Breaking News-Two Bicyclists Injured While Leaving Bike to Work Day

UPDATE OF INTEREST.... follow the latest comments about the below story at The Capital Online at Bicyclists hit and read the comments I have received as well

Two bicyclists were injured, one seriously, when they hit a car door that was opened as they were traveling up Main Street shortly before 9 am today. The pair had just left the Annapolis venue for the annual Bike to Work Day event which rallies support for bicycling opportunities in Maryland.

The cyclist who was most seriously injured was taken to Shock Trauma in Baltimore because his neck and head were injured although paramedics did not seem to think the injury was life threatening, and said it was more of a precautionary measure to choose Shock Trauma. The other cyclist who apparently ran into the first cyclist after he hit the door received stitches at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

The driver of the vehicle, who was exiting after parking near the top of Main Street was not injured, but his car door was damaged.

The Bike to Work Rally was proclaimed to be the largest ever held in Annapolis with about 150 people and was said to have exceeded the numbers of participants at the concurrent event in Baltimore.

(I'll prepare an editorial about this soon)

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Oh Nine On Line for May 15--New Campaign Ratings

Reminder---Democratic Breakfast Meeting With Candidates Tomorrow, Saturday May 16-Eastport Democratic Club (corner of State and Chester). Cost: $3. Mayoral candidates Josh Cohen and Trudy McFall and incumbent alderman candidate Classie Hoyle will be guests. The other candidates will attend future breakfasts and we'll keep you informed.

Today is May 15. Last Campaign Ratings were April 15 and May 1. Next rating will likely be around June 1 which will absorb the currently separate web-site ratings. A means candidate is ready to be mayor, B means candidate really wants to be mayor, C means candidate wants to be mayor but we'd like to see more conviction and D means if you want a decisive person in office, you'll probably have to find someone with a higher rating than this person. In order to get an A, the candidate must have filed with the city clerk, made a public announcement, have an active campaign and active web-site. It will eventually become harder to attain or maintain an A as the campaign progresses. I will more seriously consider overall activity, public presence, and how they are communicating with CP and other media. These grades reflect my candid observations of the campaigns and not their positions on issues. I have left the original text of the earlier posts and merely added on new comments and the new grade which I shall continue to do every couple of weeks. Every candidate (except Frank Flyntz whose email is ???) was sent an email reminder and was asked to provide general information including a brief report from each on what neighborhoods they have walked in and how many doors they have knocked on. McFall was the only one to reply to the first inquiry. After a second request, only Cohen's campaign responded, saying it would be supplying information but all I got was a basic email blast. Updates in Red this week:

Independent

Chris Fox, detailed but not recently active web-site, collecting signatures to be on ballot Rating on April 15^th B minus Fox has been at Sip N' Blogs, at other events and people are beginning to talk about his candidacy with some seriousness but he hardly got any votes on our online poll. If it were not for his frankness and seriousness as demonstrated to me and through his web-site, I would not know how else to grade him, but I am waiting until we see some more sustained and public activity. He did attend Scott Bowling's kickoff and he plans an official announcement in a week so this grade may improve quickly. Upgrade to B NEW: Fox was a guest at Sip N' Blog and has been attending regularly. He had good crowds at both his official announcement and a fund-raiser. He continues to gather signatures to be placed on the ballot and has done some upgrades to his web-site. I've seen some signs up and Fox did attend the Ward One Resident's Association meeting. Upgraded to B Plus.

Republicans:

Dave Cordle, announced, actively campaigning, papers filed, active web-site Rating on April 15 A minus (has not knocked on my door yet) UPDATE: How come no activity on web-site for two months? Did attend Scott Bowling's kickoff. Where is the public outreach? The man is a busy alderman and has a full-time job, but how about some news or web activity? Rating Today downgraded to B. Some supporters held a fund-raiser for him, but it was not even promoted on his web-site, which has not been upgraded in months. Two different sources told me that 15 people came. These same supporters sent out an email invitation attacking Democrats. I give the candidate leeway because he is a hardworking alderman and has a full-time job but sooner or later, this presumed Republican front-runner must start campaigning as if he will be getting the Republican nomination. No activity on his web-site for months. However, he does attend some Sip N' Blogs and has told me that more campaign activity is planned or is soon to be underway. Rating downgraded to B Minus, but again with the above conditions in mind.

