Public Meetings - Annapolis, Maryland

The Economic Matters Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on July 1, 2026, at 11:15 AM. Present were Alderman (Chair), Alderman Savage, and Alderwoman Alsip Johnson. The committee received updates on the downtown Main Street program transition, the maritime apprenticeship program, and general economic development, and heard public testimony on a proposed distillery tasting room. Downtown Business Partnership (ID 14826) - Economic Development Director (Adam) reported that the city has ended its contract with the Downtown Annapolis Partnership (DAP) and is bringing the Main Street program in-house. The Office of Economic Development is stabilizing the program and will eventually create a new organization through a solicitation process, with significant community and stakeholder input. The director emphasized that the goal is to build a program that serves as a unifying force across the entire designated Main Street area (including Main Street, Market Street, Inner West Street, Maryland Avenue, and State Circle). - Alderman Savage asked about models from other jurisdictions. The director cited examples from Cumberland, Frostburg, Sykesville, Berlin, and Frederick, noting that successful programs typically operate on a rule-of-thirds funding (grants, fundraising, municipal support). - Alderwoman Alsip Johnson raised concerns about event diversity and outreach. The director agreed to coordinate with the special events coordinator and explore ways to broaden programming. The chair (Alderman) also noted the state has authorized local tax credits for main streets/arts districts and expressed interest in developing a targeted incentive program. Maritime Apprenticeship Program (ID 7126) - The director reported progress: Port Annapolis plans to register another apprentice, and the Maritime Trades Association of Maryland will register an apprentice at Full Keel Marine in July. They are awaiting a $50,000 grant payment to expand the pipeline. - Alderman Savage asked about reaching out to Anne Arundel Public Schools and the Seafarers Union. The director acknowledged a delay in coordinating a tour of the union's facility but committed to scheduling it. The committee discussed the six-apprentice pilot target and the need for data to inform future budget decisions. General Economic Development Update (ID 826) - The director presented data on new businesses: 16 new businesses opened in the first six months of 2026, creating 96 full-time and 26 part-time positions (109 full-time equivalents). The busiest month was April. Notable openings: Peter Chang's restaurant and Señor's Market. Building permits totaled nearly $10 million, mostly alterations, with key projects at the county courthouse, 150 South Street, and Maryland Hall. - A new initiative to create an economic development brand is underway, partnering with Chandler Thinks of Franklin, TN. Target industries: maritime (especially autonomous naval systems and blue tech), environmental technology, and AI. The director announced that BAI Labs, an AI firm focused on environmental engineering, has signed a lease and will locate in Annapolis, bringing five engineering jobs. - Alderman Savage raised concerns about permitting delays and the outdoor dining code. The director acknowledged learning curve issues with the new outdoor dining regulations and agreed to gather feedback from businesses before next season. The chair mentioned interest in annexation to bring county parcels into the city and the need to streamline permitting. Public Comments & Testimony - Steven Marciniac, a resident (1204 Maple Avenue, Annapolis), testified about his plan to open a distillery tasting room on Main Street. He is developing a half-alcohol-content whiskey (20% ABV) and would use a contract distiller (McClintock Distilling in Frederick). He noted that the city code appears to prohibit a tasting room without food service; he seeks a path to allow a small tasting room. Aldermen expressed support and directed him to work with the Economic Development Director to find a solution. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the agenda items. The committee received updates and provided guidance. - The Economic Development Director was directed to explore a path forward for Mr. Marciniac's distillery tasting room, including clarifying code definitions. - The committee agreed to revisit the outdoor dining code and permitting process in future meetings. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote (all ayes). The meeting adjourned.

