City Council

160 Duke Of Gloucester City of Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Special Meeting Minutes City Council Monday, November 25, 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 Alderwoman Finlayson. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Mayor Buckley. Roll Call Tonight's roll call began with Alderman Arnett. Alderman Gay arrived at 7:22 pm. Present: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, 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 amended to ADD R-58-24 Postponing the Ban on Gas Powered Leaf Blowers on First Reader, R-52-24 25-Year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration on Second reader, and to Recognition of an Award to Sandra Killstron, and to REMOVE Appointments AP-44-24 Re-Appointment - Mr. Robert Hruby - Building Board of Appeals and,AP-45-24 Re-Appointment - Mr. John Jay Schwarz - Building Board of Appeals from the agenda. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Ceremonial Items City Council Citation ID-175-24 Retirement of Denise Adaris Hector Attachments: Citation - Denise Hector Retirement This Ceremonial Item was presented. City of Annapolis Page 1 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 Recognition of an Award ID-179-24 Recognition of an Award to Sandra Killstron. This Informational Item was presented. PETITIONS, REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS City of Annapolis Page 2 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 Update from Mayor Good evening! Firstly tonight, I must acknowledge sad news. Vince Leggett, founder of Blacks of the Chesapeake, passed away suddenly on Saturday night. Vince dedicated his life to preserving the rich heritage of Black watermen and their contribution to Chesapeake Bay maritime culture. As Executive Director of ‘Blacks of the Chesapeake’, he worked to ensure that the Black community’s vital role in the region’s water and seafood industry, is recognized and respected. Under his guidance, Blacks of the Chesapeake grew into an influential organization, engaging with schools, museums, and preservation groups to raise awareness, and preserve our history and environment. In particular, I want to acknowledge the crucial role Vince played in the City’s acquisition of Elktonia Beach, once part of the famed Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beaches that provided a safe haven for African American families during the time of Jim Crow. The Elktonia property is now preserved for future generations as a public park managed by the City of Annapolis on behalf of all residents – an achievement that would not have been possible without Vince. He was a true friend and partner to the City and this community. I know all the Council join me in mourning Vince, in honoring his incredible legacy, and in extending our heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family; and we will continue to honor his legacy by ensuring the history of Black watermen remains a cornerstone of our community’s heritage and the Elktonia-Carr’s Heritage Park mission. And now, please join me in a few moments of silence in remembrance of Vince. ++ Pause ++ Earlier today I was privileged to join in some important community events. The first was a press conference and commemoration ceremony to honor the 64th anniversary of the day when five courageous Black Annapolitans walked into a restaurant and asked to be served just like other citizens. They were arrested and ultimately fined but as a result of their protest, local anti-discrimation laws were passed. Ultimately their protest, like thousands of others all over America, would result in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. We owe the Annapolis Five, and the many others who stood up for justice at that time, an enormous debt of gratitude because their courage ensured a more free and fair democracy for all of us today. May we always honor their legacy and may we face the challenges of our times with the same courage that they showed in the face of oppression and injustice. === The second event I was fortunate to attend today was the annual ‘We Care and Friends’ Thanksgiving Dinner at the Stanton Center. This is a wonderful Annapolis tradition where we get to serve residents in need a Thanksgiving supper with turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings. Afterwards, we gather City of Annapolis Page 3 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 in friendship and share a slice of pie. I thank all those who joined in the meal, and all those who prepared the food and volunteered to serve. It is a moment of true community for Annapolis. We are all looking forward to further celebrating Thanksgiving later this week. As a reminder, City offices are closed for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I want to wish my Council colleagues, City staff and all residents a very happy holiday. I am thankful for all of you and hope you all enjoy a wonderful celebration with family, friends and loved ones! == Thanksgiving kicks off our holiday season here in Annapolis, and we can already see the business districts in Downtown, Inner West Street and West Annapolis decorated and ready for the holidays. At the last council meeting, I invited City staff and the public to our annual City Hall Open House on Thursday December 5th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. It will be my last turn hosting the Open House as Mayor so I hope to see you all there for what will be an especially festive celebration. December 5th will also be the first night of Midnight Madness downtown, where stores stay open late. There are carolers and twinkling lights, hot cocoa and alpacas! Make sure you come down for at least one of the nights of Midnight Madness. The others are Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. This weekend, we’ve got more festivities with First Sunday Arts Festival, the Chocolate Binge Festival, and the Grand Illumination at Market Space. On Dec. 7, there’s the West Annapolis Holiday market and the following weekend, the City Dock Holiday Market and Eastport Lights parade. And that is just scratching the surface of all the