Annapolis City Council Regular Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Annapolis City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting included a ceremonial proclamation for former Mayor Ellen O. Moyer, committee reports, public comments, discussions on houseboat regulations and short-term rental enforcement, and several legislative actions, including the debated adoption of a deputy chief of staff position.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar, which included the journal of proceedings (CCM 1126) and the regular meeting minutes, by a roll call vote of 8–0–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Arthur Roberts (108 Duke of Gloucester Street) spoke in strong opposition to making Duke of Gloucester Street a two-way street. He argued that it would worsen parking and traffic flow, increase danger for residents, churches, schools, and businesses, create congestion during St. Mary's student drop-offs and pickups, narrow sidewalks, require costly infrastructure changes (including fire hydrant relocation), and harm emergency vehicle access. He stated, "Duke of Gloucester must not be two-way traffic."
• Matthew Wallace (701 Chesapeake Avenue) introduced the Eastport Community Farm project, a half-acre community farm at the end of Frederick Douglass Street, between Eastport Terraces and the Housing Authority HQ. He reported a successful pilot growing season in 2025 producing tens of thousands of vegetables, and announced a ribbon cutting on May 2, 2026. The project aims to produce 100,000 servings of fresh vegetables over two growing seasons and provide youth enrichment opportunities.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation Honoring Ellen O. Moyer: Mayor Littman read a proclamation declaring February 12, 2026 as "Ellen O. Moyer Day" in Annapolis, recognizing her as the first woman elected mayor (2001), her 16 years on the City Council, work on environmental stewardship (Annapolis Conservancy Board, Greenscape Program), and advocacy for education and equity. Former Mayor Moyer addressed the council, emphasizing accessibility and the importance of open dialogue between leaders and citizens.
• Mayor's Update: Mayor Littman provided updates on Black History Month events, town halls (first held in Ward 7 on Feb 5, next in Ward 2 on Feb 12), the 100-day plan progress (including 19 staff roundtables, enhanced outreach on City Dock, faster permitting, parking improvements, and a 12-month moratorium on new short-term rental licenses), and recruitment for city manager and city attorney positions.
• Committee Reports:
  • Alderwoman O'Neill reported that the Public Safety Committee met two weeks ago, receiving goals from fire, emergency management, and police departments; next meeting Feb 18.
  • Alderwoman Alsop Johnson reported Transportation Committee updates on speed cameras and transportation board; next meeting Feb 12.
  • Alderman Savage reported Environmental Matters Committee will meet Feb 12, discussing performance measurements legislation and receiving reports on tree canopy and water restoration fund.
  • Alderman Smith Brown reported Rules and City Government Committee voted favorably on O 41-25 (exempt service job changes), discussed property tax for child care centers, and received a presentation on the 2040 comprehensive plan; next meeting March 5, 2026.
• Discussion on Houseboats / House Barges (ID 36-26): Harbormaster Beth Pellis and team presented recommendations from a 2025 task force, including:
  • Prohibiting short-term rentals on any boat in Annapolis waters
  • Prohibiting anchored boats in city waters during winter months (proposed Dec 1 – March 20)
  • Correcting mooring code (from 75-foot spacing between vessels to between moorings) Council members expressed broad support: Alderman Thorpe emphasized safety concerns and urged support; Alderman Savage raised potential uses for seasonal worker housing but opposed short-term rentals in maritime districts; Alderwoman O'Neill noted there are zero grandfathered houseboats. The council generally concurred with the prohibitions, but suggested refining winter anchoring dates.
• Discussion on Short-Term Rental Enforcement (ID 37-26): Planning and Zoning Director Chris Kubiak and Chief of Code Enforcement John Manasseh reported:
  • Licensed STRs increased from 283 (June 2025) to 343 (Feb 2026); unlicensed listings dropped from 560 to 532
  • Compliance rose from 50% to 65%
  • Enforcement includes letters, placards, and citations; 194 cases opened, 154 closed
  • Staffing challenges: the STR coordinator position authorized by council took over a year to fill (contracted admin assistant) and the department needs more resources
  • Council members discussed the need for a job description, a public list of licensed STRs, and better engagement with platforms like Airbnb. The moratorium (if passed) would allow staff to focus on unlicensed properties.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 02-26 (Mooring Requirements): Adopted on first reader (voice vote) and referred to Environmental Matters Committee and the Port Wardens, plus the Maritime Advisory Board.
• Resolution 4-26 (Paddle Craft Rack Pilot Project Extension): Adopted on first reader (voice vote) and referred to Finance Committee.
• Ordinance 41-25 (Exempt Service Job Classification – Deputy Chief of Staff):
  • A motion to postpone to February 23 failed (3 ayes, 4 nays, 1 abstention: roll call showed Savage, O'Neill aye; Shandelmeyer, Thorpe, Smith Brown (abstained?), Alsop Johnson nay; Conti, Smith Brown? — final tally: 3 yes, 4 no, 1 abstention)
  • A floor amendment from Alderman Savage to add duties and limitations for chief of staff and deputy chief of staff was defeated after legal review found it largely redundant or conflicting with existing code (roll call: 2 ayes, 5 nays)
  • The underlying legislation passed second reader (roll call: ayes 7, no 1 (Savage)) and third reader (roll call: ayes 7, no 1 (Savage)), establishing the deputy chief of staff position in the exempt service.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after brief remarks commending public works for water main repair in freezing temperatures.