Today was my turn to lead the Invocation and Pledge to start our meeting. We immediately then approved the Consent Agenda, which included appointments to boards and commissions, a letter to the Commanding Officer of PAX requesting a representative to serve as an ex-officio member of the Airport Advisory Board, and a letter to the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services informing them of future renovations to the Adult Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Included in the board and commission appointments are our selections for the Redistricting Board. This is a unique board—each commissioner selects one person to serve, it is not voted on like our other boards. This board is responsible for looking at the updated Census data and ensuring that the Commissioner district lines are fairly and accurately drawn. I am proud to say that my selection for this board is Matt Burgan—Matt served honorably as a Marine, has worked on the base as a government employee, is a successful realtor and has given generously both monetarily and of his time for St. Mary’s County residents and I fully trust he will do great work on this board!
Next I was honored to present a proclamation for the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Moving into County Administrator time, our first item was review of upcoming meeting agendas. Second we approved a grant application for the FFY2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $17,075—these funds would be used toward a Polaris Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) for the Corrections Division. Third we had a discussion on the American Rescue Act grant fund allocation—we delayed making any decisions until final guidance is given on the use of the funds. Fourth received an update on the North County Farmers Market. Fifth we approved the reinstatement of out-of-county student transportation for non-public school students attending private schools in St. Mary’s County—this was paused during the COVID State of Emergency. Sixth we had a discussion about the Mattapany Rural Legacy Area and the potential to expand it. For our last item of business we approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Hollywood Group LLP in order to grant a Property Tax Credit for the creation of jobs by CTSi—this is a property tax credit designed to encourage job growth and support local businesses.
We then entered into Closed Session to discuss Real Property and Litigation.
Remember to support “Buy Local” week! There is a myriad of incredible products grown, raised or made right here in St. Mary’s County, so visit one of the Farmer’s Markets or a roadside stand this week and enjoy!
July 20, 2021
