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Water Issue 8-02-19

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WATER NOTICE
This morning one of the main pumps servicing the town’s water treatment plant became inoperable which unfortunately affected the operation of the plant. Immediately the town’s staff/employees went into emergency operations to rectify the problem. The malfunctioning pump is being replaced TODAY and we anticipate that operations will return to normal as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, residents will see a discoloration in their water during this time, but we want to assure all that the Town is correcting and will resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!

 

Town Manager’s Tales

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TOWN MANAGER’S TALES
WATER
As you all know by now, our water issue has been corrected with the assistance, help and guidance from many sources to include our state senator, state delegate, MDE, MRWA, Shore Environmental, our Town Engineers, and of course our water operating staff. We thank them ALL!
Now, the plan going forward is to begin the mini-upgrade (short term) work on the WTP (water treatment plant) to insure its continuing operation to the best capability as possible. This the Town has already begun with completion expected within a year, if not sooner. The anticipated expense will be $254,000, all from town funds, no further cost to the Pittsville consumer.
The remaining phase will be to undertake an engineering study to determine what type of NEW WTP the Town needs and at what capacity. Included will be the consideration of a new additional well plus installation of new more modern water meters. The Town is already pursuing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to pay for the study (again saving the consumers the expense). Once the study is complete (which may take one year to complete), the Town will begin applying to various funding agencies such as MDE, and USDA for grant and/or loan financing. This cost could be in the range of $2,500,000.
Plans are to have the new WTP on line within the next five (5) years.  However, the work being financed by the Town in the mini-upgrade, short term project will maintain/increase the life of the present WTP to accommodate that time.
TRASH
So far, so good!  Remember, only “household waste” is being picked up. If you have bulk items you want collected before the fall town wide date, YOU must call Chesapeake Waste, schedule, and pay for the service yourself. If you have any questions or concerns call the Town Office.
WARNING/SPEED CAMERAS
Please be advised that though school is not in session, the Town’s speed cameras ARE! So, please be careful and slow down!
DITCH WORK
The Town has a private contractor cutting the ditches in Town. This is still ongoing. Please be aware that there is a twenty (20) foot maintenance easement on both sides of the ditches that no plantings or structures should be placed. The Town has also applied to the State’s Department of Housing/Community Development for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)  in the amount of $300,000 to continue the former project of ditch maintenance throughout town.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town’s draft update of the comprehensive plan has been completed and is working its way through the appropriate state agencies for comments before coming back to the Town for final consideration and approval. Additional public hearings will be held and advertised.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
National Night Out to be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 commencing at 6:00 pm at the Town’s municipal park ! Come out, meet the members of our police department , town government, and be prepared to have fun!

 

 

Commissioners Agenda for August 19, 2019 (“Unofficial Until Approved”)

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TOWN OF PITTSVILLE COMMISSIONERS

AGENDA August 19, 2019

 PUBLIC HEARING @7:30pm

SOLAR PANEL PROJECT

 1.)   Call to order
-Pledge of Allegiance
-Invocation Prayer
2.)   Minutes of meeting on July 15, 2019
3.)  Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts for
July 2019.
4.)  Public Safety Report
  • Sheriff Sector 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:
9.)  Commissioners/Public Comments
10.) Adjournment of meeting. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, September 16, 2019.

Town Council Meeting Minutes on July 15, 2019 (“Unofficial Until Approved”)