Frank Flyntz, originally announced at a party that a few people knew about in June, 2008 but then did another announcement party earlier this year but information was never placed on his own web-site nor shared with the media as far as I could tell. Rating on April 15^th C (inactive web-site, inactive campaign, not filed) UPDATE again because he did not adequately announce his announcement, we cannot find a phone number or email for him and he only got three votes on the online poll. I have not seen any sign of campaign activity nor is he known to have a treasurer, which is a must for raising money. Downgraded to C minus May 15 I have tried to get information from the candidate but he is apparently not interested because I had to repeatedly leave messages for him by phone and on his door. When I finally contacted him, he told me that he does have a treasurer (not posted on his web-site) although he has not yet provided me with his campaign literature despite two such requests. He will be the last of the nine mayoral candidates to be a guest at Sip N' Blog and this only came about two days ago when he agreed to attend on May 28. He is supposedly speaking at the Republican Wednesday breakfast group. I asked him to email this information but have not received it, and until I do, I don't even know his e-mail. Flyntz is remarkably laid back and nonchalant and does not seem to appreciate my earnest attempts to communicate with him or to promote his campaign as I am doing for all candidates. My own standards forced me to upgrade him to C because at least he has filed, but if this campaign does not show some seriousness soon, this barely deserved C will be even harder to maintain because his behavior and attitude is that of a person who is trying hard to go nowhere really quickly.

Democrats

Josh Cohen, announced, actively campaigning, active web-site Rating on April 15^th B He has not yet filed but he is out in the public eye, was a guest at Sip N' Blog, did not gather many votes on CP's online poll, and he is about to open an office. Once he files, he will likely move to an A if he remains active. Rating Today remains at B. He has opened an office, is out in public and I even see some bumper-stickers for him around town. I don't know why he has not filed. His campaign says he is knocking on doors but no details were provided as requested. As with Dave Cordle, he too holds elected office and a full-time job so I give him that benefit. Maintained at B.

Sam Shropshire, announced, actively campaigning, active web-site Rating on April 15^th B (has not filed) . He still has not filed, but he is making the rounds and remains in the public eye. I have to downgrade him for not responding to repeated inquiries as to whether he supported putting the city manager petition on the city's website. Rating today down to B minus. He has some web updates and public activity including his ill-advised charter amendment to push the elections back which he quickly withdrew. He has posted a paper about this on his site. Has some events planned. Rating maintained at B minus.

Trudy McFall, announced, actively campaigning, papers filed, active web-site Rating on April 15^th A. I would like to see more activity on web-site, but she did get the most votes on CP's online poll and remains active on issues and testifies at city council. Rating Today A. McFall remains actively involved in issues and legislation and testifies at City Council, attended budget hearings, as did her campaign manager Dennis Conti, also a regular at Sip N' Blog. Conti told CP "I can say that Trudy is continuing to door-knock every single Saturday and Sunday and will continue to do so through the elections. I can also say that she has personally door-knocked on over half the Democratic voters in the City." This is the only campaign to provide a specific update on this as requested. McFall was at the recent Ward One meeting as well. I maintain this campaign's rating at A.

Zina Pierre, announced, active campaign and web-site Rating on April 15^th C Has not yet filed but her announcement was well organized and attended and she got a close second place finish on CP's online poll. Plenty of campaign material but still not much writing of substance or positions on issues. Still not well known outside of core support group but is showing momentum. Was guest at Sip N Blog. Rating Today Upgraded to B. She has been coming to Sip N' Blogs, City Council meetings, has been updating her web-site, has sent out news releases, and has some events planned. She spoke to the Ward One Resident's Association. The campaign has shown great energy in the last few weeks and it looks as if this momentum will continue. I'll upgrade her to an A.

