City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Special Meeting Minutes City Council Monday, April 29, 2024 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 Arnett. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderwoman Finlayson. Present: 8 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Tierney, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderman Gay Approval of Agenda Alderman Savidge moved to amend to include O-5-24 and R-14-24 on first reader.s.Carried.. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Approval of Agenda Alderman Arnett moved to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Ceremonial Items ID-81-24 Citation: Jimmy Silwick Alderman Savidge moved to postpone ID-81-24 until May 13, 2024. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. PETITIONS, REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS City of Annapolis Page 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 Update from Mayor Good evening! The last time we gathered, we introduced the operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Over the past two weeks, the Finance Committee has been reviewing those numbers and spending time each day with department directors and their teams to review the past year and discuss proposed spending allocations. I want to thank departmental leadership for being prepared and understanding how goals and outcomes are important for not just the council to understand, but also for our residents to hear. Many people have shared that the presentations from our directors this year were exceptional. I agree and thank our hard-working department heads, and all their hard-working teams for their efforts. == This past weekend, we played host to the Spring Sailboat Show at City Dock - and while we aren’t privy to the attendance numbers yet - it looked like a very successful weekend. I want to acknowledge Premium Parking, our vendors who operate Hillman Garage, who were ready for all the newcomers to Annapolis. They had parking ambassadors stationed at both entrances throughout the weekend to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Thank you! == Earlier this month, Roslyn Johnson, Director of Recreation and Parks, worked with the Resilience Authority to issue two Requests for Proposal, or RFPs, for Carr’s-Elktonia Beach Heritage Park and the newly acquired Moore property. The RFPs are 1.) looking for engineering firms to stabilize the shoreline and 2.) For a parks designer to create a master site plan. If you or someone you know has a business interested in this work, please visit the website for the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to learn more. == Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson invited me to attend the police awards ceremony at the Busch Library on April 16. We don’t often get to hear all the amazing stories from Annapolis police - and the things they do on the job and on their own time to lift up our community. The awards ceremony was a wonderful opportunity for the police to showcase that and more! I got to see officers moving up to the next rank in their careers and to hear well-deserved commendations from the Chief. == I want to thank City Attorney Mike Lyles and his team, including Karen Steele, along with City ombudsman Hilary Raftovich for recently putting together an outstanding training day for the volunteer members of the City’s many boards and commissions. I’d also like to thank all of our board and commission members for taking the time to attend this training in order to better serve our residents. Big thanks to all! == Back on April 13, the St. John’s College croquet team, the Johnnies, squared off against the United States Naval Academy, the Mids, for the annual Annapolis Cup match-up. The Johnnies won the day as well as bragging rights for the next year. While this event is as much social activity as sport, it is something we all look forward to in the spring. Congratulations to both teams! == Also on the 13th, the City played host to the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, and I thank all who participated and came out to cheer along the way. Our annual City of Annapolis Page 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 acknowledgement of Dr. King’s contributions to American society, and his ultimate sacrifice to the cause, is an important reminder not only of how far we’ve come, but how far we have yet to go. We have a few other parades coming up, mark your calendars for • Memorial Day on May 27th, • Pride on June 1st, • Juneteenth on June 22nd, and • July 4th for Independence Day. The City’s special events coordinator is currently seeking entries for both the Memorial Day parade and the Independence Day parade. To find out more, email specialevents@annapolis.gov. == While the Pride parade isn’t until June 1, Annapolis Pride recently hosted their kickoff event and countdown to the parade at the Graduate Hotel. They announced this year’s grand marshal will be clothing designer and Annapolitan Christian Siriano. Learn more at AnnapolisPride.org. == More spring celebrations are approaching, including May Day this Wednesday. Be on the lookout for flower baskets on the doors and front porches of homes all over the City. In downtown, the Garden Club of Old Annapolis will judge and award prizes for their favorite baskets. This is the 69th year of the Garden’s Club judging May Baskets in Annapolis. Post your favorites on social media using the hashtag “MayDayAnnapolis2024” == This Saturday, we have a crew heading over to Alderwoman O’Neill’s ward for a cleanup at what will become the new Gateway Park. