Note from President

January marked a strong start to 2026 for Pittsville. The Town Council met on January 21st and made important financial decisions that will benefit our community for years to come. Most notably, we secured favorable financing for the Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade project, with 50% of the loan qualifying as forgiveness after ten years – essentially turning half of it into a grant.

As we begin this new year, I’m grateful for the dedicated staff who keep our town running smoothly. From our Public Works team preparing for winter storms to our economic development initiatives reaching out to local businesses, there’s positive momentum across all departments. Here’s what happened this month.

Meeting Highlights

Water Treatment Plant Financing Approved – The Council unanimously adopted Resolution #2026-01, authorizing an MDE loan of $918,616 to complete financing for the Water Treatment Plant Phase IV Upgrade. Half of this amount ($459,308) qualifies as loan forgiveness after ten years, significantly reducing the long-term cost to residents.

Recognition for Town Service – The Council adopted Resolution #2026-02, extending thanks and appreciation to Ivory Smith for his service to the Town of Pittsville serving on the Pittsville Economic Development Commission.

Supporting Local Students – The Council approved a donation to the Pittsville Band Boosters to help defray transportation costs for a school trip to New York City to see “The Lion King.”

Challenges and Updates

Apartment Complex Mold Remediation – The Town has been actively addressing mold issues at a local apartment complex. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for early February to ensure proper remediation. The Maryland Department of the Environment has been notified and is monitoring the situation.

Drainage Projects Moving Forward – Public Works is scheduling work on both the Sandyfield subdivision drainage issue and the Pitts Avenue drainage ditches. These projects will address ongoing water management concerns in affected areas.

Rental Housing Inspections – The Town Clerk is scheduling this year’s rental housing inspections with First State Inspection Agency. The town plans to complete all apartment complexes this year, with remaining residential units inspected next year, completing the three-year inspection cycle by 2027.

Water Update

Great news on the water front – the Water Treatment Plant Phase IV Upgrade project is nearly complete. The only remaining work involves repairs to Filter #3, which were not originally included in the project contract. Chris Gee from Singh Operational Services reported that water usage and bacteria levels remain within normal parameters across all wells.

Additionally, Public Works Director Dale Monroe reported that the UV system installation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed, enhancing our wastewater treatment capabilities.

Upcoming Events

Strawberry Festival – Saturday, June 6, 2026. Information will be included in upcoming water bills. We’re currently working on securing sponsorships for this beloved community event.

Town News

Economic Development Initiative Launched – Town Manager Joe Mangini has begun weekly business visitation program, starting with East Coast Tile. These visits help the Town better understand local business needs and strengthen relationships with our commercial community.

Street Improvement Project Bidding – Public Works will begin accepting bids for the street improvement project from Railroad to Maple Street, continuing our commitment to infrastructure maintenance.

Park Improvements Grant Received – The Town received a $9,521.37 grant reimbursement from the Department of Natural Resources for the final work completing Phase IV of our Capital Park Improvement Program. We’re awaiting word this spring on our grant application to renovate the basketball court.

Federal Funding Opportunities – Town Manager Mangini participated in the annual Congressionally Directed Spending webinar with Maryland Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to explore federal funding opportunities for future town projects.

Next Town Council Meeting

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 pm
Town Hall

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

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Town Hall will re-open on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 8:00am.

Since the holiday falls on a regular monthly meeting night, the Town Commissioners monthly meeting for February will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00pm.

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

February 17, 2026 – 7:00 PM
AGENDA

1. Call to Order
   1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of the Minutes of January 21, 2026
3. Town Treasurer’s Report of Balances of General and Utility Accounts
4. Department of Public Safety
   1. Fire/EMS Report
   2. Police Report
   3. Code Enforcement Report
5. Department of Public Administration
   1. Town Manager’s Report
   2. Department of Public Works
   3. Department of Public Utilities
6. Town Engineer Report – Robert Duma
7. Old Business
   1. None
8. New Business
   1. Consideration of Resolution #2026-03 “A Resolution to Extend the Boundaries of Enforcement for the Speed Camera Program” ADOPTION
   2. Consideration of Award for Purchase/Installation of New Water Meter System
   3. Request from the Life Crisis Center, Inc. for Donation
9. Town Commission/Committee Reports and Commissioner/Public Comments
10. 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 – March 16, 2026

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.

