Minutes of Town Meeting
January 2, 2024
President Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Town Commissioner Edward Raffetto, Jr., Town Commissioner John Griffin, via telephone, and Town Administrator/Clerk, Nancy Lindyberg, and Administrative Assistant, Virginia Albers. President Rhodes dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Griffin moved to approve the minutes of December 4, 2023 presented. Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0.
Committee Reports:
Planning and Zoning: Janet Rochester, Chairperson, reported that the next meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. This will be the continuation of 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:
Speed Camera Project: President Rhodes advised that he spoke with the speed camera company representative and everything has been approved on their end; however, permits and final approval from the State Highway Administration have not yet been received.
QAC Library Book Mobile: scheduled for January 4, and 18, 2024 from 2:00-3:30pm. At the corner of Main Street and Church Lane.
Maryland Food Bank Truck: Mrs. Lindyberg said that she spoke with the Director of the Food Truck and he said that he did not have any dates available for January, 2024. Next scheduled date is for: February 5, 2024, 12 until 2pm at Church Hill Park.
New Business:
Correspondence: Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department's Installation of Officer's is scheduled to be held Saturday, January 6, 2024. President Rhodes and his wife plan to attend.
The Town received a letter from "The Friends of Church Hill Cemetery" requesting any financial assistance the Town could provide to for the maintenance, mowing and upkeep to the Cemetery. Commissioner Raffetto moved to make a donation of $5,000. Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0. President Rhodes abstained.
Storm Damage at Town Building on 105 New Street: A tree fell on the platform of the old Public Works building located at 105 New Street causing minor damage. Estimated fees to remove the tree would be around $2,000. Discussion ensued to remove all the trees on that parcel and plant grass seed, which would cost approximately $12,000 to $15,000.
Possible Sewer Late Fee Increase: Sewer bills are scheduled to go out soon and the annual premium will increase from $400 annually to $460. We discussed that late fees need to be increased as well. No decisions were made on the increase.
Other: A Memorial Service is scheduled to be held for longtime resident and former Town Commissioner Margaret Embert on Saturday, January 6, 2024. 11:00am at Church Hill Methodist Church, followed by a reception at St. Luke's Episcopal Parish.
Sewer System:
Flow Reports: The latest reports from MES were disseminated to the Commissioners.
Proposed WWTP Upgrade: President Rhodes advised that the Town Engineer was contacted to get an estimate for additional work to be done at the WWTP. The Town plans to use ARPA funds to upgrade the current system.
Other: None
Comments: None
Commissioner Griffin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion. The motion was passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Virginia L. Albers,
Administrative Assistant
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 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
President
