Annapolis City Council Special Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Annapolis City Council held a special meeting on March 23, 2026, beginning at 6:15 PM and adjourning at 8:34 PM. The agenda covered a closed session regarding pending litigation with the Housing Authority, ceremonial items, committee reports, a detailed presentation on capital improvement projects, and multiple legislative actions including first and second reader votes on ordinances and resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Supplemental Appropriations Under $50,000: SA-14-26 (AIPPC – Contract Services, $13,602), SA-16-26 (Anne Arundel County Health Grant to APD, $500), and SA-18-26 (MDOT Grant to Transportation Department, $22,320) were approved unanimously, with Alderman Smith-Brown abstaining on the consent calendar as a whole.
• Appointments: David W. Beugelmans, ESQ, to the Recreation Advisory Board and Ms. Teresa Elienberg to the Human Relations Commission were approved by roll call votes, both carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak, and the floor was closed after no one came forward.

Discussion Items

• Earth Month Proclamation (ID-67-26): Mayor Littmann presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Earth Month in Annapolis, emphasizing the city’s commitment to climate action, resilience, and sustainability.
• Mayor’s Update: Mayor Littmann reported on declining drug overdoses – a 30% overall drop and a 55% decline in fatal overdoses, making 2025 the second lowest in 10 years. He also highlighted ward walks, upcoming town halls, the reduction of permit processing times from 15 to 5.6 working days, the introduction of the Golden Pass Senior Program for parking, and the $35.5 million FEMA hazard mitigation grant for flood protection. He noted the 112th day of his administration and reviewed progress on his 100-day plan.
• Committee Reports: Alderman Savidge reported on the Environmental Matters Committee, which postponed action on O-2-26 and received a stormwater fee presentation moving to an equivalent residential unit structure. Alderwoman O’Neill reported on the Public Safety Committee hearing from the Fire Chief and upcoming presentations from Police. Alderman Huntley noted the Finance Committee is scheduling budget hearings.
• Capital Improvement Projects Discussion (ID-63-26): Public Works Director Burr Vogel presented an overview of the FY26 capital budget, distinguishing between maintenance projects and major initiatives. He outlined funding sources (bonds, capital reserve, pay-as-you-go) and introduced a new GIS story map for tracking projects. Key points included the $24 million in direct city funding for FY26, the need to maintain debt capacity for large projects like City Dock, and concerns about the city overhead calculation method on capital projects, which he described as flawed due to volatility. Council members discussed ward-based project reporting, staffing needs, and the importance of streamlining processes. Alderman Huntley noted that the FY27 budget process will begin soon.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: Unanimous roll call vote (8-0-1, Smith-Brown abstained).
• Supplemental Appropriations $50,000+: SA-17-26 (MDOT grant, $90,000) and SA-19-26 (MDOT grant, $76,500) both approved on voice votes.
• First Reader – Ordinance O-6-26: Adopted to allow the Police Chief and Mayor to approve firing range use; referred to the Rules and City Government Committee. Voice vote carried.
• First and Second Reader – Resolution R-7-26: Adopted unanimously (9-0) to support Maryland House Bill 1142 establishing a Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Sources. Rules were suspended to allow final passage at the same meeting. Roll call vote carried.
• Second Reader – Resolution R-1-26: Adopted unanimously (9-0) approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Statement of Performance Standards. Council members discussed improving metrics and embedding them into the budget process.
• Second Reader – Resolution R-4-26: Adopted unanimously (9-0) to extend the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project, lower fees, and allow a rack in a street-end park. Deputy City Manager Jackie Guild clarified that unauthorized paddle racks are already prohibited under Title 15 and enforced by the Harbor Master.
• Second Reader – Resolution R-6-26: Adopted unanimously (9-0) authorizing itinerant merchant sales in the Historic District during approved special events in 2026.
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session from 6:19 PM to 7:01 PM under Maryland law §3-305(b)(8) to discuss potential litigation regarding the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA). Vote to enter was 7-0 (two absent).
• Agenda Amendment: O-7-26 (outdoor dining patrons seated requirement) was removed from the agenda after Alderman Thorp’s motion, which Alderman Contee later noted was in response to constituent concerns in Ward 8. The motion carried on voice vote.
• FY27 Budget Preparation: Mayor Littmann announced that the next council meeting will include his State of the City address and the official start of the FY27 budget process, with Finance Committee hearings to follow.