City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Regular Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Monday, June 14, 2021 7:00 PM Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr. City Council Chambers Call to Order Mayor Buckley called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Invocation Given by Alderman Schandelmeier. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderwoman Finlayson. 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 Arnett moved to approve the agenda. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Ceremonial Items ID-112-21 City Council Citation - Clayton Edward Francis Derderian This Informational Item was presented. Appointments AP-10-21 The Appointment of James Jenkins to the Planning Commission Alderman Arnett moved to confirm AP-10-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. AP-13-21 The Re-Appointment of Christian Zazzali to the Board of Appeals .. Alderman Paone moved to confirm AP-13-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. City of Annapolis Page 1 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 AP-14-21 The Re-Appointment of Cynthia Towle-Krewson to the Arts in Public Places Commission Alderman Paone moved to confirm AP-14-21, AP-16-21, AP-17-21 and AP-18-21 as a group. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. AP-15-21 The Re-Appointment of Chrissa Rich to the Arts in Public Places Commission Alderman Gay moved to postpone AP-15-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. AP-16-21 The Re-Appointment of Genevieve Torri to the Arts in Public Places Commission Alderman Paone moved to confirm AP-16-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. AP-17-21 The Re-Appointment of Barbara Torreon to the Arts in Public Places Commission Alderman Paone moved to confirm AP-17-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. AP-18-21 The Appointment of John Egidio to the Civil Service Board Alderman Paone moved to confirm AP-18-21. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Petitions, Reports and Communications A. Update from the Mayor Mayor Gavin Buckley City Council Remarks 14 June 2021 - 7 p.m. Annapolis City Council Chambers Good evening! There are a couple of events on the horizon, but first I thank our partners at Downtown Annapolis Partnership and Garden Girls for the flower baskets in downtown. They are so attractive and help remind residents and visitors of the experience of shopping local! == Coming up this weekend, we have our inaugural Annapolis Juneteenth celebrations. On Friday the 18th, a gala at MC3 at Park Place. On Saturday the 19th, a 63-unit parade that starts at City Dock and goes up Main Street ending at Maryland Hall. That begins at noon. From 2 p.m. until nightfall, there is a festival with food and family-friendly activities at the Bates Athletic Complex, followed by fireworks from the lower field. City of Annapolis Page 2 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 Visit AnnapolisJuneteenth.org to get tickets to the gala or learn more about the events. == As many of you have read in the paper, the sentencing portion of the trial for the Capital Gazette shooter is ongoing. Please hold the survivors and the families of those who lost loved ones close in your hearts in this difficult time. Later this month, we will be dedicating a memorial to those lost at the Capital Gazette as a reminder of the importance of a free press. The memorial, “Guardians of the First Amendment” is currently under construction on the corner of Compromise Street at Newman Street. The dedication will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 28. Author David Simon will be the keynote speaker and author Laura Littman will dedicate the memorial. The event has been organized by the Caucus of African American Leaders, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, the office of County Executive Steuart Pittman and my office. The dedication will take place on the third anniversary of the Capital Gazette shooting. Every mass shooting in America seems to have a hallmark - we remember Pulse nightclub as a hate crime that targeted LGBTQ; Parkland because those kids were old enough to speak out and advocate for change, a first-person voice that Sandy Point kindergarteners did not have; Charleston was an African American congregation killed while they prayed alongside their shooter and Pittsburgh as the place where people were killed at their synagogue. Annapolis is the place where the largest mass killing of journalists took place. A physical attack on freedom of the press. I firmly believe that regional newspapers are key to robust democratic institutions. It remains to be seen how the Capital Gazette/Baltimore Sun’s recent acquisition by Alden Capital will play out. It is my hope that our Guardians Memorial in Annapolis will not just be a reminder of the lives lost at the paper, but of the enduring importance of a free press. == This year we will hold municipal elections in Annapolis - Mayor and all eight City of Annapolis Page 3 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 council districts. The primary is September 21 and the General Election is Nov. 2. This year the Annapolis Board of Supervisors of Elections decided to send ballots to every registered voter