Our Monday meeting contains six pieces of legislation up for a public hearing, including one that would limit the number of short-term rentals per block. I have two amendments, possibly more, that would define blockface to include communities (like mine) that do not have traditional blocks, and exempt owner-occupied STRs from this limitation since simply renting out rooms doesn’t have as much of a negative impact on communities as entire homes being rented (as opposed to having long-term residents via ownership or long-term rentals).

Re-election campaign update

Save the date! I plan to send an email early next week with details about a fundraiser event tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m. Your support would be greatly appreciated! 

Donations. As I prepare to organize some important mailers to reach more voters, your generous financial support would be invaluable in helping us run a strong and effective campaign. Sending checks is best (no fees!), made out to Friends of Rob Savidge, mailed to 12 Windwhisper Ln, but you can also donate at www.RobSavidge.com/Donate

Volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering, there are so many meaningful ways to get involved! Whether it’s helping distribute campaign signs, hosting a meet-and-greet to introduce neighbors, or joining our door-to-door outreach team to engage directly with community members, your enthusiasm can make a tremendous impact. I deeply appreciate every offer of support, and together, I know we can achieve great things. Thank you so much for considering being part of this journey!

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-17-25 - 2025 Transit Development Plan for the City of Annapolis – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-22-25 - City Supported Special Events in Fiscal Year 2026 – Approved (I voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Next Council meeting – 7/14/25 (agenda)

This meeting starts at 7pm and will be televised on local cable, YouTube, Facebook, and the City website.  You can submit public testimony at http://www.annapolis.gov/testimony. This will be an in-person meeting.

Public Hearings

• CA-1-25 – City Council Compensation Commission - For the purpose of updating the process for setting the City Council's compensation; removing it from the Council Elections Article of the City Charter and inserting it under The City Council Article; and removing the requirement that the Council's compensation commission sets the City Manager's compensation.
• O-17-25 - Limiting Short-term Rentals per Blockface - For the purpose of limiting the number of short-term rentals in the City to 10% of the residences in a blockface; defining blockface; and generally dealing with short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis.
• O-19-25 - Regulation of Tours in Historic Annapolis - For the purpose of regulating walking tours operated by tour companies in the Annapolis Historic District; requiring a City business license, and insurance coverage; ensuring the protection of historic buildings and spaces; requiring free-flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and generally related to business licenses of tour operators in the City.
• O-20-25 - Sale of City-Owned Property at 932 Spa Road and 935 Spa Road, Lot 1 - For the purpose of approving the sale of City-owned property at 932 Spa Road and 935 Spa Road, Lot 1 to the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Inc.; for expressly authorizing said sale to be made a private sale and not at public auction; and all matters related to said sale.
• O-21-25 - Annapolis Harbor Lines at 423 Chester Avenue on Back Creek - For the purpose of changing the Annapolis harbor line on Back Creek at 423 Chester Avenue in the vicinity of the Safe Harbor Annapolis piers; and matters generally related to harbor lines.
• O-24-25 - Election Report Deadlines - For the purpose of adding two election reporting deadlines for candidates for City elections; eliminating the campaign report deadline on the fourth Tuesday preceding any general election; copyediting and reformatting the section; and generally related to required election reports.

Legislation being introduced on first reader

• O-31-25 - Issuance Notes of General Obligation Bonds and Bond Anticipation - For the purpose of authorizing and empowering the City of Annapolis (the “City”) to issue and sell, upon its full faith and credit, (i) one or more series of its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $73,561,499.

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

• O-6-25 - Clearing Snow and Ice from City Sidewalks - For the purpose of clarifying that the City is allowed to clear snow and ice from sidewalks in the City at the expense of the adjacent property owner if the owner fails to do so; requiring the snow removal be the width of the sidewalk or at least four feet wide for wider sidewalks; updating the citation and appeals sections; and generally related to cleaning and clearing of sidewalks. I’m inclined to support this, pending any comments from you. We have had issues with our sidewalks not being cleared by the property owners, and this provides a better mechanism for us to clear them ourselves, if need be, and assess a corresponding fee for that service. I see walkable sidewalks, all times of the year, to be a basic public safety service that the City needs to do a better job of maintaining.
• O-8-25 - Chesapeake Children’s Museum Lease Renewal Through June 30, 2030 - For the purpose of authorizing a lease agreement with Chesapeake Children's Museum, Inc., a Maryland corporation, for City property at 25 Silopanna Road in Annapolis commencing on July 1, 2025 and terminating on June 30, 2030. I am inclined to support this, pending any comments from you.
• R-27-25 - Renaming of the Noah Hillman Parking Garage - For the purpose of renaming the Noah Hillman Parking Garage located in downtown Annapolis as the “Mills Hillman Garage” in recognition of the contributions made by the Mills family to the City of Annapolis. I’m generally inclined to support this, pending any comments from you.
• R-30-25 - Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan - For the purpose of adopting a Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. A copy of the report should have been attached to this legislation. Since it was not, I’m undecided on whether or not I’ll support this or abstain. I have requested a copy be attached to the legislative record. My understanding is that this report is a requirement from HUD.

Community & Political updates

Help Shape the Future of Annapolis Fire Services

The Annapolis Fire Department is updating its Strategic Plan and is inviting residents, business owners, and faith-based leaders to participate in one of two in-person community-driven focus groups on Monday, July 14 at the Eastport Fire Station Volunteer Hall. Sessions are 9:30–11:00 AM and 11:30 AM–1:00 PM. Your feedback will help shape future service delivery and departmental goals. To participate or ask questions, please email [email protected] by Friday, July 11. Let’s make sure our community’s voice is heard!

Become a Fire Cadet—Launch Your Career in Public Safety

The Annapolis Fire Department, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Local 1926, and the University of Maryland’s Fire Rescue Institute, is offering a paid 9-month Cadet Program from September 2025 to May 2026. Ten young adults (ages 18–24) will receive certified training as Firefighter/EMTs, including hazardous operations and medical skills, with a $15/hour salary and $6,000 graduation bonus. Applicants must have a high school diploma/GED, driver’s license, and pass medical and background checks. Apply by July 25 at dsci.maryland.gov, and use the City Official referral code if recommended by your Alderman.

City of Annapolis Opens Applications for 2025 Paddle Craft Rack Permits at Truxtun Park

The Annapolis Harbormaster is now accepting applications for 2025 paddle craft rack permits at Truxtun Park. The permit season runs from April 1 to November 15, and fees are $300 for residents and $600 for non-residents, plus a $50 application fee. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older and own paddle craft between 8 and 14 feet long. Applications, available online, are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved crafts must display a City permit sticker and adhere to usage guidelines. For details, visit the Annapolis Harbormaster website.

The BGE Customer Relief Fund

A new $15 million initiative—will provide one-time grants ranging from $250 to $750 for limited- and middle-income Maryland residents struggling with energy costs. This fund, part of a $50 million charitable contribution from Exelon, will be administered by United Way of Central Maryland, with applications opening July 1. Eligible customers can apply via bge.com/relief, with funds credited directly to their BGE accounts. This effort underscores BGE’s commitment to affordability and community support