Council members raise shelter, volunteer and tourism issues during Hertford work session

During the Jan. 23 work session, several council members highlighted community services and local promotions, reporting on cold-weather outreach, volunteer recruitment and tourism efforts.

Councilwoman Connie Brothers said she checked on residents during extreme cold, distributed care packages and arranged meals for about 45 families; she reported finding people without shelter and coordinating with Elizabeth City, Edenton and Gates County about options. Brothers asked whether Hertford could identify a local shelter for dangerously low temperatures and suggested the topic be placed on the council retreat agenda.

Mayor Pro Tem Ashley Hodges said she and Manager Cole are preparing for budget season and thanked Rhonda Waters for convening an HCAT subcommittee meeting that included retired Eddie Miller and USDA Area Specialist Calvin Askew; participants discussed resources for improving housing in Hertford.

Councilwoman Sandra Anderson said she is organizing volunteer recruitment and contacting businesses, nonprofits and schools to expand the volunteer pool and reduce burnout among existing volunteers. Councilman Jerry Mimlitsch reported on a TDA board meeting and praised a promotional magazine produced by Stacey Layden; he also noted plans by the sheriff’s office to expand downtown holiday lighting.

Mayor Earnell Brown added that the Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. parade included 15–20 vehicles and said the Chamber of Commerce has rented three of four office spaces; she announced a ribbon cutting for Drive on Drive on Jan. 31 and a Jan. 25 Meet & Greet at the Hertford Housing Authority hosted by Arnesa Holley.