 159 units, 100% occupied, extensive waitlist. - Inspections: City's 100% unit inspection completed in two days with minimal findings (caulking, smoke detectors). - Work orders: 306 completed from April 1 to July 16, 2026. Average completion time less than one day. Currently only 4 open orders (from July 20-21). - Safety: 42 cameras upgraded in 2025, license plate reader, security guard 5 days/week, cameras monitored 24/7. - Trash: Waste Management picks up 6 days/week; bulk pickup twice monthly. - Snow removal: Combination of resident responsibility (townhouses) and contractor for common areas. - Ledger disputes: Some pandemic-related, but majority in good standing; disputed ledgers handled through court if necessary. - Community meetings: Held quarterly with flyers and email blasts. Residents have concerns about Boys & Girls Club occupying the community room; Enterprise is working on scheduling. - Resident services: Host events (cookouts, back-to-school) funded by operations budget. - Committee: Noted past management turnover but current team has stabilized. Public Comments & Testimony - The committee opened the floor for public comment (2 minutes per speaker). Approximately 12 residents and advocates spoke, expressing frustration with poor housing conditions and unresponsive management. - Penrose residents: Detailed stories of mold, water leaks, sewage backups, misapplied rent adjustments, lack of hot water, and harmful health impacts. One former employee corroborated that rent ledgers are not updated and calls go unanswered. A resident described a 70-year-old woman forced to use a bucket due to plumbing failure. - Bay Forest (Habitat America) residents: Reported five consecutive days without hot water, neglected repairs, and a resident in hospice who died before his apartment could be made habitable (maintenance not completed). - Admiral Oaks resident: Asserted conditions are "worse than when [they] grew up." - General sentiment: Several speakers stated these issues have persisted for years and called on the city council to hold management companies accountable, enforce the city code, and act with urgency. One speaker warned of impending lawsuits against both management and the city. - Committee: Aldermen thanked residents for their testimony and asked the city attorney's office to compile data on fines levied against housing properties. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes were taken on the agenda items. - The committee gained detailed insight into operational challenges and resident grievances across five major affordable housing communities. - Management representatives committed to: providing additional documentation (camera counts, lighting audit, work order details) and improving communication with residents. - Committee requested that the city attorney provide information on fines and violations issued to these properties. - The meeting adjourned with the understanding that the committee will continue oversight and potentially address these issues at future meetings.

The meeting on July 16, 2026, began with a press conference announcing the release of $35 million in FEMA funds for the City Dock project, followed by the regular City Council meeting at 4:30 PM. The council heard presentations from the Maryland Health Care for All Coalition and the Annapolis Arts District, but took no formal votes. FEMA Funding Announcement (Press Conference) - U.S. Senator Van Holland announced that FEMA has released $35 million in funds, including $33 million from the original City of Annapolis grant and an additional $2.5 million for stormwater management upgrades. The funds will support the City Dock resilience project, which aims to mitigate flooding and protect local businesses and the Naval Academy. - Numerous officials expressed support, including Congresswoman Sarah Elfrith, Congressman John Sarbanes, Mayor Jared Littman, County Executive Stuart Pittman, and MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. Former Mayor Gavin Buckley was credited with the initial vision. - Mayor Littman detailed the total project funding: $24 million from the Hillman Garage concession agreement, $10 million from the state, $4.8 million in congressional earmarks, $2 million from the county, the $35 million from FEMA, plus city bond money. The council unanimously supported the effort. Discussion Items Presentation: Maryland Health Care for All Coalition & Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) - Vinny DeMarco (President, Maryland Health Care for All Coalition) and Dr. Andrew York (Executive Director, PDAB) presented on the PDAB's work to lower prescription drug costs for state and local governments. They highlighted that the board has set upper payment limits for Jardiance and Ozempic, saving governments an estimated $320,000 and $5.8 million annually, respectively. Starting January 1, 2027, local entities like Annapolis can opt into these savings by amending their health plan contracts. - The presenters requested the city's support for a public