On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Commissioners discussed the provisions of the proposed charter, as requested by Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling (District 1.) Wes Adams, County Attorney, answered questions posed by the Commissioners about various aspects of the proposed charter document. Topics included public safety, checks and balances between the proposed county council and county executive positions, and tax concerns.  Commissioners agreed to a process to submit any questions or concerns about the potential document to the county attorney to be answered in an open session. The proposed Charter was placed on the 2024 presidential ballot on Nov. 5, 2024, after the Charles County Charter Board presented the document to commissioners in July after a year-long development process. If approved by voters, the Charter would take effect in 2026. 

Briefings

·       John Hartline, Executive Director, and Calvert County Commissioner and  Earl “Buddy” Hance, also the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Chairman, held a briefing on activities of the Tri-County Council. The discussion covered funding for the council, workforce development discussions, and Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission activities.

Public Hearings

            Commissioners held a public hearing on Docket 90 Amendment PDZA #24-90(23), Villages of Wooded Glen and Piney Reach Master Plan. The Amendment would relocate the proposed site of a Middle School from a location on St. Charles Parkway to an alternate site along Piney Church Road. The amendment would also grant an exception to the 85% rule, which requires no construction on the Villages of Piney Reach until 85% of all residential buildings are completed in the Village of Wooded Glen. Additional amendments were also proposed for a prior remediation requirement for a vegetated buffer along MD Route 488. Commissioners voted to keep the record open for another 15 days and hold another work session on the issue within 35 days.

 

Actions on Boards and Commissions

Commissioners took the following actions on Charles County Boards and Commissions:

• Reappoint Damion Trasada as an At-Large Member on the Board of Appeals.
• Appoint Edward Holt and reappoint Jon Zanelotti as the interim chair on the Board of Electrical Examiners.
• Appoint Dee Sapp and Erica Thomas as At-Large members on the Commission on Individuals with Disabilities

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A letter of support for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Application for a site at Rich Hill.
• An agreement for cost-sharing with the Maryland State Highway Administration for pedestrian improvements at the Middletown Road and Billingsley Road intersection.
• State and Federal Lobbyist contract agreements with GS Proctor.
• A budget amendment increase of $65,310 to carry over funds to complete a media campaign for the proposed 2024 Charles County Charter.

Viewing option of the meeting and the public hearing: Click Here

 

Next Commissioners Session: Sept. 24-25

 

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