This morning our meeting began with my leading of the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda included a Letter of Thanks to Dr. Bridgett in recognition of her retirement today and a letter of support for the Town of Leonardtown for an electronic message board grant.
Next we presented proclamations for African American History Month, Dating Violence Prevention Month and Transit Equity Day 2022. We then presented a Commendation for Norine Rowe for her retirement – thank you Norine for the incredible work you have done in the Department of Aging and Human Services!
After that we held a Public Hearing to change the zoning category from Rural Preservation to Residential Mixed Use for 23595 Pike Lane and 23556 Three Notch Road Hollywood. We had one speaker in favor.
Moving into the Main Agenda items, we heard State of the College updates from both the College of Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Thank you to Dr. Murphy and Dr. Jordan for being with us today. Dr. Murphy presented a certificate of appreciation to the Commissioners for the support we provided last year for the “Commissioner Cares” scholarships.
We then heard Legislative Updates from County Attorney’s Office. We voted to send the following letters of Support:
- SB 296 – Modification to the Definition of Agritourism to include camping and incidental stays
- SB 378 – Funding for SMADC
- HB 177 – 9-1-1 Registry Program
We also approved letters of opposition to:
- SB 268/HB 387 – Transfer of Pesticide Regulation to the Department of the Environment from the Department of Agriculture
- SB 56 – Project Open Space requiring General Assembly approval
- SB 250/HB 325 – State and Local Procurement Payment Practices
Entering County Administrator time, we began by reviewing draft agendas for upcoming meetings. Our second item of business was an update from the Department of Emergency Services on EMS Staffing—there will be a budget request from Emergency Services to hire additional career EMS personnel to support the county. Third we approved a plan for purchase of an ambulance and providing staffing for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. This plan includes a $200,000 grant that Senator Bailey was able to secure for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to assist in the purchase of the ambulance. Fourth we approved an ordinance establishing a multi-way stop at the South Coral Drive intersection with Lei Drive. Fifth we approved an Emergency Coastal Resilience Fund Grant Application for $1.8million in support of the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Shore Erosion project. Sixth we reviewed the American Rescue Grant plan and approved changes. We approved $836,775 of the remaining funds to be used for upgrades to EMS infrastructure—this includes LifeNet System, Cardiac Monitors, LUCAS CPR, Toughbook Computers, EMS Medications, and ambulance stretchers.
Following Commissioner Time, we entered into Closed Session to discuss Litigation and Personnel. This evening we will reconvene for a Public Hearing at 6:30 pm. The Public Hearing will be to change the zoning of 29871 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall from split zoning of Residential Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use to entirely Town Center Mixed Use.
