[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6515808,"mediaKeyId","3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38","parentId",3846150,"title","At a glance: Council approves agenda additions, consent calendar and several first-reader ordinances","audioSeconds",4177,"startMs",239000,"endMs",4416000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38&start=239&end=4416","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38/thumbnail_239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6515808/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/At-a-glance-Council-approves-agenda-additions-consent-calendar-and-several-first-reader-ordinances","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515808-0213719747c53564baeb99c20a05e84a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037332&Signature=aJRA5vvRpIENWyHRNTeBaNNklLFVZvl6TG5tozTqWwpgD5PFIR7JLhB~BbBG9mv~mtWNShXCnSzjgtN7kmVT-NB7aivYYSLKzclBUrh8bs7T5h-4SnAG3M87bXZZBKgqFAgP42pHZVYR68GGi5Vsu2N3eWj-12DtPMIQajEvAYWhREFqYgPe~rZs0LTFEPnt~cQfhIoQNq8~pJ3sfUX1briRrJ4Sm~2GY3hcZ~ipFFXl27qfVNngk1cYe9uoN9KCayeCA9dJ-Hav6Fw3DTQqSkBBG1FYIBU4Kl~k~0C3GzGMCpyJd48sEHkWzhOmCxBFzX2KB9ZmGNiyUswXs3qemA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Annapolis, MD","date","2025-06-17T13:17:03Z","article","The Annapolis City Council on June 16 took a series of procedural and legislative votes including approval of agenda amendments, the consent calendar, multiple fund transfers, adoption of a transit plan resolution on second reader (R17-25), and the first-reader introduction or referral of several ordinances implementing zoning changes and other city business.

Key outcomes
- Agenda amended to add a package of ordinances including O2925 (Tyler Avenue overlay) and O3025 (business revitalization district regulations). Voice vote approved.
- Consent calendar (appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions) approved on roll call.
- Fund transfers FT12-25, FT13-25, FT14-25 and FT15-25 were moved and approved on voice votes.
- R17-25 (Transit Development Plan) adopted on second reader after roll-call; at least one alderman recorded a “no” on the roll call for that resolution.
- R22-25 (City support of special events FY2026) adopted on second reader as amended.
- Multiple ordinances were introduced on first reader or referred: O2925 (Tyler Avenue overlay), O3025 (Business Revitalization District regulation changes), O1525 (ADU owner-residency requirement removal), O1825 (reallow duplexes in R-2), O2025 (sale of city-owned property at Spa Road) and others; most were referred to Planning & Zoning and relevant committees for review.

Why it matters: These procedural approvals and first-reader actions move a bundle of policy items and appropriations into committee review and set the timetable for public hearings and technical analysis; several actions implement elements of the city’s comprehensive plan or are required administratively to keep HUD funding eligibility and other programs on schedule.

Votes and procedural notes
- Consent calendar: approved on roll call (appointments to Transportation Board, Environmental Commission, Conservancy Board and others). The clerk recorded “Aye” votes for mayor and multiple aldermen.
- Fund transfers FT12-25 through FT15-25: approvals recorded on voice votes; motions made and seconded.
- R17-25 (Transit Development Plan): adopted on second reader; the clerk conducted a roll call and at least one “no” vote was recorded.
- Multiple first-reader ordinances were advanced or referred as described above; many will proceed through Planning & Zoning and committee review before any final votes.

Ending: The council closed a meeting heavy with new introductions and referrals, directing staff and committees to review the items and setting the stage for follow-up hearings, studies and, where applicable, future votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting June 16 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Annapolis City Council approved agenda amendments, the consent calendar and several fund transfers; it also adopted a transit plan resolution and advanced multiple ordinances to committee on June 16.","taxTitle","Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland","taxId",59348,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515812,"Firefighters urge phased staff increases and a peak-hour unit to reduce response gaps",158,1853000,2011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38&start=1853&end=2011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6515812/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Firefighters-urge-phased-staff-increases-and-a-peak-hour-unit-to-reduce-response-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515812-79129821957e25f4cd9846799fe18d3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037332&Signature=PbXUc65waezHMEIguDXLZ5GPq506oOfW7eqzTCuNk0Bbc8KwT9i2etALEW7hDeemhdWWu005a4poI6McNMgAw4y3At~Q6Pj3twgk~GPp3dIbrI8GJMksEt41GryaoPGw3Dqd2IvHkSeQGUKjfj0LLH7nqoAgnS37DLUDuzzNb9XNiVBwsMKgrDv8s3KVgzlnoharwNVMtkYl8Sdbbz7VJvvREWhp0kLE~MUCVXovF5MJSiD46sYM1tjqA-415xsAi1nWNxfvXTKW6jCgS0lx98GgeUjnOmqrZa6ndvHxez~36hj-4oxZmz4mpAdcXujR0Q2VP9Qgt3OBXQyuMvK43w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craig Olershaw, vice president of Local 1926 Professional Firefighters, asked the council during public comment on June 16 to fund incremental increases in fire-department staffing and to support a proposed peak-hour unit to reduce response gaps caused by mutual-aid calls to Anne Arundel County.

