Dan Brandewie

This document provides an update on the Town of Snow Hill's Comprehensive Plan, covering the 2025-2026 timeframe. It outlines the development schedule, including public engagement through surveys and workshops, and details the various chapters under development. Key focus areas include Development Goals and Policies, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Community Facilities, Mineral Resources, Sensitive Areas, Municipal Growth, Water Resources, Fisheries, Historic Preservation, Plan Implementation, and Development Regulations. The plan's final submittal is anticipated in December 2026, following reviews and public hearings by the Planning Commission and Town Council.

The session began following a closed session meeting to discuss a pending council vacancy and to consult with legal counsel regarding general provision articles. The primary public discussion centered on the midyear budget adjustment resolution presented by the finance manager. Key topics included adjustments to various line items across the General Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund to maintain a balanced budget, addressing variances in estimated versus actual revenues and expenses, particularly regarding reserve funds in the water/sewer departments and overtime expenses in the general fund. A transfer of funds from the General Fund undesignated fund balance to the Capital Improvement Budget fund, compensating for prior years' unexecuted transfers and depleted reserves, was also detailed. Additionally, a line-item transfer related to bikeways funding shifting to Bank Street for a joint project was discussed.

The meeting began with recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday holiday, which was proclaimed for Monday, January 20th, 2025. A motion was passed to move several agenda items (4, 5, 6, 7, and Ordinance 2025-1) to January 16th due to concerns regarding posting time differences. The main discussion focused on the presentation of the annual audit for fiscal year 2023-2024, where an unmodified (clean) opinion was issued. The audit highlighted a general fund revenue increase of $235,000 and expenditures increasing by $233,000, resulting in a net change in fund balance of $411,000 for FY24. The general fund balance stands at $2.08 million, which is 7.7 months of operating expenses, exceeding the GFOA recommended 60 days. The capital projects fund balance decreased by $123,000 to $20,000, prompting discussion about a potential second transfer from the general fund. Revenue sources showed increases in property taxes and fines/forfeitures (due to speed camera fees), while expenditures were highest in general government, public works, and public safety. Enterprise funds were also reviewed; the water fund saw a $48,000 increase in net position following a rate increase, and the sewer fund showed a net position decrease for the year, largely offset by depreciation, resulting in a total net position of $12.3 million invested in capital assets. A recap of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds showed just under $1.3 million remaining to be spent by the end of FY2026. Finally, the Town Manager provided updates on upcoming paving work for Prenel Street.

This document outlines a comprehensive plan covering various aspects of urban planning and development. It details regulatory frameworks such as land development, zoning, and subdivision regulations, alongside capital improvements programming and fiscal analysis. Key areas of focus include development management and monitoring, community improvement initiatives, building and housing codes, and civic appearance, supported by analyses of population trends, land use, historic sites, and infrastructure planning for elements like sewer, water, parks, and highways.

The session included a discussion regarding residential water pipe bursts during freezing temperatures, emphasizing the importance of allowing both hot and cold water to drip, and the costs associated with pipe repairs versus dripping water. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the issue of providing free trash collection services to three properties located outside the town limits, which originated from an annexation/deannexation history with Somerfield. The discussion focused on the unfairness of providing this service without corresponding tax revenue, the town incurring tipping fees ($75 per ton, with monthly tonnage between 78 and 82 tons), and the need to discontinue this practice. The consensus reached was to send a formal letter to the affected residents, providing them a 30-day notice to arrange for alternative trash collection services.