Annapolis Rules and City Government Committee Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:34 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting, chaired by Alderman Smith-Brown, included Aldermen Schandelmeier and Thorp. The committee elected a chair, advanced a personnel ordinance, postponed a tax credit bill pending further expert testimony, and received a presentation on land value and infrastructure.

Election of Chairman

• Alderman Smith-Brown was unanimously elected as Chair of the Rules and City Government Committee pursuant to City Code Section 2.16.120, on a motion by Alderman Thorp, seconded and carried on voice vote.

O-41-25: Changes in Exempt Service Job Classification

• Presentation: Chief of Staff Garrity presented the rationale for adding a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor's Office, citing increased intergovernmental demands, the need for faster response, and better coordination across departments. The position would focus on policy portfolios, council liaison work, and operational support.
• Discussion: Alderman Thorp expressed strong support, noting the position would allow the Mayor and Chief of Staff to focus on strategic priorities while the Deputy handles urgent council and stakeholder needs. Alderman Schandelmeier endorsed the role for addressing departmental silos. Alderman Smith-Brown raised concerns about additional bureaucracy and cost (anticipated up to $100,000), but Garrity confirmed funding exists through the FY27 budget and that data-tracking metrics are being implemented to ensure wise spending.
• Outcome: A motion to recommend O-41-25 favorably was made by Alderman Schandelmeier, seconded, and carried on voice vote.

O-1-26: Property Tax Credit for Child Care Centers

• Presentation: Sponsor Alderman Schandelmeier explained the bill creates a real property tax credit up to $10,000 for licensed child care providers, enabled by state legislation. The goal is to encourage new facilities and reduce wait times, noting Maryland lost 15% of its child care providers since 2020.
• Discussion: Alderman Thorp questioned how the city would measure outcomes and whether the tax credit (potentially up to $850,000 annually) is the best use of funds. He suggested inviting a child care expert to advise. Acting City Manager Buckland noted the credit is relatively easy to administer but measuring effectiveness requires clear goals. Alderman Smith-Brown raised concerns about accountability if a facility closes after receiving the credit; Assistant City Attorney Leonard pointed out the legislation includes automatic termination language if eligibility ends. Alderman Schandelmeier emphasized the minimal risk and the urgent crisis, with average wait times over one year.
• Outcome: Alderman Schandelmeier moved to postpone O-1-26 until the March 5, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded and carried on voice vote, with the intent to invite an expert from the state or county to provide guidance.

ID-19-26: Land Value & Infrastructure Study Presentation

• Presentation: Chief of Comprehensive Planning Leshinsky presented findings from Urban3, a land value analysis firm. Key findings: downtown and pre-1951 areas generate far higher value per acre than post-annexation suburban areas. The city faces a $23.4 million annual infrastructure funding deficit due to deferred maintenance on roads, water, and sewer systems built in the 1970s, whose useful life ends around 2030. The study recommends more compact, mixed-use development patterns.
• Discussion: Alderman Schandelmeier stressed that the city must either raise taxes significantly, defer maintenance further, or adopt the study's land-use recommendations. Alderman Smith-Brown asked how to balance family integrity in neighborhoods; Leshinsky clarified that the focus is on opportunity zones (e.g., aging shopping centers) and that zoning can protect existing neighborhoods. A work session on zoning reform ("Zoning Unlocked") is scheduled for February 19, 2026.
• Outcome: No vote taken; the presentation was informational, with a follow-up work session planned.

Other Business

• Alderman Smith-Brown requested inviting a representative from the Maryland State Board of Elections or Anne Arundel County Board of Elections to a future meeting to discuss election administration changes.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Alderman Smith-Brown was elected committee Chair.
• O-41-25 (Deputy Chief of Staff position) was recommended favorably to the full Council.
• O-1-26 (Child care tax credit) was postponed to the March 5, 2026 meeting to allow expert testimony.
• A zoning reform work session was scheduled for February 19, 2026.
• The committee will invite election officials to a future meeting.