The St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners began their day with the fifth joint meeting with NAS Patuxent River to discuss new projects and long-term goals for the partnership.
Commanding Officer, Capt. Andy Macyko and his staff discussed the infrastructure streamlining of the 66-year-old base and the important, incoming P8-A and Joint Strike Fighter F-35 programs. County staff gave updates on the Patuxent Park and Great Mills Road Streetscape projects.
The Navy and the County talked about population growth and the land use planning that would be of greatest benefit to both. Commissioner Dan Raley told Macyko, “We want you to grow, we want you to bring more people in, but we have to be ready for it.” Delagate John Bohanan commended the cooperation and county administrator John Savich said the joint effort, “is timely given that we’re renewing the comp plan.”
Back in the Chesapeake Building, the board acknowledged this week’s county fair and the hard work of John Richards and the fair association. Commissioner Mattingly called it, “a vital resource for the community that’s being well used and well maintained.”
They also praised the ‘Stuff the Bus’ program which will have an STS bus at the fairgrounds waiting to be literally stuffed full of non-perishable foods for St. Mary’s County food banks.
Public Works and Transportion returned $106,000 to the county’s reserve from an erosion revetment project on St. George’s Island. The Department of Aging got authorization for a grant that provides in-home services to older citizens. The county’s CFO, Elaine Kramer got approval of the FY2011 Budget Calendar and both she and Savich stated they were anticipating more cuts and more work sessions.
SMC Public Schools briefed the board on their FY2011 State Capital Improvements Program which includes a new elementary school similar to the energy-efficient Evergreen Elementary and multiple renovations to existing schools. Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano said, “We are painfully aware of the economy but we still need to be preparing.” Martirano announced that enrollment in the county is up and that several factors, including the growth of NAS Pax, indicate more seats are needed in the schools.
John Savich asked the board to reconsider a cost-sharing MOU with MetCom that would allow for split funding of a state-mandated staffing contract with the University of Maryland. The request was passed, reluctantly, with a 3 to 2 vote. Several commissioners expressed discern for this agreement. Raley said, “All of us have agreed there is a need to look at MetCom’s governance.”
During Commissioner’s Time, Jarboe mentioned the county employee benefits that were on a targeted list for cuts during a recent budget session. Jarboe said, “Let’s not do this.” Raley agreed and said, “Rumors have started flying.” John Savich reiterated that it was only included as an option for future budget hardships. He said he views “affecting employee benefits or compensation as a last resort.”
