Annapolis Environmental Matters Committee Regular Meeting - May 14, 2026

The Annapolis Environmental Matters Committee met on May 14, 2026, from 3:01 PM to 4:55 PM in City Council Chambers. The committee approved the agenda as amended (moving budget priorities to the top) and approved the minutes from March 12, 2026. Discussions focused on the urban forestry budget, development updates, a proposed electric-hybrid ferry pilot, and the city's resilience and sustainability initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda as amended (moved ID-115-26 to top of General Discussion).
• Approval of minutes from March 12, 2026 (ENV 3.12.26).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Director of Recreation & Parks Johnson (remote): Expressed full support for the diesel/hybrid electric ferry, citing improved access to Cars Beach, reduced parking strain, and benefits for senior residents at nearby Baywoods. Urged support as an investment in access, history, and sustainability.
• Vickie Strum, CEO/President of Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation: Voiced strong support for the hybrid ferry, emphasizing its role in equitable waterfront access, cultural heritage (connecting City Dock to the new Cars-Eltonia Beach park and a planned West African pirogue boat exhibit in 2028), and economic development. Shared an email from a group of senior citizens eager to visit Juneteenth events but concerned about parking, underscoring the need for the ferry.
• Former Alderman Ross Arnett: Supported the ferry as a critical mobility component that could combine multiple transit modes (bicycle, ferry, trolley) and warned against losing the $3 million federal grant. Called for returning to all-electric ferries in the future.
• Former Mayor Gavin Buckley: Expressed strong support, noting the ferry would be a pilot with low city cost (local match in staff time) and could be operated by a third party like Watermark Cruises. Suggested making the initial Eastport–City Dock leg free for locals to test the concept and highlighted the $500,000 in dock improvements included in the grant.

Discussion Items

• ID-115-26: Environmental Matters Budget Priorities – Urban Forester Brian Adams presented the urban forestry budget, requesting $515,000 from the Watershed Restoration Fund for FY27, with $120,000 designated for a new staff position to assist with tree planting outreach and inspections. Last year, the city received $435,000 (less than the $515,000 requested) and the position was not filled. The committee discussed the need for a career ladder for the urban forester and the importance of dedicated funding to meet the 50% tree canopy goal by 2050. The budget request is considered cost-neutral within the fund.
• ID-5-26: Planning & Zoning Development Updates – Senior Planner Mike Meekins provided quarterly updates on major projects. Highlights: Grissom Square (12 units) broke ground; Parole Place added 40 units (now 130 total) via a minor modification; Rocky Gorge (48 units) abandoned due to legal issues; 15 Ridgely Avenue (three-story office) approved by planning commission; Thomas Somerville property nearing approval. The committee also raised parking issues at Parkside Preserve and requested a separate list of upcoming planning commission work sessions.
• ID-112-26: Electric-Hybrid Ferry Proposal – Deputy City Manager Guild presented the revised Annapolis Diesel Hybrid Passenger Ferry Pilot Program. The $3.5 million federal grant (with local match via staff time) covers design and construction of up to two vessels and dock improvements. Originally all-electric, the project was changed to diesel-hybrid after the Trump administration paused grants requiring alignment with new priorities. Key routes under consideration include Eastport (5th Street), City Dock, Hawkins Cove, and Cars Beach. Committee members questioned operating costs, the timing of an RFI/RFP, and the commitment to the 5th Street landing. Guild clarified that the grant does not require any specific route; if the city uses grant funds to improve the 5th Street bulkhead, the ferry must operate from there, but the city could forgo that improvement and fund it separately. The committee discussed conducting an RFI for operator interest and a feasibility study (possibly leveraging the county's ongoing study). No vote was taken, but the committee expressed support for moving forward cautiously.
• ID-3-26: Resilience & Sustainability Update – Deputy City Manager Guild reported on multiple initiatives: energy efficiency (free LED retrofits for city buildings via an Empower Maryland partnership); fleet analysis (BGE free technical assistance, $2,500 fee refundable with EV purchase); greenhouse gas inventory (draft climate action plan due July, public comments through May); electric streetcar/trolley project (RFP revised, feasibility study expected in early June); Hawkins Cove restoration (applications submitted to MDE/Army Corps); electric leaf blower enforcement (18 citations issued, $36,000 spent on rebates, $40,000 remaining); and climate change litigation (case closed after appeals ruling). The committee also noted a new environmental education program reaching approximately 1,500 community members.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes on policy matters. The committee agreed to proceed with the ferry pilot project by issuing an RFI and RFP in parallel, with a commitment to study operating costs and community impacts before awarding contracts.
• The urban forestry budget request ($515,000) and the creation of a career ladder for the urban forester will be forwarded to the full council as part of FY27 budget deliberations.
• Development update reports will include a new section listing upcoming planning commission work sessions.
• The committee will receive a presentation on the climate action plan draft before the June 18 council work session (tentatively scheduled for early June).
• The next regular Environmental Matters Committee meeting is expected in June 2026.