On the agenda: Middletown September 2026 Minutes — Flock Camera (Sep 14)

TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTMEBER 14, 2026 | 7:00 P.M.
The Town of Middletown Town Council meeting was held in the council chambers located at 7875
Church Street, Middletown VA on September 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Council Present
Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV
Councilor Carolyn Aliff
Councilor Jessica Chekaldin
Councilor Diane Newman-Shannon
Councilor Jacob Skeith
Councilor George Smith

Town Council Absent
Vice Mayor Jeffrey Pennington

Staff Present
Town Manager & Public Works Superintendent Les Morefield
Chief Gary Benedict Jr.
Town Treasurer Keith Smith
Deputy Clerk Rachel Henry
1. Set Agenda
Mayor Harbaugh asked for a motion to set the agenda. Councilor Skeith made a motion to amend
the agenda to add Resolution in honor of research done on Monday Robinson. Councilor Smith
second the motion to amend the agenda. All Councilors were in favor and the agenda was amended.
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Mayor Harbaugh asked for a motion to approve Town Council minutes from August 10, 2026,
Finance Committee minutes from August 10, 2026, and Work Session minutes from September 8,
2026. Councilor Smith made a motion to approve the Town Council, Finance Committee and
Work Session minutes. Councilor Newman- Shannon seconded the motion. All councilors were
in favor, and all minutes were approved.
3. Citizen Comments (3 minutes per person per meeting – max 30 minutes)
Matthew James from 130 Winton Ln. Stephens City voiced his dislike that the Town of
Middletown has Flock Cameras and that there is no agreement. He had several questions about the
legality of the cameras, where data is stored, who owns the equipment, what grant was used to pay
for them and if they are even necessary.
Kristen Laise, Executive Director of Belle Grove gave a report on the Resolution in honor of
research done on Monday Robinson. There will be a presentation of the Resolution to the family
of Mr. Robinson on September 26, 2026. The Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment will be held
October 17-18, 2026. The Kris Kringle Market will be November 21-22, 2026.

Yancey Sine from 2130 Mark Dr. spoke about a recent occurrence with his dog getting attacked
by two other dogs on Arlene Court. He stated law enforcement is aware of the situation, and he
will do what is necessary to protect his dog as well as himself. Mr. Sine wanted to make sure there
was record of the incident and stated he has not had an issue since.
4. Report of the Personnel & Finance Committee
Councilor Skeith made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Councilor Dr. NewmanShannon seconded the motion. Mayor Harbaugh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilor Aliff – Yes
Councilor Chekaldin – Yes
Councilor Smith- Yes

Councilor Newman-Shannon – Yes
Councilor Skeith – Yes

Motion carried 5-0
5. Report of the Public Works Committee and Facilities Committee
Nothing to report
6. Report of Public Safety Committee
Mayor Harbaugh stated the calls for service can be found in the packet for review. Chief Gary
Benedict reported K9 Edo’s eye is improving. Sgt. Monse was praised for performing CPR on a
citizen.
7. Report of the Ordinance Committee
Nothing to report
8. Report of the Planning and Zoning Committee
Councilor Smith made a motion to appoint Shayla Rickard to the Planning Commission. Mayor
Harbaugh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilor Aliff – Yes
Councilor Chekaldin – Yes
Councilor Smith- Yes

Councilor Newman-Shannon – Yes
Councilor Skeith – Yes

Motion carried 5-0
Councilor Smith made a motion to approve a proposed Deed of Easement between the Town of
Middletown, Virginia and Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation. Tax Map 91 A 122, subject
to approval by both parties. Mayor Harbaugh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilor Aliff – Yes
Councilor Chekaldin – Yes
Councilor Smith- Yes
Motion carried 5-0

Councilor Newman-Shannon – Yes
Councilor Skeith – Yes

9. Report of Special Committees
Mayor Harbaugh stated Farm to Table was a wonderful event. He thanked Les Morefield, Christian
Davis, Sgt. Monse and Chief Benedict for their help.
10. New or Unfinished Business
Mayor Harbaugh set the Work Session meeting for Monday October 5, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.
11. Petitions and Communication
Mayor Harbaugh read the Resolution in honor of research done on Monday Robinson. Councilor
Skeith made a motion to approve the Resolution. Councilor Smith second the motion. Mayor
Harbaugh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilor Aliff – Yes
Councilor Chekaldin – Yes
Councilor Smith- Yes

Councilor Newman-Shannon – Yes
Councilor Skeith – Yes

Motion carried 5-0
12. Adjournment
Mayor Harbaugh adjourned the town council meeting at 7:21 p.m.

_____________________________
Christina Smith, CMC
Municipal Clerk

_______________________________
Charles Harbaugh IV
Mayor