TOWN ELECTION COMING!!!

The Town of Pittsville’s municipal town election will be held on November 2, 2021. Voting will take place at the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department between the hours of 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

There are three (3) Town Commissioner seats open with six (6) candidates running for election. The candidates are:

FREDERICK ROLAND ADKINS

 DAVID CAROZZA

 DAVID LOUIS GOSLEE, Jr.

 ERIKA GAIL MOORE-LECATES

 EDWARD JOHN PALMER

 DAWN TONER

The term of office is four (4) years.  The Town encourages all its residents and registered to vote to exercise your right and participate in our democratic process.

 

ALL BUSINESS ITEMS MUST BE SCHEDULED ON THE AGENDA THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE TOWN MEETING IN ORDER TO BE HEARD.

 

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE COMMISSIONERS

AGENDA

October 18, 2021

  1.)  Call to order

        -Pledge of Allegiance

  2.)  Minutes of meeting on September 20, 2021.

  3.)  Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts for September 2021.

  4.)  Public Safety Report

• Fire/EMS Report

• Police

• Code Enforcement Report

  5.)  Town Manager/Circuit Rider

  6.)  Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma

  7.)  Old Business:

        Legislation:

        Other:

  8.)  New Business

        Legislation:

        Other:

  9.)  Commissioners/Public Comments

 10.) Adjournment of meeting. Next meeting date will be Monday, November 15, 2021.

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

September 20, 2021

The regular meeting of the Pittsville Town Council was held on Monday, September 20, 2021.  Vice President Roland Adkins, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30p.m.  Council members present were Erika Lecates, Bethany Miller and John Palmer.  Also, present was Town Manager, Joseph Mangini and Town Attorney, Paul Wilber. Council Member McHugh was absent.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The minutes for the August 2021 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Council member Miller and seconded by Council member Lecates. All were in favor. Motion carried.

The Utility account financial statement for August 2021 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Miller. All were in favor. Motion carried.  The General account financial statement for August 2021 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Lecates.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

Public Safety Report:

The Fire/EMS Report was not given.

The Police Report was given by Chief Robert Harris.

Chief Harris requested approval from the Town Council to pursue a grant from USDA to replace the 2012 Chevy Tahoo by contacting Valerie Mann.  The grant will cover 75% of the cost.  Estimates are being acquired regarding the cost for a 2022 vehicle.  The Chevy Tahoo will be auctioned as surplus material.  All were in favor.

The Code Enforcement Report was given by Town Manager

Joseph Mangini.  There is only one (1) pending violation notice regarding high grass.  No other issues at this time.

Town Manager/Circuit Rider:

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on September 2, 2021 to continue the process of revising the Zoning Code and Zoning Map.  The next scheduled meeting is October 7, 2021 and the final approval for the West Street Subdivision for six (6) lots will be on the agenda as well.

The Recycling Center is coming along nicely and should be completed in October per Wicomico County.

The Town Council Election will be held on November 2, 2021.  The Public Notice has been advertised in the Daily Times on September 14, 2021.  Nominations for Candidacy must be received by the Town Board of Elections (Town Clerk) by close of business on September 28, 2021.

The Town Office will be closed on Monday, October 11, 2021, in observance of Columbus Day.

Bill Gordy and Dale Monroe are working on replacing the Wastewater Treatment Plant sludge beds as part of the upgrade repairs proposed by Rob Duma, which if successful, could save the Town of Pittsville $150,000.

Rob Duma and I had a conference call Progress Meeting with MDE on the Water Treatment Plant grant and upgrade and repair work.  I will have Rob Duma explain the progress but wanted the Town Commissioners to know that the $138,000 local share we are anticipating and requiring to add to the project is actually a loan from MDE that half of which will be forgiven so our actual financial cost for the project is really $69,000 or 6.25% to total project cost.  The bad news is that we will not be able to use ARP funding for this.  I recently attended a zoom class on uses permitted by ARP and combining of funds is not permissible.  However, we do have the local share of Water Impact Funds for the project.  All of the engineering, advertising, bidding and awarding are complete and construction is scheduled to start by July 1, 2022.  I may have a new financial plan of funding by then.

Bulk Trash Pick Up date is November 18, 2021.  It has been placed on the Town Website and Facebook account.  It has also been placed on the Pittsville Fire Department marquis.

