Leonardtown, MD – The St. Mary’s County Commissioners acknowledged the exemplary work and dedication to the county of Elaine Kramer, the county’s chief financial officer, who passed away earlier this year. The recognition took place during the board’s Tuesday, July 21 meeting.
The meeting room was filled with friends and supporters of Kramer. Attendees witnessed an impressive video of colleagues and fellow workers who showered praise and remembrances of Kramer. Many of her friends recognized her talents, skills and dedication to her work. County Administrator, Dr. Rebecca Bridgett invited Kramer’s immediate family to attend the meeting and participate in the unveiling of a plaque honoring Kramer’s commitment to her work to the county.
Commissioners’ President Randy Guy [R] asked those in attendance to meet outside the building for the dedication.
The plaque was presented to the family in front of a pedestal holding the plaque which is located just south of the entrance to the county commission’s building.
Other meeting highlights
The Department of Economic Development is seeking additional funding. The commissioners approved the memorandum of understanding outlining the request. Other funding requests included a $25,000 grant to provide microphones to attach to existing radios for emergency personnel. The grant was approved by the board.
George Erichsen, director of Public Works and Transportation, presented a grant application for the extension of the runway at the county airport. The extension funding is currently open for bidding and close of bidding will be in 120 days. The additional grant will fund the realignment of the taxi-way, utility funding ( SMECO and Metcom), and wetland mitigation. The realignment of the taxi-way will be moved closer to the Southern Maryland Higher Learning Center to facilitate larger aircraft that are operating parallel to the runway. The runway will be extended from 4,150 feet to 5,000 feet. This extension will allow larger jet aircraft to safely negotiate takeoff and landing operations. Commissioner Tom Jarboe [R – District 1] added that these expansion efforts are a collaboration of public and private sector cooperation. The Federal Aviation Administration is offering a 95 percent budget grant and the state is contributing 2.5 percent funding. The grant request for $3.7 million was approved by the board.
St. Mary’s County Counsel George Sparling requested an amendment for county dog tag fees. Dog tags are required for animals living in the county and are a state requirement. Sparling suggested that animal control waive the county fee. This will not affect requirements for vaccination. His request will remove an added layer of regulation.
Erichsen presented a comprehensive solid waste management and recycling plan update. He stated that the county makes a reassessment every three years to review costs. Since the county has no operating landfills, the county has the option to ship waste materials to Virginia or Calvert County. Erichsen outlined the history of the county waste management disposal plans including the objectives: preservation of the environment, conservation of natural resources, encouragement of public involvement, review of the fuel costs, and identification of market and pilot programs. The county must conform to many legislative and regulatory laws including but not limited to the Maryland Recycling Act, Environmental Waste Recycling Act, Public Schools and college Recycling Act, Florescent Light Recycling Act as well as other laws affecting apartment building and condo structures, and bottle disposal facilities. Erichsen also noted that that the Maryland Department of the Environment Waste Division indicated that the county has shown a higher recovery rate of waste materials than the national average. St. Mary’s County government is ranked 11th in the state but, if one addresses the population density, St. Mary’s County is ranked third in the state.
The disposal and recycling of materials in the county is currently shipped out of the county. From a cost benefit analysis, the cost of a new landfill would cost in the excess of $25,000,000. Currently, materials are shipped to King George. VA., which is cost effective as compared with new landfill expenditures. The county is now handling over 900,000 visits each year using transfer stations and igloo receptacles. County residents are now within a 10 mile radius of a transfer station which appears to be convenient to individuals as compared to other jurisdictions.
Erichsen noted that his department is working hard in reviewing delivery cost to Virginia or Calvert County to ensure shipping costs are closely monitored. He noted that shipping costs vary with distance as well a weight of materials. Glass and other metals are more expensive to ship than paper and plastic materials so weight is an important factor. For example, King George in the past cost $34/ton and now the haul rate is $62/ton. These costs are therefore closely monitored to reduce the cost of disposal. The county is also reviewing and monitoring the Solid Waste Plan including community surveys and the assessment of hours of service to the public including opening transfer stations during weekend and nights.
Recommendations to the commissioners include conducting a waste management audit, maintaining a close public/private sector cooperative effort, and reviewing the needs of a new transfer station.