Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Snow and ice sidewalk clearing fees and fines
A package of legislation would shorten deadlines for clearing sidewalks after storms, let the city clear them and bill property owners, and set new fees and fines. Homeowners and businesses would need to shovel faster or pay up.
Overlapping property inspections at HACA sites
The council met privately for over 40 minutes to discuss pending or potential litigation involving the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. Details are confidential, but HACA oversight is now formally on the council's legal docket.
Civic decorum and antisemitism concerns
After a heated incident two weeks prior, Jody Goldsmith of the Jewish Federation asked the council to ensure people can disagree without being treated with hostility, citing a poll showing rising acceptance of antisemitism.
Annapolis Fire Department Update
The city's new fire boat arrives October 28, funded through prior council budgets. The fire department is also seeking Monday council approval to buy three more cardiac monitors and up to 15 AEDs, plus an underwater ROV from a port security grant.
November agenda: AI police robots, e-bikes, and ICE policy
Chairwoman O'Neill previewed November committee topics: the city's stance on AI robots after one appeared downtown, how the city can protect youth riding motorized bikes, and local policy regarding federal immigration enforcement and coordination with the county.
Parking Enforcement Without Clear Markings
Alderman Savidge reported angry constituents getting tickets near unmarked fire hydrants and crosswalks under newly aggressive enforcement. The committee agreed areas need clear marking — or warnings first — before tickets are written.
Federal grant for police youth mentoring program
The city is accepting $20,000 in federal grant money to keep the PAL youth mentoring program running, which serves hundreds of kids through boxing, swimming, and volleyball. Committee members want better budget planning so programs don't depend on grant luck.
Out-of-service fire hydrants
Alderman Smith-Brown flagged hydrants in his ward that have been out of service, some for over a year. Public Works maintains them; AFD offered to follow up on specific locations.
Youth e-bike and e-motor safety
Alderman Smith-Brown raised a near-miss between a resident and a teen on an e-motor, asking what the city is doing about youth on these vehicles. APD promised a fuller answer in October and noted summer youth outreach programs.
Emergency Management Grant Boost
The city landed nearly $900,000 in federal anti-terrorism funding — $220,000 more than budgeted — for emergency training, exercises, and planning.
Vehicle Barriers for Special Events
The grant includes $100,000 for deployable vehicle barriers that are easier to set up than current heavy barricades. Some members questioned whether they will raise costs for special events, and staff declined to guarantee savings, but the purchase moved forward.
Ranked choice voting for Annapolis elections
A presentation on whether Annapolis should adopt ranked choice voting, covering how it works, what it costs, and how other Maryland cities have implemented it. No vote yet — the chair wants any major change to go to voters as a ballot question.
Maryland PDAB for Annapolis
The Maryland Citizens Health Initiative was scheduled to brief the council on the Maryland PDAB for Annapolis. Because this was a work session with no public comment, residents could watch the presentation broadcast live or in the city's archived video.
Oversight of the City's Police Firing Range
A public hearing was scheduled on an ordinance that would let the Police Chief and the Mayor decide who may use the city's police firing range.
City Hall security guards and risk management specialist
Huntley proposed cutting $180,000 in City Hall security to fund traffic safety, arguing more lives are lost to crashes. Staff, the city manager, and most aldermen pushed back hard, citing past scares in the building, and the amendment was withdrawn.
Street sweeping operations and resident notification
Alderwoman O'Neill asked for a predictable street sweeping schedule so residents can move their cars; staff say new routing software being considered for snow removal could eventually enable published schedules. Alderman Thorp wants a targeted plan for Eastport.
Police data sharing with Planning and Zoning on rental complaints
State law lets P&Z revoke rental licenses after repeated police calls, but police responses to short-term rentals don't reliably reach P&Z. Members want a formal information-sharing system, possibly tied to filling a civilian records specialist position.
Citywide radio maintenance
The city owns 130 radios at $4,500 each used by public works, recreation, transportation and more — with no maintenance plan. The committee asked for a readout on total radio spending across departments and whether to centralize the program.
Re-entry program for returning citizens
Officer Rob Horn runs a one-man re-entry program that has graduated 12 cohorts of people returning from prison, teaching job skills from CDL to medical. Alderman Smith-Brown asked for details, and the full program may be presented at the June meeting.
Housing Authority Litigation (Closed Session)
The council met privately for over 40 minutes to discuss pending or potential litigation involving the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. Details are confidential, but HACA oversight is now formally on the council's legal docket.
Snow Storm Emergency Response Review
The Office of Emergency Management presented an after-action report on the city's response to this winter's snow storm. It's a chance to see what worked, what didn't, and how future storm responses might improve.
Office of Emergency Management briefing
Emergency Management Director Simmons, joined by Alderman Thorp, gave the committee a look at the city's disaster preparedness posture. It covers how Annapolis plans for storms, hazards, and other emergencies.
Speed Camera Program
The city's speed camera program and its contract status were questioned by the committee. Residents could see changes to how or where cameras operate depending on where this goes.