Public Meetings - Annapolis, Maryland

This work session, held at 4:30 PM on February 19, 2026, focused primarily on the presentation of ID 38-26: an overview of the city's comprehensive rezoning initiative, "Zoning Unlocked." The session included extensive discussion of current zoning districts, proposed consolidations, and future land use goals outlined in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Public Comments & Testimony - Jean shared her personal history growing up in Skidmore, her church involvement at Asbury Broadneck, and her work helping the homeless through a winter relief program. She emphasized the importance of community, love, and understanding, and spoke about her family's voting tradition, particularly her grandmother Lena Holland Foreman. Jean also expressed concerns about the loss of affordable housing and properties being sold at low prices only to be resold at high values, pushing out working-class residents. - Lewis Day (Mooney Day) recounted his music career, including performing at Carr's Beach with bands like Mooney Day and the Moonlighters. He described Carr's Beach as a vital cultural hub for Black entertainment and discussed the history of Bates High School, the only Black high school in Anne Arundel County at the time. He highlighted the value of community and the importance of preserving such history. Discussion Items - Overview of Zoning Unlocked: Eric Lushinski, Alexa Robinson, and Casey Urties from the Department of Planning and Zoning presented the initiative. The city currently has 32 zoning districts (including one unused), which is excessive for an 8-square-mile city. The presentation contrasted the current zoning map with the future land use map from the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, noting that Charlottesville, Virginia has already aligned its zoning with its plan. - Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District: Successful community engagement led to recommendations to allow increased density without disrupting character, such as small multi-family units and traffic calming measures (center lane, parking lane, speed camera planned). - Open Space Zoning District: Staff discovered an existing but unused open space zone from 2005. They propose applying it to parks, conservation easements, cemeteries, and certain public school properties to clarify that these lands are protected from development. Discussion included concerns from residents about environmental enhancement areas in Wardour and Admiral Heights; staff clarified these are not binding and reflect stewardship goals. - Zoning Consolidation Recommendations: Staff recommended consolidating eight specific zones (R1A, R1B, R3R, BR, B3CD, C1A, C2P) into fewer, more consistent districts. For example, R1A would become R1 (single-family) except for a conservation easement area; Parkside Preserve would move from R1B to R3 to match its actual density. The B3CD and BR zones along West Street and Clay Street respectively would become MX (mixed-use) to allow more residential development, with auto dealerships becoming non-conforming. - Downtown Historic District Zones: Staff proposed converting most C1A (conservation residence) parcels to C1, which allows multi-family uses (currently restricted to 1,800 sq. ft. minimum units), and adjusting C2P parcels to reflect existing residential or office uses. The bulk standard for dwelling units (currently 1,800 sq. ft.) was identified as a barrier to creating smaller, more affordable units. - Alderman Savage emphasized the need to pair zoning changes with infrastructure improvements such as complete streets, transit enhancements, and cycling infrastructure to address community concerns. Alderman Huntley noted that without building in the city, development will occur elsewhere with possibly worse infrastructure. Alderman Smith Brown requested that the department provide legislation to the mayor and council as soon as possible, and asked about a public portal for zoning information. Staff confirmed that a map viewer and survey will be available during public outreach. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken; this was a work session to discuss proposals. - Staff will continue public engagement with open houses scheduled for March 30, 2026 (at Bush Library and Miller Library). - A notification tool (online map viewer) and accompanying survey will be released during the public comment period. - Final recommendations will be compiled into a report for the council's legislative process. - Staff will provide the meeting presentation (including updated dates) to the council.