in the City. Please make sure your address is up to date. You can visit elections.maryland.gov to check your registration. Deadline to register or update your address is in August. Each mailed-in ballot the Board receives will have a signature match to ensure election security. At the right time, voters can return their ballots by mail, in person at a polling place, or vote in person. As more states across the nation are making it harder for people to vote, I am happy to know that Annapolis is a leader in making it more convenient to exercise a right that so many fought so hard to secure. == We are nearing the conclusion of our project to rebuild the Tennis and Pickleball Courts at Truxtun Park. Look for a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24 at 10 a.m. I want to thank our community for their patience. Drainage issues and materials shortages seem to have dogged that project but we are happy to see the ribbon cutting on the calendar! == We are continuing our plans for Independence Day celebration weekend. Please visit the City’s website and use the keyword: “July 4” to see the schedule of events. I want to thank all of our partners - Visit Annapolis, Downtown Partnership, Historic Annapolis, Art in Public Places, Annapolis Maritime Museum and more. This year will be a come back for Annapolis and a reminder to people near and far that we are open for business. == Speaking of open for business, please get your vaccine if you haven’t already. Dying of covid at this point is unnecessary since we have a safe and effective way of avoiding it. == City of Annapolis Page 4 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 On Sunday it is Father’s Day. I know that one of the most rewarding things that I have had the privilege to enjoy is the title of “dad.” On behalf of the residents and this council, I want to wish the dads in our community a very happy Father’s Day! Let’s get on with the meeting B. Reports by Committee Standing Committee dates: Special Finance Committee Meeting June 16, 2021, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM @ Mayor John T Chamber, Jr. Council Chambers Environmental Matters Committee Meeting June 16, 2021, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Mayor John T Chamber, Jr. Council Chambers Housing and Human Welfare Committee Meeting June 21, 2021, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM @ Mayor John T Chamber, Jr. Council Chambers Economic Matters Committee June 22, 2021, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM @ Mayor John T Chamber, Jr. Council Chambers C. Comments by the General Public COMMENTS BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC - PUBLIC TESTIMONY WEB FORM – To view the actual comments, please visit www.annapolis.gov/publictestimony NO SPEAKERS 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 5.10.2021 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 City of Annapolis Page 5 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 CCM Special Meeting Minutes 5.24.2021 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 ID-132-21 RENEWAL - Top Notch Towing 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 ID-133-21 RENEWAL - JP Towing 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 Public Hearings CA-1-21 Office of Community Services - Established - For the purpose of establishing the Office of Community Services; updating the powers and duties of the City Manager, and generally relating to the Office of Community Services. Sponsors: Buckley, Finlayson, Pindell Charles, Tierney, Gay and Arnett No Written or Live Testimony Requested Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on CA-1-21 closed. O-1-21 Bulk Regulations - R4 and R4-R Residential Zoning Districts - For the purpose of correcting conflicts in the bulk regulations table and the table notes related to attached single family and multifamily dwelling units. Sponsors: Finlayson and Schandelmeier No Written or Live Testimony Requested Mayor Buckley accepted into the record the Planning Commission Findings dated May 6, 2021. City of Annapolis Page 6 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-1-21 closed. O-7-21 Short Term Rental Licenses - Conservation Districts - For the purpose of requiring special exception approval for a new non owner-occupied short term rental license in the R2-NC, C1, and C1-A conservation residence districts; requiring special exception approval for the transfer of any existing non owner-occupied short term rental license in the R2-NC, C1, and C1-A conservation residence districts; providing definitions; providing for the waiver of special exception approval for certain individuals; and generally related to short term rental licenses. Sponsors: Tierney and Savidge LIVE: Testimony Requested – 1. Mark Mhley, 123 Conduit Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 representing the Ward One Residents Association. 