Public Meetings - Charles County, Maryland

Charles County Board of Fine Rescue Commissioners convened on July 16, 2026, with Chairman Lynn Gilroy presiding. Members present included Vice Chairman Bill Deere, Governor’s Appointee Natasha Suber Perry, County Commissioner Appointees Robert Ansel and Quincy Colby, and others via online or in person. A quorum was established. The board reviewed financial reports, quarterly apparatus updates, emergency procurement requests, and tabled a renovation design proposal. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the June 18, 2026 meeting were approved with a correction: Section 12 to read “Ambulance 127” instead of “Ambulance” for Westlakes Volunteer Fire Department EMS. Motion carried unanimously. SAP Report – June 2026 Vice Chairman Bill Deere presented the Low SAP Account report. As of June 30, 2026, Principal Financial had a balance of $25,006,840.54, and Wilmington Trust reported a change in value of -$105,549.86. Total funds on hand at the end of May were $25,670,406.63, with a negative change of $138,169.60. The board received the report without questions. Monthly Distribution from Escrow Account – June 2026 Bill Deere listed pre-approved expenditures totaling approximately $48,794.29 for various accounts, including coordinator’s account, mobile data terminal accounts, vehicle fuel, hydration materials, and EMS coordinator salary. This was presented as a letter of information. Quarterly Updates on Apparatus - Amos 518 Replacement (Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad): An update noted that FESCO ordered a diesel chassis instead of gasoline. The unit was pulled from production; a one- to two-month delay is expected with no additional cost. - Cobb Island Ambulance 68: No start of production yet; no further information. - Cobb Island Fire Rescue Boat 6: Build completion moved up; delivery expected December 2026. - Westlake Volunteer Fire Department EMS: Delivery of EMS 12 and fire utility 12 completed; vehicles in service; close-out package anticipated next month. - 10th District Volunteer Fire Department Engine 82: Sold for $30,000 to Taylor Pace Stamp Pipe Flow Testing Company; funds returned to apparatus account. - 10th District Vehicle 8 Letter of Intent: Intend to replace a 2009 Ford F-50 pickup truck as a command unit. - Walter Volunteer Fire Department Fire Car 3: Final report: 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe purchased at total cost $85,631.87 (50-50 fire/EMS split); placed in service. - Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department – Emergency Roof Replacement: The board unanimously approved emergency procurement of $266,763 for roof replacement with Ordolf & Spade due to active leaks and potential damage. The department’s building escrow balance is $1,632,405. The executive committee had previously approved with a 14‑0 vote. - Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department – Hose Tower Repairs (Letter of Information): Following emergency approval in June 2026, the board received an update on repairs by Variety Contracting Inc., estimated at $14,965 with additional work expected under $50,000. - La Plata Volunteer Fire Department – Station Renovation A&E Design (Tabled): The request for $221,420 for architectural/engineering services for station renovation and addition was tabled by motion for further review. Vote: unanimous. Volunteer Coordinator’s Report Bill Smith reported: - Awards from Maryland State Firefighters Association convention: Fire prevention awards to Hughesville, Cobb Island, Potomac Heights, and Newburgh volunteer companies. - 50‑year service awards to Beverly Jarbo (Hughesville) and Tony Rhodes Sr. (Hughesville/past chief/current deputy director of DES). - EMS grant (two-year, $300,000/year) was withdrawn from consideration pending further preparation. - Appeal for public to donate water/Gatorade to fire/EMS stations due to hot weather. - Tax incentive increase from $500 to $2,500 approved by county commissioners; addendum to tax bills forthcoming. - Cadet program: 9 returning students for EMT and 19 new first-year students; 911 telecommunicators course planned. - Upcoming budget work session on August 1st. Capital Project Quarterly Report Notifications Quarterly reports are due at the next meeting (August 20, 2026) for several departments, including Benedict, Dentsville, Hughesville, Newburgh, Potomac Heights, and Waldorf. Late reports from Westlake on EMS utility and utility 12 were noted as received. Other Business - Acknowledgment of retiring secretary Melody and welcome to new secretary Linda Price. - Late addition: Quarterly update for EMS Command Three (Waldorf) – taken delivery, currently being outfitted, final report pending. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Charles County Board of Appeals met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The board conducted a public hearing on Docket 1488, a special exception request for a boarding house, granted a continuance for Docket 1489, adopted findings and decisions for prior cases, and discussed future meeting dates. Member Damian Trisada was absent. Consent Calendar - The board accepted the agenda for July 14, 2026, as changed. - The board approved the June 9, 2026 meeting minutes related to the Wycomico Sports Renewal. - The board approved a continuance for Docket 1489 (Falcon Ridge), moving the hearing to September 22, 2026; September 15 was unavailable, so staff recommended September 22 and the board concurred. Public Comments & Testimony - Jabina Spencer, 2490 Creston Place, whose home is adjacent behind the subject property, opposed the boarding house special exception. She said the community was developed as single-family homes and argued that a boarding house with multiple unrelated adults would differ from a single household, increasing traffic, noise, resident turnover, and activity. She also cited concerns about the shared forest preservation area and privacy, and argued the applicant had not shown compatibility with the established neighborhood. - Deborah Joe Ferguson, 2480 Creston Place, also opposed the request. She listed five concerns: safety and accountability, property values, density and loss of the single-family neighborhood character, infrastructure strain, and the risk that approval would encourage similar future requests. She asked the board to deny the application to protect the integrity of the single-family community. Discussion Items - Planning staff member Tatiana Anderson presented Docket 1488 for John Pedro’s property at 11890 Acton Park Place, Waldorf. The site is 0.33 acres, zoned RH (high-density suburban residential), and contains a single-family detached home built in 2025. The applicant requested special exception approval for a five-bedroom boarding house, with the sixth bedroom used by the owner. Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report. - Board members questioned staff and the applicant about the difference between a boarding house and a rooming house; the single kitchen’s one stove, oven, and refrigerator requiring tenant scheduling; driveway and on-street parking coordination; leases and background checks; the applicant’s LLC and certificate of good standing; fire and building code compliance; and whether bedroom five had direct garage access, which would raise carbon monoxide safety concerns. The applicant, John Pedro, stated he would live on site, operate through an LLC, use leases with assigned schedules, and conduct background checks. - Board members noted that the special exception record needed a defined neighborhood boundary and exterior photographs of the building showing no more than three entrances. Board counsel also asked staff to provide a memo on the county’s newly adopted accessory dwelling unit law, noting it was unlikely to affect this boarding house application directly. Key Outcomes - Docket 1488 (Pedro boarding house) hearing was held, but the record was left open for one week to receive: the LLC certificate of good standing, exterior photos of the house, and a staff memo on the ADU law. The board planned to meet virtually on August 11, 2026, to discuss and decide the case. - Docket 1459 Rivers Edge administrative appeal: the board approved the decision and order; Watkins, Walker, Grindle, and Humbert voted in favor, and Trainer voted against. - Docket 1474 Duke 925 LLC: the board adopted the decision and order as amended to note dissents by Chairperson Humbert and Ms. Walker. The recorded vote to adopt was unanimous among the members present. - Docket 1483 Riverside Shores variance: the board approved the decision and order; Watkins, Walker, Trainer, and Grindle voted in favor. - Docket 1484 Riverside Shores Critical Area variance: the board approved the decision and order; Watkins, Walker, Trainer, and Grindle voted in favor; Chairperson Humbert was not polled in the transcript. - Docket 1059 Wycomico Sports Special Exception Renewal: the board approved the decision and order; Watkins, Walker, Trainer, and Humbert voted in favor, and Grindle did not vote. - The board extended its review period for proposed changes to the rules and procedures for another 30 days and penciled in a possible virtual meeting on September 8, 2026, to discuss the proposed changes. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous motion.

