Alexis B. Blackwell

The meeting included recognition of the Charles County Spelling Bee Championship winners and regional basketball champions. Key discussions centered on the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Session, where updates were provided on County proposed bills, including HB1283/SB0912, HB1284/SB0728, HB1359/SB0727 (concerning bus transportation providers), and HB772 (Education-Career Counseling). Consensus was reached to send a letter of support for amendments to HB1359/SB0727 and for the County Attorney to discuss joint response options regarding pension cost shifts related to HB772. Briefings were held on FY2025 Local Management Board Projects and the FY2025 Second Quarter General Fund Review, noting revenue growth alongside expenditure uncertainty due to potential state pension cost shifts. An update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund obligation status was also presented. A portion of the session was closed to receive legal advice regarding two property acquisitions and negotiations concerning right-of-ways. The Commissioners discussed a draft policy for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force aimed at ensuring responsible and ethical AI usage within county government. A second work session addressed Proposed Bill 2024-16 Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 24-182 regarding driveways and parking for Agritourism Projects, resulting in a decision to refer recommended changes back to the Planning Commission. Approval items included budget transfers for the Board of Education, approval of Change Order #67 for Mattawoman Inflow & Infiltration, and approval of letters of support for Town of Indian Head Federal Funding Infrastructure Projects. The Commissioners reached a consensus to add a proclamation recognizing African Heritage Month in September. Additionally, the public hearing date for Bill 2025-02/ZTA 23-179 was rescheduled, and a public hearing date was set for the land donation to the Official Piscataway Cony Tribe of Maryland, Inc.

The meeting included recognition for staff and a restaurant supporting an Oath of Office Ceremony. Key discussions involved updates on the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Session, detailing the status of several legislative bills such as those concerning alcoholic beverages, property tax credits, and speed monitoring systems. A work session was held regarding the Fiscal 2024 Budget for Enterprise Funds, covering Water & Sewer, Recreation, and Cable Funds, including proposed budgets and anticipated fee adjustments. Commissioners approved using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMDAC) Maryland Market Money (MMM) Program. During a closed session, the Commissioners discussed vacancies on appointed Boards and Commissions and received an update on potential new business. In open session approvals, the Commission authorized budget amendments and transfers, approved a letter of support for a Federal Transit Administration Grant, and made appointments to the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals. Briefings were given on the designation of Southern Maryland as a National Heritage Area and an update from the Charles County Military Alliance Council. Significant discussion centered on establishing a Charter Form of Government, culminating in the passage of Resolution 2023-04 to establish a Charter Board, contingent upon holding four public hearings and appointing members from each district plus one at-large member. Finally, staff received direction to bring back modifications regarding the Agritourism Bill language.

The meeting agenda included Chairperson's Announcements, approval of the previous meeting minutes from April 22, 2025, and public notices. The primary focus was a Public Hearing and Reconsideration of Docket #1465, involving a Special Exception request by Nitan Patel of SSN Waldorf, Inc., to establish a Dunkin Donuts fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru at 3425 Leonardtown Road. The petition requests the Board to overturn a prior denial, arguing that the decision lacked substantial evidence in the record and involved reliance on information outside the closed record, constituting a mistake of law and a denial of due process. The petitioner detailed traffic analysis data showing acceptable levels of service and committed to implementing mitigation measures if future queuing on Post Office Road creates a hazard.

The Charles County Affordable Housing Report presents a comprehensive strategy to address the critical need for affordable housing in the county. Led by the Affordable Housing Workgroup, established in 2023, the report assesses existing policies, sets housing targets, and proposes actionable recommendations to meet the housing needs of low- and moderate-income residents. Key findings highlight a housing affordability crisis, rising costs, significant workforce impact, and economic implications, with the strategy aligning with state housing initiatives. Recommendations are categorized into Land Use and Zoning Policies, Subsidy and Financial Tools, and Countywide Support Policies. The plan aims to eliminate a deficit of nearly 1,200 affordable housing units within 10 years by adding 200-260 units annually, ensuring all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.

The meeting included employee recognition for length of service and top performance for the third quarter of 2022, where two Public Works/Utilities technicians were recognized for handling an electrical fire. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) provided an update on transformer supply chain difficulties. The Commissioners held three public hearings concerning water/sewer service category amendments, a Zoning Text Amendment (Bill 2022-(12)), and the Waldorf Station Development Agreement. Key approval items included changes to the Personal and Floating Holiday Days' Policy, adopting a PTO policy, and amending the 2023 Legislative Proposal Package to include special license plate options for disabled veterans. Briefings were presented on the FY2023 First Quarter General Fund Review, the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and the fiscal note for proposed tax credits for seniors, first responders, and veterans. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters, specifically options for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) health benefits for elected officials, and to seek legal advice on a public safety issue, resulting in directions for future legislation. Further briefings covered the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation Military Installation Resilience Review for Indian Head and an update on the Western Parkway Roadway Improvements.