Minutes of Town Meeting
March 4, 2024
President Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Town Commissioner Jack Griffin, Town Administrator/Clerk, Nancy Lindyberg, and Administrative Assistant, Virginia Albers. Town Commissioner Raffetto joined via telephone. President Rhodes dispensed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Raffetto moved to approve the minutes of February 20, 2024 as presented. Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0.
Committee Reports:
Planning and Zoning: Commissioner Raffetto announced that the next Planning Commission meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2024 at 6:00pm.
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 Status: President Rhodes reported that on Monday, February 26, 2024 he met with representatives from Redspeed and MD State Highway regardingthe placement and activation of the speed cameras. SHA policy is to place the cameras on the roadway that passes in front of the school. The cameras will be placed on in the school zone which is located on Main Street between the intersection of Walnut Street and intersection of MD Rte. 300. A Resolution which establishes the school zone to encompass that segment of Main Street located between the Main Street/Walnut Street intersection to the south and the Main Street/Sudlersville Road intersection to the north, has been drafted for review and adoption under new business. There will be a 30-day period to receive warnings. After that trial period: $40 fines will be issued, to those exceeding 12 miles over the speed limit.
QAC Library Book Mobile: The Book Mobile is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 2:00-3:30pm and Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the corner of Main Street and Church Lane.
Maryland Food Bank Truck: Mrs. Lindyberg announced that the next scheduled date is Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 12pm until 2:30pm at the Church Hill Park, 1130 Sudlersville Road, Church Hill.
Storm Damage at the Town Building on 105 New Street. All fallen trees, brush and debris and the damaged loading dock had been removed and the area rough graded. The Town's landscape contractor, B&K Landscaping plans to do a final grade and plant grass this Spring.
Queen Anne's County Tax Sale: Mrs. Lindyberg reported that the Queen Anne's County Finance Office has requested a list of residents with outstanding sewer bills so that they can be submitted for Tax Sale. The deadline for the list was March 1, 2024. Mrs. Lindyberg stated that there were 25 names on the list. The Queen Anne's County Tax Sale is scheduled to be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
New Business:
Correspondence: Miss Utility submitted a letter stating that all tickets will have an added surcharge increase from 10cents per ticket to 12cents per ticket.
President Rhodes and Town Administrator/Clerk Lindyberg recently visited the 4th grade classrooms at Church Hill Elementary School to discuss Local Government. Students submitted questions to Town Hall prior to the visit. Paul Taylor, 4th Grade Teacher sent a thank you letter on behalf of the 4th grade students and they plan to visit Town Hall in the Spring.
Introduction and Adoption of Resolution No. 135-24 (School Zone) - President Rhodes introduced Resolution No. 135-24. A Resolution of the Commissioners of the Town of Church Hill, Maryland establishing a school zone pursuant to Town Code, §73-17 "Procedure for establishing a School Zone." Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. Resolution No. 135-24 passed 3-0.
Sewer System:
Flow Reports: The flow reports for January, 2024 were disseminated to the Commissioners for their review.
Proposed WWTP Upgrade: President Rhodes advised that the Town was moving forward on the upgrade to be done at the WWTP. President Rhodes met with the Electrical Engineer regarding the installation of the aerators. The estimated cost could be approximately $200,000 to $300,000 depending on how many aerators are utilized. The Town plans to use ARPA funds to cover the cost of the upgrade. They are expected to begin work by the end of April.
Other:
The Town of Church Hill received the Annual 2023 Report from Maryland Environmental Service for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The report included an operations & maintenance summary, recommended improvements and regulatory compliance status.
Public Comments: Church Hill Hunt resident Melissa Rochester asked for clarification regarding the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting March 11, 2024. President Rhodes stated that a representative from Ryan Homes plans, to attend the meeting to present one or two new models for consideration in Church Hill Hunt, and, the Planning Commission's issue with two permits, that were denied. Ms. Rochester and Jason Jarvi of Church Hill Hunt said that they were unable to attend the meeting and could they submit letters to the Planning Commission. President Rhodes said yes.
Resident Phil Hurlock asked if the Town was locked in to a contract with Breezeline for internet and cable service. President Rhodes said that he would so some research.
Commissioner Griffin moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:45pm. Commissioner Raffetto seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0.
The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday March 18, 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 Monday, March 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
President
