Charles County Government presents the Board of Commissioners meeting.

Good morning and happy new year.

The January 6, 2026, Charles County Board of County Commissioners meeting is now called to order.

Today's session will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

I

pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for

all.

Thank you, Commissioners.

We're going to begin today's session with a roll call.

Commissioner Bowling.

Present.

Commissioner Coates is absent.

Commissioner Stewart.

Here.

Commissioner Patterson is absent.

Commissioner Collins.

Here.

Thank you.

We do have a quorum.

Commissioners, the first item on your agenda is proclamations, Charles County proclamations for January 2026.

So, Commissioners, if you can move to the front of the room, and the first proclamation that you're going to be doing is for Catholic Schools Week.

Will the people who are here for the proclamation join the commissioners to the middle of the room?

Oh, excuse me, the first proclamation commissioners that we're doing is National Pan Hellenic Council Recognition Month.

Again, good morning, everyone.

And as a member of Kappa Alpha Psy Fraternity Incorporated, I'd like to read and accept this proclamation.

It reads Proclamation 2026-02 National Panelinic Council Recognition Month, whereas the National Panhellenic Council, colloquially known as the Divine Nine, is a collaborative umbrella council composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities, whereas the founding members of the MPHC were Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega SciFi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta.

The Council's membership expanded as Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, and Sigma Gamma Row and Iota Phi Theta join this condition of a Black Greek letter organizations.

Whereas today these fraternities and sororities have continued demonstrated commitment to serving their fellow residents through programs of human service outreach, mentorship, and community service.

Now, therefore, we the County Commissioners of Charles County do hereby proclaim January 2026 as the National Panhellenic Council Recognition Month in Charles County and do commend this observance to all of our residents and this proclamation 2026-02 is signed by the entire Board of County Commissioners,

and I will proudly accept this.

Have no idea where I'm gonna put it, but I I will I will proudly accept this on behalf of the membering or organizations.

Good morning.

Proclamation 2026-04.

Good morning.

Whereas Catholic Schools Week is an annual nationwide celebration of Catholic education in the United States.

And whereas the success of Catholic schools is rooted in the formation of caring and supportive communities of parents, teachers, administrators, students, and staff dedicated to academic excellence and the commitment to developing moral values.

And whereas Catholic schools in Charles County have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving their communities through programs of outreach and human service.

Now therefore, we the county commissioners of Charles County do hereby proclaim January 25th through 31st, 2026 as Catholic Schools Week in Charles County, and encourage all residents to recognize the contributions of Catholic schools to education, community service, and character development throughout our county.

On behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners, Ruben Collins President, Ralph Patterson Vice President, Dr.

Amanda Stewart, District 3, Thomas Hena Coach, District 2, and myself, Gilbert Bowling, District 1.

Would you all like to speak?

You do.

Wonderful.

Make St.

Peter's proud.

Go for it.

There you go, buddy.

What's your name?

You can give me that, can't

you?

Can

you give

me your name?

It's okay, buddy.

What's your

name?

Okay.

Did you want

to say?

My name is Reed.