Ward 5 Map
cover of hardware retailer
Jared S. Littmann
Alderman, Ward 5, Annapolis

912 Forest Drive 
(office at K&B True Value)

410-268-3939 (office)
443-926-2399 (cell)

April 22
Earth Day
 
April 22
The Rockfish
 
April 22 
7:00 PM, City Council Special Meeting, Council Chambers

 

May 2
7:00 PMWard 5 Town Hall Meeting, open to all, Pip Moyer Rec Center
 

May 13

7:00 PM, City Council Regular Meeting, City Council Chambers

 

May 16

1:30 - 4:30 PM, Work Session, City Council Chambers

 

May 20

7:00 PM, City Council 

Special Meeting, City Council Chambers

 

Greetings!

The next City Council session is on Monday, April 22, at 7 p.m. Below are the legislative actions that will be before the Council. For issues up for a vote, I state how I intend to vote, subject to possible persuasion by you and other council members. This is your opportunity to let me know how you feel about these issues, if you think I should keep or change my position, and your reasons. 

 
Announcement at Green Drinks
I will be attending the Green Drinks Annapolis event at The Rockfish on Monday, April 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to celebrate EARTH DAY. I will make an announcement there at 6:15 p.m. before heading to the City Council session that evening. I'll have more information shortly by email and Facebook.

 

Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

key City department heads and I will jointly hold a meeting geared to the issues and concerns of residents in Ward 5 of Annapolis, though anyone is welcome to attend. Ward 5 includes the following communities: The Landings, Annapolis Overlook, Saltaire, North Green of Annapolis, and Hunt Meadow.   

 

Brief presentations will be made by: me, City Manager Mike Mallinoff, the Chiefs of Police and Fire, and the Directors of the Departments of Public Works, Neighborhood & Environmental Programs, Planning & Zoning, and Transportation. This is a great opportunity for you to present your concerns and ask questions of me and the City's departmental leaders. This is a free event and no registration is required, though an RSVP here would be helpful.

 

An Update on Proposed Developments
The City's Dept. of Neighborhood & Environmental Programs (DNEP) maintains this helpful web page listing the status of large proposed developments. Since my last email to you, the City Council passed on 1st Reader (introduction to Council) Resolution R-10-13, "A Protocol for Ensuring the Implementation of the Forest Conservation Act." Resolution R-10-13 is my initiative to ensure that the City Council will consider proposed recommendations to that Act before the City approves a new site plan application.

The proposed recommendations from the Forest Conservation Act Work Group will be presented to the entire City Council at Monday's Council session.
For Resolution R-10-13, t
he next step is consideration by the Environmental Matters Committee, and then a public hearing. The Economic Matters Committee already voted against a favorable recommendation. I will seek a favorable recommendation from the Environmental Matters Committee, which I chair.

Below is the abbreviated version of the agenda. You can read the entire agenda here. It is a packed agenda, with many interesting issues ranging from elections, issuing $15M in capital improvement bonds, wayfinding signage, and more. See below for details.
 
As always, I welcome your feedback and questions, and appreciate your help in reaching other Ward 5 residents by to them.

 

Sincerely,
 
Jared Littmann
Alderman, Ward 5, Annapolis

Legislative Actions
City Council Session
 
Monday, April 22, 2013, 7 PM

The Regular Meeting of the Annapolis City Council will be held Monday, April 22, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers. All Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 99 and on Verizon channel 34.

Before the matters below are considered by the Council, you have an opportunity to speak to the Council, for 3 minutes, on any topic other than those scheduled for a public hearing (and you can speak to those topics at their respective points in the meeting).

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

This is your opportunity to be heard on these topics. For more information, you can read the entire legislative packet here, or consider attending Council Committee meetings (council 

 

O-25-11           The Definition of a Two-family Dwelling - For the purpose of including "two-family dwelling" in the definition of "single-family attached dwelling."