Why it matters: Fire department staffing affects response times for emergencies, coverage for medical calls and the city’s reliance on neighboring jurisdictions for mutual aid. Union officials said a staffing increase could be paced over multiple fiscal cycles and that a peak-hour unit could both improve service and create revenue through billing.

What the firefighter said
Olershaw told the council the department sees a steady increase in call volume and that daily mutual aid frequently draws ladder and engine companies into county responses, leaving the city understaffed for emergencies within Annapolis. He endorsed a phased hiring plan — adding roughly one new position per fiscal cycle — and said the proposed peak-hour EMS unit would both help response and generate billing revenue to offset costs.

Council and staff context
Olershaw acknowledged the city’s budget constraints and told the council he was not seeking an immediate, full staffing increase but a steady, predictable add-on of positions. The council did not take action at the meeting; the request was recorded during the public-comment period for future budget deliberations.

Ending: The council received the testimony; budget and staffing decisions will be considered in the upcoming fiscal process.","A union representative from Annapolis firefighters asked the council to authorize a phased hiring plan and a peak-hour EMS unit to reduce response delays and reliance on mutual aid from surrounding county units.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515817,"Owner-occupied hosts urge amendment as council advances short-term rental cap",3906,3255000,7161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38&start=3255&end=7161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38/thumbnail_3255000.jpg","/articles/6515817/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Owner-occupied-hosts-urge-amendment-as-council-advances-short-term-rental-cap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515817-70c5b10a9129f467d978936e05f9c1d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037332&Signature=YM1PfDPgYOyMR63UBHoIGtOjYBhWsgX6-jioTBzXBlk4~crnjZuEJ~ptNQAYMplXc2-uFbITiouUIF64utsAJWbi8hpTePAnJo0xEytrXpNasBAVGuaeFiGT7db~jas~WorkSsfkJYaV740cJFbVOxwY3hj2y2YsR1bARFeMN-858EoBwuOBJf5obkGZ7zZ6EZKd~AmVvY9kzSkiaZjv60z-xfKbRRkPx9vsIxJ54J-xP62En2nXeAE7aIK065rVBgyKnSDLv03dCtneVCAx5ngdPWy5c35IbdxK-c0Da75gC7XjhPKbk3zqlyNerS0x8mmrbkr9c3N3QZEeKSXijQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council placed an ordinance (O17-25) limiting short-term rentals on the agenda, waived a rules requirement, and advanced the bill on first reader on June 16. Public comment from owner-occupied hosts urged an amendment (referred to in testimony as “amendment 2”) that would exempt owner-occupied hosts from the cap.

Why it matters: O17-25 would cap STRs at 10% per block face, which proponents say will reduce the proliferation of whole-home rentals. Owner-occupied hosts and community advocates warn a strict cap could block residents who rely on occasional rental income and urged a carve-out for owner-occupied rooms.

Public testimony and council action
Susan Margulies (testifying as an owner-occupied host) said that while the ordinance’s goal to curb whole-home rentals is understandable, the current draft would prevent many long-term owner-occupied hosts from obtaining a license. She asked specifically that Amendment 2 be added so owner-occupied hosts can remain eligible to rent rooms if they later need the income. Margulies cited data presented to the council that, in the city’s inventory, 92% of STRs are non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals.

The council unanimously waived a requirement for a fiscal-impact report so the STR measure could be placed on the agenda and then approved O17-25 on first reading. The Rules Committee will also consider the ordinance; Council members asked that written testimony be submitted to create a formal record for the Rules Committee and the public hearing.

