April 9 Commissioners Meeting Update

Post Date:04/10/2024 1:06 PM

For Immediate Release

News Release # 2024-034

Wednesday, April 10 at 1:05 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 9, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, began the fiscal 2025 budget work sessions with the Commissioners. Yesterday's session focused on the county's enterprise funds and included two separate work sessions. During the morning work session, the proposed water and sewer,recreation, and cable fund budgets were presented.

The afternoon session continued the discussion on proposed fiscal 2025 budgets associated with the landfill, environmental services, watershed protection and restoration, and inspection and review funds. Commissioners will receive weekly updates on the proposed fiscal 2025 budget ahead of a public hearing on Wednesday, April 24. The fiscal 2025 budget is scheduled for final adoption on Tuesday, May 14.

Briefings

• Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, updated commissioners on the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session, which concluded on April 8. Local bills that passed included a bill that changed the eligibility requirements of the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board and changes to how vacancies in the Charles County Board of Education are filled. In addition, a legislative bond initiative for Lions Camp Merrick and the Maryland Technology Center in Indian Head was passed. A final review of the 2024 general assembly session is scheduled for April 16.
• Staff held a briefing on Proposed Bill 2024-09 Zoning Map Amendment 23-03 Martin Knapp Properties. The bill would change the zoning designation of 8.1 combined acres (3755 Leonardtown Road and 3640 Moses Way) from Central Business (CB) to High-Density Suburban Residential (RH). The Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m.
• Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director of the Department of Economic Development, provided a briefing on Commissioner Goal 1-Economic Development and a preview of the new OpenGov dashboard, a platform designed to track data to enhance government transparency and efficiency.
• Commissioner Gilbert "BJ" Bowling" (District 1) led a discussion on potential solar farms in the county.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on proposed Bill 2024-07, Zoning Text Amendment #23-176 Aviation Business Park, and Proposed Bill 2024-08, Zoning Map Amendment #23-02, Aviation Business Park. The combined bills would change the area near the Maryland Airport in Indian Head from Watershed Conservation District and Business Park Zones to either Aviation Business Park Zone or Light Industrial Zone.

Commissioners voted unanimously to keep the record open for 60 days.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• ABudget Amendment Increase of $85,000 to the Animal Shelter/Control fund to cover overages in the Vet Reimbursement Account ($70,000) and the Food/Meals Account ($15,000). The increase will cover the cost of vetting adoptable animals for the remainder of fiscal 2024 and the cost of food due to the rise in animals brought to the Animal Care Center with specific dietary health needs.
• A Budget Amendment Increase of $194,500 to the Water & Sewer Fund for additional construction costs for a water and sewer project to extend a water line within the Indian Head Manor Community.
• A Budget Amendment Increase of $59,280 to the General Fund to replace a Department of Emergency Services vehicle damaged beyond repair in an accident in Fall 2023.
• A Grant Application to cover increased construction-related costs for the VanGO operations and maintenance facility.
• An amendment to the fiscal 2025 Annual Transportation Priority Letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation adding several new projects inside the town limits of La Plata.

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: April 16-17

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

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