LA PLATA, Md. – On Tuesday, July 9, Sheriff Troy Berry, Captain Cari Baker, and Captain Clarence Black of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office provided an update and participated in a discussion with the Board of Commissioners about the status of public safety in Charles County. This discussion was prompted after residents of the Stonehaven Community voiced safety concerns regarding the Independence Day holiday during a County Commissioners public comment session on June 25, which was followed by a special meeting held by Commissioners on June 26. Sheriff Berry shared that no significant issues emerged over the Independence Day weekend.
· Don Litten, Building Code Official, and Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, held a briefing on a request to create a rental registry in Charles County. The request originated from a recommendation by the 2008 Rural Housing Improvement Initiative Task Force, which presented multiple recommendations, including a registration program.
The initiative was also discussed in 2011 and 2020/2021 but rejected due to cost concerns and other issues. The presenters asked for commissioner approval to develop a fiscal analysis option for program implementation and management, a rental housing survey, and plans for conducting stakeholder engagement meetings. Commissioners unanimously voted for the proposal to move forward.
· Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, held a briefing on plans to renovate the Commissioner Meeting Room, also referred to as the county auditorium meeting space. The Commissioner Meeting Room was used for all public meetings until the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a pivot into using the Government Building Conference Room, also known as the Blue Room, to hold both virtual and hybrid meetings.
The Capital Services Division, supported by Media Services, Central Services, and an external consultant, is working to propose an option to renovate the space after a Capital Improvement Project that would analyze and design a solution for the auditorium was not included in the budget due to cost concerns. Top considerations for the renovation project include adding hybrid meeting capability to the auditorium, additional security measures, flexible seating options, and cost-effective solutions for the project.
· Jenifer Ellin, Acting Deputy County Administrator, Renesha Miles, Chief Equity Officer, and Doria Fleisher, Community Engagement Coordinator, discussed Collaborative Community Improvement Projects. The projects would engage residents on their priorities regarding their specific neighborhoods, implement measurable projects that align with Commissioner Goals & Objectives, and help foster knowledge about available resources and programs. Presenters stated that the criteria to choose the community for the pilot program would be developed and presented later this fall.
· Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, held a briefing that included officials from PPR Strategies on a plan for educating the community about the ballot question to change the form of government from Code Home Rule to Charter.
Staff presented an amended map version that would remove 300 acres from the zone to address residents’ concerns. Additional changes include removing hotel use and introducing additional educational uses in the zone. Commissioners provided feedback to further remove properties and voted 3-1 to send the amended bills back to the Planning Commission for additional analysis. Commissioner Thomasina O. Coates (District 2) recused herself.
Public Hearings
Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2024-12: Establishment of a Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds (CRRF). The bill would allow the county to take advantage of statewide tax revenue set aside by the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023. The fund is eligible for supporting community-based initiatives intended to benefit low-income communities and initiatives that serve disproportionally impacted areas as defined by the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 and any related administrative expenses. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the bill.
Department Highlights
Commissioners heard updates on the activities of the Department of Public Works, Department of Economic Development, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, and the Office of the County Commissioners.
· A resolution to extend the temporary suspension of a code provision related to the 30-day maximum limitation for public events at agritourism businesses through Dec. 31, 2024.
Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here
Next Commissioners Session: July 23-24
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