The meeting began with an invocation by Commissioner Ostrow expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, asking for guidance for just and fair decisions, and asking for unity among the Commissioners. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
Chairman Randy Guy introduced the commissioners in attendance, including Eric Colvin, representing the First Commissioner District, Mike Hewitt, representing the Second Commissioner District, Mike Alderson Jr., representing the Third Commissioner District, and Scott Ostrow, representing the Fourth Commissioner District. Other officials introduced were County Administrator David Weiskopf, Recorder Sharon Ferris, and Communications Director Jenna Guzman.
The Commissioners approved the agenda, which included the minutes of the meeting held on August 20, 2024. This approval was unanimous following a motion by Commissioner Alderson, seconded by Commissioner Colvin.
In observance of Women’s Equality Day on August 26, 2024, a proclamation was issued recognizing the affirmation of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The proclamation emphasized the ongoing need to address gender inequalities in various sectors, including the workplace, education, and leadership. Department of Aging and Human Services Director Lori Jennings-Harris and Division of Human Services Director Cynthia Brown attended the meeting to adopt the proclamation. Commission on Women Chair Catherine Stewart also thanked the commissioners for their support.
District Attorney Buffy Giddens made a request for a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 158 of the St. Mary’s County Ethics Ordinance. The proposed amendments include changes to the filing process for financial disclosure forms, requiring new candidates for office to file the forms directly with the local Ethics Commission rather than the Board of Elections, and extending the deadline for filing financial disclosure forms to 30 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Commissioners discussed the potential impact of these changes and expressed concerns about whether they could hinder the filing of certificates of candidacy. The motion to authorize the public hearing was made by Commissioner Hewitt, seconded by Commissioner Ostrow, and passed unanimously.
Captain Shawn Moses and CFO Lotti Bell of the Sheriff’s Office presented the FFY2025 cooperative agreement to reimburse the Maryland Department of Human Services Child Support Grant. Total funding includes $549,851 in federal funds and $333,839 in county funds. The grant covers salaries, benefits, and other operating costs of the Child Support Unit. Commissioners unanimously approved the grant following a motion by Commissioner Colvin, seconded by Commissioner Alderson Jr.
Commissioners accepted two grants from the Maryland Office of Problem-Solving Courts. The Adult Recovery Court Program received a total of $547,126.12, with $315,126.12 from state funds and $232,000 from county grants. This program supports three full-time positions and provides intensive support and care for individuals recovering from substance abuse. The Family Recovery Court Program received $220,713.77, fully matched by the state, which supports family services for at-risk families. This program has been in operation since 2015 and aims to support families struggling with substance abuse and other challenges. Judge David Densford and Program Manager Linda Spates presented the grants and both grants were approved unanimously.
State Attorney Jaymi Sterling, along with Grant Coordinator Jessika Hall and Chief of Staff Kelsey Patterson, presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Gun Violence Reduction Grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. The grant totals $112,429, of which $96,777 is funded by the state and $15,652 is funded by the county to cover ancillary services not included in the grant. The grant supports the position of an evidence analyst to assist in the effective prosecution of gun crimes. The motion to authorize the grant was made by Commissioner Hewitt, seconded by Commissioner Ostrow, and passed unanimously.
Director Arthur Shepherd and Deputy Director Jessica Hale of the Department of Recreation and Parks requested the reclassification of the Administrative Coordinator position to a Marketing Coordinator II position. This change is intended to improve the Department’s promotional and communications efforts and address deficiencies identified during the accreditation process. The position will focus on developing a consistent marketing strategy for the entire Department to better engage the community and promote recreational opportunities. The motion to approve the reclassification was made by Commissioner Ostrow, seconded by Commissioner Hewitt, and passed unanimously.
Jennifer Utz, director of emergency services, presented a spending plan for the Maryland 9-1-1 Board Trust Fund totaling $2,961,900 for fiscal year 2025. The funds will be used for a major phone system upgrade and other infrastructure improvements at the county’s 9-1-1 center. The upgrades are necessary to replace outdated technology and ensure continued reliable emergency services. Commissioners approved the spending plan without requiring any participation from the county.
Commissioners approved the construction contract for Phase 3B of FDR Boulevard, which extends approximately one mile from Buck Hewitt Road to Pegg Road. The contract awarded to Great Mills Trading Post Company is estimated to cost over $1 million. This project, which is being done in conjunction with the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), also includes the installation of a water main along the street. Construction is expected to take approximately 20 months.
During the commissioners’ meetings, each commissioner reported on their recent activities and shared their thoughts on county matters. Discussions included appreciation of staff and volunteers, upcoming community events and personal news.
The Commissioners then held a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the appointment of boards, committees and commissions. The motion for a closed session was made by Commissioner Alderson Jr., seconded by Commissioner Ostrow and passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned following the closed session.
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