Fitch Ratings on Monday said it revised Annapolis, Maryland’s rating outlook to negative from stable, citing concerns about the city’s problems balancing its budget.

Fitch said it is concerned over the city’s “uneven operating performance, continued reliance on inter-fund transfers and significant underfunding of the actuarial required contribution for pension.”

Any rating action in the near term will be based on how the city addresses its structural gap between recurring revenue and expenses.

The rating agency also affirmed Annapolis’s AA-plus general obligation bond rating, affecting about $54.6 million of debt.

What:  Anne Arundel County Lincoln-Reagan Day Celebration

Who:  David Keene, President, National Rifle Association

When:  Wednesday, May 29, 2013

VIP Reception:  6-7 PM

General Reception and Event:  6-10 PM

Where:  Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie, MD

Cost:  Individual Tickets:  $75

VIP Ticket:  $250

10 Guest Package:  $700

Sponsorship Packages:  Available at $1,500, $3,000, and $5,000 levels

The Republican State Central Committee of Anne Arundel County is the governing body for the Republican Party in Anne Arundel County.  This annual event is the main fundraising effort of the Central Committee to raise party awareness and support for upcoming elections.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.aagop.org/LRDC.

Senior Corps Week celebrates the extraordinary impact of volunteers and recognizes community partners who make this program possible.  This week-long recognition shines a spotlight on how volunteers employ their wisdom, specials skills, and experience to strengthen communities.  FGP volunteers provide one-on-one attention to more than 300 young people in Anne Arundel County.  “FGP volunteers work to improve the academic performance, self-esteem, and overall social behavior of these children, and we are grateful to have them in our lives,” said Kristin Plumer, FGP Director.

Last year FGP volunteers provided over 51,000 hours of service at Boys & Girls Clubs, Head Start Centers, Public Schools, Special Education Schools, Department of Recreation and Parks summer programs, and the Department of Social Services Family Support Center.  In addition to helping others, older volunteers are also helping themselves by living active, healthy lives through volunteering.  By highlighting Senior Corps Week, we hope to inspire others to get involved.

Foster Grandparent Program volunteers must be 55(+) and income-eligible (making less than $22,980/single person and $31,020/family of two).  Benefits include: a modest TAX-FREE stipend, paid training, vacation and sick leave, transportation, annual physical exams, and recognition events.

For more information on how you can get involved in making a difference, contact the Foster Grandparent Program at the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4464.

Ward 1 Alderman-Elect, Joe Budge (Photo: Facebook)

Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen is pleased to welcome Joe Budge as the newest City Alderman, representing Ward One.  Mr. Budge was selected by the Annapolis Democratic Central Committee last night.

“Joe is eminently qualified to serve as Ward One Alderman,” Mayor Cohen said. “Ward One has a unique set of challenges, with residential, commercial, maritime, governmental and historic uses all nestled cheek to jowl in a small area. And Joe has been a leader in addressing almost every major issue the ward has faced in recent years, serving on task forces and committees focused on City Dock planning, liquor licenses and Hillman Garage reconstruction, not to mention leading the Ward One Residents Association.

”Dick Israel leaves large shoes to fill, but Joe will be able to hit the ground running and continue Dick’s legacy of thoughtful and collaborative leadership for Ward One and the City.”

Previous Ward One Alderman Dick Israel stepped down on April 8, at the conclusion of the City Council meeting. He explained that he will be moving out of his Shaw Street home, into the Ginger Cove Community, which is not located in the ward he was elected to represent. The alderman said his resignation was effective in April, rather then when he moves in May, so his appointed successor would be able to participate in budget deliberations.

According to City Code, when an alderperson resigns within 15 months of the next regular City election, the Central Committee of the political party to which the alderperson belongs shall appoint the replacement.

Mayor Cohen will administer the oath of office to Mr. Budge at the beginning of the May 13 City Council meeting.

This is a great opportunity for ward residents to present their concerns and their questions to Alderman Littmann and City department leaders. Brief presentations will be made by Alderman Littmann, City Manager Mike Mallinoff, the Chiefs of Police and Fire, and the Directors of the Departments of Public Works, Neighborhoods and Environmental Programs, Planning & Zoning, and Transportation.  Specific topics will include:

1. City Manager: Fiscal trends and accomplishments, goals and priorities
2. Planning & Zoning: projects and initiatives in Community Development, Historic Preservation, Comprehensive Planning and Current Planning
3. Fire: EMS and Fire response operations, emergency preparedness, risk management, factors driving the cost of Fire/EMS services
4. Police: crime trends and data, staffing, community outreach, problem-oriented policing, grant awards and spending
5. Public Works: FY14 focus areas – Clean & Green program, new Water Treatment Plant, open Market House, City Hall project, City Dock projects, sidewalks repairs & street paving, water & sewer rates and service
6. DNEP: permitting & inspections, pre-application meetings and centralized 1-stop permitting, abandoned structures, Forest Conservation Act, Clean Water Act/TMDL, Bay Pollution Diet, Bradford Pear replacement.
7. Transportation: Transit Service, Circulator, parking, revenues and expenditures generally

Alderman Littmann believes in having a transparent government, so that City residents, particularly those in Ward 5, are aware of the issues that the City leaders are grappling with, and have a chance to present their concerns or ask their questions. Ward 5 includes the following communities: Hunt Meadow, The Landings, Annapolis Overlook, Saltaire, and North Green of Annapolis. This is a free event, and no registration is required.  For more information, visit www.annapolisward5.com, or write to jared@annapolisward5.com.

