John Ortlieb

The meeting focused on achieving consensus within the sustainability group regarding maritime district structures, triggers for non-maritime use increases, support for contributing uses (restaurants and venues), and funding for the Annapolis maritime industry. Key points of agreement included maintaining the maritime district structure and specific support percentages for contributing uses. Areas requiring further discussion included the specific percentage cap for maximum non-maritime land use, which ranged between 45% and 55%. The group also discussed shared parking, with concerns raised about ensuring usage incentives, and generally reached a consensus that restaurants in the WME zone should be handled via the existing special exception process rather than through broad consensus. Next steps involve co-chairs narrowing down the range for incentives and revisiting shared parking.

The special meeting included an addition to the agenda regarding the Janice Holman Grant Program for land trust preservation, which was added after a motion and second, contingent on receiving the documentation beforehand. Key discussions centered on a video presentation featuring member testimonies supporting the Roger Pitts Moyer Recreation Center, highlighting its positive impact on fitness, community, youth activities, and diversity. Public comments addressed the need for more recreational activities, particularly for children and the elderly in Newtown 20 and surrounding areas, and concerns about communication regarding parking regulations and fee structures involving SP Plus. The Mayor provided an update covering the 15-year anniversary of Ram's Cafe and the reopening of the Turner Park playground, noting the fire department achieved a Class One ISO rating, and reminded attendees about the free circulator service and the rescheduled open door session. The consent calendar was approved, followed by several business items involving fund transfers (GT 11:17, GT 14:17, GT 15:17) related to facility upgrades and park funding.

The Public Safety Committee meeting commenced with agenda approval and the approval of minutes from a previous special meeting. Key discussions included recognizing National Burn Awareness Week. The Police Department presentation, led by the Chief, detailed a commitment to a community policing model addressing social problems like mental illness and drug addiction. The Chief highlighted successful partnerships with federal agencies resulting in raids to target illegal firearms, opioids, and other illicit drugs, particularly in underserved communities. The department has reorganized its command staff, promoting personnel to Captain, and is preparing a new organizational chart for public review. Furthermore, the department achieved a 100% charge rate for all five homicides in the previous year. The committee also discussed ongoing community engagement through forums with stakeholders like the Caucus of African American Leaders and the NAACP, which resulted in positive grades regarding departmental transparency. Discussions also touched upon compliance with new state legislation and the ongoing search for a new civilian Public Information Officer (PIO).

The public hearing focused on the Housing and Community Development needs for Fiscal Year 2022, specifically concerning the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The discussion involved highlighting accomplishments from the past year, detailing estimated federal funds for 2022, and reviewing CDBG COVID funding allocations. Key accomplishments noted included progress towards housing goals, although the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program saw reduced activity due to the virus; collaboration on six Project Based Section 8 rental units for veterans; support through the Housing Assistance Trust Fund for settlement expenses; and collaboration on an analysis of impediments to fair housing. Homeless accomplishments, largely driven by the Lighthouse Shelter, included the distribution of 130,000 pounds of food to 900 households and providing homeless prevention services. Community Development goals were exceeded, with funding provided for facility upgrades (e.g., Community Center in Eastport and lighting in Robinwood) and support for various service organizations like the Center of Health, OIC (GED/computer training), and the Community Action Agency. The Special Needs goal was met through funds used to renovate four residential facilities housing individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The presentation concluded with an outline of the CDBG budget and planning process timeline spanning from October through July, including application reviews, subsequent public hearings, budget presentation, Action Plan submission to HUD, and final fund release.

The special meeting commenced with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, noting the tragic Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore, for which the city offered assistance and observed a moment of silence. Ceremonial items included presenting a citation to Steve Samaris of Zachary's Jewelers for community work and engraving the mayoral chain, and proclaiming March 18, 2024, as Transit Worker Appreciation Day. A proclamation was also issued for Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2024. The Mayor provided an update regarding ongoing recovery efforts related to the bridge collapse and highlighted the upcoming Annapolis Film Festival and a movie screening focused on cycling infrastructure modeled after Dutch practices. Updates from committees included the Finance Committee meeting regarding auditor presentations, the Rules and City Government Committee addressing short-term rental regulations and postponing action on board nominations, and the Transportation Committee receiving an update from Annapolis Premium Parking regarding findings from mystery shoppers and focus groups concerning the Hillman garage. The Public Safety Standing Committee Chair reported on Public Safety and Crime statistics from January 1st through March 13, 2024, noting concerning data in Ward 3.