By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer

(Sept. 15, 2022) The Berlin mayor and Town Council discussed the following items during their Sept. 12 meeting:

Worcester Arts Council

Officials from the Worcester County Arts Council gave a presentation on its programs, including Summer Arts Camp for Children, grants for arts, art scholarships and various exhibitions.

The group also touched on its gallery at the Berlin Public Library, how to volunteer and Maryland Arts Day, which occurs in February. For more information about the Worcester County Arts Council, call 410-641-0809.

Basketball court lighting

The mayor and council unanimously approved a contract with Musco Sports Lighting to purchase and install LED lighting for the Dr. William Henry Park basketball courts for $95,179.

The company also installed the tennis court lights at Stephen Decatur Park and the lighting system at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. The project is funded through the Community Parks and Playgrounds Grant, included in the town’s FY23 budget.

Storm drain replacement

The mayor and council unanimously approved a contract with Goody Hill Groundwork Inc., for the storm drain replacement project for $124,443. The project will replace the storm drainpipe at 105 Washington Street. Water Resources Director Jamey Latchum said the drainpipe has “failed.” He added that the town could see work starting in around a month.

2023 events

The mayor and council approved the 2023 schedule of events. Eighteen events are on the schedule for the year, including cornerstone events such as the Berlin Little League Parade, Spring Cruisers, the Bathtub Races and the Peach Festival.

There are two “alcohol events,” according to a public memo: the Berlin Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews event in May and the Small Town Throw Down in September. Reggae Play Day will not be back in 2023.

American Legion permit

The mayor and council approved a special Sunday permit for the American Legion Post 123 on Oct. 23 for an event its application describes only as a “district meeting” at their lodge, located at 10111 Old Ocean City Boulevard.

Love Day

The mayor and council voted 4-1 in favor of a special permit for Love Day ’22, sponsored by We Heart Berlin, for the use of the pavilion and basketball courts at Dr. William Edward Henry Park on Sept. 25.

Mayor Zach Tyndall said he and “some staff” had concerns about straining the available park resources on such short notice, but ultimately the council approved the event. On its application, We Heart Berlin representatives described it as “a day of love and basketball!”