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

March 15, 2021

 1.)  Call to order

         -Pledge of Allegiance

2.)  Minutes of meeting on February 16, 2021.

3.)  Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts for February 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:

 8.)  New Business

        Legislation:

        a.)  Adoption of Ordinance No. 2021-01

        b.)  Contribution to Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department

 9.)  Commissioners/Public Comments

10.) Adjournment of meeting. Next meeting date will be Monday, April 19, 2021.

 

 

 

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

February 16, 2021

The regular meeting of the Pittsville Town Council was held on Monday, February 16, 2021.  President Sean McHugh, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:35p.m.  Council members present were Erika Lecates and Bethany Miller. Also present was Town Manager, Joseph Mangini and Town Attorney, Paul Wilber. Roland Adkins and John Palmer were absent.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 The minutes for the January 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 January 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 January 2021 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

Commissioner Miller made a motion to suspend the reading of the financial statements for the remaining accounts due to lack of presence of any Pittsville residents.  All were in favor.

Public Safety Report:

The Fire/EMS Report was not given.

The Police Report was given by Chief of Police, Robert Harris.

The Code Enforcement Report was not given by Town Manager, Joseph Mangini.  No violations occurred in the previous month.

Town Manager/Circuit Rider:

Mr. Mangini has sent out ten (10) letters concerning delinquent municipal citations.  The letters were sent on February 5, 2021 and have a due date of March 12, 2021.  After that time the municipal citations will be forwarded to Alacrity Collections Corporation.

Water and sewer cut off notices no longer require a forty-five (45) day notice.  The Town of Pittsville will return to the fifteen (15) day notice policy.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Management Plan has been submitted to Maryland Department of the Environment as required each year.  The report was prepared by Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. along with assistance from Town personnel.  After which, Mr. Mangini along with Bill Gordy, have developed the town’s Internal Sewer Allocation Report that will provide what sewer allocations we have available.  This report was presented to the Council Members for review.

Mr. Mangini will prepare a plan to address economic development needs in the town based on the Comprehensive Report.  A proposal to develop a Town Center will be addressed along with a plan for additional businesses possibly on Friendship Road.  Mr. Mangini will present his recommendations to the Town Council.

Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma:

Mr. Duma stated a meeting was held with Maryland Department of the Environment concerning the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade.  They stated the capacity limit at the plant is 115,000 gallons.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Management Plan was submitted at the end of January 2021 to Maryland Department of the Environment as required.

The pump station clogging issues will be addressed.  Mr. Duma, along with Bill Gordy and the pump vendor, will conduct a site visit to all the pump stations.  The purpose is to inventory all the pump stations equipment and develop a plan to prevent the clogging issues and the continuous maintenance problems.  Recommendation will be made to the Town Council for review and approval.

Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. submitted comments to the developer of Westfield Estates several weeks ago.  They have taken the comments and will redo their submission.  The pump station was inadequate and undersized for the development.  The contractor should be close to beginning the project.

The Roadway Project was mentioned.  Included in the project is the Pine Street upgrade, the stripping of Main Street and the parking lot at the Community Center.  Estimates should be ready to submit to the Town Council for review and approval within a few weeks.

The Solar Panel Project Grant was awarded by Maryland Department of Environment. MDE Grant is $616,555 but $44,000 was not awarded to the Town of Pittsville. Administrative Fees of $15,904 was funded to the Town from MDE.  The Town of Pittsville can now go forward with the construction.  A motion allowing Carrick-Williams Companies, LLC to proceed with the Solar Panel Project was made by Commissioner President McHugh and seconded by Commissioner Miller.

