Public Meetings - Charles County, Maryland

The Charles County Board of Appeals held a meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to conduct administrative business, adopt several decisions and orders (D&Os), continue a contested appeal for the \"River\'s Edge\" non-conforming use (Docket 1459), and hear a special exception application for a proposed Sheets gas station and convenience store (Docket 1475). The meeting included the re-election of the Board Chair and Vice Chair, detailed debate on procedural issues, and testimony from applicants, county staff, and legal counsel. Consent Calendar & Administrative Matters - Chair & Vice Chair Re-election: Chairman Bud Humbert was re-elected Chair for another year following a motion by George Grindle. Benjamin Watkins was re-elected Vice Chair on a motion by Damien Chesada. Both elections were unanimous. - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the general meeting minutes and the minutes from the December 9, 2025 River\'s Edge hearing. - Unanimous D&O Approvals: The board unanimously adopted Docket 1472 (Mission Education variance), Docket 1470 (Mission Education special exception), and Docket 1471 (Bonatera special exception). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak for any of the active dockets during this session. The public records for both Docket 1459 and Docket 1475 were formally closed. Discussion Items - D&O 1468 (NS Pool) – Procedural Dispute: - Board Member Timothy Trainer requested a motion for reconsideration on D&O 1468, arguing the board\'s previous vote on the variance was taken before the record was closed. He cited three significant pieces of evidence concerning the pool\'s location, size, and permitting that were submitted after the vote he recalled. - The motion for reconsideration lacked a second. A subsequent roll call vote on the original motion to approve D&O 1468 carried 4-1, with Mr. Trainer casting the sole dissenting vote. - D&O 1477 (Mona) – Amendment: - Mr. Trainer offered a friendly amendment to the D&O to explicitly state that \"the board concludes that no environmental impact statement would be required.\" The motion maker and seconder accepted. - A roll call vote on the amended motion passed 4-2. Chair Humbert and Mr. Grindle voted against it, citing concerns about the precedent of altering legally prepared D&Os from the county attorney\'s office. - Docket 1459 – River\'s Edge (Administrative Appeal Continuation): - Applicant\'s Position: Attorney Zach Gilriz argued that the cessation of the non-conforming restaurant use was involuntary (due to a fire in 2018). Citing McLay v. Maryland Assemblies, he argued that an involuntary cessation negates the inference of intent to abandon, and that enforcing the one-year rule in this case would be a factual impossibility and an unconstitutional taking. He requested a one-year extension. - Board Questions (Primarily Mr. Trainer): Mr. Holmes was questioned extensively about the timeline. He acknowledged he had not obtained a building permit within the initial year or the extension provided by the county. Board members raised concerns about the property\'s prolonged dilapidated state and environmental hazard. - County\'s Position (Kelly Palmer & Jason Groth): The county argued the code is unambiguous (abandoned after one year of non-use), citing Canada\'s Tavern and Sizemore, which hold that intent is irrelevant when a statute dictates abandonment. Mr. Groth acknowledged the county had erroneously tried to work with the applicant, creating an equitable argument, but strictly recommended denial. As an equitable alternative, he suggested a final, strict deadline for the applicant to obtain the building permit. - Outcome: The public record was closed. A decision on the appeal was deferred to the board\'s next meeting. - Docket 1475 – Sheets at Pembroke Square (Special Exception): - Staff Recommendation: Planning staff recommended approval for a 6,132 square foot convenience store with 10 fueling positions and 5 EV charging stations, finding full compliance with the zoning code. - Parking Discrepancy: A discrepancy in the applicant\'s documents (71 spaces vs. staff\'s calculation) was clarified by the applicant\'s engineer, Ken Krause, who confirmed the plan provides 57 parking spaces. - Public Necessity Test: The zoning officer\'s interpretation that a public necessity test was not required for the proposed 10 fueling positions was discussed. The board acknowledged the interpretation was reasonable and did not override it. - Conditions & Impact: The board refined Condition 2 to explicitly require the proposed right-in/right-out access on US 301. Traffic engineer Angel Sanchez assured the board that mitigated impacts were predicted only at the 301/St. Patrick\'s Drive intersection. - Redevelopment Context: The application was presented as the front door to the redevelopment of Pembroke Square, which had suffered from 70% vacancy. - Outcome: The record was closed. The special exception was unanimously approved subject to six conditions (five from the staff report plus a condition requiring a signed consistency analysis from the applicant within 10 days). Key Outcomes - D&O 1468 (NS Pool): Approved (4-1). Mr. Trainer dissented. - D&O 1477 (Mona): Approved as amended (4-2). Chair Humbert and Mr. Grindle dissented. - Chair & Vice Chair: Incumbents were re-elected unanimously. - Docket 1459 (River\'s Edge): Record closed. Decision deferred to the board\'s next meeting. - Docket 1475 (Sheets at Pembroke): Special Exception approved. Motion carried with six conditions.

