Monday's City Council Meeting: Short-Term Rental Pause, Child Care Tax Credits, HACA Updates

The Annapolis City Council is scheduled to hold its next public meeting at 5:45 p.m. on Monday March 9 at City Hall (160 Duke of Gloucester). The Council meeting will begin at 5:45, go into a closed session to discuss union negotiations and legal matters, and then start the regular portion of the meeting at 7 p.m. Anyone coming to the meeting to testify or hear presentations or deliberations can arrive just prior to 7 p.m. without missing anything. The meeting is open to the public, or can be viewed on Youtube.com/CityofAnnapolis or on City of Annapolis TV (Verizon channel 99/100 or Comcast channel 34).

City Council Agenda

Meeting Highlights:

• The City has invited the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) to present a quarterly report, which will be focused on the proposed Harbour House/Eastport Terrace redevelopment, followed by questions by the City Council. HACA is a separate public agency created under state law to manage public housing and federal housing programs in Annapolis. The Mayor appoints the Housing Authority’s board, the board hires and supervises the Executive Director, and HACA operates independently with its own leadership and staff. While the City does not run public housing, we work closely with the Housing Authority as partners to improve housing opportunities and strengthen our communities.
• The City Council will consider appointments for the three spots on the Board of Supervisors of Elections. Elegible candidates for these positions came directly from the Annapolis Democratic and Republican Central Committees. Current Board members Deborah Yatsuk (R) and Liam Mercer (D) are being reappointed, while Jan Lee (D) is a new appointee to the board. After years of dedicated service as a Board member and chair, Eileen Leahy has stepped down. We thank Ms. Leahy for her years of dedicated and outstanding service to our residents!

Public Hearing (your opportunity to testify on proposed legislation, either in person or online):

• O-3-26 Annapolis Harbor Lines at Hawkins Cove: This ordinance extends the portion of Hawkins Cove's waterways where marine construction is allowed. This is part of the Hawkins Cove Restoration project, which aims to to improve ecological functioning and increase community access to the water at Hawkins Cove. In order to ensure equitable access to public water, the pier at Hawkins Cove may need to be extended beyond the current area where marine construction is allowed, hence the need for this legislation. Alderman Frank Thorp introduced this legislation and I am a co-sponsor.

First Readers: This is the required step for the council to formally consider proposed legislation. “Approval” or passage on First Reader only indicates agreement to discuss a proposal from a colleague; it does not indicate support for the merits of the legislation. After First Reader, ordinances will go to a public hearing at a later date, while resolutions will go to committee consideration.

• CA-1-26 Updating Requirements for Publication of the Charter and Code of the City of Annapolis: This is an amendment to the City Charter that I introduced. The current Charter revision process involves periodic printed editions and static documentation. This amendment would recognize digital platforms as official repositories of the City Charter, allowing for continuous, real-time updates to current Charter provisions and ordinances.
• O-5-26 Reallocation of Unexpended Bond Proceeds: This ordinance, which I introduced, reallocates $2,500,000 in unexpended bond funds to the City Dock project. It does not create new bond debt.
• R-5-26 Designating Northwest Street as an Honorary Street in Memory of De Lorma "Dee" Goodwyn: This resolution would give Northwest Street the honorary designation of "De Lorma 'Dee' Goodwyn Way" in recognition of the activist Dee Goodwyn, who recently passed away after a lifetime uniting the Annapolis community. A founding member of the Caucus of African American Leaders, Dee spearheaded several memorials to civil rights leaders in Annapolis and organized the Michelle Obama awards to highlight female leaders in the local community. I introduced this resolution to give Dee Goodwyn the same recognition that she worked so hard to secure for others.
• R-6-26 Authorizing Itinerant Merchant Sales Within the Annapolis Historic District for Approved Special Events During Calendar Year 2026: This resolution would authorize temporary vendors to conduct business in the Historic District during six events this year, including the African Diaspora Festival in April and the Pride Parade and Festival in October. These temporary vendors, who are required to obtain a license from the City, would be allowed to sell goods on the street during these events. This resolution was introduced by Alderman Huntley. I welcome your input on this legislation. Please consider submitting online testimony here.

