On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, the Board of Commissioners received a briefing on the plans for the 2020 Census. Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Planning and Growth Management shared information on recruiting, promotion, and upcoming events to encourage participation and ensure everyone is counted. They provided information on how people can complete the census survey and resources that are available to assist in these efforts. Postcards begin arriving in the mail to residents on March 12, and on that date individuals can begin completing the questionnaire online at http://my2020census.gov. All households should be notified by mail about the 2020 Census by April 1 and the county will be doing coordinated outreach on that day to promote participation. For more information, visit http://2020census.gov.

Open Session Briefings
• Dr. Maureen Murphy, President of the College of Southern Maryland, presented the annual “State of the College” report. She discussed national and local trends in higher education and challenges for students in Southern Maryland who are enrolled in higher education courses at the college. Dr. Murphy shared the Aspen Institute’s criteria for completion, learning, the labor market, and equity; and specified tactics the college is levering to improve student outcomes. Dr. Murphy highlighted system changes over the next three years to redefine student markets, retool the curriculum and enrollment systems, and develop employees. She provided assumptions for enrollment, staffing, budget, and the anticipated capital improvement program. She concluded with videos that shared stories of student success.

• Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff presented a briefing on the fiscal 2019 audit and comprehensive annual financial report. The auditor contracted to complete the work shared information about the scope and deliverables, required communications, assumptions, and financial results. An update on the Governmental Accounting Standards Board was also presented.

• Department of Planning and Growth Management staff briefed Commissioners on a zoning text amendment to the grandfathering and transitional of the Watershed Conservation District (WCD) zone. It would enable two subdivisions to proceed with development plans that were underway prior to the designation of the WCD. Commissioners approved a request to introduce legislation and scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m.

• Department of Planning and Growth Management staff briefed Commissioners on a zoning text amendment for the Business Park Zone. The recommended changes would allow more flexibility for the number and variety of uses in the zone to ensure that business parks are able to thrive economically. Commissioners approved a request to introduce legislation and scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, April 7.

• Commissioners received a briefing on a joint statement on regional cooperation among Maryland capital region economic development organizations. Charles County pursues opportunities to coordinate joint marketing and communication for recruiting targeted industries. 

• Commissioners received a briefing on the Charles County Community Resource Center, LLC and their work to support increased equity and access to behavioral health services.

Legislative Updates
Associate County Attorney Danielle Mitchell briefed Commissioners on legislative activities in the Maryland General Assembly. She provided an update on the status of legislative proposals that Commissioners submitted to the local delegation and other bills that are being considered that, if approved, could have direct impacts on county residents.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:
• A resolution to appoint Carol DeSoto as the Acting Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.
 

Recognitions
• Commissioners recognized March as Women’s History Month and presented a proclamation to representatives from the Commission for Women. This year’s theme, “Valiant Women of the Vote,” honors the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights and for those who continue to fight for the voting rights of others. 

• Commissioners recognized March as Good Sportsmanship Month and presented a proclamation to county staff who manage recreation sports and activities and ensure that positive characteristics of fitness and personal growth are promoted in competitive and recreational sports leagues.