Annapolis Economic Matters Committee Meeting Summary – April 1, 2026

The Economic Matters Committee of the Annapolis City Council met virtually on April 1, 2026, at 6:02 PM under Chair Alderman Schandelmeier. The committee considered updates on the Maritime Apprenticeship Program, economic development initiatives, and the City Dock revitalization project. The meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Alderman Savidge moved to adopt the agenda as amended to remove Item ID-40-26 (Special Exception Process Findings & Recommendation Discussion) because Director of Planning & Zoning Jakubiak was unavailable. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 4, 2026, regular meeting were approved on a voice motion by Alderman Savidge, seconded and carried.

Discussion Items

Maritime Apprenticeship Program Update (ID-71-26)

Economic Development Specialist Stewart and representatives from the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) presented an update. MTAM Director John Stofancik, Workforce Development Specialist Emily Decker, Safe Harbor Annapolis Service Manager Richard Krolak, and Assistant General Manager James Jordan participated.

• Program Status: Launched in fall 2025 with $50,000 in city funding, the program currently has one active apprentice—Andrew Costello—working at Safe Harbor Port Annapolis Marina (a 300-slip full-service marina on Back Creek). Three additional businesses (North Point Yacht Sales & Services, Annapolis Gel Coat, Chesapeake Dockside Services) have signed up and are in the queue pending program refinement.
• Program Structure: A group apprenticeship model with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of related instruction. MTAM serves as the program sponsor. The program required coordination with the Maryland Department of Labor, Anne Arundel County Workforce Development Corporation, and the Maryland Apprenticeship Training Council (MATSY).
• Challenges & Refinement: The current work-process structure works well for full-service marinas but needs more flexibility to accommodate smaller specialized marine businesses (e.g., canvas shops, sail makers). The team is refining the work processes to broaden applicability and will present changes to the MATSY council at its next meeting in May 2026.
• Growth Goals: MTAM expects 5–10 apprentices by the end of the second year. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of work ethic as a predictor of retention, noting a 99% career placement rate for those who complete apprenticeships.
• Funding Priority: Alderman Schandelmeier stated that continuing the program at $50,000 is a top budget priority. He urged Ms. Stewart to alert the committee if the amount does not appear in the proposed budget so an amendment can be introduced.
• Workforce Pipeline: Alderman Schandelmeier reported ongoing discussions with Anne Arundel County Public Schools and the Seafarers International Union to connect graduating seniors and others with the program. A tour of the Seafarers training school in St. Mary’s County is being arranged.

Economic Development Update (ID-8-26)

Economic Development Specialist Stewart provided updates:

• Small Business Awards: Fountain Flourish, an Annapolis business, was named Emerging Business of the Year at the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards (date to be confirmed; originally stated as March 25 but later corrected).
• Workforce Summit: The Maryland Department of Commerce is hosting a workforce summit on April 9, 2026, at Anne Arundel Community College. The theme is “Workforce as a Competitive Advantage,” with Deputy Secretary Stephen Rice as keynote speaker.
• Dock Street Business Mitigation: To draw visitors during City Dock construction, the city is partnering with arts organizations for free events. Maryland Federation of Art will host a plein air workshop on May 1 in advance of Paint Annapolis. ArtFarm and the Annapolis Symphony are planning an outdoor interactive exhibit using construction fencing. A pickup/drop-off zone was established in front of Biddy and Bowes to assist employees with disabilities, thanks to coordination with Premium Parking. Dock Street businesses are also exploring a potential street closure event to show appreciation for local shops.

City Dock Project Update (ID-72-26)

Director of Public Works Vogel reported:

• Timeline: Ribbon cutting is anticipated around April 2027, unchanged from the January update to the full council.
• Funding: The city received a FEMA grant, providing full funding and easing previous incremental financial constraints.
• Boat Show: The 2026 boat show will proceed with a smaller footprint. It will not use Susan Campbell Park but will have one or two large tents on the current construction site (near the former Harbor Master building) and will utilize Dock Street and a portion of Randall Street. BGE power installation is expected within two weeks.
• Economic Impact: Chair Schandelmeier emphasized that the completed City Dock will be a major economic boost for Annapolis.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Agenda: Removed ID-40-26 (Special Exception Process) due to the director’s absence.
• Approval of Minutes: March 4, 2026 meeting minutes approved.
• Continued Support for Apprenticeship: Committee members expressed strong support for the Maritime Apprenticeship Program. Alderman Schandelmeier made continued $50,000 funding a personal budget priority. The committee endorsed efforts to refine work processes and expand the program.
• Future Tour: A tour of the Seafarers International Union training school in St. Mary’s County will be scheduled in April or May 2026 for committee members and staff.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM on a motion by Alderman Savidge, seconded by Alderwoman Allsup-Johnson.