The Annapolis City Council held a special meeting on June 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included a ceremonial item for the city's 250th anniversary, a presentation from the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) program, the mayor's update on various city matters, committee reports, public comments, a public hearing on the Art in Public Places Commission ordinance, fund transfers, supplemental appropriations, and multiple legislative actions on second and first readings. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Mark Margules (113 Conduit Street) spoke against Ordinance O-12-26 (Bedrooms for the People), arguing it constitutes government overreach by requiring a $125 license fee and home inspection for homeowners renting a room. She stated enforcement would be selective and burdensome. - Sven Storm (owner of Storm Brothers Ice Cream) complained that the City Dock construction project by Whiting Turner has worsened flooding at his store, contrary to promises. He also raised concerns about parking shortages in the historic district, alleging that premium parking enforcement is ineffective, and requested dedicated resident parking on Prince George Street. Ceremonial Item: Annapolis 250th Anniversary - The city's poet laureate, Jeff Holland, introduced a poetry reading event "Poets Afloat for Annapolis 250" scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Dock. Poems were read by poet Laley McNair Bactiar and Janice Booth, focusing on Annapolis history, including Lafayette, the Liberty Tree, and the 1774 tea burning. Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) Annual Report - Paul Bollinger, President and CEO of CRAB, presented the annual report. He highlighted that CRAB has a 20-year lease with the city at $1 per year and operates a fully accessible adaptive boating center. In the last year, CRAB served 1,755 guests (62% with disabilities), had 137 active volunteers donating over 5,000 hours, and hosted 158 on-water events. The organization is seeking to serve 2,000 guests in 2026. CRAB's summer camp with the police department lost city funding; Alderman Savage expressed hope to find a solution. CRAB is pursuing a $60,000 living shoreline restoration project. Council members praised the program. Mayor's Update - Mayor Littman thanked staff for successful Juneteenth celebrations (Carr's Beach, parade, festival). He reminded residents of the primary election on June 23 (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). He reported on a pre-application workshop for a proposed boutique hotel at City Dock (Latitude 38 space) by property owner Harvey Blonder; no formal plan is before the council. He announced the 4th of July/Annapolis 250 celebration weekend, including a Hamilton movie screening on July 3 and fireworks on July 4. He noted creation of a search committee for a new police chief. He also reported a traffic fatality on Forest Drive and a pedestrian incident, urging road safety. He addressed a social media post by the Annapolis Police Department regarding ICE activity, stating the post was made for transparency, not to express support or opposition. Committee Reports - Alderman Thorpe (Audit Committee): Meeting on Wednesday at 8 a.m. to discuss the audit engagement letter for FY26, a performance metrics plan, and creating processes for reporting fraud, waste, and abuse. - Alderman Savage (Environmental Matters Committee): Heard a presentation from Spa Creek Conservancy on water quality testing; water is cleaner than many think, with bacteria issues only after heavy rain or in shallow areas. The committee also discussed the Forest Conservation Act changes (O-16-26). - Alderwoman O'Neill (Public Safety Committee): Received updates from fire and police departments on summer safety plans, including camps, re-entry program, and internal affairs. A re-entry program participant shared his story. Public Hearings - Ordinance O-14-26 (Art in Public Places Commission) was opened for public hearing. Three speakers (Leah Weiss, Alison Harbaugh, Darren Gilliam) opposed the ordinance, arguing it strips the commission of decision-making power, contradicts state law on hotel tax funding, reduces membership from nine to five, and gives too much authority to the planning director. They requested the public comment period remain open. The council voted to hold the public hearing over to the next meeting on July 13. Business & Miscellaneous Items - Fund Transfer FT-13-26 was approved (voice vote, all in favor) to cover year-end cleanup. Alderman Huntley and Thorpe noted the finance committee's work to reduce future variances. - Supplemental Appropriation SA-23-26 (parking and transportation) was approved, subject to final reconciliation of invoices. Alderman Savage stated the need to ensure the amount is appropriate. Legislative Actions – Second Readings - Resolution R-19-26 (Finance Director Karen Ajay) was adopted unanimously (roll call vote, all aye). The council congratulated Ms. Ajay and thanked acting finance director Joel Flachgill. - Charter Amendment CA-1-26 (updating publication requirements for city charter and code) was amended (Alderman Savage's amendment requiring a printed copy available in the law office). The amended version was adopted on third reader unanimously. - Ordinance O-6-26 (oversight of city's firing range) was adopted on second and third reader unanimously. - Ordinance O-10-26 (reducing Human Relations Commission membership) was adopted on second and third reader unanimously. Legislative Actions – First Readers - Ordinance O-16-26 (Forest Conservation Program amendments to conform with state law) was adopted on first reader and referred to the Rules and City Government and Environmental Matters committees. Discussion included the need to meet a July 1 state deadline and potential amendments to ensure new standards apply to projects submitted before final passage. - Ordinance O-17-26 (right to park in front of residential private driveways) was adopted on first reader. Council members expressed support for the intent but noted concerns about implementation and enforcement; Alderman Smith Brown is working on amendments with stakeholders. - Resolution R-21-26 (designating City Attorney Anthony P. Cooper Smith as resident agent for service of process) was adopted on first reader by voice vote. Discussion noted a future code amendment to make the designation automatic. Key Outcomes - Approved FT-13-26 and SA-23-26. - Adopted R-19-26, CA-1-26 (as amended), O-6-26, O-10-26 on third reader unanimously. - Adopted O-16-26, O-17-26, and R-21-26 on first reader. - Held public hearing on O-14-26 over to July 13. - Referred O-16-26 to committee for further work.

