Sharma Named Director of Calvert County Department of Public Works
We are pleased to announce the promotion of P. Rai Sharma to director of the Calvert County Department of Public Works.
Sharma has been with Calvert County government since 2010, when he was  hired as a project engineer and was soon promoted to deputy director of public works. He started his county government career in Wicomico County, where he served as chief engineer for public works and as director.
Sharma replaces Department of Public Works Director Terry Carlson, who served in the position from Nov. 8, 2005, until his retirement on Jan. 24, 2014. Carlson was originally hired as a transportation engineer in 1988.
"Terry will be sorely missed," said Calvert County Commissioners President Pat Nutter. "He has been an excellent leader and manager for more than 25 years and we appreciate his service. He has set a strong example for his staff and his successor. I am proud to have worked with him."
Since joining Calvert County government, Sharma has focused his attention on public road safety, sidewalk policies and neighborhood traffic management.
Sharma has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He is a member and past president of the County Engineers Association and the Solid Waste Association of America.
"We know Rai will do his best to continue making Calvert County's infrastructure safer and more pedestrian-friendly," said County Administrator Terry Shannon. "Since he has been here he has updated the County Road Ordinance, facilitated a methane gas remediation project and been a part of a number of engineering policy updates and improvements."
Sharma was formally introduced as a department director during the Jan. 28 commissioners meeting.
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County Livability Code Protects Tenants
The recent county action to address livability issues at the Hallowing Point Trailer Park in Prince Frederick has heightened awareness about regulations covering the health and safety of residential dwellings.
Calvert County has a Minimum Livability Code in Chapter 75 of the county Code of Ordinances. The livability code was adopted in 1988 and sets minimum property standards for the interior and exterior of structures. Problems that may jeopardize public health and safety, such as leaky roofs, inadequate heating or electrical problems, violate the code and can lead to county enforcement.
However, it is important to note the code only applies to landlord/tenant relationships. Owner-occupied single-family housing units are not covered. Homeowners have some latitude in the upkeep of their homes while property owners and operators bear more responsibility for how they maintain units for their tenants.
The livability code is administered by the Calvert County Department of Community Planning and Building through the Inspections and Permits Division. Tenant reports about livability problems are investigated by county inspectors. This is a key point. Tenants must first report their concerns to the county and specify violations in writing.
Once a complaint is reported, county inspectors may visit the dwelling to investigate it. If livability code violations are discovered, the county can order repairs within a reasonable time frame and issue fines for failure to comply. The tenant can choose to remain in the home while repairs are underway, though more serious violations may result in temporary relocation.
This is the situation that occurred at the Hallowing Point Trailer Park. Along with livability issues, several dwellings had faulty water and sewer service, forcing resident relocations until the problems could be fixed. The Calvert County Health Department, an agent of both the state and county governments, administers regulations related to sewage disposal systems and potable water supplies.
Tenants have protection under the county's Minimum Livability Code and are urged to report conditions they believe may be violations. For more information about the code, call 410-535-2155 or email inspections.permits@co.cal.md.us. |
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New Election System Begins This Year
After the passage of a State Bill during the 2013 legislative session, Calvert County commissioners' elections will be conducted under a new system this year.
The five county commissioners are elected for four-year terms and the elections occur on the same cycle as the gubernatorial race.  Each candidate has the choice to file as a representative of the election district in which he or she resides or as an at-large candidate. In previous elections, the top vote-getter from each of the county's three election districts was elected to serve that district, then subsequent vote-getters were elected to the at-large seats. Under this new system of election, the top vote-getter for each of the district races and the top two vote-getters for the at-large race are elected.
The deadline to file as a candidate for the Nov. 4 general election is Feb. 25. Candidates may file at the Calvert County Board of Elections, 30 Duke St., Prince Frederick. Voters may register at the same location or at any post office, Social Security Office or the Motor Vehicle Administration. Registration applications must be received three weeks before any election.