The Charles County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on July 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included approval of the agenda and amended minutes, chairperson's comments on departing members, a public comment on the Falcon Ridge subdivision appeal, a public meeting on a critical area intrafamily transfer request, a briefing on the 2025 annual planning report, and updates from the planning director. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously. - The amended minutes from the May 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. The amendment corrected a typo in the agenda item title for the Villages at Swan Point update. Public Comments & Testimony - Personal Appearance – Nancy Schertler: Ms. Schertler, a resident of Newburgh, Maryland, addressed the commission regarding the Falcon Ridge preliminary subdivision plan. She stated that the commission denied a modication request on March 23, 2026, to extend the preliminary plan for six months, and the plan expired on April 17, 2026. The developer filed an appeal (Docket 1489) with the Board of Appeals, and also requested that Planning Director Charles Rice continue to process and approve subdivision applications during the appeal, which she characterized as a "blatant attempt to circumvent the authority of this board." She noted that the appeal hearing is scheduled for July 14, 2026, with a requested continuance until after September 15, 2026, which would place the next hearing on September 22—one day before the six-month extension originally sought. She expressed concern that if the director granted the request and the developer reached the 25% threshold before the appeal was adjudicated, the appeal could become moot, undermining the commission's authority. She also thanked outgoing county attorney Liz Theoboltz for her service. Discussion Items - Chairperson's Comments: Chair Kevin Wetting announced two departures: County Attorney Representative Liz Theoboltz, who has been appointed a District Court Judge by Governor Moore, will serve through August 17; and Commission Secretary Dawood Abdur Rahman, whose last meeting will be July 23, 2026, after approximately five years of service. Both were recognized for their contributions, especially on affordable housing. - Public Meeting – Critical Area Intrafamily Transfer Change in Circumstances for Port Tobacco Lakes Lots 3C and 3E: Planner Caitlin Clue presented the proposal. The lots, located off Carroll Road in the Rural Conservation (RC) zone, were created in a 1996 resubdivision with critical area intrafamily transfer restrictions, meaning they cannot be sold to non-family members without a change-in-circumstance finding. The applicant, Sonia Dolinger, as trustee for her late mother's special needs trust, explained that the trust was established to care for her disabled sister. Due to the death of her brother (who lived in the on-site residence), financial hardship, and the need for 24-hour care for her sister, the family cannot maintain the property. A potential buyer is interested and is aware of the critical area restrictions. The commission heard her testimony and then voted unanimously to approve the change-in-circumstance request, with the addition of the one staff-recommended condition requiring the critical area requirements to remain applicable. - New Business – Planning Commission Annual Report Briefing: Planning Supervisor Joel Binkley presented the annual report for calendar year 2025, required by state law. Key statistics include: - 768 residential building permits issued, with zero apartment units. - 15 net new preliminary subdivision lots approved (all single-family detached). - 545 final plat lots recorded (511 inside the Priority Funding Area). - 874 net acres of protected land added, bringing the county total to 37% preserved (goal is 50%). - No affordable housing building permits issued in 2025, but the pipeline now holds over 1,200 units—enough to meet the estimated deficit. - Population growth rate of 1.2%, slightly above the comprehensive plan target of 1%. - School enrollment remained flat, while housing production fell below the state target of 1,103 units per year. - Majority of development continued to concentrate in the Priority Funding Area and Planned Unit Development (PUD). Commissioners discussed the need for clearer data on incorporated towns (Indian Head, La Plata), the static affordable housing deficit target, declining large subdivisions post-St. Charles Phase 5, and potential implications for growth. Binkley noted that future development would likely come from redevelopment and densification within the development district. The report will be brought back for formal approval at the commission's first meeting in August after incorporating feedback. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimously): Critical area intrafamily transfer change-in-circumstance for Port Tobacco Lakes Lots 3C and 3E, subject to the condition that critical area requirements remain applicable to future owners. - Received and Discussed: Planning Commission Annual Report for 2025. Staff will revise the report based on commissioner comments and return for approval at the next meeting (tentatively August 2026). - Director's Report: Planning Director Charles Rice highlighted the recent approval of the Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning text amendment by the County Commissioners, which was held up as a model by Maryland Department of Planning. He also previewed upcoming items for the County Commissioners on July 21 (Maryland Airport comp plan amendment, retail sales over 100,000 sq ft zoning text amendment briefing, data center zoning text amendment recommendation) and for the Planning Commission on July 20 (mixed-use residential community zoning text amendment public hearing, another critical area change, South Park West preliminary subdivision plan continued work session, forest conservation ordinance update, and Naval Surface Warfare Center briefing).

