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 16, 2020

  1.)  Call to order

-Pledge of Allegiance

2.)  Minutes of meeting on February 10, 2020

3.)  Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts for February 2020.

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:

9.)  Commissioners/Public Comments

10.) Adjournment of meeting. Next meeting date will be April 20, 2020

TOWN OF PITTSVILLE

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

February 10, 2020

 The regular meeting of the Pittsville Town Council was held on Monday, February 10, 2020.  President George Whited, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:33p.m.  Council members present were Sean McHugh, Erika Lecates and Bethany Miller. Also present was Town Manager, Joseph Mangini and Town Attorney, Paul Wilber.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The minutes for the January 2020 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Council member Erika Lecates and seconded by Council member Bethany Miller. All were in favor. Motion carried.

 The Utility account financial statement for January 2020 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner Lecates and seconded by Commissioner McHugh. All were in favor. Motion carried.  The General account financial statement for January 2020 was read and approved on a motion by Commissioner McHugh and seconded by Commissioner Lecates.  All were in favor.  Motion carried.

 The financial statements for the remaining accounts were verbally stated by Commissioner President, George Whited, Jr.

 Public Safety Report:

 The Fire/EMS Report was not given.

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

He requested the Town Council approve a Resolution to prohibit trucks with Compression Exhaust Brakes within the Town Limits.

 Chief Harris has received complaints concerning parked vehicles at the intersection of Chatham Manor Way and Old Ocean City Road in regards to the School Bus stop.  He suggested the Town Council consider a Resolution for installing No Parking signs at that location.  Dawn Toner recommended addressing the PTA in regards to this issue and hopefully it can be resolved.  Chief Harris was in agreement.

 Town Manager/Town Engineer Report:

 Mr. Mangini stated Wicomico County contacted the Town of Pittsville in regards to the Recycle Center.  Hopefully work will begin in the near future.

 The Comprehensive Plan is now complete and has been approved.

The next step is to update the zoning codes.  A consultant will be hired to propose a rezoning of the town.  The cost will be approximately $20,000.00.  Tracey Gordy, Maryland Department of Planning, will advise if a grant is available.

 Mr. Mangini, the Town Manager, will be holding a Social Hour on February 12, 2020 at the Lions Club beginning at 6:00pm.  All are welcome to attend.  Refreshments will be served.

MDE received an updated memo regarding the progress occurring at the Water Treatment Plant along with a breakdown of the expenses incurred by the Town of Pittsville.  The purpose of this update is due to the Grant Applications which will be submitted to MDE by January 31, 2020.  These applications include ongoing work at the Water Treatment Plant, Water Meters and a new well.

 The Town of Pittsville received an invitation to attend the Regional Planning Commissioners Workshop.  It will be held on February 21, 2020 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Salisbury University.  All citizens and professional planners and local officials are welcome.  Please register by February 18, 2020.

 The Special Events Committee is looking for members to volunteer with this project.

  Mr. Mangini stated he will be giving a State of the Town Address on March 16, 2020 at the next Town Council Meeting.

 Tracey Gordy will start the procedure for the Sustainable Community Program Obligation.  It will consist of a fifteen (15) page action plan which the Town of Pittsville will receive in approximately six (6) months.  At that time, a Special Committee will need to be appointed.

The Town of Pittsville will be reimbursed for the Circuit Rider Position in the amount of $8,000.

The Social Media Training will be held on March 11, 2020 at the Town Hall at 6:00pm.

 The Solar Panel Project new plat plan revision was completed by the Town Engineer and submitted to MDE.  Although the Town of Pittsville has not received a response at this time, hopefully the project will begin in the Fall of 2020.

Old Business: None

New Business:

 Commissioner Lecates made a motion to go forward with a Resolution on Compression Exhaust Brakes in the Town of Pittsville.