This evening meeting of the Charles County Planning Commission on January 12, 2026 covered a public hearing on the Liberty Bell preliminary subdivision plan, a conceptual subdivision plan for Cedar Ridge, and a briefing on the FY2027–31 Capital Improvement Program. The commission approved the agenda, heard personal appearances and public testimony, denied the Liberty Bell application, received Cedar Ridge comments for the applicant, and scheduled follow-up discussions and votes. Procedural Actions - The commission took roll call and unanimously approved the agenda as written. Personal Appearances - Nancy Schertler (14725 Bank City Road, Newburgh) requested information on 2026 Comprehensive Plan scenario development and public engagement. She stated the county’s Comp Plan website had not been updated for months, said surveys alone cannot substitute for open exchanges like the visioning sessions and charrettes that made the 2016 plan successful, and urged the commission to commit to active public partnership before the draft plan is finalized. - Jacqueline Moore (Cobb Island homeowner since September 1998) expressed strong opposition to data centers in Charles County and urged creation of a task force and mandatory (“must” and “required,” not “should”) language in draft Zoning Text Amendment 25187. She cited infrastructure strain, ecological harm, rising electricity bills, and noise; proposed requirements for environmental surveys, fire department funding if diesel generators are used, desalinization plants for tidal Potomac water, closed-loop/immersion cooling (up to 1.5 million liters of water saved per day per site), e-waste disposal, no non-disclosure agreements, developer-paid infrastructure, racial equity in site selection, honest job estimates (about 50 permanent jobs, not 500), accurate revenue math, and aquifer protection. Public Hearing: Liberty Bell PSP-250001 and Mod 104 - Staff planner Melissa Hively introduced the public hearing for Liberty Bell, a proposed five-lot single-family subdivision on a little more than 5.5 acres on Ranstead Place near Smallwood Church Road and MD 425 in the Ironsides area. It is in septic Tier 3, requiring a public hearing. Staff recommended approval of the Mod 104 private-road variance and the preliminary subdivision plan, subject to two conditions. - Applicant planner Tim Lesnar (Lorenzi Dodson Gunnell) said the property is zoned CV, which permits one-acre residential lots; the Mod 104 is needed because the private-road regulation generally requires lots greater than three acres. He said the road would be private to avoid taxpayer cost and would have a maintenance agreement. He also addressed forest clearing, saying a violation had been remedied and vegetation had regrown. - Commission members questioned why the applicant did not seek rezoning; staff replied that rezoning to AC or RC would reduce density to one unit per three acres and likely eliminate lots, and the Mod 104 process exists for such cases. - Public testimony: Nancy Schertler asked the commission to deny the request, arguing the applicant had not identified an exceptional parcel-specific hardship such as narrowness, shallowness, shape, or topography, and that property size alone is not an undue hardship. Norman Sanders shared the property’s history as a well-kept farm owned by a Black World War I veteran and said the current two houses look nice. - Commissioner Ryan Sekertowski moved to deny the Mod 104, stating the applicant did not meet the undue-hardship burden and citing concern about precedent; Jeff Bozard seconded and agreed. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. - The commission then unanimously denied the preliminary subdivision plan as currently presented, since it depended on the denied modification. Discussion Item: Cedar Ridge CSP-25001 Conceptual Subdivision Plan - Staff planner Hunter Zinn presented the conceptual subdivision plan for Cedar Ridge, about 33 single-family homes on 63.61 acres zoned Rural Residential, accessed via Chapman Court/Chapman Road across from Clarks Run outside La Plata. CSPs are not approvals; public comments will be given to the applicant and must be addressed at the preliminary plan stage. - Applicant Tim Lesnar said the density is lower than the RR zone’s theoretical one-acre density; open space would be about 25% (about 15.9 acres) versus the required 15% (about 9.5 acres). The property would use wells and septic, not public water/sewer. He acknowledged future permits would be needed for wetlands, stormwater, forest stand delineation, archaeology, and groundwater appropriation. - Public testimony raised concerns: Andrew McGinsey (6905 Chapman Road) said he was surprised by 33 homes, was previously told the land was zoned for five 10-acre lots, and raised concerns about private-drive limits, stream crossings, wells/septic, and stormwater. Nancy Schertler argued state law requires public sewer for Tier 2 major subdivisions, so unless limited to a minor subdivision (maximum seven lots), the plan is inconsistent; she also cited forest cover, no remaining assimilative capacity, a 100-foot WSSC buffer requirement, mapping errors affecting lots 23–29, and the Comp Plan’s 1-unit-per-10-acre density for major stream valleys. Tina Jones (9892 Charles Street) described a recorded drainage easement carrying Clarks Run water through her property and asked for Army Corps evaluation to prevent flooding; she also raised traffic and road enhancement concerns. Jonathan Paxton (6100 Horseshoe Place) raised concerns about boundary lines, drainage into a ravine/creek, wildlife habitat, traffic, and possible need for a signal. - No formal decision was made; the conceptual plan is informational, and the applicant must respond to public comments at the future PSP submittal. Discussion Item: FY2027–31 Capital Improvement Program Briefing - Joel (Planning and Growth Management) briefed the commission on 188 requested capital improvement projects for FY2027–31. The commission will vote on a consistency letter at the next meeting; staff assigns ratings from 1 (most consistent with the Comp Plan) to 4 (inconsistent). New projects numbered roughly 49, with requests mostly from Public Works and Recreation, Parks and Tourism. - Examples: the La Plata Library replacement is rated 1 because the Comp Plan specifically mentions it; Port Tobacco Historic Village Repairs and Maintenance is rated 2 as a general maintenance program. - Commissioners asked about the U.S. 301/White Plains traffic pattern, the proposed Potomac River water supply treatment plant, and the 31-year-old boiler at Matula. Joel said the state is studying U.S. 301, the Board of Education advocates for its own priorities, and the commission can add language to its letter highlighting categories of projects. The commission also asked for tracking of which projects were funded last year and which repeatedly remain on the list; Joel said he would provide more detail by the January 26 meeting. Director’s Report - Planning Director Rice thanked Samaya Hackett for ensuring a quorum and announced five 2026 Comp Plan public meetings (6–8 p.m.): January 29 at Waldorf Senior and Rec Center, February 12 at J.C. Parks Elementary, February 26 at Piccawaxen Middle School, March 12 at Mount Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary, and March 26 at T.C. Martin Elementary, with inclement weather make-up dates. - Added Planning Commission meetings: January 26, regular February 2, and added February 23. The February 2 work session on the data center zoning text amendment will be held in the auditorium; roughly 15 public comments will be compiled into links for review, and it will not be an additional public comment opportunity. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously. - Liberty Bell PSP-250001: Planning Commission unanimously denied the Mod 104 private-road modification, then unanimously denied the preliminary subdivision plan as presented. - Cedar Ridge CSP-25001: No approval vote; public comments were accepted and will be transmitted to the applicant for response at the future preliminary subdivision plan stage. - CIP: Briefing only; consistency vote and letter scheduled for the January 26, 2026 meeting. - Meeting adjourned after the director’s report.

