Our meeting this morning began with the Invocation and Pledge followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda. After that we presented proclamations for Red Ribbon Week (both to the Health Department and the Young Marines), Ace’s Angels, Economic Development Week, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
After that we presented the Commission for People with Disabilities Awards. The recipients are: Kristen Paul – Volunteer of the Year, Sherly Montgomery – Care Partner Award, Rachel Moraca – Vicki Brown Award (Adult), and Samantha Blottenberger – Vicki Brown Award (Student). Congratulations to all of these winners and thank you for all that you do for our community!
Our one Main Agenda item was approval of a Public Hearing in the morning on November 15 for an update to the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan. This is not the most glamorous side of local government, but this is critically important for the future.
Moving into County Administrator time, our first item of business was review of upcoming meeting agendas. Second we approved the Maryland Department of Transportation operating grant of $3,047,320 for the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS). This grant for operating revenue breaks down to $752,829 Federal, $339,981 State and $1,954,510 in local county funding. Third we approved the FY2023 Community Partnership Agreement and accepted the grant funds for the Local Management Board of $530,488 (with $1,102 County Funds). The Local Management Board oversees programs to help youth in our community. Fourth we approved the Senior Care Grant Application for $162,267. Fifth we approved the FY2022 Federal Older Americans Act fourth notice of grant award bringing the total grant funds to $416,530 (with $41,411 required County match, $41,653 additional county funding and $45,000 other income). This fourth iteration of grant funding is for $34,861. Sixth we approved a Wireless Site Lease Agreement for a Verizon tower at the Fairgrounds—this is a big step in ensuring stable communication during large events like the County Fair! Seventh we approved the Maryland Access Point Medicaid Federal Financial Participation funding for $113,036 for FY2023 and $113,036 for FY2024—this funding allows for our Department of Aging to continue staffing the Aging and Disability Resource Center. Eighth we approved the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Department of Homeland Security for $107,375. Ninth we approved the spending plan for the Maryland 9-1-1 Board Trust Fund funding for $1,660,950—this is the funding that comes from the 9-1-1 fees on all phone bills. This funding will go toward various Emergency Services infrastructure projects, equipment upgrades, training and certifications, and other recurring charges like network and phone costs. Our final item of business was approval of using $93,048 from the Commissioner’s Emergency Reserve to fund an Emergency Services Deputy Director position.
We finished the morning with Commissioner’s Time. I spoke about the Oyster Festival and other community events. Reminder that today is the last day to register to vote before the General Election! This evening we will host a Public Forum at 6:30 pm—everyone is welcome to come and listen or participate, you can speak to the commissioners about any topic that interests you.
Have a great week!