Commissioner McHugh seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

Commissioners/Public Comments:

The Recycle Center was discussed.  Commissioner President, George Whited, Jr., stated the recycle center will be similar to Willards in regards to safety and illegal dumping with cameras being installed.

 Dawn Toner is keeping a calendar of upcoming events with various organizations.  Please coordinate with her to avoid any conflicting dates and times for any Town Events.

The Community Yard Sale will be held on May 2^nd and 3^rd.  Commissioner Miller made a motion to waive the yard sale fee for this event.  Commissioner Lecates seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

 Commissioner Lecates mentioned the Lions Club is sponsoring a Parents Night Out of February 14, 2020 from 6:00 to 10:00pm.

Commissioner Lecates stated the Strawberry Festival will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2020.  An interest meeting at the Lions Club will be held on February 20, 2020 at 7:00pm.

Chief of Police, Robert Harris, stated the grant for the new Police Officer was submitted by Valerie Mann to the Department of Justice for review and approval.

 There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Council member Lecates and seconded by Council member Miller. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:30 pm.

 

Following the meeting a work session was held to discuss the Town Manager’s proposal to increase water rates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PITTSVILLE VFD/EMS RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM THE TOWN

At the annual PITTSVILLE VFD/EMS Awards Banquet held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, the Town Commissioners of PITTSVILLE presented a donation check in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) to assist the PITTSVILLE VFD/EMS in the performance of their services to the greater PITTSVILLE community. The Town Commissioners and citizens of PITTSVILLE would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to all members of the PITTSVILLE VFD/EMS for their contributions during the past year.

TOWN MANAGER’S TALES

01-17-20

WATER

The final phase of the mini-upgrade for the Town’s water treatment plant (WTP) will begin soon. The replacement of filter feed pumps at a cost of $100,000 was approved by the Town Commissioners at the 13 Jan 20 town public meeting. Once the project is finished, the mini-upgrade to the WTP, will be completed. Total cost will be around $400,000, ALL being local municipal funds paid from the town’s water “capital improvement/impact fees fund”. The work being done by the Town now will enable the present WTP to operate for another 15-20 years instead of the construction of a new WTP which could have cost $2,000,000. TREMENDOUS SAVINGS for the people of PITTSVILLE!

SEWER

The Town Engineering firm has begun the process of the preliminary engineering study for a new waste water treatment plant (WWTP). This project is being funded by a USDA grant of $22,000 plus $8,000 in local municipal funds to be paid from the town’s sewer (capital improvement/impact fees fund”.  The WWTP project will be at least five (5) years in the making.

MDE GRANT/LOAN SUBMISSION

The Town Manager and Town Engineering firm have prepared several grant/loan projects applications to be forwarded to MDE by 31 Jan 20 to be considered for funding. This will include the potential of a new well and water meters.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The Town Commissioners have approved the adoption of the town’s NEW and revised comprehensive plan which will provide the guidance and goals needed for further development of the town well into the future. A “huge” thanks and appreciation to all the members of the Town’s Planning/Zoning Commission for their dedicated work on this and also appreciation to Peter Johnston, the Town’s planning consultant who assisted the members on this project. The next step will be to review and adopt a new comprehensive rezoning of the town plus adoption of a revised zoning code to administer and control further and future development.

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED

The Town Commissioners approved the recommendation of the Town Manager and approved the establishment of a “Special Events Committee” to coordinate community activities within the town of PITTSVILLE. Anyone interested in being a member, please contact any Town Commissioner OR THE Town Hall.

TOWN MANAGER SOCIAL HOUR

Town Manager, JOE MANGINI, has announced the “first” in a series of Town Manager Social Hours” he wants to begin to discuss various issues and provide updates on town government activities with the citizens of PITTSVILLE. The “first” Town Manager Social Hour is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 Feb 20 (LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY) at the Pittsville community Center located on Pitts Avenue commencing at 6:00 pm. FURTHER DETAILS TO BE PROVIDED later! Refreshments will be provided.