The Charles County Liquor Board met on January 8, 2026, in regular session. The board rescheduled one retail-delivery item because the applicant was not present, approved several one-day temporary licenses, approved three license transfers, and discussed proposed changes to its rules and regulations. All approvals were by unanimous voice vote unless otherwise noted. Rescheduled Item - Retail Delivery Update, Liquor Outlet Waldorf, LLC: rescheduled to the next meeting because Mr. Patel was not present. Temporary License Applications - Charles County Public Library Foundation, Inc.: Board approved a one-day Class C temporary license for April 17, 2026, 6:30–10 p.m., at the Waldorf Branch Library, 10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf, with approximately 130 people expected. Applicant Shannon Bland testified it is an adults-only after-hours fundraiser; IDs are checked and wristbands issued for alcohol; one temporary bar will be set up downstairs; proceeds support library programs and services including story time, STEM education, My Fresh Start (a free shower program for unhoused residents), and mobile outreach. - College of Southern Maryland: Board approved one-day Class C temporary licenses for three cooking classes on January 22, February 12, and April 30, 2026, at 27 Industrial Park, Waldorf, with approximately 14 attendees each. Applicant Shonda Holt testified classes have run successfully for more than 12 years; registration is 21+, the chef and assistant are TIPS certified, IDs are checked, the instructor/assistant are the only servers, attendees are limited to two glasses of wine, and alcohol is not used in cooking. - Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Inc.: Board approved a one-day Class C temporary license for Jazz in the Park on May 19, 2026, 2–5 p.m., at 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head, contingent on obtaining a special event permit from Planning and Growth Management (Sherry Davis). President Krista Watkins testified this first-time fundraiser will support community scholarships; IDs and 21+ wristbands will be checked at entry, vendors must check wristbands, the alcohol will be inside a fenced perimeter, coolers are not allowed, tickets are advance-only, the Charles County Sheriff's Office will provide security, and about 200 people are expected, with security increased if attendance exceeds that. The motion also included a rain date of the 17th, though the transcript does not specify the month. - Ducks Unlimited, Charles County Chapter: Board approved a one-day Class C temporary license for February 28, 2026, 5–11 p.m., at the Charles County Fairgrounds, with no rain date. The application noted approximately 350 people expected, but the approval motion referenced approximately 250; the transcript does not resolve the discrepancy. Co-chair Lewis Neighbor testified the fundraiser supports Ducks Unlimited National's wildlife and marshland work; trained bartenders card all patrons and stamp 21+, the Charles County Sheriff's Office is on site, alcohol is limited to a designated bar area and cannot leave the building, patrons are limited to two drinks at one time, and the event is pre-sale only with no walk-ins. Long guns will be raffled/auctioned through an FFL, with no handguns, no ammunition on-site, and background checks before transfer. License Transfers - Riverboat on the Potomac: Board approved the transfer/addition of Gangadeep Surrey to the Class D beer, wine, and liquor on/off-sale license with entertainment and outside service for L D O E Inc., trading as Riverboat on the Potomac, 301 Beach Terrace, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Attorney David Martinez said Surrey, previously a Charles County license holder for Chesapeake Wine Shop, is now an officer; the establishment will modify hours to Sunday 9 a.m.–9 p.m., closed Monday, Tuesday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., with no other operational changes. The board reminded applicants to bring the old license when picking up the new one. - Pisgah General Store / Pisgah Liquor & Deli: Board approved the transfer of the Class D beer, wine, and liquor on/off-sale license from Chiman Park and Tristan Valeo to Deep Sharma Aurora / Kishmi Devi LLC, trading as Pisgah Liquor and Deli, Poor House Road, Indian Head. Staff noted a U&O and health permit are required; the transcript lists the address as 5015 in the staff reading and 7015 in the motion. Aurora testified she held a license at Lee's Market for almost eight years, will ID anyone purchasing alcohol, will refuse service to holders of vertical underage Maryland IDs, will keep current employees if agreements can be reached, and will ensure employees are alcohol-awareness trained. Hours will be Monday–Saturday 7 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; the new trade name has been registered with SDAT, and a bulk transfer permit will be filed with ATC if settlement completes. - La Hacienda 2: Board approved the corporate substitution of Fidel Castellano onto the Class B-BR restaurant/bar beer, wine, and liquor license for La Hacienda 2 LLC, 2796 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, with entertainment, replacing Cynthia Hernandez Ortega and Jacob Riviera while Jonathan Jennings remains. Approval was contingent on confirmation from the Treasurer's Office that the corporation is back in good standing with the state. Castellano testified he will be in the restaurant 3–4 days per week, currently lives in New Jersey but plans to move to Maryland in 3–4 months, will ID every person seeking alcohol, and will hire/retain TIPS-certified management. Modified hours: Monday–Wednesday 2 p.m.–midnight, Thursday–Saturday 2 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 4 p.m.–midnight; Jennings remains the resident licensee and is typically there four days a week. Other Business & Rule Changes - Jones Seafood LLC, trading as Bubbles Place, notified the board of a change in hours effective 1/26 (as transcribed): Monday–Saturday 5:30 a.m.