The Finance Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on June 18, 2026, to consider several fund transfers, a supplemental appropriation, and proposed fees for long-term room rentals. All items received favorable recommendations to the full council, with some accompanied by requests for additional information and future holistic reviews. Consent Calendar - The agenda and meeting minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - FT 1326 – Fund Transfer for Transportation Fleet Operations: The committee reviewed a multi-department fund transfer for the fourth quarter. Dr. Kwaku (Transportation) explained that the transfer was needed due to higher-than-expected fuel costs, vacancy savings in salaries/benefits, and increased grant revenues. Corey Bradley (Central Services) detailed similar shifts for facilities and fleet operations, citing unfilled positions and a 70% year-over-year increase in fuel costs. Other departments (DPW snow removal, Planning & Zoning, Police, IT, and Finance) also presented justifications for their transfers. The committee expressed appreciation for the explanations but emphasized the need for more detailed reasoning in future budget processes. - SA 2326 – Supplemental Appropriation for Parking Fund: The committee discussed a $492,300 overage in the Metropolis parking contract due to unapproved payroll and data processing costs. City Manager Yolanda (as identified by context) noted that the city had not pre-authorized the overage and was reconciling the invoice. Alderman Thorpe initially opposed the transfer due to lack of detail but later supported it on good faith, given the June 30 fiscal year-end deadline. The committee approved the recommendation with the understanding that a detailed report would be provided at the next finance committee meeting. - Fees for Long-Term Room Rentals: The committee debated the appropriate fee for licensing long-term room rentals. Options ranged from $0 to $125 (the amount recommended by Planning & Zoning) to higher amounts. Aldermen Thorpe and O'Neill discussed the philosophy of fee-setting, alignment with other rental licenses, and the need for a holistic review of all rental licensing fees. Deputy City Manager Buckland discouraged delaying the item or boiling the ocean. The committee ultimately voted for a favorable recommendation at $125, coupled with a request for a comprehensive review of licensing fees across all rental categories. Key Outcomes - FT 1326: Motion for favorable recommendation to the City Council carried unanimously. - SA 2326: Motion for favorable recommendation carried, with the expectation that the city manager would provide a reconciled report on the Metropolis overage at the next finance committee meeting. - Fees for Long-Term Room Rentals: Motion for favorable recommendation at $125 carried, with a request for a holistic review of all rental licensing fees. - Finance Department Update: Deputy Finance Director nominee Ajayee reported on the finance transition, upcoming audit season, and plans to implement guardrails for contract overages.