REMINDER

The Town would like to “remind” all our citizens that should you have an issue or complaint regarding any activity being undertaken in the Town, to receive a response with a possible investigation, you need to provide your name, address and a phone contact number to be legitimate and receive an answer. This policy does not pertain to the Town’s police department which has its own citizen complaint procedure.

PITTSVILLE TOWN COMMISSION REORGANIZATION

At the December 16, 2019 public meeting of the PITTSVILLE Town Commissioners,the following officers were approved and elected for a two (2) year term:

GEORGE WHITED, Jr.                   President

SEAN MCHUGH                             Vice-President

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE!

MEETING WITH MDE

On November 21, 2019, PITTSVILLE Town Officials traveled to Baltimore to meet with MDE staff and the Assistant Secretary to review and discuss the latest municipal operations for the water treatment plant. The meeting was very informative, cooperative, and much ground was covered to include how the town was progressing on the mini upgrade and potential funding available to the town from MDE. Accompanying town officials was Delegate Wayne Hartman. Senator Mary Beth Carozza, unfortunately could not attend due to another state meeting. MDE expressed their support for the town’s efforts and were placed with our progress and commitment to enhance water quality for our citizen residents.

WATER RATES

With the additional costs to the Town for water repairs, maintenance, and operations, The Town Manager will be working on a proposal to increase water rates only to be presented to the Town Commissioners for consideration at the December 16, 2019 town meeting.  The Town has already spent over $200,000 in necessary repairs and with the recent hiring of a professional company contracted to operate the water treatment plant, additional revenue will be needed in order to maintain our successful progress and curtail the use of funds from the water reserve account.

LEAD/COPPER TESTING

Every year, the town is required by MDE to conduct lead/copper testing in various locations throughout the Town. This year two (2) homes were detected with elevated levels in their water and notices have been sent out to homeowners as required by MDE.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE TOWN’S WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DO NOT HAVE ELEVATED LEVELS OF LEAD IN THE WATER!

AND ON ANOTHER NOTE!

 Please be advised that town policy for receiving complaints is to provide name, address, contact number and nature of complaint for any action required to be taken by any town department except police department.  The police department has established its own. No anonymous complaints or requests will be considered.  Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Clarification regarding October 8, 2019 Lead and Copper Sampling

We are making adjustments to the PH to help homeowners that have older piping.

Some older plumbing used lead soldering.

Our water source, water treatment plant and distribution do not contain lead.

Thank you for understanding.

For more information call 410-835-2386.

 

 

[Content of Written Lead Public Education Materials – Community Water Systems]Town of Pittsville11/20/2019

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

Town of Pittsville found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings.  Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Please read this information closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water. Health effects of lead. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.  It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.  The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.  Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children.  Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults.  Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life.  During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Sources of lead. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials.  In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics.  Other sources include exposure in the work place and exposure from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes).  Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water.  EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water.  Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

 Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

1.         Run your water to flush out the lead.  If water hasn’t been used for several hours, run water for 15 – 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.

2.         Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.  Lead dissolves more easily in hot water.

3.         Do not boil water to remove lead.  Boiling water will not reduce lead levels.

4.         Look for alternative sources or treatment of water.  You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.  Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters.

5.         Test your water for lead.  Call us at 410-835-2386 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.

6.         Get your child tested.  Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead, if you are concerned about exposure.

7.         Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead.  Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water.  The law currently allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as “lead-free.”  Visit NSF International’s Web site at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.

 On October 8, 2019 during routine testing it was discovered that two out of ten locations had exceeded action level allowable limits for lead.

  We are adjusting the pH to try to correct the exceedance. We are also working on a more efficient plan of removing iron. In turn, we are hopeful these two combined will decrease lead levels bringing them back into compliance.  For more information, call us at 410-835-2386, or visit our Web site at http://pittsvillemd.com/

  For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead or contact your healthcare provider.