Members Present: Lina Vlavianos, Chair
Sally Hornor, Vice Chair
Dave Hanson
Joe Rubino
Jeff Schomig
Michael Shultz
Bob Whitcomb
Scott Hymes, MD DNR (Ex officio)
Veronica Jagoe for AACo.Councilman Benoit (Ex officio)
Sam Shropshire, City Council (Ex officio) Guests and Staff: Steve Carr, City of Annapolis
Albert Johnston, Greater Severna Park Council
Jared Littmann, Manager True Value
Mike Mallinoff, Director, DNEP, City of Annapolis
Ellen Moyer, Mayor, City of Annapolis
Suzanna Ribblett, Resident, Millersville
Rob Savidge, City of Annapolis
Julie Stankivic, Alderman Ward 6, City of Annapolis
Brenda Reiber, AACo. County Executive’s Office
Brenda Weeks, AACo. DPW/WESR Absent: Charlotte Lubbert
Debra Smith
Virginia P. Clagett, MD House Delegates (Ex officio) CALL TO ORDER Chair Vlavianos called the regular monthly meeting of the Severn River Commission (SRC) to order at 4:10 p.m. in the Severn Room, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. A quorum was declared present at 4:20 p.m. Commission members, guests and staff were introduced. GUEST SPEAKERS Annapolis Focus, presided over by Shropshire, was featured at this meeting. Mayor Ellen Moyer; Mr. Mike Mallinoff, Director of the Department of Neighborhood & Environmental Programs (DNEP); Mr. Steve Carr, Special Assistant for Environmental Concerns; and Ms. Julie Stankivic, Alderman Ward 6, presented a summary of on-going environmental initiatives in Annapolis. Addressing the use of zero-phosphorus fertilizer, Ms. Stankivic pointed out Title 15 of the Maryland Code requires agricultural lands to have management nutrient plans and lawn care companies must apply fertilizer at recommended rates when a nutrient plan is not required. Homeowners, however, have no requirements. An EPA September 10, 2006 report calls for more local action to reduce effect of pollutants, including phosphorus on the Bay.Effective January 1, 2009, the City of Annapolis passed legislation requiring homeowners to use zero-phosphorus fertilizer. This legislation also includes a “display” restriction and signage requirement for retail locations. Thirty-one companies in Maryland are registered to sell zero-phosphorus fertilizer. Ms. Stankivic solicited SRC’s help to involve the County with this initiative. Shropshire introduced Mr. Carr, special assistant to the Mayor who handles land easements for the city. Mr. Carr distributed a document entitled “City of Annapolis An Environmental Perspective” - a guide to help the City in its leadership role as a model local government with limited resources to deal with the complex environmental challenges facing it daily. He noted that the city is a unique urban watershed and has initiated a watershed study, to be completed in November, to look at the four creeks in Annapolis that flow into the Severn River. Mr. Carr continued his presentation describing a myriad of the city’s initiatives including those for: clean water, clean air, land, partnerships, education/outreach and visibility. He feels that only local communities can accomplish much of the Bay restoration work since sound land use falls under the jurisdiction of local governments. He extended an invitation to SRC and Anne Arundel County to avail themselves of the City’s model municipality and stated everyone must work together to make a positive difference in the Severn River and beyond. Mr. Mallinoff stated DNEP was started to combine the regulatory entities within the city that have to do with the environment and building codes. He shared a presentation he had given at an International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) conference regarding Annapolis under global warming and the effect of global warming on sea levels. Mr. Mallinoff and Mr. Rob Savidge, sustainability coordinator, discussed impacts of sedimentation, stormwater management and sediment control, climate change, greenhouse gases, direct correlation between rising temperature and CO2 increases, clean air initiatives, and reduction of energy use. Mayor Moyer pointed out that the city has a long record in terms of environmental stewardship. Initiatives date back to the 1960’s with the Keep America Beautiful program. The City has a national reputation for environmental advocacy but local jurisdictions seem to be unaware of the City’s initiatives. She addressed small street-end parks, rain gardens, protecting and maintaining urban tree canopy, watershed protection plan, local clean air education initiative, using eco-friendly products and alternative fuels, and the green building ordinance which applies to all new building as well as reconstruction. She noted she is proud to be a partner in the City’s environmental leadership. Shropshire made several announcements. A meeting is scheduled for November 21 at St. Stephens Church to advise landowners how to put large portions of their land into easements to help protect the Bay and its tributaries. Participants will include AACo., DNR, MET, and Fish and Wildlife Service. The Who Bus, featured on national public television, will be at City Hall on November 7 demonstrating organic farming. On January 1, 2009 a grassroots citizens’ initiative to rid the State of plastic check-out bags is scheduled. The International Tug-of-War between the US and Maritime Republic of Eastport will take place on November 8, 2008. Shropshire thanked SRC for the time to present the City’s environmental activities. The Chair thanked all of the participants for the valuable information. For more details, recorded tapes are available. MINUTES The Minutes for the October 2, 2008, regular monthly SRC meeting was presented for approval. There were no corrections or additions. MOTION: A MOTION, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE OCTOBER 2, 2008, REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE SEVERN RIVER COMMISSION, WAS MADE BY SCHOMIG AND SECONDED BY WHITCOMB. THE MOTION WAS PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE AND THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN. ANNOUNCEMENTS / CORRESPONDENCE - Clagett, Lubbert and Smith were unable to attend the meeting because of other commitments.
