On Tuesday, July 12, Economic Development Department staff provided an update on the progress regarding the Charles County Disparity Study Implementation Plan. Highlights included a brief review of disparity study results, contractor implementation plan recommendations, and progress made by staff to date.
The disparity study results and implementation plan progress updates can be found here. County staff will work with consultants on the development of legislative options for consideration by the Commissioners, including a possible option that allows priority for Charles County Headquartered Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) businesses to qualify for Small Local Business Enterprise and MWBE Programs.
Open Session Briefings
- Commission for Veterans Affairs representatives provided a presentation on the commission’s request to Bill 417 Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans, which proposes a property tax credit against the county property tax imposed on the dwelling house of a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50 percent. County Commissioners requested the commission seek outside funding options for a later meeting and consider surviving spouses within this request. Additionally, Commissioners requested that staff provide a fiscal note for and answer additional legal issues raised by the proposal.
- Department of Planning and Growth Management staff provided a presentation on the Annexation Petition, “Hawthorne Yards.” County staff will provide additional details on the fiscal impact of the annexation projects. The Town of La Plata will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 18.
- Planner III Amy Blessinger provided a presentation on the Sustainable Community Designation for Waldorf. This designation was first designated in 2012 and needs to be renewed every five years. The designation allows Waldorf to be eligible for targeted state funding and assistance programs. County Commissioners expressed interest in considering a park and keeping a tree canopy as a part of the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor development.
Commissioners also approved:
- Rescheduling the July 13 public hearing on Bill 2022-03 Changes to Chapter 54-Length of Service Award Program to Sept. 21, 2022.
- A fiscal 2022 budget transfer request of $295,700 to close four water and sewer Capital Projects that were determined not feasible to complete.
- A letter of support to Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to consider the boundary amendment to the Southern Maryland Heritage Area to include significant historical sites within Charles County.
- A letter of support to the Rural Maryland Council for the Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development grant, Making Water Recreation More Accessible in the Southern Maryland Peninsula.
- The Proposed Western Charles County Technology Corridor Designation.
- The 2023 Board of County Commissioners Meeting Schedule.
- A request to schedule a public hearing on the Water/Sewer Service Category Amendments- Spring 2022 Cycle for Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
Follow Up Work Session
County Commissioners participated in a follow-up work session on Amendment to the 2022-2031 Charles County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Department of Planning and Growth Management and Department of Public Works staff provided proposed language for the amendment. There were no additional public comments following the public hearing. County Commissioners approved the amendment.
County Commissioners participated in a follow-up work session on draft Bill 2022-05 Community Service and Pretrial Release Program. Associate County Attorney II Danielle Mitchell provided additional information, including the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s letter to Commissioners. County Commissioners voted 3-2 to introduce amendments as presented; a public hearing will be scheduled for Wednesday, July 27 to discuss the proposed bill and amendments.
Proclamations
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Next Commissioners Session: July 26 and 27, 2022
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