LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) conducted their latest business meeting, which began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. After the approval of the consent agenda, the commissioners acknowledged Homegrown School Lunch Week and National Service Dog Month with proclamations.
The meeting proceeded with a detailed agenda during the County Administrator segment. Key actions included the approval of two Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements to support affordable housing projects in Lexington Park.
The first PILOT agreement was approved for Green Street Housing, LLC, which is set to renovate 80 affordable housing units in Joe Baker Village and Great Mills Court. The second PILOT, for the Villas at Lexwoods, a 40-unit low-income rental townhome development, came with a decision to increase the PILOT amount to $400 per unit instead of waiving excise taxes. Commissioner Eric Colvin had proposed halving the excise taxes, but this proposal was not adopted.
Public Hearing on Ethics Ordinance
The meeting also included a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the St. Mary’s County Public Ethics Ordinance. These changes would affect the timing of financial disclosure filings. No public comments were made during the hearing. Commissioner Colvin suggested that further discussion with the Board of Elections be held before a final vote on the matter.
Land Water Conservation Grant and Budget Amendment
Returning to the County Administrator’s agenda, the commissioners approved a $350,000 grant application through the Land Water Conservation Fund. This funding will go toward playground construction at St. Clements Shores Park and Cecil Park. Additionally, a budget amendment of $28,084 was approved to enhance the Myrtle Point Park property survey project, which is aimed at planning a visitor center and other activity areas.
The commissioners also approved a three-year grant application for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), totaling $144,972 with a required $16,165 county match. This grant is larger than past applications, with a reduced county match requirement.
Department Reorganization and Quit Claim Deed
In other business, the commissioners approved a reorganization of the Department of Land Use and Growth Management, including the creation of a Deputy Director position. This reorganization will be cost-neutral, utilizing salary savings from other roles.
The commissioners also approved a quit claim deed, transferring any interest in a “paper road” known as Cherry Street, located in the Piney Point Shores Subdivision, to Benchmark Property LLC. The road exists only in historic records and has never been developed or used.
Legislative Proposals Voted On
The commissioners then turned their attention to voting on 15 legislative proposals presented by the County Attorney’s Office. Among the proposals:
- $94 million in Public Facilities Bonds: The request for authorization to issue bonds for the FY26 and FY27 budgets was postponed.
- Animal Control Ordinance: A request for flexibility in the ordinance from the Director of Emergency Services was approved.
- Water and Sewer Process: A request to streamline the Comprehensive Water and Sewer revision process was approved.
- Competitive Bidding Increase: The CIO’s request to raise the competitive bid process threshold from $15,000 to $50,000 was approved.
- Alcohol Beverage Licensing: A proposal to allow the Alcohol Beverage Board to issue multiple licenses in certain cases was delayed for further input.
- Roadside Solicitation Ban: Commissioner Ostrow’s request to prohibit roadside solicitation in St. Mary’s County was approved.
Several other proposals were also approved, including initiatives related to electric vehicle charging stations at the county airport, funding support for Feed St. Mary’s, and the Sheriff’s Office’s plans for various programs like inpatient treatment and pretrial supervision.
Commissioner Time and Transportation Updates
During Commissioner Time, Commissioner Colvin noted the success of the St. Mary’s County Fair and addressed the potential impacts of a federal government shutdown. The commissioners then concluded their business meeting, with plans to reconvene later in the evening.
At 6 p.m., the commissioners hosted Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Paul Wiedefeld and his team for the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour. The CTP outlines the state’s six-year capital budget for transportation infrastructure, and the meeting included updates on key projects in St. Mary’s County.
Upcoming Meetings
The next CSMC business meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, located on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown. All meeting documents and decisions are available on the county website, and meetings are broadcast live on TV Channel 95 or via YouTube.
