City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Special Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Monday, November 27, 2023 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 7:00 pm. Invocation Given by Alderman Savidge. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderwoman O'Neill. Present: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Approval of Agenda Alderman Arnett moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. A. PETITIONS, REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS 1. Update from the Mayor I start tonight delivering some sad news, Larry Griffin passed away over the weekend. Larry was a good friend to the City. He founded We Care and Friends, an organization whose reach into underserved communities will live on. In fact, a number of you recently served dinner to folks at the annual We Care and Friends Thanksgiving supper at Stanton Center. Larry was a staunch advocate for the recovery community. He was also a legend on the local music scene. He grew up in Eastport and was a graduate of Annapolis High and even worked for a time in the Mayor’s office as an outreach liaison. Let us hold Larry’s family and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time. I’d like us to take a moment of silence to reflect on his contributions to our community. [moment of silence] City of Annapolis Page 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 == Thank you. I need to address an issue that came up over the weekend with our free holiday parking in downtown. Some visitors who tried to use the ParkDTA code to receive two free hours of parking at metered spaces were met with an invalid code error. I have a statement from ParkMobile: ”Due to an unintentional delay, the ParkDTA promo code for two free hours of parking in Annapolis was not activated as scheduled, resulting in an invalid code error for some users. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. Affected users can contact ParkMobile directly for assistance.” Couple pieces of good news. 1. ParkMobile should have a technical resolution in the very near future, as of 5 p.m. tonight, their tech folks were reviewing the code and trying to hunt down the bug. In the meantime, there is a workaround which we’ve posted a video tutorial on the City’s web page under holiday parking. 2. There were no parking citations written in metered, commercial parking zones, where folks were expecting free parking. 3. The first two hours of any paid parking session in the metered areas since Black Friday will be refunded through ParkMobile to the payment method used. We do apologize and hope that everyone has a very happy holiday season and that they remember to shop local and shop downtown Annapolis! Speaking of which, a reminder that Midnight Madness will take place on December 7, 14 and 21. Annapolis has been named by MSN, Explore.com and Travel and Leisure as one of the best Christmas Cities during the holidays. On the 14th, we’ll have our Mayor and Council open house here at City Hall. Please stop by for refreshments before heading out to Midnight Madness and, if you’d like, bring an unwrapped toy for the Annapolis Fire Department’s Santa Run toy drive. The Eastport Yacht Lights Parade will be on December 9. December 10 will be the annual lighting of the downtown Menorah. On December 16 we’ve got two races that will go into downtown, for the early risers, we’ll have the Naptown Half Marathon which will include rolling road closures between Navy Stadium and downtown. The other is the downtown Santa Run where brave and immodest people don a speedo or bikini and run down Main Street. It’s an Annapolis thing! === As many of you know, members of the council, Maryland Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora, Anne Arundel County Transportation Planning Officer Tanya Asman, our own Transportation Director Markus Moore and DPW Director Burr Vogel took a five day trip to the Netherlands just before Thanksgiving. There is an Asian proverb, “it is better to travel 10,000 miles than read 10,000 books,” City of Annapolis Page 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 and this certainly applies to what we saw and learned from our Dutch counterparts. The trip was transformative for every person. Seeing what the Dutch have done to prepare their infrastructure, not for the next 100 years, but for the next 1,000 years, is inspiring and has made us rethink how we will go about resiliency and transportation planning. For me personally, it has helped me to recognize that Annapolis has a significant role to play in being a leader for not just Maryland, but for coastal communities on both coasts of America. We learned that we have to be forward thinking about mobility, public transportation and networks. If you build out a network of safe cycling infrastructure, you can work toward reducing the carbon footprint of the entire community. This is a serious commitment and it is a commitment that I know Secretary Flora is excited to share at the state level. Throughout our time, we didn’t use a car or taxi or uber. We biked, we took trains and we used trams. We look forward to sharing more about our trip and what we learned - taking a deep dive into each stop and each presentation - at a work session in the new year. In the meantime, we have prepared a short video of the first two days of our trip with more to come! [VIDEO] === I’d like to congratulate Jodee Dickinson and her team in the finance department. Earlier this month we got word that Annapolis received the Government Finance Officer’s Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and earning this award represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Congratulations Director Dickinson! == Lastly, we have one more meeting - on December 11 - before the end of the year. Before that meeting, one of the great college sports rivalries will take place: the annual Army vs. Navy game in Philadelphia. So before I sign off on Mayor’s remarks for tonight, I want to send a message to the team and also to my friend, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a combat veteran who served in the Army’s 82nd airborne division. “Go Navy. Beat Army!” 2. Reports by Committee Standing Committee Dates: Environmental Matters Committee Special Meeting November 30, 2023, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Rules and City Government Committee Regular Meetings December 1, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Public Safety Committee Regular Meeting December 4, 2023, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Housing & Human Welfare Committee Special Meeting December 5, 2023, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM City of Annapolis Page 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Finance Committee Regular Meeting December 6, 2023, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Economic Matters Committee Special Meeting December 6, 2023, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM 3. Comments by the General Public Speakers: Sandra Elwood, 1420 Catlyn Place, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Janet Norman Harbor Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. George Gallagher, 1212 Barbud Lane, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Jim Conlon, 414 Chesapeake Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Edilene Barros,1212 Barbud Lane, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Susan Duffy, 17 King Court, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Mayor Buckley declared comments from the general public closed. B. BUSINESS & MISCELLANEOUS Fund Transfers FT-4-24 General - Mayor’s Office -Contract Services/ Supplies and Other Attachments: FT-4-24 Alderman Schandelmeier moved to approve FT-4-24. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. C. PUBLIC HEARING(S) O-22-23 Business License, Taxes and Regulation - Creation of Art Establishment Beer and Wine License - For the purpose of creating a City of Annapolis beer and wine license for specific art venues as authorized by MD. Alcoholic Beverages Code § 10-1002 per House Bill 353 and Senate Bill 472, signed by Governor Wes Moore on May 3, 2023; and generally related to the Alcoholic Beverages chapter of the City Code. Sponsors: Tierney City of Annapolis Page 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Attachments: O-22-23 First Reader O-22-23 Amendment 1 - Tierney O-22-23 Legislative Summary O-22-23 Staff Report O-22-23 & R-38-23 Fiscal Impact Note O-22-23 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Recommendation R-38-23 First Reader R-38-23 Appendix A Maryland Alcoholic Beverages Title, Section 10-1001 - Art establishment beer and wine license (1) House Bill 352 - Art Establishment Liquor License in Annapolis O-22-23 Staff Report to Planning Commission O-22-23 Planning Commission Recommendation Speakers: Alex Pline, 305 Monterey Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. John Purnell, 5 Park Place, #408, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-22-23 Closed. D. LEGISLATIVE ACTION 1. First Readers Resolution(s) R-56-23 FY 2024 Fines Schedule Update - Abandoned Vehicle - For the purpose of increasing fines for abandoned vehicles in the City of Annapolis, and generally related to Title 12, Vehicles and Traffic. Sponsors: Tierney Attachments: R-56-23 First Reader R-56-23 Staff Report R-56-23 Fiscal Impact Note Alderwoman Tierney moved to adopt R-56-23 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred R-56-23 to the Finance Committee. R-58-23 Annual Meeting and Tourism Industry Reception - For the purpose of identifying the Annual Meeting and Tourism Industry Reception that will be held on January 23, 2024, as a Special Event and waiving certain City of Annapolis fees for services related to that event. Sponsors: Mayor Buckley City of Annapolis Page 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Attachments: R-58-23 First Reader R-58-23 Fiscal Impact Note R-58-23 Staff Report Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-58-23 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. 2. Second Readers Ordinance(s) O-23-23 Alcoholic Beverages Code Technical Corrections - For the purpose of making technical corrections to the Alcoholic Beverages section of the City of Annapolis code; and generally dealing with Title 7 § 12. Sponsors: Schandelmeier Attachments: O-23-23 First Reader O-23-23 Legislative Summary O-23-23 Staff Report O-23-23 Fiscal Impact Note O-23-23 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Recommendation O-23-23 Signed (color) O-23-23 Signed (b&w) Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-23-23 on second reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-23-23 on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Resolution(s) R-38-23 FY 2024 Annual Fees Schedule - Art Establishment Liquor License Fee - For the purpose of specifying the fee for the new Art Establishment liquor license. Sponsors: Tierney City of Annapolis Page 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Attachments: R-38-23 First Reader R-38-23 Appendix A R-38-23 Staff Report O-22-23 & R-38-23 Fiscal Impact Note O-22-23 First Reader House Bill 352 - Art Establishment Liquor License in Annapolis Maryland Alcoholic Beverage title, Section 10-1001 - Art establishment beer and wine license (1) Alderman Savidge moved to postpone R-38-23 until the Regular Meeting on Monday, December 11, 2023. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. R-47-23 Public Kayak Rack Pilot Program - For the purpose of creating a City of Annapolis pilot program to allow a public kayak rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront. Sponsors: Tierney, Gay and Savidge Attachments: R-47-23 First Reader R-47-23 Amendment 1 - Tierney Substitute R-47-23 Amendment 2 - Arnett R-47-23 Fiscal Impact Note R-47-23 Staff Report R-47-23 Harbormaster Report on Kayak Racks R-47-23 Signed (b&w) R-47-23 Signed (color) Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-47-23 on second reader. Seconded. Alderwoman Tierney moved to amend R-47-23 as follows: AMENDMENT #1: Strike the entirety of lines 1 through 44, and insert the following: Amendment Summary: Amendment 1 is a substitute amendment, replacing the entire text of R-47-23 with a new resolution that encompasses all requirements in one resolution, eliminating the need for any code changes via an ordinance. "Kayak Racks" is changed to "Paddlecraft Racks" to be in line with the Habormaster's terminology. It includes the following fees, as recommended by the Harbormaster, for participating in the pilot project:  $50 to be on the waiting list  $300/year for City residents to store paddle craft  $600/year for non-residents to store paddle craft. Page|2 Explanation: Underlining & black - amendment City of Annapolis Page 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 Underlining & blue - an amendment to the amendment "..Title Public paddlecraft rack pilot project in a waterfront park – For the purpose of creating a City of Annapolis pilot program to allow a public paddlecraft rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront. ..Body CITY COUNCIL OF THE City of Annapolis Resolution 47-23 Introduced by: Alderwoman Tierney A RESOLUTION concerning Public paddlecraft rack pilot project in waterfront parks FOR the purpose of creating a City of Annapolis pilot program to allow a public paddlecraft rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront. WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis acknowledges the importance of promoting outdoor recreational activities on its waterways and providing opportunities for residents to engage in healthy and enjoyable water activities; and WHEREAS, Paddlecraft, which include kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, is a popular Annapolis water sport that fosters physical activity, mental well-being, a stronger sense of community; and WHEREAS, Waterfront access should be expanded in the City and facilitating paddlecraft access in one of the city's street-end parks is expected to enhance the overall recreational experience; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that: 1. Findings and Declaration of Policy. The Annapolis City Council finds and declares that: a. Paddlecraft use on the City's rivers and streams is a healthy and enjoyable activity for Annapolis residents of all ages and skill levels; and b. There is a growing demand for storage options for kayaks, paddleboards, and similar small crafts in the City of Annapolis; and c. The Annapolis City Council is committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles in our community. Page|3 Explanation: Underlining & black - amendment Underlining & blue - an amendment to the amendment 2. One-Year Pilot Project for Paddlecraft Racks in City of Annapolis Parks. The Annapolis City Council hereby approves a one-year pilot project for installing and operating a paddlecraft rack in a street-end park. a. Within 30 days of the resolution's adoption, the City Manager is authorized to promulgate rules and specifications for the paddlecraft rack and ensure aesthetics that complement the park's surroundings. b. The City Manager is hereby authorized to establish a permitting process and regulations, which shall include but not be limited to storage duration, hours of operation for the paddlecraft rack, maintenance responsibilities, security measures that will be taken to protect the paddlecrafts, and the process for reporting any problems or concerns with the paddlecraft racks. c. Such regulations are to be posted on the City website and at the paddlecraft rack location. 3. Funding. The pilot project's cost shall be funded by fees charged to city residents for using the paddlecraft rack. The fees for participation in the pilot project shall not exceed $50 per person to join the paddlecraft rack waiting list; $300 for City residents to store paddlecraft City of Annapolis Page 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Final November 27, 2023 per year; and $600 for non-residents to store paddlecraft per year. 4. Evaluation. The City Manager shall evaluate the pilot project at the end of the one year and submit a report to the Annapolis City Council with recommendations for whether or not to make the program permanent and whether it should be expanded. AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderman Schandelmeier and Alderman Savidge Nay: 4 - Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Gay and Alderman Arnett Alderman Arnett moved to amend R-47-23 as follows: AMENDMENT #2: After Section 2, paragraph "c.", insert paragraph "d." followed by "The City Manager shall consult with the Alderman/Alderwoman representing the Ward where the pilot project will be installed before the final location decision." Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Gay requested - Cosponsor deleted.. City Manager Mallinoff and Deputy City Manager Resilience & Sustainability Guild were present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-47-23 as amended.on second reader Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Adjournment Upon motion duly made, seconded and adopted, the Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:47 pm. Regina C. Watkins-Eldridge, MMC City Clerk City of Annapolis Page 9