The Charles County Liquor Board met on July 9, 2026, to consider two one-day temporary Class C beer, wine, and liquor licenses. The board approved both applications unanimously after public testimony from the applicants. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed for this meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made by members of the public during this session. Discussion Items - Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 24 – Team Katrina Golf Tournament Fundraiser - Applicant: Michael Smith, President of FOP Lodge 24, requested a one-day temporary Class C beer, wine, and liquor license for July 24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at White Plains Golf Course, 1015 St. Charles Parkway, White Plains, Maryland. - Event: Team Katrina Golf Tournament Fundraiser benefiting the daughter of a lodge member who is fighting an illness. Approximately 120 people expected. - Smith explained that all golfers will show ID and receive wristbands; coolers will be manned so that anyone without a wristband will not receive alcohol. He noted the application contained typos (e.g.,

The Charles County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on July 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting covered two public hearings: a proposed cable television franchise agreement with Verizon and a zoning text amendment regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Both hearings included staff presentations, commissioner questions, and public testimony. The board voted to approve both items. Public Hearing: Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement - Bill Kidwell, Chief Information Officer, and Tom Robinson from CBG Communications presented a proposed renewal franchise agreement with Verizon. The agreement is for a five-year term ending summer 2031, requiring Verizon to offer cable service to any area with density of 15 residential units per mile. - Key consumer protections include detailed customer service standards (e.g., 24-hour response for outages, four-hour appointment windows), service interruption rebates for outages of four hours or more, and a performance bond increased to $500,000. - Public educational/governmental (PEG) access channels will be upgraded to high definition within 90–180 days, and a direct fiber connection for the college's channels is included. Funding for PEG capital is provided through upfront and quarterly grants. - No public testimony was offered. The board closed the public record and adopted Resolution 2026-10 authorizing the franchise agreement. All commissioners voted in favor. Public Hearing: Zoning Text Amendment 25-189 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Joel Binkley and Devin Parker from the Department of Planning and Growth Management presented the amendment, which aligns with Maryland House Bill 1466 requiring local ADU authorizations by October 1, 2026. The amendment expands ADUs as permitted uses with conditions. - Proposed changes: remove the 50% floor area equivalency rule, allow ADUs up to 75% of primary dwelling size (state maximum), no off-street parking requirement (subject to future study), no minimum lot size, and height limit of 24 feet with a maximum of two bedrooms. ADUs are permitted in all zones where single-family detached homes are allowed, including new townhouse developments (internal ADUs only, for future development). - Commissioners raised concerns about equity for rural residents on well/septic systems, as health department regulations require separate septic for detached ADUs. Discussion noted that state legislation only affects zoning, not health regulations. Commissioners expressed intent to pursue state legislation to allow ADUs to tap into existing septic if capacity exists. The board also discussed limitations on ADUs in existing townhomes and the exclusion of tiny homes on wheels. - One public speaker, Larry Haley, spoke in favor of ADUs for affordability and multi-generational housing. - The board closed the public record and adopted Bill 2026-06 (the zoning text amendment) unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 2026-10: Authorized execution of the cable franchise agreement with Verizon Maryland LLC. Vote: unanimous. - Approved Bill 2026-06: Adopted zoning text amendment 25-189 expanding ADU allowances. Vote: unanimous. - Directive: Staff was directed to draft state legislative proposals, to be submitted by the August 7 deadline, addressing septic system requirements for ADUs in rural areas and potential HOA preemption issues.

