By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Feb. 18, 2021) An offer has been made to an applicant for the Berlin Public Works Department superintendent’s job that will become vacant on April 1, with the retirement of Dave Wheaton.

In announcing the offer this week, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the application process for Wheaton’s replacement opened at the beginning of January and is now closed.

Wheaton was hired by the town in June 2004. He has served Berlin as an equipment operator and assistant superintendent of the Public Works Department before becoming superintendent.

Administrative Manager Kelsey Jensen told the Town Council during its meeting on Feb. 8 that four candidates were interviewed that day for the position and that the town staff narrowed the field to two candidates.

Town staff hope the new superintendent can train with Wheaton before he retires.

According to the town’s website, the Public Works Department consists of the Streets and Sanitation divisions. The Streets Division maintains town-owned streets and roadways and sidewalks, while the Sanitation Division conducts trash and recycling collections. The department is also responsible for the maintenance of Berlin’s four municipal parks – Heron Park on Old Ocean City Boulevard, Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street, Dr. William Henry Park on Flower Street and John Howard Burbage Park on William Street – as well as other town-owned properties.