Today’s meeting started off with the Invocation and Pledge and the approval of the Consent Agenda. We then presented four proclamations: National Public Health Week, Fair Housing Month, Week of the Young Child and National Animal Care and Control Association Week. We also presented a Commendation to David Alexander for his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office—thank you for your years of service!
We then entered into County Administrator time and our first item of business was review of upcoming meeting agendas—we will not have a meeting next week. Second we approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation for Land Site Analysis Services for the AeroPark Innovation District—MEDCO will complete a study for $130,000 to plan out the remaining County-owned land at the airport. Third we approved an agreement between the Department of Emergency Services and Veterinarian Dr. Tammy Colson-Dorsch for services at our Animal Shelter. Fourth we approved the Office of Statewide Broadband Grant Award for $27,000 for 4,500 HP Chromebooks to be distributed through Community Partners to income-eligible county residents (the value of the Chromebooks is $894,375). Fifth we approved the FY2023 Senior Rides Grant Application for $35,652 ($22,100 from the state, county match totaling $10,552, and expected $3,000 in donations). Sixth we approved the Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Program award on behalf of the Department of Recreation and Parks for $219,000 for the St. Clements Island Water Taxi Project—this will provide an ADA accessible vessel and boarding ramps! Our final item of business was approval of an option contracts with Fourth Exploration, LLC and Great Mills IV, LLC for $167,230 for the purchase of property and easements for FDR Boulevard.
Next we heard from our County Attorney for Legislative Updates. We voted to send a letter of support for HB 1301/SB 974 – State-Owned Nursing Homes – Deficiencies, Citations, and Fines – Contractor Reporting Requirements. This legislation was introduced late as emergency legislation in response to reports out of the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home. I requested that we request an amendment to include local government officials among those required to receive a report from the state-owned nursing home.
We finished the day with Commissioner Time. I spoke about the Cell Tower at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds being live and the St. Mary’s County Health Department Gold Star Awards for businesses that achieve superior food safety standards and wished everyone a Happy Easter.