Old Business:  none

 New Business:

Legislation:

 a.)  Introduction of Ordinance No. 2021-01

An amendment to Ordinance No. 2021-01 was introduced.  Town Attorney Paul Wilber along with Town Manager Joseph Mangini and Chief of Police Robert Harris explained the additions and removal in section of the original ordinance.  A motion to go forward with second reading of Ordinance No. 2021-01was made by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All were in favor.

b.)  Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-01

Town Manager Joseph Mangini explained the reason to adopt Resolution No. 2021-01.  Only one fee increased on the original resolution occurred.  This involved a price increase to the Fire Suppressant Materials/Inspection.  Mr. Mangini explained the cost would increase from $1,000 to $1,500 due to the fact the Town of Pittsville is using a contractor to perform this service.  This increase will be passed on to the customers.  Commissioner President McHugh entertained a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2021-01.  Commissioner Lecates made a motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2021-01 to increase the cost of the Fire Suppressant System to $1,500.  All were in favor.

Other:

Commissioner President McHugh stated the Contribution to Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department will be held at the next meeting due to the absence of Commissioner Vice President Adkins.

Although not on agenda, Commissioner President McHugh introduced the notion to declare the Kubota Tractor as surplus and put out to bid.  The money received would be distributed to the proper accounts.  He also introduced a notion to equip the F-250 Pick Up Truck with the necessary equipment to perform snow removal on town roads.

Bruce Lewis is currently subcontracting the snow removal project for the Town of Pittsville.  Commissioner Miller stated she would like to compare the cost of subcontracting to the cost of equipping the F-250 truck along with the cost of employee wages.  After discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Lecates to put the Kubota Tractor out for bid and declare as surplus.  Commissioner Miller seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 Commissioners/Public Comments:

Commissioner Lecates stated the Maryland Municipal League will be holding a Hybrid Event at the Ocean City Convention Center.  This event will take place from June 27 to June 30, 2021.  Two(2) people from each municipality can attend.

Commissioner Lecates would like to coordinate a date, possibly at the next meeting, to have the “Parade of Flags” video or picture taken of the Town Commissioners.

Commissioner Lecates stated the principal of the Pittsville School was contacted in reference to the Yearly Banner City Town Program.  A virtual presentation will be done with the fourth graders by the Commissioner President or by Commissioner Lecates.

Commissioner Lecates mentioned the Sustainable Maryland Green Team held a conference call which included participation in the Earth Day Celebration in April or May.  Each community is encouraged to participate.

Commissioner President McHugh stated the sub-committee for Planning and Zoning needs to be formed.

Commissioner Lecates stated the Sustainable Community members are still needed.

Chief Harris questioned if permits would be issued to homeowners to install septic systems in order to construct a new home.  Attorney Paul Wilber stated the Town Code states homes within the town limits must be serviced with the town water and sewer.

Town Manager Joseph Mangini briefly discussed the Sustainable Community Program.

 There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Council member McHugh and seconded by Council member Miller. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 7:30 pm.

 

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

Fund Balances

As of 15 Feb 2021

GENERAL FUND

Operating Account: $ 432,590.00

The following accounts are restricted for designated, specific purposes

 Capital Improvement Account: $ 81,001.00

Highway User Fee Account: $ 249,170.00

Speed Camera Account: $ 16,147.00

Reserve Account: $ 92,511.00

TOTAL:       $ 871,419.00

              

WATER FUND

Operating Account: $ 28,459.00

The following accounts are restricted for designated, specific purposes

Capital Improvement Account: $ 66,929.00

Reserve Account: $ 141,854.00

TOTAL:  $ 237,242.00

Water/Loan Debt: ($ 480,343.00)

 

SEWER FUND

Operating Account: $ 28,459.00

The following accounts are restricted for designated, specific purposes

Capital Improvement Account: $ 491,557.00

Reserve Account: $ 185,812.00

TOTAL: $ 705,828.00

 

                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Pittsville

Ordinance # 2021-01

“Vehicles and Traffic”

The Commissioners of the Town of Pittsville during their regular monthly meeting held on February 16, 2021 introduced Ordinance # 2021-01 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” for its first reading. Ordinance # 2021-01 addresses several administrative changes in the original “Vehicles and Traffic” ordinance and also permits the Town to charge administrative fees in the processing of municipal traffic citations.

