The Calvert County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on August 20, 2024, and covered a wide range of topics from community updates to zoning ordinance revisions. Below are the key highlights and decisions made during the meeting:
1. Community updates and announcements
- Meals on Wheels program: Commissioners have announced that the Meals on Wheels program is seeking volunteers. Interested individuals are asked to contact Sheila Gallagher on the number provided.
- Feedback on accessibility: The Department of Community Resources is seeking feedback from the public to identify barriers to accessibility of county facilities and programs.
2. Recognition for employees
- Employee of the month: Terell Bullock, public broadcast specialist in the Communications and Media Relations Department, was named Employee of the Month for July 2024. Bullock was praised for his excellence in IT and video production, particularly his work on the technology infrastructure for the new county administration building.
3. Zoning and development
- Update of the land use regulations: Commissioners discussed significant changes to the zoning code aimed at reducing population density in several town centers. Proposed changes include lowering the maximum allowable population density from 14 housing units per acre to four, unless it is already lower in certain areas. This measure is intended to curb high-density development and preserve the rural character of the county.
- Electronic news centers: Commissioners also discussed expanding the use of electronic message centers (EMCs) beyond current restrictions. It was decided to allow EMCs for churches that already have message boards, with special regulations in place to control the frequency of message changes to reduce driver distraction.
4. Infrastructure and public safety
- Replacing the generator in the internment camp: A public hearing was held on replacing the generator at the Calvert County Detention Center. The generator, which has been in use since 1997, is critical to the facility’s operations. Commissioners approved a budget amendment to allocate $1.43 million for the replacement.
5. Supporting local businesses
- Local preference regulation: The board discussed the implementation of a local preference ordinance, which aims to support local businesses by giving them a competitive advantage in the county’s bidding process. The ordinance is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.
6. Community concerns and public comments
- Public resistance to high-density projects: Several community members raised concerns about high-density housing projects, particularly the ongoing developments in Lusby and Prince Frederick. Citizens expressed concern about environmental impacts, school overcrowding and increased traffic and asked commissioners to consider postponing these projects until all concerns are addressed.
7. Future steps
- Next meeting and public hearing: Next steps include finalizing the revised draft zoning ordinance, which is expected to be available to the public by the end of the month. A public hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2024 to gather further community input on these proposed changes.
The meeting ended with a motion to discuss hiring and potential litigation in closed session. The next public meeting will address current and emerging issues facing the county, with a continued focus on balancing growth and community preservation.
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