Note from President

December was a significant month for Pittsville as the Town Commission reorganized following November’s election. I’m honored to continue serving as Commission President, with Roland Adkins continuing as Vice President. This marks the beginning of a new term focused on continuing our commitment to transparency, infrastructure improvements, and fiscal responsibility.

The Council met on December 15th and addressed several key matters, including board appointments, ongoing water system improvements, and important financial decisions. Our Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade is nearing completion. As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the new year, I want to thank our residents for your continued engagement and patience as we work to make Pittsville an even better place to live. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all!

Meeting Highlights

Commission Reorganization Completed – Following the Town Charter requirements, the Commission set the President and Vice President roles. Sean McHugh was unanimously re-elected as Commission President, and Roland Adkins was unanimously re-elected as Commission Vice President.

Board Appointments Approved – Cheryl Tyndall was reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Committee for another five-year term. The Council also adopted Resolution #2025-05, confirming the continued appointment of Erica Witz as Town Attorney.

Loan Resolution Tabled – Resolution #2025-06 regarding General Obligation Borrowing from Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration for the Water Treatment Plant Phase IV Upgrade was tabled until the January meeting.

Challenges and Updates

Code Enforcement Follow-Up – Of the five residents who received municipal code violation letters regarding ditch maintenance in the Pitts Avenue area, only one has complied. Public Works will address the remaining violations, with property owners being billed for the work plus a $200 administrative fee.

Mold Remediation Monitoring – The serious mold issues at one of the town’s apartment complexes are undergoing remediation. The town will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure proper completion, and MDE has been notified.

Trash Collection Fee Increase Discussion – The Council discussed a letter from Chesapeake Waste Industries requesting a $1.00 per unit monthly increase in trash collection fees due to higher Wicomico County Landfill fees. The town will request a formal addendum to address this outside-of-contract increase.

Water Update

The Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade is nearing completion, with new filter media arriving in December. However, delays in finishing the two filters mean final painting work will take place in January. Despite these minor delays, the project continues to progress well. There was a discussion with MDE regarding the loan closing, and the project will likely be complete before the loan is finalized.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant UV system received new materials and is expected to be up and running within the next couple of weeks. Additionally, positive progress was made on the Sandyfield subdivision drainage issue, with the subdivision owner agreeing to help resolve the matter and maintain the pond.

Upcoming Events

Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall (Note: Rescheduled from normal date due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday)

Special Trash Collection – Saturday, December 27, 2025 (rescheduled due to Christmas holiday)

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

Town News

Sandyfield Subdivision Drainage Resolution – The owner of Sandyfield subdivision met with Town Manager Mangini, Public Works Director Monroe, and Town Engineer Duma and agreed to help resolve the drainage issues and maintain the pond.

2025 Roadway Improvement Project – The roadway improvement project is set to go to bidding soon and will be the first major project in spring 2026.

Public Works Winter Readiness – Public Works has approximately one ton of salt on hand for winter weather response and may need to acquire more as needed.

Strawberry Festival Planning Underway – Commissioner Carozza reported that sponsorships for the annual Strawberry Festival are already coming in, with at least one sponsor confirmed.

Next Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.

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

Due to the federal/state/town Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday falling on Monday, January 19, 2026 this year, the Town Commissioners January monthly meeting will be scheduled on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 commencing at 7:00 pm in Town Hall!

The Pittsville Town Offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 (New Years Eve) AND Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Years Day) due to the New Years holiday. Town Offices will re-open on Friday, January 2, 2026!

Trash collection this week will take place on Saturday, 1/03.

HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY to all our PITTSVILLE residents!

Town Hall will be closed from Wednesday, 12/24 through Friday, 12/26 for the Christmas holiday! Offices will re-open on Monday, 12/29 at 8:00am.

Trash collection this week will take place on Saturday, 12/27.

From the Town of Pittsville to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

At their regular monthly Town Commissioners Meeting held on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Town Commissioners elected SEAN MCHUGH to serve as PRESIDENT of the Town Commissioners for another two (2) year term and ROLAND ADKINS to serve as the VICE-PRESIDENT of the Town Commissioners for a term of two (2) years as well.

CONGRATULATIONS to both gentlemen!

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.

[View entire meeting packet]

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