St. Mary's BOCC, Politics in Play
Story Category: Politics »
St. Mary's BOCC, Politics in Play
LEONARDTOWN - 6/2/2010
By Carrie Griffin Munn
The St. Mary's Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, June 1 and encouraged residents to utilize public transportation with a Dump the Pump proclamation. June 17, 18 and 19 citizens can ride the bus for $1 all day.
The board acknowledged Golden Apple Award recipient Joan Stevens, the Theology Chair at St. Mary's Ryken, for her excellence in teaching.
Two zoning text amendments, one allowing electronic signs at public safety facilities located in RPD areas and another extending realtors' and homeowners' ability to place off-site directional signs to properties for sale.
The board approved Recreation and Parks' request to realign funding and perform maintenance through the River Springs Public Landing project and approved more than $400,000 in State funding to support mental health services at Three Oaks Center, On Our Own and the Correctional Center.
Commissioner Raley commented on the Department of Human Services being "in limbo" about anticipated reductions or modifications during the fiscal year.
The BOCC signed off on five sub-recipient agreements with Walden/Sierra, Inc. which covers a full range of substance abuse treatments and services available in St. Mary's.
The commissioners also moved $35,000 in substance abuse prevention funding to Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs. The Community One to One and CASAStart/Bigs In School programs target students and their families at Green Holly Elementary and Spring Ridge Middle schools, offering after-school activities and support, something Raley said, "This board is very supportive of."
The fast-approaching election became evident during the meeting, when Commissioner Larry Jarboe shared an article about the issue of affordable housing, and suggested looking at zoning to allow cottage building in established neighborhoods. Commissioner President Jack Russell said, "It's not the time to set policy during Commissioners' Time."
Both Russell and Jarboe are running for re-election to the board, as is Kenny Dement. Look for election coverage and candidate information on TheBAYNET.com.
Several board members commented on the success of the Ridge American Legion post's Memorial Day program, the Marcey House fundraising golf tournament and the Small Business Spotlight. Russell shared that several letters from advanced placement science students were received, showing concern and making suggestions for pro-environmental actions.
Commissioner Raley reminded citizens interested in applying for the County's boards and commissions to contact the public information office and Commissioner Mattingly urged high school seniors, graduating this week, to "please be safe."
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