Charles Co. Dec. 3 & 10 Commissioners Meeting Update

[Editor]

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Charles County Board of Commissioners received an update on the development of the county’s broadband strategic plan. Consultants from CTC Technology and Energy briefed Commissioners on the status of their work, including efforts to identify and understand gaps in broadband service; recommend technical approaches to providing broadband service and quantifying the costs; and develop strategies to maximize the use of federal and state funding opportunities. Based on the research that has been conducted, a substantial portion of the county’s rural areas do not have access to broadband, and 5G wireless will not address this problem. The county is eligible to apply for several federal and state grant funds to invest in long-term solutions, and interim recommendations were presented to address the gaps in service. The County Commissioners also directed staff to draft a letter to SMECO’s Board of Directors reiterating the importance of this effort in light of the board’s new leadership.

Commissioners also toured the African American Heritage House. The historic site serves as a museum and educational center in the county. It is managed by the African American Heritage Society of Charles County, Inc., which is dedicated to fostering public awareness and understanding of the African American way of life, and to highlight the contributions of African Americans to the growth and development of Southern Maryland and the nation.

Approval Items:

Commissioners approved the following items:

• A budget transfer request of $4,050 to reimburse the Charles County Volunteer Rescue’s Water, Sewer, and Maintenance Fees that are included in their quarterly bills.
• A budget amendment increase of $133,000 to add three full-time positions and eliminate a part-time position in the Commissioners’ Office.

 

[Editor]

Dec. 10 Commissioners Meeting Update

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Charles County Board of Commissioners participated in a joint meeting with Boards of County Commissioners from St. Mary’s County Government and Calvert County Government. The College of Southern Maryland and the Tri-County Council presented legislative proposals that could benefit those they serve in all three counties. Staff presented statistics and outcomes of their local government partnerships to provide mutual aid for emergency medical services. They also discussed transportation initiatives, including road improvement projects, safety considerations, and transit priorities that have regional impacts for Southern Maryland.

Commissioners received a briefing to consider the addition of a chief equity officer. Director of Human Resources Alexis Blackwell presented an overview of the county’s changing demographics, current climate, available training and tools, and anticipated outcomes being sought through the appointment of a chief equity officer. She described how equity could be applied to the goals of the Board of County Commissioners and add perspective to the decision-making process. Commissioners discussed and deferred action so it could be considered along with other requests in next year’s budget.

Approval Items:

• Commissioners made adjustments and approved the 2020 Board Session Calendar.
• Commissioners approved change order #4 and change order #5 to provide additional design services for electrical and automation improvements at the Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Plan.

Commissioners also discussed a draft letter from the Charles County Board of Commissioners to Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) regarding opportunities to partner on providing broadband access. They discussed and recommended changes to the letter, and it will be brought back for consideration and approval at a future Board meeting.

Recognition:

• Commissioners recognized the employees who won awards in the annual Truck Rodeo competition. View and download photos in Flickr.
• Commissioners joined the Board of Education in recognizing students who were State Golf Champs. View and download photo in Flickr.