Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fee Waivers for City-Supported Special Events (R-8-26)
A $7,000 fee waiver for the Clydesdale event sparked a broader question: why does the city have fees it almost always waives? The committee wants the events manager to brief it and may develop criteria or an annual budget cap for waivers.
Overhaul of the Art in Public Places program
Five new commissioners were seated with staggered terms, and the commission's temporary restructuring gets more time to finish the transition.
Truxton Park master plan priority
Mayor Littmann asked that the Truxton Park master plan be treated as a top priority, calling the park the city's crown jewel and worrying it will otherwise become the default spot for sheds and dumps.
Annapolis Arts District
Arts District Executive Director Holly Hendrickson was scheduled to brief the council on the Annapolis Arts District. The presentation could inform future council decisions about the district's programs and support.
Parks maintenance staffing
Parks Chief Dillard asked to convert two part-time maintenance positions to full-time at $34,000; the request was rejected in the proposed budget. Thorp wants the committee to find funding elsewhere for the additional parks maintenance staff.
Non-resident fees for parks and boat ramps
The committee wants a bifurcated fee system so non-residents pay more at parks, boat ramps and recreation facilities, with a proposal requested from the Harbor Master and Rec & Parks.
Adaptive Tennis Grant for Recreation and Parks
A free $3,000 from the USTA/Mid-Atlantic Foundation will fund new and expanded community and wheelchair tennis programs — the committee was happy to accept it.
Stanton Center Recreation Center operations and hours
O'Neill wants Stanton Center open on school-closure days; Thorp flagged a more than 20% budget drop for the facility and wants daily usage counts and a plan to bring it up to Pip Moyer's level. Weekend hours begin in May.
Recreation and Parks FY 2027 budget
Rec & Parks brought in nearly $1.9 million in revenue and costs taxpayers about 2.15% of the city budget. The committee pushed for more data — dollar costs per program, revenue goals, and accurate lifeguard staffing numbers — and asked about expanding child care and keeping Stanton Center open.
Lifeguard staffing and pool operations
The city has 28 lifeguards against a goal of 32, and none assigned to Harbor House yet. Thorp wants a proposal for opening the Harbor House pool seven days a week, including the option of hiring a pool management company; Contee and staff discussed the difficulty of transferring lifeguards between pools.
Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Extended
Resolution R-4-26 would keep the kayak rack pilot going, add a public rack at a street-end waterfront park, and lower the fee. It makes paddling more affordable and accessible for people without a marina slip.
Carr's Beach Concept Review
The city took up a concept review of the historic Carr's Beach site, presented by Recreation and Parks staff. What eventually happens at the property could shape waterfront recreation and development on that parcel.
Chesapeake Children's Museum Project Delay
O'Neill pressed Public Works on why the Chesapeake Children's Museum project is delayed to 2028 even though parking updates are happening sooner — a project residents have been waiting on.