Town Meeting Minutes
Minutes of Town Meeting
November 7, 2022


President Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Present were Town Commissioners John P. Griffin, Sr. and Edward C. Raffetto, Jr, and Town Administrator/Clerk, Nancy J. Lindyberg.  President Rhodes dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Commissioner Raffetto moved to approve the minutes of October 17, 2022, as written.  Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion.  The motion passed 3-0.

Committee Reports:

Planning and Zoning:  The next Planning and Zoning Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Board of Appeals:
  Nothing to report.

Budget Status Report
:  Each Commissioner received copies of the General and Sewer Accounts and reviewed same.

Unfinished Business: 

Delmarva Power to Transition Remainder of Street Lights to LED Fixtures:  The transition of the light at 120 Walnut Street and the installation of a new light at Church Lane and Main Street are on Delmarva's list to be done.

Maryland Food Bank Truck:  The Maryland Food Bank truck will again be in Church Hill Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 562 Main Street, the old lumber yard property.

Town Hall Repair and Renovation:   President Rhodes said that he met with a local contractor, who looked at the building and he will submit an estimate of cost for the repairs and painting.

Property Inspection/Code Enforcement Agreement:
  Town Attorney, Karen Ruff, consulted with Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA) to incorporate Code Enforcement into their original agreement.  Mrs. Ruff drew up the Agreement with MDIA and each Commissioner has a copy of same to review and accept.  Commissioner Raffetto moved to accept the Agreement and authorize President Rhodes to sign it.  Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion.  The motion passed 3-0.

Other:
  President Rhodes said that he received a complaint regarding excessive speed on Route 300 between Everett Lane and the Church Hill Park.  Ms. Lindyberg will contact the Sheriff's Office and forward the complaint to them.
President Rhodes also mentioned that he had an opportunity to speak with the Post Office regarding mailboxes on Walnut Street and possibly leaving the Post Office open 24 hours.  However, it was learned that the building is not a secure building; therefore, the doors could not be left unlocked after business hours.  It was also learned that the residents on Walnut Street are permitted to have mailboxes installed on the grass strip with the box opening facing the street.  Interested residents should contact the Post Office for additional information.

New Business:

Correspondence:  The Town received a letter from the Church Hill Theatre requesting a several items of repair to be performed in the area they rent at 324 Main Street.  The Commissioners have agreed to comply with their request.

ARPA Funds Consultant
:  Town Attorney, Karen Ruff, suggested that the Town engage a consultant to assist the Town with adhering to the requirements of the ARPA Funds.  The firm of Thomas/Michael, LLC agreed to charge the Town by the hour, instead of requiring an annual retainer.  Mrs. Ruff contacted the consultant and drew up an Agreement to be reviewed and accepted by the Commissioners.   Commissioner Raffetto moved to accept the Agreement and authorize President Rhodes to sign it.  Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion.  The motion passed 3-0.  President Rhodes also stated that tomorrow there will be a zoom meeting with the Town, the Town's Attorney and Engineer to discuss the new Waste Water Treatment Plant project.  President Rhodes further said that he contacted a grant writer to assist the Town in applying for grant money to help with the cost of the new WWTP.

SHA's Welcome to Church Hill Signs and Plants/Flower Beds:
President Rhodes was contacted by a representative from State Highway Administration asking if the Town had a maintenance agreement between the Town and SHA to maintain the "Welcome to Church Hill" signs and plantings. The Town does not and never had a maintenance agreement with SHA.  She advised that SHA received a complaint regarding the flower beds around the signs. In the past SHA had been taking care of them, but they will no longer be able to do so because of budgets restraints.  She inquired if the Town would be willing to take of this project, if not SHA would just remove the plants.  The Commissioners advised they would discuss it and contact her later.
QAC Library Book Mobile:
The book mobile will be in Church Hill on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the corner of Main Street and Church Lane.

Other: President Rhodes said that he contacted German and Sons to repair several of the street lights that are owned by the Town.  Also the light at the cemetery had been repaired.

Sewer System:

Flow Reports:  Each Commissioner has a copy of the flow reports and reviewed same.

Other:
  None

Comments:
  Robert Price, resident of Church Hill, asked if something could be done regarding the residents at 521/523 Main Street because they are very disruptive.  He detailed that there is always yelling, cursing and fighting in the street and law enforcement has been there many times.  Ms. Lindyberg will contact the QAC Sheriff's Office and forward this issue to them.
Phil Hurlock asked if they might get some assistance in finding a place to place the lighted message board that used to be on the front of the old fire house building.  Ms. Lindyberg will contact Chris Jakubiak, Planning and Zoning Administrator, and asked him to call Mr. Hurlock.

Commissioner Griffin moved to adjourn the meeting.   Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion.  The motion was passed 3-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Nancy J. Lindyberg
Town Administrator/Clerk

I hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and accurate record of the open Town Meeting held by the Town Commissioners of Church Hill on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.


Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
President