Annapolis-area residents spoke out Monday on proposals from vendors who want to run Market House, the collection of shops and eateries in a historic building directly across from City Dock.

The current lease at Market House is up in December, and the city officials put out a call for bids seeking a vendor to operate the property, a city-owned site that has long been a mainstay of the Historic District.

At Monday’s public hearing on a trio of proposals — down from four after one bidder pulled out — residents told City Council members they wanted an operator who will hire local people and offer affordable goods.

Resident William Pratt said he envisions a place where people can “bring their family in and enjoy the festivities of downtown Annapolis.”

“I like to see the Market House go back to some of the days of the early ’80s when people loved each other,” Pratt said.

Alderman Joe Budge, a Ward 1 Democrat, has encouraged the council to approve a new lease before the city election in the fall, stating a fresh new council shouldn’t have the decision thrust upon it.

He proposed legislation that would change the process, allowing the city to appoint one entity to run the Market House with the authority to set subleases. It would also allow for public input in the selection process.

The three proposals being considered offer different takes on Market House, with a focus on fresh food and groceries.

Harvey Blonder of Annapolis Oyster Co., who operates five of the six lease stalls in Market House, submitted a proposal that would include a “market bar” serving cocktails, wine and beer at the oyster bar, according to the plan.

Gavin Buckley, a Democratic candidate for mayor, is involved in a pitch through New Market LLC — a group of restaurateurs, a caterer and a farmers’ market specialist.

Buckley has said that if he’s elected, he’ll work with city officials to ensure there are no conflicts of interest regarding the business.

The third proposal comes from Carolyn and David Marquis, owners of Chesapeake Brewing Co. and the now-closed Blue Crab Cafe.

Mayor Mike Pantelides said a fourth proposal, initially offered by Mary Giolitti of Giolitti Fine Italian Market in Parole, has been withdrawn.

The New Market team found the most support among speakers. Eastport resident Jessica Pachler backed the concept offered by Buckley and his team, saying: “We don’t need another tourist spot. It is not just Gavin ... but it is the whole team of incredible people who have put together businesses and been successful.”

Blonder made a pitch for his proposal, saying he would lean on the experience he’s gained running some of the stalls in Market House over the last 41/2 years.

He noted that as he began to lease more stalls, the property has evolved from an empty floor to a business that has been open the last several years — despite the fact that he hasn’t had full control of it.

“Untie our hands and we can do whatever the city wants,” Blonder said. “The last 41/2 years our hands have been tied.”

Monday’s hearing opened what will be a month-long debate before the City Council makes its decision — expected at the end of the month.

Formal presentations on the proposals will be given during a City Council work session on Thursday. The proposals are available for review online at annapolis.gov/1280/Market-House-Proposals.

ccook@capgaznews.com