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TOWN OF PITTSVILLE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 15, 2019
The Public Hearing was held beginning at 7:30pm to discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update Town of Pittsville Community Development Block Grant Program. The Town Manager, Joseph Mangini, gave a brief description of the Comprehensive Plan.  He stated the plan was completed and submitted to the State Clearing House for review.  Once concluded, the Planning Commission will then present the plan to the Town residents for review/comments at a scheduled public hearing.  A recommendation for approval will then be presented to the Town Commissioners at a public hearing.
A motion to end the session was made by George Whited, Jr., Commissioner President.  All were in favor.
The regular meeting of the Pittsville Town Council was held on Monday, July 15, 2019.  President George Whited, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:33p.m.  Council members present were Ted Farlow, Erika Lecates, Roland Adkins and Bethany Miller. Also present was Town Manager, Joseph Mangini and Town Attorney, Paul Wilber.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
An Invocation Prayer was not given.
The minutes for the June 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Council member Ted Farlow and seconded by Council member Roland Adkins. All were in favor. Motion carried. The financial statement for the Utility Fund for June 2019 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Farlow and seconded by Commissioner Adkins.  The General account financial statement for June 2019 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner Miller.
Commissioner President, George Whited Jr., announced two (2) quests were present at the meeting, Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Mr. Ryan Whittington, Representative from Delegate Wayne Hartman’s Office.
Senator Carozza gave an update on the water issue and the ongoing communication with her office, the Town of Pittsville and the MDE.  She also stated the short term corrective actions at the water plant are to continue.  Senator Carozza will be working with various agencies to pursue funding sources for the Town of Pittsville.
Mr. Ryan Whittington stated Delegate Wayne Hartman’s Office is communicating with Senator Carozza, State Agencies and the Town of Pittsville is regards to the water issue.
Public Safety Report:
The Sheriff’s Report was not given.
The Fire/EMS Report was given.
  • Fire Calls for the year to date was 89
  • EMS Calls for the year to date was 185
  • A report was given in reference to new equipment purchases made by the Fire Department in an effort to better serve the residents of Pittsville.
The Police/Code Enforcement Report was given by
Chief of Police, Robert Harris.
Town Manager/Circuit Rider Report – Joseph Mangini
Mr. Mangini stated the Speed Camera Revenue funds to date are $57,990.00. A portion of funds from this program will be transferred to the General Fund for the Police Department, Fire Department Donations and miscellaneous Public Safety expenses.
A Special Reserve General Fund will be set up utilizing the balance at the end of the fiscal year from the General, Water and Sewer accounts.
A Weekly Update concerning town activities will be given to all the Town Commissioners by the Town Manager.
The Town Manager is planning to hold Town Manager/Town Hall Meetings for residents to attend and discuss issues, concerns and ask questions regarding the town.
Water Plant options were discussed.  Joseph Mangini stated the short term fix/mini upgrade must be done within one (1) year in order for the plant to be operational.  This cost will be approximately $400,000 to $500,000 and the Town of Pittsville will be responsible for $250,000.  The other option is to build a new Water Treatment Plant which will cost approximately 2 million dollars. The Town of Pittsville will pursue funding.
New water meters must be installed within the next 2-3 years due to the fact that the old meters are obsolete.
The Town Manager stated he intends to be present in Pittsville on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Fire Hydrant/Main flushing is on-going with the help of Maryland Rural Water and the Town of Pittsville employees.
The trash issues have been addressed by the Town.  Chesapeake Waste was informed that all trash is to be picked up.  Any concerns should go thru the Town Office.
A new employee was hired by the Town of Pittsville to assist with the Water Plant and Public Works.
National Night Out will be held on August 6, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The Town of Pittsville will no longer be giving out cases of water now that the water problem was been resolved.
Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma
Mr. Duma stated a response letter and corrective action plan was sent to MDE in regards to water issue at the Town of Pittsville.
He stated he communicates with Gene Cook on a regular basis to get any updates or issues that may have occurred.
Rob Duma has generated costs for both short and long term projects and is currently checking into funding package for the long term project.
A meeting will be held at the Town Hall in the upcoming week to discuss the Solar Panel Project.  Both the Town Manager and Commissioner President will attend.
Old Business: no Old Business
New Business: no New Business
Commissioners/Public Comments:
Dawn Toner, a resident of Pittsville, stated a Communication Committee has been formed and currently has eight (8) members.  The purpose of this committee is to find alternate ways to keep the residents informed of news and events.  An e-mail chain is under consideration along with a Facebook page which will require consulting to ensure how to manage information that is posted.  Currently the Utility Bills contain upcoming events and news as well as the Town Website.  The Town of Pittsville Website is currently being updated by members of the Communication Committee along with the approval from the Town Commissioners.  The monthly Agenda and Council Meeting Minutes will be placed in the website.
A resident expressed concerns about the water at her residence.  The Town Manager, Joseph Mangini, informed her that any water complaints must go thru the Town Office.  Once a complaint is made, the Water Operator will test the water at the location.
Mr. Mangini, Town Manager, explained that the Certified Water Plant Operator for the Town of Pittsville is currently Mark Joines and the Temporary Operators are Gene Cook and Frank Nick.  The Temporary Water Plant Operator must operate under the supervision of a Certified Water Plant Operator for a period of three (3) before he is eligible to become certified.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Council member Adkins and seconded by Council member Farlow. The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm.
APPROVED:
 _________________________      __________________________
George Whited, Jr. President          Roland Adkins, Commissioner
__________________________     __________________________
Essel T. Farlow, V.P. Treasurer      Erika Lecates, Commissioner
__________________________
Bethany Miller, Commissioner