activities and events taking place in Annapolis this holiday season – that is why we are rated as one of the best holiday season destinations in America! Please check the City website for more! == Starting Dec. 2, Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson’s community engagement division is launching “coffee with a cop,” an opportunity for the public to engage with Annapolis Police. From 10 to 11 a.m., stop by Bitty and Beau’s coffee shop at 124 Dock Street, to have coffee with one of our amazing police officers, who are working very hard to build relationships across our community so that together, we can all make our city safer. == And finally, we have one more Council Meeting on December 9 before we wrap up 2024. I want to take this opportunity to give a special shout out to City employees who do the hard work of municipal government every day. You respond to emergencies, give comfort in times of trauma, keep the streets clean, provide transportation, and ensure that our kids have a fun place to go for recreation, among many, many other things. I could not be prouder of the work of City staff each and every day. I am honored to be your Mayor and I know the whole Council feels that same and City of Annapolis Page 4 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 joins me in thanking you for another year of hard work on behalf of our residents, businesses and visitors! == Now let’s get on with our meeting! Reports by Committees Standing Committee Dates: Rules & City Government Committee Regular Meeting December 6, 2024, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Comments by the General Public No Speakers. Mayor Buckley declared comments from the general public the public closed. CONSENT CALENDAR Approval of the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Alderman Arnett to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried:unanimously Appointments AP-18-24 Appointment - Mr. Aaron McCrady - Annapolis Conservancy Board Attachments: AP-18-24 Alderman Arnett moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett AP-22-24 Appointment - Mr. Robert W. Madden - Transportation Board Attachments: AP-22-24 Alderman Arnett moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett AP-54-24 Appointment - Mr.Liam Mercer - Board of Supervisors of Elections Attachments: AP-54-24 Alderman Arnett moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: City of Annapolis Page 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett End of Consent Calendar PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinances O-28-24 Police Department -- Property and Contraband Disposal - For the purpose of clarifying that Annapolis will follow state rules on the disposal of abandoned vehicles and generally dealing with property and contraband disposal. Sponsors: Pindell Charles Attachments: O-28-24 First Reader O-28-24 Legislative Summary O-28-24 Staff Report O-28-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-28-24 Amendment 1 - Savidge Speaker(s): Jon Korin, 125 Hillcrest Lane, Severna Park, Maryland 21144. Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-28-24 closed. O-29-24 Fence Permit Requirements Related to Buildings and Construction Standards in Title 17 - For the purpose of requiring a completed application and permit issued before removing fences of a certain size; requiring plans to show the location of trees of a certain size; and clarifies when a stop-work order will be issues; reformatting these sections to current Code style; and generally related for fence requirements in Title 17. Sponsors: Savidge Attachments: O-29-24 First Reader O-29-24 Legislative Summary O-29-24 Amendment 1 - Savidge Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-29-24 closed. City of Annapolis Page 6 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 O-31-24 Mobile Food Service Vendors' Signage - For the purpose of establishing sign requirements for Mobile Food Service Vendors, known as food trucks; and generally dealing with Peddlers, Hawkers and Itinerant Merchants operating restrictions. Sponsors: Savidge Attachments: O-31-24 First Reader O-31-24 Legislative Summary O-31-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-31-24 Staff Report O-31-24 Amendment 1 - Savidge Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-31-24 closed. O-32-24 Fire Sprinkler System Requirement Clarification - For the purpose of clarifying that the fire sprinkler systems requirements of § 17.20.120(A) and when the requirement goes into effect; updating subsections B through D to comply with current national standards; reformatting the section; and generally dealing with City fire sprinkler requirements. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: O-32-24 First Reader O-32-24 Legislative Summary O-32-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-32-24 Staff Report Mayor Buckley declared the public hearing on O-32-24 closed. LEGISLATIVE ACTION FIRST READERS Ordinances City of Annapolis Page 7 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 O-35-24 Fair Cannabis Employment Practices- For the purpose of updating the City of Annapolis employment policy as a result of the State legalizing cannabis use and possession on July 1, 2023, and generally related to city employment policy. Sponsors: Savidge, Gay, Huntley, O'Neill and Arnett Attachments: O-35-24 First Reader O-35-24 Legislative Summary O-35-24 Sponsor's Report O-35-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-35-24 Staff Report Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-35-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Mayor Buckley referred O-35-24 to the Housing and Human Welfare Committee. Mayor Buckley referred O-35-24 to the Rules & City Government Committee. Resolutions R-55-24 Budget Process Timeline for Fiscal Year 2026 - For the purpose of approving a timeline for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget development and approval process. Sponsors: Buckley and Huntley Attachments: R-55-24 First Reader R-55-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-55-24 Staff Report City Manager Mallinoff was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Huntley