forum in Annapolis and for future legislation (2027) to allow the board to adopt federal Medicare negotiated prices, potentially saving hundreds of millions. - Council members expressed support. Alderman Smith Brown asked about educational efforts beyond cost reduction. Alderman Huntley inquired about the savings mechanism and how the city could participate. Mayor Littman noted the city recently stopped covering Ozempic for weight loss due to cost and welcomed the potential savings. The city's HR director was directed to follow up with PDAB. Presentation: Annapolis Arts District - Carol Denny (VP), Laura Price (President), and Holly Hendrickson (new Executive Director) presented the Annapolis Arts District's vision to expand from a geographic district to a citywide arts support organization (rebranding as "Annapolis Arts"). They emphasized economic impact: 7.2 million visitors in 2024 spent $4.3 billion, with arts as a key driver. - Key initiatives: diversifying the board, creating an ambassador network, developing a database of repurposable spaces, and advocating for a "percentage for the arts" initiative requiring a portion of development budgets to fund art. They requested increased city investment to support full-time staff and programming. - Council members discussed the relationship with the Annapolis Public Places Commission (AIPPC), which funds arts. Alderman Savage raised concerns about diluting the original arts district's focus. Alderman Huntley asked about affordable artist housing. Hendrickson noted plans to expand the district boundaries and partner with developers. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on either presentation. - The council expressed interest in the PDAB's forum and committed to follow-up with HR staff to explore opt-in for prescription drug savings. - The arts district's request for increased investment will likely be considered in future budget discussions, with potential collaboration with the reformed Annapolis Public Places Commission.

The Annapolis Finance Committee met on July 15, 2026, to review budget-to-actuals reports, discuss parking contract overruns, and recommend approval of two grant resolutions. Key topics included the timing of financial reports, cultural changes for timely data entry, and new protocols for vendor reconciliation. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved with an amendment to move general discussion above supplemental appropriations. (Unanimous) - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the last finance committee meeting were approved. (Unanimous) Discussion Items - Budget-to-Actuals Report: Finance staff presented the budget-to-actuals report for the period ending March 2026. Alderman Thorpe commended the annotations and the 10% variance threshold but raised concerns about the report being presented in July for a March close. The finance director noted that cultural changes across departments are needed to meet earlier deadlines and estimated it would take a full year to implement a monthly or quarterly closing process. The fourth-quarter report is expected to be delivered in August instead of September this year. - Parking Contract Overruns: City Manager Miss Lewis and Transportation Director Marcus Moore reported on a $573,000 overrun in the parking fund tied to an SP contract. After reconciliation, the overrun was reduced to between $200,000 and $225,000. The overrun resulted from a lack of change orders for additional work, including data processing fees linked to citation volume. New protocols will include monthly reconciliation of invoices and immediate review upon receipt. The vendor receives no incentive for writing more citations. The parking contract expires June 30, 2027, and an RFP is expected in three to five months. - SA 127 – LED Lighting Grant: Deputy City Manager Jackie Gyle presented a $408,500 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to replace outdoor lighting with LED fixtures and conduct an energy audit. The grant requires no match. Part of the funds ($100,000) will support a detailed street light audit to identify city-owned lights, redundant lights, and potential savings from acquiring BGE-maintained lights. - SA 227 – Alcohol Compliance Grant: Police Administrative Manager Craig Medley presented a grant of approximately $5,000 from the Department of Health for overtime and cadet pay to conduct alcohol compliance checks. The amount slightly increased this year. Key Outcomes - SA 127 received a favorable recommendation (motion and second, unanimous aye). - SA 227 received a favorable recommendation (motion and second, unanimous aye). - The committee will continue discussions on formatting and timing of budget-to-actuals reports and consider amending the city code to align with a December audit (not close) timeline. - The audit committee will receive a detailed audit timeline on the following Monday. - The committee directed staff to implement monthly reconciliation of vendor invoices and require change orders for any scope changes.