 

 

Town of Pittsville Fee Schedule Effective July 1, 2019

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TOWN OF PITTSVILLE
FEE SCHEDULE
Effective July 1, 2019

 

Water Service billed per quarter
Residential:   $62.38
Commercial   $93.57
Institutional: $124.76
Industrial:      $155.95
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
Utility Impact Fee:  Water: $7,500.00   Sewer: $7,500.00
Fire Suppressant Materials/Inspection:  $500.00
Sewer Clean Out Repair (including parts): $100.00
Water Lid Replacement: $100.00 plus parts
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 which are $25.00)
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
 

 

 

 

TRASH PICK-UP INFORMATION

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TRASH PICKUP INFORMATION
Unfortunately, the first day of trash removal service provided by our new contractor, CHESAPEAKE WASTE, did not go well. Many of our residents did not have their “household” waste picked up and several had not received their CHESAPEAKE WASTE containers.
The Town Clerk has spoken with CHESAPEAKE WASTE to correct these problems AND the Town Manager has informed CHESAPEAKE WASTE that they are to pick up all “household waste” from those homes within the municipal boundary of the Town of PITTSVILLE.
However, please be advised that any and all “bulk trash” will NOT be picked up except on those two (2) days in the spring and fall designated by the Town. Residents may call CHESAPEAKE WASTE on their own to schedule any bulk trash pickup at their own costs.
Any further questions regarding this matter, should call the Town

Town Water Update 7-03-19

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NEW WATER UPDATE
JULY 3, 2019
Before we all break for the “4th of July” holiday weekend, I wanted to give all our residents an update regarding the situation with the Town’s water. As most of you I hope have noticed the water for the past week or more has been clearer and every day improving thanks to the hard work of our dedicated water staff employees. The Town is in almost daily contact with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Maryland Rural Water Association (MRWA). Also, both State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and State Delegate Wayne Hartman have been in meetings that the town has had with MDE and MRWA regarding the continuing operations of the Water Treatment Plant(WTP).
The Town is working with our Town Engineers, MDE, and MRWA to review options and plans to undertake what I will call a “mini upgrade” to the WTP. It will eventually lead to preparations for a new WTP in the coming five (5) years which the Town will need to prepare for strategically and financially. As we all know, equipment and working mechanics does not last forever even when you maintain it through the years. Pittsville’s WTP is nearing 40 years and has certainly outgrown its life expectancy.
The good news is that you have a Town Commission and Town Administration that is going to engage the future and begin work now instead of passing the “problem and work” on to the next generation to handle and solve. SO, as we go through this process, your support and understanding is appreciated AND your questions are welcomed.
Our short term fix or “mini upgrade” will be close to $400,000.  The new WTP will cost about $2,000,000. Of course, we do not anticipate our residents sharing the “full” burden though there will be some, as the Town will pursue every avenue and opportunity for grant and/or low interest funding. We have actually met with and anticipate working with a regional water/sewer organization that has offered its services in our behalf.
We will keep you posted as we continue this process now and in the future.
Also, please be advised that the Town will continue to provide bottled water for those in need and request it as long as the supplies last.