Second Readers: An introduced piece of legislation is read for a second time before the council allowing for public testimony, council discussion, and potential amendments (prior to final action).

• O-40-25 Establishing a 12-Month Moratorium on New Short-Term Rental Licenses: This legislation proposes a limited 12-month pause on the issuance of new short-term rental (STR) licenses to allow the City Manager time to review existing regulations and recommend potential amendments to the City Code for Council consideration. The intent is to temporarily limit the number of new licenses while the Council evaluates whether current rules adequately address the number and density of STRs, as well as the effectiveness of enforcement efforts related to unlicensed STRs. If enacted, existing STR licenses would remain eligible for renewal, and owner-occupied STRs would not be affected. This legislation was introduced by Alderwoman O’Neill, and I am a co-sponsor. There are a number of proposed amendments for the council to consider on Monday. I welcome your input on them. Please consider submitting online testimony here.
• O-1-26 Property Tax - Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, and Large Family Child Care Homes: This ordinance would authorize the City to offer property tax credits of up to $4,000 to eligible child care providers, with the goal of reducing operating costs and improving the affordability of child care in Annapolis. This ordinance was introduced by Alderman Schandelmeier. As I prepare to vote on this legislation, I would like to hear your thoughts. Please consider submitting online testimony here.
• R-3-26 Water Service Agreement with North Point Property LLC: This resolution proposes an agreement to provide water service to a property in Chesapeake Harbour. The City has entered into a number of similar agreements with neighboring property owners. These properties are located outside City limits and are therefore not otherwise entitled to receive municipal water service. Under these agreements, property owners receive access to the City’s water system in exchange for paying a higher utility rate than City residents. This rate structure helps offset system costs for residents. Because the City has sufficient capacity to provide this service, the agreement represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for the property owner, the City, and City residents. Subject to your comments, I intend to support this legislation.

Introducing Golden Pass Parking

I am excited to announce that our brand-new Golden Pass Parking program begins on Monday, March 9! For just $20 from March 9 to April 6, seniors 62+ can enjoy up to two hours of parking per day on Main Street, Maryland Avenue, and at the Mills Hillman Garage.

This program is designed to make downtown Annapolis more accessible and enjoyable for our senior residents. Simply register your vehicle(s) through the online portal and submit payment. Once approved, your tag will be eligible for the daily two-hour parking benefit throughout the program period. No need to input a code or swipe a card. Drive up, do your downtown shopping and dining, and drive away. Tag readers will know your vehicle is enrolled in the program!

If you want to sign up for the program, you apply here or call (410) 216-5620.

St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday March 8

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 8! Proceeds will benefit local charities, including Warrior Events.

Note that the parade will have a new route this year, starting on West Street at Amos Garrett Blvd. From there, the parade will make its way toward downtown on West Street, traveling around Church Circle before continuing down Northwest Street to Calvert to St. John’s Street.

Residents should expect rolling road closures and parking restrictions along the parade route from approximately 1 to 3 PM. Please follow police direction and posted “no parking” signage. On parade day, Main Street will be closed at Francis Street from noon to 4 p.m., with bands and parade participants using the space to extend the St. Patrick’s fun.

We hope you all enjoy the 14th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! If you’re celebrating with alcohol, please drink responsibly and utilize designated drivers, taxis, or rideshare. 

We’d like to give a shout out to Naptown Events for producing the parade and sponsoring the Hooley at Naval Academy Alumni Center on March 7. For more information on the parade and Hooley, visit www.stpatricksweekend.com.

Upcoming Ward 3 Town Hall Meeting with Ald. Smith-Brown

Thank you to the ward 5 residents who joined Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier and I at our Town Hall on Tuesday. We had a productive conversation about the current state of Annapolis, giving us the opportunity to learn more about the everyday concerns of Annapolis residents and what City directors need to address. I hope that those who joined us at Pip Moyer Rec Center left feeling more familiar with their City leaders and more confident that we are working to improve their lives. If you weren't able to attend, you can view the video here.

Our next town hall is on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30pm. We'll be visiting Mt. Olive Community Center in ward 3. Alderman Keanuú Smith-Brown and I hope to see you there. If you plan on attending, please register here. For more engagement opportunites, please visit our website.

