Annapolis Capital Punishment

Ward 8 Residents

The Regular Meeting (i.e., Legislative Action) of the Annapolis City Council will be held on July 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 99 and Verizon channel 34.

Below is the agenda for the meeting with a brief description. I have added comments in italics and underline after some of the legislation. I indicate my likely vote with my comments, but send these email blasts out to give you a chance to let me know if you think I’m headed in the correct direction or should change my mind. It is my practice to comment only on legislation that has had a public hearing and has gone through the Council Committee process.

PETITIONS, REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Reports by committees

Comments by the general public: A person appearing before the City Council with a petition, report or communication shall be limited to a presentation of not more than five minutes. The time specified in this rule may be changed at any time by a majority vote. (Sec. 2.16.035, Annapolis City Code)

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS – 2ND READING

O-06-09 2nd R. False Alarms - For the purpose of limiting the number of false alarms permitted within a 365-day period before the assessment of a fine and providing appeal procedures for the fine’s assessment. I understand that the purpose of this Ordinance is to discourage excessive false alarms, but I’m not convenience that this is the correct approach and I will vote no.

R-10- O-12-09 2nd R. Clean Air Vehicles Owned or Licensed by the City – For the purpose of requiring vehicles owned or licensed by City of Annapolis to operate clean air vehicles over a four-year period; specifying what vehicle types satisfy the requirement; and, providing exceptions for certain special purpose vehicles. I believe that the city should lead by example and will vote in favor.

O-16-09 2nd R. Property Tax Credit – Installation of Fire Sprinklers – For the purpose of providing a one-time City property tax credit for an existing residential structure in which fire sprinkler installation is required by City Code. I believe that this is good policy in terms of public safety, but I’m not sure we have budget for this reduction in our tax revenue. This is one where I will likely vote yes, but will let your input determine my vote.

R-33-09 2nd R. Support of the Maryland Theatre for the Performing Arts at Park Place - For the purpose of expressing the City of Annapolis’ support of the Maryland Theatre for the Performing Arts at Park Place. I support this legislation in principle, but am not willing to support it with city dollars at this point in our budget situation.

R-43-09 2nd R. 2009 Sustainability Plan - For the purpose of adopting a new sustainability plan with goals for programs, policies, and procedures that will assist the environmental efforts of the City of Annapolis. I will vote yes, again because I believe that the city should lead by example.

R-45-09 2nd R. Reclassification of Police Administrative Clerk Position - For the purpose of approving the reclassification of the Senior Payroll Clerk position to that of Police Administrative Clerk. This is a technical correction and I will vote in favor.

R-46-09 2nd R. Reclassification of Police Records Specialist Position - For the purpose of approving the reclassification of the Warrant Control Clerk position to that of Police Records Specialist. This is a technical correction and I will vote in favor.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS – 1ST READING

O-36-09 1st R. Display Requirements for the Sale of Lawn Fertilizer – For the purpose of repealing the display restriction on phosphorous and phosphate fertilizers.

O-40-09 1st R. Severance Pay - For the purpose of specifying severance pay for department directors removed pursuant to Article VI, Section 2 of the Charter.

O-41-09 1st R. Absentee Voting – Technical Correction - For the purpose of establishing qualifications for absentee voting in municipal elections inadvertently repealed by Ordinance O-33- 07RevisedAmended.

O-43-09 1st R. Definition of Codified Term - For the purpose of defining “may not” as mandatory in the Code of the City of Annapolis.

O-44-09 1st R. Electronic Weapons - For the purpose of permitting law enforcement personnel and members of the armed forces to possess and discharge electronic weapons while on duty in the performance of official authorized functions. Travels with R-49-09

R-49-09 1st R. Amending Fines Schedule for Electronic Weapons Violations - For the purpose of amending the fines schedule for electronic weapons violations. Travels with O-44-09

O-45-09 1st R. Subdivision of Nonconforming Properties - For the purpose of permitting the subdivision of nonconforming properties.

O-46-09 1st R. Concentration Limit of Housebarges - For the purpose of permitting a housebarge concentration of two percent in marinas with fifty or more slips.

BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS

1. Appointments

Next City Council Meetings:

Monday, June 27, 2009, City Council Chamber - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, September 14, 2009, City Council Chamber - 7:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE – THE CITY COUNCIL IS IN RECESS DURING AUGUST

As always, you can call me [410 295-9743] or send an email [EastportRoss@aol.com] if you have questions or concerns. Your comments and views have been helpful in shaping my votes, thank you.