Things got very heated during Monday night’s Charles County Planning Commission over a discussion about changes in subdivision limits and Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 (SB236), otherwise known as the septic bill. Chairman Courtney Edmonds, Vice Chairman Joe Richard and member Lou Grasso exchanged barbs regarding clarification of a motion made by Grasso.
Planning Commission Member Stephen Bunker said he could not see how increasing the minor subdivision limit would have any impact on the quality of life. Planning Commission Member Joan Jones, who ultimately voted for Grasso’s motion, said that major subdivisions fail to provide infrastructure.
From there, the discussion nosedived into chaos. Grasso made a motion to direct staff to prepare draft design standards to go with the increase from five to seven for minor subdivisions. Grasso’s motion was unclear to Edmonds and Edmonds asked Grasso to make it clearer. As Edmonds stated Grasso’s motion, Richard jumped in telling Edmonds he was out of order.
“I want to know what I’m voting for,” Edmonds said. “I have half of a loaf of bread here and I’m asking for the other half.”
Edmonds and Richard continued with Richard telling Edmonds that it was his problem if he did not understand the motion. Edmonds then asked Richard if he could have control of the meeting.
“There’s no need to insult others members,” Grasso said. “Why must we be so childish? Everyone, including the county commissioners, is getting tired of the abuse you put on us all the time”. Grasso also said Edmonds would do what he wanted anyways
When Joan Jones suggested that a parlimetarian was needed to sit in on the meetings, regardless of the cost to taxpayers, Edmonds said a translator was also needed, referring to what he felt was an unclear motion by Grasso.
As this occurred, angst filled the chamber. Planning and Growth Management Director Peter Aluotto sat with his face in the palm of the hands, visibly growing more irritated at each passing minute.
“Let’s go ahead and go on this spending spree,” Edmonds said right before calling for the vote. The motion ended up passing 5-2, with Edmonds and Bunker voting against it.
