City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Special Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Monday, May 23, 2022 7:00 PM Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr. City Council Chambers Special Meeting Call to Order Mayor Buckley called the Special meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Invocation Given by Alderwoman Tierney. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderwoman Pindell Charles. Alderman Arnett arrived at 7:10 pm. Present: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson Approval of Agenda Alderman Savidge moved to approve the agenda as amended to add O-16-22 Seasonal Parklet Program Standardized Lease Agreement Template on First Reader. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson Ceremonial Items Proclamations ID-129-22 National Gun Violence Awareness Day Mayor Buckley read proclamation into the record. ID-136-22 Memorial Day City of Annapolis Page 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 Mayor Buckley read proclamation into the record. City Council Citations ID-132-22 Morgan State University Smart Cities Case Competition Participants Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Pindell Charles to present the citation. ID-137-22 Rev. Jerry Colbert Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Pindell Charles to present the citation. ID-139-22 Wiley H. Bated Middle School - Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) Program Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Pindell Charles to present the citation. ID-140-22 Charting Careers Mayor Buckley postponed the citation until Friday, June 10, 2022. ID-141-22 Dragon Boats Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Pindell Charles to present the citation. ID-146-22 Annapolis Community Foundation’s Support of Tornado Victims Mayor Buckley invited Alderwoman Pindell Charles to present the citation. Petitions, Reports and Communications A. Update from the Mayor Mayor Gavin Buckley City Council Remarks 23 May 2022 – 7 p.m. City Council Chambers Good evening! I would like to start out tonight by congratulating students in the class of 2022. Our St. John’s graduates walked the stage on May 15 and our graduating midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy will be commissioned Friday morning with President Joe Biden delivering the commencement address. In the coming days, we will see all the usual commissioning week activities, including the Blue Angels practice on Tuesday and the flight show on Wednesday. Although the weather forecast is calling for rain, the show, as of this moment, will go on. If you plan on coming downtown, please check the City website for details on parking, alternate mobility options and, if you are out on your boat, maritime restrictions. I want to offer congratulations to all our graduates at every level, college, high school on down to preschool. These are major milestones in the lives of our young people and their families. Please be alert to police direction as well as to tourists and families who have come to celebrate. We might have to exercise some patience and give ourselves extra time for our City of Annapolis Page 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 normal routines. == Last week I had the pleasure of kicking off our alternative mobility fair at Eastport Shopping Center and City Dock. These events, showcased the new Annapolis Go rideshare, the free downtown shuttle, and electric tram as well as our new vendor for scooters and ebikes – Bird. These alternatives have been introduced at this time because of the closure of Hillman Garage. We have all seen the scooters and bicycles in other places, including close-in cities like DC and Baltimore, and historic cities like Alexandria and Richmond. We are happy to be joining them in enhancing and expanding transit options in our city. Let me set the stage for how we got here. Over the past few years, we have worked to upgrade our bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, including upkeep on existing trails as well as new markings on roadways, called sharrows, that remind those in vehicles to be on the lookout for bicycles, and to remind those on bikes and scooters to know where in the roadway is safest for riding. We are doing this because the world is changing and the need for alternative transit, that helps take cars off the road and decarbonize our cities, is growing, all around the world. We may be accustomed to thinking that roads are just for cars, but roads are shared spaces. In fact, sharing the road is City, county and state of Maryland law. It is also the kind and polite thing to do. Over the centuries, Annapolis has seen many transportation evolutions. In a City built for pedestrians and horses, our roads are especially suited to alternative transit options. The historic and small scale of Annapolis, and the slower speeds our downtown streets require, makes our city the ideal place for sharing the road whether you are on two feet, in a wheelchair, or on a scooter or bicycle. The electric scooters are new, but Annapolis has become a more bicycle-friendly town in recent years thanks to the work of “Bicycle advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.” If you are not a scooter or a bike person, that is fine, just know that the more you see folks out on these other modes of transit, the less you will see them taking up parking spaces and creating traffic jams in their vehicles. Now, a couple of things you should