The Annapolis City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Littman, with all council members present. The agenda was approved unanimously, and the council addressed ceremonial items, received committee and mayoral reports, heard public comments, conducted public hearings, and voted on several legislative items. Ceremonial Items - Arnett Finlayson Scholarships: Scholarships were awarded to students including William Lopez Escobar, McKenzie Adams, Kaylee Slade, Kyrie Isaacs, Angel Gray, and Corinne Jenkins. A message from former Alderwoman Finlayson was read. - APD Gone Fishing Award: Awarded to a child who caught the biggest fish at the APD youth fishing camp, in honor of Lieutenant Brian Della. - APD Scholarships: Awards presented to several students including Graham Brown, Elise Slade, and others, funded by an anonymous donor in memory of the 2018 Capital Gazette attack victims. Public Comments & Testimony - Stephen Wadi (Anne Arundel County NAACP) spoke on the police chief selection criteria: transparency, accountability, compassion, experience/education, and commitment to working with the Black community. He called for data on arrests related to mental health, foster care, and reading levels. - Sven Storm (Storm Brothers business, 50th year) criticized the impact of the Dock Street project on parking, noting reduced spaces and customer loss. He also highlighted sidewalk disrepair. - Tom Creek (President, Ward 1 Residents Association) expressed concerns about Resolution R29-26 (parking fee increases) without transparent financial analysis. He asked for stakeholder involvement earlier in the process and compliance with the Hillman Garage governing agreement. - Laura Catherine Bell (207 Hanover Street) questioned the identity and affiliations of the Atlas Group and voiced concerns about historic preservation and parking. Public Hearings - Ordinance 014-26 (Art in Public Places): McShane Glover opposed the legislation, arguing that the commission functioned well for 20 years and that reducing membership or shifting authority to the planning director is unwise. Stephen Wadi (NAACP) stressed the need for diverse representation and youth involvement, especially for the city's 250th anniversary. The hearing was closed. - Ordinance 016-26 (Forest Conservation Program Amendments): No speakers signed up; hearing closed. - Ordinance 017-26 (Right to Park in Front of Residential Driveways): Ann Gamunder (12 Horn Point Court) opposed, citing negative impacts on Eastport's narrow streets, traffic congestion, and emergency vehicle access. Another resident supported limited exceptions for disabilities. Hearing closed. Discussion Items - Mayor's Update: - Announced one full year with no homicides in Annapolis, crediting police and community outreach. - Marked the anniversary of firefighter Alexander C. Johnson's death (July 13, 1958). - Reported the retirement of Harbor Master Beth Bellis (10 years of service) and appointment of Deputy Harbor Master Tyler Northfield as acting harbormaster. - Invited the public to a virtual session on Main Street program changes (July 16 at 10 a.m.) and to community sessions for police chief search (July 15 and 16). - Committee Reports: - Planning & Zoning: Updates on Bay Village Suites (105 units), Loft City's Eastport Landing, Rocky Gorge, and Thomas Somerville. Streetcar feasibility study for West Street awarded; solar strategy underway. - Finance: Meeting July 15 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss supplemental appropriation for parking contractor. - Audit: Meeting July 20 at 8 a.m. to review procedures on fraud, waste, and abuse and performance metrics. - Environmental Matters: Recommended approval of certain amendments to O-16-26 (forest conservation) with further discussion scheduled for July 23. - HACA Quarterly Report (Melissa Maddox Evans, Executive Director): - Presented HACA 2035 framework to transition from public housing to modern asset management with mixed-income redevelopment. - Reported 91.22% occupancy rate (HUD formula) for 554 units; goal of 96% by summer 2027. - 48 vacant units under repair; average unit turnover cost $20,000–$30,000 due to age and supply chain issues. - Eastport Terrace/Harbor House redevelopment: awaiting Choice Neighborhood grant decision; submitting 9% tax credit application by July 15. - Discussed challenges: mold abatement process, rent collection at 69% (down from 74%), and dependency on federal funds ($14–$16 million annually). - Council members requested more frequent metrics and sharing of board reports; Evans agreed to notify council when reports are available. Key Outcomes - Approval of Consent Calendar: The journal of proceedings and minutes (CCM 6-126, 6-826, 6-226) were approved without objection. - First Reader Votes: - Ordinance 012-26 (removing streets from parking district 5) – adopted; referred to Public Safety and Transportation committees. - Ordinance 015-26 (cottage food businesses as home occupations) – adopted; referred to Planning Commission and Rules & City Government committees. - Resolution R29-26 (update of FY2027 city fees) – adopted; referred to Finance Committee. - Second Reader Vote: - Resolution R21-26 (designating city attorney Anthony P. Cooper Smith as resident agent for service of process) – adopted unanimously. - Public Hearings Closed: All three public hearings (014-26, 016-26, 017-26) were closed. - Announcements: - Alderwoman O'Neill highlighted successful July 4th events by the Annapolis 250 Commission. - Alderman Smith Brown announced the formation of a city council caucus (first in city history). - Alderman Thorpe commended Alderwoman Gayesha Kanti for hosting a picnic at Harbor House pool.

