Annapolis City Council Special Meeting: October 27, 2025 - Farewell Session

This special meeting served as the final gathering for the outgoing Annapolis City Council members, marking the conclusion of an eight-year term for Mayor Gavin Buckley, Alderman Sheila Finlayson, Alderman Rob Savage, Alderman Dean Gay, and others. The session featured the recognition of departing officials, a theatrical declaration of war against the city by a local sovereign micro-nation, the approval of several controversial ordinances including a long-term market house lease extension, and extensive public testimony regarding fiscal responsibility and voting reforms.

Consent Calendar

• Motion: To approve the consent calendar.
• Outcome: Unanimously approved (Voice Vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Creek: Expressed strong opposition to the Market House lease extension (Ordinance 033-25), characterizing the deal as a "raw deal" for taxpayers due to the long duration (until 2043) and low rent increases. He expressed concern regarding potential conflicts of interest due to campaign donations received by specific council members from the market house operator.
• Carl Larkin: Recommended that the council refrain from passing contentious items (Market House lease, fee waivers) during this final session, urging that these decisions be left to the incoming council to allow the departing members to celebrate.
• Antonia Barry: Expresses concern that the Market House lease extension is too long and that the waiver of interest charges is unclear. She requested further explanation regarding the rationale for waiving approximately $20,000 in fees.
• George Gallagher: Supported the decision to table Ordinance 035-25 (Ranked Choice Voting). He stated that ranked choice voting is a "failed experiment" associated with chaos, comparing its origins to the French Revolution and Jacobinism, and urged the city to focus on more pressing issues like crime and infrastructure.
• Larry Clausen: Opposed the rushing of the Market House lease and fee waivers in the final session. He strongly opposed Ranked Choice Voting, stating that the city is a constitutional republic, not a democracy, and that the voting proposal is "nonsense" that removes citizen choice.

Discussion Items

• ID 14925: Annual E-Sport Declaration of War Charity Event:
  • Aaron Powers (Maritime Republic of Eastport): Representing the sovereign nation, he formally declared war on Annapolis for the 26th consecutive year, proposing the conflict be settled via a "rope tug" on November 8. He announced that all spoils from the event would be donated to local charities.
  • Mayor Buckley: Issued Executive Proclamation 2025-01 in response, imposing symbolic trade sanctions (oyster tariffs, stormy tax) and stating that sanctions will remain until the "Republic of Esport returns to the Union."
• ID 13325: City Council Member Recognition:
  • Alderman Finlayson and others presented citations to departing members. Alderman Finlayson praised Alderman Dean Gay for bringing energy as the youngest council member and acknowledged Alderman Rhonda Pendel Charles for her dedication to public safety, housing, and youth mentorship.
  • Fire Chief Doug Romley spoke on behalf of the city staff and council, recognizing Mayor Buckley for his leadership through challenges including mass shootings and flooding, and for maintaining the city's credit rating.
  • Citations were also awarded to various community groups, including the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival organizers, Mom's Demand Action, the Community Action Agency, and participants in the Adopt a Community program.
• Ordinance 033-25: Lease of City Property (Market House):
  • Debate: The item faced significant scrutiny. Alderman Gay defended the lease as a necessary tool to maintain a public amenity and encourage private investment, arguing that the city does not aim to profit from public spaces but rather to serve residents.
  • Alderman Savage highlighted that the operator would invest $100,000 in the building and that the current arrangement brings in more revenue than parking spaces.
  • Alderman Chandlemeier defended the local business, stating that they negotiated in "good faith" and that financing for required improvements would not be available without the new terms.
  • Alderman Huntley voiced skepticism initially regarding the 28-year term length but shifted support after the lease was modified to a 5-year term with an extension option and explicit requirements for investment.
  • Alderman Gay raised a concern about economic equity, stating that while the current vendor is successful, the council should remain mindful of supporting diverse, minority-owned businesses in the future.
  • Amendment: An amendment was passed to the lease terms to clarify the vendor's obligation to maintain compliance with city code regarding the "market" portion of the business.
• Ordinance 035-25: Ranked Choice Voting:
  • Alderman Savage moved to table the ordinance. He explained that the committee and election board were occupied with running the recent election and had not provided adequate feedback.
  • Public Speakers (Gallagher, Clausen): Voiced strong opposition to the measure, arguing it is complex and unnecessary.
• Ordinance 037-25: City Capital Facilities Charges Payment Plan:
  • Outcome: Unanimously approved to allow developers of six or fewer units to defer fees until occupancy, aiming to facilitate the construction of affordable housing.
• Ordinance 038-25: Exception to Prohibition on Doors/Gates over Sidewalk:
  • Outcome: Approved to allow certain existing structures an exception.
• Resolution 04-25: Equitable Public Water Access Plan:
  • Discussion: Alderman Savage and Huntley addressed concerns raised by the public regarding bacterial contamination in proposed swim areas. Alderman Savage stated that water quality improvement projects are exceeding goals and that public access is key to community stewardship.
  • Amendment: An amendment strengthening language on accessibility for disabled citizens was adopted.
  • Outcome: Approved.
• Resolution 04-45: Reinvention in Pedestrian Safety:
  • Alderman Savage led the discussion, expressing a strong preference for mass transit and pedestrian investments over highway expansion on Route 97.
  • Outcome: The resolution calling for reinvestment in pedestrian safety, transit, and climate action over highway expansion was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Market House Lease (Ordinance 033-25): Adopted with amendments. The lease term was reduced from 20 years to 5 years, with an option to extend. The agreement mandates a $100,000 investment in the property by the tenant.
• Ranked Choice Voting (Ordinance 035-25): Tabled for later review. It was not voted on in this session.
• Capital Facilities Fee Deferment (Ordinance 037-25): Adopted on third reading.
• Market Space Interest Waiver (Resolution R34-25): Adopted on second reader. An amendment striking language suggesting the Market Plaza would "come to an end" was passed.
• Public Water Access Plan (Resolution R40-25): Adopted with amendments emphasizing accessibility.
• Departing Members: The session concluded with emotional farewell remarks from Mayor Buckley and all departing council members. Mayor Buckley reflected on the council's achievements, including new infrastructure, a new library, and a solar park, and urged the public to remain civically engaged.
• Meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at the conclusion of the agenda.