Note from President

November marked an important moment for Pittsville as we swore in our newly elected Town Commissioners following the November 4th election. Commissioners David Carozza, Roland Adkins, and Michael O’Brien will continue serving our community for the next term. Thank you to everyone who participated in the democratic process.

The Council met on November 17th and addressed several important matters, including infrastructure improvements, code enforcement actions, and ongoing water system upgrades. Our Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade continues progressing on schedule. As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank our dedicated town staff, volunteers, and engaged citizens who make Pittsville a great place to call home.

Meeting Highlights

Election Results Certified – The Town Council officially certified the results of the November 4th Town Council Election. David Carozza received 53 votes, Roland Adkins 43 votes, and Michael O’Brien 41 votes. All three were sworn in at the meeting.

Singh Operational Services Contract Extended – The Council approved a one-year addendum to the contract with Singh Operational Services for water plant operations, with quarterly employee reviews to ensure continued quality service.

MML Training Report – Erika Lecates provided an informative report from the Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference she attended in Garrett County, highlighting valuable training opportunities for municipal leadership.

Challenges and Updates

Code Enforcement Actions – Town Manager Joe Mangini issued five municipal code violation letters regarding ditch maintenance in the Pitts Avenue area and one zoning violation letter. The town is also working with the Town Attorney to address serious mold issues at one of our apartment complexes.

Sandyfield Subdivision Drainage – Town staff continues working with Town Engineer Rob Duma and Town Attorney Erica Witz on drainage improvements for the Sandyfield subdivision, which will involve coordination with the original developer. Road improvements are expected to be completed in spring.

Public Safety Report – Chief Harris reported 214 speed camera violations this month and the department is also exploring alternatives to Verizon due to reliability issues.

Water Update

The Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade remains on schedule for completion by year’s end. A new filter has been installed and is online, and a second filter received new media to correct media loss that occurred over time. The Tuesday four-hour shutdowns have been proceeding smoothly, allowing work to progress without affecting resident water service. Chris Gee from Singh Operational Services reported that the backwash tank has been cleaned and all water levels are within normal parameters.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant UV System project is ongoing and expected to continue through the end of the year. Town Engineer Rob Duma and WWTP Supervisor Sean Triplett met with MDE regarding new permits and will be closely monitoring the process.

Upcoming Events

Parkside High School Vendor Craft Fair – Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 am – 3:00
pm at the Pittsville Fire Department

Santa Claus Rounds – Sunday, December 14, 2025, starting at noon. Check the Fire Department’s Facebook page for routes and updates.

Town Council Meeting – Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm at Town Hall

Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24 – Town Offices Closed

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25 – Town Offices Closed

Special Trash Collection – Saturday, December 27 (rescheduled due to Christmas holiday)

New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31 – Town Offices Closed

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Town Offices Closed

Special Trash Collection – Saturday, January 3, 2026 (rescheduled due to New Year’s holiday)

Town News

Strong Financial Performance – The town continues to see healthy returns from the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool, earning $7,593.53 in October alone and $27,679.40 year-to-date at a 4.01% interest rate.

Winter Weather Preparation – Public Works Director Dale Monroe reports the department is ready for winter weather with two plows and 2.56 tons of salt on hand.

New Street Signs Installed – The new street signs have arrived and are being installed throughout town to improve wayfinding.

Next Town Council Meeting

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm Town Hall (please note there is a closed session
starting at 6:45 pm.)

Have questions for the Council? Submit them at: [email protected].

Please be advised that the PITTSVILLE TOWN COMMISSIONERS monthly meeting on December 15, will begin at 7:30 pm (not the usual 7 pm) due to the Town Charter requirement for the reorganization of the Town Commission in electing the President and Vice-President for the coming two (2) years!

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

December 15, 2025

There is scheduled an “executive session” of the Town Commissioners commencing at 6:45 pm to discuss personnel matters. This is a closed session to the public.

7:30 PM

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
   1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Re-Organization of the Town Commission
   1. Election of the Town Commission President/Town Commission Vice-President
3. Approval of the Minutes of November 20, 2025
4. Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts
5. Public Safety Report
   1. Fire/EMS Report
   2. Police Report
   3. Code Enforcement Report
6. Town Manager Report
   1. Department Reports
7. Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma
8. Old Business: None
9. New Business
   1. Consideration of Resolution #2025-05 “A Resolution Confirming the Prior Appointment of the Town Attorney” ADOPTION
   2. Consideration of Resolution #2025-06 “ A Resolution to Approve General Obligation Borrowing from Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration for the Water Treatment Plant Phase IV Upgrade Project” ADOPTION
   3. Letter from Chesapeake Waste Industries Regarding the Increase in Wicomico County Landfill Fees (Discussion)
10. Town Commission/Committee Reports and Commissioner/Public Comments
11. Adjournment of Meeting.