The 2014 primary is June 24. Early voting for the primary is June 12-19. Early voting for the Nov. 4 general election is Oct. 23-30.
For more information about elections, candidates and registration, visit the election board online or call 410-535-2214. |
Grab a Copy of Calvert County's
2014 Visitors Guide
The guide also features contact information and details on charter boating, marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, golf courses, accommodations and biking/hiking trails as well as a listing of major events throughout the year.
To receive free copies of the 2014 Visitors Guide or for more information on county attractions and events, please contact the Calvert County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 or via email. Visit online and like us on Facebook. Visitors Guides are available at Calvert County visitor centers, located at 8120 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Owings within the Fairview Library and at 14175 Solomons Island Road South in Solomons. |
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Clear Your House of Hazardous Waste
The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Division of Solid Waste, is hosting the first household hazardous waste collection day of 2014 on Saturday,  March 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mount Hope Community Center, 104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland. The event will give Calvert County residents the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous substances free of charge.
Hazardous waste commonly found in the home includes materials such as oil-based paints, gasoline, gas/oil mix, pool chemicals, solvents, fertilizers, prescription drugs, explosives and other items usually labeled with the words "DANGER," "TOXIC," "POISON" or "WARNING." These items should be separated from regular household trash and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
Latex paint, however, is not hazardous and will not be accepted at the event. Latex paint may be thrown out with regular trash once it has dried.
County residents may drop off trash and recyclables at customer convenience centers and the Appeal Landfill, including motor oil and oil filters, antifreeze, batteries, electronics, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, cooking oil, cell phones, printer cartridges, textiles and all types of light bulbs.
Hazardous waste collection days are held four times a year in Calvert County - one Saturday in March and September at the Mt. Hope Community Center and one Saturday in June and November at the Appeal Landfill.
For more information, call 410-326-0210 or visit online for a full listing of materials accepted. |
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What's Happening
in Calvert County
Don't get stuck inside with cabin fever this month. There is always plenty to do in Calvert County.
Check out the local events calendar.
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More Choices for Shopping Locally
Calvert County's diverse economic opportunities and an unparalleled quality of life make it an outstanding location for business investment. The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Economic Development welcome the following new and relocated businesses to the county. Visit them and help support your local economy. New businessesNeall's Wine & Spirits2001 Chaneyville Road Owings 301-327-5269 Moxie Boutique South 7933 Bayside Road Chesapeake Beach 443-532-1166 Relocated:Liberty Tax Service830 Solomons Island Road Prince Frederick 410-535-1720
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Catch Up
on BOCC Actions
Can't make it to the meetings of the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays? There are ways to stay infomed about county officials' actions.
A new live streaming option is available on the county's online media center. The site also includes video archives, allowing you to watch the meetings when you have the time.
BOCC meetings are replayed at 7 p.m. Tuesdays on Comcast Channel 6; 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays.
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Forum Sheds Light on Drug Abuse
The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse is hosting a community forum and workshop on drug abuse Thursday, April 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland Prince Frederick campus.
The event will include an update on prescription drug abuse and the increase in heroin use in Calvert County. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with other families who are dealing with substance abuse issues and people in recovery to learn how they have been successful.
Breakout sessions will focus on the early diagnosis of substance abuse, how to support someone who has an addiction issue and treatment and rehabilitation programs. A youth session will be offered for fifth- to eighth-graders titled "Pop Positivity, Not Pills."
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It's Time for Restaurant Week
Looking for a great meal but don't want to travel? Stay right here in Calvert County for the second annual Restaurant Week Feb. 21 through March 2.
Coordinated by the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Calvert County Restaurant Week features restaurants that draw on the region's bounty to offer unique dining experiences. Restaurant Week patrons can enter a drawing for prizes by completing an online feedback form or filling out response cards at the restaurants during their visits. Winners will be individually notified.
A special section on the Calvert County tourism website features full event details including a list of participating restaurants, menus, a mapping feature showing restaurant locations, frequently asked questions and more.
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