Littmann is the Ward 5 Alderman for the City of Annapolis and is the owner of K&B True Value on Forest Drive. For more information, contact Littmann at jared@annapolisward5.com.

“Earth Day is a reminder that we are not bystanders to the impacts we cause to our environment. Similarly, I feel that this is my opportunity to not be a bystander, but rather to contribute to and help improve our wonderful City,” Littmann said. “When everyone gives back to the community, be it participating in a school fundraiser or voicing support or objections to the City Dock plans, we all benefit. This is one of the ways I want to give back to the City to which I feel connected, that supports my business, and is where I live and raise my children.”

Combining his education and experience as an engineer, attorney, and business owner, Littmann hopes to continue the strides Annapolis has made to restore its fiscal health by adding to and protecting its savings accounts, ensuring that the services Annapolis provides are efficient and cost-effective, and showing restraint on discretionary expenditures. Having its fiscal house in order will allow the City to improve its infrastructure, Littmann added.

Littmann has an Environmental Engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and a law degree, with a focus on environmental law, from the University of Maryland. After law school, Littmann worked as an attorney for seven years, including four in the County Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County.

Littmann has already put that experience to use. In one of his first council sessions, he proposed an amendment for the spring boat show lease to increase the number of recycling containers. Recently, he proposed a resolution that seeks to improve the process that the City uses, under the Forest Conservation Act, when reviewing large development projects proposed in the City. That resolution has been introduced to the City Council and is awaiting a public hearing and final vote. Littmann has also proposed examining the impact of potential large developments to the public schools in the City.

Littmann is the owner of K&B True Value on Forest Drive. He believes that he can apply the lessons learned in business to his position as alderman, such as the need to keep to a budget and to stay focused on a vision for the City’s future.

For more information, contact Littmann at jared@annapolisward5.com or Campaign Manager Tim Hamilton at campaign@annapolisward5.com.

“David is a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant with 30 years of experience in the Office of Law,” County Executive Neuman said. “He will put the citizens first in advising the Administration and the County Council on legal issues.”

Plymyer is a Millersville resident who has worked in the Office of Law for 30 years, including 27 years as a deputy County attorney.  He received his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Plymyer has argued numerous cases before Maryland appellate courts and helped develop the County’s first building and environmental code. He also drafted the Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement and Odenton Town Center Sanitary Subdistrict legislation to enable the development of the Odenton Town Center. As County Attorney, he will work toward establishing a stronger working relationship between the Office of Law and the Ethics Commission.

“Ashley brings enthusiasm and communication skills, as well as a commitment to public service to our team,” County Executive Neuman said. “Her focus will be to provide a direct link between the citizens in North County and this office.”

Ricker is a Hanover resident who most recently worked as a legislative aide for Delegate Kathy Afzali of Frederick. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in political science. She can be reached at aricker@aacounty.org or at 410-222-1241.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of Karen Cook as Chief Administrative Officer,” County Executive Neuman said. “She will manage our day-to-day operations in providing management and oversight of key county offices, departments and agencies. With our top leadership structure in place we can now move forward in earnest on my agenda.”

Karen Cook formerly served as Director of the Legal Studies Institute at Anne Arundel Community College and was a member of the County Executive’s Evaluation Team. She holds a law degree from California Western School of Law and has served as federal compliance officer for the college since 2007. She also worked as an attorney in the Office of Law and as legislative aide to former Councilman William C. Mulford II.

Cook’s appointment is effective immediately and will allow John Hammond to return to his preferred position as Budget Officer, where he has served for 19 years.

“I owe much thanks to John Hammond for the excellent job he has done in so many roles to keep our government functioning effectively,” County Executive Neuman said. “I consider him a major asset to Anne Arundel County.”

Renaut was a staunch civic activist who championed for historic preservation and transparency in government. Thee was much speculation that he would be seeking either the Ward One Alderman or Mayor’s seat in the upcoming election, he recently told Eye On Annapolis that it was indeed speculation.

Renault was 66 and had just celebrated his birthday last week.

Annapolis Mayor, Joshua Cohen said, “Gilbert had an abiding passion for Annapolis. His decades-long record of involvement as a civic leader, as a member of numerous boards and commissions, and as a candidate for public office, greatly enriched our quality of life. I will miss his keen intellect, his wry sense of humor, and his spirit.”

• He was the President of the Ward One Residents Association
• Chairman, Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission (1987-88)
• Member, Board of Supervisors of Elections (1992-93)
• Member, Annapolis Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee (1996-97)

Services have been scheduled by John M. Taylor Funeral Home on Duke of Gloucester Street. Visitation will be Monday, March 4th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Services will follow on Tuesday at 10:00am.