I hope you find some time to enjoy this beautiful spring weather this weekend. The brand new Truxtun Park pool is opening this weekend, and it looks like it’s going to be beautiful weather for swimming. I have information on the facility and prices at the end of this email. Also, read on for details on Monday’s City Council meeting and other City items.

PEACE ordinance update

The Police Enhancement And Community Engagement legislation I introduced (O-12-21) is still working its way through our process. We are now discussing possible amendments to respond to public comments we’ve received, address the concerns form the police and law office, and bring it into compliance (or exceedance) of the State police reform legislation. For a full list of what this legislation accomplishes, you can find that here or on my website. This legislation has certainly been a challenge trying to get passed. We heard from the Police Chief and the Police Union two weeks back and that meeting ended up essentially collapsing. The Department led with some factual information about their operations, which was helpful, but then they let the Police Union speak. While we wanted to hear from the union during the public comment period (I don't believe they submitted any testimony), they unfortunately gave testimony during a work session that was incredibly misleading and contained outright lies about our legislation. They claimed the legislation would defund the police with certain cuts, when our legislation contains no cuts whatsoever. They also insisted that our legislation is driving down morale and making it hard to fill police positions. What they fail to mention is that we've been unable to fill all of our officer positions for the past decade, well before this legislation was introduced. Perhaps morale is an issue because the Union is spreading misinformation to their membership about this legislation? I was further disappointed in the Police Chief essentially saying "if it aint broke, don't fix it", as if we haven't had our own issues with our Police Department lately and as if we are somehow insulated from national tragedies (the Capital shooting proves otherwise). Regardless, the sponsors and I are moving forward to do what we can to build peace and trust between the police and the community.

Stay healthy and stay safe, 

Rob

Next Council meeting – 5/24/21 (agenda)

This Council meeting is starting at 7pm and will be televised on local cable, Facebook, and the City website (www.annapolis.gov). http://www.youtube.com/CityofAnnapolis  http://www.facebook.com/CityofAnnapolis

This will be an in-person meeting, though we are not yet allowing in-person testimony

Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to be able to participate in a public meeting held by the City of Annapolis should contact Regina Watkins-Eldridge at 410.263.7942, by MD Relay (711), or by email at [email protected] at least five days prior to the meeting date to request assistance.

If you would like to submit or give public testimony, you can do so at http://www.annapolis.gov/testimony.

Public hearings

• ID-110-21 – This is a public notice that the budget, as proposed by the administration, is not increasing the tax rate but the tax yield will be increasing.
• O-13-21 - Urban Renewal Projects - Repeal - For the purpose of repealing the Annapolis City Code provisions relating to urban renewal projects; providing provisions for the exercise of state law powers relating to development or redevelopment of certain property, including comprehensive renovation or rehabilitation; requiring the Affordable Housing and Community Equity Development Commission to review certain development projects; providing certain definitions, providing for the application of this Ordinance; providing that existing obligations or contract rights may not be impaired by this Ordinance; and generally relating to the repeal of such provisions.
• O-15-21 - Elections - Independent Expenditure Report - For the purpose of requiring the filing of Independent Expenditure Reports; providing reporting procedures and requirements; adopting state provisions; providing certain definitions; providing penalties; and generally relating to Independent Expenditure Reports. This is legislation that was crafted by our Board of Supervisors of Elections and law office. I have introduced it on their behalf. It seeks compliance with State election laws governing Independent Expenditure Reports.