Next steps
The mayor and council assigned O17-25 to Rules and to Economic Matters for further committee review and public hearings. Proponents and opponents will have the opportunity to submit written testimony prior to committee consideration and the ordinance’s next reading.

Ending: The council advanced the short-term-rental ordinance with instruction to committees to consider amendments, including a proposed owner-occupied host exemption.","Annapolis residents urged the council to add an amendment preserving access to short-term rental (STR) licenses for owner-occupied hosts as the council placed O17-25 (a block-face cap) on first reader and assigned it to Rules and Economic Matters.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515822,"Council advances Tyler Avenue overlay and related zoning changes; neighbors seek slower pace and tax clarity",6004,635000,6639000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38&start=635&end=6639","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6515822/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-advances-Tyler-Avenue-overlay-and-related-zoning-changes-neighbors-seek-slower-pace-and-tax-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515822-2ab1fcb17d4851779ddf9f9025558bcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037332&Signature=LlHcq~DNrP-fBab0C~vckv3I5ufdtRtAR6vGLYekr4j8yDruM0crUHY-aqyZ-fYJbctDucxQIeyqBolfDnzn~YIFWuu9YNRKo48ktD8E8MSut72v4qwVDjPNXRdfNIBoEIGQR~i24bbPL3fGXZKwn9A3Ct3BIf1YJxgPZDt3TwqfmeJoom8h-LGEqduq44Ok7ho~Qkajtsp78-p1OzqCj7DH65LVlQQ~Yix-23~OilIn393rx07PebLKAZ4wD0NrMF8tqzoBEt1VIepQfx0jz0s5NFsC8ba3GMx0Ex6v61nDjQ427ShcDKMjBRchZkDS0Q6Gk6C862E3gX4ZrYmOUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council on June 16 moved forward on a package of zoning measures tied to the city’s comprehensive plan, including first-reader approval of a Tyler Avenue complete-community overlay (O2925) and several related changes that would affect accessory dwelling units, duplex rules and a business revitalization district.

Why it matters: The measures are intended to implement parts of the city’s comprehensive plan and to open limited options for development and housing types in targeted neighborhoods. Residents near Tyler Avenue and Cars Road urged caution, saying changes could increase density, raise property taxes and shrink the large backyards that currently provide affordable single-family housing.

What the council did
At the start of the meeting the council voted to add several ordinances to the agenda, including O2925 (Tyler Avenue overlay) and O3025 (business revitalization district regulations). Later in the evening the council adopted O2925 on first reader and referred the overlay and related zoning ordinances to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Rules and City Government Committee for review.

Public comment and neighborhood concerns
Dozens of residents turned out to comment. Leslie Finkel and Sandy Brown, Tyler Avenue residents, said their top concern was vehicle speed on the street and the safety of children playing in yards. They asked that any overlay preserve R-2 zoning and that the neighborhood be included in design decisions.

Several Cars Road residents opposed a separate annexation petition (reported elsewhere on the agenda) and said the overlay proposals were being presented without sufficient notice. Protesters asked for an independent cost and impact study, and some speakers warned that higher assessments and property-tax increases commonly accompany code changes.

Council and staff response
Council members acknowledged the volume of legislation added late in the term and discussed scheduling, including potential extra committee meetings and the Planning Commission’s calendar. Alderman Ottoman Savage warned that several of the newly added items will go to the Planning Commission and that the commission may not be able to hear them all before September because the commission does not meet in August and generally requires two meetings for recommendations. Alderman Finlayson offered to add an extra Rules Committee meeting if needed.

Next steps
Council members said the zoning measures would proceed through the Planning Commission for detailed review; public hearings tied to the overlay likely will occur after departments and the Planning Commission complete their recommendations. Alderman Savage told residents the Tyler Avenue reconstruction project is separately planned and will include its own safety and streetscape review and public-comment opportunities.