moved to adopt R-55-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Huntley - Cosponsor Added. City of Annapolis Page 8 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 R-56-24 2025 Salary Review Commission Members Updated - For the purpose of adding a member to the Salary Review Commission established by Resolution 42-24 on September 27, 2024. Sponsors: Finlayson Attachments: R-56-24 First Reader R-56-24 Faye B. Currie Resume R-56-24 Staff Report R-56-24 Fiscal Impact Note Alderman Gay moved to adopt R-55-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. R-58-24 Postponing Enforcement of the Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers - For the purpose of directing the City Manager to postpone enforcement of the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in the City of Annapolis pursuant to O-28-23 until June 1, 2025, due to the need for residents and businesses to transition to electric leaf blowers and the time required to establish a voucher program; and generally related to the City's noise prohibitions. Sponsors: Savidge and Arnett Attachments: R-58-24 First Reader R-58-24 Staff Report R-58-24 Fiscal Impact Note Deputy City Manager: Resilience & Sustainability Guild was present and answered questions from the council. Alderman Savidge moved to adopt R-58-24 on first reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Arnett - Cosponsor Added. SECOND READERS Ordinances City of Annapolis Page 9 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 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 and Arnett Attachments: O-26-23 First Reader O-26-23 Legislative Summary O-26-23 Sponsor's Report O-26-23 Staff Report O-26-23 Fiscal Impact Note O-26-23 Staff Report to Planning Commission (with Attachments) O-26-23 Planning Commission Findings O-26-23 Amendment 1 - Savidge O-26-23 Amendment 2 - Savidge O-26-23 Signed (color) O-26-23 Signed (b&w) Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-26-23 on second reader. Seconded. City Manager Mallinoff and Deputy City Manager: Resilience & Sustainability Guild wre present and answered questions from the council. Alderwoman Finlayson moved to postpone O-26-23 until December 9, 2024. Seconded. DEFEATED on voice vote. Alderman Savidge moved to amend O-26-23 as follows: Amendment #1: On page 5, in line 2, before "Board of Appeals" insert "Building". On page 5, in lines 4,5, and 6, un strike "Building". Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Savidge moved to adopt O-26-23 as amended on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Nay: 4 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson and Alderman Gay Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-26-23 on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett City of Annapolis Page 10 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 Nay: 4 - Mayor Buckley, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson and Alderman Gay O-20-24 Elections - Surplus Funds and Reporting Deadlines - For the purpose of updating candidate reporting deadline requirements and penalties for municipal elections; moving fees from the City Code to the annual Fees Schedule; and generally related to failure to file required campaign and election reports. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: O-20-24 First Reader O-20-24 Legislative Summary O-20-24 Fiscal Impact Note O-20-24 Staff Report O-20-24 Board of Supervisors of Elections Referral O-20-24 Amendment 1 - Finlayson O-20-24 Signed (color) O-20-24 Signed (b&w) Alderman Huntley moved to adopt O-20-24 on second reader. Seconded. Alderwoman O'Neill proposed a technical correction as follows: On Page 4, inline 7, to delete after the word candidate "treasurer," Alderwoman Finlayson moved to amend O-20-24 as follows: Amendment #1: On page 3, in Line 2: Remove the name "Timely Reports Required" and insert "Timely Filing Requirements" for Subheading A; On page 3, in lines 36-38, under "4. Payment Source" after "a. Candidates and campaign finance entities" strike "cannot" and insert "can"; On page 4, in lines 1-2, strike subsection b and renumber accordingly; and On Page 4, in line 30, strike "candidate's financial condition" and insert " extenuating circumstances". Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Arnett moved to adopt O-20-24 as amended on second reader. Seconded. CARRIED on voice vote. Alderman Schandelmeier moved to adopt O-20-24 on third reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett City of Annapolis Page 11 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 Resolutions R-43-24 Fees Schedule Updated for Title 4 - Elections - For the purpose of establishing fees required by the adoption of ordinances updating Title 4 - Elections. Sponsors: Buckley Attachments: R-43-24 First Reader R-43-24 Staff Report R-43-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-43-24 Signed (color) R-43-24 Signed (b&w) Alderman Gay moved to adopt R-43-24 on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett R-52-24 25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration - For the purpose of identifying the "25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration" that will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, as a Major Special Event; and waiving charges for certain City of Annapolis costs related to city services for that event. Sponsors: Finlayson, Buckley, Huntley, Gay and Pindell Charles Attachments: R-52-24 First Reader R-52-24 Fiscal Impact Note R-52-24 Staff Report R-52-24 Signed (color) R-52-24 Signed (b&w) Alderman Huntley moved to adopt R-52-24 on second reader. Seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion CARRIED by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Mayor Buckley, Alderman Huntley, Alderwoman O'Neill, Alderwoman Pindell Charles, Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderman Schandelmeier, Alderman Gay, Alderman Savidge and Alderman Arnett Alderwoman Pindell Charles - Cosponsor Added. Alderman Huntley - Cosponsor Added. City of Annapolis Page 12 City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 25, 2024 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 13