At what is expected to be Alderman Marc Rodriguez’s last meeting as Ward 5 Alderman on the Annapolis City Council, the council again postponed his housing affordability bill he hoped to pass before the August recess and his departure in September.
Rodriguez is expected to step down from his seat before the council’s next meeting on Sept. 14 when the body will take up O-39-19, a bill that he co-sponsors. The bill is meant to increase affordable housing options throughout the city by legalizing and regulating accessory dwelling units, commonly known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites,” throughout the city.
Another of the bill’s co-sponsors, Alderman Rob Savidge, D-Ward 7, opted to postpone the bill for consideration of more than 10 amendments, including several drafted by Rodriguez.
“I believe that accessory dwelling units are one of the most important tools today for housing affordability,” Rodriguez said, who supported postponement. “Not just to increase affordable stock and also to make Annapolis a more inclusive community but also assist in homeownership.”
“I hope that when I come back to visit there are legal ADUs in place,” he added.
Alderman DaJuan Gay, D-Ward 6, who has expressed frustration about the slow path toward a vote, apologized to Rodriguez for not getting a final vote before he left.
There was some confusion early in the night regarding the meetings’ new format. The council voted in June to alternate the focus of meetings between legislative action and public hearings and ceremonial items only. The council voted to add a legislative action section on Monday, a move that was criticized by some members.
“So here we are. We changed the legislation and the very first meeting out of the box we’re obviating the very purpose of the legislation which is to make this a public hearing, non-legislative meeting,” Alderman Ross Arnett, D-Ward 8, said.
The council then spent about 40 minutes debating a motion by Rodriguez — and seconded by Savidge — to add an ordinance and charter amendment to the agenda that would create a deputy city manager for resiliency and sustainability position. Several members, including Arnett, a co-sponsor on the bill, took issue with the bill’s late addition without any prior notice.
“I am in strong favor of (the bill),” he said. “But not the process.”
Alderman Fred Paone, R-Ward 2, called the decision a “disgraceful attempt to shove some legislation through for God only knows why.”
Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson, D-Ward 4, said it was a “deliberate attempt to keep us in the dark.”
Savidge, another of the bill’s co-sponsors, said he did not intend to deceive his colleagues.
“Take a step back and calm the rhetoric and hyperbole down,” Savidge said. “… Frankly, I am quite insulted by some of your insinuations. But if folks want to take more time. I can respect that.”
Each council member thanked Rodriguez for his time and contributions to the council, on which he has served since 2017. Gay paid his colleague tribute by playing a snippet of the Boyz II Men song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”
“You broke glass ceilings. You produced legislation that hadn’t be considered in this city before, and you are certainly going to be missed,” Mayor Gavin Buckley said.
Rodriguez has yet to resign formally but if he does so after Aug. 2, his replacement will be chosen by the Annapolis Democratic Central Committee, per the city charter. Rodriguez is stepping down to begin a career as an attorney in Oregon. He was criticized for missing several City Council meetings while studying for the bar exam.
CARES Act appropriations
The council appropriated more than $7.6 million to pay for costs related to the coronavirus pandemic. The supplemental appropriation includes $4.2 million from the Federal Transit Authority to fund Annapolis’ transit operation expenses. Unlike money tied to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the money does not have to be spent by year’s end.
Another $3.2 million of the appropriated funds comes from the city’s share of the $101 million Anne Arundel County received from the CARES Act. In total, the city received $4.25 million spread across the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. The funds can only be spent on costs related to the coronavirus pandemic and must be spent by Dec. 31.
Thus far, the city has spent about $1 million to cover items such as hazard pay for employees, rapid response decontamination equipment and personal protective equipment like masks, face coverings, gowns, medical gloves and infrared thermometers and other items.
The city also plans to use funds for Recovery Zones, areas with limited or no traffic allowing restaurants and small businesses to serve customers outside. So far, the city has spent about $20,000 to purchase tables, chairs, tents, hand washing and sanitization stations as well as barricades around the zones.
In other business, Monday was the first opportunity for residents to give audio-only testimony during the meeting. One person signed up to speak but did not show up.
Buckley is leaving for vacation Tuesday. Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell-Charles, D-Ward 3, will stand in as acting mayor until Aug. 8.
