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

September 20, 2021

 

 1.)  Call to order

        -Pledge of Allegiance

 2.)  Minutes of meeting on August 25, 2021.

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

• Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-04 – FY21 Amended Budget Ordinance

• Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-05 – FY22 Amended Budget Ordinance

• Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-06 – Fowl Ordinance

        Other:

 8.)  New Business

        Legislation:

• Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-04 – One Way Streets (Maple & Pine)

        Other:

• Appointment of Board of Election Members

 9.)  Commissioners/Public Comments

 10.) Adjournment of meeting. Next meeting date will be Monday, October 18, 2021.

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

August 25, 2021

The regular meeting of the Pittsville Town Council was held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.  President Sean McHugh, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30p.m.  Council members present were Roland Adkins, Erika Lecates, Bethany Miller and John Palmer.  Also, present was Town Manager, Joseph Mangini and Town Attorney, Paul Wilber

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

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

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

The Financial Statements for the remaining accounts were verbally presented by Commissioner President McHugh.

Commissioner President McHugh stated he was presented with other available options pertaining to the drying bed issues.  The total cost for both drying beds is $30,000.  The Town will agree to repair one (1) drying bed for $15,000 in order to determine if this will solve the problem.

 

Public Safety Report:

The Fire/EMS Report was not given.

The Police Report was given by Chief Robert Harris.

An explanation of the Red Speed Invoices was given.

The Code Enforcement Report was given by Town Manager

Joseph Mangini.  A letter was sent to an individual regarding a building permit for an addition that was not applied for and approved.  Will possibly send out notices regarding high grass.

Town Manager/Circuit Rider:

The Town Manager Circuit Rider grant was awarded at $50,000.  The Town of Pittsville had requested $52,000.  There were $800,000 in requests and DHCD had only $500,000 to award.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on August 5, 2021 and begun process of revising the zoning codes and zoning map.  Process should take approximately eight (8) months to complete including Public Hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Commissioners.

The Town of Pittsville will be forwarding a grant application to the Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playgrounds Program in the amount of $125,00 to replace one (1) piece of playground equipment with a new and more inclusive piece, two (2) inclusive picnic tables and two (2) inclusive swings.  Valerie Mann will be submitting the application for the Town of Pittsville.  Commissioner Lecates has also assisted with this project and has communicated with Brian Lewis of Cunningham Recreation.  Commissioner Lecates presented the Town Council with specifications and illustrations of the projected program.

The Recycling Center should be completed by October 1, 2021 per Wicomico County.

The Town of Pittsville has received the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Funds in the amount of $713,680 which is 50% of the total allotment.

The Town Elections for Pittsville will be held on November 2, 2021.  Notice of Town Election must be advertised in the Daily Times Newspaper by September 14, 2021. Candidates for Nomination must file in person to the Town Board of Elections (Town Clerk) by September 28, 2021 by 4pm.

The Town of Pittsville Office will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2021 in Observance of Labor Day.

Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma:

The Solar Panel Project was discussed.  The Contractor did not install the foundations per the specifications.  Therefore, the corrections will be made by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Town of Pittsville or the Grant.

Delmarva Power is requiring an Interconnect Agreement with the Contractor.  Negotiations have been ongoing for approximately three (3) months.  Mr. Duma recommended issuing an idle period with the contractor due to this issue with Delmarva Power.  Once the agreement is made the contractor will have twenty (20) days to complete the project. Updates will be presented to the Town of Pittsville by Davis, Bowen and Friedel, Inc.

A motion was made by Commissioner President McHugh to suspend the completion date of August 26, 2021 indefinitely until Carrick-Williams Company receives notification from Delmarva Power. Then they must notify the Town of Pittsville within seven (7) and then given twenty (20) days after notification to complete the project.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vice President Adkins.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

The Water Treatment Plant Upgrade was discussed.  The Engineering Services Proposal, based on the grant application from two (2) years ago, was presented to the Commissioners for review.  Input from Singh Operational Services was included.  Commissioner President McHugh presented a list of requests and recommendations from Singh Operational Services.  All recommendations must be approved by Davis, Bowen and Friedel, Inc.  The deadline to complete the upgrade is December 1^st.

Roadway Projects were discussed.  Design drawings were presented to the Town Commissioners which included:

• Community Center/Lions Club Municipal Parking Lot

• Main Street Restriping

• Pine Street Paving/Resurfacing (Railroad Avenue to Old Ocean City Road)

• Main Street and Old Ocean City Road Intersection

The Town Commissioners were asked to review the plans and submit comments, suggestions and recommendations.  The projects could possibly go out for bid within one (1) month.

A motion was made by Commissioner President McHugh to accept all the submitted reports and seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

         

Old Business:

Legislation:

The Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-04 and Ordinance No. 2021-05 were deferred due to not being advertised in the paper prior to this meeting.

New Business:

Legislation:

Commissioner President McHugh entertained a motion to accept the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-06 – Regulation of Fowl Ordinance.  A motion was made by Commissioner Vice President Adkins and seconded by Commissioner Miller.  All were in favor. Motion carried.

The Ordinance was reviewed and a discussion was held by the Town Commissioners addressing certain issues and concerns.  Suggestions and comments were also addressed.  Commissioner Lecates expressed she is opposed to the Fowl Ordinance.  Town Attorney, Paul Wilber, will modify the Ordinance and present at the next Town Council Meeting.

Other:

Discussion:  One Way Streets (Maple Street and Pine Street)

A discussion was held between the Town Commissioners, Chief Harris and Attorney Paul Wilber.  It was determined that Pine Street would be one way going South from Railroad Avenue to Main Street.  Also, Maple Street would be one way going North from Pine Street to Railroad Avenue.

 Town Attorney, Paul Wilber, will prepare a Resolution and will present at the next Town Council Meeting.

Commissioners/Public Comments:

Commissioner Lecates stated the Community Parks and Playground Grant requires a Joint User Agreement between the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Pittsville be submitted.  Commissioner President McHugh and Commissioner Vice President Adkins signed the required agreement.

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Council President McHugh and seconded by Council member Lecates. The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

Public Notice

“ORDINANCES”

The following ordinances have been introduced and will be considered for adoption by the Commissioners of Pittsville at the next Town Meeting to be held on 20 Sep 21 at the Pittsville Town Hall commencing at 7:30 pm:

1)   Ordinance # 2021-04—an ordinance to amend the Town’s Municipal Operating Budget for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 fiscal year.

2)   Ordinance # 2021-05—an ordinance to amend the Town’s Municipal Operating Budget for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 fiscal year.

3)   Ordinance # 2021-06—an ordinance to regulate fowl within the corporate limits subject to certain regulations.

The above ordinances are available for public review at the Town Hall during normal business hours. Anyone interested in the ordinances is encouraged to attend the Town Meeting on 20 Sep 21. Anyone having questions regarding the introduced ordinances may call the Town Hall at 410-835-8872.

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.

Town Manager

 

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 )

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!