The Finance Committee of the City of Annapolis met on February 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM in City Council Chambers. Chair Alderwoman O'Neill called the meeting to order with Alderman Thorp present and Alderman Huntley absent. The committee reviewed appointments, a supplemental appropriation, a legislative resolution on a paddlecraft rack pilot, and a finance department update. All motions were approved by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved by voice vote. - Approval of Minutes (FC 2.4.26): Postponed to the next meeting on March 4, 2026. Discussion Items - AP-12-26 Appointment – Mr. Ross Arnett to the Financial Advisory Commission: Mr. Arnett, who helped form the commission, stated the mayor asked him to serve to improve FAC interaction with the council. He discussed the FAC’s potential role in budget formulation and confidential union negotiations. The committee recommended approval favorably by voice vote. - SA-15-26 Grant – Anne Arundel County: Senator Amoss Grant for Fire: Fire Chief Remaley reported the grant was $734.60 more than budgeted. The committee recommended approval by voice vote. - R-4-26 Extending the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project: Deputy City Manager Guild noted only two people signed up due to poor advertising and high fees. The resolution extends the pilot to December 2026 and reduces the residential fee from $300 to $150 (non‑resident fee remains $300). The committee voted favorably after waiting for an amendment from the Office of Law that did not arrive. - ID-7-26 Finance Department Update: Acting Finance Director Pallikal introduced new Deputy Director Karen Ajayi, who has over 20 years of experience, including at Deloitte, CliftonLarsonAllen, and Anne Arundel County where she helped achieve a AAA bond rating. The committee discussed receiving regular, trend‑focused briefings rather than only quarterly reports. The permanent Finance Director position was posted on February 17, 2026. Key Outcomes - AP-12-26 (Arnett appointment): Recommended favorably to City Council. - SA-15-26 (fire grant): Recommended favorably to City Council. - R-4-26 (paddlecraft pilot extension): Recommended favorably to City Council. - Minutes of FC 2.4.26 postponed to March 4, 2026. - The committee expects monthly, substantive finance updates from the department. - The meeting adjourned at 10:57 AM.

The Annapolis Public Safety Committee met on February 18, 2026, to receive a comprehensive presentation from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) on its programs, challenges, and response to the January 2026 winter storm. The meeting included detailed staff introductions, a review of special events planning, the winter relief program, and an in-depth after-action of the storm response. The committee expressed appreciation for OEM's work and discussed budget and resource needs. Consent Calendar - The agenda for the meeting was approved via voice vote. - The minutes from the January 21, 2026 regular meeting were approved via voice vote. Discussion Items - OEM Overview & Staff Introduction: Director Kevin Simmons introduced his seven-person team, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and tenures. He stated that OEM has the smallest city department budget ($762,000) but has brought in $23 million in grant funding from 2010 to 2024, supporting all city departments. He noted that FY25 grant funding has been delayed and that a supplemental budget request is forthcoming. - Special Events Planning (Patrick Kamar): OEM provides technical planning for major events, having logged 477 planning hours and 146 operations hours (623 total) in 2025. Upcoming 2026 events include St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Annapolis 250 (July 3-4), and the Military Bowl. The Annapolis 250 celebration is expected to draw 10,000–15,000 visitors. - Winter Relief Program (Kyle Lepkowski): The program, now in its 16th year, aims to prevent deaths from exposure. For the first time in 16 years, a person died during an Arctic blast. The program operated 24 hours for eight days this winter, costing $8,740 for staffing alone. The program is out of budget and seeking additional funds to cover the season through April 30. OEM’s usual allocation is $37,000. - Planning Program (Mary Kate Seborowski): OEM manages approximately 50 plans, prioritizing the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Continuity of Operations (COOP), and Continuity of Government (COG). Plans take months to years to update. - Winter Storm Response: - Activation: The EOC activated for 11 operational periods (approximately 11 hours each) with red and blue teams. The city declared a state of emergency and implemented Phase 3 of the snow emergency plan (essential travel only). - National Guard: The mayor requested National Guard support for high-clearance vehicle transport and EOC coordination. - Call Center: Received 745 calls (a record, including a single-day record of 155 calls) from January 26–30, 2026. Calls were categorized and tracked for public works. - Hotel Costs: 50 hotel bookings for essential employees cost $12,010.68. - Vulnerable Populations: The Special Assistance Roster was used to coordinate support for residents needing dialysis or medication. Navy midshipmen volunteered to shovel snow near Gate 1; committee members noted the need to expand volunteer coverage to other parts of the city. - Warming Center: Operated for 204 continuous hours with 464 patron visits. Multiple activations exceeded 31 patrons, requiring additional staff. - Messaging (Karina Rosenbaum): OEM posted 14 times across platforms, reaching 40,000 unique viewers and 67,000 total views. Top posts featured behind-the-scenes EOC content. - Committee Feedback: Alderwoman Contee was acknowledged for cooking meals for the warming center. Alderman Smith-Brown and others urged OEM not to be frugal in requesting needed resources and suggested tracking calls by ward. The committee requested the slide deck for future reference. Key Outcomes - The committee expressed strong support for increasing the winter relief budget to avoid future shortfalls. - The committee recommended that OEM prepare a data breakdown of call center calls by ward for future incidents. - The committee directed OEM to share its presentation slides with the full council. - The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM.