2. Carl Larkin, 154 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 3. Susan Marguiles, 113 Conduit Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 4. Charles Parker, 123 Conduit Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 WRITTEN: Testimony Received – 1. Chris Cole, 55 East Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 2. Michael Farmer, 142 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 3. Mary Ann Marbury, 134 Market Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 4. Noelle Richmond, 142 Monticello Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 5. Norman Lerner, 9 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 6. Doris Price, 9 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 7. Thomas Berger, 170 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 8. Nancy Steere, 122 Spa View Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 9. Ann and Jim Phillips, 178 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 10. Debra Connors, 58 Franklin Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 11. Henry Kenchington, 216 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 12. Marlys McDevitt, 202 King George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 13. William Dyott, 221 King George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 14. Victoria Duncan, 33 East Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 15. Tammy Tober, 163 Prince George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. 16. Christa Sublett, 21 East Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Mayor Buckley accepted into the record the planning commission findings dated May 20, 2021. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-7-21 closed. O-16-21 Maintaining Chickens - For the purpose of modifying the application and approval procedures for maintaining chickens; providing notice requirements; and generally relating to maintaining chickens. Sponsors: Buckley and Tierney No Written or Live Testimony Requested City of Annapolis Page 7 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-16-21 closed. O-17-21 Public Services - Water and Sewer - For the purpose of modifying the charges for water service for certain users; modifying the charges for sewer service for certain users; and generally relating to providing water and sewer service. Sponsors: Buckley . No Written or Live Testimony Requested Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-17-21 closed. O-18-21 Municipal Elections - Canvassing - For the purpose of modifying the day on which the Board of Canvassers shall convene following all municipal elections. Sponsors: Buckley No Written or Live Testimony Requested Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-18-21 closed. Legislative Action First Readers CA-2-21 Non-Partisan Elections - For the purpose of providing for non-partisan elections for the offices of Mayor, Aldermen, and Alderwomen; providing procedures for the filling of vacancies in these offices; removing partisan consideration in the composition of the Board of Supervisors of Elections; modifying certain procedural timelines for the filling of vacancies; and generally relating to non-partisan elections. Sponsors: Paone Alderman Paone moved to adopt CA-2-21 on first reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion DEFEATED by the following vote: Aye: 4- Alderwoman Tierney, Alderman Paone, Alderwoman Pindell Charles and Alderman Gay Nay: 4- Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier and Alderman Savidge Abstain: 1- Alderman Arnett O-20-21 Non-Partisan Elections - For the purpose of providing that elections for public office in the City of Annapolis are non-partisan; eliminating municipal primary elections in the City of Annapolis; removing the central committee election by parties provisions; removing certain reporting requirements; removing nomination by petition provisions; removing certain recount provisions; modifying appointment requirements for election judges; modifying certain definitions; City of Annapolis Page 8 Printed on 7/13/2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2021 making this ordinance contingent on the taking effect of a Charter Amendment; and generally relating to non-partisan elections. Sponsors: Paone Alderman Paone moved to adopt O-20-21 on first reader. Seconded. DEFEATED on voice vote. O-21-21 Public Ethics - Statement of Compliance - For the purpose of repealing the requirement to file a Statement of Compliance for certain individuals. Sponsors: Buckley City Attorney Lyles was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-21-21 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-21-21 to the Rules & City Government Committee. O-22-21 Sponsors: Arnett Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-22-21 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred to Board of Appeals. Mayor Buckley referred to the Rules & City Government Committee. Mayor Buckley referred to the Planning Commission. O-23-21 Annapolis Harbor Lines - 222 Severn Avenue - For the purpose of amending the configuration of the Annapolis harbor line outboard of 222 Severn Avenue on Spa Creek; and generally related to said harbor line. Sponsors: Arnett Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-23-21 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred to the Maritime Advisory Board. Mayor Buckley referred to the Board of Port Wardens. Mayor Buckley referred to the Environmental Matters Committee. Adjournment Upon motion duly made, seconded and adopted, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Regina C. Watkins-Eldridge, MMC City Clerk City of Annapolis Page 9 Printed on 7/13/2021