The board appointed by the Harford County Council to review the county's charter for the first time in 16 years had a brief introductory meeting in Bel Air Thursday evening.
The 15-member board was given a computer flash drive with the charters of five counties for comparison, and retired county Circuit Court Judge Maurice Baldwin, who is leading the group, asked everyone to review the entire charter and encouraged them to bring up any questions they may have.
Nancy Giorno, deputy county attorney, noted the charter was last revamped by a similar board in 1995, which is less frequent than is done in many other Maryland counties. Harford's original home rule charter was adopted by county voters in November 1972.
"We're kind of out of sync in comparison with the other jurisdictions," Giorno said.
Baldwin said the main thing to discuss is whether the board should into have subcommittees. He suggested having a subcategory for three major departments: planning and zoning, treasury and human resources.
Brian Young, another member, said subcommittees are a good idea, but perhaps they could be formed around major issues that come up.
Giorno said she would have such a list from the county council for the board's next meeting.
But she also said, "in working with the charter for 32 years," she has found planning and zoning, treasury and human resources to be the largest issues in the charter.
"We really want a comprehensive review," Giorno said. "The last one was in 1995."
Another member, Frank Hertsch, suggested developing a list of top concerns from the county council first. Any changes to the charter that might be proposed by the review board would ultimately have to be approved by the county council and then submitted to county voters for their approval.
"I'm hoping over the next week or two we have a list of things to cover over the next seven months or so," Hertsch said.
Hertsch also asked for a list of amendments that have been made since the beginning of charter government to be emailed to board members.
Young said he hopes to get residents involved in the review process.
"I do like the idea of reaching out to the public," he said.
Meg Deem, representing the county executive's office, agreed to be the contact person for the public.
Baldwin suggested meeting once or twice a month, and set the next two meetings for Aug. 18 and Sept. 8.
The board has to have a report and any recommendations to the county council by February 2012.
Other board members are Franklin Hajek, Michael Daney, Dr. Rosemary Hatem Bonsack, James Thornton, Kimberly Wagner, Cynthia Mumby, Jansen Robinson, District Court Judge Susan Hazlett, Dale Stonesifer, Tim Braue, Richard Norling and Stephanie Hallock.
To contribute comments to the charter review process, contact Meg Deem at madeem@harfordcountymd.gov or 410-638-3064.