February 8

Hello Eastport!

1. City Council Met 2/2/26: The highlights of last Monday’s City Council meeting included:

• City Dock: The City Council received a public update on the status of the City Dock project. There was also a closed briefing for the City Council on pending and potential litigation pertaining to the City Dock project. We need to do everything we can to ensure the project stays on schedule and on budget.

• Fire Department: The brief on the Annapolis Fire Department Strategic Plan demonstrated tremendous work by the Fire Department. Their plan sets the stage for upcoming difficult budget discussions in which it is expected the Fire Department will request funding for more personnel.  

• Deputy Chief of Staff: No one testified during the Public Hearing on the Annual Statement of Performance Standards (R-1-26), the most important element being the Mayor’s request to add a new position, the Deputy Chief of Staff.  

  • I continue to support this position as it will assist the Mayor and City Council to be more responsive to the residents.  

  • On Thursday, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff briefed the Rules and City Government Committee on the responsibilities of this role and the Committee unanimously recommended approval.

• Child Care: Only one person testified at the public hearing on Tax Credits for Child Care Centers (O-1-26) which would provide tax credits for up to $10,000 for state registered/licensed childcare facilities.  

  • We must address the real shortage of childcare in Annapolis that significantly affects our young families.  

  • With as many as 85 childcare facilities in Annapolis, this legislation could also mean an annual loss of revenue of up to $850,000 for the city of Annapolis.  

  • We currently do not know how we would measure the success of this legislation.  

  • Before committing to this loss of property tax revenue, we need to ensure this is the best way to increase access to quality childcare in Annapolis.  

  • Additionally, the City does not have childcare experts on the staff, so this is a perfect area for us to partner with the County and obtain their expertise.

  • With the above in mind, at the Rules and City Government Committee meeting on Thursday evening, I asked to invite the County’s experts to testify at the next Rules and City Government Committee meeting.

    
    

2. City Council Meeting this Monday 2/9: The agenda includes:

• Ellen Moyer Day: A proclamation declaring February 12, 2026, (former Annapolis Mayor) Ellen O. Moyer Day.

• House Barges as Short Term Rentals: A presentation by the Harbormaster on House barges being used as short term rentals anywhere in Annapolis (prior legislation only covered marinas) and prohibiting anchored boats in city waters during winter months.

• Short Term Rental Enforcement: Planning and Zoning will lead a discussion on enforcing the City’s rules governing short term rentals.

• Mooring Requirements: Introduction of an ordinance on Mooring Requirements in City Waters (O-2-26).

• Paddlecraft Rack: Introduction of a resolution to Extend the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project (R-4-26).

• Deputy Chief of Staff Position: Final vote on FY 2026 Changes in Exempt Service Job Classification (R-1-26) which includes addition of Deputy Chief of Staff. As discussed above, the Rules and City Government Committee recommended approval Thursday evening. I support adding this position.

  
  

3. Snowstorm Lessons Learned: I am compiling a Ward 8 “lessons learned” document to send to Mayor Littmann. Please email me your recommendations for the City’s response to future snowstorms. As a reminder, residents can continue to report snowstorm issues using the Report an Issue portal, emailing pubworks@annapolis.gov or calling 410-260-2211 to make a report.

4. The Must Have App for Annapolis Information: Whether it is snowstorm alerts, loss of water main pressure in your specific neighborhood, or weather alerts, the last couple of weeks have demonstrated the importance of downloading and receiving alerts on the PrepareMe Annapolis App. Please download it on your phone or computer.

5. Forward Brewing: The Board of Appeals on Tuesday evening approved Forward Brewing’s request for outdoor dining for a maximum of 77 people. While sometimes democracy is messy, including this hearing, it is time to move forward and enjoy the opportunity to share a meal outdoors at Forward Brewing this spring.

6. Audit Committee: The first Audit Committee meeting of the new term will be on February 17 at 8:00am via Zoom. I am looking forward to being on this Committee and working with Mayor Littmann, the City Council and the city staff to ensure we have the proper controls in place, are taking appropriate risks, and measuring the “product of the plan” as the City puts more data behind our budget decisions.

7. City Staff: There are a lot of changes in the senior leadership of the city staff. A quick review:

• The Mayor’s number one priority is to fill the position of City Manager. Mike Mallinoff left the job last summer.

• City Attorney Mike Lyles left the city staff in December. Kerry Berger is Acting City Attorney

• Human Resources Director Tricia Hopkins retired last week. Lasan Crispin is the Acting Director of HR.

• Acting Finance Director Jake Trudeau’s last day was this week. Mayor Littmann has contracted with Harbor View Consulting, including bringing on Joel Paliikla to temporarily fill the role as Finance Director.

• Mayor Littmann removed Ed Jackson from command of the Annapolis Police Department this week and appointed Captain Amy Miguez as the City’s Acting Police Chief.

  
  

8. Town Hall Meeting: Please plan to attend the ECA General Membership meeting (you do not need to be a member) on Thursday, February 19, at 6:30pm at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Hall. Mayor Littmann will be introducing the city’s staff leadership and looks forward to hearing from you and “talking about budgets, public safety, infrastructure, storms, development, or something else.”  

All the best, Frank