Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Charles County Board of Commissioners met on March 3, 2026, to consider several items including approval of a deferred compensation plan, a zoning text amendment for data centers, annual updates from county boards and commissions, and a proposed zoning code amendment for large retail establishments. The meeting included roll call, presentations, and votes on multiple motions.
Commissioner Collins made a motion to approve the data center zoning text amendment. Commissioner Stewart seconded, emphasizing the need for a transparent process and public engagement. Planning Director Charles Rice reported that the Planning Commission held two work sessions and a public hearing with over 150 comments, and recommended denial of the ZTA as written but with several changes: narrowing to heavy industrial zones only, requiring non-potable water for cooling, developer bears cost of infrastructure upgrades, and requiring self-power generation. Staff will prepare a formal report, and substantial changes would necessitate returning to the Planning Commission. After discussion, the motion failed on a roll call vote: Commissioners Bowling and Stewart voted yes; Commissioners Coates, Patterson, and Collins voted no (3-2).
Planning Commission (presented by Amy Brackett, Chair Kevin Wettding, Vice Chair Jeff Bossart)
Board of Appeals (presented by Lisa Curridge, Chair Bud Humbert)
Board of Licensed Commissioners (Liquor Board) (presented by Mr. Darden)
Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board (presented by chair)
Director Jason Groth, Charles Rice, and Tony Feltz presented proposed changes: allow retail over 100,000 sq ft in MX, TOD, and AUC zones as permitted with conditions (correcting a discrepancy), remove a two-story requirement, and reduce parking by 20% (with rounding). Commissioner Stewart requested inclusion of landscaping/screening in building design requirements; staff will explore. Commissioner Coates asked about broader parking assessment; staff noted ongoing comprehensive zoning code rewrite. Motion to send to Planning Commission for public process passed unanimously.
Good afternoon, Commissioners. We're going to continue session this afternoon with the roll call. Commissioner Bowling. Present. Commissioner Coates here. Commissioner Stewart. Here. Commissioner Patterson. Present. And Commissioner Collins. Thank you. Commissioners, the first item on your agenda this afternoon is additional approval item. And the first item is to approve the award recommendation for the dirt deferred compensation program for employees. Motion to approve. Wait. Oh, okay. They're going to do a presentation. No, they were just gonna need to put it on the public record before it can be approved. Yeah. So Megan and Nancy, and if you could just state your name and positions for the record, and then just what the recommendation is. Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm Megan Donick, Deputy Director of Human Resources. And I am Nancy Bowling, the benefits compliance administrator for human resources. And we are seeking your approval on our new deferred compensation plan. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Where are you recommending? Nationwide. Thank you. So is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? It's been moved and properly second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed. Any ayes have it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys. Commissioner, next item under um additional approval items is the discussion on the data center zoning text amendment. To my colleagues, I appreciate the opportunity to bring this before the board today. After talking with a lot of residents, and I see the planning commission in the audience, and I appreciate all the work they have put in on this.