October 14, 2013
|
|
|
Alderman, Ward 5, Annapolis
912 Forest Drive
(office at K&B True Value)
410-268-3939 (office)
443-926-2399 (cell)
|
Upcoming Events
7 p.m., City Council Regular Meeting, City Council Chambers
Oct. 17
1:30 - 4:30 p.m., City Council Work Session, City Council Chambers
Oct. 21
7 p.m., City Council Special Meeting, City Council Chambers
Oct. 22 (re-scheduled)
4 - 5:30 p.m., Environmental Matters Comm. Mtg., City Council Chambers
Oct. 25
7:30 a.m., Jared speaking at Almost 7:30 Friday AM Democratic Breakfast Club, Eastport Democratic Club, 525 State Street
Oct. 28
7 p.m., City Council Special Meeting, City Council Chambers
|
|
|
The City Council will meet on Monday, October 14, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. My analysis of the agenda is below.
City Dock
The Council held additional meetings last week to wrap up consideration of staff and alderpersons' amendments to the City Dock Master Plan. The current version should be posted to the City's website either here or here on Monday, but in the meantime, you can get it here. The Council is expected to hear public testimony on this version on October 21, and the City Council will likely vote on additional amendments or the underlying Resolution R-49-12 on October 28. I do not envision a substantial vote on corresponding zoning legislation this council term.
School Capacity
If you are concerned about the over-capacity situation in the public schools, please consider speaking at this public hearing. This legislation barely got introduced on First reader over a divided City Council, and the Planning Commission voted 3-3, which counts as an unfavorable recommendation.
One of my chief concerns since joining the City Council has been the lack of a provision in the City code that requires the City to consider, during the approval process, the impact of a proposed residential development on the capacity of the schools in the Annapolis feeder system. In other words, if there were a hypothetical development that would add 1,000 elementary students to the Annapolis feeder school (to be clear, there is NO such a development proposed) but otherwise met all other City provisions, the City would have to approve the project, despite the fact that many of Annapolis' elementary schools are above school capacity.
In contrast, the County has an adequate facilities provision (although it sometimes waives it) for schools, which might be a reason that developers seek to have property annexed into the City, from the County, before developing it.
To remedy this situation, I have proposed, along with two co-sponsors (Aldermen Arnett and Pfeiffer), Ordinance O-19-13 which would require that the City consider the impact of proposed residential developments on Annapolis feeder schools. Rather than making over-capacity at the schools an automatic bar to development, as is the case with sewer and water capacity, this legislation purposefully leaves the weighing of school capacity as a factor to the experts on the City staff and Planning Commission.
Developers are expected to testify against this ordinance arguing that it introduces too much uncertainty into the process. If there were a meaningful objective standard, I would consider the change, but I also believe that those concerns are outweighed by the importance of not sending an unrestricted number of kids to schools that are already overcapacity without some meaningful consideration.
The issue can be perceived as whether it is more important to give consideration to all affected "factors" or "impacts" (such as water, sewer, environment, schools, traffic) of residential developments, or is it more important to legislate only those impacts whose solutions the City controls (the City doesn't control the school budget). However, I think that misses the point. How can the City justify ignoring such obvious impacts of residential development just because the solutions are difficult? Is it really better to not address the issue and allow new students to show up and be stuffed into over-capacity schools waiting for the Board of Education to address the issue?
It will be important to have people who are concerned about over-capacity to speak in favor of this ordinance.
To me, it is a question of whether the City Council will prioritize developers' interests over citizens' interests for quality education.
As aldermen, we represent citizens. Businesses are important and we must support them, but citizens are our first responsibility, legally (citizens are constituents, not developers, despite their contributions) and morally.
If this ordinance passes, I believe there will be sufficient interest from all sides to work together on the solutions, such as working with the Board of Education and the County to allow the developers to direct improvements to the over-capacity schools, because it will be in the developers' interests at that point to find a substantial solution rather than leave the subjective standards in the hands of the Planning Commission. I fear that if this Ordinance fails, the developers will continue to fight any efforts to effect school capacity in a meaningful way. I welcome any questions or suggestions you have.
Office Hours
I'm offering office hours, in general, on Tuesdays from 3 - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 - 10 a.m., although I will not have office hours this week. I welcome Annapolis City residents, particularly from Ward 5, and other concerned individuals to stop by K&B True Value during office hours to discuss any issues facing Annapolis. K&B True Value is located at 912 Forest Drive.