Wayne Taylor, announced, actively campaigning, inactive web-site Rating on April 15^th C His web-site is still a big nothing, he has held some public meetings and knocked on doors. Where's his literature? Upgrade to C plus this time because he's making the rounds with public meetings. Where is Wayne? I have not heard a word and he has not answered email. His web-site is still a big nothing. He has not yet filed. Downgraded to D.

Gil Renaut, I believe he has announced perhaps not with a public presence or kickoff party, but he has not filed, and his web-site is hardly active, so I'm gonna have to go with Rating of C on April 15^th. Renaut got a respectable third on our online poll, he is seen at Sip N' Blog and was a guest but his web-site is still barely adequate and I don't see any literature. I'll upgrade him to a C plus/B minus. The candidate stays in touch with CP, attends Sip N' Blogs but I see little evidence of an active campaign or web-site, although he is making some public appearances such as at the Ward One Resident's Association meeting where he said he is hiring professional staff. Maintained at C plus/B minus mainly because of lack of web-site activity.

Remember, next time we'll combine web-site and campaign activity ratings and the standards will tighten up.

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CODE RED AT ANNAPOLIS HS TODAY!!

Late this morning, a student was reported to have a gun at Annapolis HS. When the student noticed police at campus, he ran and dropped the gun.The school was locked down and the student was arrested.

This afternoon, at about 4 pm, the school sends out an email notification and at the same time, automatically calls parents. This is the message:

"Hello Annapolis High School parents, this is Anne Arundel County Public Schools e-mailing on Thursday, May 14, with some important information. A letter was sent home with students today regarding an incident that happened at the school. As a precaution, the school was placed on a Code Red lockdown for approximately 90 minutes while police and school officials dealt with a situation outside the school. The letter was sent so that you would have complete information as to what happened and how it impacted the instructional day. If your child did not bring the letter home and you wish to see it, please call the school on Friday morning to make arrangements to receive a copy. Thanks, and have a good evening."

Only a bureaucracy such as our school system could have all these tools at their disposal and then misuse them and then give us the following instruction: "If your child did not bring the letter home and you wish to see it, please call the school on Friday morning to make arrangements to receive a copy."

WHY THE HECK DID THEY NOT JUST READ THE LETTER OVER THE PHONE AND SEND IT TO US IN THE EMAIL INSTEAD OF SENDING US TWO MESSAGES TELLING US WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT AND IF WE DID NOT, TO CALL THE SCHOOL????....ay yay yay....typical educratic process.

We can all be thankful that nothing horrible happened. Such is life in the big city. Oh, and be sure to thank the NRA.



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Our Visitors Bureau Goes Hip Hop....sort of...

This was brought to my attention by an alert reader with the tag-line "Oh Sweet Jesus." I get the impression that this is what Michael Steele would do if he headed up the AAACVB.




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Oh Nine On Line for May 14

Gil Renaut and Zina Pierre were the featured speakers at the Ward One Residents Association last night. Also in the audience were Trudy McFall, Chris Fox, and Greg Stiverson....and Josh Cohen's folks. Campaign By Press Release...Zina Pierre is on a run with various news releases, amassing a record of her views on a variety of topics. She's had four releases come out in as many days. Before that, she told the EPA to enforce environmental laws but said little of substance about what she would do as mayor to protect the Bay. Now she is telling the county council to fund the Bates Arts Magnet Program. (Is it the council or the superintendent who should be the target?) I agree with Ms. Pierre about funding this program and supporting our schools but where has she been regarding our own city budget? She has come out against the mayoral pay hike but where has she been involved with our current budget process? It's a whole lot of feel good stuff from a person seeking office at one government level to those at another government level about how to spend money. It's really easy to take a popular stand that will resonate with voters when you're an office seeker, but when you sit in the big chair, sometimes you have to say no and cut budgets. Would it not make more sense for her to write or perhaps to testify about our budget?