 
Comment: The proposed ordinance revises the definition of "single-family attached dwelling" to include "two-family dwelling." When Title 21 of the City Code was re-codified in 2005, two-family dwellings were excluded from the definition of "single-family attached dwelling" in order to allow for certain dwelling arrangements that did not fall into the category of single-family attached. For example, there was no category for a dwelling unit with an accessory apartment or for two units with one unit on top of the other. The code change in 2005 was meant to provide a specific category for these types of dwelling.

 

However, this change inadvertently excluded two-family dwellings from several zoning districts where this had been a use deemed conforming. In these districts, two-family dwellings were no longer listed as a use deemed conforming, although single-family attached and detached dwellings were specifically enumerated. In March 2010, there was a zoning text amendment adopted to correct this problem in the R2NC district. This currently proposed ordinance will restore two-family dwellings under the definition of single-family attached dwellings and correct this omission in the other zoning districts that were affected by the 2005 definition change.

  

O-47-11           Fence Permits - For the purpose of amending the Code of the City of Annapolis with respect to the issuance of fence permits.

 

Comment: The proposed ordinance would revise the Annapolis City Code with respect to the issuance of fence permits. Examples of the proposed standards include addressing the ratio of solid fence material to open space, height of fences, regulation of barbed wire fences, standards for fences affecting certain view cones, and standards for Historic Preservation Commission review for fences, walls, and gates in the historic district. 

  

O-3-13             Bulk Regulations for Governmental Uses in the C1-A Zoning District - For the purpose of specifying that lot size and width requirements for existing buildings with a governmental use in the C1-A zoning district shall be determined through the special exception process, pursuant to Chapter 21.26 of the City of Annapolis Code.

 

Comment: This ordinance is for a change in the zoning uses of the Maynard Burgess House across the street from City Hall, which will allow office space use in that building.

 

R-7-13             Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan - For the purpose of adopting the Draft Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan as an addendum to the 2009 Annapolis Comprehensive Plan. 

 

Comment: The City Council is currently considering a Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan.  This proposed resolution would adopt the Draft Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan as an addendum to the 2009 Annapolis Comprehensive Plan so that there is consistency between those two plans. This resolution does not pre-empt any decision by the Council on individual aspects of the Wayfinding and Signage Master Plan.

 

LEGISLATIVE ACTION

 

RESOLUTION - 2nd READER

 

CA-2-12          Municipal Elections Coinciding with State of Maryland Elections in 2018 and Onward - For the purpose of amending the Charter of the City of Annapolis to establish the dates of the primary and general elections to coincide with the State of Maryland in 2018 and extending the length of time in office for the incoming City Council in December 2013 an additional year to December 2018 in order to facilitate this transition period.

 

Comment: This Charter Amendment is intended to move the City elections to coincide with general elections, rather than occur in off-years.  The reasons in favor of this change are (1) increasing voter turnout for City elections and (2) reducing the expenses of City elections. There is substantial evidence supporting these arguments: generally only 20-35% of registered voters participate in our off-year City elections, while 50% or more participate in presidential or gubernatorial general elections.  Generally speaking, I believe that greater participation in elections is a good thing, as the results better reflect the will of the population. In addition, the Mayor has budgeted $237,945 for the City elections this fall; those costs would be greatly reduced if the City piggybacked onto the presidential or gubernatorial elections and their equipment.

 

Two concerns in making this change are that (1) it will lead to voting by less informed voters who are more inclined to vote along party lines and (2) the messages of City candidates may get lost among the "bigger" elections. In addition, in the first term affected by this change, the incoming or reelected officials will have 5 year terms - that is a long time for (a) voters that are or become disenchanted with their elected officials, (b) candidates to make a commitment, and (c) those officials seeking re-election, who are mindful of appearing self-interested in voting for this change.