The meeting on July 7, 2026, included a briefing from Kaiser Permanente on the status of its proposed facility, annual updates from the Homeowners Association Dispute Review Board and the Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board, a discussion on the venue for the Oath of Office ceremony, and a public comment period covering data centers, collective bargaining, and other local issues. Kaiser Permanente Briefing - Grace Limic Dermitt, Vice President and General Manager for Commercial Business, reported that Kaiser Permanente acquired a 23-acre property on Crane Highway in 2020 but placed design and construction on hold in early 2025 due to rising construction costs, inflation, labor shortages, and shifting membership numbers (especially federal employees). - She stated the decision is a pause, not a cancellation, and the company remains committed to Charles County. Options being considered include a smaller facility (around 40,000 sq ft) or leasing existing space, with a business case expected for capital planning in spring 2027. - Commissioners asked about membership changes, the county RFP process, and potential partnerships. Kaiser Permanente representatives noted a loss of about 1,000 members, attributed to unemployment and coverage drops, and expressed interest in competing for the county employee health care contract when the RFP is issued (expected October 2026 for a July 1, 2027 start date). - Commissioners expressed continued support and asked for regular updates. Homeowners Association Dispute Review Board Annual Update - Reed Fosson, zoning administrator, presented on behalf of the HOADRB. The board held five meetings in 2025 but received no complaints. The complaint form was updated to a fillable format. - Board membership changed with new chair Veronica Brown Barnes. Goals include improving public outreach and exploring training for HOAs consistent with state legislation. - Commissioners discussed the application fee ($200 filing, $500 hearing) and its potential deterrent effect, as well as challenges with defunct HOAs and the need for mediation alternatives. Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board Annual Update - Jeremy Baysmore and Rebecca Hamilton reported 235 new cases in 2025, with 158 closed, 77 decision and orders issued, and 35 cleanups enforced by county-hired contractors. - The board transitioned from a volunteer to a stipend board effective December 2025. Commissioners inquired about fees, assistance for elderly and low-income residents, and the three-minute speaking limit at hearings. - The board clarified that civil penalty fines are set to recover staff time, while cleanup invoices are passed directly to property owners and can become tax liens. Oath of Office Ceremony Venue Update - Crystal Hunt (Chief of Staff) and Julie Laj recommended the CSM Fine Arts Center Theater in La Plata for the December 1, 2026 ceremony, citing 400-seat capacity, accessible parking, reception space, and operational certainty compared to school venues. - Commissioners asked for detailed comparisons of all evaluated sites (including Thomas Stone High School, the former Sears building, and others) before making a decision. Staff agreed to provide additional information and consult with the school system at a higher level. Public Comments & Testimony - Jacqueline Moore: Submitted written responses from commissioners on data center questions; criticized insufficient transparency and expressed concern about data center impacts on environment and health. Noted Prince George's County passed a two-year moratorium on data centers. - William Hall (President, Windsor Manor HOA): Updated on ongoing flooding issues in his community; requested continued county assistance. Also raised concerns about HOA compliance costs for new state laws (reserve studies, voting requirements) and asked for caps on mandated expenses. - David Maher (attorney for AFSME): Opposed aspects of the proposed collective bargaining ordinance, arguing for two bargaining units, card-check certification, majority-of-votes-cast standard, and against making scheduling a management right. - Denise Gilmore (AFSME Maryland): Argued for information rights to follow collective bargaining law rather than MPIA, for an evergreen clause, and against a sunset provision if no union is certified after two years. - Derek Terry (former Vice Chair, Police Accountability Board): Criticized the county for not providing a professional explanation for his non-reappointment; expressed disappointment with the process. Supported collective bargaining rights for county employees. - Rebecca Turner: Urged rejection of hyperscale data center development at the Morgantown site, citing water consumption, tax breaks, and environmental risks. Noted the Potomac River was named most endangered in 2026. - Brandy Richards: Questioned county testing of the Potomac following sewage spills and fuel leaks; raised concerns about data center impacts on power grid and climate risks. - Sterling Moorhead (equipment operator, Mattawoman WWTP): Supported collective bargaining as a means to improve staffing, safety, and employee retention in county services. - Greg Waring: Criticized PGM for ignoring Planning Commission recommendations on the data center ZTA, particularly the restriction to heavy industrial zoning. Called for restructuring or oversight of the department. - John Bill Manis: Argued that data center development requires a comprehensive approach and suggested using a docket process rather than a ZTA to ensure proper review. - Alex Votoff (attorney for Susan and Clark Bowling): Raised concerns about a cannabis