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we’ll clean up an area between the Maryland Archives and College Creek. Through a special arrangement with the State of Maryland and Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks, our aim is to create another point of waterfront access. Please join us for this cleanup! We’ll have a community cookout afterwards to reward everyone for their hard work. == The City’s Naptown Anti-dope Movement will host a spring Health Fair and Listening Session at People’s Park on Calvert Street on Friday, May 10th from 3 to 6 pm. There will be great resources available to help individuals and families, music, games and much more - all to help promote healthy minds and bodies. Come along to learn, get healthy and have fun, all at the same time. == On Saturday, May 11, the African Diaspora Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Calvert Street will be closed for this celebration of culture to honor the contribution that people of African descent have made here in Annapolis, and across our state and around the world. This is a family-friendly, free, event featuring art, culture, entertainment, food, and music representing African American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino, and African ethnic groups. Some of the local talent that will be performing are Prosperity Band, Project 360, Lacegodd, and Pocket 3 — so come along for a great day out. == City of Annapolis Page 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 Also on May 11, the annual Eastport Bridge 0.05K race will be held. It has been described by Runner’s World magazine as, “the least challenging athletic event ever conceived.” Organizers expect some participants might even take a whole five minutes to complete this grueling test of strength and endurance. All joking aside, the Eastport Bridge over Spa Creek will close for 10 to 15 minutes around noon on May 11 for this annual foot race - which of course will lead to a party (party is not on the bridge). == Commissioning Week for graduating midshipmen from the US Naval Academy is May 17 to 24. This year, the Blue Angels flight practice will be Tuesday, May 21 with the flight show on Wednesday, May 22. You can reserve parking at Gott’s and Knighton Garages; or park at Park Place and take the free downtown shuttle. Hillman garage is another option, which we anticipate will fill up on both days - so get here early! Throughout commissioning week, please give yourself plenty of time to navigate Annapolis, especially downtown. As always, we expect this to be one of the busiest weeks of the year. Congratulations to all of the graduates of both the academy and St. John’s. == And lastly, before our next meeting, we will celebrate and honor our mums, and moms, and grandmothers, and the caregivers who lovingly gave us the mom treatment, on Sunday May 12th - Mother’s Day. I’d like to wish all the moms here on the council and - out there in the world - a happy Mother’s Day. I’d especially like to give a shout-out to my wife, Julie who is mom to our two beautiful children. Thank you Jules. We love you! == Now let’s get on with our meeting! Reports by Committees Standing Committee Dates: Finance Committee Budget Hearings May 2, 2024, 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM Public Safety Committee Regular Meeting May 6, 2024, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Transportation Committee Regular Meetings May 8, 2024, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Environmental Matters Committee Regular Meeting May 9, 2024, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Comments by the General Public General Public Speakers: Tara Stout, 1174 Bay Highland Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Curtis D. Johns, 1400 Bretton View Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21409. Efe Brock, 1306 President Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Bill Borwegen, 519 First Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Mayor Buckley declared comments from the general public closed. City of Annapolis Page 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinances O-7-24 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, 2025, the Capital Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Capital Improvement Program for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, June 30, 2029, and June 30, 2030; appropriating funds for all expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025; levying and imposing a property tax for the use of the City of Annapolis for the taxable year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025; and fixing the rate of the City property tax for the taxable year. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: O-7-24 First Reader 0-7-24 FY25 Budget - Appendix A 0-7-24 FY25 Budget - Appendix B 0-7-24 FY25 Budget - Appendix C 0-7-24 FY25 Budget - Appendix D 0-7-24 FY25 Budget - Appendix E O-7-24 Fiscal Impact Note & Staff Report O-7-24 Staff Report to Planning Commission O-7-24 FY 2025 Budget FAC Advisory Opinion- 050924 Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-7-24 OPEN until the Planning Commission Finding have been received. City of Annapolis Page 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 O-26-23 Forest Conservation Plan Appeals - For the purpose of closing a loophole in the Forest Conservation Plan provisions of the City Code concerning forest clearing; changing the Forest Conservation Plan appeals body from the Building Board of Appeals to the Board of Appeals; and generally related to the Maryland Forest Conservation Act and Planned Unit Development regulations. Sponsors: Savidge Attachments: O-26-23 First Reader O-26-23 Legislative Summary O-26-23 Staff Report O-26-23 Fiscal Impact Note O-26-23 Staff Report to Planning Commission (with Attachments) O-26-23 Amendment 1 - Savidge (sponsor's amendment) O-26-23 Amendment 2 - Savidge Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-26-23 closed. Resolution R-15-24 FY 2025 Annual Fees Schedule - For the purpose of specifying fees that will be charged for the use of City services for Fiscal Year 2025; and providing an effective date. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: R-15-24 First Reader R-15-24 Fiscal Impact Note & Staff Report R-15-24 FY25 Fees Schedule (proposed) Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-15-24 closed. R-16-24 FY 2025 Annual Fines Schedule - For the purpose of specifying fines that will be charged for Fiscal Year 2025 and providing an effective date. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: R-16-24 First Reader R-16-24 FY 2025 Fines Schedule (proposed) R-16-24 Fiscal Impact Note & Staff Report Speakers: Efe Brock, 1306 President Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-16-24 closed. City of Annapolis Page 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 R-17-24 FY 2025 Position Classifications and Pay Plan - For the purpose of approving the Fiscal Year 2025 annual position classifications and pay plan; and specifying an effective date. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: R-17-24 First Reader R-17-24 Fiscal Impact Note and Staff Report R-17-24 FY 2025 Position Classification (proposed) R-17-24 FY 2025 Pay Plan (proposed) Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on R-17-24 closed. LEGISLATIVE ACTION FIRST READERS Ordinances O-6-24 City-wide Prohibition on New Drive-through Windows - For the purpose of prohibiting new drive-through window facilities that allow people to remain in vehicles while receiving products or services; eliminating City Code references to drive-through windows and facilities; and generally related to drive-through facilities in Annapolis. Sponsors: Savidge, Schandelmeier and Buckley Attachments: O-6-24 First Reader O-6-24 Legislative Summary O-6-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-6-24 Staff Report Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-6-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-6-24 to the Rules & City Government Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-6-24 to the Economic Matters Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-6-24 to the Planning Commission. City of Annapolis Page 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 O-9-24 FY 2025 Changes in Exempt Service Job Classifications - For the purpose of updating the classification grades for City employees in exempt service positions; adding the Director of Central Services to the exempt service classification chart; and generally related to City employee salaries for exempt service positions. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: O-9-24 First Reader O-9-24 Legislative Summary O-9-24 Staff Report O-9-24 Fiscal Impact Note Alderwoman Finlayson moved to adopt O-9-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-9-24 to the Finance Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-9-24 to the Financial Advisory Commission. Mayor Buckley referred O-9-24 to the Rules & City Government Committee. O-5-24 Health and Safety - City of Annapolis Plastic Bag Reduction Act - For the purpose of prohibiting the retail distribution of plastic bags in the City, with some exceptions; defining certain terms; establishing the duties of certain retail establishments; providing for the enforcement of the prohibition on plastic bags; allowing retail establishments to distribute paper and reusable bags at no cost during certain times of the year; requiring public notice of the requirements; and generally relating to public safety. Sponsors: Savidge, Schandelmeier and Arnett Attachments: O-5-24 First Reader O-5-24 Legislative Summary O-5-24 & R-14-24 Staff Report O-5-24 & R-14-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-5-24 & R-14-24 Plastic Bag Ban Memorandum Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-5-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-5-24 to the Housing and Human Welfare Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-5-24 to the Environmental Matters Committee. Resolutions City of Annapolis Page 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 R-1-24 Eastport and Maritime Operations Work Group - For the purpose of creating an Eastport and Maritime Operations Work Group to analyze the impact of Ordinance 25-21 on maritime operations and properties in the Waterfront Maritime Eastport (WME) zoning district, and to recommend how the City Council can support such operations and properties. Sponsors: Schandelmeier Attachments: R-1-24 First Reader R-1-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-1-24 Staff Report O-25-21 SIGNED O-25-21 Maritime Task Force Final Report - Executive Summmary - 6-25-21 Alderman Schandelmeier moved to postpone R-1-24 for (60) days. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. R-18-24 Comprehensive Plan Consideration Extension - For the purpose of extending the time that the City Council has to consider the City's comprehensive plan, Annapolis Ahead 2040. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: R-18-24 First Reader R-18-24 Staff Report R-18-24 Fiscal Impact Note Alderman Savidge moved to adopt R-18-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. R-19-24 Eastport Choice Neighborhood Initiative Transformation - For the purpose of adopting the Eastport Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Transformation Plan, which was recently approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and approving the use of the former City of Annapolis Public Works Property on Spa Road to meet the Plan's goals. Attachments: R-19-24 First Reader R-19-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-19-24 Staff Report City of Annapolis, Spa Road Property environmental City Council Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-19-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred R-19-24 to the Rules & City Government Committee. Mayor Buckley referred R-19-24 to the Environmental Matters Committee. City of Annapolis Page 9 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 R-20-24 Public Service Recognition Week 2024 - For the purpose of honoring the contributions of Annapolis public servants by recognizing Public Service Recognition Week in the City of Annapolis, May 5-11, 2024. Sponsors: Pindell Charles Attachments: R-20-24 First Reader R-20-24 Staff Report R-20-24 Fiscal Impact Note Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to adopt R-20-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Savidge - Cosponsor Added Alderwoman Tierney - Cosponsor Added. Alderwoman O'Neill - Cosponsor Added Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to suspend the rules to allow passage of the resolution at the meeting of its introduction. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to adopt R-20-24 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, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderman Gay R-21-24 International Firefighters Day 2024 - For the purpose of the City of Annapolis recognizing International Firefighters Day on May 4, 2024, and the extraordinary service that Annapolis firefighters and Annapolis Fire Department staff provide to protect our City. Sponsors: Pindell Charles Attachments: R-21-24 First Reader R-21-24 Staff Report R-21-24 Fiscal Impact Note Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-21-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to suspend the rules to allow passage of the resolution at the meeting of its introduction. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to adopt R-21-24 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, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderman Gay City of Annapolis Page 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 R-22-24 National Police Week 2024 - For the purpose of honoring the Annapolis Police Department and the City's law enforcement community, including the families of our APD personnel, for their service to the City and recognizing May 9 through May 18, 2024, as National Police Week in the City of Annapolis. Sponsors: Pindell Charles Attachments: R-22-24 First Reader R-22-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-22-24 Staff Report Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-22-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to suspend the rules to allow passage of the resolution at the meeting of its introduction. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-22-24 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, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderman Gay R-23-24 Emergency Management & Public Safety - For the purpose of recognizing April as Maryland Flood Awareness Month and the efforts that City of Annapolis public safety experts make each year, both personally and professionally, to protect our residents from flooding and other natural emergencies. Attachments: R-23-24 First Reader R-23-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-23-24 Staff Report Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt R-23-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to suspend the rules to allow passage of the resolution at the meeting of its introduction. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderwoman Pindell Charles moved to adopt R-23-24 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, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Absent: 1 - Alderman Gay City of Annapolis Page 11 City Council Special Meeting Minutes April 29, 2024 R-14-24 Health and Safety - City of Annapolis Plastic Bag Reduction Act - For the purpose of establishing fines required by the adoption of Ordinance 6-24, Health and Safety - City of Annapolis Plastic Bag Reduction Act. Sponsors: Savidge Attachments: R-14-24 First Reader O-5-24 & R-14-24 Staff Report O-5-24 & R-14-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-5-24 & R-14-24 Plastic Bag Ban Memorandum Alderman Savidge moved to adopt R-14-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion duly made, seconded and adopted, the Special Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm. Regina C. Watkins-Eldridge, MMC City Clerk City of Annapolis Page 12