Legislation being introduced on First Reader

• CA-1-21 - Office of Community Services - Established - For the purpose of establishing the Office of Community Services; updating the powers and duties of the City Manager, and generally relating to the Office of Community Services.
• O-16-21 - Maintaining Chickens - For the purpose of modifying the application and approval procedures for maintaining chickens; providing notice requirements; and generally relating to maintaining chickens.
• O-17-21 - Public Services - Water and Sewer - For the purpose of modifying the charges for water service for certain users; modifying the charges for sewer service for certain users; and generally relating to providing water and sewer service.
• O-18-21 - Municipal Elections - Canvassing - For the purpose of modifying the day on which the Board of Canvassers shall convene following all municipal elections.
• O-19-21 - Development Application Procedures - For the purpose of providing for community benefit input in the review of proposed development applications.
• R-18-21 - The Annapolis Waterfront & Sailing Center - For the purpose of recognizing the vital resources provided by the Annapolis Waterfront & Sailing Center; and designating the Annapolis Waterfront & Sailing Center as the Annapolis City Ambassador to the Tall Sailing Ships and historic boats community in furtherance of the maritime heritage of Annapolis.

Legislation on second reader (i.e. final vote)

There is no legislation up for a second reader vote.

Updates

Truxtun Pool Opens for the Season on May 22

The City of Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department announced the outdoor Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxtun Park will open for the season on Saturday, May 23. Daily pool rates and season pass information can be found at www.annapolis.gov/aquatics.

The new pool boasts a new bath house and changing rooms and is fully ADA compliant.  There is a snack bar, all new tables, chairs and lounges as well as plenty of shaded space for relaxing on a hot summer day. The new pool facility also has:

• a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool
• a leisure pool with beach entry
• two curly slides and water elements
• a splash pad with more water elements for the youngest kids to cool off

All persons swimming in the pool must have on proper swim attire. Swim diapers, plus eco-suits, are required for children that are not toilet trained.

COVID Protocols:  We ask that everyone maintain physical distancing from those not in your group and please wear a mask or face covering while in the restrooms. Please remember that not all pool patrons are vaccinated, especially those under age 12. Please be kind and be aware of public health protocols for those who wish to continue wearing a mask while at the pool facility.

Public Pool Hours starting Saturday, May 22:

Monday through Friday:

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all pools open)

5:30 to 8 p.m. (splash pad and leisure pools only May 31 to July 23)

Saturday and Sunday

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Daily rates will be as follows (City of Annapolis Resident = R and Non-Resident = NR):

Age 2* and under FREE with paying adult

Youth (age 3 to 12) = Residents $4 / Non-residents $7

Teen/Adult (age 13 to 61) = Residents $6 / Non-residents $10

Senior (ages 62+) = Residents $4 / Non-residents $7

Season Pass Rates (City of Annapolis Resident = R and Non-Resident = NR):

Age 2* & under FREE with paying adult

Youth (age 3-12) = R $130 / NR $180

Teen/Adult (age 13-61) = R $190 / NR $240

Senior (age 62+) = R $130 / NR $180

 Family of *4 = R $200 / NR $300

*each additional child $20

There will be Aqua Fitness Classes such as yoga and aerobics held weekday mornings and a brand new Inclusive Swim & Splash class held on Friday mornings. Additional information about the pool can be found on pages 3-5 of the Spring-Summer 2021 Program Guide or at www.annapolis.gov/programguide. In 2021, the two Annapolis swim clubs merged to form the Annapolis Penguins swim team. Registration for the 2021 season ends on Sunday, May 23. To register your child for the swim team, visit www.annapolis.gov/penguins.

The pool is located at 251 Pumphouse Road in Annapolis. Additional information can be found at www.annapolis.gov/aquatics.

Charter Revision Committee requests input

Every ten years, the Annapolis City Council appoints a City Charter Revision Commission in accordance with City Code and tasks its members with independently examining the City Charter. The Charter is a formal document and provides direction on election procedures, land-use policy, City administration processes, and even how the city budget is formulated and managed. The goal of the Commission is to identify improvements to the Charter and provide recommended changes to the City Council. The Commission is actively seeking comments from the community on possible revisions to the Charter. Members of the public can submit comments online in advance of Commission meetings (here) with an option to give live virtual testimony at the meeting. Written comments can also be sent to the Commission at [email protected].

A copy of the current Annapolis City Charter may be found here. The Commission’s website can be accessed here.