Minutes of Town Meeting
November 6, 2023
President Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Town Commissioner Edward Raffetto, Jr., and Town Administrator/Clerk, Nancy Lindyberg. Commissioner John Griffin, Sr. was absent due to illness. President Rhodes dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to approve the minutes of October 16, 2023, as written. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to open the Public Hearing regarding Ordinance No. 181/23 - Signs in Residential Districts an ordinance of The Commissioners of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland amending the code of the Town of Church Hill, Chapter 75 "Zoning," Article 5 "Development Requirements," Part 6 "Signs," § 75-120 "Signs in Residential Districts" to permit a freestanding entrance sign for residential subdivisions under certain circumstances. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Phil Hurlock inquired about a sign for the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company. President Rhodes advised that this amendment is only for residential developments.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to close the Public Hearing. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to adopt Ordinance No. 181/23. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Committee Reports:
Planning and Zoning: Janet Rochester, Chairperson, reported that the next meeting will be Monday, November 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. This will also be the Public Hearing regarding the amended 2010 Church Hill Comprehensive Plan to be in effect until 2040.
Board of Appeals: Nothing to report.
Budget Status Report: Each Commissioner received copies of the General and Sewer Accounts and reviewed same.
Unfinished Business:
Adoption of Ordinance No. 183/23-Property Maintenance Code: An ordinance of the Commission of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland amending the code of the Town of Church Hill, to enact Chapter 45 "Property Maintenance Code".
There were no comments and/or questions regarding Ordinance No. 183/23.
President Rhodes moved to adopt Ordinance No. 183/23 as amended. Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 184/23 - Hunting and Discharge of Firearms an Other Weapons: An ordinance of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland, repealing Ordinance No. 13 and all other prior ordinances of the Town addressing hunting and the discharge of weapons and firearms; and adopting Chapter 38 "Hunting and the Discharge of Firearms and Other Weapons", of the Church Hill Town Code.
There were no comments and/or questions regarding Ordinance No. 184/23. Commissioner Raffetto moved to adopt Ordinance No. 184/23. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
QAC Library Book Mobile: The book mobile will be at the Church Hill Judy Center at the Church Hill Elementary School on Wednesday, November 15 and 29, 2023 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and at the corner of Main Street and Church Lane on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Maryland Food Bank Food Truck: The Food Truck will be at the Church Hill Park, 1130 Sudlersville Road on Thursday November 16, 2023 from 12pm - 2pm.
Speed Camera Project: President Rhodes advised that he spoke with the speed camera company representative and everything has been approved. He further advised that they are awaiting engineering of the camera site, including electrical connections from Delmarva Power. The camera will monitor both directions of travel and possibly operational within 90 days.
Other: None
New Business:
Correspondence: None
Introduction of Ordinance No. 185/23 - Repealing Ordinance No. 1 - Establishing a Bailiff: An ordinance of the Commission of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland, repealing Ordinance No. 1 establishing a bailiff for the Town of Church Hill.
There were no comments and/or questions regarding Ordinance No 185/23. Commissioner Raffetto moved to introduce Ordinance No. 185/23. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion was passed 2-0.
Introduction of Ordinance No, 186/23 -Amending Ordinance No 67/96 - Procurement Policy: An ordinance of the Commissioners of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland repealing and re-adopting with amendments a Procurement Policy for the Town of Church Hill and reaffirming all actions taken pursuant to the prior Procurement Policy.
There were no comments and/or questions regarding Ordinance No. 186/23. Commissioner Raffetto moved to introduce Ordinance No. 186/23. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 187/23 - Infrastructure/Repair: President Rhodes advised that the introduction of this ordinance has been postponed awaiting further research.
Other: None
Sewer System:
Flow Reports: The Commissioners have the latest flow reports from Maryland Environment Service to review.
Proposed WWTP Upgrade: President Rhodes advised that the Town received an email from Maryland Department of the Environment regarding water quality.
Other: None
Comments: Mrs. Rochester said that she was concerned about the safety of the children being out and about on Town streets now that it is getting darker earlier. She asked if maybe something could be done. President Rhodes said that he would confer with the Town's attorney.
Commissioner Raffetto made a motion to adjourn the meeting. President Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion was passed 2-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 20, 2023 at 6:00 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 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
President
