Today’s meeting started off at the Frank Knox Building at Gate 2 for our Joint Meeting with the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Capt Derrick Kingsley. We discussed several different topics, including the base’s desire for lower speed limits in military family housing in the county, AICUZ disclosure statement for residential leases, plastic bag ban/reduction, and the Defense Communities Infrastructure Program (DCIP). I specifically asked for their assistance with getting approval to renovate the Lancaster Park Playground and for utilizing the Frank Knox Parking Lot for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
We then returned to the Commissioner Meeting Room for our regular meeting. I opened the meeting with the Invocation and Pledge and then we approved the Consent Agenda. We then presented proclamations for Women’s History Month, National Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and National Social Work Month. After that we presented Commendations to two employees, Bob Kelly and Jackie Elder, for their cybersecurity efforts that resulted in Historic Sotterley’s funds being distributed to the right account. Cyber crimes and phishing attempts are constantly getting more sophisticated, and everyone must be diligent to prevent this fraud and theft from happening!
Entering into County Administrator time, our first item of business was review of upcoming meeting agendas. Second, we approved the Maryland Highway Safety Grant Applications for FFY2024 for the Sheriff’s Office for $20,100—no county match required. Third we had planned to discuss the requested speed ordinances proposed by Capt Kingsley, but that was tabled because we have asked for a Public Hearing on the proposed changes. Last we approved extending the Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Contract with CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield for three years, with two additional option years for St. Mary’s County Government employees.
We then entered into County Attorney time for Legislative Updates. We voted to approve a letter of support for HB 503/SB 923 – Natural Resources – Greenspace Equity Program – Establishment.
During Commissioner’s Time I spoke about recognitions for Recreation and Parks employees and the upcoming COSMIC Symphony concert this Saturday, March 11th, at 3 pm at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Check it out…you won’t be disappointed! I also spoke about our desire to see the Route 5 Widening project in Leonardtown completed and the importance of Cyber Security.
In the afternoon we reconvened for a Budget Work Session at 1:30 pm to discuss the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Fire Tax rate increase and the budget requests from Elected Officials, including the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Treasurer and courts.
