Minutes of Town Meeting
January 17, 2023
President Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:00 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 January 3, 2023, as written. Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0.
Committee Reports:
Planning and Zoning: Janet Rochester, Chairperson, stated that there is nothing to report at this time.
Board of Appeals: Nothing to report.
Budget Status Report: Each Commissioner received copies of the General and Sewer Accounts and reviewed same.
Unfinished Business:
Town Hall Repair and Renovation: President Rhodes said that the Town is still waiting for estimates.
Maryland Food Bank Truck: The Maryland Food Bank truck will again be in Church Hill Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 562 Main Street, the old lumber yard property.
QAC Library Book Mobile: The book mobile will be in Church Hill on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the corner of Main Street and Church Lane.
324 Main Street Water Well Replacement and Plumbing Repairs Status: The well at 324 Main Street failed and appeared to have collapsed. A new well was installed and all the necessary plumbing was replaced. The Health Department obtained samples of the water for testing on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 and the Town expects to have the results Thursday, January 19 or Friday, January 20, 2023.
Cell Tower Construction Status: President Rhodes stated that the company constructing the base of the tower was at the site on Monday, January 16, 2023. The tower should be completed by the end of February; however, it may not be fully operational until April.
Other: President Rhodes said that he contacted a tree removal contractor regarding trimming some of the street trees in Town due to a complaint from a school bus driver.
New Business:
Correspondence: The Town received letters from St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Bethel AME Church, Church Hill United Methodist Church, Church Hill Theatre and Friends of the Church Hill Cemetery requesting any financial aid that could be provided to be used for normal operating expenses, necessary repairs and maintenance, due to the ongoing negative impact of Covid-19 they have experienced.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to give $5000 to each of the five entities that requested financial assistance to be used for normal operating expenses, necessary repairs and maintenance and to use ARP Funds as the source where appropriate. Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0. President Rhodes recused himself from voting to give assistance to the Church Hill Cemetery Association due to his affiliation with them.
ARP Funds Status: The Town received the second tranche of the ARP Funds in the amount of $347,025.
Other: The Commissioners discussed possibly changing venue for the 2023 Christmas Dinner. Inquiries will be made into finding a suitable location and caterer.
Sewer System:
Flow Reports: Each Commissioner has the latest report from MDE for review.
WWTP Farm Field Access Status: President Rhodes advised that the Town is planning to create an access road to the farm field near the intersection of Route 213 and Route 300 adjacent to the WWTP to provide farm equipment access.
1/13/23 Staff Meeting With Maryland Department of Environment Regarding WWTP Upgrade/Replacement: President Rhodes attended a meeting with the Town's engineer, the Town's attorney, MES representatives, the Town's grant writer and participated on a conference call with the MDE permit writer to discuss the WWTP project.
Sewer Bills and Enclosed Letter: This year's sewer invoices have been mailed, along with an enclosed letter explaining a possible increase in the sewer fee. The letter also requested that residents provide phone numbers and email addresses in order for the Town to keep them informed about the WWTP Project.
Other: None
Comments: Janet Rochester said that she has been asked by four or five residents if Dollar General will be locating a store in Church Hill. President Rhodes advised that the last call he received approximately 90 days ago indicated that they are still interested in having a store in Church Hill; however, no final decisions have been made by them.
Phil Hurlock thanked the Commission for the $4000 donation to the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company.
Commissioner Griffin moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion. The motion was passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 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 Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
President
