Rising Sun Town Administrator

10/13/2026

🎬 BEHIND THE MUNICIPAL CURTAIN
Taking You Behind the Scenes of Local Government

We're pleased to introduce the next evolution of our Behind the Municipal Curtain educational series!

Our goal has always been to help residents better understand the many responsibilities, challenges, and day-to-day activities involved in operating their local government.

Now, we're taking that effort one step further by introducing a series of educational videos designed to give you a firsthand look at some of the work that goes on behind the scenes—much of which the public rarely has an opportunity to see.

From public works and infrastructure to building inspections, fire safety, emergency services, and other municipal operations, we hope these videos will provide an informative, interesting, and occasionally humorous look at what it takes to keep our community running.

🔥 Our Featured Video: "When the Kitchen Catches Fire – Type I Hood System Activation Test"

In this video, we take you behind the scenes of a commercial kitchen fire suppression system activation test, demonstrating how these important life-safety systems work and why they're so critical.

And, as you'll see, even a well-planned demonstration doesn't always go exactly as expected!

We hope you'll enjoy this latest addition to Behind the Municipal Curtain, and we look forward to sharing more of the people, projects, and activities that make up your local government.

🎥 Behind the Municipal Curtain Video Productions
Taking You Behind the Scenes of Local Government

▶️ Watch our latest video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvcdE_7UqZg&list=PLEaDAKB3RUVg&pp=sAgC

09/22/2026

I have a pretty incredible work family.

Yesterday, my staff surprised me with this birthday gift, and I have to say—they captured me pretty well! Somehow, they managed to fit nearly 20 years of wearing a lot of different hats for the Town into one picture. 🙂

What makes the gift even more special is how personal they made it. Both the Elected Body and staff knows that, outside of serving Rising Sun, one of the great passions in my life is rescuing and fostering the Japanese Chin dog breed. They’ve especially been along for the ride these past several months as my wife and I have fostered and cared for as many as 20 dogs—including 12 puppies. So, of course, a Chin had to make it into the picture! 🐾

But what means the most to me is the people who gave it to me.

Over nearly 20 years with the Town, our employees have remained one of the greatest focuses of my tenure. I’m proud to call them my work family.

I’ve always believed leadership is about more than getting the job done. It’s about helping people realize their potential, take pride in their work, and experience the genuine joy that comes from public service and helping others.
We are fortunate to do that in a community as special as Rising Sun.

To my staff—thank you for the birthday wishes, the laughs, this wonderful gift, and most importantly, everything you do every day for our residents and for one another. I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful that we get to serve this community together.

07/29/2026

⚠️ UPDATE WED 7-29-26 — DELMARVA POWER UTILITY POLE WORK ⚠️

The Delmarva Power utility pole work scheduled for yesterday did not occur, likely due to the pending storms in the area.

The work is now in progress today on Pierce Road.

🚧 Pierce Road remains restricted to local traffic only between Maryland Route 274 and Maryland Route 273. Through traffic will not be permitted, and motorists should use an alternate route.

At this time, the Town has not been advised how many days Delmarva Power will need to complete the work. We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

07/28/2026

⚠️ NOTICE – DELMARVA POWER UTILITY POLE WORK TODAY ⚠️

The Town of Rising Sun was notified this morning by Delmarva Power that utility pole work will be taking place today on Pierce Road.

🚧 Pierce Road will be CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC (Local Traffic Only) between MD 274 and MD 273 for the duration of the work.

🕗 Expected Duration: All day today.

Motorists should plan an alternate route and expect delays in the area.
Local residents will continue to have access to their properties, but through traffic will not be permitted.

07/27/2026

🚧 WATER MAIN BREAK – MOUNT STREET

Town crews are currently repairing a water leak near Mount Street and Haines Avenue at the traffic triangle.

The break appears to be limited to an isolated area effecting only one property at this time.

Mount Street is closed to through traffic between Pearl Street and Pogue Avenue. Local traffic will be permitted as conditions allow.

Please avoid the area and use an alternate route while crews complete the repairs. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

07/24/2026

💧 INVESTING IN OUR WATER SYSTEM

The Town’s water tower has served our community for approximately 22 years. As part of this year’s budget, the Town has allocated funding to repaint the tower and make important upgrades to its internal equipment and operating systems.

Today, Town representatives met with our engineer (KCI Technologies) to inspect the existing equipment, clearly identify the improvements that are needed, and begin developing specifications so the project can be competitively bid. In addition to repainting the tower, the proposed work is expected to include replacing aging valves, check valves, piping, and other mechanical components. The project will also incorporate current technology, continue building redundancy within the water system, and improve safeguards against electrical fluctuations, power surges, and outages. These improvements are critical to maintaining reliable water service when equipment failures, electrical problems, or other interruptions occur.

This will be a significant undertaking, with the total cost likely to exceed $500,000. The work will also require the water tower to be drained and temporarily taken out of service while the improvements are completed. Careful planning will be necessary to ensure that water service, proper fire flow and system operations are properly maintained throughout the project.

The Town hopes to begin the repainting portion of the project this fall. However, the schedule will depend on the bidding process, contractor availability, and suitable weather conditions. Painting a water tower requires the proper combination of temperature and humidity, as significant temperature fluctuations and condensation can affect the quality and durability of the finished coating. If acceptable conditions cannot be maintained this fall, the work may need to begin in next spring.

Maintaining and improving the infrastructure that provides safe and dependable water service to our residents remains a priority. We will continue moving this project forward and will provide additional updates as the scope, cost, and construction schedule are finalized.

07/13/2026

06/18/2026

I recently had the pleasure of presenting a session at the 2026 Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference titled "Broken Windows, Broken Trust."

It was an honor to share the stage with municipal leaders, elected officials, and public servants from across Maryland who are committed to strengthening their communities and improving local government.

I would like to sincerely thank the Maryland Municipal League for providing me with the opportunity to present at this year's conference. The Summer Conference continues to be one of the premier opportunities for local government professionals to learn, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

After 44 years in municipal government, I still enjoy learning from others and sharing the experiences, successes, challenges, and lessons that have shaped my career. Opportunities like this remind me why I remain passionate about public service and local government.

Thank you to everyone who attended the session and contributed to the discussion.

05/28/2026

🌳 Progress Continues on the Main & Cherry Parking & Mixed Use Redevelopment Project 🌳

As part of the Town of Rising Sun’s ongoing “Main Street Jumpstart – Demolition Blight Removal & Redevelopment Project,” we continue taking important steps toward the rebirth and revitalization of our downtown area — right here at the Crossroads of History.

The Town recently issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking bids for the demolition of three long-vacant and deteriorated downtown structures. We are currently awaiting the submission and review of those bids, with demolition activities anticipated to begin around the week of July 13th.

In the meantime, crews have begun removing a very large and hazardous tree located adjacent to — and partially growing into — one of the structures scheduled for demolition. The tree had become a significant safety concern due to its condition, proximity to the buildings, and overhanging limbs extending across the properties.

Removing the tree now helps:
• Improve site safety
• Provide better access for demolition equipment
• Reduce risk to adjacent structures and workers
• Streamline and accelerate the upcoming demolition process

This project represents another important step in removing long-standing blight, improving safety, and preparing these properties for future redevelopment opportunities that will benefit the community for years to come.

Thank you to our residents for your continued patience and support as we work together to help write the next chapter in Rising Sun’s revitalization story.

05/25/2026

So many sacrifices. Let them never be forgotten. So thankful this memorial day weekend