 

If there is a change, I agree that the City elections should coincide with the gubernatorial elections, in order to avoid the complication of matching primary dates with the presidential elections (currently, February). In addition, I do not see any merit in having a 1-year term in order to coincide with the 2014 gubernatorial elections, as it would be too difficult for city staff to make any real planning decisions when political decisions could be reversed so quickly.

 

This is a difficult decision for me, as I believe that both sides' arguments have merit. At the moment, I am leaning towards voting for this change because of the likely increase in voter turnout and the real cost savings. However, this is an issue for which I especially look forward to hearing your views and those of my colleagues prior to the vote, which may solidify or change my decision.

 

O-16-12           Distribution of Unsolicited Materials - For the purpose of establishing Section 11.36.025 of the Code of the City of Annapolis regarding the distribution of unsolicited materials.

and (addressed together)

R-34-12           Establishing a Fine for Violations of Distributing Unsolicited Materials -For the purpose of establishing a fine for violations of distributing unsolicited materials.

 

Comment: The proposed ordinance would prohibit the distribution of unsolicited materials upon or about the streets, alleys, residential or commercial property, or public rights of way. The proposed ordinance would not restrict the distribution of unsolicited materials (a) delivered through the U.S. Postal Service, (b) deposited on residential or commercial door steps, porches, stoops or (c) secured or fastened through the use of a door hanger so that the materials will not be blown or cast into the streets, alleys, residential or commercial property, or public rights of way. The proposed fine is $250 per violation per day.

 

This ordinance and the associated fine resolution are a response to the proliferation of unsolicited print media in our front yards, streets, and storm drains. I intend to vote in favor of this ordinance and resolution, pending the comments from you and my colleagues on the Council; please let me know if you think I should keep or change my position, and your reasons.

 

O-2-13             Lease of City Dock Space to Chesapeake Marine Tours - For the purpose of authorizing for fiscal year 2019 the lease of certain municipal property located at the City Dock to Chesapeake Marine Tours, Inc. for the docking and mooring of certain boats.  

 

Comment: This is the annual renewal of the lease for dock space at the end of City Dock to Watermark Tours. The current (FY2013) rent is $46,870.32. The proposed (FY2019) rent is $57,225.40. Throughout the consideration of this Ordinance, from 1st reader, through the public hearing, to the committee meeting, I have only heard positive responses and feelings with regards to this lease. My previous question about the rent was satisfactorily addressed (negotiated each year based on gross revenue). Therefore, I intend to vote in favor of this ordinance, pending the comments from you and my colleagues on the Council; please let me know if you think I should keep or change my position, and your reasons.

 

O-17-13           Issuance of Bonds For the purpose of authorizing and empowering the City of Annapolis (the "City") to issue and sell, upon its full faith and credit, general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed Fifteen Million Three Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($15,370,000), pursuant to Sections 31 through 39, inclusive, of Article 23A of the Annotated Code of Maryland (2011 Replacement Volume and 2012 Supplement), as amended, and Article VII, Section 11 of the Charter of the City of Annapolis, as amended, to be designated as "Public Improvements Bonds, 2013 Series" and said bonds to be issued and sold for the public purpose of financing and refinancing certain capital projects of the City as provided in this Ordinance; authorizing and empowering the City to issue and sell, upon its full faith and credit, general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed Five Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars (5,100,000) pursuant to Sections 31 through 39, inclusive, of Article 23A of the Annotated Code of Maryland (2011 Replacement Volume and 2012 Supplement), as amended, Section 24 of Article 31 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (2010 Replacement Volume and 2012 Supplement), and Article VII, Section 11 of the Charter of the City of Annapolis, as amended, to be designated as "Public Improvements Refunding Bonds, 2013 Series", for the public purpose of refunding all or a portion of certain outstanding general obligation bonds as provided in this Ordinance; prescribing the form and tenor of said bonds; determining the method of sale of said bonds and other matters relating to the issuance and sale thereof; providing for the disbursement of the proceeds of said bonds; covenanting to levy and collect all taxes necessary to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds; and generally providing for and determining various matters relating to the issuance, sale and delivery of all said bonds.

