On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Wes Adams, County Attorney shared a legal opinion with commissioners regarding their activities with respect to the Charter Board. Adams was asked to give an opinion after Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, received an email in December regarding activities by commissioners when discussing the Charter Board.

The County Attorney addressed the concerns raised by the email, reviewed the purpose of the charter board and the political questions surrounding its purpose and stated that commissioners’ advocacy for or against the charter in their individual capacity was protected by law as political speech.

Briefings

• Danielle Mitchell, Associate County Attorney, provided the first legislative update of the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session. Commissioners were also briefed by Joseph Green of GS Proctor and Associates on the biggest topics at the Maryland General Assembly.
• Staff presented a briefing and requested approval to accept and approve the Critical Area Commission’s conditional approval of Zoning Text Amendment 21-169, also known as Bill Number 2022-10, and that the bill be amended to reflect the refinement and clarifying language to ensure consistency with Chapter 119 of the 2008 Laws of Maryland, Section 9. Commissioners approved the request.
• Diane Fisher and Hassan Adeeb from Stream Onward briefed commissioners on STEAM project monitoring conditions in a tributary of Mattawoman Creek.
• Commissioners received an update on efforts to create a pretrial services program in Charles County.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on a petition that would impact future development within the Villages at Swan Point. Commissioners voted to close the record and vote on the petition on Feb. 7.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• Two requests by the Charter Board:
  • A request by the Charter Board to be added to the list of boards and commissions allowed to use Community Support Funds.
  • A request to use $300 in Community Support Funds to print additional copies of an informational mailer on the differences between the Charter and Code Home Rule of government to be placed in county senior centers and recreational centers.

 

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

 

Next Commissioners Session: Jan 30-31, 2024.

 

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