This meeting of the Annapolis City Council featured two major segments: an annual update from Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) leadership and a press conference announcing the release of FEMA funding for the City Dock resilience project. The transcript also includes public service announcements and a brief presentation on the Golden Pass parking program. The meeting included remarks from Board of Education member Joanna Tobin, Superintendent Dr. Bedell, Mayor Jared Littman, County Executive Stuart Pittman, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Sarah Elfrith, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Maryland Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. Discussion Items: AACPS Annual Update - Enrollment Data: Dr. Tobin presented that AACPS is the fourth largest district in Maryland and 37th largest in the U.S., with 84,246 students. The Annapolis cluster experienced a significant enrollment decline, accounting for nearly 50% of the district's overall loss of approximately 750 students. Dr. Bedell attributed this to federal-level changes affecting ELL families. The district chose not to redistrict the Annapolis cluster due to the decline and the upcoming opening of New Village Academy, which will relieve Annapolis High School. - Attendance & Early Release Reform: Dr. Bedell highlighted that the district moved from a 180-day schedule to an hours-based system (House Bill 226), eliminating 8 of 12 early release days. Early release days disproportionately harmed hourly-wage families. The change led to statistically significant increases in attendance rates, especially in community schools. Data has been submitted for publication. - Academic Performance: The district achieved a record high of five-star rated schools (13% of schools, compared to 7% statewide). 95% of schools earned three stars or better, and only four schools (three of them middle schools) received two stars. Dr. Bedell set a goal to eliminate all two-star schools. - Advanced Placement & College Readiness: The district removed gatekeeper models for AP, PSAT, and SAT participation. PSAT takers rose from 4,800 to over 15,000; SAT takers among 11th graders increased from 3,300 to 85%. College and career readiness (CCR) marks increased from 1,300 to over 6,400. Despite expanded access, the percentage of students scoring 3+ on AP exams increased every year, with the largest gains among African American, Hispanic, and free/reduced lunch students. National Merit Scholars increased from one to nine, all finalists. - Graduation Rates: The district anticipates a 90% graduation rate for the class of 2026, driven by a reduction in credit requirements from 26 to 23 (state minimum). Eleven comprehensive high schools achieved 90% or better; none were below 82.5%. Annapolis High School is expected to reach 90% within two years. - Educational Options: Programs like Phoenix Academy, evening high school, and the Teen Parent Education Program (with its first teen dad graduate) are located in Annapolis. - Aftercare Needs: Dr. Tobin emphasized that Annapolis cluster elementary schools lack affordable aftercare compared to county schools, which charges $5/month for low-income families vs. $300/month in the city. This gap contributes to enrollment decline and is a priority for partnership between the city and schools. - Mentorship: Dr. Bedell and the school system requested city employee involvement in mentoring, potentially on city time. A new mentorship coordinator, Andre Dillard, oversees the program. Discussion Items: City Dock Funding Announcement - FEMA Funding Released: After years of delay, FEMA released $33 million plus an additional $2.5 million for the Annapolis City Dock resilience project. The breakthrough followed a coordinated effort by the Maryland congressional delegation, including Senator Van Hollen, Congresswoman Elfrith, and former Congressman Sarbanes, as well as calls to the Pentagon and Navy regarding impacts on the Naval Academy. - Project Funding Breakdown: Total project funding now includes $24 million from the Hillman Garage concession agreement, $10 million from the state of Maryland, $4.8 million in federal earmarks, $2 million from Anne Arundel County, and city bond funds. Mayor Littman confirmed all funding is in place. - Project Significance: The City Dock project is designed to mitigate flooding from rising seas and king tides, protecting historic waterfront, local businesses, and the Naval Academy. It is expected to serve as a national model for climate resilience. Secretary Strickland noted a $6 return for every $1 invested in mitigation. - Recognitions: Mayor Littman and other speakers thanked former Mayor Gavin Buckley for the initial vision, city staff (Eileen Fogarty, Kevin Simmons, David Mendel, Burr Vogel, Matt Fleming), and the entire “Team Maryland” including state and local partners. Key Outcomes - The city council received the AACPS annual update and discussed partnership opportunities regarding aftercare, mentoring, summer meals programs (Alderman Savage raised concerns about underserved communities), and technology challenges (Canvas LMS rollout). No formal votes were taken on these items. - The FEMA funding announcement was celebrated as a major milestone, with all necessary funds now secured for the City Dock resilience project. Project execution will proceed through design and construction phases. - Mayor Littman indicated he is working on a solution for aftercare in the next budget cycle (not the upcoming school year). - The council agreed to follow up on the maritime apprenticeship program and mentorship policy for city employees via email.

