August 24, 2021 Commissioner Update:
We began our meeting today with the Invocation and Pledge, followed by the approval of the Consent Agenda. We then presented proclamations for Child Support Awareness Month and Women’s Equality Day. We also presented a Commendation to Alice Allen for her retirement—Congratulations and Thank You for your incredible service and work!
Entering into County Administrator time, our first item was the review of upcoming meeting agendas. Second we had a presentation from the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland on their partnerships, growth potential, and the new SMART building being constructed. Presenters were President of the USMSM Board Joe Anderson, Director of USMSM Dr. Eileen Abel and UMD UAS Test Site Director Matt Scassero. Third we approved the continuation of the School Resource Officer/Adequate Coverage Program grant for FY2022 for $211,566 (already budgeted county match is $115,067). Fourth we approved the annual Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification for the Sheriff’s Office—this allows for the Attorney General to share federally forfeited property with the Sheriff’s Office—there were no federally forfeited funds received or expended in FY2021. Fifth we heard the semi-annual brief from the St. Mary’s County Public Library. Sixth we approved an Online/Telework Relief Fund Grant for $94,874—this is part of the American Recovery Act funds and is designed to help businesses set up online sales and telework; there will be an online application for businesses through our Economic Development Department that will go live on September 1st. Seventh we approved a grant request to the Maryland 911 Board for a 911 Center Manager Certification Training Program for $30,000 (no county match required). Our final item of business was approval of a DNR Waterway Improvement Grant request for $540,000 for the St. George Creek Federal Navigation Channel Maintenance Dredge. If awarded, the timing is optimal because the material dredged from under the bridge could be used as beach replenishment material for the Pine Point Road Shore Erosion and Piney Point Light Museum Shore Erosion projects.
We ended our meeting with Commissioner Time—I offered best wishes to all of the children and teachers returning to school (reminder to watch out for school buses and be safe!) and provided a brief summary of the MACo Conference. Don’t forget to get out and enjoy the Hollywood Carnival and the Crab Festival this week!