–2 p.m., closed Sundays. - December 2025 inspections were presented; no board questions were recorded. - The board approved the minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting. - The board discussed proposed amendments to its Rules and Regulations: - Rule 3.104: remove language making minutes the official record because the Open Meetings Act provides that a recording of a hearing prevails; minutes will be a synopsis. - Rule 4.101(25): require a copy of a state-issued driver's license or ID in the application package to verify identity/residence. - Rule 4.10 (renewals): clarify that renewal applications are mailed around February 28, due by March 31, licenses expire April 30, and extension requests must be filed before the April hearing. Board members noted the timeline is tight but statutory; staff said renewal reminders are also sent. - The rule changes were scheduled for a public hearing and vote at the February 12, 2026 meeting. Key Outcomes - Rescheduled: Retail Delivery Update for Liquor Outlet Waldorf, LLC. - Approved temporary license for Charles County Public Library Foundation (April 17, 2026). - Approved three temporary licenses for College of Southern Maryland (Jan 22, Feb 12, Apr 30, 2026). - Approved temporary license for Ivy and Pearls Jazz in the Park (May 19, 2026), contingent on special event permit. - Approved temporary license for Ducks Unlimited (Feb 28, 2026); attendance discrepancy noted. - Approved Riverboat on the Potomac license transfer. - Approved Pisgah General Store/Liquor & Deli license transfer. - Approved La Hacienda 2 license transfer, contingent on state good-standing confirmation. - Approved December 11, 2025 meeting minutes. - Scheduled February 12, 2026 public hearing/vote on proposed rule changes.

The Animal Matters Hearing Board met on January 6, 2026, to hear four animal control matters: two citations brought by Animal Control, one private neighbor complaint, and a third citation requiring interpretation for a Spanish-speaking respondent. The board approved prior meeting minutes, received sworn testimony from officers, victims, an animal owner, and staff, and issued findings and directives. Board decisions are final and appealable to the Circuit Court within 30 days. Minutes Approval - The board approved the minutes of the December 16, 2025 meeting by unanimous voice vote. Case 1: Citation 7562 – Animal Control v. Molly John Murphy - Animal Control Officer Ingram testified that on December 3, 2025, at approximately 12:44 p.m., he responded to 3949 Shaftsbury Court, White Plains, for a cat running at large. Owner Molly John Murphy said she let her cat outside to use the bathroom. - Neighbor Tony Wiggins testified this was his second appearance; he had reported the cat and also defecation issues. On December 5, 2025, Wiggins found the black-and-white cat in a trap. The cat was transported to the Charles County Animal Care Center (profile no. 7736) and records showed Murphy had previously reclaimed the cat. - Murphy did not appear at the hearing. Officer Ingram issued citation 7562 for failure to obtain an individual license, animal at large, and failure to provide proof of current rabies vaccination; the cat was reclaimed on December 9, 2025. - When a board member asked whether the later-obtained license and rabies vaccination should waive the fines, the staff attorney said no because the action was forced through the reclaim process, and the owner did not appear. - Board finding: violation of 230-10A (individual license) $50 fine; 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine; 230-9A (rabies proof) $150 fine; total $250. Referral to the State's Attorney's office for failure to appear. Case 2: File 2522 – Tony Wiggins v. Molly Murphy Heisler - Tony Wiggins filed a private complaint concerning cat defecation on his property. During discussion, the board noted the complaint referenced the same December 3 trap incident already addressed in citation 7562 and that a second finding on the same incident would be unjust. - Wiggins testified he had witnessed feces but could not prove which cat was responsible. Board members found his testimony credible but stated they could not assume the trapped cat caused the defecation. - Board voted to dismiss file 2522. Wiggins was told he could come back if the problem continues with new dates. Case 3: Citation 7557 – Animal Control v. Henry Earl Rasco - Animal Control Officer Donald Murphy testified that on December 3, 2025, at approximately 9:47 a.m., a leashed dog named Cash was attacked by an unleashed Akita-type dog on Tyoga Lane, White Plains. Cash sustained puncture wounds to the leg, shoulder, and near the eye. - Victims Therese Hill Zachary and Trayland Zachary testified that the Akita came from nowhere, was not on a leash, and followed them home. Cash required veterinary surgery for three sutured wounds: two on the right side approximately 3–4 centimeters and one on the left approximately 3 centimeters, plus antibiotics, pain medication, and a 10-day quarantine. - Investigation identified Henry Earl Rasco Jr. as the owner of the Akita, Kane. Rasco testified he was unaware Kane had gotten out. Lt. Katie Rochet presented a county license issued January 5, 2026, and a rabies certificate expiring January 4, 2027; board members observed the license and vaccination appeared to post-date the December 3 incident. - Board motion initially proposed a $500 fine for 230-12.5 dangerous/potentially dangerous, with $300 held in abeyance; the board amended it to $400 held in abeyance for 9 months. - Board finding: violations of 230-10A (individual license) $0 fine; 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine; 230-9A (rabies proof) $0 fine; 230-12.5 (dangerous/potentially dangerous) $500 fine with $400 held in abeyance for 9 months. Total due: $150, payable in 45 days. Abatements E1–E8 and G were ordered, and Animal Control will inspect compliance. Case 4: Citation 7498 – Animal Control v. Daisy Dell Cedreo - With the assistance of a Spanish interpreter, Officer Amanda Brown testified that on December 22, 2025, she responded to the Stoddard Middle School area for a canine