St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners promptly handled approvals of the bills and minutes Tuesday morning. The board was joined by the Historic Preservation Commission to present a service award to avid genealogist and local historian David Roberts. Commission member Harold Willard and Commissioner Daniel Raley commented on the importance of Roberts’ 40-year effort to preserve our history for the younger generations.
County Administrator John Savich reminded the board that work sessions are to follow the last Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing held Tuesday evening. The BOCC approved a grant requiring a 50 percent county match for new Advanced Life Support Equipment and a cooperative marketing grant for the Dept. of Tourism. Raley acknowledged the success of the Maryland 375th campaign and the economic diversification significance of tourism in St. Mary’s County.
Housing Authority Executive Director Dennis Nicholson sought the board’s approval of grant funding from the state that would enable the installation of a sprinkler system for Greenview Village Apartments. Commissioner President Russell called the safety improvement to the 65-unit complex, “a big deal”.
Dept. of Human Services Director Bennett Connelly brought more state cuts before the board, asking for an approval of a grant modification reducing funding by more than $500,000. The mental health services affected serve approximately 300 people per year in the county. Connelly and Savich commented on a recent change to the state’s business models for how they fund and deliver these services.
During Commissioner’s Time, Russell replaced Commissioner Jarboe as the board’s representative on the Tri-County Council. Commissioner Mattingly thanked staff for making bad-weather accommodations for Veteran’s Day celebrations and Commissioner Raley complimented the response and fundraising efforts of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Dept.
The board received an update presentation from the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association. SMRWA President Joe Anderson said, “The river has been in a steady state of decline.” Executive Director Bob Lewis and Vice President Bob Paul explained the impact of urbanization, illustrating how concentrated development and poor building practices contribute to lower water quality to the only watershed that sits entirely within St. Mary’s County. Anderson told the board he views fixing the river as an investment, urging that it is both an environmental and economic issue for the county. The groups discussed the degradation of sub-aquatic vegetation and wildlife, as well as the teamwork necessary to address the river’s health and sustain the growth anticipated in the area. Commissioner Russell told the SMRWA representatives, “We want to work with you to try to get a handle on this.”
The BOCC attended a presentation at the Grand Opening of Hope Place, a new Walden Sierra office in Lexington Park and got a first-hand update on the Great Mills Rd. Streetscape Project from State Highway Administration engineers later Tuesday afternoon.