Simply check in at the customer service desk, and I will be happy to meet with you. This is a great opportunity for us to learn from each other about the issues facing Annapolis and to have your concerns heard. Stop by!
If you are unable to stop by during regular office hours, then contact me at your convenience (contact info above). For regular updates and changes to the regular weekly office hour schedule, please visit facebook.com/Ward5Alderman.
Stay in Touch
I welcome your feedback and questions, and appreciate your help in reaching other Annapolis (Ward 5 in particular) residents by to them. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jared Littmann
Alderman, Ward 5, Annapolis
|
|
|
|
City Council Session Agenda
The Annapolis City Council will meet on Monday, Oct. 14, 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 three 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). Before the matters below are considered by the Council, the Martha Wood Leadership Award will be presented to Josiah Fisher. Additionally, Dr. Wilford Schott will be cited for his years of service to the City of Annapolis as a longtime member of the Planning Commission.
PETITIONS, REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
 The noble citizens of the Maritime Republic of Eastport (the MRE) will present their "formal" Declaration of War in anticipation of the annual Tug of War (Eastport vs. Annapolis) to be held on Nov. 2. It's all in good fun and for a good cause... to raise money for a number of local charities. Reports by Committees Comments by the Public (no more than 3 minutes per person)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
O-30-11 Deleting the Contiguous Lots Section of 21.40.020 - R1 Single Family Residence District
For the purpose of amending Section 21.40.020 - R1 Single Family Residence District to delete Section D related to contiguous lots.
O-19-13 Capacity of Schools in the Development Review Process
For the purpose of adding current and projected school capacity of Annapolis Feeder System schools geographically located within the City of Annapolis to the list of development review criteria and findings; and specifying duties of the Director of Planning and Zoning regarding school capacity.
My comments: See above.
O-28-13 New Land Use Article References in the City CodeFor the purpose of updating the references to the former Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland to the new title of "Land Use Article."
O-33-13 Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment (Sewer Service) Contract with the Federal Government
For the purpose of approving a new 10-year wastewater conveyance and treatment (sewer service) contract (Contract) with the Federal Government to adjust the rate as provided; and all matters related to said wastewater conveyance and treatment.
O-34-13 Historic Preservation Tax Credit
For the purpose of revising the provisions governing the historic preservation tax credit in the City of Annapolis.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTION - 2nd READER
O-51-11Amd. Use and Redevelopment of Property in C2 Zoning Districts
For the purpose of adding certain provisions governing use and redevelopment of property located in a C2 Zoning District. Proposed to be postponed.
and
O-52-11Amd. Rezoning Parcels [1244] 1247 and 1255, Grid 20, Tax Map 52A
For the purpose of rezoning parcels [1244] 1247 and 1255, Grid 20, Tax Map 52A to C2, "Conservation Business" Zoning District. Proposed to be postponed.
My comments: All legislation that does not get addressed by the end of the term will expire. I do not see how it is possible for this Council to give adequate consideration of any zoning changes with regard to City Dock during this term, when the City Dock Master Plan won't get a vote until October 28, at the earliest. I will vote against postponing this legislation and ask the Ordinances' sponsor to withdraw the legislation and resubmit it, if desired, in the new term.
O-33-12 Modifications to City Code on Refuse and Recycling ServicesFor the purpose of modifying the City Code related to the City of Annapolis' provision of refuse and recycling services.
Policy Report: The proposed ordinance would modify the City Code related to the City of Annapolis' provision of refuse and recycling services. The proposed ordinance would:
- combine refuse and recycling under one solid waste chapter of the City Code, Chapter 10.16;
- provide consistency with the forthcoming solid waste contract;
- implement best practices;
- begin to clarify programmatic and enforcement responsibilities between the Departments of Public Works and Neighborhood and Environmental Programs.
My Comments: If you wish to review O-33-13, be sure to see the amended version that begins on page 173 of the Legislative Packet. That is the version that Council will be considering.
