Environmental Matters Committee Regular Meeting - September 11, 2025

The Environmental Matters Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 3:06 p.m. (called to order, adjourned at 5:24 p.m.) in City Council Chambers. Chaired by Alderman Savidge, the committee reviewed routine approvals, discussed developmental updates, and considered several pieces of legislation. Key actions included postponing the comprehensive plan implementation ordinance (O‑14‑25) to a joint meeting on September 22, postponing the Equitable Public Water Access Plan (R‑40‑25) to October 8, taking no action on a harbor line change (O‑21‑25), and favorably recommending both the fall and spring boat show leases (O‑32‑25 and O‑36‑25). The committee also received updates on resilience and sustainability initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Moved by Alderwoman Finlayson, seconded, and carried on a voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes (July 25, 2025): Moved by Alderman Arnett, seconded, and carried on a voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• O‑21‑25 (Harbor Lines): Attorney Allen Hyatt, representing Safe Harbor Marina, argued that expanding the harbor line would not worsen navigation on Back Creek and urged the committee to move the legislation forward, calling withdrawal unfair. He noted that the city’s ADA‑compliant dock project at the end of 6th Street would eliminate existing slips. Frida Wylie, a boater and resident, opposed the harbor line change, stating it would reduce navigable waters, benefit only a commercial entity, and set a bad precedent. Several other groups (Maritime Advisory Board, Port Wardens, Housing and Human Welfare Committee) had previously raised navigational safety concerns.
• O‑14‑25 (Comprehensive Plan Implementation): Public testimony from Dan Clements was submitted as an attachment (mentioned in minutes) but not read aloud.

Discussion Items

• Planning & Zoning Developmental Updates (ID‑51‑25): Senior Planner Mike Meekins presented project progress reports. Notable points:
  • AutoZone (1942 West Street): Near final permits; all agreed‑upon accommodations included.
  • Bay Village 2 (960 Bay Ridge Ave): Age‑restricted building with memory care; tree preservation efforts ongoing.
  • Bricecombe Square: Active construction; concerns about Tyler Avenue intersection and traffic circles discussed. Chief Comprehensive Planner Leshinsky noted a roundabout study at Bay Ridge & Tyler.
  • Eastport Landing (Eastport Shopping Center): Site design approval expires October 16, 2025; no building permit submitted.
  • Primrose School (Hilltop & Spa): Road widening nearing completion; Alderwoman Finlayson questioned alignment with comp plan goals for bike lanes and complete streets.
  • Village at Providence Point: Final approvals pending; permits expected soon.
  • Ridgely (15 Ridgely): Proposed three‑story commercial building; committee expressed disappointment that the site (identified as mixed‑use in the comp plan) is entirely commercial. Director Jakubiak explained limited ability to dictate private development programs.
• O‑14‑25 – Implementation of Annapolis Ahead Comprehensive Plan: Planning Director Jakubiak and Chief Leshinsky discussed amendments proposed by Alderman Savidge, including transportation bonuses, community benefits, and green roof definitions. Alderman Arnett and Alderwoman Finlayson stressed the need for a framework that links development to transit and infrastructure. The committee postponed action to a joint meeting with Rules & Government on September 22.
• R‑40‑25 – Equitable Public Water Access Plan: Leshinsky outlined key changes (implementation section, clarifications on benefits). Alderwoman Finlayson requested an overview at the next meeting. Postponed to October 8.
• O‑21‑25 – Annapolis Harbor Lines at 423 Chester Ave: Alderman Arnett stated his intent to withdraw the ordinance due to navigational safety concerns from staff, harbormaster, and advisory boards, despite equity arguments. Assistant City Attorney Leonard confirmed staff opposition. No action taken.
• O‑32‑25 and O‑36‑25 – Boat Show Leases (Fall and Spring 2031‑2036): Assistant City Attorney Leonard explained lease termination terms (only for cause). Committee favorably recommended both leases, emphasizing the importance of long‑term certainty for vendor capital investment.
• Resilience & Sustainability Update (ID‑21‑25): Deputy City Manager Guild reported:
  • Electric Ferry Grant: Changed from all‑electric to hybrid diesel‑electric after federal pause; RFP revision underway. The ferries will operate primarily on electric for short routes, with diesel backup.
  • Gas‑Powered Leaf Blower Ban: Rebate program agreement reached with Chesapeake Bay Trust; enforcement via two temporary hires planned; 27 complaints, two citations issued to date.
  • EV Charging at Hillman Garage: DC fast chargers experience frequent downtime (4‑8 week repair lag); Department of Transportation adding direct repair contact numbers.
  • AMRI (Annapolis Maritime Resilience Initiative): Top 10 priority projects (living shorelines, backflow preventers) to be announced soon.
  • Street Lighting Study: Potential $8.5M savings over 20 years by transitioning BGE streetlights to city‑owned, enabling future cameras and Wi‑Fi.

Key Outcomes

• Postponed (voice vote): O‑14‑25 to joint meeting on September 22; R‑40‑25 to October 8.
• No action (voice vote): O‑21‑25; Alderman Arnett will move to withdraw at the September 29 council meeting.
• Favorable recommendation (voice vote): O‑32‑25 (Fall Boat Shows lease) and O‑36‑25 (Spring Boat Shows lease), both to be sent to the full council.
• No votes taken on the Planning & Zoning updates or the Resilience & Sustainability update.

Note: The agenda listed this as a “Regular Meeting” while the minutes header used “Special Meeting Minutes”. The meeting followed the regular agenda format and was called a Regular Meeting by the chair.