grow operation at 10250 Everest Place, alleging illegal septic system, wells, impervious surfaces, and health risks. Requested county enforcement. - Shelley Posey: Called for Commissioner Patterson to recuse himself from data center votes due to his role on a pro-data center committee; criticized the Board of Elections for an Open Meetings Act violation regarding Patterson. - Daron Tross: Criticized the HOA dispute board as ineffective; advocated for collective bargaining rights; and called for medical services at meetings after Commissioner Collins' medical incident. Key Outcomes - Kaiser Permanente: Project remains on hold; no timeline for resumption. County will follow up on RFP process and explore partnership opportunities. - HOADRB: No complaints in 2025; board will continue outreach and training efforts. Commissioners suggested reviewing fee structure and mediation options. - Nuisance Abatement Board: Annual report accepted. Board will continue coordinating with zoning and code enforcement. Issues related to fees and elderly assistance noted for further discussion. - Oath of Office Venue: No final decision; staff to provide full comparison of evaluated sites and consult with school system before a decision is made. - Public Comments: Commissioners responded, noting support for collective bargaining (all five commissioners agree employees should have the option), continued data center discussion, and direction to staff on cannabis grow operation complaint. Commissioner Collins confirmed he is fine after a medical incident. - Next Public Hearing on Collective Bargaining: Scheduled for July 21, 2026.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners convened on July 7, 2026, for proclamations, routine approvals, and a detailed work session on Proposed Bill 2026-04, which would authorize collective bargaining for county employees. Commissioner Stewart was absent for the opening roll call but attended later; Commissioner Collins was absent during part of the later session. Proclamations - The Board proclaimed July 2026 as National Parks and Recreation Month (Proclamation 2026-55). Speakers thanked the Board and said parks and recreation improve quality of life. - The Board proclaimed July 17–27, 2026, as Maryland by Local Week (Proclamation 2026-56). The proclamation cited 371 farms, more than 47,000 acres of farmland, and over $20 million in agricultural revenue in Charles County. A speaker said agriculture is Maryland's largest commercial industry and that local spending has an estimated 3–4 times economic multiplier. Agriculture interns expressed support for Southern Maryland agriculture. Commissioner Comments and Administrative Items - Commissioner Collins praised the Thomas Stone Historic Site's Maryland 250th anniversary event, the Rich Hill historic site opening, and Congressman Hoyer's Black history essay contest, and thanked the sheriff's office and fire departments for July 4th safety. - Commissioner Coates recognized Deputy County Attorney Liz Theobold on her appointment as a Charles County District Court judge. - The Board approved the June 24, 2026, meeting minutes and was reminded the next regular sessions will be July 21–22, 2026. Consent Calendar and Approvals - Approved FY2026 budget transfers: BTR 376 ($110,000 for water/sewer electricity overruns), BTR 481 ($441,410 for AE inspection and construction costs for the Matterwoman wastewater treatment plant flow equalization basin project), BTR 762 ($78,000 for Indian Head Rail Trail administrative costs), and BTR 978 ($196,700 for behavioral health clinic and community health outreach worker program costs, transferred from ARPA funds held by Economic Development). - Approved FY2027 budget amendments carrying over funds: BA 7 ($150,000 for the urban tree canopy assessment in the watershed protection fund) and BA 9 ($65,210 for a landfill fund vehicle approved in FY2026 but not yet delivered). - Approved the negotiated three-year memorandum of understanding between the County, Sheriff's Office, and Charles County Correctional Officers Association for FY2027–FY2029. It moves corrections officers from merit pay to a step scale, provides a 1.5% COLA on the July 24, 2026 paycheck, an anniversary step, and parity with non-bargaining employee raises and bonuses. Commissioner Bowling questioned how the non-bargaining comparison would work if county employees later unionized; staff said that would be a reopener. Staff noted late grammar-only changes would be incorporated before signature. - Approved delegating authority to the Chief Information Officer to complete Microsoft Azure Government validation/enrollment under the county's existing Microsoft agreement; no new spending was authorized. - Approved a grant-funded, state-required court security position for the Sheriff's Office. The grant covers the position for one year; after that, the county would fund it. Commissioners called it an unfunded mandate stemming from House Bill 492 and expressed concern about future state fiscal pressure. Work Session: Proposed Bill 2026-04 on County Employee Collective Bargaining - Outside counsel Paul Tell and DPW Director Martin Harris reviewed the county's original bill and AFSME's proposed amendments. Harris described steps DPW has taken to improve employee engagement, pay, and safety, including a DPW employee committee, doubled boot allowances and on-call pay, paid CDL training, a 9-hour rest period after after-hours emergencies, and a safety survey showing 96% of employees rated workplaces safe or very safe. Harris stated he took no position on the bill but wanted to show employees have been heard. - Board members