City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Regular Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Monday, May 10, 2021 7:00 PM Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr. City Council Chambers Virtual Meeting for the General Public City Council to Attend in Council Chambers A virtual meeting is when people, regardless of their location, use video and audio to link up online. Virtual Meetings allow people to share information and data in rea Call to Order Mayor Buckley called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Invocation Given by Alderman Paone. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderwoman Tierney. Present: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Approval of Agenda Alderman Schandelmeier moved to approve the agenda as amended to add O-5-21 Tucker Street Launching Facility - for the purpose of reconsideration. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Ceremonial Items City Council Citation - Alex Davies - United States Naval Academy Director Office of Emergency Management Simmons was present and gave a brief overview on the citation and thanked Ms. Davies. LIVE: Testimony: Ms. Davies City Council Citation - Roberta Laynor, Chief of Historic Preservation - Retirement City of Annapolis Page 1 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Tierney to present the citation. Petitions, Reports and Communications A. Update from the Mayor Mayor Gavin Buckley City Council Remarks 10 May 2021 - 7 p.m. Annapolis City Council Chambers The band is back together! Thank you all for being here. From here out, we expect our City Council meetings will be held in person. I want to assure the public that we are moving forward on a plan to get the public back into City Hall. We’re taking it one-step at a time. While the members of this council have been vaccinated and gone through their two-week inoculation period, we have an obligation to look out for City staff who help to run these meetings. I assure you - we will get there. We need to take steps to ensure the public health and that is what we are doing. For tonight, we’ll be bringing in testimony via remote. Remember that you can sign up to offer public testimony by visiting annapolis.gov and using the keywords “city council public testimony.” == Annapolis is coming back! We have plans for an wonderful Independence Weekend celebration. We will share more in the coming weeks, but we are planning a parade, tall ships in the harbor, fireworks and live music and cultural arts events and activities around the City. == I mentioned this at our last meeting, but I’d like to go into a little more detail about some other events we have planned as we continue to reopen. The first is a Juneteenth event on June 19 in Annapolis. City of Annapolis Page 2 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Juneteenth is often referred to as America’s Second Independence Day. It is a holiday that began in Texas when enslaved persons learned of their Emancipation on June 19, 1865, two months after Robert E. Lee surrendered and two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Over the years, Juneteenth has become a more significant holiday. In 1979, the State of Texas made it a paid Texas state holiday. In the 1980s and 90s, it gained popularity and became more widely celebrated. Most states now recognize it in some fashion, either as a state holiday or as a ceremonial observance. The City of Annapolis, as of 2020, has recognized Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” with a proclamation. This year, the Annapolis Juneteenth committee will host the event with a VIP event at MC3 on June 18, then a parade that will start at City Dock, a site of significant importance because it is where enslaved persons were brought to America. From there, a parade will go up to Maryland Hall and there will be family-friendly activities at Bates Athletic complex. For more information on Juneteenth, please visit www.AnnapolisJuneteenth.org. Alderwoman Finlayson has been very involved with the planning of this event and I want to thank her for her work in bringing this celebration to Annapolis. == My office, along with the office of County Executive Steuart Pittman, will be hosting a Black Wall Street event on May 30. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Greenwood Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was one of the most successful, established, and wealthiest Black business districts in the nation. A massacre was carried out by mobs of white residents with 800 people hospitalized and more than two dozen killed. That happened between May 31 and June 1 in 1921. On May 30, 2021, the event in Annapolis will take place at People’s Park and will feature local black-owned businesses and local artists and musicians. If you want more information or want to get involved, contact Adetola Ajayi in my office at 410-972-6257. == On Friday, we got to cut the ribbon at two new resource centers - one in Robinwood and the other at Harbour House. I want to thank everyone who made these two sites possible, including the Housing Authority for the City of Annapolis, which worked with HUD to permit two residential units to be used, Assistant City Manager Lyn Farrow, artist Comacell Brown, Police Chief City of Annapolis Page 3 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Edward Jackson, Housing Authority Executive Director Melissa Maddox Evans, and many others. At these sites, residents will be able to get access to resources and services. It is a place where our City social work team can connect residents to resources and services, not only from the City, but also from partners, like non-profit organizations. It will be a place to connect people to services like medical and mental health care, workforce development and job training, substance use reduction and