This morning we started off our meeting with the Invocation and Pledge, followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda included appointments to boards and commissions – thank you to everyone who is willing to serve your community! We also amended the Consent Agenda to include a letter of support for the Southern Maryland RC&D Golden Beach Shoreline Protection and Beach Restoration Project Application.
We then presented Commendations to Clifford Fuller and James Lacey for their retirements from County Government – thank you both for your careers supporting your community!
Entering into County Administrator time, our first item of business was review of upcoming meeting agendas—today will be our last meeting of 2022. Second we approved a budget amendment to increase the FY2023 State Aid for Police Protection grant award for $370,391. Third we approved the grant submission for the FY2024 State Aid for Police Protection grant for the Sheriff’s Office. Fourth we approved budget amendments for the Board of Education to move $221,650 from three capital improvement projects to fund the emergency replacement of bladder tanks at Margaret Brent Middle School. Fifth we approved the lease agreement for the Friends of the Library to continue operating the Leonardtown Armory building for a term of 3 years with two one-year extension options (the rent is $1 a year). Sixth we approved the FY2023 Capital Grant Agreement for the St. Mary’s Transit System for $489,810 ($391,846 Federal funds, $48,982 State funds, and $48,982 in local county matching funds). This money will be used for preventative maintenance and three small bus replacements. Seventh we approved a grant application for 4,500 HP Chromebook computers from the Office of Statewide Broadband FY2023 Connected Devices Program (no county match required). If awarded, these laptops will be provided to low income families in order to improve broadband access. Eighth we approved the Open Burning Permit for the controlled burn of the Snow Hill Park Manor House by the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. Ninth we approved a lease extension for the Gymnastics Center from January 1, 2023 through January 31, 2023. Our final item of county administrator business this morning was approval of the Emergency Services Operation Plan.
During Commissioner Time I spoke about the wonderful concert I attended over the weekend performed by the Cosmic Symphony and about our budget process compared to the Federal Government. We then entered into Closed Session to discuss Personnel and Real Property.
After Closed Session discussions we reentered Open Session to approve a motion to appoint members to the Library Board of Trustees. Thank you to all who were willing to serve!
This afternoon we will attend a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Northern Senior Center at 2:30 pm. This evening we will host a joint meeting with our State Senator and Delegates and a Public Forum to discuss Legislation—all are welcome to attend and participate, it starts at 6 pm!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We’ll be back in session in January 2023!