The painting of the Town Hall and Water Treatment Plant roofs will start in the beginning of October 2021.

The Town of Pittsville Charter states “The Commissioners shall serve without pay, but shall be entitled to an allowance in lieu of expenses as may hereafter be provided by Ordinance”.  The Town Auditor, Matthew Chance, has suggested that Form 1099-NEC be issued to all Town Commissioners.  I would recommend the Town Council adopt an Ordinance for clarification on this situation.

The funding for the Town Manager Circuit Rider Grant will run out of funds before November 1, 2021.  Therefore, I will be taking Fridays off beginning October 1, 2021.  The new Town Manager Circuit Rider Grant begins on November 1, 2021.

The Town of Pittsville had a good start of connecting the Government with the citizens, but due to COVID, I feel we are getting disconnected again.  I would like for the Town of Pittsville to reconsider how to begin reaching out to the community again in the future with social events of some type.  Halloween, Town Elections, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up in the next three (3) months.  We have the Town Website and Facebook but more needs to be done.  The last Town Community Event was National Night Out.

Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma:

The Roadway Projects have gone out to bid.  A notice will be in the newspaper on Wednesday.  Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. have reached out to eight (8) paving contractors.

 The Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Phase #4 has been submitted to Maryland Department of the Environment.  A recommendation was made to take out the Construction Services.

The Solar Panel Project is ongoing.  The panels have been reinstalled per specifications. The Contractor has contacted Delmarva Power and gave an update to Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. stating they have not received a response for months.  Once this issue is resolved the Contractor has twenty (20) days to complete the project.

A discussion was made as to possibly contacting Maryland Department of the Environment and State Officials.

Commissioner Miller inquired as to the status of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade.  Mr. Mangini stated that repairs are ongoing including the drying beds.  David Carozza and Mr. Mangini discussed the repairs and upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Old Business:

Legislation:

Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-04 – FY21 Amended Budget Ordinance:  A Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 2021-04 was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Lecates.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-05 – FY22 Amended Budget Ordinance:  A Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 2021-05 was made by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-06 – Fowl Ordinance: A Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 2021-06 was made by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Palmer.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

New Business:

Legislation:

Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-04 – One Way Streets (Maple & Pine):  A Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2021-04 was made by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Palmer.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

Other:

Appointment of Board of Election Members:  Commissioner Vice President Adkins appointed the following residents and registered voters to the designated term of office per the Town Charter.

• James Jones to a term of six (6) years

• Colbi A. Custis to a term of four (4) years

• Beth Adkins-Palmer will be removed from the Board of Elections. Commissioner Palmer will be submitting an application for Certificate of Candidacy.

Commissioner Lecates stated the Town of Pittsville is seeking another resident to be appointed to the Board of Elections.

Commissioners/Public Comments:

Commissioner Vice President Adkins stated the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department will be having a Car Show on Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 12:00pm-2:00pm.

Commissioner Vice President Adkins also stated the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department will be having a “Trunk or Treat” instead of the Fall Festival.  The event will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 and will also include Fire Truck Rides.

Commissioner Vice President Adkins stated the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department received the Grant from FEMA in the amount of $220,000.  This grant was for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) which includes thirty (30) sets, fifty (50) masks and bottles.

Commissioner Palmer mentioned an issue involving a sidewalk repair located at 34641 Main Street.  The homeowner, David Carozza, stated that the sidewalk has been as issue for many years.  Mr. Mangini, Town Manager, stated the Town of Pittsville will address this issue.

Commissioner Lecates stated the Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference will be held October 10, 2021.  It will be a three (3) day conference.  The Young Municipal Leaders will meet on Sunday.  The Conference will be held in Howard County at the Turf Valley Resort Center.  The Maryland Municipal League will be having an in person Conference in Ocean City from June 12 to June 15, 2022.  Commissioner Lecates is also looking to form a committee to design a flag for the Town of Pittsville for the Maryland Municipal League Flag Ceremony.

 

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Council Vice President Adkins and seconded by Council member Miller. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 7:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S “Locker Room”

It has been awhile since we last shared with the citizens of PITTSVILLE, happenings going on in the Town so we wanted to get you all caught up as best as possible.  HERE GOES!