 

Comment: The $15,370,000 in 20-year general obligation bonds would fund the following capital programs:

 

$5,000,000

Water Treatment Plant

$2,320,000

Sewer Rehab & Upgrades

$2,000,000

General Roadways

$1,880,000

Water Distribution Rehab

$1,310,000

City Hall Restoration

$614,000

Sewer Pump Station Rehab

$600,000

General Sidewalks

$426,212

Fire Station Paving

$415,000

Maintenance Facilities

$315,000

City Dock Development

$150,000

Trail Connections

$65,000

Truxtun Park Improvements (Trail)

$50,000

Truxtun Park Pool

$15,145,212

Total (plus $224,788 in underwriting)


I am leaning towards voting in favor of these bonds because I agree that these projects are necessary, and the City does not have the funds available on hand to complete the projects. However, I am considering a protest (no) vote because I am concerned about the continuing need to borrow money in order to maintain the City's infrastructure. In defense of the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager and staff though, they have greatly improved the City's finances in the past 3 years. I encourage the Mayor and City Council to be more aggressive in reducing the City's spending so that it can grow its fund balance (savings) to pay for these and similar projects in the future without risking its cash balance. In the meantime, assuming this Ordinance passes, the Mayor and City Council should endeavor to retire this debt earlier than scheduled by reducing its spending in a measured and planned approach. For those reasons, this is another issue for which I especially look forward to hearing your views and those of my colleagues, prior to the vote, which may solidify or change my decision.

 

R-17-13           A Revision to the Capital Improvement Budget and Program (Parking Meter Upgrade): FY 2013 to FY 2018 - For the purposes of revising the capital improvement budget for the Fiscal Year 2013 and the capital improvement program (parking meter upgrade) for the six-year period from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2018. 

 

Comment: The proposed resolution would revise the capital improvement budget for the Fiscal Year 2013 and the capital improvement program for the six year period from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2018, to provide for a planned parking meter upgrade. These "smart" electronic parking meters will allow more efficient capture of parking revenue and provide electronic data that will improve our ability to analyze parking usage downtown. That information, in turn, could be used by the new wayfinding signage. 

 

The cost of the equipment is estimated to be $216,000, but has an expected return on investment (ROI) of just 4 months. Once installed, the City can program the parking meters to charge the authorized parking rate. The new meters can offer payment options to customers. Calculated on FY12 parking meter revenues of $784,480, new meters can be estimated to earn $1,568,960 (100% increase) in one year's time at the currently authorized, but not yet implemented parking rate. In light of the numerous revenue shortfalls in the Transportation Dept. budget, this is revenue greatly needed. 

 

I intend to vote in favor of this ordinance, pending the comments from you and my colleagues on the Council; please let me know if you think I should keep or change my position, and your reasons.

 

R-21-13           Recommendations of the Council Compensation Commission - For the purpose of providing for consideration, and the City Charter's required public hearing, of the recommendations of the Council Compensation Commission. 

 

Comment: I believe the Council will postpone action on this resolution in order to be coordinated with O-10-13 below (see further comments below).

 

RESOLUTION - 1st READER

 

My commentary: on 1st reader, the council votes to introduce these ordinances and resolutions to the City Council. If introduced, they will be sent to the appropriate committee(s) for review, and will be subject to public hearings before a vote on whether to adopt or approve them at a later date, unless those rules are waived by unanimous vote. 

  

O-10-13           Compensation of Mayor, Aldermen/Alderwomen, and City Manager - For the purpose of specifying compensation and allowances to be paid to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for the term of office commencing on the first Monday in December, 2013; and for specifying compensation and allowances to be paid to the City Manager.


