By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Feb. 4, 2021) The following took place during the Berlin Mayor and Council meeting on Jan. 25:

FY22 budget schedule

The FY22 budget schedule has been forwarded to the councilmembers and uploaded to the town’s website for the public’s view. On Feb. 8, the Town Council will review the general fund and enterprise funds. Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the schedule details when public comment is welcome. For more information, visit https://berlinmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Town-of-Berlin-Budget-Schedule-FY22.pdf.

Tim Lawrence

Electric Department

The Berlin Electric Department has received approval from the Maryland State Highway Administration to begin relocating the poles for the Route 376 and Route 113 project, said Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence. On the Dollar General side of Route 376, new poles will be set. Some poles on the other side of the road will be replaced. Lawrence said the project could take three to four weeks.

Peak shavings

Lawrence said if Berlin hits all five peak periods throughout the year with no maintenance issues, the town can save nearly $560,000 annually.

“That includes the maintenance on the engine that’s all calculated into it, the maintenance on the building [and] the employees’ time that they’re there running the generators during peak shaving,” he said.

During high demand time, the transmission rates of power are higher because of transmission congestion.

“By starting the generators, we’re basically shaving the town’s demand,” he said.

Lawrence encouraged Berlin’s electric customers to follow the CodeRed alerts about peak shaving to conserve energy and save money.

CodeRed system

Berlin residents can sign up for CodeRed alerts on the town’s website by clicking on the CodeRed icon in the top right corner or through the monthly electronic bulletin.