- For the purpose of authorizing for fiscal year 2021 the lease of certain municipal property located at the City Dock to Chesapeake Marine Tours, Inc. for the
docking and mooring of certain boats.
Sponsors: Pantelides, Arnett, Budge, Littmann, Pfeiffer, Finlayson, Paone and Pindell Charles
For the purpose of eliminating the sunset provision set forth in Ordinance 53-11
Amended pertaining to keeping or maintaining chickens within the City
of Annapolis.
Sponsors: Littmann and Pfeiffer
Comment: Through O-53-11, the 2012 City Council permitted residents to have hens (not roosters) in certain circumstances, including a requirement to get neighbors' approval. That legislation had a three-year sunset clause, meaning the permission given would end after three years, which comes up this April. Since its implementation, 16 residents have gone through the extensive permitting process, spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on coops and products to care for their chickens. We've heard from those owners how the chickens are their pets, provide lessons for children, lay daily eggs that are shared with neighbors, and general acceptance by the community. Although there are no open cases of complaints, there have been instances of neighbors complaining about chickens that were owned by residents who did not go through the permit process. No complaints have been filed about chickens that were allowed with a permit.
For a review of perspectives on the topic, read these letters written on the subject by the 5th grade at Germantown Elementary School. From a fairness perspective, I strongly support maintaining the permission given to residents to own hens. I am not aware of any substantial justification for eliminating that right. Further, from a practical perspective, these hens can be less of a nuisance then some other pets, and are equally loved as other pets by their owners. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, it allows these residents to live a life as they best see fit that does not significantly and negatively impact others. I intend to vote in favor of this Ordinance.
R-5-15 Itinerant Merchant Sales in the Historic District - 2015 - For the purpose of authorizing hawker, peddler, and itinerant merchant sales in the
Historic District in conjunction with certain special events during calendar year 2015.
Sponsor: Budge
Comment: Itinerant Merchant sales in the Historic District are only permitted if first approved by the City Council. In prior years, approval was included in resolutions approving special events. Special events are now covered by legislation enacted in 2014. Itinerant Merchant sales, however, are not. This legislation proposes approval for certain events during the year. Some merchants who own or rent on a regular basis express concern that these temporary merchants siphon or prevent business from their operations. On the other hand, some residents have expressed frustration when the City acts to limit additional business. Balancing these perspectives, I'm in favor of limited approval for these additional merchant sales. Besides the events listed in the original Resolution, varying amendments propose to add or subtract from the list of events where approval is given. I will consider each of these events on a case-by-case basis during consideration of this vote. I welcome your input in the meantime.
R-6-15 Filing of Grant Application with the Maryland Transit Administration - For the purpose of authorizing the filing of an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of
Transportation for a Sections 5303, 5304, 5307, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5316,
and/or 5317 grants under the Federal Transit Act for a total amount of
$1,617,093 ($1,103,711 for transit operations; $315,000 capital grant for
transit vehicle maintenance; and $198,382 for paratransit operating
assistance).
Sponsors: Pantelides and Budge
Comment: Each year the City files a grant application with the MTA for funds to assist with operating and equipping Annapolis Transit. The resolution affirms to the State that the City desires the grant. This year's grant request is $200k greater than last year's. Pending consideration of differing opinions expressed by you or my colleagues, I intend to vote in favor of this Ordinance.
FIRST READERS
Comment: First Reader is a bill's formal introduction to the Council for consideration. Generally, I will vote in favor of a bill on First Reader, even if I disagree with it, so that the bill may be heard and discussed by the Council and the public.
O-3-15 Risk Management - For the purpose of providing that the City Council may establish written rules and regulations as necessary in the interest of risk management.
Sponsors: Finlayson, Paone and Pindell Charles
R-9-15 City Debt and Financial Administration Policies - For the purpose of formally amending and approving the debt and financial administration policies for the City of Annapolis.
Sponsor: Pantelides
BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS
R-33-14 Vehicular Access to and Internal Roadways within Certain Property adjacent to Aris T. Allen Boulevard
- For the purpose of empowering the City of Annapolis to consider, and to potentially allow, vehicular access between Aris T. Allen Boulevard/Maryland 665 and certain adjacentproperty within the City limits as well as private roadways within said adjacent property.
Sponsors: Pendell Charles and Finlayson
ADJOURNMENT