The Annapolis Public Safety Committee met on June 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM to discuss summer safety plans and receive presentations from the Internal Affairs Department, the Reentry Program, the Annapolis Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Management. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from April 15, 2026, and featured detailed updates on police accountability, reentry services, and seasonal emergency preparedness. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the agenda as written. - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items Internal Affairs, Police Accountability Board (PAB), and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) Presentation - Lakeisha Blue, Director of Internal Affairs for the Annapolis Police Department, explained the complaint process for police misconduct, including four possible findings: sustained, not sustained, exonerated, and unfounded. - Kenneth Vincent Jr., Chair of the ACC, reported that since July 1, 2022, the ACC has reviewed 88 cases from the Annapolis Police Department. Of those, 42.2% were unfounded, 31.9% resulted in administrative charges, and 24.9% were exonerated. He noted a significant improvement in case turnaround times and a downward trend in complaints. - Jeanette Ortiz, Chair of the PAB, described the board’s oversight role, including policy recommendations and annual reporting. She highlighted that the PAB meets eight out of twelve months and issues a detailed annual report (most recent for 2025). - Committee members asked for comparative data from prior years and were told it could be provided. Ortiz expressed willingness to share legislative recommendations to improve the state’s police accountability law. Reentry Program Presentation - Captain Lamar Howard, Officer PFC Robert Horn, David Ball (a program graduate), and Vanessa Bright (Executive Director of Maryland Reentry Resource Center) presented the Positive Impact Program (PIP), launched in June 2020. The program has served over 300 returning citizens, offering housing, vocational training (e.g., HVAC, CDL, automotive), and peer support. - David Ball shared his personal story: incarcerated for 41 years, released in September 2024, and now employed as a case manager and health manager after completing the program. - Vanessa Bright raised a concern that the program received no funding from the city in the latest budget cycle, despite years of partnership. She requested an explanation. Committee members (including Alderman Smith Brown) expressed strong support and promised to investigate and advocate for future funding. - Officer Horn noted that the program is open to anyone, not just recently incarcerated individuals, and that the 18th class is graduating in August 2026. Summer Safety Plan – Annapolis Police Department - Acting Chief Amy Miguel and Deputy Chief Stanley Brantford outlined the summer crime plan (May–August). Key goals: reduce gun violence, violent crime, property crime, and increase community engagement. - Strategies include focused patrols in high-crime areas, bicycle and foot patrols, traffic enforcement on Forest Drive and West Street, and community outreach at summer camps and events. - Staffing update: 118 sworn officers (authorized 125), with active hiring and increased applications. - The department reported a downward trend in crime for the first part of 2026 and aims to keep summer crime below 2025 levels. Summer Safety Plan – Annapolis Fire Department - Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Lopez presented the fire department’s summer safety initiative, focusing on marine rescue, special event preparedness, responder health, and community risk reduction. - Key partnerships include the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland Natural Resources Police, and Anne Arundel County Fire. - The department emphasized data-driven deployment and enhanced responder wellness protocols for heat stress. Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Presentation - Deputy Director Dave Mandel discussed cooling center operations (activated four times so far, with a fifth expected), the special assistance roster for vulnerable residents, and a new city heat-related illness plan for personnel. - OEM is conducting summer outreach to older Annapolitans, covering personal safety, emergency preparedness, and heat safety. - Mandel provided an update on the recent storm: all power restored, two families displaced, and ongoing recovery efforts. He noted that the storm’s 60–70 mph winds were unexpected and caused tree damage that was difficult to prevent. - Committee members discussed tree tracking and replanting after storms, with a suggestion to coordinate with the urban forester. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the agenda and minutes from April 15, 2026. - Committee members committed to following up on funding for the Reentry Program and requested contact information for future collaboration. - The committee expressed appreciation for all presentations and noted that the Internal Affairs presentation would likely become an annual update. - No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the meeting adjourned after all presentations and Q&A.