The Town Commissioners reserve the right to close a portion of this meeting as authorized by Section 3-305(b) and Section 3-104 of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Next Meeting Date – TBD

Please note that Under Public Comments, limit all public comments to three (3) minutes or less, any written material may be presented to the Town Commissioners. Any derogatory remarks, personal attacks, obscene language, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will upon order from the Presiding Officer be grounds for removal of the individual from the meeting.

DECEMBER

15 – Mon @ 7:30pm: Town Commissioners Meeting (Town Hall)

24 – Wed:  Town Offices Closed (Christmas Eve)

25 – Thu: Town Offices Closed (Christmas Day)

27 – Sat: Trash Collection (Re-scheduled due to Christmas Holiday)

31 – Wed: Town Offices Closed (New Year’s Eve)

JANUARY

1 – Thu: Town Offices Closed (New Year’s Day)

3 – Sat: Trash Collection (Re-scheduled due to New Year’s Holiday)

SPECIAL NOTES

There will be NO Planning/Zoning Commission Meeting nor Economic Development Commission scheduled this month.

This Saturday, November 29, 2025 will be a very special day for me and perhaps for you too because on that day I will begin my 3rd term as your Town Manager! It seems a long time ago, that the Town Commissioners of Pittsville, Sharptown, and Willards selected me to serve as the towns’ first, and so far only Town Manager/Circuit Rider funded through a Maryland State Grant. Though, I serve all three (‘3’) towns, PITTSVILLE from the very beginning appointed me as your Town Manager. In the other two towns I serve as their Grants Administrator ,a position and role I have in Pittsville as well.

During these past eight (‘8’) years, together we have enjoyed great triumphs, exciting adventures, explored new “out of the box” experiences, and YES, some “bumps and bruises” along the way. THINK WATER!!! But, together we have pulled together, worked hard, and resolved many of the issues that have come our way.

None of this could be possible without the tremendous support from our Town Commission President and Town Commissioners! None of this could be possible without the dedicated and hard work performed by our town staff and employees who spend hours devoted to enhancing and improving the living conditions of our great Pittsville community.

None of this would be possible without the assistance and guidance we receive from our appointed contractual individuals like the Town Attorney, Town Engineer, and Water Treatment Plant Operators. And none of this would be possible without the citizen service of all the members of our appointed Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees. To all of these people who know who you are, I thank you immensely for your unwavering support in making our Town so successful during these past eight (‘8’) years.

To our citizen residents of this Town, I also want to commend and thank you all for never giving in to the whims of despair, but constantly “staying the course” with us, understanding the challenges we all have faced, and supporting the Town in our endeavors to make things “a little better” in the lives of our people. For this and much more, I thank you as I extend my appreciation to you by trusting me with the position of Town Manager of Pittsville.

On behalf of the Town Commissioners, staff, and employees and all who are in some small way associated with the Town of Pittsville, I wish you and yours, the very best and happiest THANKSGIVING ever as we all look to the future and more community victories to come!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

JOE MANGINI

• LEGISLATION
  • There is nothing on the agenda tonight for legislative action except consideration of the addendum extension for SOS!

• BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES APPOINTMENTS
  • There are no appointments or re-appointments to consider tonight

• CODE ENFORCEMENT
  • I have written five (5) municipal code violation letters on ditch maintenance in the Pitts Avenue area, one (1) municipal code violation letter on zoning, working with the Town Engineer, Director of Public Works and Town Attorney regarding the drainage issue at the Sandy Field subdivision which is going to involve the developer who built the subdivision, and been working on resolving serious mold issues at one of the apartment complexes, also working with the Town Attorney on this one.

• CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
  • None

• FINANCE
  • We have received the following: $18,487.50 grant funds from DHCD for the TMCR program reimbursement, $90,179,51 from the County for our share of the proceeds from the Smith property purchase which reimbursed ourselves, $9,731.00 grant funds from DNR for reimbursement for the new fence replacement at the park, $107,678 in grant funds from MDE for reimbursement for work on the WTP PHASE IV UPGRADE, and a total of $131,939.00 loan funds approved, but not received yet until we go to closing on the MDE loan which should occur by mid-December. Regarding that, a resolution needs to be adopted by the Town Commissioners required by MDE before we can go to closing. Our bond counsel is working with MDE legal representatives on the drafting of the resolution which I have not received yet SO we will need a special meeting to adopt the resolution ONCE I have it in hand. Looking at early December!

• PLANNING/ZONING
  • The Planning/Zoning Commission did not meet this past month due to no action required. Next scheduled meeting is December 10 at 6:00 pm in Town Hall.
  • So far this FY, we have issued 7 building permits with fees received of $836.81.

• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
  • The PEDC is scheduled to meet on 19 Nov 25 at 5:30 pm in Town Hall. There will be NO PEDC meeting in December!

• PUBLIC WORKS
  • The Director of Public Works is here to report on his activities and plans for the future.

• WATER/SEWER
  • I will let the Town Engineer review the capital improvement projects for water, sewer, roads, and storm water.