Here is a full list of our first eight town halls:

• 2/5 in ward 7 w/ Ald. Savidge (video)
• 2/12 in ward 2 w/ Ald. O'Neill (video)
• 2/19 in ward 8 w/ Ald. Thorp (video)
• 3/3 in ward 5 w/ Ald. Schandelmeier (video)
• 3/10 in ward 3 w/ Ald. Smith-Brown
• 4/7 in ward 1 w/ Ald. Huntley
• 4/23 in ward 6 w/ Ald. Contee
• 5/14 in ward 4 w/ Ald. Allsup-Johnson

Maryland Day Festivities Begin March 19

On March 25, 1634, two ships, the Ark and the Dove, arrived in what is now Maryland. This marked the founding of the colony, and the beginning of 392 years of Maryland history. 

To commemorate, each year museums and parks offer an opportunity to learn more about that history by offering free or deeply discounted access to some of the best places to learn about the history of our state. This year, the celebrations will begin on Thursday, March 19. All across the state, there will be special events and programs through Wednesday, March 25.

Find a complete list of Maryland Day activities (including in Annapolis) at MarylandDay.org. Note that City offices will be closed on March 25 in observance of Maryland Day.

Eastport Oyster Roast and Sock Burning on March 22

On Saturday, March 22, the annual Eastport Oyster Roast and Sock Burning will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park! Celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of boating season by burning those nasty winter socks. In a tradition dating back to the late 1970s, Annapolitans relieve themselves of the necessities of winter as “Burn Your Socks” is recited.

Tickets are $50 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-10, and free for children under 5. Admission includes unlimited raw and roasted oysters and live music. Food trucks will be on site with additional food offerings, and beer, wine, and select cocktails will be available for purchase. You can find more information on the event and buy tickets here.

Tickets Now on Sale for the Annapolis Film Festival on March 26-29

The Annapolis Film Festival is almost here! This year, the annual festival will be held from Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29. Screenings and events will be held at venues throughout Annapolis, including Maryland Hall, St. John’s College, Asbury United Methodist Church, and across the Historic Arts District, with additional festival experiences such as industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, Coffee Talks at RamsHead OnStage, student programs, and late-night parties.

Tickets are on sale now! You can pick up yours here.

Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission

The City of Annapolis Human Relations Commission has several open positions. This volunteer commission accepts complaints relating to discrimination and refers them to appropriate authorities, arranges for public hearings as needed, and proposes legislation with regard to human relations practices and conditions. More information and the link to apply can be found here.

The Human Relations Commission is only one of many Boards and Commissions in Annapolis. If you've ever wanted to get involved in your community, I encourage you to apply for one of our Boards and Commissions volunteer positions. These bodies give Annapolis residents like you the ability to give back to your community and help ensure that City government runs smoothly. A full list of our Boards and Commissions, and the link to apply for each, can be found here. Get involved and make your voice heard in government!

Magenta Shuttle Now Stops at Dock Street

Did you know? Annapolis has a free shuttle to take you around downtown, and it now includes a Dock Street/Naval Academy stop! You can hop off the shuttle and walk to City Dock and the Naval Academy campus within a couple minutes.

Riders can catch the Magenta Shuttle from all City parking garages and enjoy a convenient, complimentary ride. Whether you’re heading to a meeting, dining out, shopping, or visiting the Yard, the expanded route offers a smoother connection between parking and your final destination. You can track where the shuttle is at any time.

By parking once and hopping on the Magenta Shuttle, residents and visitors alike can help keep Dock Street and surrounding businesses vibrant while enjoying a more convenient trip into the heart of Annapolis.

Happy riding!

Congratulating Public Works Director

Burr Vogel

As mayor, I believe it’s important to recognize the hardworking public servants who keep Annapolis running. That means showing appreciation to our City leaders for their accomplishments.

With that in mind, I am proud to announce that Burr Vogel, Director of the Annapolis Department of Public Works, has won the award for "2025 Land Manager of the Year" from Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE)! This award is in recognition for his work to open the new off-road biking trails at Waterworks Park. Congratulations, Director Vogel!

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