The Environmental Matters Committee voted favorably for this Ordinance with an amendment that would improve outreach regarding recycling. Most of these changes are required to update the City code to reflect changes from when the City went to a private collection service and other previously implemented best practices. In other words, the changes in this Ordinance have largely been implemented already. The legislation encourages use of the "Toter" style trash cans that have a fixed lid, which are available at your locally-owned hardware store, K&B True Value (please excuse the self-serving plug; FYI, I did not suggest this language in the bill), because of their capability to keep critters out. Pending comments to the contrary from you or my colleagues, I intend to support the bill.
O-27-13 Sediment and Erosion ControlFor the purpose of adopting the State of Maryland's required erosion and sediment control ordinance that meets the intent of the State's sediment control laws and regulations.
Policy Report: The revisions include more stringent stabilization requirements and establishing grading unit criteria. Additionally, the Standards and Specifications now describe how an erosion and sediment control plan must be designed in concert with a site's stormwater management plan as required by the Stormwater Management Act of 2007 (Act). The Act requires an integrated review of erosion and sediment control plans and stormwater management plans via a comprehensive plan review process to ensure that environmental site design is implemented to the maximum extent practicable on all sites. The comprehensive review process is a three stage review process that includes concept, site design, and grading permit reviews. The proposed ordinance would:- Bring the City into compliance with the updated state law.
- Require more stringent stabilization measures.
- Establish grading unit criteria where only 20 acres (one grading unit) can be disturbed at a time.
- Closely link the stormwater management Code with the sediment and erosion control Code.
- Implement a three-stage comprehensive plan review process that includes concept review, site design review, and grading permit review.
- Prohibit illicit discharges of pollutants (such as sediment) into our storm drains and creeks.
My Comments: Currently, funding comes from the Stormwater Fund. This legislation produces no significant fiscal impact. Pending comments to the contrary from you or my colleagues, I intend to support the bill.
O-47-11 Fence PermitsFor the purpose of amending the Code of the City of Annapolis with respect to the issuance of fence permits. Postponed until 10/14/13.
My comments: This legislation applies to new fences; owners of existing fences need not apply for a new permit or conform their fences. One of the primary changes of this legislation is to reduce the default maximum height of front yard fences from 8' to 4'. The director of Planning and Zoning may still approve a fence up to 8' in his discretion. There is a proposed amendment to change the reference from 4' to 6'. The legislation also introduces increased scrutiny of the ratio of solid fence materials to open space. In addition, it would change the responsibility for the review of designs from the Department of Neighborhoods and Environmental Programs to the Department of Planning and Zoning. I expect substantial discussions during the session with regard to the height issue. I'm reserving judgment on these issues, and welcome your input, but am generally in favor of this legislation.
RESOLUTION - 1st READER
R-38-13 Special Events - IV
For the purpose of authorizing City Council approval of the National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2013 on October 27, 2013 per R-14-12, implementing a moratorium on administrative approvals for events at City Dock, and waiving parking fees for 30 parking spaces immediately adjacent to Susan Campbell Park during the induction ceremony; and waiving fees associated with the Maritime Republic of Eastport Tug of War on November 2, 2013.
My comments: Assuming the rules are suspended to allow a vote on 2nd Reader, I provide this commentary. This resolution pertains to the National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 27 and the Maritime Republic of Eastport Tug of War on November 2. It is being introduced on First Reader at this Council meeting. Because of the closeness in time between now and these events, the sponsors are expected to request a suspension of the rules to consider the bill on Second Reader at this meeting.
On October 27, the National Sailing Hall of Fame will induct their 2013 Nominees into the Hall of Fame. This ceremony takes place in a different sailing city each year - this year it will take place in Annapolis at Susan Campbell Park. Over 1,000 inductees, families, friends and associates are expected in Annapolis for a weekend of discussion, receptions, and touring America's Sailing Capital. NSHOF is anticipating needing 30 parking spaces in the Dock Street parking lot, which triggers the need for Council approval. Pending comments to the contrary from you, I intend to support the Special Event.
Both events have requested a fee waiver. Since serving on this Council, I have become more and more concerned about the repeated dipping into the City's savings for a host of good causes. While I support these causes generally, I am more concerned about the failure of the Council to stick to a budget and protect its savings. Therefore, absent a convincing argument on a particular issue, I intend to vote against these types of fee waiver requests and subsidies.
BUSINESS and MISCELLANEOUS 1. Appointments Click here to read the Legislative Packet.
|
Want to help me reach more people?
|
|
|
|
|
912 Forest Dr., Annapolis, MD
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
