For Immediate Release
News Release # 2023-046

On Tuesday, May 2, Commissioners received a briefing from representatives of the Bel Alton High School Alumni Association regarding efforts to place the building on the National Register of Historic Places. The site has already received historical designation by Charles County and the state of Maryland. Commissioners approved the association’s request to pay up to $8,000 toward the cost of hiring an architectural historian to conduct a survey as part of the designation nomination process. They also discussed an inspection report provided by the Maryland Historical that summarized the deteriorating conditions in the building. County staff provided information about capital improvement funds that have been set aside to address these concerns. 

Fiscal 2024 Budget Work Session

The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff reviewed several funds from the proposed Fiscal 2024 budget. Commissioners received an update on the Special Revenue Funds , the Enterprise Funds, and the General Fund.  Commissions discussed items to add/delete for next year for the General Fund and also discussed proposed changes to the Capital Improvement Program budget. 

Work Session on Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan

County Commissioners held a work session where the Planning and Growth Management staff addressed public comments on the 2023 Update of the Charles County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan. Commissioner voted to adopt and submit the draft 2023 Plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment for approval. 

Open Session Briefings

• Chief Equity Officer Renesha Miles presented a quarterly update on the county’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She highlighted monthly programs, training, and employee engagement efforts; and discussed how these strategies were aligned with the county’s commitment to equity.
• Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff reviewed the plan for expenditures of federal funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act.
• Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff provided a presentation on the Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 General Fund Report. 

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• Introduction of a zoning text amendment to allow Mark Vogel Companies, Inc., to broaden its ability to amend an approved Master Plan. The request would provide flexibility to respond to changing market trends for proposed projects. A public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, June 13.
• Changes to the public comments during Commissioner meetings, to place it ahead of Commissioner comments on agendas; so that Commissioners can each respond to issues that are raised during public comments. 

Proclamations

Commissioners issued the following proclamations:

• Recognized May 2023 as Foster Care Awareness Month, National Drug Court Month, National Mental Health Awareness Month, Older Americans Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month.
• Recognized April 30 – May 6, 2023 as National Small Business Week and Business Appreciation Week.
• Recognized May 5, 2023 as Resource Parents’ Celebration Day.
• Recognized May 7 – 13, 2023 as Public Service Recognition Week, National Travel and Tourism Week, and National Correctional Officers Appreciation Week.
• Recognized May 15 – 21, 2023 as National Police Week.
• Recognized May 17, 2023 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day.
• Recognized May 19, 2023 as National Bike to Work Day.
• Recognized May 21 – 27, 2023 as Emergency Medical Services Appreciation Week.
• Recognized May 24, 2023 as Emergency Medical Services for Children Day.

All photos for proclamations presented in person are available online in Charles County’s photo library.

Next Commissioners Session: May 9-10, 2023  

Viewing option of meetings: Click Here 

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

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For media inquiries, contact PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov.