Annapolis Environmental Matters Committee Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Environmental Matters Committee met on October 9, 2025, from 3:04 PM to 3:52 PM in City Council Chambers. Chair Alderman Savidge presided with Alderman Arnett present; Alderwoman Finlayson was absent. The committee recommended three pieces of legislation favorably and received an update on resilience and sustainability initiatives.

Discussion Items

R-40-25 Equitable Public Water Access Plan

• Deputy City Manager for Resilience and Sustainability Guild, Director of Public Works Vogel, and Chief of Comprehensive Planning Leshinsky presented the plan. Leshinsky noted a historically high number of public water access improvement projects (approximately 26) already underway in the Capital Improvement Program.
• Alderman Savidge expressed support for the plan but raised concerns about water quality, particularly E. coli in Spa Creek headwaters. He speculated on sources (e.g., sewer leaks, boaters, animal feces) and emphasized that water quality issues should not prevent expanding public water access, as more exposure leads to greater public desire to protect waterways.
• Director Vogel noted that bacteria counts are highest in stagnant headwaters where access is not encouraged, and that the city does not currently post water quality data.
• Deputy Guild mentioned that the Annapolis Environmental Commission previously discussed whether the city should put water quality information on its website but does not itself conduct creek testing.
• The committee adopted Amendment #1 (sponsored by Savidge) to emphasize the role of the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) facility in equitable access. Alderman Arnett moved to recommend the amendment; it passed on voice vote.
• Alderman Arnett then moved to recommend R-40-25 favorably as amended; the motion passed on voice vote.

O-38-25 Exception to the City's Prohibition on Doors or Gates Opening Over Sidewalks

• Director Vogel explained that the current code prohibits gates swinging over sidewalks for safety reasons, but sometimes exceptions are warranted (e.g., where a gate cannot swing inward due to a slope, or for a storage enclosure that does not obstruct the sidewalk). The legislation would allow the Director of Public Works to grant exceptions.
• Alderman Arnett moved to recommend O-38-25 favorably; the motion passed on voice vote.

R-35-25 181 Prince George Street Sidewalk Easement

• Director Vogel described a trash enclosure that encroaches slightly on the sidewalk but does not obstruct it, and noted the property has no backyard storage. The resolution would waive the prohibition for this specific case.
• Alderman Arnett moved to recommend R-35-25 favorably; the motion passed on voice vote.

ID-21-25 Resilience & Sustainability Update

• Deputy Guild provided a comprehensive update on numerous projects:
  • A DOE grant to develop a resilience-based model code for smaller buildings was terminated by the federal government (part of $7.5 billion in grant cancellations). The city may appeal or use one-time funds if the appeal fails.
  • LED street light retrofit projects (DOE-funded) may also be affected; an update will be provided at the next meeting.
  • An assessment by TANCO Lighting showed significant savings if the city owns and maintains all its street lights; the city is exploring purchasing BGE-owned lights under a new Maryland law.
  • The greenhouse gas emissions inventory is complete; a climate action plan is being developed with stakeholder work groups and community meetings, with a target final plan by the end of the calendar year.
  • A pilot program for green roofs on five bus shelters is awaiting a proposal from a contractor; maintenance costs may be absorbed into an existing contract.
  • An electric streetcar/trolley feasibility study is moving forward; a draft RFP has been circulated. Deputy Guild plans to meet with the Tampa trolley system for insights.
  • The city ferry pilot project has been revised to hybrid electric-diesel propulsion, which was necessary to unpause a federal grant. The FTA approved the change; an RFP for two ferries will be advertised shortly.
  • The electric leaf blower rebate program went live on October 1st, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Rebates are up to $100 for residential and $1,500 for commercial users. $105,000 is budgeted. A part-time temporary enforcement position will be hired for three months to issue citations; staff are also authorized to investigate complaints.
  • Alderman Arnett raised a concern about a landscaper using gas leaf blowers on multiple properties but only one homeowner being fined. He recommended prioritizing fines to landscapers when identifiable. Deputy Guild will discuss with planning and zoning staff.
  • The Conservation Easement Task Force report was praised; it needs to be finalized and submitted to the full Council for acceptance via resolution.
  • October is Energy Awareness Month; social media posts and a new bimonthly resilience newsletter are being launched.
  • Arguments in the climate change litigation (joint appeal by Annapolis, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel County) were heard by the Maryland Supreme Court on October 6; a decision is expected in 60-90 days.
• Alderman Arnett requested that the resilience update be shared with the full Council, not just the committee. Deputy Guild agreed to distribute it.

Farewell Remarks

• Chair Savidge and Alderman Arnett exchanged thanks for years of collaboration on environmental issues, acknowledging the contributions of Alderwoman Finlayson (absent) and staff. Deputy Guild also thanked the committee.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from October 3, 2025, were approved on voice vote.
• R-40-25 (Equitable Public Water Access Plan) was recommended favorably as amended (voice vote, all in favor).
• O-38-25 (Exception to doors/gates over sidewalks) was recommended favorably (voice vote, all in favor).
• R-35-25 (181 Prince George Street sidewalk easement) was recommended favorably (voice vote, all in favor).
• The committee received the Resilience & Sustainability Update and directed staff to share it with the full Council.
• The meeting adjourned at 3:52 PM.