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 January 1, 2006, applications must be submitted by November 18, 2005.
The following Boards, Committees and Commissions have existing and potential vacancies:
Airport Advisory Committee
To advise the Board of County Commissioners and County government on future planning and development; emerging opportunities and related issues of Airport management.
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.
Board of Trustees, Museum Division, St. Mary's County, Department of Recreation and Parks
The business and affairs of the St. Mary's Nursing Center, Inc. shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Trustees. All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or under authority of the Board of Trustees.
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 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.
Community Health Advisory Committee
To assist the Board of Health by advising the Board regarding the health problems of St. Mary's County and thus assists the Board in its responsibility to undertake "community assessment." The committee will promote the prevention of premature death, disability, and illness by developing St. Mary's County community health policy for recommendation to the Board. The role of the Board of Health is to support the committee by providing the resources if needed by the committee to undertake the work, and by facilitating the planning process.
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.
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.
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.
Metropolitan Commission
To provide the Commission with a wide range of authority necessary for the operations of the public water and sewer system within the County.
Planning Commission
To advise the Commissioners, as authorized by Article 66B of the MD Annotated Code, on plans for county development and resource use. To supervise the Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
Plumbing Board
To execute or to cause to be executed all the provisions of the St. Mary's County Plumbing Code.
Recreation and Parks Board
To preside over a comprehensive program of public recreation, including establishment, operation, and maintenance of a system of public parks throughout St. Mary's County.
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 Youth Services Bureau
To assist in preventing youth in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties from becoming involved or re involved with the Juvenile Justice System (Juvenile Services Administration, the police, and the courts).
Wicomico River Commission
To advise the County on the stewardship of the Wicomico River Watershed and to further the aims of the Scenic and Wild Rivers Act and to serve as an advocate for the wise use and management of the Wicomico River Zekiah Swamp and their resources.
To advise the Board of County Commissioners and County Government on future planning and development, fees, policies and related issues of Golf Course management. Zoning Board of Appeals
To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of this article or of any ordinance adopted pursuant thereto; to hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the ordinance upon which board is required to pass under such ordinances; and to authorize upon appeal in specific cases a variance from the terms of the ordinance.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 301-475-4200 ext. 1341.