The Environmental Matters Committee met on February 12, 2026 from 3:04 PM to 5:07 PM. The meeting covered multiple agenda items including a public comment from a local nonprofit, legislation on performance standards and a water service agreement, a tree canopy presentation, a stormwater fee incentive program update, and a resilience and sustainability update. Key decisions included postponing the performance standards legislation and recommending approval of the water service agreement. Consent Calendar - Approval of the meeting agenda and the minutes from January 8, 2026 were both approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew Wallace (Joy Groves, 701 Chesapeake Avenue) presented a proposal to create a half-acre community farm in Eastport, a designated food desert. The project aims to produce over 100,000 servings of fresh vegetables in two growing seasons and includes a greenhouse. Wallace expressed full support for community partnerships and addressing food insecurity. Committee members commended the project and offered assistance, including potential tree planting support from the city arborist. Discussion Items - R-1-26 Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Statement of Performance Standards: Alderman Savidge noted that departments are updating their standards and requested postponement to incorporate more specific metrics (e.g., tree canopy goals, stormwater inspections, greenhouse gas metrics). Alderwoman Contee moved to postpone; the motion carried by voice vote. - R-3-26 Water Service Agreement with North Point Property LLC: This agreement authorizes water service extension to 1053 Chesapeake Harbour Road for a single-family home. The committee recommended favorable approval; motion carried. - ID-39-26 Tree Canopy Discussion: Urban Forester Brian Adams presented an update on the city's tree canopy. Current canopy coverage is 43% (1,966 acres). The goal is 50% by 2050, requiring 308 additional acres. In the past year, 395 trees were planted. Adams proposed increasing plantings to 450/year, adding a staff position, and updating code and policies. Discussion included challenges of impervious surface coverage (only 7% of canopy covers impervious surfaces), potential for tree planting at schools and parks, and the need for better tree preservation enforcement. - ID-6-26 Stormwater Fee Incentive/Rebate Program: Stormwater Engineer Ann Roderer and Program Manager Mike Rossberg presented an overview of the stormwater utility fee and proposed changes to the non-residential fee structure (from a tiered approach to an ERU-based measured impervious area approach). The goal is more equitable billing and incentivizing stormwater management for large properties. The presentation was paused to continue at the next meeting, covering residential fees and the credit program. Alderman Savidge requested a Stantec analysis on the long-term revenue impact of the proposed changes. - ID-3-26 Resilience & Sustainability Update: Deputy City Manager Jackie Guild provided updates on energy efficiency programs (addressing rising electric rates), electric vehicle fleet planning (a $2,500 program with BGE providing a detailed inventory), a marine plastic debris initiative (boat wrap recycling through a State Department fellow), and greenhouse gas inventory updates. She also mentioned drafting a climate action plan for release in April. Key Outcomes - R-1-26 (Performance Standards) was postponed to the next committee meeting. - R-3-26 (Water Service Agreement) was recommended favorably and will move forward. - Stormwater staff were asked to return next meeting with the residential portion of the fee presentation and an analysis of the long-term health of the watershed restoration fund. - Urban Forester Adams was asked to provide ideas for an additional staff position in the upcoming budget. - Director of Public Works Vogel was requested to give an update on the City Dock seawall/flood barrier at the March or April meeting, including the finalized technology, reasons for the shift, and storage plans. - Deputy City Manager Guild was asked to provide a map from AMRI of the top 10 flood mitigation projects on the Eastport Peninsula and to present the greenhouse gas inventory update. - The committee will continue discussions on waste reduction legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics and enhancing commercial recycling.

