Indian Head begins annexation process

Request to extend town's boundaries gets approval

Friday, July 10, 2009

The town council adopted resolutions to annex 1.4 acres on Parker Harley Place.

The initial request for annexation was made three years ago, according to Mayor Ed Rice.

"It's an interesting situation," he said in an interview. "One side of the road is in town, the other side is out of town."

The residents outside of the town started experiencing water problems and began to explore annexation as a solution to their problem, Rice said.

Apparently, Charles County didn't have any plans to include that area for future utility hook-ups because of the population size, he said, and the town could only help if they were annexed.

"They were kind of in no man's land," Rice said.

Vice Mayor Dennis Scheessele moved to adopt the resolutions and Councilwoman Margie Posey seconded it. The town council unanimously approved two resolutions, declaring the town in favor of the annexation and initiating the process of annexation.

Eventually, "we would like to annex toward the north along the Potomac River up to the intersection of [routes] 210 and 225," Rice said.

According to the Municipal Annexation Handbook by the Maryland Municipal League, the town must publish a public notice at least two times in weekly intervals describing the proposed change and the circumstances. The notice should also include the date and time for the resolution hearing. A copy should be provided to the county government and any regional or state planning agencies with jurisdiction in the area. Each agency then has the right to be heard at a second hearing that will open to the public. Once the resolution is enacted, it will not become effective until at least 45 days later.

Other items on the agenda included new business contracts awarded to S.E. Davis Construction for Mattingly Park improvements and a fourth-year contract renewal to East Inc. for the water and waste management system.

Del. Peter F. Murphy (D-Charles) discussed legislation in the 2009 General Assembly session including slot machines, early voting and the death penalty.

Town meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at the Village Green Pavilion. A guest speaker is present at each meeting.

spoynor@somdnews.com