By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Dec. 3, 2020) The following took place during the Berlin Mayor and Council meeting on Nov. 23:

Proclamation

Mayor Zackery Tyndall read a proclamation, declaring November “Municipal Government Works Month.”

“During 2020, the town of Berlin promoted municipal government awareness by being proactive in dealing with covid-19 pandemic, limiting exposure of employees in the workplace by modifying work schedules and allowing eligible employees to telework,” Tyndall read.

The proclamation also honored the local government’s collection of 143 tons of recycling.

Tyndall continued that Berlin has entered a maintenance agreement with the Maryland-Delaware Railroad at the West Street ditch location.

The mayor informed citizens through the proclamation that the town has received two awards from American Municipal Power for safety and the new natural gas engine, replaced sidewalks on Pitts Street, Walnut Hill, Flower Street, Commerce Street and the entrance at Dr. William Henry Park as well as paved over three miles of town-owned streets this year.

In addition, the town helps educate citizens about municipal government through a monthly bulletin.

Donations sought

Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, said she is accepting donations to buy gift cards for children of Worcester G.O.L.D. Interested parties should contact Wells at iwells@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1722.

Solar system grant

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the town submitted a grant application for a 23kW rooftop solar system on the electric utility facility on Schoolfield Street.

“Then in conversation with MEA (Maryland Energy Administration), their idea, which I really like, is they came and said can you do anything bigger at that location?” he said. “We’re able to now go from a 23kW to a 48.95-49 kW system.”

Fleetwood added that there would be no cost to the town.

“It is fully funded by MEA up to $125,000,” he said.

Fleetwood said the system has a projected shelf-life of 25 years and the energy produced from the system would supply the electric utility facility at 113 Schoolfield Street, bringing a $10,000 cost-savings annually.

He added that he looks forward to seeing the grant approved soon.

Bill payments

With the Berlin government buildings closed to the public for the foreseeable future because of coronavirus concerns, citizens can pay utility bills by mail, by bill drop-off box or online with a credit card.

“Hard Hat Safety Award”

Chief Linesman Alan Parkinson of the Berlin Electric Department received the American Municipal Power “Hard Hat Safety Award” on Nov. 23.

According to a post on the town of Berlin Facebook page, the award “is presented to those public power utility employees who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to safety over the past 12 months.”

Parkinson was nominated for the award by Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director.

Fleetwood added during the meeting that Parkinson has been with the town’s electric department for about seven years.

“He’s also our chief trainer for our two linesmen apprentices,” Fleetwood said. “Alan is a go-getter. Alan is a hard-worker, and I can tell you he eats, breathes and sleeps safety.”