Sandra E. Hertz

This strategic plan guides the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) from FY 2023 to FY 2027, outlining its direction to protect and enhance Maryland's environment. The plan is built upon three core pillars: Safety, Level of Service, and Education & Training, and sets forth four strategic goals focusing on ensuring workplace safety, improving employee morale, addressing employment challenges (including retention, succession planning, and recruitment), and achieving business growth objectives. It aims to attract and retain dedicated talent, meet client needs effectively, and contribute to improving Maryland as a place to live, work, and play.

The meetings covered legislative updates regarding House Bill 78, which altered governance and reporting requirements for the Agency, including quorum thresholds and reporting deadlines. Financial reports indicated strong performance, leading to recommendations for a one-time $600 contribution to eligible employees' 401k plans. The Board approved numerous procurement items across various departments, including water tank repairs, water treatment facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and various service contracts. HR reported a declining vacancy rate, and the implementation of a new Employee Assistance Program was detailed. The Audit Committee reviewed the FY24 Audit Plan, noting a change in report due dates due to new legislation, and received updates on completed internal audits, including an ineffective rating for controls within Workday segregation of duties. The March meeting included a moment of silence for construction workers lost during the Key Bridge collapse. Legal matters were discussed in closed session, including the dismissal of one litigation matter and authorization to attempt settlement on another.

Multiple meetings and committee sessions were documented across January, February, March, April, and May 2023. Key discussions included the review and recommendation of new Electrician and Mechanic Career Ladders by the Human Resources Committee. The main Board meetings addressed numerous procurement items, such as services for rehabilitation of wastewater systems, change orders for landfill projects, and procurement of laboratory services. Other significant topics included updates on the BEST FY23 goals, reports on agency activity, financial statements showing strong labor sales, and updates on recruitment efforts and an Agency internship program. The Board also addressed the passing of Board member Hiram L. Tanner, Jr., P.E., and reviewed the timeline for the Executive Director's performance evaluation.

The Board of Directors meeting included discussions on several key areas. The Executive Director's report covered employee bonuses and salary increases effective in February 2022, updates on the Operator in Training (OIT) program recruitment efforts, and the Governor's FY2023 budget which included funding for dredging and the ECI Co-Generation plant conversion. The Board also reviewed the December financial statements, noted steady labor sales but lower than FY21 figures, and observed an increase in net assets. The Human Resources Report indicated a vacancy rate of 8.78% and the approval of Resolution 22-01-1R concerning COVID-19 booster leave. Group updates detailed ongoing activities for the Environmental Dredging and Restoration Group projects such as Cox Creek DMCF, Masonville DMCF, and Poplar Island DMCF. Procurement items approved included a change order for UV oxidation system installation at Cunningham Falls State Park Water Treatment Plant, pre-solicitation approval for a road grader, a change order for the ECI Co-Gen fuel conversion upgrade, and a two-year insurance contract renewal. New business included the revival of the Supervisor/Manager training program. The public session concluded with the Board entering executive session to approve prior closed session minutes, consult with counsel on litigation, and discuss individual employee performance and salary modifications for the Executive Director and Deputy Director.

The Board conducted several meetings across January, February, and March 2021. Key discussions revolved around significant procurements, including the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and the purchase of boiler burners for the Co-Gen facility. Directors also addressed legislative matters, specifically the Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act (SB2) and the State Transparency and Accountability Reform (STAR) commission activities. Financial reports for December 2020 and January 2021 were reviewed, noting labor sales trends and diligent collection efforts. Furthermore, the Board discussed significant human resources topics, including employee retirement notifications, challenges in Operator in Training retention, and the approval and disbursement of FY20 BEST, BEST Plus, and Executive Incentive payments. The April meeting focused heavily on the MES Reform Act (SB2/HB2) which passed and becomes effective July 1st, detailing structural changes to Board composition, required policies, and transparency measures. Procurement items included Microsoft licensing, landfill expansion services, and hydraulic modeling support services. The Board also unanimously approved a $1,000 bonus payment to all MES employees, mirroring a State employee payment.