The Environmental Matters Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on July 9, 2026, to discuss city development projects and environmental initiatives. The meeting began with roll call and unanimous approval of the agenda and minutes from June 11, 2026. The committee received updates from Senior Planner Mike Meekins on current planning and development projects and from Deputy City Manager Jackie Giled on sustainability and energy programs. The meeting adjourned after reaching a hard stop at 4:15 PM. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: Moved, seconded, and carried unanimously. - Minutes Approval: Minutes from June 11, 2026, were approved by voice vote. Discussion Items - Planning & Zoning Development Update (ID 5-26): Mike Meekins presented the quarterly update on major projects. - Bay Village Suites (105-unit independent living facility): Approval expired and was re-approved by the Planning Commission on July 2, 2026, with minor changes (grease interceptor moved). The applicant recertified tree health and traffic study. Permits expected to be finalized, with construction starting in fall 2026. Committee member Alderman Savage noted no concerns but suggested evaluating excess parking for green space. - Loss at Eastport Landing (redevelopment of Eastport Shopping Center): Grading and building permit applications submitted at end of June. Review deadlines: grading by July 30, building by July 20. Permits needed by October 16, 2026, to avoid expiration. Estimated construction completion 1.5–2 years after permits. - Rocky Gorge/Athens Project: Appeal of director's decision to expire project was postponed from July 7 Board of Appeals meeting; now tentatively set for September 2026. - West Village (161 West Street): SDP approval expired and was re-approved December 4, 2025, with a change in sewer connection. No questions. - Thomas Somerville Property (plumbing warehouse in Parole): Second iteration of minor site design review comments issued; applicant meeting with DPW next week. Building and grading permits already submitted but paused pending SDP approval. Expected groundbreaking in fall 2026. - Pipeline Projects (Work Sessions): Four projects in early stages: 245 West Street (townhomes), Robinwood redevelopment (residential townhouses and multi-story), Bay Ridge Road/old CNC liquor site (townhomes), and Annapolis Seafood site (Royal Farms fresh market concept with EV chargers, gas pumps scaled down). Committee members raised concerns about gas station proliferation, road width standards, and code barriers. Alderman Savage stressed the need for common-sense code adjustments and better communication with council. - Environmental & Sustainability Update: Jackie Giled presented updates on transportation and clean energy initiatives. - Solar Initiatives: City working with Anne Arundel County and Resilience Authority on solar strategy; three city sites under consideration for roof solar. LED lighting upgrades at no cost through BGE's Empower Maryland program: pilot completed at Forest Drive fire station (May 13), next targets: DOT stand center, Eastport fire station, ballparks, parking garages. Program ends September 2026. - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory & Climate Action Plan (CAP): Final edits underway; includes graphics and recommendations tailored to Annapolis. Appendix compares old CAP (2006) accomplishments. Target completion by September 2026. - Residential Solar: City partnering with Solar United Neighbors for cooperative solar installation program open to residents and businesses. - Electric Streetcar Feasibility Study: Six proposals received by June 12 deadline; selection expected in next couple of months. - City Ferry Pilot Project: Revised RFP for hybrid electric-diesel ferry drafted; landing sites (Hawkins Cove, Carrs Beach) under consideration. Local match of $525,000 partially funded ($250,000 from marina permit fees). RFI for operator to be released in two weeks. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on discussion items. The committee accepted the updates and noted future actions. - The planning department will continue processing permits for Bay Village, Eastport Landing, and Somerville projects. - The sustainability team will finalize the Climate Action Plan by September 2026 and continue LED retrofits. - The streetcar feasibility study selection is pending; ferry pilot RFI will be issued soon. - Committee members raised concerns about gas station proliferation and road width standards; potential future legislative action may be considered. Note that the agenda and minutes were not provided; the summary is based solely on the transcript. The transcript indicates the meeting had a hard stop at 4:15 PM.

