Hey folks! Alderman Brooks here. While normally we do not have full council meetings on Thursday’s, due to the Holiday schedule we are changing things up and meeting tomorrow at 2:00 PM. This meeting is largely about getting the new Council and Administration up and running, however there is one piece of legislation with policy impact being introduced. 

During our first meeting Mayor Littman introduced a resolution calling for a 12 month moratorium on issuing new short term rental licenses. However our law office has determined that this was not the proper procedure and that we need to withdraw the previous resolution and reintroduce it as an ordinance. This introduction will be on first reader so the vote will just be about bringing into the legislative process, not finalizing it into law or practice. 

We will have three resolutions on final vote that set up our committee assignments for the new council, our audit committee, and establish our budget timeline. As stated earlier, these are about getting the government operating more than policy. You can take a look at our agenda below and my vote on the issue.

FIRST READERS

• O-40-25 - Establishing a 12-month moratorium on new Short-Term Rental Licenses -- Halts the issuance of STR permits for new applicants. The moratorium does not apply to those who are renewing licenses, owner-occupied STRs, and applications that have already been submitted at the time the Council adopts the ordinance. A reminder: The STR law does not apply to specific events, as specified in the City Code, such as Navy graduations, boat shows, and special events designated by the City Council through resolution. (As stated this is the ordinance version of the previously introduced resolution for a 12 month moratorium on issuing new short term rental licenses. This will not become policy upon voting, just being brought into the legislative process)
• O-41-25 - FY 2026 Changed in Exempt Service Job Classification -- Creates the position of Deputy Chief of Staff. 

 SECOND READERS

 R-47-25 - Standing Committee Appointments for the 2026-2030 Council Term -- This is Council confirmation of the Mayor's appointments for standing committee membership (This creates our new committee assignments. My assignments are 1)Economic Matters 2) Rules and City Government 3) Transportation. I am voting in favor)

• R-48-25 - Audit Committee Appointments for the 2026-2030 Council Term -- This is Council confirmation of the Mayor's appointments for Audit Committee membership. (This confirms the Mayor’s appointments to our Audit Committee. I am voting in favor.)  

• R-49-25 - Budget Process Timeline for Fiscal Year 2027 - Sets the schedule for City Council consideration of the FY 2027 city budget. (In order to ensure a smooth budget process we need to set this timeline up as soon as possible. I am voting in favor) 

This will be our last Council meeting of 2025. There are still lots of things going on around Annapolis. Tomorrow is the FINAL MIDNIGHT MADNESS which I encourage everyone who has some last minute holiday shopping to swing by and support local downtown businesses. This Friday is also “The Longest Night” where the community comes together at the Peoples Park to honor those who have lost their lives to homelessness. I’ve placed the flier below.

Folks, this time from Thanksgiving to New Years Day is my favorite part of the year. It’s a moment where despite the cold and darkness can gather with family, friends, and loved ones and bring some light, joy, comfort into each others lives. May what ever holiday you celebrate be filled with love, peace, and happiness. See you in the New Year.