running at large, picked up a female German Shepherd named Kimba, and was told by shelter staff that this was Kimba's third impoundment within 12 months. - Owner Daisy Dell Cedreo testified through the interpreter that she let Kimba out to use the bathroom but forgot her while running errands; Kimba is hyperactive and would not come back. Cedreo said the side fence is low enough for Kimba to jump, the electric collar was not working, and she is not working so the reclaim fees are difficult. - Chief Jeffrey Thomas testified that the current reclaim bill in County Exhibit 2 was $500, and a payment plan might be available. - Board finding: violation of 230-12 (animal at large) $50 fine, held in abeyance for 2 months; violation of 230-12.6 (third impoundment within 12 months) no additional fine; respondent must pay the $500 reclaim fees. The $50 fine is waived if no further hearing occurs within 2 months; the reclaim fee must still be paid. Key Outcomes - Approved December 16, 2025 minutes. - Citation 7562: Molly John Murphy ordered to pay $250 in fines; case referred to the State's Attorney's office for failure to appear. - File 2522: Tony Wiggins's complaint dismissed; no findings. - Citation 7557: Henry Earl Rasco ordered to pay $150; $400 of the dangerous-dog fine held in abeyance for 9 months; abatements and inspections ordered. - Citation 7498: Daisy Dell Cedreo's $50 animal-at-large fine held in abeyance for 2 months; $500 reclaim fees ordered; possible payment plan.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners met on January 6, 2026, in afternoon and evening sessions. The board approved budget and sponsorship items, supported a Maryland Stadium Authority stadium improvement letter, introduced legislation on commissioner compensation, received a resiliency and sustainability goals update, discussed a $1,000 bonus for sworn sheriff's FOP bargaining unit members, and heard public comments on water supply, the proposed PRT legislation, and an Office of Inspector General. No agenda or minutes were included with the transcript. Consent Calendar / Approval Items - FY 2026 Budget Amendment/Transfer No. 339: Approved $30,100 in operating funds from the environmental service fee fund to pay a $30,092 Chesapeake Bay Trust invoice under the county's forest conservation fee-in-lieu cooperative agreement. Approved unanimously. - MLK Breakfast Sponsorship: Approved $1,500 for the NAACP's 31st annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prayer breakfast on January 19, 2026, funded as $300 per commissioner from community support funds. Approved unanimously. - Maryland Stadium Authority Letter: Approved a draft letter supporting Maryland Stadium Authority funding for approximately $38 million in improvements at Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Blue Crabs, including a new clubhouse and training facilities; the project would be paid for by MSA, not local funds. Approved unanimously. - Boards and Commissions: Approved appointment of Michelle Gilliam Lyons to the nuisance abatement hearing board. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Proposed Bill 2026-01, Compensation for County Commissioners: Associate County Attorney Sarah Dews asked the board to adopt the compensation commission's resolution and introduce legislation setting commissioner salaries and compensation for eight county boards and Orphan's Court for the term beginning December 1, 2026. The board unanimously voted to introduce the bill, schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m. in a hybrid format at the Government Building, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, and adopt the resolution. - Sworn Charles County Sheriff's Officers Bonus for FOP Bargaining Unit Members: Commissioner Coates requested that sworn deputies in the Fraternal Order of Police bargaining unit receive the $1,000 one-time bonus previously given to other county employees. Commissioner Bowling said the item was placed as a discussion rather than a voting matter because staff determined the county could not provide it, and explained that the FOP did not bargain for the bonus, unlike two other recognized unions and non-bargaining employees. Jake Dyer, Director of Fiscal Administrative Services, said the original presentation listed who would receive the bonus but did not specifically call out the FOP exclusion. Commissioner Coates said he was prepared to vote yes and had assumed the FOP was included, noting the FOP had previously received non-bargained benefits such as the leave buyback program. One commissioner said the initial focus had been including part-time employees, not excluding the FOP. No vote was taken because there was no public notice for an expenditure; Commissioner Coates said he would request the item for the next meeting on January 13. Resiliency and Sustainability Goals Update Jason Groth, Director of Planning and Growth Management, and Frankie Sherman, Chief of Environmental Resources, presented the county's semi-annual update on resiliency and sustainability goals using the OpenGov platform. Key points included: - Water supply: a WSSC interconnection would add 5 million gallons per day to the Waldorf water system, with implementation around 2030; a long-term Potomac River treatment/desalination project would add 5-10 million gallons per day, with completion around 2040. - Stormwater/wastewater: lightning detection stations installed at 10 parks; a Manowoman inflow and infiltration investigation; ARPA-funded community stormwater mitigation projects with the Resilience Authority, including right-of-way acquisition. - Renewable energy and fleet: 8 county buildings benchmarked under Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards; net-zero greenhouse gas goal for county buildings by 2040; grant application for solar and EV charging; fleet currently includes 28 new gasoline vehicles and 1 new electric Ford F-150; EV incentive grants are diminishing. - Land preservation and corridor development: about 1,000 acres preserved per year; county has protected about two-thirds of its 50% open space goal; approved 252 residential units along Old Washington corridor in 2025; elite gymnastics stormwater park expected to be completed in early 2026; facade improvement program and sidewalk projects advancing. - Transportation: new VanGo bus stops; neighborhood traffic calming program revisions expected in first quarter 2026; Smallwood Drive pedestrian crossing work with SHA; Indian Head Rail Trail extension design; 13 of 44 sidewalk projects active. - Beautification and waste diversion: unauthorized sign removal rose from 641 in 2024 to 3,000 in 2025; 47 community cleanups; weekly recycling began July 1; paint recycling begins April 2026; 594 bikes refurbished in FY25 and 1,451 total since August 2023; 6,698 mattresses diverted from landfill in FY25. - Groth noted the draft climate action plan has not yet been presented to the commissioners, Resilience Authority, or Planning Commission and will go through a full public process. Public Comments & Testimony - David Heidelbach expressed concerns about a planned water supply change, saying residents currently receive pristine, inexpensive, and reliable aquifer water, while replacement water from the lower Potomac/WSSC would be heavily treated, more expensive, and potentially introduce contaminants. He called for public awareness and a vote and noted a connection planned in an existing DR Horton neighborhood. - Kathleen Quaid requested that the proposed PRT legislation be amended to call the charge a tax rather than a fee. She stated that including 7,990 apartment units would add $519,350 annually and 264 mobile home units would add $17,160 annually, totaling $536,510; the $212,225 exemption for 3,265 100% disabled veteran units would be offset, producing a net increase of $324,285. - Renee Demine spoke in support of an Office of Inspector General, citing a Pew poll showing only 17% of Americans trust government to do the right thing all or most of the time and emphasizing youth civic engagement and accountability. - Greg Waring also supported an Office of Inspector General. He said the board should not condition it on state legislation because of the time it took other counties to obtain school system authority; he argued commissioners retain budget power and that an IG can be funded in part by consolidating the county auditor function. Key Outcomes - All four approval items passed unanimously. - Proposed Bill 2026-01 was introduced; a public hearing was scheduled for February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.; the compensation commission's resolution was adopted unanimously. - No vote was taken on extending the $1,000 bonus to FOP sworn deputies; the item was expected to be placed on a future agenda, with Commissioner Coates requesting the January 13 meeting. - Public comments were received; no formal action was taken on the requested PRT change or Office of Inspector General, though commissioners indicated the IG topic would be discussed further next week and staff would review the water supply concerns.

The Charles County Board of County Commissioners convened on January 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM with a quorum present (Commissioners Bowling, Stewart, and Collins; Commissioners Coates and Patterson absent). The meeting featured multiple proclamations, commissioner comments, approval of previous minutes, announcements regarding upcoming sessions, and a motion to enter closed session. Proclamations - National Panhellenic Council Recognition Month (Proclamation 2026-02): January 2026 was proclaimed as National Panhellenic Council (Divine Nine) Recognition Month, honoring the contributions of historically African American fraternities and sororities. A commissioner (and member of Kappa Alpha Psi) accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organizations. - Catholic Schools Week (Proclamation 2026-04): January 25–31, 2026, was proclaimed as Catholic Schools Week, recognizing Catholic schools’ contributions to education, community service, and character development. A student from St. Peter’s briefly spoke. - National Mentoring Month (Proclamation 2026-01): January 2026 was proclaimed as National Mentoring Month. The proclamation cited research showing youth with mentors are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to start using drugs, and 27% less likely to start drinking. Representatives from mentorship programs—Stella’s Girls, Beyond the Classroom, and the Hero Program—spoke in support. - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Beyond (Proclamation 2026-05): January 19, 2026, was proclaimed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Beyond, with the theme “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation, the Nonviolent Way.” The speaker noted the 40th anniversary of the observance and urged residents to treat the day as a “day on” for service. The event will be held at North Point High School. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Collins offered condolences to Commissioner Stewart on the passing of her father. Commissioner Stewart expressed gratitude for the support. Approval of Minutes - A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2025, meeting. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). Announcements - The next scheduled sessions are January 13 and 14, 2026. - The June 23, 2026, meeting and joint town hall are canceled due to primary elections on that day. Closed Session - A motion to enter closed session was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (3-0). The closed session was authorized under Maryland General Provisions §3-305(b)(1)(3)(7) to discuss appointments to commissioner-appointed boards/commissions, personnel matters, and a potential land acquisition. The open session was recessed; the board will resume open session at 3:00 PM. Key Outcomes - All four proclamations were read, presented, and accepted. - Minutes of December 9, 2025, were approved. - Meeting schedule adjustments were announced. - The board moved into closed session to discuss confidential matters, with open session to reconvene later that afternoon.

The Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting on December 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Chairman Lynn Gilroy presided, with members Bill Deere (Vice Chairman), Natasha Suba Perry (online), and Robert Ansel present. The meeting covered financial reports, project updates, and administrative matters. Minutes Approval - The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with three corrections noted by Vice Chairman Deere, including typographical fixes in the capital quarterly projects section. LOSAP Report (November 2025) - The Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) report was presented. Total fund balance at the end of November was $24,749,447.12, an increase of $1,135,357.67 from October. Wilmington Trust held $1,265,823.06 in deposits, with 326 distributions totaling $96,950.64 in benefits, one death benefit of $5,000, and one reissue of $225. Total deposits into Wilmington Trust were $1,121,614.97, including interest of $834.97. Trust fees were $3,026.88. Chairman Gilroy noted it was the first time in several years that no transfer of funds was needed to make the account whole. Escrow Accounts (Letter of Information) - Fire/EMS Coordinator William Smith submitted a letter listing November 2025 escrow expenses, pre-approved by the executive committees. Notable items included: $9,039.50 for the coordinator account, $1,533.21 for mobile display terminals, $5,480 for new license/maintenance from the MDT account, $63.29 for DCON wipes from training health and safety, $4,100 for travel to a safety officer conference, $46,172.35 for high angle rescue equipment from special operations, $1,556.10 for billboard signage from recruitment, and $2,400 for two additional student scholarships. The board accepted the report as information. Mobile Display Terminal (MDT) Replacement - Chief Mark Kaufman provided a quarterly update: installations of new MDTs were completed except for a few units out of service. A final report is expected next month. Ambulance Updates - Ambulances 39, 399, 127 (Waldorf): No new updates; the two companies have separated but 127 remains under Waldorf for reporting until contract transfer to Westlake. - Ambulance 608 (CC MICU): New unit delivered, balance paid, radius installation underway. Expected in service before January 1, 2026. Old unit to be sold. - Ambulance 58 (Benedict): Letter of intent filed; a committee has been formed to replace a 2008 Ford E350 PL Custom Ambulance. Chief Russelllander indicated a formal request will come soon. Apparatus Replacements and Projects - Westlake EMS Utility 12: Letter of intent to form a committee for replacement of a 2016 unit, part of a redesignation with Command 12. - UTV2 (Hughesville): 2026 Can Am Defender delivered in November; accessories and skid unit installation in progress; operator training underway. Service expected mid-to-late winter. - Truck 11 (Bryans Road): Factory visit pushed to January due to scheduling conflicts; no other changes. - Solar Panel Project (Bryans Road): Engineering phase ongoing; third-party review expected by January, permitting and interconnection by late March, installation May/June. - Engine 32 (Waldorf): Engineering plans finalized; production started; delivery expected July 2026. - Station 12 Renovation (Westlake): Phase one (men's locker room demolition/reconstruction) ongoing; phase two (public restroom) to begin in 1-2 weeks. - SCBA Purchase (Waldorf): Delivery delayed to first or second week of December. A board member questioned whether quarterly updates were required per policy, but it was noted the department is voluntarily keeping the board informed. - Bay Door Replacement (Westlake, Station 12): Replacement began December 1; delay due to 16-week lead time; each door takes 3 days to install; building remains secure. New Business and Reports - Chairman's Report (Bill Deere): - Bill Cook, past president, returning home after rehab for a broken hip. - AFG grant for 125 sets of PPE denied; FEMA indicated other applicants had older gear. The county will reapply. - $45,000 state grant for volunteer cancer screening postponed; procurement process reopened by state health department. - Annual banquet for volunteer fire and EMS associations set for January 9, 2026, at JC's Hall, 6 PM. - Cadet program update: 20 cadets continuing education; second-year EMTs performing well; fundraiser at Chris Krangle Christmas Market successful; proceeds to be tallied. - Two recent deaths: Mike Kickman of dive rescue team and David Hoffmaster, charter member from Dentsville (age 91). Condolences extended. - Fire prevention reminder to residents: use caution with Christmas trees, ensure artificial trees are UL approved, and keep live trees watered. - Reappointments: Bill Deere was re-elected by the EMS Association to chair the EMS executive committee, placing him on this board. Lynn Gilroy was re-approved by the Firemen's Association to serve another year as executive committee chair. Elections for chair and vice chair of the Board of Fire and Rescue Commissioners will be held at the January 2026 meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned with a motion and unanimous vote. Chairman Gilroy wished all first responders and families a happy holiday and prosperous new year.

