Ordinances

• O-19-13 Capacity of Schools in the Development Review Process: The impact of residential developments on schools is not currently a factor that the city can consider when considering those developments for approval. To me, that doesn't make sense. I've sponsored, along with Aldermen Arnett and Pfeiffer, this legislation that allows our City staff to consider the capacity impacts to local public schools. It is controversial legislation though, and we'll be fortunate to get a 5-4 vote in favor of the change, so please consider advocating for it to the mayor and other Council members. Before this legislation can come to the Council, the City's Planning Commission will consider it at its Sept. 5 hearing, to be held at 7 PM at the Pip Moyer Rec. Center. Please consider attending that hearing and speaking in favor of this much-needed legislation. Unfortunately for me, this meeting conflicts with the Special Events' legislation committee meeting (see below) which I must attend.

• O-23-13 Boat Show: This is the proposed lease for the 2018 boat shows, which is normally done 5 years in advance, but this legislation has been put on the back-burner while other city dock issues are addressed. It is my hope and expectation that the City and the boat show owners will agree to a lease for the 2014 spring boat show, which has not been done yet. Next step: Council is waiting for negotiations to conclude between City and Boat Show.

• O-21-13 Forest Conservation: With all of the city dock issues, did you remember about Crystal Spring? While this legislation does not specifically address that property, it has the potential to do so. This legislation could change the appeal and procedural issues when the City considers developments that are subject to the Forest Conservation Act. Next step: Planning Commission, Sept. 5.

• O-15-12 Establishing Chapter 14.18 of the City Code on Special Events: Although slower than ideal, three committees (Economic, Environmental, and Rules) have been meeting jointly for efficiency sake. Progress is being made and I'm optimistic we'll have something complete to send to the full Council this term. Next step: Planning Commission, Sept. 5.

Pending Resolutions

• R-34-13 City Dock Implementation Steering Committee: This is the Resolution I sponsored to have the City staff prepare an implementation plan to aid the Council in understanding the implications of the proposed city dock legislation. In part, it reads, "City shall establish a Steering Committee to study all portions of the City Dock Master Plan in order to develop and present to the City Council its recommendations on a City Dock Implementation Plan, that includes - but is not limited to - prioritization and timelines, cost/benefit analysis of major plan elements, overall economic benefit of major plan elements, specific parking recommendations, and a plan for a more vibrant experience for all." 
   
  This committee would consist of mostly City staff members that would prepare or get information to answer questions you've and we've been asking. In my view, ideally, this Council would make progress on the proposed city dock legislation. But without an implementation plan, I fear that the Council does not have sufficient information for making that progress. Without much time left in this Council session, perhaps the steps outlined in this legislation could be incorporated into the underlying resolution for the City Dock Master Plan.

• R-30-13 Vehicular Access to and Internal Roadways within Certain Property adjacent to Aris T. Allen Boulevard: Some of you might be familiar with the concept of a relief road to reduce the traffic load on Forest Dr. that is recommended in the 2009 Annapolis Comprehensive Plan. That relief road, in theory, would connect Aris T. Allen, go behind the Safeway store, and go towards the Crystal Spring property. My understanding from the Dept. of Planning and Zoning is that is a non-starter because of significant opposition based on the environmental impacts of this road. This pending resolution raises the possibility of a shorter road that would be in a similar area, but would only benefit the planned Oxford Landing residential community near but prior to that Safeway. This legislation has been assigned to the Environmental Matters Committee which I chair, so I look forward to learning more about the impact of this legislation, and the views from the AEC and general community.

• R-32-13 A Committee to Study Implementation of City Dock Plan: This is legislation sponsored by Alderman Budge, and is intended to establish a committee to study any and all portions of the City Dock Master Plan not included or adopted by the City Council in Phase One in order to develop and present recommendations to the City Council as to which remaining portions of the City Dock Master Plan should be adopted or amended and, if amended, how those portions should so be amended. Basically, it is intended to keep expired legislation under committee review.

• R-49-12 2012 City Dock Master Plan: This is Mayor Cohen's legislation that was the subject of the public hearing on July 25 for 7 hours.