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) Funding

The ARP funding to municipalities approved by the Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March of this year has arrived in PITTSVILLE.  The Town received its first allotment of $713,680.50 on 30 Jul 21. The second and final allotment is due by 1 Oct 22.  The Town Commissioners have initially determined to utilize these funds to upgrade, repair or replace the water/sewer infrastructure within the Town to include both Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP).  These funds will enable the Town to undertake much needed utility work alleviating the need to apply for loans that would be costly to our constituents.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE GRANT

Along with the ARP funding, the Town has been approved for a grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for $968,000 to continue and complete the upgrading of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) that was begun in 2019. Meetings have already begun to undertake this project.  The Town Manager has also recommended that the Town begin work next year on a project to drill a new well needed to add to the Town’s water supply production.  We want to thank our Town Engineers, Davis Bowen & Friedel (DBF) for their great work on obtaining this grant for the Town.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WTP) SOLAR PANELS PROJECT

The much anticipated WTP “Solar Panels Project” has commenced and is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. This project is also funded by a grant from MDE in the amount of $616,555 and once solar panels are activated will reduce our electricity costs by $30,000 annually (projected).

COMMUNITY PARKS/PLAYGROUND GRANT

The Town will be applying for a grant of $100,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Community Parks & Playground” program to undertake a project to replace and upgrade equipment in the Town’s park off Pearl Street.  The project is to replace two (2) picnic tables damaged by vandalism (one to be ADA approved), an ADA approved swing, and a more inclusive ADA children’s play activity structure.  This grant will be submitted by the end of the month of August.

PLANNING/ZONING COMMISSION NOTES

The Town’s Planning/Zoning Commission will begin this month a review and revision/updating of the Town’s Zoning Code and Zoning Map which will include possible revising of criteria required to build within the incorporated limits of the Town.  This process is anticipated to take at least a year to complete.

PLEASE REMEMBER—that the Town does require zoning/building permits to undertake projects to improve your property. BEST ADVICE!  Before undertaking any work, verify criteria required by Town ordinance.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

As the Town’s “Code Enforcement Officer” I have been very pleased of the cooperation and adherence to the Town’s property maintenance code ordinances by our residents This year, only eight (8) notices of violation have been issued and ALL resolved.

As a reminder, most municipal violations involve high grass problems, or failure to obtain proper building permits.  The Town conducts daily “code enforcement” tours and notifies property owners of any violations.

TOWN FY22 STREET  IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Town Commissioners have approved the FY 22 “Street Improvement Program” for the town which will be commencing this fiscal year. Designated project to include paving of Pine Street from Old Ocean City Road to Railroad Avenue, constructing a parking lot at the Community Center, and restriping of Main Street from Gumboro Road to Old Ocean City Road. The Town Engineers are preparing bidding documents at the present time.

TOWN MANAGER “Status & Availability”

More good news!  The Town as the sponsoring agency for the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development’s (DHCD) “Town Manager Circuit Rider” program has been approved for a grant of $50,000 to continue operating the TMCR circuit which also includes the Towns of Sharptown and Willards.  For anyone interested, my schedule is the following:

Pittsville-Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Willards- Tuesday

Sharptown-Thursday

This schedule is subject to change depending upon the needs of each town.  Appointments should be coordinated with town staff.

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

FEE SCHEDULE

Effective July 1, 2021

Water Service billed per quarter

Residential: $ 83.38

Commercial: $ 114.57

Institutional: $ 145.76

Industrial: $ 176.95

Sewer Service billed per quarter

Residential: $ 88.52

Commercial: $ 132.78

Institutional: $ 177.04

Industrial: $ 221.30

 

Water Reservation Fee billed per quarter

Residential; $ 15.60

Commercial: $ 23.39

Institutional: $ 31.19

Industrial: $ 38.99

Sewer Reservation Fee billed per quarter

Residential: $ 22.13

Commercial: $ 33.20

Institutional: $ 44.26

Industrial: $ 55.33

 