The Transportation Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 4:04 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Alderwoman Allsup-Johnson, with Alderman Rob Savidge present and Alderman Schandelmeier absent. The agenda and minutes from January 14, 2026, were approved via voice vote. Key discussions included the speed camera program expansion, updates on the Hillman Garage and parking operations, and the Transportation Department's initiatives. Consent Calendar - The agenda for the February 11, 2026 regular meeting was approved without changes via voice vote (Alderman Savidge moved, seconded). - The minutes from the January 14, 2026 regular meeting (TC 1.14.26) were approved via voice vote (Alderman Savidge moved, seconded). Discussion Items Speed Camera Program Expansion (ID-10-26) - Presenters: Assistant City Attorney Ashley Leonard, Captain of the Patrol Division Thacker, and Patrol Officer Wang from the Annapolis Police Department. - Key Details: The city is finalizing contract negotiations with vendor RedSpeed. A second speed study was delayed due to winter weather, but RedSpeed agreed to proceed using initial data. Three of four proposed camera locations have been approved based on violation data: - West Street near the library - Tyler Avenue near Stephanie Lane - Edgewood Road near Tallwood Road/Brightwater Drive - The fourth location (Duke of Gloucester Street) was dropped due to low violation numbers. - Contractual Issues: City Attorney Leonard reported that many contract terms are confidential, including pricing models, but RedSpeed may share limited information. Alderman Savidge raised concerns about council control over camera locations and the need to potentially renegotiate the old contract to reflect new state laws enacted in Fall 2025. Captain Thacker noted that switching vendors would require replacing all equipment and systems, making it a lengthy process. The committee discussed the possibility of putting the contract out for bid, though no decision was made. - Next Steps: A site visit with city engineers and RedSpeed is scheduled for the following Tuesday (February 17, 2026). The police department will continue reviewing contract details and report back. Transportation Department Update (ID-11-26) - Presenter: Director of Transportation Marcus Moore, with Metropolis SP+ representative Jon Kemp and Premium Parking Market President Jason Prola. - Magenta Shuttle Reroute: Starting March 2, 2026, the free downtown shuttle will be extended to serve City Dock businesses. The route will now run from Duke of Gloucester to Randall Street, then to Dock, Craig, and Prince George Streets. Hours: Mon-Thu 6 AM-11 PM, Fri 6 AM-midnight, Sat 8 AM-midnight, Sun 8 AM-8 PM. - AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) System: The department is waiting on St. Mary's County Transit to decide whether to release unused equipment from a joint procurement (originally with Harford County). If no response by end of February, the city will prepare a standalone RFP for MDOT MTA approval. - Electric Jitney (Eastport): The pilot program has seen limited success. The vehicle has no HVAC, limiting operations to warmer months, and battery life (approx. 6.5 hours) is a challenge. The vehicle has been involved in two minor collisions. Director Moore suggested evaluating alternative routes or locations. - School Bus Service for High School: A resident requested bus service to Annapolis High School. The county's public schools do not allow buses on campus; the nearest turnaround is at Heritage Complex on Riva Road. The Transportation Department is coordinating with county transit and a new board member (Phoenix) who submitted a white paper. MTA charter restrictions prevent dedicated school service, but a public route with stops could be established. - Marketing Position: Alderman Savidge noted the department lacks a dedicated marketing position, which was recommended by the Transportation Board. The committee may consider a budget recommendation. - Hillman Garage Operations (Parking Contractors): - Snow Response: Premium Parking reported that snow removal from Storm Fern was completed, though roof clearing ended late. Meetings are scheduled to address service area scope changes. - Elevators/EV Chargers: All elevators are operational; one EV charger remains out of service for an extended period due to a back-ordered part. A review of all EV charger equipment (managed by Boyd Watterson) is underway and may result in technology upgrades. - MVA/DMV Integration & LPR: After initial unresponsiveness, the state agreed to proceed with license plate recognition integration. Implementation will follow once red tape is cleared. - Resident Free Parking Automation: The two-hour free parking program for city residents (validated by license plate) has been automated. Residents no longer need physical credentials. Alderman Savidge requested data on utilization rates to evaluate the program's cost-effectiveness and potential pricing adjustments. - Occupancy Data: December saw high weekend occupancy, partly due to free holiday parking and Midnight Madness events. January weekday occupancy dropped, attributed to Storm Fern. Session (legislative) occupancy remains high at Gotts Court Garage. - Transportation Board Update (ID-12-26): The Transportation Board Chair was expected to present an update but arrived just before adjournment. A formal update was not provided; the committee agreed to follow up. Key Outcomes - Speed Camera Program: The committee acknowledged the three approved locations and the ongoing contract review. The police department will continue negotiations and provide updates at the next meeting. - Magenta Shuttle Reroute: Implementation confirmed for March 2, 2026, to support downtown businesses. - AVL System: The department will proceed with a standalone RFP if St. Mary's County does not respond by end of February 2026. - School Bus Service: The Transportation Department will coordinate with county transit and school officials; a report is expected at the March 11, 2026 meeting. - EV Charger Review: A system-wide evaluation is underway; updates to follow. - Automated Resident Parking: The automated two-hour free parking program is live; utilization data will be provided. - Committee Request: A follow-up presentation on the Jitney (electric cart) in Eastport was requested for the March 11, 2026 meeting. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:58 PM.

