Housing and Human Welfare Committee Special Meeting – September 10, 2025

The Housing and Human Welfare Committee of the Annapolis City Council held a special virtual meeting on September 10, 2025, at 6:35 PM, adjourning at 7:38 PM. The meeting was called to order by Alderman Schandelmeier, who acted as chair until Alderman Gay resolved technical issues. All three members (Aldermen Gay, Schandelmeier, and Huntley) were present. The committee considered three appointments, two legislative items, and several amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as amended to move AP-57-25 to the end of the agenda. Approved by voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the July 21, 2025 regular meeting were approved. Approved by voice vote.

Discussion Items

Appointments

• AP-56-25 – Janeen Tasker (Human Relations Commission): Ms. Tasker was not present; the committee voted to postpone this appointment to the October 20, 2025 meeting. Carried unanimously.
• AP-57-25 – Valerie Bonham (Commission on Aging): Ms. Bonham was not present; the committee voted to postpone action to the October meeting. Carried unanimously.
• AP-58-25 – Samantha Watts (Education Commission): Ms. Watts was present and answered questions about her background as a teacher and corporate trainer. The committee recommended her appointment favorably. Carried unanimously.

O-14-25 – Implementation of Annapolis Ahead Comprehensive Plan, 2040

This ordinance implements the adopted comprehensive plan, revising multiple chapters of Title 21. Director of Planning and Zoning Jakubiak was present to answer questions.

• Amendment #1 (Huntley): Changed “or” to “and” in conditions for exceeding height limits on rooftop structures. Approved unanimously.
• Amendment #2 (Administration): Made additional changes to the Dock Street section. Approved 2-1 (Gay and Schandelmeier in favor, Huntley opposed).
• Amendment #3 (Huntley): Sought to strike lines 16-26 on pages 10-11 (the entire Dock Street height provision). Defeated 2-1 (Huntley in favor, Schandelmeier and Gay opposed).
• Final vote on O-14-25 as amended: Recommended favorably to the full council by a 2-1 vote (Schandelmeier and Gay in favor, Huntley opposed). Alderman Gay requested that the Historic Preservation Commission receive a presentation on the height provisions; the city manager agreed to coordinate.

O-29-25 – Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District

This zoning overlay along Tyler Avenue (Forest Drive to Bay Ridge Avenue) allows new housing types (smaller single-family, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage courts) by right, with no change in height limits (2.5 stories/35 feet). Chief of Comprehensive Planning Leshinsky presented. The committee praised the public process and potential for affordable starter homes. Alderman Gay moved to recommend favorably; carried unanimously. Alderman Gay also requested that the Human and Equity Development Commission attend the October 20 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• AP-56-25 postponed to October 20, 2025.
• AP-57-25 postponed to October 20, 2025.
• AP-58-25 recommended favorably.
• O-14-25 recommended favorably as amended (2-1). The sponsor or chair will arrange a presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission.
• O-29-25 recommended favorably (unanimously). Alderman Gay announced co-sponsorship.
• The committee will invite the Human and Equity Development Commission to the October 20 meeting.