California, MD — The St., Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission has a new chairman. The board members of the county’s water and sewer authority at their June 23 meeting elected Bryan “Puff” Barthelme (shown) as their new chairman for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Current board chairman Steve Willing nominated Barthelme for the position, saying he had the most experience given his previous term on the board. Willing was prevented from seeking the chairmanship again as he has had three successive terms, which is the limit for a chairman.

Barthelme initially turned down the offer saying he had a lot on his plate at this time. But after a succession of other board members turned down the chairmanship, Barthelme agreed to take on the responsibility.

Barthelme takes on a commission that has been divided on several recent issues and is facing the prospect of hiring a new executive director and attorney. Current Executive Director Scott Bundy made a surprise resignation at the commission’s June 8 meeting.

Barthelme earlier in the meeting asked Bundy if he would reconsider his resignation. Bundy responded, “I am not prepared to say that right now.” The board then voted to proceed with the process of hiring a new executive director. They also approved language for a request for proposals for an attorney.

The board voted last month to proceed with advertising for a part-time attorney. Current Attorney Jacquelyn Meiser’s salary of more than $170,000 was one of the reasons for the board deciding to advertise the position. She was making more than the executive director and also was allowed an outside law practice.

Meiser was formerly both executive director and legal counsel but a bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly prohibited one person from holding the two positions. Given a choice, she selected to continue as attorney although the position was advertised at that time.

During the June 23 meeting, a motion was made by board member Mike Mummaugh to release to the public minutes of the executive sessions of November 14 and December 13, 2012. Barthelme seconded the motion but it failed on a 4-3 vote, with Willing breaking the tie.

Although it was not revealed at the meeting, it is believed those minutes pertain to the selection of Meiser as attorney.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com