The Annapolis City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included a ceremonial proclamation for former Mayor Ellen O. Moyer, committee reports, public comments, discussions on houseboat regulations and short-term rental enforcement, and several legislative actions, including the debated adoption of a deputy chief of staff position. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar, which included the journal of proceedings (CCM 1126) and the regular meeting minutes, by a roll call vote of 8–0–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Arthur Roberts (108 Duke of Gloucester Street) spoke in strong opposition to making Duke of Gloucester Street a two-way street. He argued that it would worsen parking and traffic flow, increase danger for residents, churches, schools, and businesses, create congestion during St. Mary's student drop-offs and pickups, narrow sidewalks, require costly infrastructure changes (including fire hydrant relocation), and harm emergency vehicle access. He stated, "Duke of Gloucester must not be two-way traffic." - Matthew Wallace (701 Chesapeake Avenue) introduced the Eastport Community Farm project, a half-acre community farm at the end of Frederick Douglass Street, between Eastport Terraces and the Housing Authority HQ. He reported a successful pilot growing season in 2025 producing tens of thousands of vegetables, and announced a ribbon cutting on May 2, 2026. The project aims to produce 100,000 servings of fresh vegetables over two growing seasons and provide youth enrichment opportunities. Discussion Items - Proclamation Honoring Ellen O. Moyer: Mayor Littman read a proclamation declaring February 12, 2026 as "Ellen O. Moyer Day" in Annapolis, recognizing her as the first woman elected mayor (2001), her 16 years on the City Council, work on environmental stewardship (Annapolis Conservancy Board, Greenscape Program), and advocacy for education and equity. Former Mayor Moyer addressed the council, emphasizing accessibility and the importance of open dialogue between leaders and citizens. - Mayor's Update: Mayor Littman provided updates on Black History Month events, town halls (first held in Ward 7 on Feb 5, next in Ward 2 on Feb 12), the 100-day plan progress (including 19 staff roundtables, enhanced outreach on City Dock, faster permitting, parking improvements, and a 12-month moratorium on new short-term rental licenses), and recruitment for city manager and city attorney positions. - Committee Reports: - Alderwoman O'Neill reported that the Public Safety Committee met two weeks ago, receiving goals from fire, emergency management, and police departments; next meeting Feb 18. - Alderwoman Alsop Johnson reported Transportation Committee updates on speed cameras and transportation board; next meeting Feb 12. - Alderman Savage reported Environmental Matters Committee will meet Feb 12, discussing performance measurements legislation and receiving reports on tree canopy and water restoration fund. - Alderman Smith Brown reported Rules and City Government Committee voted favorably on O 41-25 (exempt service job changes), discussed property tax for child care centers, and received a presentation on the 2040 comprehensive plan; next meeting March 5, 2026. - Discussion on Houseboats / House Barges (ID 36-26): Harbormaster Beth Pellis and team presented recommendations from a 2025 task force, including: - Prohibiting short-term rentals on any boat in Annapolis waters - Prohibiting anchored boats in city waters during winter months (proposed Dec 1 – March 20) - Correcting mooring code (from 75-foot spacing between vessels to between moorings) Council members expressed broad support: Alderman Thorpe emphasized safety concerns and urged support; Alderman Savage raised potential uses for seasonal worker housing but opposed short-term rentals in maritime districts; Alderwoman O'Neill noted there are zero grandfathered houseboats. The council generally concurred with the prohibitions, but suggested refining winter anchoring dates. - Discussion on Short-Term Rental Enforcement (ID 37-26): Planning and Zoning Director Chris Kubiak and Chief of Code Enforcement John Manasseh reported: - Licensed STRs increased from 283 (June 2025) to 343 (Feb 2026); unlicensed listings dropped from 560 to 532 - Compliance rose from 50% to 65% - Enforcement includes letters, placards, and citations; 194 cases opened, 154 closed - Staffing challenges: the STR coordinator position authorized by council took over a year to fill (contracted admin assistant) and the department needs more resources - Council members discussed the need for a job description, a public list of licensed STRs, and better engagement with platforms like Airbnb. The moratorium (if passed) would allow staff to focus on unlicensed properties. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 02-26 (Mooring Requirements): Adopted on first reader (voice vote) and referred to Environmental Matters Committee and the Port Wardens, plus the Maritime Advisory Board. - Resolution 4-26 (Paddle Craft Rack Pilot Project Extension): Adopted on first reader (voice vote) and referred to Finance Committee. - Ordinance 41-25 (Exempt Service Job Classification – Deputy Chief of Staff): - A motion to postpone to February 23 failed (3 ayes, 4 nays, 1 abstention: roll call showed Savage, O'Neill aye; Shandelmeyer, Thorpe, Smith Brown (abstained?), Alsop Johnson nay; Conti, Smith Brown? — final tally: 3 yes, 4 no, 1 abstention) - A floor amendment from Alderman Savage to add duties and limitations for chief of staff and deputy chief of staff was defeated after legal review found it largely redundant or conflicting with existing code (roll call: 2 ayes, 5 nays) - The underlying legislation passed second reader (roll call: ayes 7, no 1 (Savage)) and third reader (roll call: ayes 7, no 1 (Savage)), establishing the deputy chief of staff position in the exempt service. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after brief remarks commending public works for water main repair in freezing temperatures.

The Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:34 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting, chaired by Alderman Smith-Brown, included Aldermen Schandelmeier and Thorp. The committee elected a chair, advanced a personnel ordinance, postponed a tax credit bill pending further expert testimony, and received a presentation on land value and infrastructure. Election of Chairman - Alderman Smith-Brown was unanimously elected as Chair of the Rules and City Government Committee pursuant to City Code Section 2.16.120, on a motion by Alderman Thorp, seconded and carried on voice vote. O-41-25: Changes in Exempt Service Job Classification - Presentation: Chief of Staff Garrity presented the rationale for adding a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor's Office, citing increased intergovernmental demands, the need for faster response, and better coordination across departments. The position would focus on policy portfolios, council liaison work, and operational support. - Discussion: Alderman Thorp expressed strong support, noting the position would allow the Mayor and Chief of Staff to focus on strategic priorities while the Deputy handles urgent council and stakeholder needs. Alderman Schandelmeier endorsed the role for addressing departmental silos. Alderman Smith-Brown raised concerns about additional bureaucracy and cost (anticipated up to $100,000), but Garrity confirmed funding exists through the FY27 budget and that data-tracking metrics are being implemented to ensure wise spending. - Outcome: A motion to recommend O-41-25 favorably was made by Alderman Schandelmeier, seconded, and carried on voice vote. O-1-26: Property Tax Credit for Child Care Centers - Presentation: Sponsor Alderman Schandelmeier explained the bill creates a real property tax credit up to $10,000 for licensed child care providers, enabled by state legislation. The goal is to encourage new facilities and reduce wait times, noting Maryland lost 15% of its child care providers since 2020. - Discussion: Alderman Thorp questioned how the city would measure outcomes and whether the tax credit (potentially up to $850,000 annually) is the best use of funds. He suggested inviting a child care expert to advise. Acting City Manager Buckland noted the credit is relatively easy to administer but measuring effectiveness requires clear goals. Alderman Smith-Brown raised concerns about accountability if a facility closes after receiving the credit; Assistant City Attorney Leonard pointed out the legislation includes automatic termination language if eligibility ends. Alderman Schandelmeier emphasized the minimal risk and the urgent crisis, with average wait times over one year. - Outcome: Alderman Schandelmeier moved to postpone O-1-26 until the March 5, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded and carried on voice vote, with the intent to invite an expert from the state or county to provide guidance. ID-19-26: Land Value & Infrastructure Study Presentation - Presentation: Chief of Comprehensive Planning Leshinsky presented findings from Urban3, a land value analysis firm. Key findings: downtown and pre-1951 areas generate far higher value per acre than post-annexation suburban areas. The city faces a $23.4 million annual infrastructure funding deficit due to deferred maintenance on roads, water, and sewer systems built in the 1970s, whose useful life ends around 2030. The study recommends more compact, mixed-use development patterns. - Discussion: Alderman Schandelmeier stressed that the city must either raise taxes significantly, defer maintenance further, or adopt the study's land-use recommendations. Alderman Smith-Brown asked how to balance family integrity in neighborhoods; Leshinsky clarified that the focus is on opportunity zones (e.g., aging shopping centers) and that zoning can protect existing neighborhoods. A work session on zoning reform ("Zoning Unlocked") is scheduled for February 19, 2026. - Outcome: No vote taken; the presentation was informational, with a follow-up work session planned. Other Business - Alderman Smith-Brown requested inviting a representative from the Maryland State Board of Elections or Anne Arundel County Board of Elections to a future meeting to discuss election administration changes. - The meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM. Key Outcomes - Alderman Smith-Brown was elected committee Chair. - O-41-25 (Deputy Chief of Staff position) was recommended favorably to the full Council. - O-1-26 (Child care tax credit) was postponed to the March 5, 2026 meeting to allow expert testimony. - A zoning reform work session was scheduled for February 19, 2026. - The committee will invite election officials to a future meeting.