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Paone to Be Special Guest at Sip N' Blog At Zu Coffee in Bay Ridge Center

Alderman Fred Paone, Republican from the Second Ward will be our featured guest at Sip N' Blog this week. We got a warm reception at Zu Coffee a few weeks back and so we will return there this Thursday from 8 to 9 am. All those interested in local issues, and listening to and learning from others with the same interest are invited to Sip N' Blog with us. See you there.


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Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.

Our Mayor, the ever so honorable Ellen "O" continues on her legacy-building quest and as I wrote before, nobody is safe. First up, she unveils her "Sustainability Plan" on May 19th at 7 p.m.. See Sustained! for more information. Of course, sustainability also means the opportunity for we the people to believe in our government and our future and its ability to sustain a proper budget, but....

Then she is already getting busy to figure out about what to do with The Market House. We need to something, but does it have to be her and the same Keystone Cop group who messed it up? Can we get something going in there now for the short term but hold off for a longer term plan until we get the new guy or gal in the big chair? She will hold a "charrette" or design forum to discuss plans for the Market House at City Hall on May 30, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..

Sorry, but at this point, it is just so difficult to believe in her or to take her seriously or to want to get involved. Well, I'm a reporter. Perhaps I should drag myself out and see what's going on. By the way, we still have no members on the city's Transportation Board, but we may have a sustainability plan.

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The Ninth Ward

Please be sure to read my latest column in The Capital at The Ninth Ward. Today's topic is mayoral candidate Zina Pierre.

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Let's All Ride A Bike on Friday!

Ther will be an Annapolis component for Bike-to-Work Day on Friday which promotes a “clean commute” and kicks off Clean Commute Month. May is the beginning of the ground-level ozone season, when we hear about Code Red and Orange Ozone Action Days. On those days, the air is dangerous to breathe – especially for the young and for the elderly. Single occupancy vehicles produce 20% of the dangerous ozone-emission pollution in the Baltimore area. Bike commuting can improve the air we breathe. Sound interesting? Give it a shot and join us for Bike-to-Work Day 2009 - May 15th!

Register here: www.baltometro.org/content/view/258/230

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Oh Nine On Line for May 13

Alderman Fred Paone will be our special guest at Sip N' Blog to be held at ZU COFFEE from 8-9 on Thursday May 14. ...Independent mayoral candidate Chris Fox's reception at The Greystone Grill was a lively event--and the food was terrific. A good crowd turned out to support Fox, who made a brief and straight-to-the-point speech as seems to be his style. Aldermanic candidates Greg Stiverson and Scott Bowling--who I note are both Republicans, were present, as Fox noted in his speech, where he again stressed his support for a city manager and his belief in a non-partisan approach to local politics....Zina Pierre has sent out three news releases stating her opposition to the proposed mayoral pay raise, opposition to the short-lived charter amendment to delay elections and her thoughts on the Market House, in which she said, "I am interested in considering a business incubator, run by the city that would support local small businesses to get established and flourish in the Market House." These should be on her web-site soon....Trudy McFall has posted a video of her testifying on the city budget, the mayoral compensation and again on The Comp. Plan. You may click on their ads to visit their sites--which by so doing does NOT affect revenue.


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Show Your Support For Better Government

Sign the petition to bring the city manager issue to referendum. Visit www.abccitymanager.org.

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Readers Support Ending Partisan Local Elections

Both Democrats and Republicans Favor Ending Partisan Local Elections, while Greens and Independents even more stronglyfavor ending such practices according to our local poll. Final results from 75 respondents: I am a Democrat and say Yes 17 (22%)
I am a Republican and say Yes	15 (20%)
I am Independent and say Yes	9 (12%)
I am a Green and say Yes	3 (4%)
I am "Other" and say Yes	0 (0%)
I am a Democrat and say No	13 (17%)
I am a Republican and say No	11 (14%)
I am an Independent and say No	0 (0%)
I am a Green and Say No	0 (0%)
I am "Other" and say No	1 (1%)
No Opinion	6 (8%)

These percentages remained consistent all week long. Yes ended with 58% in favor and No at 32% with No Opinion at 8%. If we simply looked at this in a partisan fashion, we saw Democrats in favor by 17 to 13 votes and Republicans in favor by 15 to 11 votes. Dems and Reps got 32 votes yea and 24 votes nay. Well, this could be the next big charter issue in Annapolis, but please, let's wait until next year.

