The County Council confirmed 13 department heads Monday night, but it was one long-time agency director whose departure received a standing ovation.

Mary Harvey, the director of the Office of Community Conservation for the last decade, attended her last council meeting. She is retiring at a time when her department is being split up and merged into three other agencies—Social Services, Planning and Public Works.

Council Chairman John Olszewski noted the moment as Harvey finished testimony on a resolution approving the application for a tax credit by Augsburg Lutheran Home of Maryland.

"I understand this is going to be your last legislative session as you ride that horse off into the sunset of retirement," Olszewski said to Harvey.

"I'll be at the senior center Monday," Harvey replied.

Olszewski went on to thank Harvey for her years of service.

Harvey, a Perry Hall resident,  joined the county in 1986 as a council aide most notably for then-Councilman Vince Gardina, who was elected in 1990. In 1994, she was appointed eastern sector coordinator in the newly created Office of Community Conservation.

She was appoined director of the office in 2000.

"You have definitely made a difference in our communities," Olszewski said.

Harvey stepped down from the dais to a standing ovation.

After the meeting she told me she wasn't quite finished with community work, though she hasn't decided what she will focus on. For the last several years she has been active in working with churches and other groups in Towson and around the county that deal with issues related to the homeless.