The Environmental Matters Committee met on June 11, 2026, from 3:03 PM to 5:03 PM to receive updates on Spa Creek water quality, state forest conservation legislation, and city resilience and sustainability initiatives. All three committee members were present. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved on a voice vote. - The minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting were approved. Discussion Items - State of Spa Creek (ID-34-26): Amy Clements (Spa Creek Conservancy) and Tammy Domanski (Anne Arundel Community College) presented 10 years of water quality monitoring data. Key findings: - Bacteria levels are primarily driven by rainfall; 2025 was a dry year but rain often fell the day before sampling, leading to elevated bacteria counts. Nearly half of sampling days were affected by rain, and one third by more than an inch. - Geometric mean bacteria concentrations exceeded the 35 CFU/100 mL threshold at all monitored sites in 2025, worsening from 2024. - Nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and chlorophyll showed decreases in scores; dissolved oxygen also declined in 2025 but long-term trends show improvement at some sites. - Source typing for bacteria and nutrients remains inconclusive; DNA testing by a private company was poor. A collaboration with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is being explored. - The committee discussed swimming safety, signage, and public education. Alderman Savidge presented a plaque to Tammy Domanski for a decade of data collection. - Urban Forester Update (ID-136-26): City Forester Brian Adams summarized state legislation (HB 1511 and SB 526) that moves Maryland from "no net loss" to a "net gain" forest policy, effective July 1, 2026. Major changes include: - 1:1 mitigation ratio (already city practice). - Urban forests as priority retention areas. - Exemptions for solar facilities, transit-oriented development, and multifamily housing (25+ units). - New alternatives like planted green infrastructure. - The committee will introduce legislation in July under a compressed schedule to adopt state requirements. Alderman Savidge also proposed parallel legislation to ensure multifamily projects over 20 units still have tree canopy requirements. - Resilience & Sustainability Update (ID-3-26): Deputy City Manager Jackie Guild reported: - Energy Efficiency: Free LED retrofits completed at Forest Drive Fire Station; projected annual savings of $12,000–$85,000 across multiple city buildings. A $400,000 state grant will fund a detailed streetlight audit; purchasing BGE-owned lights could save $1.8M over 20 years (4.4-year payback). - Solar: Community solar contract with Sun Central saves $66,000–$127,000 per year. New residential solar partnership with Solar United Neighbors launched. - Electric Ferry: Awaiting FTA ruling on cash vs. in-kind match; $250,000 contribution secured from marina development. RFI/RFQ due October 2026. - Leaf Blower Enforcement: Three citations upheld in court; proposed part-time enforcement position ($55,000) needs council funds. Rebate program for landscapers has $30,000 remaining. - Electric Vehicles: Charging infrastructure at police station planned; fleet assessment funded by BGE (city pays $2,500). Key Outcomes - The committee will consider recurring Spa Creek updates. - Forest conservation ordinance update will be fast-tracked for July passage; parallel legislation on multifamily projects may be introduced. - Streetlight purchase and LED conversion will advance using grant and alternative financing. - Leaf blower enforcement position will be presented for council budget consideration. - Electric ferry project continues; FTA response on match flexibility expected.