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Oh Nine On Line for May 12

The local Dems are starting to give all the candidates an opportunity to make themselves heard by hosting breakfasts on Saturday, May 16, 30 and June 13 and 27, from 9:00 to 10:30 at the Eastport Democratic Club (corner of State and Chester). Cost: $3. There will be three candidates at each event. For May 16, mayoral candidates Josh Cohen and Trudy McFall and incumbent alderman candidate Classie Hoyle will be guests. The other candidates will attend future breakfasts and we'll keep you informed......Ward One Residents Association on Wednesday, May13, 7:00 PM at Acton's Landing. Gilbert Renaut and Zina Pierre, candidates for Mayor as well as a Market House discussion - What do you want to see as the next version of the Market House? Visit: www.WardOneNews.org

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Oh Nine On Line for May 11

A young and enthusiastic, though perhaps 100% white crowd of at least 70 people greeted Independent Mayoral Candidate Chris Fox at his announcement at City Dock on Saturday. Fox has an uphill battle to gather the 500 signatures to get on the ballot but is making steady progress. His no-nonsense and non-partisan attitude, and admittedly political neophyte status may resonate with a lot of voters and though he is formally getting into the race later than other candidates, my sense is that he will quickly start attracting more attention. He has already had to clarify his position on public housing which has been misconstrued and misunderstood by some, but at least he is openly discussing it as a major issue. Also see www.eyeonannapolis for its coverage..... We do not yet have a featured guest for this Thursday's Sip N' Blog, although we have invited the sitting aldermen running for re-election. In typical fashion for most of them, they have not responded. Sheila? Dick? Fred? Classie? We have already hosted Ross A and of course Dave C and Sam S who are running for mayor....and as mentioned before, we have been unable to contact Kenny Kirby in Ward Six....We are waiting...and waiting.....and waiting... to hear if Frank Flyntz will pick a Thursday to be our guest. He will be the ninth of nine mayoral candidates, all of the rest of whom have been easy to contact and enthusiastic about attending....Don't forget tomorrow night, Tuesday, May 12th, Chris Fox For Mayor Fundraiser at The Greystone Grill, 7:00 P.M-9:00 P.M. The cost is $50 and there are no tickets needed--money will be collected at the door! www.foxformayor.com ...Coming Up Next Week...Community Conversation with Zina Pierre May 19, 7:00 pm. Come Meet Zina and discuss the city's future. 921 King James Landing Road, Annapolis, RSVP: Jake Spencer jakekajspencer@gmail.com or Dustin Mitchell events@zinapierre.com (410) 212-7491....Ward Six hopeful Greg Stiverson will be holding a fund-raiser on Thursday May 21 at the Eastport Fire Station from 5 to 7 pm. Tickets for $50 each or $75 per couple. Visit wwww.stiversonforward6.com. ... Also that night, at 7:00pm Ward 8 community fundraiser at Squisito’s Pizza 1007A Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 for Mayoral Candidate Alderman Sam Shropshire. There will be free pizza for all! (Drinks are at your expense.) For further information, please contact: Lee Caudle 410-268-8772....or click on the ad here at CP. These reminders will also be posted next week.


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"I Do Not Date Outside My Race"

A friend has brought his concerns about this up to me in conversation, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, but according to The Washington Post, when the alleged amorous advances of John Leopold were being rebuffed in The Arundel Center, the witness-victim claimed she does not date outside of her race.

Ah hah! Now we have another possible harassment suit. Is that not discriminatory? What if a portion of this building were federally-funded? Are there not some federal offices in that building? Is the witness-victim not a federal employee? Perhaps Leopold should claim discrimination on the basis of being discriminated against because he is white?

What if she said "I do not date outside of my gender"?

Hmmm....I dunno....

