Prince Frederick, MD – The Calvert County Commissioners reaffirmed their support for making needed improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville. Like their counterparts in St. Mary’s County, Calvert’s board deemed a proposed study prior to the start of the project unnecessary. The Calvert panel’s unanimous vote on the matter came during its Tuesday, Feb. 9 meeting.

Calvert Commissioners’ President Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R – District 3] noted that during an early January meeting of the three Southern Maryland counties’ boards it was agreed that improvements to the 55-year-old facilities air conditioning system needed to be done prior to the onset of warmer weather.

“It’s a humane thing to do,” said Commissioner Mike Hart [R – District 1]. “I don’t believe we need a study because it’s not that complex. I don’t want to spend a lot of money.” Hart added that he prefers Calvert to use its portion of the project to pay for actual work done and parts needed rather than to pony up cash for a consultant.

Craig Dichter, Calvert’s chief Animal Control officer, told the commissioners that C. Edward Tucker, Charles County’s Animal Control Services chief affirmed that “a study needed to be done” since portions of the shelter, such as the kennel, are complex areas. Dichter added that the HVAC project could become complicated since there are so many other improvement projects likely to be needed at the Hughesville facility.

In addition to the desire to have an improved air conditioning system in the shelter before the dog days of summer, one of the reasons for the Calvert board’s reluctance in supporting a HVAC study is likely due to the possibility the county will establish a separate shelter. Slaughenhoupt said a decision on Calvert’s future as it relates to the Tri-County Animal Shelter remains in the works.

“It’s an old, old, old building,” said Commissioners’ Vice President Tom Hejl [R- At large], who agreed he didn’t want to spend money on a HVAC study, especially if Calvert’s long-range plan was to build its own shelter.

In a letter to Charles County Commissioners’ President Peter F. Murphy [D] and St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ President Randy Guy [R], Calvert’s board requested cost estimates for the HVAC system “when they become available.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com