The Environment Matters Committee and the Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council held a joint meeting on July 9, 2026, beginning at 4:36 PM, to discuss and take legislative action on Ordinance 016-26, which amends the city's forest conservation program to conform with recent changes in Maryland state law (Senate Bill 526). The meeting featured a presentation by City Forester Brian Adams, detailed deliberation on proposed amendments, and votes recommending approval of several amendments. Discussion Items - Presentation by City Forester Brian Adams: Mr. Adams explained that the state law, enacted in 2023, shifts Maryland's forest policy from a "no-net-loss" to a "net gain" of forest canopy, measured every four years. Key changes include new definitions, exemptions (e.g., tree farms, federal facilities with 2,500+ employees, solar facilities, transit-oriented development, multifamily housing of 25+ units with reduced mitigation rates), a mandatory 1:1 replacement ratio (already practiced in Annapolis), classification of urban areas as priority retention and protection areas, requirements to reforest unforested riparian buffers, new notification and public comment requirements for clearing priority retention areas, written justification by the Department of Planning and Zoning, and expanded mitigation options (e.g., restoring degraded forests, planting green infrastructure, street trees). The city already uses street trees for mitigation credits and has a five-year maintenance agreement for forest conservation projects and a two-year landscape bond for development projects. - Amendment 2 (Stream Buffer Definition): Adds criteria for the director to expand stream buffers when slopes exceed 15% or highly erodible soils are present, aligning with existing code. No questions raised. - Amendment 3 (Annual Report Due Date): Changes the annual report submission deadline from March 1 to August 31 to align with the fiscal year (July 1–June 30), as required by state law. Approved. - Amendment 4 (Appeal Process): Establishes a distinct appealable decision point for forest conservation plan approvals, responding to a Maryland Supreme Court case (Chesapeake Bay Foundation v. developer) and the state law's explicit right to judicial review. Under the amendment, appeals of planning commission-track plans go directly to circuit court, while appeals of department-approved plans go to the Board of Appeals. The amendment also clarifies that no forest clearing may occur during a 30-day appeal window and that filing an appeal stays clearing until resolved. Alderman Howard expressed concern about the automatic 30-day stay after permit issuance, preferring a stay only if an appeal is actually filed; the committee agreed to revisit the stay language later. - Amendment 5 (Notice of Plan Approval): Proposed by Alderman Savage to require the applicant to publish notice in a newspaper upon approval of a forest conservation plan, to alert the broader public. Alderman Thorpe suggested requiring direct mailed notice to adjacent property owners instead, noting that the state already requires 20-day prior notification to abutting owners by mail. Alderman Huntley argued that newspaper notification is outdated and that the burden should be on the public to check the city website, while Alderman Savage defended newspapers as a legal record. The committee did not vote on Amendment 5; it was postponed to the next meeting. - Amendment 6 (Retroactivity Clause): Ensures that Ordinance 016-26 applies to any application that does not yet have final approval, even if submitted during the interim between the state law's effective date (July 1, 2026) and the city's adoption. The clause includes a reference to the Maryland Housing Certainty Act's vesting provisions; the city attorney noted the need to ensure the ordinance still applies to projects vesting under that Act. The committee agreed to refine the language. - Stay Provisions: Discussion revealed that the current legislation (page 7, line 13) includes a 30-day stay on forest clearing after permit issuance, which Alderman Howard found burdensome. He suggested the stay should only apply if an appeal is actually filed. The committee agreed to work on adjustments. Key Outcomes - Environment Matters Committee Vote: The committee made a motion to recommend Ordinance 016-26 with Amendments 2, 3, 4, and 6, and the motion carried unanimously. This recommendation will be forwarded to the full City Council. - Rules Committee Vote (earlier): The Rules Committee had separately voted to recommend only Amendments 2, 3, and 6, but the final action in the joint meeting (Environment Matters) incorporated Amendment 4 as well. - Amendment 5 Postponed: Amendment 5 (newspaper notification) and further refinement of Amendment 4's stay language will be addressed at the next Rules Committee meeting on July 23, 2026. Staff (city forester, law office) are not required to attend unless specific questions arise. - Next Steps: The full City Council meeting is scheduled for July 27, 2026, where the ordinance is expected to be considered for final passage. The committees aim to finalize all amendments by July 23 to meet that deadline.