Annapolis City Council Regular Meeting - September 8, 2025

The Annapolis City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, public comments, a consent calendar, multiple public hearings, and legislative actions on zoning, leases, voting, and finance. Eight council members were present. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:15 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously, including: rescheduling the September 15 special meeting to September 29, 2025; approval of July 14 and July 28 meeting minutes; and two supplemental appropriations under $50,000 (APD grant SA-3-26 and City Council reserve SA-6-26).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie McDermott (50 Franklin St.): Urged the council to withdraw the ADU and duplex bills (scheduled for September 15 – later moved to September 29) and conduct multiple town halls, calling the current process disrespectful to neighborhoods.
• Speaker (name not stated): Opposed adoption of the Equitable Public Water Access Plan (R-40-25), citing over 120 projects, lack of prioritization, incomplete evaluation of existing conditions (e.g., Spa Creek headwaters with poor water quality and stray current), and financial stresses from the City Dock project.
• George Gallagher (1212 Barbud Lane): Criticized the council and planning commission for top-down implementation of Plan 2040, citing the ban on drive-throughs (Ordinance O-06-24) as discriminatory against seniors, disabled, and families.
• Carl Larkin (154 Prince George St.): Questioned whether council members had read the draft leases for boat shows and Market House, noting the leases allow early extension up to 14 years. He was asked to wait for the specific public hearings.
• Earlier speaker (name not stated): Praised retiring council members Ross Arnett and Sheila Finlayson for their service and mentorship.

Discussion Items

Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District (O-29-25)

• Public hearing: Eight speakers. Supporters (Nikos Fondoris, Giannis Capriani, Jennifer Wilhoit, Christos Pelicanos, Nan Wells, Peggy Meyer, Tom Pesterick, Larry Tom) emphasized improved livability, housing options for workforce, traffic calming, environmental benefits, and the optional nature of the overlay. Opponent George Gallagher argued it would eliminate single-family homes and backyards, leading to high-density, expensive housing under Plan 2040. Gabriel Solano called it gentrification that would hurt longtime homeowners.
• Alderman Gay thanked planning staff for their work and noted street calming will be done before major development.

Business Revitalization District Regulation Change (O-30-25)

• One speaker (Terra Stout) supported the FAR increase but criticized the Planning Commission’s finding that the change would not meaningfully revitalize the zone. She requested an amendment to allow extra height for rooftop accessory structures, similar to the MX zone.

Lease of City Property – Fall Boat Shows (O-32-25)

• John Stefanchuk (Marine Trades Association) and Mary Ewenson (Annapolis Boat Shows) supported the lease extension to 2036 with renewal options through 2040, citing economic impact and long-term planning. Carl Larkin reiterated concerns about early extensions.

Lease of City Property – Market House (O-33-25)

• Extended public hearing: Supporters (Kirsten Whitaker, Jennifer Edkins, Dan Douglas, Jody Dennick, Keith Bouchard) highlighted the Market House’s community role, job creation, local ownership, and successful transformation. Opponents (Tom Creek, Ron Gunsberger, Laurie Sullivan, Bill Kardash, Ken Vincent) argued the lease is too favorable to the tenant, with below-market rent, reduced performance rent (from 2% to 1%), no property tax, long-term lock-in (up to 2053), and lack of competitive RFP. They urged postponement until closer to lease expiration.
• Mayor Buckley noted the city has used sole-source leases for Watermark and boat shows.

Ranked-Choice Voting in Annapolis City Elections (O-35-25)

• Numerous speakers for and against. Supporters (Mike Pelletier, Morgan Drayton, Laura Duncan, Zoe Budaz, Karen Jennings, Sophie Westfield, Michael Kosabades, Robert Tufts, Owen Anderson, Amy Cruz, Abby Root, Curtis Swenson, Patrick McDermott, Philotero) argued RCV increases voter choice, reduces strategic voting, produces majority winners, promotes civil campaigns, and improves representation for marginalized groups. They cited data from other jurisdictions (e.g., New York, Maine, Alaska). Opponents (Susan Duff, Steve Brown, Ron Gunsberger, Laurie Sullivan, George Gallagher) claimed RCV is confusing, leads to ballot exhaustion, disenfranchises minorities, lowers turnout, increases cost and fraud, and has been banned in 17 states. They urged nonpartisan primaries or a referendum instead.
• Alderman Gay expressed skepticism about RCV improving civility, citing the negative New York City mayoral primary.

Other Public Hearings and First Readers

• O-34-25 (Exempt Service Job Classifications): No public testimony; hearing closed.
• O-36-25 (Spring Boat Show Lease): No opposition; hearing closed.
• O-37-25 (City Capital Facilities Charges Payment Plan): Approved on first reader and referred to Economic Matters Committee.
• O-38-25 (Exception to Sidewalk Door/Gate Prohibition): Approved on first reader.
• R-33-25 (Speed Camera Fines): Approved on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
• R-34-25 (Market Space Interest Charge Waiver): Approved on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
• R-35-25 (181 Prince George Street Sidewalk Easement): Approved on first reader.
• R-36-25 (Fees for Clearing Snow and Ice): Approved on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
• R-38-25 (Reassigning Community Grants): Approved on first reader.
• R-39-25 (Itinerant Merchant Sales for Flea Market): Approved on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
• R-40-25 (Equitable Public Water Access Plan): Approved on first reader and referred to Environmental Matters Committee and Severn River Commission.
• R-41-25 (Go Bowling Military Bowl): Approved on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
• CA-2-25 (City Council Pay and Benefits Deadline): Approved on first reader and referred to Rules and City Government Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously.
• Supplemental Appropriations (SA-4-26, SA-5-26): Approved.
• O-31-25 (General Obligation Bonds up to $73.56 million): Adopted on second and third reader by a roll call vote of 8-1 (Alderman Arnett opposed).
• O-13-25 (Prioritizing Affordable Spending): Withdrawn by sponsor Alderman Arnett after discussions with finance staff; a non-ordinance approach will be pursued.
• O-35-25 (Ranked-Choice Voting): Public hearing held; no vote taken; will proceed to committee review.
• O-29-25, O-30-25, O-32-25, O-33-25, O-36-25: Public hearings closed; forwarded to respective committees for further action.
• All first reader items (O-37-25, O-38-25, R-33-25, R-34-25, R-35-25, R-36-25, R-38-25, R-39-25, R-40-25, R-41-25, CA-2-25): Passed first reader and referred to standing committees as noted.