Volunteer Commissions
Originally Published: December 16, 2024
New Members, What Do They Do?
As part of the consent agenda on December 10th, the County Commissioners approved appointments to volunteer boards and commissions. Generally, the Commissioners make appointments for vacant positions, or reappointments for members continuing to serve, twice a year. Over 50 boards are listed on the county’s website, though some, like the Youth Advisory Commission, have been disbanded and others, like the Redistricting Board and Compensation Review Commission, only operate every 10 and four years, respectively, as required by law.
The boards are charged with varying missions. The Recreation & Parks Board, for example, is advisory in nature, providing “advice and assistance concerning a comprehensive program of public recreation, including the establishment, operation and maintenance of a system of public parks and facilities.” Board members interface with the public to identify needs and opportunities, provide input on policy and procedure, and may submit an annual report to the Commissioners. Throughout the year, the Board might issue a memo to the Commissioners, capturing public feedback; input is also provided through department staff, including the Director.
A handful of the Commissions are responsible for the review and implementation of the law. More well known is the Planning Commission (PC), which reviews proposed development in the county against the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) and either approves, or denies, the proposal. The CZO is updated as needed with County Commissioner approval. The Board of Appeals (BOA) reviews proposals denied by the PC and has the authority to overturn the decision; BOA also hears requests for variances to the CZO, often required for a development to move forward.
Other advisory boards or commissions include Agriculture, Seafood, and Forestry; Airport Advisory; Animal Control Advisory; Commission for Women; Commission on Aging; Ethics; Historic Preservation; Police Accountability; Social Services, and more. Each board operates somewhat differently, and with varying levels of success. The County Commissioners rarely, if ever, meet directly with many of these Boards and Commissions, instead relying on interdepartmental communications among staff or memos. Being on the County Commissioner’s agenda at least once a year to review the board or commission’s annual report could significantly impact the Commissioner’s awareness of feedback across many facets of the community. The Commissioner’s could provide direction to advisory boards, strengthening their purpose to connect government with community.
The BOA and PC will have new members resulting from the December 10th appointments. Connor Loughran is leaving the BOA to fill a partial term on the PC being vacated by John Brown who, after serving for two years, is returning to the BOA. Brown served on the BOA prior to moving to the PC. Judith Fillius is filling a partial term on the PC, vacated after Michael Brown resigned from the PC. Additionally, PC Chair Howard Thompson was appointed to a third term.
Elsewhere, Brandie Edelen, former candidate for Board of Education, was appointed to the Human Relations Commission. To “encourage and promote equal treatment to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or disability…in the areas of housing, employment, and public access” is the commission’s purpose.
Many currently serving board members were reappointed for another term. Congratulations to all, and thank you for serving.
For more information on boards and commissions: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Boards/
