LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting on April 1, 2025, starting with an invocation and pledge before approving the consent agenda. The agenda included appointments to various boards, committees, and commissions, a move Commissioner Eric Colvin praised on his Facebook page, thanking volunteers for their service.
The CSMC then issued proclamations recognizing Fair Housing Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Healthcare Decisions Day, and National Library Week, highlighting community priorities for April. The main agenda featured two key approvals for public hearings scheduled for April 29, 2025, with times to be determined. The first hearing will address a proposed revision to the Animal Control Ordinance, removing the rule that owning five or more dogs designates a commercial kennel. The second will consider repealing and replacing Ordinance 2017-30 to allow golf carts on Old Horse Landing Road, provided drivers hold licenses and carts meet safety standards.
Public hearing details are available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings. During County Administrator Time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and took two significant actions. They authorized the Department of Emergency Services to apply as a sub-applicant for the FY2024 FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant, targeting four projects: three home elevations and a shoreline rock revetment. They also approved recommending the Emergency Manager from the Department of Emergency Services to the Governor for appointment as St. Mary’s County’s Emergency Manager.
A legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney followed, covering state and local policy developments. The meeting concluded with Commissioner Time, where Colvin highlighted upcoming events: the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women’s Awards Ceremony, the Recreation & Parks Cherry Blossom Festival, the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum’s Rebels & Redcoats event on April 5, and the 28th Annual RunforHospice Fun Run/Walk on the same day.
The session ended with a closed discussion on litigation, after which the commissioners returned to open session and approved joining a class action settlement against Cintas Corporation. The lawsuit alleges overcharging of local governments, including St. Mary’s County, a past client of the company.
The next CSMC meeting is set for April 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown. Meetings are open to the public, broadcast live on Channel 95, and available on-demand at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Decisions and documents are accessible via BoardDocs on the county website.
