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LA PLATA, Md. – At the meeting on Tuesday, July 31, the Board of Commissioners hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially recognize the completion of the traffic roundabout at the intersection of Middletown Road and Billingsley Road. The roundabout was constructed in place of a three-way stop to help traffic move more safely and efficiently through the intersection. The intersection design promotes the continuous, circular flow of traffic and vehicles move at a slow but consistent rate of speed in one direction only. The intersection is a busy and important connection for many who travel from the eastern part of the county to both north and south, from Waldorf to La Plata.

Open Session Briefings

  • The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) presented information about the development and future needs for infrastructure to support regional meat processing for local farmers. Investment in these assets would improve access to locally produced foods, create jobs, and sustain the agricultural economy in Southern Maryland. SMADC proposed a financial investment that the organization could contribute to locate a processing facility in Charles County.
  • Staff presented a quarterly update on progress for various capital improvement projects. They highlighted the completion of several recent projects, including window replacement at Bel Alton High School, phase two of Western Parkway, replacement of the roof liner at the Department of Health, and pedestrian crossing improvements at major intersections (Smallwood Drive/McDaniel Road and St. Patrick’s Drive/Western Parkway). They also provided detailed information on progress for Billingsley Road safety improvements, the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Facility, solar power purchase program, the Southern Maryland Stadium seating and roof replacement, phase three of the Western Parkway, and the new animal shelter to be located in Waldorf.
  • Staff presented an update on the status of the county’s recycling program and suggested program modifications to improve recycling efforts in the future. The county’s recycling rate is 52 percent, and multiple options are available for residents and businesses to recycle materials. Markets for processing recycled products are changing, and the county’s costs are increasing significantly. Staff recommended eliminating televisions and glass from the recycling program to save money. They also stated the current landfill is anticipated to reach full capacity by 2030 and the county may need to consider a transfer facility to handle solid waste and recycled materials in the future.
  • Staff presented updates on the Veterans Corner, Drug Take Back Program, and Protection Plus. The Veterans Corner has enhanced its online information and expanded the audience reach; and staff recently initiated the launch of the Commission for Veterans Affairs. The Drug Take Back Program has collected more than 3,500 pounds of prescription drugs at six local pharmacies since its inception two years ago.

Approval Items

  • Commissioners received a briefing and approved a request for the introduction of a zoning text amendment to revise county standards, in order to allow craft alcoholic beverage production facilities. Alcoholic craft beverage production would include brewing, distilling, and winemaking operations that are anticipated to have a positive impact on tourism and economic development in the county. A public hearing on the request is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. View the Planning Commission report in BoardDocs.
  • Commissioners received a briefing and approved a request for a public hearing regarding the donation of 208.3 acres as a conservation easement to the Conservancy of 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. A public hearing on the request is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
  • Commissioners approved an exception to a purchasing procedure for the Small Local Business Enterprise program. Exceptions can be granted by either the Commissioner President or the Board. The exception was granted for an energy savings services purchase due to the unique nature of the work. Granting of the exception does not preclude any business from bidding on the contract.
  • Commissioners approved proposed changes recommended by the Planning Commission with minor changes to section 13.1, to the 2016 Comprehensive Plan that includes a Mineral Resource Element Chapter.
  • Commissioners approved updates to the Transit Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan to ensure federal compliance requirements for grant funding. View detailed information in BoardDocs.

The Commissioners also approved the following items:

  • $300,000 budget transfer request from Mattawoman sludge disposal to operation and maintenance for the continued emergency standby bypass pumping, which will be used until a permanent replacement pumps are installed.
  • $135,750 budget transfer request from Planning’s Public Facility Impact Fee that is no longer needed, to fully fund the Government Space Needs Study.
  • A letter of intent to the Maryland Higher Education Commission affirming the county’s commitment to fund the local share of costs to design, construct, and equip the College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Health Sciences.
  • Revisions to the Commissioners Invitation Request Standard Operating Procedure, with an approved amendment to eliminate section 5.2.

Action on Boards, Committees and Commissions

Commissioners appointed Kathleen Seay as an alternate member for an unexpired term to the Board of Appeals.


Recognition

Commissioners recognized county employees who achieved milestones in years of service, welcomed new employees to County Government, and honored employees from each department who were selected for “Employees of the Quarter” awards.


Next Commissioners Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 11


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.