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Alderman Arnett on Monday's City Council Meeting

While the below is sent from Arnett to his Ward Eight constituents, I find that his comments give a good synopsis of what to expect at the next council meeting and also an explanation as to his voting intentions. My comments in RED:

The Regular Meeting (i.e., Legislative Action) of the Annapolis City Council will be held on May 11, 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.

COUNCIL WORKSHOP

The Annapolis City Council will hold a work session on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers, 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, for a report by Continuity of Government given by the Office of Emergency Management.

 CITY OF ANNAPOLIS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

PETITIONS, REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Approval of Journal of Proceedings Regular Meeting of March 9, 2009

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) Alderman’s note: This is your opportunity to speak up about the budget, changing the voting dates or year, and how we should proceed with the Market House now that we have it back. Here is your chance people!

CHARTER AMENDMENTS

CA-06-09 1st R. Municipal Elections Coinciding with County, State, and Federal [Shropshire, Hoyle] - For the purposes of establishing the primary and general elections as coinciding with the county, state, and federal elections in 2010 and extending the current term of the sitting Mayor and Aldermen and Alderwomen by one year. This is a first reader, but I feel it is entirely unnecessary to change anything other than to find new polling places for the schools we have been using but can no longer use.  Right on. It's a mess for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is timing and giving Moyer another year. Shropshire and Hoyle should be ashamed and withdraw this monster...and maybe withdraw from running for office as well after this one. What were they thinking?

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS – 2ND READING

O-41-08 2nd R. Display and Sale, Permitting and Standards, “Bed and Breakfast” and Other Uses Associated with Certain Size Housebarges in Marinas, and All Matters Relating Thereto [Arnett] - For the purposes of: (1) Adopting a recommendation of the Annapolis Maritime Advisory Commission to amend Title 15 so as to allow housebarges of not more than 60 feet in length to be kept in marinas for purposes of display and sale within maritime zoning districts while retaining the one month limitation for housebarges over 60 feet in length; (2) Establishing a permit procedure for housebarges so that the City has notice of their presence in marinas in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the City Code; (3) Establishing additional standards for housebarges to ensure that housebarge uses are consistent with permitted uses applicable to the zoning districts and lots where housebarges are located; (4) Amending Title 17 so as to permit housebarges to be rented, similar to bed and breakfast homes, so long as all requirements of the City Code are met; and, (5) Amending Title 15 to ban incinerating toilets on vessels while within City waters given health and safety concerns, including proper ash disposal and the proximity of attendant exhaust to nearby residential, downtown commercial, and outdoor dining areas. Travels with R-51-08 This is finally coming to a vote. I believe that we have worked our all the kinks and I will vote favor.

R-51-08 2nd R. Amending Fees Schedule for Bargehouses [Arnett] – For the purpose of establishing an annual permit fee for bargehouses kept in City waters. Travels with O-41-08. See O-41-08 above.

R-61-08 2nd R. Fiscal Deliberations During FY 2010 Budget Cycle [Cordle, Stankivic] – For the purpose of requiring all City of Annapolis department heads present testimony, supporting documentation and justification for any contractual employee and/or individual vendor to the Finance Committee during FY 2010 budget cycle deliberations. I am in general agreement with this and will vote in favor. Yes!

O-05-09 2nd R. Invasive Plants [Paone] - For the purpose of prohibiting invasive plants on lots or parcels within the City unless completely contained to control growth and prevent encroachment. I’m having some difficulty with this legislation. I know that I don’t know what are and what aren't invasive plants, and my father wrote a botany textbook. Further, I have no idea how this would be enforced or what would be the penalties for violators. I’m inclined to vote no for this in its current form. It needs a lot of study and review. This issue has a history predating Ross and our government is hesitant to enter private property--at least as far asland is concerned-or it should be. Some of these plants can really be a horrible nuisance and we need some controls, but I agree that this is unclear, but Ross-I thought your father was an expert on beetles?