AGENDA
18 Feb 26 – 6:00 pm
“Rescheduled”

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the Minutes/ 14 Jan 26
3. Town Manager’s Comments
4. Old Business
   1. Solomon’s Village/Update
   2. Addition To Sandy Field Subdivision/Update
   3. Beach To Bay Subdivisions/Update
   4. Warehouse
   5. WTP Upgrade Update
   6. WWTP Maintenance/Repairs Update
   7. Sandy Field Storm Water Drainage Issue
   8. Accessory Structure/7437 Cemetery Avenue
5. New Business
   1. Roof Mounted Solar Panels/Dollar General
   2. Rezoning Possibility of Bunky White Property/Casher Wells & Gumboro Rd for business/commercial use
6. Commission Members/Public Comments
7. Adjournment

NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: 11 Mar 26

This year 2026, the PITTSVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION has begun a new program in the Town of Pittsville whereby officials from the Town (The Town Manager) will be visiting those businesses located within the incorporated limits of the Town itself.

The goal, intent, and purpose are for there to be a communication and “working relationship” between the Town and our business community. These visits will be set up in advance by the Town Clerk to ensure that there will be no disruption to the business’ operations and give the owners/operators time to consider what they would like to discuss with the Town Manager who also will be sharing information regarding the Town’s activities.

This program is already underway with productive and successful visits to EAST COAST TILE and BLUE TECH occurring this in January.

Every five years, Wicomico County updates its Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) to better meet the needs of its citizens. The County is currently conducting a survey to collect information that will guide its planning of parks, recreation and open spaces. The survey is open until Saturday, February 28, 2026. Interested citizens can participate in the survey by following this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KW7PCRF

Partial Road Closure – February 11, 2026

Please be advised that due to construction, Main Street between Legacy Lane and 34933 Main Street will be closed to traffic on WEDNESDAY, February 11, 2026, from early morning to late afternoon.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

PITTSVILLE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Please be advised that effective Monday, February 9, 2026, Railroad Avenue from Gumboro Road WEST to Parker Street will become a ONE-WAY STREET per approval of the Pittsville Town Commissioners. This work will be undertaken by the Town’s Department of Public Works.

Please observe and follow all new signage and remain alert as motorists adjust to the new traffic pattern. Thank you!

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

“WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROJECT”

BIDS will be received by the Town of Pittsville, 7505 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, Maryland 21850 for the Water Meter Replacement Project, Contract No. 841A001.034. Bids will be accepted by the Town of Pittsville until 3:00PM, on February 13, 2026, at which time they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bids may be hand delivered or e-mailed to [email protected].

Work includes the furnishing of six hundred sixty (660) 5/8”x3/4” residential water meters, fourteen (14) 2” meters, necessary antennas, AMI hardware and collector, necessary software, and a full breakdown of annual maintenance costs. Meters shall be readable multiple times per day by two-way communication. System shall interface with an existing Muni-Link system. Meters and individual meter antennas are to be furnished to the Owner. Installation of meters and individual water meter antennas are to be installed by the Owner. AMI hardware, the fixed network, fixed antenna(s), necessary wiring, and system implementation are to be provided and installed by the Bidder. Fixed antenna can be installed on the existing water tower and data to be transmitted to the adjacent Town Hall building.

Contact the Town of Pittsville, [email protected], (410) 835-8872 for additional information.

The right is reserved as the interest of the Town may appear, to reject any and all bids, to waive any informality or irregularity in bids received, and to accept or reject any items of any bid.

Sean McHugh
President of Commission
Town of Pittsville

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

“2026 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT”

Sealed BIDS, in duplicate, will be received by the Town of Pittsville, 7505 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, Maryland 21850, for the 2026 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, Contract No. 0841A018. Bids will be accepted by the Town of Pittsville until 2:00 PM, on March 11, 2026, at which time they will be opened publicly and read aloud.

The project consists of primarily milling and overlaying portions of three roads in the Town of Pittsville with some other minor roadway improvements. The three streets where work is to be conducted are Main Street, Maple Street, and Railroad Avenue.

Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS can be examined at Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., Town of Pittsville. Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS may be obtained at the office of Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., 601 E. Main St., Suite 100, Salisbury, Maryland 21804, (410) 543-9091 upon payment of $10.00 for each non-refundable set. The CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are also available in electronic format at no cost. Checks should be made payable to Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc.

The right is reserved as the interest of the Town of Pittsville may appear, to reject any and all bids, to waive any informality or irregularity in bids received, and to accept or reject any items of any bid.

Interested BIDDERs are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting to be held on February 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Town of Pittsville, 7505 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, Maryland 21850.

All BIDDERS must use to the greatest extent feasible minority, women, and/or disadvantaged businesses and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in considering businesses for subcontracting and/or material/equipment supplies.

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr
Town Manager