The Annapolis Finance Committee met on February 4, 2026, at 10:38 AM, chaired by Alderman Huntley, with Alderman Thorp present and Alderwoman O'Neill absent. The meeting covered routine approvals, a detailed update on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), a presentation from the Finance Department, and a legislative proposal for a child care property tax credit. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Moved by Alderman Thorp, seconded, and carried on voice vote. - Approval of Minutes (FC 1.21.26): Moved by Alderman Thorp, seconded, and carried on voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were provided during this meeting. Discussion Items - O-1-26 Property Tax Credit for Child Care Centers: Sponsored by Alderman Schandelmeier and O'Neill, the ordinance creates a real property tax credit of up to $10,000 for licensed child care providers who own their property. Alderman Schandelmeier presented the bill, explaining it leverages enabling state legislation passed in 2025 (championed by Delegates Jones, Bieler, and Bagnell) to help child care facilities open, hire staff, or avoid closure. The fiscal impact note estimates a potential annual revenue loss of up to $850,000, based on 85 licensed child care facilities in the city. - Alderman Huntley asked how the $850,000 figure was calculated. Acting Finance Director Trudeau explained it was derived from Planning and Zoning data identifying 85 licensed facilities; he noted that not all facilities own their property, and the actual average credit would likely be lower, but detailed data is unavailable. - Alderman Thorp raised concerns about the uncertainty of revenue loss (ranging from $0 to $850,000), the lack of a city staffer managing child care programs, and the need for a metric to measure success (e.g., reduced wait times, increased capacity). He suggested starting with a lower credit amount, similar to Montgomery County’s initial $3,000 level, which was later raised to $10,000 when found insufficient. - Alderman Schandelmeier argued for the full $10,000, citing the severity of the child care crisis and the need for a substantial incentive. He noted that the program would not reduce FY26 revenue but would apply to FY27 taxes. - ID-30-26 CIP Project Update: Director of Public Works Vogel and Bureau Chief McKeown presented projects not on track, using a performance metric of meeting targets. Key projects discussed: - Bay Ridge Avenue Sidewalk (Project 4004): Delayed due to late design start and property rights issues; estimated 1-2 year delay. - Back Creek Path: Partnership with Annapolis Maritime Museum stalled after scope creep and staff turnover; next step is to extract desired work from their design. - Waterworks Building & Parking: Historic building renovation; a developer partner was selected via RFP (issued by the Resilience Authority), but negotiations on a pre-development agreement have stalled for 6-7 months pending mayoral direction. - Green Roof Repairs: Delayed due to late start and lack of maintenance; now a partnership between DPW and Central Services. - West-East Express Trail: Construction not starting this fiscal year due to federal reviews and unresolved property easements (e.g., from the county garage). - Traffic Signal Rehab (Bay Ridge & Tyler): Not a priority; no imminent action. - Taylor Avenue Traffic Improvements: Design under way; traffic circle is ideal but may not be feasible due to topography. - Truxton Park Road Parking: On hold pending a Truxton Park Master Plan. - Bardwell Lane Sidewalk: Ready to start construction after 15-20 years of community hurdles; likely delayed past July. - Solar Park/Pollinator Garden: Delayed to fall 2026 or later due to MDE review of landfill closure. - Pump House Paddleboard/Kayak Launch: Stalled due to DNR parking restrictions from grant agreement; no city lead identified. - Carrs Beach: Design/permitting delays due to wetlands; likely construction in fall 2026 or spring 2027. Reckon Parks is the lead (Rosalind Johnson). - Standard Inspection Details: Internal DPW initiative; consultant underperformed; strategy shifting. - Pompouse Road kayak launch: On the shelf; decision needed whether to proceed or cancel. - Director Vogel noted that most of the 105 active projects are on track, only 12 were flagged as off-track. - Alderman Thorpe requested quarterly CIP status updates and inclusion of sidewalk plan execution status. The committee agreed to add quarterly CIP updates to the agenda. - Acting City Manager Buckland committed to aligning CIP budgets with realistic implementation timelines to improve transparency. - Alderman Schandelmeier asked if the city has formally catalogued hurdles (local, state, federal) to streamline infrastructure projects. Director Vogel said no formal list exists but identified right-of-way acquisition as the biggest local gap, with only 0.2 FTE assigned. - ID-7-26 Finance Department Update: Acting Finance Director Trudeau gave a final update before leaving the role. He reported the FY25 audit is in QA, expected mid-February. He introduced Joel Pallical (Harbor View Consulting) as incoming acting finance director and Sean Doyle as supporting leader. Pallical stated budget continuity is a priority, and a permanent finance director is being hired. In response to Alderman Huntley’s question on budget point-of-contact, Acting City Manager Buckland requested both Pallical and Doyle be included initially for knowledge transfer. Key Outcomes - O-1-26 — Favorable Recommendation: Alderman Thorp moved to recommend O-1-26 favorably to the full council. Seconded and CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Huntley expressed intent to work with finance to narrow the fiscal impact range before the full vote. - CIP Reports: The committee agreed to add quarterly CIP project status updates to the Finance Committee agenda, starting immediately. - Memorials and Appointments: No appointments or memorials were discussed.

