Council advances multiple ordinances, adopts green‑roof pilot and withdraws condemnation after sale

The Annapolis City Council on May 12 conducted a series of procedural and legislative actions: it approved the consent calendar, heard and closed the public hearing on the fiscal 2026 budget (O10/25), advanced several ordinances on first reading (with committee referrals) and adopted a demonstration program to install green roofs on city bus shelters on second reading. The council also withdrew a pending condemnation resolution for 245 West Street after a purchaser executed an agreement to buy the property.

Votes and formal actions

- Consent calendar: The council approved the consent calendar by roll call during the meeting. (Clerk roll call recorded ayes; no defeats recorded in transcript.)

- Public hearing—O10/25 (Annual budget appropriation and property tax levy): The council accepted the Planning Commission’s findings into the record and the mayor declared the public hearing closed for the budget ordinance; final action remains pending as the council continues amendment and adoption procedures.

- First‑reading referrals (motions carried on voice vote; referred to committees as noted): - O6/25 (clearing snow and ice from city sidewalks) — referred to Environmental Matters Committee. - O8/25 (Speak Children’s Museum lease renewal through 06/30/2030) — referred to Housing and Human Welfare, Finance, Environmental Matters and Rules and City Government committees. - O12/25 (prioritizing affordable spending through expansion of Financial Advisory Commission duties) — referred to Finance, Financial Advisory Commission and Economic Matters Committee. - O13/25 (compensation of mayor, aldermen and city manager) — referred to Finance and Rules and City Government committees. - O14/25 (implementation of Annapolis Ahead comprehensive plan 2040) — referred to the Planning Commission, Rules and City Government, Environmental Matters and Housing and Human Welfare committees.

- Resolutions and second readings: - R2/25 (demonstration program to build green roofs on city bus shelters) — adopted on second reading after debate about maintenance and staffing needs; the measure was described in committee as a pilot demonstration with a $5,000 fiscal note and expected to return if additional funds were required for broader rollout.

- Condemnation resolution (R38/24 for 245 West Street): Council members debated keeping the condemnation option active to address long‑term vacancy and potential redevelopment; after staff reported the property had been sold to a local buyer who intends to build housing, the mayor offered a motion to withdraw the condemnation resolution and the council voted to withdraw it.

What council members and staff said

Acting City Manager Vicky Buckland and the city attorney provided procedural guidance on budget amendments and personnel confirmations. Aldermen described the first‑reader ordinances as standard referrals and discussed committee assignments. Several aldermen raised concerns about the green‑roof pilot’s possible staffing implications and maintenance obligations, but supported the demonstration as a small test before any broad investment.

Next steps

Most ordinances introduced on first reading will be examined in the committees assigned and returned to the full council for additional action. The budget ordinance (O10/25) will be the subject of amendment consideration in upcoming sessions; staff confirmed that finance committee amendments had been incorporated into the materials for the council’s deliberations. The green‑roof pilot will proceed as scoped in the demonstration resolution, subject to budgetary review if additional funds or staff time are required.