[Thursday, Sept. 17] On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Human Resources staff, along with representatives from Bolton and Marathon Health, briefed commissioners on a proposed Advanced Primary Care Health Center for county employees through Marathon Health. A dedicated center would expand health care options for county employees by combining multiple services into one facility. Employees would also have access to prescription and refill management, occupational health and laboratory services, their medical history, and the ability to connect health apps to track their progress.

Additionally, Charles County employees could use health centers in other participating counties if they have a medical emergency while traveling. Charles County secured $900,000 in funding through the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to cover upfront implementation fees for the proposed center. Currently, five Maryland counties have dedicated health centers for their employees. The center is planned to open in 2027. Commissioners provided consensus to move forward.

Public Hearing on Preliminary State Legislative Proposals

Charles County Commissioners held a public hearing on Preliminary State Legislative Proposals. The annual meeting enables Charles County residents and departments to propose state legislation to the Charles County Delegation to take to Annapolis for the 2027 Maryland General Assembly.  Legislators heard 30 proposals during Tuesday’s hearing. Commissioners will hold a work session on (Date) to finalize the Charles County legislative package.

Discussion on Cannabis Zoning

Commissioners discussed zoning for growing cannabis and whether it should be restricted to certain zoning districts instead of being permitted by right as a standard agricultural operation. The discussion centered on proposed outdoor cannabis grow operation in Faulkner and concerns raised by neighboring property owners. The Commissioners directed staff to review regulations from other jurisdictions, bring back options for consideration that could limit where outdoor cannabis growing facilities are located, and propose conditions to limit impacts. Wes Adams, County Attorney, agreed to explore options for establishing a moratorium on outdoor cannabis grow operations while the Commissioners explore legislative options.

Public Hearing Scheduled Oct. 27 on Mixed Residential Zoning Amendment

Department of Planning and Growth Management staff briefed commissioners on Proposed Bill 2026-10: Zoning Text Amendment #26-191 Mixed Residential Community Use in the RM and RH Zones. The amendment would create a Mixed Residential Community use that would permit a mix of housing types on a single lot or development site, including single-family detached homes, duplexes, townhouses, multiplexes, and cottage dwellings.  The Mixed Residential Community use would apply only within the Medium- or High-Density Residential Zones. The amendment would also introduce a new cottage dwelling use type and require a unified development plan and approval of an alternative design and development code. Commissioners voted 3-1 to schedule a public hearing on the proposed legislation for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.

 

Meals on Wheels and Food Truck Program Updates

The Department of Community Services staff briefed commissioners on the Meals on Wheels program. Charles County’s Home Delivered Meal Program, commonly known as “Meals on Wheels,” has served eligible older adults in the County for 40 years. The program provides nutritious meals to residents ages 60 and older who cannot drive, shop, or prepare meals independently, with eligibility determined through a needs and nutritional risk assessment. Staff highlighted growing demand for the service, noting that the program maintains a continuous waitlist averaging 85 to 90 eligible seniors.

In Fiscal Year 2026, a combination of grant funding and Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) resources supported services for 208 seniors, which included 53 previously waitlisted residents who became eligible for weekly meal delivery, as well as grocery distributions and emergency shelf-stable meals. For Fiscal Year 2027, the County anticipates $530,075 in funding from federal, state, CRRF, local, and donation sources to support home-delivered meals, with an estimated 233 seniors to be served.

Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism staff briefed Commissioners on food truck regulations, policies, and operational guidelines in Charles County. The County’s food truck program allows permitted vendors to reserve designated spaces at County parks for $25 on weekdays and $50 on weekends. Vendors must provide required health, business, and insurance documentation. Since January 2020, the County has received 41 food truck reservations across seven park locations, with Oak Ridge Park recording the most reservations at 13.

Staff discussed concession operations, which were discontinued at White Plains Regional Park and Laurel Springs Regional Park due to high operating costs and declining sales. However, several youth sports organizations continue to operate concessions through ongoing partnerships with the County. The Department currently operates two concession locations: Gilbert Run and White Plains Golf Course.

For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more, visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select “Available Archives.”