The ordinance is scheduled for consideration of adoption on March 15, 2021 at the next Town Commissioners public meeting.

Copies of the ordinance are available for public review at the Town Hall during normal business hours.

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.

Town Manager

November 24, 2020

 ACTING EXECUTIVE JOHN D. PSOTA ANNOUNCES

WARMING UP WICOMICO

 Salisbury, MD …During the winter months, we realize there are so many people outside in the cold weather without ample clothing items to keep warm.  Therefore, Acting County Executive John D. Psota is pleased to announce, for the third year running, the program WARMING UP WICOMICO.  We will be having a cold weather clothing donation drive November thru December from 9 AM-3 PM.

Donations will be distributed to cold weather shelters and Wicomico County homeless.

Drop off location:

Government Office Building at 125 N. Division Street

 

 

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

 

WELCOME TO OUR NEW TOWN COMMISSIONER

At the regular monthly meeting of the Town Commissioners of Pittsville, Edward John Palmer was nominated and approved to serve the remainder of the term of the late Town Commission President George Whited, Jr.  We are excited to have Commissioner Palmer aboard and look forward to his contributions to the Town and our citizens.

CONGRATULATIONS, Commissioner “John” Palmer!

CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT

First, on behalf of the Town Commissioners of Pittsville, I want to thank ALL those citizen residents and property owners in the Town for your diligent adherence to the Town of Pittsville’s municipal ordinances and codes.

Since March of this year, acting in his capacity as the code enforcement officer the Town Manager has issued forty-three (43) “notification letters” addressing municipal violations mostly regarding property maintenance (high grass/weeds) and failure to obtain proper building permits. Of the 43, only one (1) was non complaint requiring the town to take necessary remedial action and assess municipal additional fees/fines and one (1) has been referred to the Town Attorney for further legal action.

As a “REMINDER”, please be advised that before you consider undertaking any home or property improvements, please contact the Town Hall to verify whether you need a building permit before beginning work.

Thanks again for your continued cooperation in making our town a great place to live.

 

 

  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 )

TOWN COMMISSIONERS APPROVE EMERGENCY CONTRIBUTION FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY/EMS

IN MEMORY OF TOWN COMMISSION PRESIDENT GEORGE WHITED, JR

At their regular monthly meeting held on 19 Oct 20, the Pittsville Town Commissioners approved an emergency contribution of $5,000 to the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Company and EMS in memory of late Town Commission President George Whited, Jr to assist in the operations of the company due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Town Commissioners would also like to encourage all town residents to support the fire company/EMS in anyway financially possible to help them in the performance of their duties in keeping us safe!

INTERESTED PITTSVILLE RESIDENTS NEEDED!!!

The Town Commissioners of Pittsville are requesting that interested residents of the Town consider applying for the following positions on various town committees:

Board of Zoning Appeals- One (1) members is needed to complete the full membership of the Town’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Term is for five (5) years. The Board meets when necessary to hear appeals involving requests for special exceptions and variances as provided by the Town of Pittsville’s Zoning Ordinance.

Sustainable Communities Action Plan Committee:  The Town of Pittsville will be applying to the Maryland Department of Housing/Community Development (DHCD) to be approved as a “Sustainable Community” in order to participate in, and apply for grant funding to assist in town/community capital projects that will benefit the residents of the Town of Pittsville. In order to apply, the Town must develop an “action plan” prepared by a citizen committee with assistance and guidance from the Town Manager.

Sustainable Maryland Green Team- The Town of Pittsville has been approved as a “Sustainable Maryland Green Community” and as such needs to appoint a committee of residents/citizens to monitor and work a continual scope of work to enhance our community/town’s approach to a viable “green” community.  Further information can be provided by Town Commissioner Erika Lecates, the Town’s liaison for this committee.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the above, should contact the Town Hall for further information or to speak with the Town Manager about the positions.

The Town Commissioners appreciate all interested parties considering performing this civic duty!