O-07-09 2nd R. Compensation of Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen [Moyer] – For the purpose of specifying compensation and allowances to be paid to the Mayor and Aldermen/Alderwomen for the terms of office commencing on the first Monday in December, 2009. I recommended to the Finance Committee that this be postponed until after we have passed a balanced budget. If I had to vote now, it would be no for two reasons: we don’t have a balanced budget passed for 2010 and we know we will likely be facing some trouble for the 2011 budget, and If the voters pass the referendum on the Council Manager form of government, I wouldn't favor a salary as high as $120,000 for the mayor’s position. [One of the reasons I had hoped the Council would have passed the Council Manager form of government was to avoid this very unsettled situation.]  My thoughts as well.

O-09-09 2nd R. Lease of City Dock Space to Chesapeake Marine Tours [Moyer, Shropshire, Finlayson, Hoyle, Cordle, Israel] - For the purpose of authorizing for fiscal year 2015 the lease of certain municipal property located at the City Dock to Chesapeake Marine Tours, Inc., for the docking and mooring of certain boats. I favor this lease extension and will vote for its approval. These contractors hold too much sway in this city and control too much of City Dock with a virtual monopoly. They also are heavily invested in the politics of this town. Sooner or later we'll need to review this whole situation but taking this out to 2015???

O-10-09 2nd R. Lease of City Dock – Race Across America [Moyer, Shropshire, Finlayson, Hoyle, Cordle, Israel] - For the purpose of authorizing a lease of certain municipal property located in the Susan Campbell Park and City Dock areas to the Race Across America (RAAM) for the period of June 25 to June 29, 2009, subject to certain terms, provisions, and conditions. This was one of the best-run city events last year and I favor approving it again this year.

R-13-09 2nd R. Support of a Federal Carbon Tax-and-Dividend [Shropshire] - For the purpose of supporting a federal carbon tax-and-dividend program. While I am in favor of actions to protect the environment, I’m not sure this does that and I don’t see this as city business in any event. I’m told that the sponsor is going to withdraw the legislation and I hope that happens. If not, I will vote to oppose.  Right on. Another one of Mr. Shropshire's misguided attempts to play Senator or President at the expense of real local action.
 

R-22-09 2nd R. Amendments to Personnel Rules and Regulations – For the purpose of amending the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations to reflect recent changes in Maryland’s Flexible Leave Act. This resolution changes city code to bring it into conformance with state law. It increases the ability for a city employee to use all forms of paid leave to attend to the illness of an immediate family member. I will vote for this change.

R-26-09 2nd R. Warren View in Acton’s Landing Park [Israel] - For the purposes of establishing “Warren View” in Acton’s Landing Park; providing for the placement of two plaques honoring Mary and Marion Warren reflecting this designation; and, eliminating the prior requirement of a sculpture’s installation. I favor giving the Warrens this honor and will vote in favor.

ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS – 1ST READING

O-25-09 1st R. Ten-Year Water and Sewerage Plan [Cordle, Stankivic] - For the purpose of directing the Public Works Administration to establish and implement a Ten-Year Water and Sewerage Plan through the Capital Improvement Program.

R-32-09 1st R. 2009 Comprehensive Plan [Moyer] - For the purpose of adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Annapolis.

R-33-09 1st R. Support of the Maryland Theatre for the Performing Arts at Park Place [Moyer] - For the purpose of expressing the City of Annapolis’ support of the Maryland Theatre for the Performing Arts at Park Place.

R-33-09 1st R. Annexation of the Annapolis Golf Course [Shropshire] – For the purpose of annexing into the boundaries of the City of Annapolis the Annapolis Gold Club, owned by George and Linda Graefe, which is contiguous to the existing boundary of the City and is generally located on the southeasterly side of Carroliton Road, extending to the northeast side of Carrliton Road.

BUSINESS AND MISCELLANEOUS

1. Appointments

2. FY2010 Community Development Block Grant funding

3. Preliminary Review – Annexation of Annapolis Golf Club

Next City Council Meetings:

Monday, May 18, 2009, City Council Chamber - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, June 8, 2009, City Council Chamber - 7:30 p.m.

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.

Ross Arnett, Alderman, Ward 8 

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