The Annapolis City Council met on June 8, 2026, to handle ceremonial items, receive updates from the mayor, approve the FY2027 budget, appoint the human resources director, and address public comments. The meeting included a closed session for personnel and collective bargaining discussions. Key outcomes included unanimous passage of the budget and several resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approved consent calendar including journal proceedings, regular meeting minutes (CCM 5-11-26), special meeting minutes (CCM 5-21-26 and CCM 5-26-26), and supplemental appropriation for a fire grant (S 22-26). Public Comments & Testimony - Sven Storm (120 & 130 Dock Street) expressed strong support for Mayor Littman's efforts on FEMA funding, public housing equity, and police responsiveness. He requested addressing public bathroom conditions at City Dock and parking enforcement on Prince George Street, noting that his store still floods due to filters left in storm drains by contractors. - Wendy Hallett (311 Chesapeake Avenue, Ward 8) asked for repainting of street parking brackets in Eastport to improve efficiency, as cars often park inefficiently, wasting space. She requested a low-cost fix with paint markings. - No public speakers for the public hearing on Charter Amendment CA-226 (expanding Board of Supervisors of Elections). Discussion Items - Mayor's Update: Mayor Littman highlighted the collaborative FY27 budget process and an op-ed in the Capital Gazette. He announced two new "Trending Topics" posts: one on the Stanton Center renovation (planning and design starting summer 2026) and one on a proposed $15 million settlement resolving HACA public housing lawsuits. He recognized emergency management staff awards (M.K. Seborowski as Maryland Emergency Manager of the Year; David Mendel for the City Dock Project mitigation award). Event announcements included a National Eucharist Procession (June 10), the Golden Pass parking program, Juneteenth celebrations (June 19-20), and Pride month (parade in October). He also nominated Charles Hall for Human Resources Director and Karen Ajay for Finance Director. - Committee Reports: - Environmental Matters (Alderman Savage): Upcoming meeting (June 11) will feature a Spa Creek Conservancy water quality report and a briefing on state forest conservation act changes. - Rules and City Government (Alderman Smith-Brown): Recommended favorably three items: updating publication requirements for the City Charter and Code (with an amendment for paper copies), updating oversight of the city firing range (allowing police chief to designate access), and reducing the Human Relations Commission membership (sponsored by Alderwoman Conte). - Public Safety (Alderwoman O'Neill): Next meeting (June 17) will cover summer safety plans from three public safety departments and an update on the reentry program. - First Reader Items: - Ordinance O-14-26 (Art in Public Places) adopted and referred to Rules and City Government Committee. - Resolution R-19-26 (Finance Director Karen Ajay) – motion to suspend rules withdrawn after discussion; will be heard on second reader at next meeting. - Second Reader Items: - Resolution R-18-26 (Human Resources Director Charles Hall) adopted unanimously. - Resolution R-10-26 (Fee Schedule) adopted as amended unanimously. - Resolution R-11-26 (FY2027 Fines Schedule) adopted as amended unanimously after clarification that the short-term rental licensing fee increase applies only to renewals during the moratorium, not new licenses. - Resolution R-12-26 (FY2027 Position Classifications and Pay Plan) adopted unanimously. - Budget Adoption: - Ordinance O-08-26 (Annual Budget and Appropriation and Property Tax Levy) – amendment LB1 (balancing amendment) added. Adopted on second and third reader unanimously. Council members praised the collaborative process. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of FY2027 budget and property tax levy. - Confirmation of Charles Hall as Human Resources Director. - Adoption of updated fee schedule, fines schedule, and position classifications/pay plan. - Finance director nomination (Karen Ajay) advanced to second reader. - Committee recommendations forwarded for future council action. - Next finance committee meeting rescheduled to June 18 at 2:30 p.m.

The Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:37 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Alderman Smith-Brown and adjourned at 7:11 PM. Present were Alderman Smith-Brown, Alderman Schandelmeier, and Alderman Thorp. The committee approved the agenda and the minutes from May 7, 2026, by voice vote. Four legislative items were considered and all received favorable recommendations. Discussion Items CA-1-26 – Updating Requirements for Publication of the Charter and Code - Sponsored by Littmann. This legislation removes outdated charter provisions, allows for electronic or paper publication, and updates codification requirements. Assistant City Attorney Berger and Legislative & Policy Analyst Reuter answered questions. The 90-day deadline for action was June 8, 2026. Alderman Savidge’s Amendment 1, requiring at least one printed copy be maintained in the Office of Law, was discussed. It was noted that physical copies are already provided at no additional cost through the Municode subscription. The amendment was recommended favorably by voice vote. The main bill, as amended, was also recommended favorably. O-6-26 – Oversight of the City’s Firing Range - Sponsored by Littmann. Allows the Police Chief, along with the Mayor, to approve use of the police firing range. Acting Chief of Police Miguez confirmed the chief can designate an acting chief when absent, and that the change streamlines approval. The committee recommended the ordinance favorably by voice vote. O-9-26 – Updating the Standing Committees Section of the City Code - Sponsored by Savidge, Smith-Brown, and Schandelmeier. Expands Environmental Matters Committee oversight to certain provisions of Title 17 and Title 21; clarifies the Rules Committee’s scope; updates Economic Matters Committee to cover technology and workforce; establishes automatic and discretionary referral procedures. Assistant City Manager Buckland and Assistant City Attorney Berger answered questions. Three amendments were considered: - Amendment 1 (Huntley): Removes the fixed date of the second Monday in May for budget review, allowing the council to set the date annually by resolution. Recommended favorably (voice vote). - Amendment 2 (Littmann): Limits ordinance or resolution referrals to no more than two committees, with joint meetings encouraged. Alderman Smith-Brown abstained; the other two members voted aye. Recommended favorably. - Amendment 3 (Littmann) was not discussed separately but was part of the amended package. The full ordinance, as amended, was recommended favorably by voice vote. O-10-26 – Reducing the Human Relations Commission Membership - Sponsored by Contee. Reduces membership from 15 to 9 with a transition period for existing members. Alderman Schandelmeier explained the commission currently has only five sworn members and cannot achieve quorum. Reducing the size will allow quorum with existing appointees. The committee recommended the ordinance favorably by voice vote. Key Outcomes - CA-1-26 recommended favorably as amended (voice vote). - O-6-26 recommended favorably (voice vote). - O-9-26 recommended favorably with amendments (voice vote; Smith-Brown abstained on Amendment 2). - O-10-26 recommended favorably (voice vote). - Future meeting: Alderman Smith-Brown requested inviting the County Board of Elections to the July 2, 2026 meeting to discuss the reported 500,000 ballots that constituents did not receive.

The Finance Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on June 3, 2026, at 10:36 AM in City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Alderman Huntley and adjourned at 11:47 AM. The committee approved two supplemental appropriations, discussed a fee resolution for rooming houses, and received an update from the Finance Department. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the May 6, 2026 Regular Meeting and the May 11, 2026 Special Meeting on a voice vote. Approval of Agenda - The agenda was approved on a voice vote. Supplemental Appropriations - SA-21-26: A fire department grant for defibrillators was approved favorably on a voice vote. - SA-22-26: This appropriates $683,200 from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration SS4A (FY24) Grant and $159,700 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the Safe Streets & Roads Project. Chief of Comprehensive Planning Eric Leshinsky and Grant Administrator Suzanne Flaherty explained the project, which includes a citywide mobility action plan and demonstration projects on Forest Drive. The committee discussed city overhead and capital reserve fund usage. The motion to recommend favorably carried on a voice vote. Legislation - R-17-26: Fees Related to O-11-26, Allowing Long-Term Room Rentals in Private Homes. Assistant Finance Director Sean Doyle and Legislative & Policy Analyst Cynthia Reuter answered questions. The committee debated whether the $125 fee would fully offset costs. A motion to postpone until the next meeting (June 17, 2026) carried on a voice vote, with Alderman Thorpe requesting a more precise cost estimate from the Finance Department. General Discussion - ID-7-26: Finance Department Update. Sean Doyle reported on the budget process, the hiring of an office manager, and plans for a budget after-action report. The committee discussed the frequency of financial reports, with Alderman Thorp advocating for monthly reports and Alderwoman O'Neill and staff supporting quarterly projections. The next meeting was rescheduled to June 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM due to the Maryland Municipal League conference. Key Outcomes - Supplemental appropriations SA-21-26 and SA-22-26 were recommended favorably. - R-17-26 was postponed to the next Finance Committee meeting (rescheduled to June 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM). - The committee requested a detailed cost estimate for rooming house fees from the Finance Department. - The next meeting was moved from June 17 to June 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM, pending television studio availability.