2026-09-28 - City Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes, then merged with details from the video's auto-generated captions; names and figures may be misheard.

Special meeting, all 9 council members present.
Three collective bargaining agreements passed on second reading: union contracts (8-0, 1 abstain), IAFF (7-0, 2 abstain), UFCW police (8-0, 1 abstain).
Arts Commission dissolution extension passed final reading 9-0 after passing 2nd reader on voice vote.
Powerboat Shows vendor resolution passed 9-0 on second reading under suspended rules.
Military Bowl parade fee waiver passed 9-0 on second reading; Amendment 2 (removing sponsor name) defeated; Amendment 1 (adding legislative findings) passed.
Short-Term rental violation fines passed 8-0, 1 nay; Amendment 1 (lowering initial fine to $2,000) defeated 2-7; Amendment 2 (adding legislative intent) passed.
First readers: parking districts lettering, water service line entry, transportation fine waivers, outdoor dining updates, cottage food home occupations, Main Street task force, water service to 3020 Arundel on the Bay.
Driveway parking ordinance on second reading referred back to Public Safety and Transportation Committees.
Supplemental appropriation: UASI Homeland Security grant increase ($219,985.40 supplement, $899,985 awarded) passed on voice vote.
Art in Public Places Commission appointments confirmed: Julien Jacques, McShane Glover, Leah Weiss, Kaitlyn McQuaid, Joan Brady (all unanimous on consent calendar).
The agenda was amended by voice vote to add R-36-26, a late request from a nonprofit to sell wares during the fall boat shows.
Ceremonial items: a council citation to Dick Frano for the Boatyard Bar and Grill's 25th anniversary (the mayor said the business has raised more than $7 million for Chesapeake Bay conservation, heritage, youth programs and accessible boating), and a proclamation of Economic Development Week.
Mayor's update: he described the Eastport Mercedes dealership facade permit process, noting the first application drew 17 community letters of opposition and none in support, and asked the Planning and Zoning director to review how notification works for resubmitted plans.
Audit committee report: the financial statement audit is on track, and the federal single audit depends on the federal supplement, which had not been released.
General public comment covered zoning and housing in Ward 1 (speakers urged waiting for a citywide housing study), a Dock Street business's permitting timeline, and short-term rental licensing; the views are the speakers' own.
On the UASI grant, the Office of Emergency Management director answered a question from the council that the funds are not for an armored vehicle.
The cottage food public hearing drew no further speakers; the mayor accepted the Planning Commission findings of September 17, 2026 and closed it.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Ratification of union contracts for FY 2027-2028:

AFSCME Local 3406 (general city employees): 8 Aye, 1 Abstain
IAFF Local 1926 (firefighters): 7 Aye, 2 Abstain
UFCW Local 400 (police department): 8 Aye, 1 Abstain

Ordinances & Resolutions

See issues for detailed tracking of cottage food, parking, water, transportation fines, outdoor dining, Main Street, water service, driveway parking.

Sources

Video

Watch the video