FROM THE DESK OF THE TOWN MANAGER

On behalf of the Town Commissioners of Pittsville, I would like to extend a very deep appreciation and a “BIG” THANK YOU to all those individuals who contributed and worked so very hard to make the TOWN OF PITTSVILLE’S 2026 ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL such a huge success! Everyone that I know who attended this year on a hot June 6 Saturday enjoyed themselves and the various festivities the 2026 Town Strawberry Festival Committee put together.

Though, I may be tempting fate in doing this, I would like to especially thank Robyn Carozza, Committee Chair, David Carozza, Site Manager, Judy Jones, Committee Secretary, Ana Ketterman, Committee Treasurer, Judy’s husband, Richard AKA “Bull Run” who along with Judy and Ana manned the Town’s tent, Erika Moore, who handled the children’s games and assisted the Town Manager by attending DELMARVA LIFE to spread the word, Chief Bob Harris for being on the scene-just in case, our very dedicated Public Works Department of Dale Monroe and Johhny Knuckles who all day ran back and forth assisting us and handling any maintenance issues that came up and of course without a doubt, the “STAR OF THE SHOW”, the Town’s official mascot “STRAWBERRY SAM” aka Dave Napier!

To all of you, and to all who made this year’s STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL great, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! See you next year!

Note from President

May was a month of completion and planning for Pittsville. The Town Council met on May 18th and introduced our Fiscal Year 2027 budget – a careful, forward-looking plan that includes enrolling our employees in the Maryland State Retirement system, a long-overdue benefit for the people who serve our town every day. I’m also pleased to report that our Roadway Improvement Project is fully complete, and our Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade reached its final walk-through, bringing years of infrastructure work across the finish line.

Looking ahead, our new water meters have been ordered and installation will begin as soon as they arrive – an upgrade residents have asked about for years. And with the Strawberry Festival just around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to. Thank you, as always, for staying engaged with your town government.

Meeting Highlights

FY 2027 Budget Introduced – The Council introduced Ordinance #2026-01 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 municipal operating budget. The budget enrolls town employees in the Maryland State Retirement plan and was discussed in detail, with a public hearing scheduled for June 15 before final consideration.

Roadway Improvement Project Completed – Director of Public Works Dale Monroe reported that all road projects are finished and turned out well – a significant milestone for our streets and infrastructure.

New Work Truck for Wastewater Plant – The Council approved the purchase of an outfitted work truck for up to $46,000 through State Bid for our Wastewater Treatment Plant operations, equipping our team to keep this critical system running reliably.

Challenges and Updates

Rental Housing Compliance – The Town has revoked rental housing licenses for two units in a local apartment complex due to non-compliance with required mold remediation. An inspection will be scheduled to verify what work has been completed, and the Town continues to prioritize the safety of residents living in those units.

Code Enforcement Efficiency – Town Manager Joe Mangini is updating the timeframe for how compliance notifications are issued, improving efficiency and execution under the Town’s Nuisance Ordinance. A Railroad Avenue property was cleared by Public Works after proper written notice, with the resident now responsible for the associated fines and costs.

Drainage & Ditch Work – Public Works is actively working on the town’s ditches and has redone the pump station. A collaborative Aydelotte Ditch meeting was held on May 12 with the County; residents are encouraged to contact the Town if they spot building materials or debris in the ditches so issues can be addressed quickly.

Water Update

The Water Treatment Plant Phase IV upgrade held its final walk-through at Town Hall on May 20 – effectively bringing this long-running project to a close. In other water news, the USDA has approved the pre-engineering study for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, a key step toward future improvements. Our new water meters have been ordered, with installation to begin once they arrive. Singh Operational Services provided the Town with its monthly Water Treatment Plant report, including flow and chemistry data.

Events

Strawberry Festival – The Strawberry Festival had a great turnout this year. Hopefully you were able to attend and see the vendors, cars, and play area for the kids.

Annual Fireman’s Convention – Begins Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Berlin, with the parade at 2:00 pm followed by a kick-off party at Ocean Downs.

FY 2027 Budget Public Hearing – Monday, June 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, to discuss tax rates and the budget, with a work session to follow.

Town News

New Police Website Launched – The Pittsville Police Department’s new website is live at Police.Pittsvillemd.gov, offering push notifications and a QR code for quick access to alerts and information.

New Economic Development Commission Member – The Council appointed Abigail Thomas to a five-year term on the Pittsville Economic Development Commission. Welcome, Abigail!

New Fire Truck on the Way – Our new fire truck is in production and is estimated to be in service by July.