know about Bird. They are a private company and we have worked with them to manage this rollout in a phased way. We are one week into the introductory phase. Some areas around town are geofenced, meaning the scooters will not operate in these places. That includes most of the trails in Truxtun Park, the Naval Academy installation, St. John’s College, Lawyers Mall and around the Maryland State House, cemeteries, public housing and other parcels of private property. The public City streets closest to these parcels of private property are fully accessible. So you can ride or scooter right up to or from all these areas. There is a 50 percent discount available for veterans, seniors and those on low incomes to use Bird bikes and scooters. In addition, if you pick up or drop off a scooter or e-bike from an underserved area, you are renting at a 25 percent discount. That is intentional. We built this out to be inclusive and equitable. And over the past few days, I have been delighted to see people from all lifestyles using them. There are always adjustments to make whenever something new is introduced. As we all adjust to this new, efficient and green way of traveling, and to sharing our roads, let us remember to practice thoughtfulness and safety. For safety, you should absolutely wear a helmet. If you do not have a helmet, you can go to City of Annapolis Page 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 the safety section in the Bird app and order a helmet and they will ship it to you free. We also plan to host a few bicycle safety events and helmet giveaways over the summer. Lastly, a reminder that those who rent scooters and bicycles must follow the rules of the road. Do not dodge in and out of traffic and run red lights. If you are on a motorized vehicle and not following traffic laws, APD can and will cite you. If you see bikes or scooters left in unsafe areas, you can report them through the Bird app and they will be moved. Lastly, we will be collecting data and fine-tuning the rollout over the coming months. Feedback is important, so please provide feedback through the app, to help us make this program a success, just as it has been in other similar, historic cities. Follow the rules, be safe and - this is the best part - have fun! == We have a few parades coming up that I want to highlight. Next Monday, May 30th is the Memorial Day parade which steps off at 10 a.m. at Amos Garrett Blvd and West Street, and continues up West to Main Street, and then down to City Dock. Participants in the parade will include veterans groups and the Naval Academy band. That is Monday 30th and, as a reminder, City offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day. Pip Moyer and Stanton Center are also closed. Transit runs on a Sunday schedule and trash and recycling pickups are pushed forward a day. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and I am pleased tonight to be presenting a proclamation recognizing Memorial Day. == Later in the week, on Saturday June 4, we’ll have the 2nd annual Annapolis Pride parade. That begins at the same spot, stepping off at Amos Garrett and West Streets, at noon. The pride parade will end at Calvert Street where there will be a street festival. The first block of West Street will be closed with music, food and vendors from 1 to 5 p.m. At 5 p.m., they’ll switch over to a special Saturday night of “Dinner Under the Stars.” Should be fun and I hope to see you there. Now let’s get on with our meeting! B. Reports by Committee Standing Committee Dates: Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday, June 1, 2022 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM C. Comments by the General Public General Comments Speakers: Denise Robinson, 518 Fifth Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Denise Ertel, 100 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Natalie Benincasa- Powell, 312 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Mayor Buckley declared comments from the general public closed. City of Annapolis Page 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 Consent Calendar Approval of the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Alderman Schandelmeier to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson Fund Transfers - UNDER $50,000.00 FT-11-22 Planning and Zoning - General Fund - Contingency Account Transfer From: Contingency - Contingency Fund ($20,000.00) Transfer To: Planning and Zoning - Supplies and Other ($20,000.00) A motion was made by Alderman Schandelmeier to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Aye: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson End of Consent Calendar Business and Miscellaneous Supplemental Appropriations - OVER $50,000.00 SA-26-22 Parking - Parking Fund Revenue: Parking Revenue ($305,000.00) Expenditure: Contractual Services ($305,000.00) Alderman Arnett moved to approve SA-26-22. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Public Hearings Cont. O-15-22 Annual Budget and Appropriation and Property Tax Levy - For the purpose of adopting the City Budget, comprising the Annual Operating Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the Capital Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the Capital Improvement Program for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028; appropriating funds for all expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023; levying and imposing a property tax for the use of the City of Annapolis for the taxable year beginning July 1, City of Annapolis Page 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 2022, and ending June 30, 2023; and fixing the rate of the City property tax for the taxable year. Sponsors: Buckley No Speakers. Mayor Buckley accepted into the record the findings for O-15-22 Annual Budget and Appropriation and Property Tax Levy Proposed Capital Budget (FY2023 & Capital Improvement Program (FY2024 – FY2028) from the Planning Commission dated May 19, 2022. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-15-22 closed. R-23-22 Fiscal Year 2023 Fees Schedule - For the purpose of specifying fees that will be charged for the use of City services for Fiscal Year 2023; and providing an effective date. Sponsors: Buckley No Speakers. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-23-22 closed. R-24-22 Fiscal Year 2023 Fines Schedule - For the purpose of specifying fines that will be charged for Fiscal Year 2023; and providing an effective date. Sponsors: Buckley No Speakers. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-24-22 closed. Public Hearings ID-120-22 CITY OF ANNAPOLIS NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE No Speakers. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on ID-120-22 closed. O-6-22 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries - For the purpose of allowing medical cannabis dispensaries in certain zoning districts within the City of Annapolis; adding a use subject to standards; adding certain definitions; and generally relating to medical cannabis dispensaries. Sponsors: Gay No Speakers. Mayor Buckley accepted accept into the record the Findings for O-6-22 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries from the Planning Commission dated May 5, 2022.. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-6-22 closed. City of Annapolis Page 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 R-31-22 Position Classifications and Pay Plan - For the purpose of approving the Fiscal Year 2023 position classifications and pay plan; and specifying an effective date. No Speakers. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-31-22 closed. Legislative Action First Readers R-32-22 Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT)/Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis Watershed Restoration Grant Program Permit Fees Waiver - For the purpose of waiving the permit fees in connection with the CBT Watershed Restoration Grant Program projects. Alderman Savidge moved to adopt R-32-22 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred R-32-22 to the Finance Committee. Mayor Buckley referred R-32-22 to the Environmental Matters Committee. R-33-22 Support for Abortion Rights and United States Supreme Court Decision in the case of Roe v Wade - For the purpose of expressing Council support for the Supreme Court Decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. Alderman Gay moved to adopt R-33-22 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Added at the Approval of the Agenda - Legislative Action First Reader O-16-22 Seasonal Parklet Program Standardized Lease Agreement Template - For the purpose of approving a standardized lease agreement template to be used by the City for those businesses interested in facilitating an outside dining experience within City owned parking spaces, as part of the City’s Seasonal Parklet Program; acknowledging the City’s Seasonal Parklet Program Operational Framework; acknowledging the City’s Seasonal Parklet Pricing Model; providing an effective date for use of said Standardized Lease Agreement Template; and matters generally relating to said Standardized Lease Agreement Template. Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt O-16-22 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. City of Annapolis Page 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final May 23, 2022 Alderman Schandelmeier moved to suspend the rules to allow the passage of ordinance O-16-22 at the meeting of its introduction. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson The meeting was recessed at 8:39 p.m. and reconvened at 8:52p.m O-16-22 Seasonal Parklet Program Standardized Lease Agreement Template - For the purpose of approving a standardized lease agreement template to be used by the City for those businesses interested in facilitating an outside dining experience within City owned parking spaces, as part of the City’s Seasonal Parklet Program; acknowledging the City’s Seasonal Parklet Program Operational Framework; acknowledging the City’s Seasonal Parklet Pricing Model; providing an effective date for use of said Standardized Lease Agreement Template; and matters generally relating to said Standardized Lease Agreement Template. City Manager Jarrell and Finance Director Dickinson were present and answered questions from the council. Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt O-16-22 on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderwoman Finlayson Item removed from the Consent Calendar Supplemental Appropriations - UNDER $50,000.00 SA-25-22 Mayor - Grant Revenue: County Grant Revenue ($30,000.00) Expenditure: County Grant Expense ($30,000.00) Chief of Staff Pettit was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to approve SA-25-22. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Adjournment Upon motion duly made, seconded and adopted, the Special Meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Regina C. Watkins-Eldridge, MMC City Clerk City of Annapolis Page 8