LA PLATA, Md. – At the meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Board of Commissioners received a briefing and approved a request for introduction of a zoning text amendment that would allow consolidated storage as a permitted use in the Core Retail Residential (CRR) and Commercial Village (CV) zones. This request came from the owners of the Bryans Road Shopping Center, which is seeking to fill some vacant retail space by leasing it for storage to enhance economic viability of the site. If approved, this text amendment would also allow other eligible applicants to submit a request for this use within these zones. For additional information, view the staff report that was presented to the Planning Commission on Aug. 20, 2018. A public hearing on this proposed legislation is scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

 

Open Session Briefing

Commissioners received a briefing and approved a request for introduction of a zoning text amendment to add surface mining as a use permitted by special exception within the watershed conservation district zone. Commissioner approval of this request supports the policies and actions of the Mineral Resources Chapter of the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan, an amendment that was approved by Commissioners in July. A public hearing on this proposed legislation is scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

Approval Items

The Commissioners approved the following items:

  • A request for a road resolution to change the name of Cool Springs Farm Place to Cool Springs Farm Court.
  • A $41,030 budget transfer request to convert a part-time administrative associate to a full-time position in Community Services.
  • A $16,670 budget transfer request for the Department of Emergency Services to purchase an inventory and asset management system for medical supplies.
  • A minor change to the Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy for County Commissioner public hearings.
  • Several changes to the Automated Signing Machine Use Policy that provides a procedure and security use protocol for adding automated signatures to documents on behalf of County Commissioners and the County Administrator.
  • A letter of support for a grant request from the Friends of Chapman State Park to the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium for the Preservation of Chapman Family Cemetery project.

Public Hearings

  • Commissioners received public comment on legislation to enact a 2 percent per year increase to the salaries of the Board of Commissioners, as recommended by the Charles County Compensation Commission. View the proposed legislation here. Commissioners adopted the compensation legislation, Bill #2018-03, as presented.
  • Commissioners received public comment on a zoning text amendment that would allow craft alcoholic beverage production facilities. Alcoholic craft beverage production would include brewing, distilling, and winemaking operations, which are anticipated to have a positive impact on tourism and economic development in the county. View the Planning Commission report in BoardDocs. Commissioners adopted the craft beverages legislation, Bill #2018-04, as amended to clarify that the 10-acre minimum for a production facility can be associated, adjoining, or related parcels, rather than contiguous parcels.
  • Commissioners received public comment on a proposed donation of 208.3 acres of land as a conservation easement to the Conservancy for Charles County. The proposed donation of land consists of seven contiguous parcels, located on the northwest side of Livingston Road adjacent to Chapmans State Forest. It includes non-tidal wetlands within Mattawoman Creek, endangered and threatened species, and a bird habitat for which conservation by the state is strongly encouraged. View the presentation about the proposed conservation easement here. The Commissioners left the record open for comment until close of business on Monday, Sept. 17. Comments may be emailed to PublicRecord@CharlesCountyMD.gov.

Recognitions

  • Commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month. The theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.” To learn how you can be prepared for any emergency, visit www.ready.gov. View proclamation photo in Flickr.
  • Commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month, which is intended to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance abuse disorders and celebrate those who recover. This theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Hope, Purpose and Community.” For resources or additional information, visit www.recoverymonth.gov. View proclamation photo in Flickr.
  • Commissioners recognized Dr. Dianna Abney, who resigned as Charles County Health Officer last month after more than five years of service. They thanked her for her efforts to improve the health outcomes for all county residents through enhanced services and outreach. View photo in Flickr.
  • Commissioners recognized county employees who achieved milestones in years of service and welcomed new employees to County Government.
  • Commissioners honored members of the county’s budget staff for earning the Government Finance Officers Association’s Excellence in Budget Presentation Award for the 16th consecutive year. The award recognizes state and local governments that go beyond minimum requirements to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that reflect the spirit of transparency and full disclosure in their presentation. View photo in Flickr.

Next Commissioners Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 18

 

For More Information:

Commissioners meetings are aired on CCGTV, which broadcasts on Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 10, and are available for streaming at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/media-services/ccgtv/ccgtv.   Materials and minutes of the Commissioners meeting will be posted at www.boarddocs.com/md/chrlsco/Board.nsf/Public upon approval.