We began our meeting today with the Invocation and Pledge followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda included a letter of support on behalf of the Leonardtown Library to the Maryland State Arts Council for a “Front Yard Project” art grant. We then presented a proclamation for National Agriculture Day.
Our one Main Agenda item was approval of a Public Hearing to amend the water and sewer categories for a property located at 23836 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood. If approved, this would move up the water and sewer development for the proposed O’Reilly Auto Parts store planned for that site. The public hearing will be on the morning of April 18th.
Moving into County Administrator time, our first item of business was review of upcoming meeting agendas. Second we approved an application for the Gun Violence Reduction Grant for the Office of the State’s Attorney for $100,000 with no county match. Third we approved an application for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program Grant for the Office of the State’s Attorney for $433,333 with no county match. Fourth we approved an application for the Performance Incentive Grant Fund Program for the Office of the State’s Attorney for $500,000 with no county match. Fifth we approved the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Sixth we approved the application for the FY2024 Community Partnership Agreement for the Local Management Board funding for $501,520 from the state with $1,102 of county match. Seventh we approved the FY2024 St. Mary’s Transit System Annual Transportation Grant Application for $3,641,416. This breaks down to $1,585,165 in Federal/State funds, $1,681,957 in Local funding, and $374,294 in revenue. Eighth we approved a Waterway Improvement Fund Grant Modification on behalf of Recreation and Parks for $74,903 for repair of the Bushwood Wharf. Ninth we approved the Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Program award for $219,000 for the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi Project. Our final item of County Administrator business was approval of a Quit Claim Deed transfer to BMC Enterprises, LLC a piece of property in Great Mills next to the Canoe and Kayak Launch that was erroneously labeled as county-owned.
We next heard from our County Attorney with Legislative Updates. We approved letters of support for the following bills:
• HB219 – St. Mary’s County – Golf Carts on Public Highways
• HB263 – St. Mary’s County – Gaming – Senior Activity Centers
During Commissioner Time I spoke about the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home, events over the past weekend, including the awesome 4-H Achievement Banquet where I got to hold a newborn lamb (thank you UME Maryland 4-H), and the upcoming Maryland Day festivities, including the first annual MD Day Boat Parade!
We then entered into Closed Session to discuss Real Property, Personnel, and Legal Advice.
This afternoon we will reconvene at 1:30 for our Budget Work Session to discuss the Excise Tax, State Agencies, Nonprofit Grants and final balancing. This will be the last budget work session before the public hearing on April 25th. A lot of work to do!
