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Commissioners discuss Metcom problems at Saint Clement Shores, museum finances and veterans program during updates
Summary
During Commissioner time Sept. 1, members discussed meeting frequency, Metcom's handling of failing septic systems at Saint Clement Shores, the delayed turnover and finances of the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, county museum deficits, veterans' WARM program plans, and upcoming medical cannabis information sessions.
Commissioners used their Sept. 1 meeting time to report on several ongoing matters affecting St. Mary's County, including sewer and septic problems at Saint Clement Shores, museum operations and finances, and veterans' services planning.
A commissioner reported discussions at a Metropolitan Commission (Metcom) meeting about Saint Clement Shores, saying the community has seven failing systems and at least one system is under a health‑department order; Metcom has restricted new hookups. The commissioner asked the board to direct staff to explore options to expand the Metcom system and to ask the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for regulatory flexibility or fee relief while expansion feasibility is studied. The transcript records the commissioner saying MDE "could ... impose" fines of $10,000 a day if limits are exceeded.
Commissioners also discussed the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. A commissioner, serving as the county's representative to the museum board, said the contractor had not yet turned the facility over because of unresolved punch list items. The same commissioner said a six‑week report from that museum showed roughly $28,000 in revenues and a net income of about $12,325 for the period; by contrast, county‑run museums showed a $38,000 deficit over the same six‑week period and an expected annual shortfall of about $550,000 for county museums. The commissioner asked county finance and administration staff for a report on museum operations and suggested review during the budget season.
Other items discussed included a WARM veterans program presentation and a plan to have a facility ready by Veterans Day; early community partnerships and Navy support were mentioned. Commissioners also reported outreach by the Technology Transfer Office at Naval Air Station Patuxent River about possible accelerator/incubator efforts to commercialize base technologies. Several commissioners encouraged public attendance at an informational session on medical cannabis scheduled for Sept. 29 featuring Hannah Byron; one commissioner clarified that the county's authority is limited to zoning letters and that many application and permitting decisions will be made at the state level.
A commissioner raised concerns about the Tri‑County Animal Shelter's conditions and staff training, noting perceived problems with animal temperament assessments and training; the commissioner said they are working with colleagues on the issue. Other brief updates included work on a golf‑cart resolution, the Charlotte Hall master plan for sewer extensions and economic development, and upcoming local events.
