Annapolis City Council Special Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Annapolis City Council held a special meeting on July 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a ceremonial citation, updates from the mayor, committee reports, public comments, a public hearing on a parking district ordinance, approval of the consent calendar, and a preliminary review of a petition for annexation of Bay Ridge Road.

Ceremonial Items

• Citation to Dr. Charlestine Fairley: The City Council presented a citation to Dr. Fairley, retiring CEO of the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, recognizing her eight years of service in youth development, economic mobility, workforce development, and re-entry services. Dr. Fairley and her daughter, Nina Hickson, attended.

Mayor's Update

• City Dock Funding: Mayor Littmann announced that FEMA released $35 million (including $2.5 million for stormwater upgrades) for the City Dock resilience project, with full funding now secured from multiple sources.
• Street Safety: Shared a resident email praising the Tyler Avenue street safety project for improving traffic and neighborhood feel.
• Police Chief Search: Application period closes August 3, 2026; selection committee will evaluate applicants and send finalists to mayor and city manager.
• Rental Housing Guide: New trending topic on Annapolis.gov clarifies responsibilities of tenants, landlords, and the city regarding rental property maintenance.
• Fire Department Whole Blood Program: Six pre-hospital blood transfusions administered since May 2026; paramedics provided a transfusion within 10 minutes of arrival, helping save a life.
• Overdose Prevention: Knaptown antidote movement workshop on July 30, 2026, offering free lunch, Narcan, and training.
• Tax Free Week: Shop Maryland Tax Free Week August 9–15, 2026, exempts clothing/shoes under $100 and first $40 of backpack from sales tax.
• Next Meeting: Council will recess in August; next meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026.

Committee Reports

• Alderwoman O'Neill: Noted no Public Safety Committee meeting; recognized her niece attending for a Boy Scout communications badge.
• Alderman Huntley (Audit Committee): Reported that the FY26 audit is on track for December approval by the audit committee and council review at the first meeting of 2027; also discussed performance metrics and procedures for improper allegations.
• Alderman Huntley (Finance Committee): Held a brief special meeting on July 24, 2026, to move time-sensitive legislation without a recommendation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Leah Weiss (212 South Cherry Grove, Ward 3): Opposed Ordinance O-22-26 extending the temporary dissolution of the Arts in Public Places Commission, arguing the sunset should be allowed and a new commission convened. She stated the replacement legislation (O-14-26) is flawed and that the arts community wants to testify at a public hearing.
• Sven Storm (120 Dock Street): Spoke generally about the difference between public servants and politicians, urging council members to reflect on their roles and build trust with the community.
• John Hammond (141 Monticello Avenue): Raised concerns about Resolution R-29-26 (FY27 fee schedule), noting no public hearing was held and the Finance Committee did not review it. He argued parking fee increases (some up to 50%) lack transparency and are not justified given that actual parking revenue exceeded projections in FY24–25. He also pointed out two technical errors in the proposed amendment.

Public Hearings

• O-12-26 (Removing Forbes Street and Monterey Avenue from Special Residential Parking District #5): No members of the public signed up or spoke; the hearing was closed.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (voice vote):
  • AP-22-26: Nomination of Rebecca Britt to the Anne Arundel County Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission.
  • SA-2-27: Supplemental appropriation of $500 for the APD Alcohol Compliance Grant.

Discussion Items

• ID-154-26: Preliminary Review of Petition for Annexation of Bay Ridge Road (GSX Solutions, LLC and Lidl US Operations, LLC)

  • Planning and Zoning Director Chris Jacubiak explained the annexation process, noting the site is 5.4 acres, vacant for ~20 years, and identified in the city's comprehensive plan for annexation.
  • Petitioner representative Alan Hyatt stated the petition meets state and city requirements (100% property owner consent, no voters). The proposed use is 49 townhomes (later revised to 39 after Planning Commission feedback) under R3 zoning with 12 units per acre, matching county density.
  • Alderman Savage (Ward 7) expressed support, citing blight reduction and alignment with comprehensive plan. He raised issues: public trail access through conserved forest, coordination with transportation planning (road diet on Bay Ridge Road), density and land-use mix, and updating city road and fire codes to allow pedestrian-first streets.
  • Alderman Schandelmeier noted the land value infrastructure study and emphasized ensuring annexation is revenue-positive.
  • Alderman Thorpe and Huntley asked about referral process; it was clarified that the petition would be referred to the Planning Commission and reviewed by city departments through the city manager's office.
  • Motion to refer the petition to the Planning Commission and relevant city departments carried by voice vote.

• ID-158-26: Report on Short-Term Rentals in Annapolis – The agenda listed this report, but the transcript did not contain a clear presentation or discussion; it was likely presented briefly or postponed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously.
• Public hearing on O-12-26 held with no testimony.
• Annexation petition referred to Planning Commission and city departments for technical review; no vote on annexation itself.
• Several first and second reader items (Charter Amendment CA-3-26, Ordinances O-21-26, O-22-26, O-9-26, O-16-26, Resolutions R-23-26, R-27-26, R-29-26) were listed on the agenda but not discussed in the transcript; their status is unclear.