Next Town Council Meetings

Monday, June 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm – Town Hall (FY27 Budget Public Hearing)

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 7:00 pm – Town Hall (note: the June meeting has been moved from its usual third Monday).

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

FROM THE DESK OF THE TOWN MANAGER

The Town of Pittsville would like to remind our residents that anyone considering undertaking work on their property whether it be a new project, or replacing any structure, needs to obtain a building permit application from the Town Hall. Minimum fee is $25.00 up to a fee of 1% of construction costs. Property line yard setbacks can be obtained by calling the Town Hall at 410-835-8872.

IMPORTANT! If your property abuts a storm water drainage ditch the minimum yard setback is twenty (20) feet from the ditch. Exact footage to be determined by the Town upon inspection review BEFORE the building permit application will be considered for approval.

AGENDA
10 Jun 26 – 6:00 pm

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of the Minutes/ 18 Feb 26
3. Town Manager’s Comments
4. Old Business
   1. Solomon’s Village/Update
   2. Warehouse
   3. WTP Upgrade/Update
   4. WWTP Maintenance/Repairs/Update
   5. New WWTP/Update
   6. Smith Property Purchase by Town
5. New Business
   1. 2025 MDOP Annual Report
6. Commission Members/Public Comments
7. Adjournment

NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: September 9, 2026

From the Desk of the Town Manager

The month of June 2026 will be a very busy time for the Town of Pittsville. The following events, public hearings, public meetings, and a holiday are going to happen. Here is the rundown of events:

June 3: 6:00 pm
Final Meeting for the Strawberry Festival (Town Hall)

June 6: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
2026 Strawberry Festival (Town Park)

June 10: 6:00 pm
Planning/Zoning Commission Meeting (Town Hall)

June 15: 7:00 pm
Public Hearing – Property Tax Rate Increase (Town Hall)

June 15: 7:15 pm
Public Hearing – FY27 Town Budget (Town Hall)
*Town Commissioners Work Session to follow

June 19: All Day
Juneteenth Holiday – Town Hall Closed

June 24: 5:30 pm
Economic Development Commission Meeting (Town Hall)

June 29: 7:00 pm
Town Commissioners Regular Monthly Meeting (Town Hall)

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE REGULAR TOWN COMMISSIONERS MEETING scheduled for June 15, 2026, is being held on June 29, 2026!

At their regular monthly meeting held on May 18, 2026, the Town Commissioners of Pittsville introduced Ordinance #2026-01 “An Ordinance of the Town of Pittsville To Adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Operating Budget Commencing on July 1, 2026 and Ending on June 30, 2027”. There will be a public hearing scheduled on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 7:15 pm in Town Hall to hear and receive public input regarding the budget ordinance.

Copies of the proposed FY 27 Budget along with the Town Administration’s Budget Message are available at the Pittsville Town Hall or on the Town’s web page at [email protected].

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.
Town Manager

For the taxable year beginning July 1, 2026, the Town of Pittsville proposes to increase real property tax rates from $.30 per $100 of assessment to $.32 per $100 of assessment.

A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 7:00 pm on June 15, 2026 at the Pittsville Town Hall. The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged.

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-835-8872 for further information.

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.
Town Manager

For Immediate Release
May 29, 2026

Pittsville, MD – The Town Commissioners of Pittsville along with the 2026 Pittsville Strawberry Festival Committee announce that the 2026 PITTSVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL will be held on SATURDAY, June 6, 2026 commencing at 10:00 am and concluding at 4:00 pm. The annual event will be at the Pittsville Town Park located between Pearl Street and Collins Street, Pittsville, Maryland “rain or shine”!

This event features a car show, live music, over 65 artisans and craftsmen, food trucks, giveaways, bouncy house, strawberry pie eating contest (what else!), and the always enjoyable “Little Miss Strawberry” pageant.

The new and “biggest” addition to the annual Strawberry Festival will be the introduction of the “official” Town Mascot “STRAWBERRY SAM” who will be attending for the first time to greet and meet those lucky people who attend!

SO, come on out Saturday June 6, 2026 in Pittsville and get ready to enjoy a wonderful, exciting, and rewarding day with friends and neighbors. For further information, please contact the Pittsville Town Hall at 410-835-8872.

JOSEPH A MANGINI, Jr.
Town Manager/Public Information Officer

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. Town Hall will re-open on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8:00am.

The FY27 Proposed Municipal Operating Budget is now available for review. The document can be viewed by following the link below or in-person at Town Hall during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.

VIEW FY27 PROPOSED MUNICIPAL OPERATING BUDGET