(March 11, 2021) The following took place during the Berlin mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday night:

Grant awarded

Berlin received a Maryland Energy Administration grant of $122,375 for a solar rooftop system on the main electric utility building on Schoolfield Street.

“We were the first to apply. We were the first to receive approval,” said Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood.

Retirement ceremony

Councilmembers were invited to a retirement ceremony for Public Works Superintendent Dave Wheaton planned for March 29 at noon at the Public Works yard on William Street.

Fire drills

Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing said his department is working with the schools to conduct fire drills and discuss safety plans, as most Worcester County public school students returned to the classroom full-time on Monday.

Public Works

Public Works employees recently powerwashed the Berlin Welcome Center on South Main Street and the sidewalk. Then, paint touch-ups were made to the building’s poles.

In addition, a crew addressed a safety issue at Heron Park.

This week, the Public Works Department mulched the local parks.

Grant apps

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said more than 30 applications have been submitted from businesses for the Main Street covid-19 grant. Applications are due by March 19.

Arts and entertainment

Business owners and residents will receive a survey about what people would like to see in the arts and entertainment district in future years, Wells said.

Farmers market

The Berlin Farmers Market returns May 2 with CDC safety guidelines in place.

“Maryland Department of Agriculture has actually offered some free signage and information for this year, so I went ahead and signed us up for that,” Wells said.