- Hornor, Schomig and Shultz’s terms will expire January 31, 2009. Vlavianos will be in touch with all three members to see if any are interested in continuing to serve on the Commission.
- Representing SRC, Vlavianos spoke at the Preserve at Severn’s regenerative stormwater conveyance system dedication on October 22, 2008.
- SRC received a letter from the Board of Public Works regarding Fox Creek dredging. The letter, dated October 8, 2008, was in response to the SRC letter written February 4, 2005 and testimony given when SRC took a position against the dredging.
- On behalf of SRC, Vlavianos sent a letter to the Board of Public Works requesting to speak at their November 19, 2008, meeting in opposition to the Fox Creek dredging.
- Thank you letters were sent to Mr. Tom Redmond and Del. Don Dwyer for their presentation at the October SRC meeting.
OLD BUSINESS Special Committees Reports Critical Area Legislation (CA) Schomig reported he and Melvin Bender recently met as part of the citizens advisory group who is reviewing County regulations to the Critical Area law. Among topics of priority are standards for issuing variances and adjoining neighborhood structure size when considering allowable structure size to service a family. An advisory report will be submitted to the County but the County is under no obligation to make any change based on the report. Education/Communication Hanson noted he has nothing to report. Jabez Branch Environmental Overlay Zone: Vlavianos and David Mauriello met with Councilman Jamie Benoit and Planning & Zoning Officer Larry Tom. All information/documentation SRC gathered in support of the environmental overlay zone (EOZ) was passed to both of them. They will get back to SRC after reviewing the information internally. SRC will wait to see what action the Administration and County Council will take. Hornor noted that the EOZ is part of the GDP. Naval Academy Dairy Farm Vlavianos attended the October 15, 2008 Advisory Committee meeting. She reported that the consultants’ schematic plan is being refined mostly in configuration of possible permitted uses. The Committee is still divided on “music events”. Members were requested to provide in writing what would or would not be acceptable uses. Vlavianos submitted brief comments. The next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2008. General Development Plan (GDP) Hornor reported all advisory subcommittees submitted their reports to the Special Advisory Committee. Recommendations were made and accepted and will be voted on. Public meetings will probably be held in December or January. Among many issues still being discussed are reversing the steep slope definition from 25% to 15% as it was in previous years, and 100-foot buffers for all non-tidal streams. Septics Whitcomb reported, based on his article in a neighborhood newsletter regarding grant money available for converting to nitrogen-reducing wastewater processing system, he has received some inquiries expressing interest and applications for grants. The article will be published in three more community newsletters. He noted he has had no response from the Health Department regarding his application for an upgrade to his septic system. Bill 84-08 (to require upgrade of replacement septic systems to include nitrogen-reducing septic systems in Critical Area and Bog Protection Areas) was introduced on October 20, 2008. Following discussion, Whitcomb asked to testify in defense and support of this bill on behalf of SRC. MOTION: A MOTION THAT WHITCOMB WILL TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF BILL 84-08 ON NOVEMBER 17 WHICH WOULD REQUIRE UPGRADE OF REPLACEMENT SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN CRITICAL AREAS AND BOG PROTECTION AREAS, WAS MADE AND SECONDED. THE MOTION WAS PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE. Annapolis As a follow up to today’s presentation by Annapolis representatives, SRC members will be prepared to discuss what course of action to take at the December meeting. Website No report was available. Impact Fees Vlavianos reported the Impact Fees legislation passed by a vote of 4-3. The fees have presently been reduced but will double by 2011. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Johnston stated the Greater Severna Park Council will vote to support Bill 84-08. The GDP quality of life issue will be addressed with overlay zones. Hymes reported the run-off reduction workshop sponsored by the State Trib Team and Arlington Echo was a success. All the latest techniques to prevent run-off were presented. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next monthly SRC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2008, 4:00 p.m., in the Severn Room (4th floor), 2664 Riva Road | 