The Economic Matters Committee met on February 4, 2026, at 6:02 PM. The committee discussed a proposed 12-month moratorium on new short-term rental licenses (O-40-25) and received an economic development update. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 PM. Consent Calendar - The agenda for the regular meeting was approved on a voice vote. - The minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting were approved on a voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Katie McDermott (55 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD) urged passage of the moratorium without significant substantive amendment, arguing that short-term rentals impact housing and housing options, and that the zoning approach is an interesting but not constitutionally problematic regulatory path because it is a licensure issue. She noted that there was no staff or fiscal impact on the lottery amendments added to the bill. Discussion Items - O-40-25 – 12-Month Moratorium on New Short-Term Rental Licenses - Director of Planning and Zoning Jakubiak presented on the moratorium. He stated that 49% of short-term rentals were initially unregistered, but many were actually for special events (e.g., Boat Show, Naval Academy graduation) and do not require licenses. Compliance efforts have reduced the number of unlicensed units. Currently, there are 339 licensed short-term rentals, with 52 renewals in process. He noted that a 12-month moratorium would allow for coordination with stakeholders, evaluation of current conditions, and potential text amendments to the city code. A fee increase for short-term rental licenses may be advisable. - Alderman Savidge expressed concerns that the moratorium assumes adverse impacts (e.g., crime, noise, public safety) without clear evidence. He argued that the moratorium's purposes (e.g., comprehensive study, review of other jurisdictions) are partially already addressed in annual reports or could be accomplished without a moratorium. He noted that the city recently passed density regulations (10% cap) and a lottery amendment, which will reduce concentration. He questioned the need for a moratorium, suggesting a zoning approach as an alternative. - Director Jakubiak responded that short-term rentals represent about 2% of rental housing units, removing units from the long-term market. He noted that a concentration of short-term rentals changes land use and that a zoning approach could designate short-term rentals as a distinct use, with limits by zoning district. - Alderman Schandelmeier observed that the issue is tied to housing supply challenges, especially in areas where adding supply is most difficult. - Several amendments to O-40-25 were submitted but not yet finalized. The committee voted to postpone action on the bill until the March 4, 2026 meeting to allow for finalization of amendments. - ID-8-26 – Economic Development Update - Economic Development Manager Strott reported on: - Building permits: $2,556,500 in estimated cost for January 2026. - New businesses: Three new permitted businesses (U&O permits), including a software contractor for the U.S. Navy. - Winter storm response: Businesses were alerted ahead of the storm; problematic areas (Maryland Avenue, Dock Street) were addressed by transit, public works, and Whiting Turner. Dock Street is now completely clear. - City Dock project: Construction fencing is in place; directional signage is being installed. A quick pickup/drop-off area with two parallel parking spaces for 15-minute loading is planned, pending final confirmation from public works. A new magenta shuttle stop on Craig Street is expected by March. - Alderman Schandelmeier requested that a representative from the new Navy contractor introduce themselves at the next Economic Matters Committee meeting. - Alderman Savidge suggested exploring removal of curbside parking on Dock Street and adding diagonal parking on Craig and Prince George streets to create pedestrian-friendly space (e.g., outdoor dining). The director noted constraints: construction traffic, emergency vehicle access, and resident parking concerns on Prince George. Key Outcomes - O-40-25: Action postponed to the March 4, 2026 meeting. - Economic Development Update: No formal vote was taken. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 PM.