On Tuesday, June 11, Michelle Lilly, Director, Jeffrey Clements, Chief of Communications, Jeffrey Thomas, Chief of Animal Control and Lori Cherry, Chief of EMS and Special Operations from the Department of Emergency Services presented an update on the Goals and Objectives of Emergency Preparedness, Response and Safety. This presentation included updates on the construction of the Pinefield EMS Station, introduction of hot and cold dispatch response, and measuring call volume and performance for EMS, 911 Communications and Animal Control through the development of OpenGov Pages.

Briefings

Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, briefed the Commissioners on Proposed Bill 2024-(12): Establishment of a Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds (CRRF), and requested to introduce and schedule a public hearing. This bill would specify the use of funds from the CRRF, as required by Maryland law. Commissioners unanimously approved to introduce proposed legislation as amended and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, July 9. 

• Commissioners held a work session to review 2024 local legislative proposals. Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney presented suggested revisions, changes, and updated drafts for further consideration by Commissioners.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing for Proposed Bill 2024-11: Revisions to Hotel Rental Tax, which amends the existing code to authorize the collection of a short-term rental tax from consumers at the time of sale, beginning July 1, 2025. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) #22-174, Mixed Use (MX) Zone Revision to Sections 297-106 and 297-49, which amends the goal and purpose of the MX Zoning District to allow commercial property to be substituted for and/or incorporate housing for specific populations. Commissioners voted unanimously to keep the record open for an additional 60 days.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request for the ARPA MIH to reallocate funds for FY2024 to purchase equipment. 
• A budget transfer request to cover property and liability insurance for the Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• A budget transfer request to support the ARPA Charles County Health Department Community Health Outreach Program.
• A budget transfer request to correct overruns and cover anticipated expenses for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism programs through June. 
• A budget transfer request to cover an overrun in the County Administrator’s Office’s full-time salary account.
• A budget amendment increase of $70,000 in the Recreation Sports Enterprise Fund due to an increase in overall participation in contracted classes, clinics, and summer camps.
• A request for an intercategory budget transfer of $11.6 million for the Board of Education.
• A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Sheriff of Charles County and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.
• A change to the Charles County Pension Plan to move the Animal Control/Field Services Division and the Health and Safety officer position to the Public Safety section of the CCCP.
• A request to fly the Juneteenth flag at county buildings and the use of colored lights.
• An approval of the Board of County Commissioners Calendar Year 2025 Session Calendar.

 

Proclamations:

Commissioners recognized the following proclamations:

• Pride Month
• PTSD Awareness Month
• Family Investment Administration Appreciation Month
• National Homeownership Month
• Women’s Veteran’s Day
• Juneteenth Day

 

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

 

Next Commissioners Session: June 25-26

 

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.