The Board of Commissioners for St. Mary's County is seeking citizens who are interested in volunteering their time in public service to the community by serving on various Boards, Committees, and Commissions. Interested citizens can pick-up an application in the St. Mary's County Public Information Office, located on the first floor of the Governmental Center in Leonardtown or call 301-475-4200 extension 1341. Applications and meeting dates and times can be found on the County's website at http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/voluntr/. All applications must include a resume. To be considered for appointments effective July 1, 2005, applications must be submitted by May 18, 2005.
The following Boards, Committees and Commissions have existing and potential vacancies:
Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
To review and make recommendations to the Court regarding the continuation, modification or termination of public guardianship of disabled adults.
Agriculture, Seafood, and Forestry Commission
To identify and implement activities aimed at preserving agriculture and seafood harvesting as prosperous components of the County's economy; to promote the agriculture, aquaculture and forestry industries of the county; to provide a permanently established forum for the discussion of public policy issues relating to concerns of agriculture, seafood and forestry; and to recommend and advise the Board of County Commissioners on issues related to agriculture, seafood and forestry.
BOCA Code Appeals Board
To hear citizen's appeals of the code official decisions. Over the years since its creation, the purpose of the Board has been expanded to include review of the updated building codes as they are published. It has been the Board's responsibility to review these codes, propose local amendments to the codes, and make recommendations to the County Commissioners as to their adoption.
Cable Advisory Committee
To advise the Commissioners on matters related to the use of cable systems and facilities; to review complaint and system malfunction statistics and make any recommendations to the franchisee and Commissioners as it may find appropriate for the improvement of the system's technical operation; to make recommendations as to possible improvements in general categories of programming or service to subscribers, including matters dealing with control and operation of government, public and education access channels, and the overall operation of the system; to assist in any performance evaluation of a cable system; and to perform other duties as directed by the Commissioners.
Commission for Women
To deal with matters involving the concerns of and issues affecting women such as employment, education, health, public office, home and legal rights.
Commission on Aging
To advise and assist in the coordination of governmental programs involving the aging and deal with matters of finance, social services, housing, employment, leisure time, medical services, transportation and retirement as it affects senior citizens.
Commission on People with Disabilities
To increase acceptance and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of county life.
Commission on the Environment
To promote environmental awareness by research, by information gathering, and by public meetings; to involve citizens through a variety of means to affect improved community understanding; to serve as county government's official representation in matters related to the environment. As such as liaison with Federal, State and other Local Governments and with civic organizations and the general public.
Electrical Examiners Board
To enforce the Public Laws of St. Mary's County entitled Electrical Examiners and as may be amended and any additional rules and regulations so adopted by the Board; to review all applications for the Master and Limited Electrical License, administer and grade the examinations and issue new or renewed licenses as required.
Ethics Commission
To interpret and administer the provisions of the St. Mary's County Public Ethics Ordinance.
Historic Preservation Commission
To assist in the identification and designation of historic districts within St. Mary's County in accordance with the St. Mary's County Zoning Ordinance.
Housing Authority Board
The focus of the St. Mary's County Housing Authority is to Optimize both rental and homeownership opportunities for citizens whose annual incomes do not exceed 80% of median income. The Housing Authority will work to provide housing for all citizens of need, and for the benefit of the county's economy. Affordable and available housing development is critical to the economic development of the county.
Human Relations Commission
To encourage and insure equal treatment to all, without regard to race, color, religion, ethical or moral conviction, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws or regulations in the areas of housing, employment, and public access.
Library Board of Trustees
To deal with all aspects of the library including services, staff, rules and regulations and other functions for the proper delivery of library services.
Marcey House Board
To oversee the business and manage the day to day operations of the Marcey House, which is a residential facility for the treatment and counseling of persons recovering from substance abuse.
Plumbing Board
To execute or to cause to be executed all the provisions of the St. Mary's County Plumbing Code.
Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board
State Board - the County makes nominations to the Board and the Governor makes the appointments.
Social Services Board
To deal with policy, programs and problems of the local Department of Social Services and Public Assistance Administration.
Solid Waste Advisory Board
To review solid waste management issues in St. Mary's County and to participate in planning for waste management.
Teen Center Advisory Board
To advise the Recreation and Parks Board and County Commissioners on matters affecting the Teen Center including programs, budget, fundraising, and community involvement.
Tri-County Animal Shelter Advisory Board
The charge of this Committee shall be: to give advice to the Boards of Commissioners relative to the service rendered by the Animal Shelter to the citizens of the three counties. This Committee shall be advisory only and shall not have any policy-making or regulatory powers.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 301-475-4200 ext. 1341.