February 1

Hello Eastport!

1. Safety First: Below is an update on the snowstorm recovery, upcoming City Council meetings, and several other items of interest. Some of our sidewalks and streets, especially the tertiary ones, are still very slippery so please continue to drive and walk slowly and carefully.    

2. Snowstorm:

• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: While there are numerous takeaways from this snowstorm, my number one memory will be how Eastporters rose to the occasion and helped each other out. As we look forward to preparations for the next snowstorm, I am working on identifying lessons learned as well as creating a cadre of volunteers to help neighbors in need of assistance and a list of resources to get sidewalks and driveways shoveled. More on that in the weeks ahead.

• Call for Action: If you are still seeing an issue with roadways, sidewalks, or on-street parking, please report the issue to the Emergency Operations Center at 410-260-2211.

• Free Parking in Garages: Free parking has been extended at City garages until Monday, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. (Park Place, Knighton, Gotts, and Mills Hillman). Starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, Park Place will be $5 per day (regularly $22/day) through Friday, Feb. 6, with in/out privileges. Drive in and follow the instructions on signage around the garage. 

• Sidewalk Shoveling Enforcement: Individual residential sidewalk enforcement will begin on Monday with warnings for uncleared sidewalks, with a special focus on safe routes to school.

• Trash Pickup: Should be back on schedule this week.

• Mail: I have heard some complaints about not receiving mail, and while a city alderman doesn’t have any connection to the Postal Service, I will work this week to find out the status.

3. City Council Meeting Monday: Mayor Littmann intends to amend the agenda for tomorrow’s 7:00pm meeting as follows (highlights):

• Update from Mayor

• Reports by Committees

• Comments by the General Public

• Public Hearings:  

  • Property Tax – Child Care Centers (O-1-26): This is important legislation as we work to make childcare more accessible; this legislation only authorizes the program and, if approved, funding would be decided as part of the 2027 budget discussions. If you have opinions on childcare in Annapolis, please come make them known to the Council.

  • FY27 Annual Statement of Performance Standards (R-1-26): As I have mentioned before, I believe the performance standards need to be significantly improved over the next year but intend to vote yes on these proposed standards because doing otherwise would create an unacceptable delay in the budget process. This is also an opportunity for you to make your thoughts known to the council.

• City Dock Informational Session: This is a presentation on the status of the City Dock project - Slides can be reviewed here.

• Closed Session on City Dock Pending Litigation: Council will move into conference room

• Fire Dept Strategic Plan Presentation: Brief can be reviewed here; Annapolis Fire Department 2025-2039 Strategic Plan can be reviewed here; Management and Implementation Guide can be reviewed here.

  • I anticipate there will be a lot of discussion on increasing the Fire Department budget in 2027. Recommend you take some time to hear this brief.

4. City Council Meeting Next Week: Tomorrow evening’s City Council meeting is the makeup from last week. The Council will meet again next Monday, February 9, 2026. I will send an email when the agenda gets set.

5. Black History Month: Today marks the beginning of Black History Month. This month gives us an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions Black Marylanders – including Eastporters - have had and continue to have on our community. As we discussed at the Ward 8 Town Hall, recognition begins with a sincere greeting to our neighbors as we go about our day - Eastporters being Eastporters.  

6. Forward Brewing: The Board of Appeals will continue its hearing on Forward Brewing Company’s request for a special exception for outdoor dining on February 3 at 7pm in City Hall. The application, staff report and numerous public testimonies are available here. There are many testimonials on the site – you may want to scroll down to the “418 Fourth St Staff Rpt BOA SE-2025-00007-FINAL.pdf” to read the Planning & Zoning Staff Report and to “Revisions Narrative.pdf” to read Forward’s revised request.  I encourage you to testify at this hearing if you have a position on the application.

7. Short Term Rental Moratorium: The Economic Matters Committee will review the legislation at their meeting on Wednesday, February 4, at 6pm at City Hall.  

8. ECA meeting with Mayor Littmann: ECA will host Mayor Jared Littmann at their General Meeting on February 19, 2026, at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Hall.

All the best, Frank