Bay Restoration Fee billed per quarter: $15.00

Water Footage: $.68 per foot per year

Water Footage/Agricultural: $.20 per foot per year

Water Development: $.40 per foot per year

Sewer Footage: $. 40 per foot per year

Sewer Developmental: $.40 per foot per year

Water Meter Testing: $25.00

Connection Fees: Water: $1,500.00       Sewer: $1,500.00

Utility Impact Fee: Water: $7,500.00 Sewer: $7,500.00

Fire Suppressant Materials/Inspection: $1,500.00

Sewer Clean out Repair (including parts): $100.00

Water Lid Replacement: $100.00 plus parts

New Water Service Turn On: $25.00

Water Service Turn Off: $25.00

Returned Check Fee: $50.00

Copies of Information w/research: $1.00 per copy

Copies of Public Meeting Tapes: $25.00

Rezoning Application: $500.00

Board of Appeals Applications: $250.00

Business Licenses: $25.00

Yard Sale Permits: $10.00

Building Permits: 1% of total Cost of Construction (except sheds, pools, decks, fences whereby minimum fee is $25.00 or 1% of total construction cost whichever is greater)

Municipal Infraction Fines: $200.00

Real Estate Tax Rate: $.28 per $100 of assessed value

Personal Property Tax Rate: $.90 per $100 of assessed value

Real Estate/Personal Property Tax Interest: 1.5% per month

Site Plan Application:  $250.00 plus initial escrow deposit of $1000.00

Minor Subdivision:      $500.00 plus initial escrow deposit of $1000.00

Major Subdivision:     $1000.00 plus initial escrow deposit of $1500.00

 

 

TOWN WIDE DITCH CUTTING

The Town of Pittsville has engaged a private contractor to begin the town wide ditch cutting/clearing of the storm water ditches throughout town. This project and process will begin early June (weather permitting) and will continue for the next several months until completed.

During this time, the Town would appreciate all property owners/residents cooperation in removing any structure, equipment, and other obstacle within twenty (20) feet of the edge of the ditches, the right of way (row) easement in order to enable the contractor to properly cut/clear the ditch for maintenance.

Also, the contractor will be operating in a manner that will prioritize the ditches to be maintained so that all can be addressed during this time. For instance, the contractor may be in various areas before completing a specific section. However, as long as the area is cleared of any obstructions, the contractor will be cutting/clearing all ditches.

Anyone requiring further clarification on this very important project undertaken by the Town, should contact the Town Hall. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we continue and complete this project.

 

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

P O Drawer A

7505 Gumboro Road

Pittsville, Maryland 21850

Office of the Town Manager

 

Re: Rental Housing License Renewal/CY2021

Dear Property Owner:

On March 18, 2019, the Town Commissioners of Pittsville adopted Ordinance # 2019-1 which established a Landlord Licensing Program that requires ALL owners of rental properties operating within the incorporated limits of the town to register any and all properties used in whole or in part as a residential rental dwelling unit. The deadline this year for registration is January 31, 2021 and the rental housing license issues will be valid for the 2021 calendar year.

An application is being provided for your convenience. For multiple-family buildings, owners/managers should make copies of the original application form and be sure to include apartment name and unit number, and tenant name on each application (one check in the amount for all units will be accepted). Upon completion of an application and submission of the license fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per unit, each application will be reviewed and upon approval by the enforcement authority, a rental housing license will be issued upon request. Each application must be filled out completely and all applications for residential housing units built in or prior to 1978 must be accompanied by proof of compliance with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) lead paint registration requirement and test results. Applications for licenses submitted for rental housing units built in or prior to 1978 without the required MDE documentation will be denied.

All rental housing property owners who fail to make application to obtain a rental housing license for each rental unit or who fail to submit ALL necessary documentation as listed above will be subject to a municipal citation and fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation. Each day the property is used as a rental will constitute as a separation violation.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Pittsville Town Hall at 410-835-8872 or the Pittsville Police Department at 410-835-3013. The Town of Pittsville is appreciative for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.

Town Manager

 

  Information on Energy Assistance Programs can be found online at the following sites:

•Maryland PSC website (https://www.psc.state.md.us/wp-content/uploads/Need-Help-with-Paying-your-Bill-or-Have-a-Termination-Notice-1-2-19-revisions.pdf

•Office of Home Energy Programs in the Maryland Department of Human Services ( https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/ )or call 1 (800) 332-6347

•Fuel Fund of Maryland ( https://fuelfundmaryland.org )or call (410) 235-9080

•Maryland 211 ( https://211md.org/211provider-utility-assistance ), call 2-1-1 or text My211MD to 898-211

•Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (http://www.opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Corner )