prevention, childcare, food insecurity, elder care and domestic violence prevention and much more. We welcome Erica Griswald to the social work team. The resource centers are open to all residents of Annapolis. The locations are in Robinwood, at 1453 Tyler Avenue, and in Harbour House at 1155 Madison Street, Apt S-4. Call Erin Lee, the Social Work Care Coordinator at 410-562-0169. == Shout out to everyone who participated in May Baskets! It is nice to see our City bringing back elements of normalcy and tradition. Thanks to the Garden Club and the Downtown Annapolis Partnership. == We can continue on this path of returning to normalcy as long as we continue getting residents vaccinated. Please get a vaccine. Appointments are no longer required at all locations. In Annapolis, show up at Pip Moyer Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., that’s 273 Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. The mass vaccination site at Navy Stadium is open in the mornings for walk-ups or you can get an appointment at massvax.maryland.gov or call 855-634-6829. We have community clinics in convenient places like local churches, run by our take care team, call 443-875-2261 to find out more. You do not need to be a citizen. You do not need insurance. The vaccines are free and safe and protect you and your loved ones from this deadly virus. In addition, Anne Arundel County Public schools is offering vaccine clinics for eligible students. The public library is offering vaccines tomorrow at the Library at the Mall and again next Thursday, the 20th at the library in the mall. Evening appointments are available at Anne Arundel Community College. Visit aacounty.org/covidvax for more information! == I want to congratulate Brooks Dubois of the Capital newspaper who took first City of Annapolis Page 4 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 place in his coverage of our efforts to expand bicycle and pedestrian transportation options. Brooks didn’t know what he was in for when I asked him to join me on a ride to Waterworks Park. Congratulation to Brooks and the other reporters who were recognized! == Speaking of bicycling, Bike to Work Day is next Wednesday, and instead of gathering at Market House like we have in the past, members of the public are encouraged to ride their bicycles to work on their own. There will be pit stops at locations in the area, in Annapolis at Velo Cycles in Parole. Later on Wednesday, at 6:45 p.m. there will a ride of silence to honor cyclists killed or injured. Annapolis Police bicycle patrol will lead us on a ride through Annapolis and Eastport. We are meeting at Germantown Elementary School for that ride. == Commissioning week is happening in the City between May 23 and Commissioning Day on May 28. Please expect traffic delays during this time, especially with Vice President Kamala Harris as commencement speaker. We are so excited to have her in our City. The Blue Angels will arrive on Tuesday, May 25 and there will be a flight demonstration on Wednesday, May 26. There will be maritime restrictions during that time. While Gov. Hogan has released restrictions on masks in the outdoors, if you plan on being downtown, we kindly request that you bring your mask in the event that it gets crowded. If it is crowded, put it on. Covid is still out there and even if you have been vaccinated, not everyone has. As a kindness, please wear your mask if you can’t be physically distanced from people not in your group. We congratulate our mids on making it through their four years in a very strange time of pandemic. Go Navy! Let’s get on with our meeting. B. Reports by Committee Standing Committee Dates: Economic Matters Committee May 12, 2021, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Transportation Committee May 13, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Environmental Matters Committee May 19, 2021, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM C. Comments by the General Public PUBLIC TESTIMONY WEB FORM - To view the actual comments, please visit www.annapolis.gov/publictestimony <http://www.annapolis.gov/publictestimony> City of Annapolis Page 5 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 LIVE Testimony: Rebecca Brenia, 99 Old Crossing Lane, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on O-5-21 Tucker Street Launching Facility WRITTEN Testimony: Bill Malley, 1100 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on O-8-21 Dwellings above nonresidential uses in the PM District Consent Calendar Approval of the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Approval of Journal of Proceedings CCM Regular Meeting Minutes 4.12.2021 A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett CCM Special Meeting Minutes 4.26.2021 A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Business and Miscellaneous Supplemental Appropriations SA-32-21 Planning and Zoning Primrose School Franchising Company Revenue: General Fund Contributions ($13,017.00) Expenditure: Contractual Services ($13,017.00) A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously City of Annapolis Page 6 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett SA-33-21 Fire General Fund - Pentagon Sailing Club Revenue: CPR Training payment received from Pentagon Sailing Club ($650.00) Expenditure: Supplies and Other ($200.00); Salaries and Benefits ($450.00) A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Fund Transfers FT-8-21 Planning and Zoning Transfer From: P&Z Salaries and benefits ($32,00.00) Transfer To: P&Z Supplies and Other ($32,000.00) A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett End of Consent Calendar Business and Miscellaneous Fund Transfers FT-7-21 Public Works Transfer From: DPW/Snow Contractual Services ($25,900.00); DPW/Snow Supplies and Other ($26,900.00) Transfer To: DPW/Buildings Contractual Services ($52,800.00) City Manager Jarrell and Public Works Director Johnson. was present and Answered questions from the council. Alderman Arnett moved to approve FT-7-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. FT-9-21 MIT Transfer From: MIT Salaries and benefits ($58,000.00); MIT Contractual Services ($22,000.00) Transfer To: MIT Capital Outlay ($80,900.00) Finance Director Dickinson was present and answered questions from the City of Annapolis Page 7 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Council. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to approve FT-9-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Public Hearings Cont. O-12-21 Police Enhancement and Community Engagement - For the purpose of establishing procedures for the collection and reporting of certain law enforcement data; providing for publication of certain data; promoting community policing; developing use of force guidelines; establishing procedures for consent searches; establishing police officer training requirements; providing crowd control restrictions; prohibiting certain police practices; providing procedures for effectuating certain warrants; extending the probationary period of certain police officers; requiring certain persons engaged in the business of selling or exchanging firearms, cartridges or other ammunition to maintain records; establishing minimum standards for investigating and responding to allegations of domestic violence; prohibiting use of certain property by the City, restricting the use of City-owned armored vehicles; expanding the scope of duties of the Human Relations Commission; providing for exemptions from negotiation of employee-management relations; providing an effective date; providing definitions; and generally related to police enhancement and community engagement. Sponsors: Savidge, Arnett, Tierney and Schandelmeier No one from the general public spoke or submitted any written testimony in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O12-21 closed. Public Hearings ID-110-21 CITY OF ANNAPOLIS NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The City Council of City of Annapolis proposes to increase real property taxes. 1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2022, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 1.43%, from $7,190,636,973 to $7,293,446,226. 2. If City of Annapolis maintains the current tax rate of $0.7380 per $100 of assessment, real property tax revenues will increase by 1.43 % resulting in $758,732 of new real property tax revenues. 3. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $0.7276, the constant yield tax rate. 4. The City of Annapolis is considering not reducing its real property tax rate City of Annapolis Page 8 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 enough to fully offset increasing assessments. The City of Annapolis proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of $0.7380 per $100 of assessment. This tax rate is 1.43% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $758,732 in additional property tax revenues. A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021, in the Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr, City Council Chambers located at 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, 2nd Floor, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-263-7952 for further information. Please go to the City of Annapolis website at <http://www.annapolis.gov/testimony> for instructions on how to submit written testimony. The Council will accept testimony for seven days following the public hearing. No one from the general public spoke or submitted any written testimony in favor of or in opposition to ID-110-21. Finance Director Dickinson was present and answered questions from the council.. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on ID-110-21 left open until 5/24/2021. O-50-20 Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit - For the purpose of updating certain occupancy periods of Moderately Priced Dwelling Units; eliminating variations on defined terms; providing supplemental regulatory authority to the Director of Planning and Zoning; and generally relating to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Sponsors: Buckley and Schandelmeier No one from the general public spoke or submitted any written testimony in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance. Mayor Buckley accepted into the record the Planning Commission Findings dated April 1, 2021. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-50-21 closed. O-4-21 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries - For the purpose of allowing medical cannabis dispensaries in certain zoning districts within the City of Annapolis; and adding a definition. Sponsors: Gay, Schandelmeier and Arnett No one from the general public spoke or submitted any written testimony in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance. Mayor Buckley accepted into the record the Planning Commission Findings dated April 15, 2021. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-4-21 closed. O-14-21 Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County - For the City of Annapolis Page 9 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 purpose of establishing the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County; defining certain terms; providing for articles of incorporation and amendment of articles of incorporation for the Resilience Authority; reserving certain authority of the County and the City with respect to the Resilience Authority; providing for the composition, term, and removal of members, meeting standards, and reimbursement of expenses of members; providing the qualifications, duties, compensation, and appointment of the Resilience Authority Director and Chief Financial Officer; establishing the powers of the Resilience Authority; providing for the issuance of bonds by the Resilience Authority; requiring annual reports by the Resilience Authority; and generally relating to the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Sponsors: Buckley, Tierney, Schandelmeier and Pindell Charles No one from the general public spoke or submitted any written testimony in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-14-21 closed. Legislative Action First Readers O-13-21 Urban Renewal Projects - Repeal - For the purpose of repealing the Annapolis City Code provisions relating to urban renewal projects; providing provisions for the exercise of state law powers relating to development or redevelopment of certain property, including comprehensive renovation or rehabilitation; requiring the Affordable Housing and Community Equity Development Commission to review certain development projects; providing certain definitions, providing for the application of this Ordinance; providing that existing obligations or contract rights may not be impaired by this Ordinance; and generally relating to the repeal of such provisions. Sponsors: Tierney, Buckley and Pindell Charles Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-13-21 to the Economic Matters Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-13-21 to the Rules & City Government Committee. O-15-21 Elections - Independent Expenditure Report - For the purpose of requiring the filing of Independent Expenditure Reports; providing reporting procedures and requirements; adopting state provisions; providing certain definitions; providing penalties; and generally relating to Independent Expenditure Reports. Sponsors: Savidge City of Annapolis Page 10 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Alderman Savidge moved to adopt O-15-21 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-15-21 to the Rules & City Government Committee. Second Readers O-47-20 Local Zoning Map Amendment - For the purpose of rezoning parcel 1340, Grid 0008, Tax Map 052A, known as 21 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland, to be zoned in its entirety as C1, “Conservation Residence” Zoning District. Sponsors: Buckley Planning and Zoning Director Dr. Nash was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Paone moved to adopt O-47-20 on second reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-47-20 on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett O-11-21 Compensation of the Aldermen, Alderwomen, and City Manager - For the purpose of adjusting the compensation and allowances to be paid to the Aldermen and Alderwomen for the term of office commencing on the first Monday in December, 2021; and for adjusting the compensation to be paid to the City Manager. Sponsors: Gay Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt O-11-21 on second reader. A roll call vote was taken. The motion DEFEATED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Nay: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Schandelmeier Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt O-11-21 on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Nay: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Schandelmeier R-16-21 “Fowlkes Community Park” - For the purpose of designating certain City-owned property as a Pocket Park; naming the Pocket Park the “Fowlkes City of Annapolis Page 11 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Community Park”; and generally relating to dedicating said Pocket Park. Sponsors: Paone, Pindell Charles, Buckley, Tierney and Finlayson Alderman Savidge moved to adopt R-16-21 on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Alderwoman Finlayson - Cosponsor added R-17-21 Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis - Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant - For the purpose of partnering with the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis in the application for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant; and approving a matching contribution of the application filing fee. Sponsors: Gay, Arnett, Finlayson, Tierney and Pindell Charles Planning and Zoning Director Nash was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-17-21 on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett O-5-21 Tucker Street Launching Facility - For the purpose of providing procedures for use of the Tucker Street launching facility; providing certain definitions; establishing acceptable proofs of residency for issuance of certain permits; and providing penalties for violations. Sponsors: Paone and Tierney Public Works Director Johnson and Fire Deputy Chief Spriggs were present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Paone moved to reconsider O-5-21 as amended on second reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Paone moved to postpone O-5-21. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion DEFEATED by the following vote: Aye: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Schandelmeier Nay: 5- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Alderman Arnett moved to call the question to end debate. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. City of Annapolis Page 12 Printed on 6/15/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final May 10, 2021 Alderman Savidge moved to adopt O-5-21 on second reader with amendments 1, 3, 4 and 7. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Nay: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Schandelmeier Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-5-21on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Nay: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Schandelmeier Adjournment Upon motion duly made, seconded and adopted, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Regina C. Watkins-Eldridge, MMC City Clerk City of Annapolis Page 13 Printed on 6/15/2021