Ending: Council advanced first-reader action to send the overlay and associated zoning changes to the Planning & Zoning Commission and committee review while promising additional public outreach and technical study before any final zoning change.","Council added and approved first-reader zoning measures including a Tyler Avenue complete-community overlay and several code changes tied to the comprehensive plan. Residents objected to speed, property-value and tax concerns and asked for a slower review and local participation.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6515825,"Council refers Carr's Manor annexation petition to public works and planning for study",1645,4505000,6150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38&start=4505&end=6150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3846150-8b3c82354320289f362aca1f822ebd38/thumbnail_4505000.jpg","/articles/6515825/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-refers-Carrs-Manor-annexation-petition-to-public-works-and-planning-for-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515825-3a140ff46c4a1d68bee72664bb6db66e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775037332&Signature=OF5tjfuD5u-wviGOPk~YszrNgX3K3VolRn7jszzq6Jdvmv3BhNJdCCiV3e2cepOhXbPh7N~-Bwer0~~SucE75NYPRW4IzEberq2sn13ImSK3s0ROVMANwzPeAab2mavhT7sw-Sb8vNmmzbsUtzduWOKKvE2--aDxCNd4X09V2Iq8Z0CNpL3MgbortN52c7vWoZP7Sj00JnRfHILlqpS-Q0Tc58F0X24~oEWd-X8mAb7VLz858GgPkNjBAOuSb6sYvzcdBKYxCsM9XvypZYJI5O4InneMpscGpqBe1DE5BfEqIPxjuTKuUzNlS4-damB0ViMqM2rXt7HRnoMVV8t4yA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council on June 16 accepted for preliminary review a petition to annex roughly 7 acres known as Carr's Manor and referred the matter to the Department of Public Works and Planning & Zoning for technical analysis and recommendations.

The referral came after more than an hour of public testimony in which neighbors split between opposing annexation — citing cost, taxes, existing septic and wells and concern about development — and residents who support annexation and said the area lacks reliable sewer and water service. Petitioner representatives told the council the parcel is largely surrounded by city property, is close to existing utilities and that failing septic systems and a high water table created environmental and public-health concerns.

Why it matters: Annexation would change which government provides sewer, water and other municipal services. The council’s referral asks departments to analyze what municipal services would be required, recommend a priority for capital improvements, and identify likely sources of funding — all steps the council said are necessary before any legislation would be drafted.

Petitioners and council discussion
Attorney Alan Hyatt, speaking for the petitioners, said the petition meets the technical filing requirements and asked the council to refer the item so city engineers can work with petitioners on a utility plan. Petitioner Rob Bontempo, who owns property in the neighborhood, told the council the area contains a mix of older homes, some too small to support modern septic systems, and said prior annexation attempts dated to the late 1990s and early 2000s had failed for non-technical reasons.

Several longtime residents opposed annexation at the meeting. Christine Costello and other neighbors said their septics are working and said they feared higher taxes and development if the city annexed the street. Karen Nemes and others said much of the petition drive was led by owners who do not live on the affected lots and asked the council for a transparent, independent cost and impact study.

City staff and council guidance
Acting City Manager Jackie Geld told the council the city had only accepted the petition for administrative processing and had not validated that it is complete; she said departments will need to confirm outstanding technical and procedural information. Alderman Ottoman Savage, who led the council discussion, said the vote would not be a final decision to annex but would direct departments to work with petitioners to develop the information the next council can use for a formal hearing.

Motion and next steps
A motion by Alderman Ottoman Savage to refer the petition to Public Works and Planning & Zoning and to direct petitioners to work with those departments on the municipal-services description, priority of improvements and funding sources (city code section 2.52.30(e)) carried on voice vote. The council instructed departments to return technical findings to a future council; any ordinance or resolution to effect annexation would be introduced only after those studies and a formal public hearing.

The city set aside funds in the current fiscal year to support annexation work, but staff emphasized that no final city position on annexation had been taken. The petitioners and neighbors were urged to remain engaged through follow-up meetings with Public Works and Planning & Zoning.

Ending: The referral completes the statutory “preliminary review” step; if departments and petitioners produce a package acceptable to the council, the matter would return for a public hearing and, potentially, for ordinance drafting in the next council term.","After public comment pro and con, the Annapolis City Council accepted an annexation petition for Carr's Manor and voted to refer it to the Department of Public Works and Planning & Zoning for technical review and recommendations on services, priorities and funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

At a glance: Council approves agenda additions, consent calendar and several first-reader ordinances

Firefighters urge phased staff increases and a peak-hour unit to reduce response gaps

Owner-occupied hosts urge amendment as council advances short-term rental cap

Council advances Tyler Avenue overlay and related zoning changes; neighbors seek slower pace and tax clarity

Council refers Carr's Manor annexation petition to public works and planning for study