The deadline to apply for the Planning Commission has been extended to Monday, June 15. There is one vacancy for this seven-member committee. The Commission drafts and implements the Comprehensive Plan, makes recommendations on re-zoning requests, and approves subdivision of property in Charles County.
Board members meet the first and third Mondays of the month, and receive a stipend. All applicants must complete the state of Maryland online training course for Planning Commission/Board of Appeals members. Take the online course here.
In order for your application to be considered, you must complete the online course and send a copy of your certificate of completion and a completed application by June 15.
Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Ms. Carol DeSoto, Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC[at]CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Commissioners’ June Town Hall Meeting Rescheduled for June 23
The quarterly Board of County Commissioners’ Town Hall Meeting previously scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 is rescheduled for Tuesday, June 23. The public is invited to attend. The purpose of town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and discuss items important to the citizens and the community. All five elected County Commissioners and county department directors are scheduled to attend.
Board of County Commissioners' Town Hall Meeting (District 2)
Tuesday, June 23 at 6 p.m.
Bryans Road Fire Department (3099 Livingston Rd, Bryans Road)
Future town hall meeting dates are available online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Indian Head Rail Trail Closure Extended
Portions of trail will remain closed to public access through July
Residents are advised that current closures of portions of the Indian Head Rail are expected to continue through late July 2015. Frank Ward, chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services for the Department of Planning and Growth Management briefed the Commissioners today on the Indian Head Rail Trail project. Ward reported the reclaimed water pipeline installation within the trail is complete. Restoration of the trail is ongoing. Work is subject to weather conditions and adverse weather may cause delays in project completion.
Approximately 2,000 feet west of Bumpy Oak Road to Route 301 (Crain Highway) is closed to public access. The first five miles of the Indian Head Rail Trail (from Mattingly Avenue to just west of Bumpy Oak Road) are open to the public throughout the construction period.
“While the restoration phase of the project resulted in a necessary extension of the closure beyond our estimated time line, we are working diligently to ensure the trail is fully restored for public use and enjoyment as soon as possible," said Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy.
Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1) said, “Though I am disappointed the trail will be closed for about a month longer than anticipated, I want to compliment county staff on making sure we get this done right instead of fast, as the trail is an asset that will be enjoyed by county residents and visitors for generations to come.”
“My family is ready to get on our bikes and pedal down the Indian Head Rail Trail. This trail is a great place to enjoy leisurely bike rides, and I look forward to it reopening,” said Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M. Ed. (District 3).
Signs are posted along the trail to identify closed areas. Please be aware of equipment and contractors on the trail and do not enter closed areas or come within 300 feet of active construction work. Visitors are asked to be alert for hazards and increased construction vehicle traffic when using these areas.
Sections of the Indian Head Rail Trail closed in July 2014 to accommodate installation of a reclaimed water line that will service the future Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) electrical power plant. On average, the CPV power plant will use 3 – 5 million gallons of water per day; about 86 percent of this will be consumed and not discharged into the Potomac River. Also, installation of the water line protects the county’s long-term water reserves by eliminating the need to tap into drinking water aquifers. In addition to being an environmentally friendly neighbor, the CPV power plant is expected to generate more than $100 million in total revenue for the county in the next 20 years.
Maps and closure notices can be found on the Department of Public Works’ Parks Division website: www.CharlesCountyParks.com.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Works’ Parks Division at 301-932-3470 or 301-870-2778. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Congratulate School Principal and Teacher Award Recipients
The Charles County Commissioners, joined by Superintendent Kimberly Hill, congratulate Charles County Public Schools principal and teacher award recipients. (l. to r.: Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Thadine Wright; Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Allen Hopkins, Jr.; Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M. Ed. (District 3); and Dr. Kimberly Hill, superintendent of Charles County Public Schools.
On Tuesday, June 2, the Charles County Board of Commissioners presented congratulatory citations to three Charles County Public Schools personnel — Thadine Wright, Allen Hopkins, Jr., and Sarah Desrosiers. Each of these education professionals recently received prestigious awards. Wright, the principal of J.C. Parks Elementary School, is the 2015 Charles County Public Schools Principal of the Year and 2015 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award recipient. Hopkins, a social studies teacher at Milton M. Somers Middle School, is the 2015 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award recipient. Desrosiers, a life skills teacher at Theodore G. Davis Middle School, is the Charles County Public Schools 2015 Teacher of the Year.
Commissioners Recognize the Special Olympics Charles County
Pictured above front row (left to right): Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Marilyn Borrell, Special Olympics Charles County; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Christine Hoehl, Special Olympics Charles County; Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); George Hoehl, Special Olympics Charles County; and Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy.
On Tuesday, June 2, the Commissioners presented a citation to the Special Olympics Charles County. The Special Olympics Maryland and the Department of Community Services offer a year-round program for athletic conditioning, training, and competition for those with intellectual disabilities who are at least 8 years old. Athletes have the opportunity to compete in 11 Olympic-style sports throughout the year.
The Commissioners recognize the commitment and outstanding service the Special Olympics Charles County provides, and wish continued success while showcasing the skill, courage, and athletic ability of those with intellectual disabilities.
For more information about Special Olympics Charles County, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com/recreation/special-olympics-charles-county. For more information about Special Olympics Maryland, visit www.somd.org.
Commissioners Proclaim Law Enforcement Torch Run
Pictured above (left to right): Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Ian Bier, Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1); Danny Baker, Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Billy Caywood, Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; and Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3).
On Tuesday, June 2, the Commissioners expressed their support for the 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is raising funds for the Special Olympics Maryland and escorting the Flame of Hope through the Town of La Plata on Thursday, June 4.
The Commissioners recognize and appreciate the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for assisting Special Olympics Maryland by organizing the 2015 Torch Run, and encourage county employees and residents to participate. The Commissioners authorize all county employees to wear their Torch Run t-shirts to work on Thursday, June 4, in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
For more information on the Special Olympics Maryland, visit www.somd.org.
Commissioners Recognize Alliance for Workplace Excellence Award Winners
The Charles County Commissioners with Tom Dennison, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.
On Tuesday, June 2, the Charles County Commissioners recognized Chaney Enterprises, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center as recipients of the 2015 Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) awards. AWE is a nonprofit organization recognizing today’s business leaders in all aspects of the workplace. The organization believes the integration of workplace excellence, health and wellness, eco-leadership, and diversity and inclusion in a workplace is an investment in success.
For more information about the Alliance for Workplace Excellence, visit www.excellentworkplace.org.