discussed concerns that AFSME's changes would remove management rights to set schedules and work rules. The Board restored language preserving county authority to set and modify schedules and to hold employees over during emergencies; compensation for such work remains bargainable. They also agreed to replace stricken work-rule language with the county's right to establish reasonable work rules and to add an emergency clause allowing the county to take whatever lawful action is necessary to carry out its mission during emergencies. - The Board changed the proposed exclusive-representative information-sharing language so the county would provide the union only information required under the Maryland Public Information Act. - Board members reached consensus on one countywide bargaining unit containing two classifications (service, labor, and trades; office, professional, and technical), rather than two separate bargaining units. - For union certification, the Board restored the county's option to request a secret-ballot election when cards are signed by more than 50% of eligible employees, and required at least 51% of eligible employees to cast ballots, with a majority of votes cast needed to certify the union. The deadline for the county to request a ballot was changed to 20 business days. - The Board debated binding versus non-binding impasse arbitration. Staff and counsel warned binding arbitration could harm the county's bond rating and fiscal flexibility. With four commissioners present, three favored non-binding and one favored binding arbitration, so the Board kept non-binding, advisory arbitration. Commissioner Bowling said he agreed for now but planned to push in August for binding arbitration covering IAFF, FOP, and the new county employee unit. - The Board accepted standard unfair labor practice provisions but amended them to mirror the Maryland Public Information Act information requirement. - The Board added a sunset provision: if no union is certified within two years of the legislation's effective date, the enabling authority would expire, with the possibility of extension by a future board. Key Outcomes - All six budget transfer/amendment items were approved; the sheriff's MOU, Microsoft Azure delegation, and court security position were also approved. - No formal vote was taken on Bill 2026-04 during the work session. Staff will draft the amended red-line language, and the Board will continue with a public hearing and work session on July 21–22, 2026. - Morning briefings on food truck policy, hunting opportunities, speed cameras, and the oath-of-office venue were rescheduled.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners convened on June 24, 2026, with Commissioners Bowling (absent), Coates, Stewart, Patterson, and Collins present. The meeting began with roll call, approval of minutes from June 9, 2026, and then moved through a series of approval items, a briefing on a comprehensive plan amendment, and a work session on proposed collective bargaining legislation. Commissioners voted on several budget amendments, transfers, grants, and designations, and set a future public hearing date. Approval Items - FY 2027 Budget Amendment Increase 6: $200,000 transfer of FY 2026 strategic planning funds to the FY 2027 Department of Economic Development Strategic Plan. (Approved unanimously). - FY 2027 Budget Transfer Request 10: $1,122,200 to consolidate three White Plains CIP projects into one unified project account. (Approved unanimously). - FY 2026 Budget Transfer Request 864: $67,000 for the Department of Emergency Services to cover electricity overage using savings from lower CAD maintenance and deferred radio tower maintenance. (Approved unanimously). - Letter of Support for Land and Water Conservation Fund: For White Plains Park Enhancements, seeking 50% reimbursement grant for new outdoor basketball courts and associated improvements. (Approved unanimously). - FY 2026 Intercategory Budget Transfer – Charles County Board of Education: $3.8 million reallocation to align resources with operational needs, including shifts in administration, instruction, special education, transportation, utilities, maintenance, and other categories. (Approved unanimously). - FY 2027 Board of Education Operating Budget: $555,532,999, representing a $26.02 million (4.9%) increase over FY 2026, funded by $12.4 million from the state, $13.6 million from the county, and $10.2 million from fund balance. (Approved unanimously). Staff acknowledged the retirement of CFO Karen Acton, thanking her for her service. - Collective Bargaining Memorandum of Understanding – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2024: One-year agreement including step increases on anniversary dates, leave sell‑back participation, amendments to the Sheriff’s Office retirement program allowing purchase of up to five years of prior service at employee expense (cost neutral), and an increase in the annual COLA cap from 4% to 4.25%. (Approved unanimously). - Hopewell Burial Ground Landmark Designation: Approval of local historic landmark designation for an undocumented cemetery discovered during construction in 2021, with preservation easement and historic marker. (Approved unanimously). - Proposed Federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 Locations: Letter of approval to submit five eligible census tracts (prioritizing three in Waldorf and one in Newburgh) to the Governor for designation, aiming to attract private investment. (Approved unanimously). Briefing & Public Hearing Scheduling - Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Maryland Airport Area: Staff presented a proposal to realign the comprehensive plan land use map with existing zoning, returning 351 acres from Employment Industrial Park to Water State Conservation District to restore consistency. