On Tuesday, Sept. 19, Commissioners received a briefing from the President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), Calvin Ball and Executive Director, Michael Sanderson. This presentation provided an annual update on the state of counties in Maryland and a brief overview of MACo’s work on the State budget policy in the 2023 General Assembly.

 

Briefings

• The Department of Planning and Growth Management presented a briefing on the Watershed Conservation District (WCD) and requested to schedule a Public Hearing for Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-170 (Bill 2023-10). The public hearing was scheduled for November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Government building.
• Deputy County Attorney, Elizabeth Theobalds presented a briefing on the Keswick Developers Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) finding of consistency with the 2016 comprehensive plan and requested a public hearing. The planning commission determined that the agreement was consistent with the 2016 comprehensive plan and unanimously voted that the Amendment to the DRRA is consistent with the 2016 comprehensive plan. The public hearing was scheduled for November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Government building.
• Director of Human Resources, Alexis Blackwell presented a briefing to Commissioners on the implications and potential strategies of the Maryland Time to Care Act and requested approval to participate in the Maryland Time to Care collaborative. After a discussion, this request was approved by the Commissioners.
• Chief of Central Services, John McConnell presented a briefing on the Charles County Government buildings’ compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the Commissioners. Mr. McConnell provided details on how Charles County Government buildings are currently being compliant and how any new construction or building upgrades will incorporate ADA compliance protocols. Commissioners also requested that plans be developed to accommodate individuals who are hearing impaired.
• The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services presented a briefing on the Charles County Government 2023 Bond Issue. This presentation included important dates, the process, the proposed bond size of $58 million, and bond terms. A 2023 Bonds list of projects was also included in the presentation. The proposed bond sale date was set for November 14, 2023.
• The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services presented a briefing on the FY 2023 General Fund Fourth Quarter Report, which included the FY 2023 Year End Estimate, Revenues, Expenditures, and Fund Balance Policy. Commissioners approved the new funds balance reserves as presented.
• Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Jacob Dyer presented a briefing, updating commissioners on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Details on the ARPA Charles County Funds are available on the Charles County website and include support for local business and non-profits, public safety, infrastructure, and public health.

 

Rescheduled Items

• Briefing and request to schedule a Public Hearing: 2022-2031 Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) Amendment.

 

Work Sessions

• The Commissioners held a work session on Bill 2023-06 Revisions to Purchasing Procedures and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program. Commissioners adopted the bill with amendments.
• The Commissioners held a work session on Bill 2023-05 Zoning Map Amendment 22-02 Bragg Property presented by the Department of Planning and Growth Management, which the Commissioners adopted.

Public Hearings
Commissioners held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 19 for Bill 2023-08 Tax Credit for Volunteer Emergency Responders. Commissioners adopted the submitted legislation. Click here to view.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget amendment increase of $219,130 for the required repairs to the electrical system at the Dorchester Pump Station and to provide additional funds for the demolition of the Strawberry Hills Stand Pipe.
• A budget amendment increase of $37,700 to carryover funds from FY2023 to FY2024 for the Cognitive Health Program in order to continue offering evidence based programs aimed at improving or maintaining the Cognitive Health of older adults at the County’s Senior Center.
• The FY2025 Operating and Capital Improvement Program budget calendar.
• A Deer Cooperator Permit letter to Mr. Russell Shlagel to conduct deer sharpshooting management on specific areas of his property, Shlagel Farms.
• In a 3 to 2 vote, modifications to Rosewick Road Access Management Plan table submitted on behalf of D.R. Horton Inc. to relocate a median break by 35 feet.
• Change order memo, number 59 for the Mattawoman Inflow and Infiltration Project. This change order will provide additional necessary funding to cover the costs to review additional CCTV inspection videos of the County’s sanitary sewer system. 
• Change order memo, number 60 for the Mattawoman Inflow and Infiltration Project. This change order will provide additional necessary funding to cover the costs of completing an undated infiltration and inflow analysis for the Mattawoman Sewershed using flow data recorded by the long-term flow acquisition monitoring network as well as pump station flow data.
• A renewal and amendment of the G.S. Proctor lobbying contract, which provides lobbyist services to the county for the 2024 general assembly session and will expire on June 30, 2024.

 

Recognitions

Commissioners issued the following recognitions:

• Southern Sprinters Elite Youth Track Club Participation in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Track and Field Junior Olympics, click here for photo.

 

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

 

Next Commissioners Session: September 26-27, 2023

 

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