• PERSONNEL
  • Nothing new to report on personnel

• COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
  • There has been discussion with the PEDC to entertain ideas on having a farmers market and flea market in Town. I have advised all that these suggestions must be approved by the Town Commissioners

• OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
  • Thursday, 20 November, I will be attending the annual RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL’S conference in Annapolis to see what this organization can offer us in grant funding for our various projects.
  • Thursday, 20 Nov is also the AUTUMN/ FALL bulk pick up day for the town
  • Thursday 27 Nov is THANKSGIVING DAY, and Friday, 28 Nov is EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY so Town Offices will be closed.
  • Saturday, 29 Nov is JOE MANGINI DAY honoring my 8th year work anniversary with the Town AND also on that day will be the regular trash pick up day due to the THANKSGIVING DAY holiday falling on that Thursday!
  • On a special note, a resident of the Town has purchased and donated the CHRISTMAS TREE you see out front. Next month, I would like to invite her to our December meeting for a special recognition.

Due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday, regular trash collection will take place this week on Saturday, November 29th.

Town offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th for Thanksgiving and Employee Appreciation Day respectively. Offices will re-open at 8:00am on Monday, December 1st.

Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Click to view Agenda

Note from President

October was a productive month for Pittsville. The Town Council met on October 20th and made important decisions on budget amendments, board appointments, and infrastructure improvements that keep our town running smoothly. We’re particularly excited about the progress on our Water Treatment Plant upgrade, which remains on track for completion by year’s end.

I’m pleased to share this monthly report with you (a new initiative proposed by Commissioner O’Brien) to keep residents better informed about what’s happening in our community. We continue our commitment to transparency and want you to know about both our progress and challenges. Thank you for being engaged citizens of Pittsville.

As we move into the final months of 2025, I’m proud of the work this Council and our town staff continue to accomplish for our community. Here’s this month’s update.

Meeting Highlights

Budget Amendments Approved – The Council adopted amendments to both the FY-25 and FY-26 Municipal Operating Budgets to ensure continued quality services for residents.

Board Appointments – Jeff Willey was reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term. Dale Littleton was appointed to the Election Board for a six-year term, filling the position after Laura Basile stepped down. A special thank you to both of them for supporting our community.

Social Media Policy Reviewed – The Council reviewed a new social media policy drafted by Town Attorney Erica Witz to guide our official communications with residents.

Monthly Communication Plan Proposed – This report is a monthly communication plan to highlight the positive developments in Pittsville, provide an annual recap, and keep residents better informed.

Challenges and Updates

Speeding Concerns on Gumboro Road – Chief Harris reported 224 speeding citations issued this month. A speed study on Gumboro Road revealed 2,000 vehicles (of 4,655 total vehicles monitored) were speeding. Roughly 500 were going more than 12 mph over the posted speed limit. Chief Harris and the Council are considering installing a speed camera in this location.

Water Leak Repairs – Public Works responded to two water leaks requiring immediate repair, including one significant leak. Our team continues to monitor infrastructure and respond quickly to issues.

Sandyfield Stormwater Drainage – Town Manager Joe Mangini, Public Works Director Dale Monroe, and Town Engineer Rob Duma are developing a plan of action for the Sandyfield Stormwater drainage system to address ongoing concerns.

Water Update

Our Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Phase IV is proceeding smoothly with completion still expected by the end of the year. Filter #2 now has new media installed, and it has been chlorinated and bacteriologically tested. The plant shuts down every Tuesday morning for four hours for pipework, but this does not affect water service to residents.

Chandra Singh from Singh Operational Services reported that the backwash tank has been cleaned and all water levels are within normal parameters. Barring any unforeseen complications, the upgrade remains on schedule.

Additionally, the Wastewater Treatment Plant UV System project has begun. The old UV system has been demolished, and the new system should be installed within a couple of weeks after the manufacturer corrected an incorrect part they initially sent.

Upcoming Events

Town Council Election – Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department (7442 Gumboro Road). Three Town Commissioner seats are available. Candidates on the ballot: Roland Adkins, David Carozza, and Michael O’Brien.

Bulk Pickup – Thursday, November 20. Place acceptable items at the curb the evening before. A list of non-acceptable items will be provided on the town’s website.

Fire Department Annual Banquet – Friday, January 24, 2026 at the Fire Hall

Free Adult Dental Clinic – March 27-28, 2026 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, hosted by Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy.

Fire Prevention Month – Town Commission Vice President Adkins reminds everyone to change the batteries on their smoke detectors.

Town News

Exploring New Water Meter Technology – The Town held a meeting with Fortiline on October 17th to learn about advanced water meters that use radio frequency for more accurate readings. This technology could benefit both Water Treatment Plant operations and provide more accurate
billing for residents.

New Street Signs Ordered – Public Works has ordered new street signs to improve wayfinding throughout Pittsville.

Sandyfield Addition Infrastructure Complete – TK Construction has finished the sewer and water work for the Sandyfield Addition.

Next Town Council Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Town Hall

Have questions for the Council? Submit them at: [email protected].