The City Council appointed the Council Compensation Commission in October, 2012 (as an aside, I'm not fond of the Council appointing a Commission to study its own salaries, though I don't know of a better process). 
The Commission provided a report containing recommendations on compensation for the Mayor, Aldermen/Alderwomen, and the City Manager. The proposed resolution would provide for consideration, and the City Charter's required public hearing, of the recommendations of the Council Compensation Commission.

 

The recommendations include:

(1) The Mayor's salary should remain at $98,000 per year.

(2) The Aldermen's compensation should be increased by $900 to $13,500 per year.

(3) The City Manager's Executive Pay Plan should include:

            (a) Base Salary ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 per year (currently $145,225);

            (b) Benefits: inclusion in the City's health care and retirement plans, and a City vehicle benefit ($6,000);

            (c) Severance pay of 3 month's salary (currently 6 months).

 

If all of the recommendations are adopted, and assuming the City Manager salary is at the top of the play plan, then the negative fiscal impact will be $10,271 in year

one. I will likely vote in favor of introducing this legislation on 1st reader as a courtesy so that it can be further considered and a public hearing can be held. But, although I won't decide how I'd vote on the merits (2nd reader) until after a public hearing and a chance to hear from you and fellow Council members, I am cautious of voting for any salary increases when the Council is simultaneously considering a proposed FY2014 budget that contains a property tax rate increase.

O-18-13           The Conveyance of Certain Portions of 908 and 914 Bay Ridge Avenue - For the purpose of conveying by deed the right, title, and interest of the City of Annapolis in a certain part of the land at 914 Bay Ridge Avenue to Ana Cortes; accepting the conveyance by deed of Ana Cortes' right, title, and interest in a certain part of the land at 908 Bay Ridge Avenue; and all matters relating to these conveyances. 

Comment: The subject of the proposed ordinance is a land swap at the Eastport Fire Station with an adjoining property owner, Ana Cortez. Cortez would convey approximately 9,583 square feet from her property at 908 Bay Ridge Avenue to the City of Annapolis in exchange for 4,792 square feet of the City of Annapolis' property located at 914 Bay Ridge Avenue. I intend to vote in favor of introducing this legislation on 1st reader as a courtesy so that it can be further considered and a public hearing can be held.

 

  

O-20-13           Highly Compensated Employees in the Police and Fire Retirement Plan - For the purpose of establishing the definition of "highly compensated employee" within the Police and Fire Retirement Plan and authorizing such highly compensated employee participation in the Police and Fire Retirement Plan.

 

Comment: In addition to the above description, the proposed ordinance would provide the option of a retroactive purchase of service credits at the actuarial value. I intend to vote in favor of introducing this legislation on 1st reader as a courtesy so that it can be further considered and a public hearing can be held.

  

R-23-13           Special Event Applications - II - For the purpose of authorizing City Council approval of selected special events per R-14-12, implementing a moratorium on administrative approvals for events at City Dock; designating specific dates for the sale of merchandise in the Historic District in conjunction with only the approved special events; waiving docking fees for the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade; and the reimbursement of full fees to the City for the cost associated with the other approved events.

 

Comment: The proposed resolution would authorize Council approval of the following special events:

1. CBYRA Annapolis Race Week

2. Paint Annapolis 2013

3. Corvettes on the Bay fundraiser, Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region

4. 5th Annual John Ripley Memorial Race

5. 31st Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

6. ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon and 10K

I intend to vote in favor of introducing this legislation on 1st reader as a courtesy so that it can be further considered and a public hearing can be held.

 

BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS

  1. Appointments - Mr. Samuel P. Callahan, Jr. to the Civil Service Board 
  2. Budget revision - $2,500; off-site development workshop, training sessions, and group interventions for the City of Annapolis' Executives, senior managers, and staff, that was conducted in 2011; the last 1/3 hasn't been paid yet.  

 

Regular Meeting: Monday, May 13, 2013, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers
Work Session: Thursday, May 16, 2013, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. City Council Chambers
Special Meeting: Monday, May 20, 2013, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers
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