On Tuesday, May 3, Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services employees provided a Fiscal 2023 Budget Work Session on the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Enterprise Fund, and Fiscal 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan. New staff positions and Vehicle Equipment List were presented as well. County Commissioners discussed replacing specific county vehicles with electric vehicles, an online dashboard for funding sources, and the request regarding structures to address homelessness from Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq.
Deputy County Administrator Deborah Hall, Department of Human Resources Director Alexis Blackwell, and Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services Director Jeni Ellin provided an update to the Board of County Commissioners on Goal 4: Education of the Commissioners’ Goals and Objectives. Updates included the Board of Education’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, collaboration with the Board of Education, NeoGov Learn, training for skilled workers, succession planning, wellness, employee health benefits, mental health first aid, and systemwide training.
Commissioners’ Comments
Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3) requested that the county changes the lights at the Charles County Courthouse during the week of June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth.
Stewart also requested staff draft a letter of support for HR 2116 Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022 and a letter of support for Senate Bill 3167. County Commissioners approved sending the letters of support.
Open Session Briefings
- Director of Human Resources Director Alexis Blackwell provided an update on the county’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Some of these updates included the DEI incorporation in the Annual Report, the African American video series; Charles County Unscripted podcast series; open space school enclosures; the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program; increasing accessibility through Public Work Facilities; expanding curbside recycling in Nanjemoy; multicultural offerings at senior centers; Housing Choice Voucher program; Disparity Study; emergency services test preparation and recruitment videos; Human Resources internal and external efforts; planning efforts; VanGO Fare Free Pilot Program; synthetic multipurpose athletic fields; Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan; and new African American Heritage Guide.
- Department of Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle and Zoning Planning Supervisor Cyndi Bilbra provided a review of the County Food Truck Program. Charles County Department of Health also provided information on the regulations and additional information about their procedures.
- Department of Planning and Growth Management employees provided an overview of the Homeowner Association Dispute Review Board (HOADRB). The HOADRB is an appointed board that was established to create an alternate forum for dispute resolution between homeowners and their respective homeowner associations. County Attorney’s Office staff will research more for the fall legislative session.
Approval Items
Commissioners also approved:
- A fiscal 2022 contingency transfer request of $46,600 to cover higher than budget fuel costs for the landfill.
- A fiscal 2022 budget transfer request of $111,440 to cover holiday pay overages for Emergency Medical Services and Communications.
- A fiscal 2022 budget transfer request of $95,990 to cover the cost of a master plan for the Pope’s Creek Waterfront Property.
- A fiscal 2022 budget amendment increase of $299,830 to purchase an ambulance, restripe the ambulance, and pay for an autoload system for an existing ambulance to help protect employees from injury.
- A change order for construction surveillance and construction inspective services of the Charles County Landfill Cell No. 4 Design.
- A change order for abrasive blast and cost all interior dry surfaces of the Bensville Tower.
- A request from Senator Cardin’s Office for additional funding for the Mallows Bay Virtual 3-D Paddle Experience.
Discussion
County Commissioners participated in a discussion with Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department representatives on the fire suppression water supply for the Cobb Island Fire Department and future water supply needs. County Commissioners discussed bringing this discussion back in July 2022.
Commissioners’ New Business
Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. requested the County Commissioners consider tax relief or incentives for green initiatives. County Commissioners asked staff to research additional information. This discussion will continue at a later session.
Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3) requested that House Bill 739 to be scheduled for an upcoming Commissioner meeting, which requires two appointees for the workgroup.
Proclamations
- International Parental Alienation Awareness Day
- National Drug Court Month
- National Mental Health Awareness Month
- Older Americans Month
- National Asian Pacific Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Small Business Week
- National Travel and Tourism Week
- National Correctional Officer Appreciation
- Foster Care Awareness Month
- National Police Week
- Emergency Medical Services Appreciation Week
- Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
- National Bike to Work Day
- Resource Parent’s Celebration Day
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Next Commissioners Session: May 10 and 11, 2022