January 10, 2014
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Alderman, Ward 5, Annapolis
912 Forest Drive
(office at K&B True Value)
410-268-3939 (office)
443-926-2399 (cell)
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Jan. 16 3 p.m.
Environmental Matters Committee, Council Chambers
7 p.m., Special Meeting of the City Council, Council Chambers
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Happy New Year! The City Council will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Updates Since the Last Blast
- At the last City Council meeting, the Council voted to postpone the confirmation hearing of the Acting City Attorney Tim Murnane. For more details, see here.
- The City issued its Monthly Report for November. This monthly report is excellent in terms of information and transparency, and one of the legacies of now former City Manager, Mike Mallinoff.
- Speaking of which, the employment of Mike Mallinoff, City Manager, and Jon Arason, Director of Planning and Zoning, was terminated. Acting City Manager Virginia Burke and Acting Director Sally Nash are rising stars filling those roles while a national search for a permanent replacement is underway.
Office Hours
I offer office hours, in general, on Tuesdays from 3 - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 - 10 a.m.
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 me on Facebook.
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
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Regular Meeting of the City Council
Agenda
The Annapolis City Council will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers. All Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 99 and on Verizon channel 34. Below is a synopsis of the agenda. You can review the unabridged version here.
PETITIONS, REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Mayor Pantelides and Alderwoman Finlayson will present the Martha Wood Leadership Award to Mae Bridgers.
- The Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) will present the City with an award.
- Reports by Committees
My Comment: There are seven standing committees on which three aldermen and alderwomen are assigned. Generally, these committees meet monthly. The chairs of these committees report to the full Council during this segment of the agenda. The Environmental Matters Committee that I chair will meet on Jan. 16 at 3 PM to discuss: Stormwater Projects, City Energy Efficiency/ Energy purchasing, Performance Contracting. - Petitions (Public Comments)
My Comment: This is your opportunity to speak to any matter not listed for a public hearing below.
PUBLIC HEARING
Note: I generally do not comment on matters up for public hearing - I'd rather learn your thoughts. Comments during Public Hearings are limited to three minutes per person.
R-31-13 Metered Parking Rate - FY 2013 Fee Schedule Revision - For the
purpose of reducing the metered parking rate from $2/hour to $1/hour from
January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 by amending the FY 2013 fee
schedule.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
2ND READER - ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION
My Comment: It is somewhat unusual for bills to have a public hearing and vote on the same night, however the intent is to implement R-41-13 as soon as possible to achieve its maximum benefit if passed.
R-31-13 Metered Parking Rate - FY 2013 Fee Schedule Revision - For the purpose of reducing the metered parking rate from $2/hour to $1/hour from
January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 by amending the FY 2013 fee
schedule.My Comment: Although this legislation is offered with the meritorious intent of benefiting both local downtown businesses and residents during the off-season, I have concerns about the continued trend of chipping away in various ways at the City's savings. The Council struggled last June to approve an annual budget that reserved a sufficient amount of savings. The proposed legislation reduces those savings without a corresponding decrease of spending or increase of revenue elsewhere.
The proposed legislation has an expected negative fiscal impact of $135,000. The fiscal impact notes for this legislation proposes options for offsetting that amount, but this legislation does not yet resolve those decisions.
Because of those objections, I am leaning towards voting against this measure, but I will remain open minded and listen carefully during the public hearing and to staff for further information to consider different perspectives.
1ST READER - ORDINANCES
O-1-14 Single-Family Attached Dwellings in C1A Special Conservation District - For the purpose of deeming conforming those single-family attached dwellings lawfully existing on June 20, 1994, in the C1A Special Conservation Residence District.
My Comment: The ordinance is proposed in order to grant some relief to property owners of single-family attached structures that are seeking to expand their home. By deeming single-family attached structures conforming for the purposes of expansion, the City recognizes the legitimacy of existing single-family attached units while keeping historic densities by not allowing new housing other than single- and two-family structures. The right of expansion is already allowed for single- and two-family units, and the proposed ordinance would confer this right on townhouse and row house structures.
As in most cases, I will vote in favor of this measure on 1st Reader to allow it to go through the public hearing and committee process for further consideration.
O-3-14 Density Provisions in the R3, General Residence Zoning District - For the purpose of allowing greater density for certain HACA properties located in the R3 General Residence zoning district in order to facilitate redevelopment that maintains the existing number of subsidized units and allows for additional mixed-income units.
My Comment: As in most cases, I will vote in favor of this measure on 1st Reader to allow it to go through the public hearing and committee process for further consideration.
BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS
1. Confirmation of Timothy D. Murnane as City Attorney
My Comment: I am generally disposed to supporting a Mayor's choice for city attorney, and I take my responsibility seriously to ensure that the Council is confirming a qualified attorney. Before the last Council session, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Murnane to better assess his qualifications beyond those experiences noted on his CV. Unless convinced otherwise by you or my colleagues, I intend to vote for confirmation.
2. Budget Transfer
My Comment: This is a request for a $20,000 transfer for a temporary contract position relating to water treatment plant work. Funding is available from unfilled positions at the water treatment plant.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL EVENTS Special Meeting: Monday, January 27, 2014 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers
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912 Forest Dr., Annapolis, MD
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