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing for July 21, 2026 at 6 PM (hybrid). Commissioner Coates recused herself due to a conflict of interest. Work Session: Proposed Bill 2026‑04 – Charles County Employees Collective Bargaining - Staff Presentation: Jake Dyer (Director of Fiscal Administrative Services) and the County Attorney highlighted recent employee compensation enhancements (five‑year salary scale increases, COLAs, promotional pay policy, leave sell‑back, holiday pay, retiree health insurance, pension improvements) and new facilities projects. A fiscal note estimated $675,000 for up to five additional positions and outside counsel to support a new union. - Discussion of Amendments: Commissioner Collins moved to incorporate all amendments proposed by AFSCME into the bill. County Attorney Wes Adams advised that inclusion of the amendments would constitute substantive changes, likely requiring a second public hearing. He recommended postponing the vote until outside labor counsel could attend. Commissioner Collins argued there was no legal jeopardy based on his conversation with counsel. After extensive debate, the motion passed 3–0–1 with one abstention (Commissioner Stewart) and one absence (Commissioner Bowling). Commissioners Coates, Patterson, and Collins voted yes. - Outcome: The board agreed to hold a second work session on July 7, 2026, with outside labor counsel present to discuss the amendments, and scheduled a public hearing for July 21, 2026 at 6 PM (hybrid). County Attorney Adams noted he would add a definition of part‑time employees (30‑hour floor) to the draft amendment. Closed Session - Commissioners voted to enter closed session under General Provisions Article § 3‑305(b)(1)(3)(7) to review proposed amendments to an agreement, interview applicants for appointed boards and commissions, review the lobbyist contract, and receive updates on a potential property acquisition. The closed session was scheduled to resume in open session at 3:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Approved all consent‑like items (budget amendments, transfers, letters of support, school board budget, FOP MOU, landmark designation, opportunity zones) unanimously. - Scheduled a public hearing for the comprehensive plan amendment on July 21, 2026. - Voted to move forward with AFSCME amendments to the collective bargaining bill (3‑0‑1‑1), scheduling a second work session on July 7, 2026, and a public hearing on July 21, 2026. - Entered closed session for personnel, legal, and acquisition matters.

The Charles County Commissioners convened on June 24, 2026, for an afternoon briefing. Commissioner Bowling was absent. The meeting opened with roll call, followed by the approval of several consent items and the receipt of annual updates from the Ethics Commission and the Commission for Women. The Board approved all items on the agenda without dissent, and all votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - P3 Agreement Amendment (IQ Fiber / Think Big Networks): Approved amendments to the public-private partnership agreements with IQ Fiber, formerly Think Big Networks, related to the Nanjemoy, Cobneck, and North Nanjemoy broadband projects. Staff recommended a determination that the change will not negatively impact service for George County. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Lobbying Contracts: Approved two agreements with G.S. Proctor for state (Maryland) and federal lobbying services. Commissioner Collins noted that a requested adjustment to the federal agreement was made, and GS Proctor approved the change. - Appointments: Henry St. Charles (District 3) and Kevin Copeland (District 4) were appointed to the police accountability board. Christine Gonzalez and Jared Cooney were reappointed, and Crystal Deering and Marlene Greenleaf were appointed to the Animal Matters Hearing Boards. Dennis Johnson was appointed as the District 1 representative to the Board of Licensed Commissioners, Liquor Board, and Bernard Howard was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. All appointments were approved unanimously by voice vote. Consent Calendar - [No consent calendar was listed in the agenda; the additional approval items acted upon in the meeting were considered individually by the board.] Public Comments & Testimony - [No public comments were listed on the agenda or noted during the meeting; no public testimony was given.] Discussion Items - [Discussions, reports, and briefings given during the meeting.] Key Outcomes - [Votes, decisions, and next steps.] Ensure the summary is comprehensive but concise. Use an objective, neutral tone. Use markdown bullets for all list items. Ensure all positions are attributed to the correct speakers. Do not include internal hyperlinks or images. Do not include URLs. Use the city's official name and the state name exactly as provided in the source material when they are known. Where possible, ground the summary in the raw transcript rather than the agenda or minutes, and flag any discrepancies between them. Keep your response to the JSON format, with all newline characters in the summary properly escaped. The title should be brief but complete. Do not use a preamble or explanation. Ensure the summary follows the exact same structure as the example JSON, with no extra commentary, no code fences, no formatting, and no explanation outside the JSON block. The JSON must be valid and parseable by json.loads. The