By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Oct. 8, 2020) The following took place during the Berlin Mayor and Council meeting on Sept. 28:

Water valve repairs

Eleven water valves were replaced in Berlin between August and September. Three were replaced at the Franklin Avenue water tower, one was replaced on North Main Street, three were replaced on Bryan Avenue and four were replaced on Branch Street.

On Sept. 29, the water supply was shut down from North Main Street to Cheers on Old Ocean City Boulevard to replace three valves, said Stormwater and Wastewater Superintendent Jamey Latchum.

“All the valves that have been replaced were either leaking or faulty,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said after the meeting. “Most of the valves replaced were well over 60 years old.”

Currently, the Franklin Avenue water tower is offline, and the water tower on Route 346 is feeding the town.

“Normal exercise maintenance will occur with the new valves as well as other valves in the town,” Fleetwood added. “As with anything mechanical, parts do wear out and need to be repaired or replaced.”

Lease agreement

AT&T leases space from the town on the Franklin Avenue water tower, Fleetwood said. The active lease expires in May 2021. The Town Council approved the proposed lease, which will begin in June 2021. Both the current and proposed lease are for five years. AT&T will pay $3,283.64 per month for rent. Beginning July 1, 2022, and that date every subsequent year, the rent will increase one percent over the rent paid the previous year.

Cigarette butt recycling

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said the town received a grant for cigarette butt recyclers two years ago and new trash cans. Recently, Berlin was named one of the top cigarette butt recycling municipalities.

Solar field grant

Fleetwood said Berlin may be eligible for a 50KW solar system from American Municipal Power. No financial match from the town would be required.

Wayfinders

Protection was added to the wayfinders throughout downtown to prevent injury to pedestrians.

Crosswalks

The State Highway Association repaved the stop bars and the crosswalks at the intersection of Pitts and William Street.