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Temporary Dissolution and Restructuring of the City of Annapolis Arts in Public Places Commission
For the purpose of temporarily dissolving the current Arts in Public Places Commission (AiPPC) pursuant to the City Code; transferring its duties to the Director of Planning and Zoning during the transition period, including administration of the 2026 calendar year grant cycle; authorizing the development of applications and operational processes; and establishing a framework for creating a restructured commission.
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City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Ordinance 4-26
Introduced by: Alderwoman O'Neill
Co-sponsored by: Mayor Littmann
Referred to: Rules and City Government Committee
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE concerning
Temporary Dissolution and Restructuring of
the City of Annapolis Arts in Public Places Commission
FOR the purpose of temporarily dissolving the current Arts in Public Places Commission (AiPPC) pursuant to the City Code; transferring its duties to the Director of Planning and Zoning during the transition period, including administration of the 2026 calendar year grant cycle; authorizing the development of applications and operational processes; and establishing a framework for creating a restructured commission.
WHEREAS, The Arts in Public Places Commission (also known as "Art in Public Places Commission") was created by the Annapolis City Council on July 24, 2000, through adoption of the Ordinance O-5-2000, to promote and enhance public art throughout the City of Annapolis; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Article VI, Section 14 of the Charter of the City of Annapolis, the City Council has the authority to establish boards, commissions, and committees and, therefore, the City Council retains the authority to modify or dissolve boards, commissions, and committees as necessary to serve the public interest; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has determined that restructuring the AiPPC would better serve the interests of the City and enhance the effectiveness of the public art program; and
WHEREAS, A temporary dissolution is necessary to allow for comprehensive review, reorganization, and establishment of a new commission structure with improved processes and procedures; and
WHEREAS, The current 2026 calendar year AiPPC grant cycle requires immediate administrative oversight; and
WHEREAS, Continuity of essential public art functions must be maintained during the transition period; and
WHEREAS, The Director of Planning and Zoning is the current administrator of the Arts Fund pursuant to Chapter 2.48, Article XVIII of the City Code, and further possesses the experience, expertise, and administrative capacity to oversee public art matters during this transitional phase.
SECTION I: BE IT ESTABLISHED AND ORDAINED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
Section 1. Legal Authority.
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the City Council under Chapter 2.48, Article XVIII of the City Code, and Article VI, Section 14 of the Charter of the City of Annapolis, which authorizes the Council to establish, modify, and dissolve boards and commissions in the interest of efficient municipal governance.
Section 2. Temporary Dissolution.
The City of Annapolis’ Arts in Public Places Commission (AiPPC) is hereby temporarily dissolved, effective upon adoption of this ordinance, and all members are released from their duties and responsibilities.
Section 3. Transfer of Duties.
During the transitional period, all powers, duties, and responsibilities previously held by the AiPPC under Chapter 2.48, Article XVIII of the City Code will be transferred to and managed by the Director of Planning and Zoning, and such Director will additionally retain those powers, duties, and responsibilities assigned to the Director under Chapter 2.48, Article XVIII of the City Code.
Section 4. Transition Period.
The transition period shall commence on the effective date of this ordinance and continue until the newly restructured City of Annapolis Arts in Public Places Commission is established and operational, but in no event shall it exceed six months from the effective date.
Section 5. Restructuring Framework and Process Development.
The City Manager, in consultation with the Director of Planning and Zoning, shall:
A. Conduct a comprehensive review of the current AiPPC structure, policies, and procedures; and
B. Develop and implement new operational processes, including:
1. New grant application forms and procedures,
2. Revised application review and evaluation process,
3. Updated funding allocation process and criteria,
4. Restructured meeting schedules and public engagement procedures, and
5. Enhanced transparency and accountability measures; and
C. Administer the 2026 calendar year AiPPC grant cycle using the newly developed applications and processes; and
D. Develop recommendations for a restructured AiPPC, including:
1. Revised mission and goals,
2. Modified membership composition and qualifications,
3. Updated duties and responsibilities,
4. Enhanced operational procedures,
5. Improved integration with City planning processes, and
6. Clear procedural guidelines and decision-making frameworks; and
E. Present proposed amendments to the City Code establishing the restructured City of Annapolis’ Arts in Public Places Commission to the City Council within 90 days of the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 6. Department Responsibilities During Transition.
The Director of Planning and Zoning shall be responsible for all powers, duties, and responsibilities as specified in Section 3 of this ordinance during the transition period.
Section 7. Continuation of Obligations.
All existing contracts, agreements, and obligations of the AiPPC shall remain in full force and effect and shall be administered by the Director of Planning and Zoning during the transition period.
Section 8. Records Transfer.
All records, files, and materials of the AiPPC shall be transferred to the Department of Planning and Zoning for preservation and continued use.
Section 9. Public Notice.
The City Clerk shall provide public notice of this dissolution and the transfer of responsibilities to the Director of Planning and Zoning through publication on the City website and such other means as appropriate to inform stakeholders, artists, and the general public.
SECTION II: AND BE IT FINALLY ESTABLISHED AND ORDAINED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this ordinance shall take effect upon passage