The Animal Matters Hearing Board convened on December 16, 2025, to adjudicate two cases involving dogs running at large and aggressive behavior. The board heard testimony from animal control officers, witnesses, and the dogs' owners. The meeting also included an update on board compensation and the adoption of resolutions of appreciation. Meeting Opening - The meeting was called to order by Chair Matthew Cook. - Roll call was taken with members William Johnson, Sergeant Cooney (CCSO), Matthew Cook, Christine Gonzalez, James Sherman, Dr. Michelle Quigley, and Clerk Linda Price present. - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Case 1: Citations 7492 & 7493 – Animal Control vs. Angela Tawan Murray - Charges: Two German Shepherds, Ghost (7492) and Ace (7493), were cited for running at large, lacking individual licenses, and being dangerous/vicious canines after killing a cat named Socks. - Testimony: Officer Myra Teaman investigated the incident from a Facebook post. Christina Jordan testified the dogs shook her cat 'like a tug of war,' leading to its euthanasia. William Sr. positively identified the dogs. Angela Murray took full responsibility, stating the dogs dug under the fence. She admitted to waiting three days to report them missing. Lt. Katie Rochet provided rabies and license records. - Outcomes: Both dogs were deemed dangerous and vicious. Fines of $250 per citation ($50 animal at large, $200 dangerous/vicious) were imposed. The $200 portion was held in abeyance for six months. Abatements under Regulation 230-12.5 (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5A, 5B, 5C, E6, E7, E8, and G, excluding F) are required. Case 2: Citations 7494 & 7495 – Animal Control vs. Elizabeth Ann Smith - Charges: Two Rottweilers, Lady Cupcake (7494) and Banks (7495), were cited for running at large. Cupcake had a prior dangerous and vicious designation from 2018. - Testimony: Joseph Leotino testified the dogs chased him into his car, describing their behavior as aggressive and noting proximity to an elementary school. Officers Cheyenne Boo and Amanda Brown responded. Officer Teaman noted a prior loose dog incident in October 2025. Elizabeth Smith testified the dogs escaped due to a gate left open by workers, describing them as friendly family dogs, and stated locks had been installed. She waived her right to a 14-day notice. - Outcomes: Cupcake was found in violation of the dangerous/vicious regulations. Banks was declared a potentially dangerous canine. Fines of $250 per citation ($50 animal at large, $200 violation/designation) were imposed with $200 held in abeyance for six months. A reclaim fee of $265 is due by noon on December 17, 2025. Abatements are required for Banks. Compensation Commission Update - The resolution for annual stipends for board members has been adopted. The implementation timeline is pending local legislation. Administrative Communications - Resolution 2025-01: Expressed appreciation to Animal Care and Control for their professionalism. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2025-02: Expressed appreciation to Clerk Linda Price for her organizational skills and dedication. Adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Fines: Total of $200 in immediate fines payable to the county within 30 days. - Designations: Three animals (Ghost, Ace, Cupcake) were subject to dangerous/vicious declarations. Banks was declared potentially dangerous. - Compliance: Animal control will conduct follow-up inspections for abatements. Non-compliance may result in additional penalties. - Votes: All motions were passed unanimously by the board.

The Charles County (Maryland) Planning Commission met on December 15, 2025. Members present were Chairman Kevin Wedding, William Murray, Denard Earl, Jeffrey Bossert, Samaya Hackett, and Ryan Sekretarsky; Dawood Abdur Ramon was absent. The Commission approved routine items, conducted a site development plan public hearing for Parcel H in the Parklands neighborhood, recognized outgoing Commissioner William Murray, and received staff updates on upcoming meetings. Consent Calendar - Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda as written was seconded and passed by voice vote. - December 1, 2025 minutes: Motion to approve the minutes with the recommendations and findings from that meeting was seconded and approved. The transcript includes an apparent “opposed” interjection, but the Chairman declared the motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak, so the personal appearances portion of the agenda was skipped. Discussion Items - Parklands, Parcel H Site Development Plan (HDP 250040) – Village of Wooded Glen, Neighborhood 4: - Staff planner Tatiana Anderson presented the request to approve the Phase 8, Parcel H townhome site development plan, consistent with the approved Villages of Wooded Glen and Piney Reach Master Plan for the St. Charles PUD and the Parklands preliminary plan (PLREV 25002) approved December 1, 2025. The original preliminary plan (PSP 19001) was approved November 4, 2019. - Parcel H is 32.74 acres north of Maryland Route 488 (La Plata Road), accessed via Everglades Drive, zoned PUD and in the Priority Funding Area. It proposes 51 townhouse units (use code 3.02 200). - Applicant representative Steve Scott, joined by Pat Wackerly, said the townhouses are 28 feet wide with two-car garages and two-car parking, and roads are built to local standards (24 feet wide, 50-foot right-of-way). - Responding to Commissioner questions — including whether St. Charles is required to obtain a state FIDS letter — Scott said they have a DNR letter and completed MDE tier two review. He also said the habitat protection condition means protecting RPZ, wetland, and floodplain resources and using planted environmental site design facilities around the perimeter. St. Charles is preserving existing forest on site beyond the forest conservation plan requirement. - On water and sewer, Scott said capacity analyses are being prepared with the engineering plans. The sewer analysis sizes a trunk line along Carrick Swamp to Pump Station 8 in Stonehaven. Models include the entire neighborhood (about 1,000 units) and adjacent Highlands and Horizon neighborhoods. - Regarding Everglades Drive, Scott said the road will be extended from the roundabout to Maryland Route 488 as part of the future southern pod (Pod C) work; mass grading is underway, and a signal warrant analysis will follow once the intersection is connected. - Staff recommended approval with the conditions listed in the staff report; the applicant noted one approval condition and accepted it. Staff Reports and Director's Comments - Director Ms. Rice thanked Commissioner Murray for his nearly seven years of service. She announced that meetings expecting larger crowds, beginning with the February 2, 2026 data center work session, may start in the county commissioners' auditorium using a combined in-person/virtual approach. - Staff previewed the January 12, 2026 meeting: Cedar Ridge conceptual subdivision plan, Liberty Bell preliminary subdivision plan, and tentatively Guldowski preliminary subdivision plan. The February 2 meeting will focus on data centers; an additional February meeting may be added if needed. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the Parcel H site development plan (HDP 250040) in accordance with the staff report recommendation and conditions was seconded and carried by voice vote. - Chairman Wedding presented a county certificate of appreciation to outgoing Commissioner William Murray, recognizing six years and ten months of service. Murray shared a personal anecdote about helping a divorced farm owner avoid a costly 1,200-foot right-of-way requirement. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.