Playground equipment is getting old and rusted at Henry Park in Berlin. The town council voted to replace the equipment.
By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer
(Aug. 24, 2023) During a shortened meeting of the Berlin mayor and Town Council on Monday night, the council unanimously approved the following motions:
Motion 2023-25 authorizes a request for proposals for the demolition of the aging Powellton Avenue Well building and its infrastructure. The proposal includes constructing a new well building that includes a bathroom, chemical storage, and other infrastructure. The existing water supply well will stay operational during construction, as it is a critical component in the town’s water supply system.
According to a memo written by Jamey Latchum, the water resources director, the new well-house building is budgeted at $385,000. It would be paid for with $285,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $100,000 from capital reserves.
Motion 2023-26 grants approval of a bid for stormwater management upgrades on Pine Street, Franklin Avenue and Nelson Street to David A Bramble Inc. The cost of the contract is $1.3 million. Bramble has handled similar utility projects in the Town of Berlin, according to David Kolar, the project manager.
Maryland Coastal Bays Program has entered into an MOU with the town to provide $400,000 in funding for this project.
Motion 2023-27 allows for an application to the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program for fiscal year 2025 to replace the playground equipment at Dr. William Henry Park.
The town has received a proposal from GameTime/Cunningham Recreation to replace the playground equipment for $236,000. The company provided a $51K discount for the town.
Mayor Zach Tyndall noted rust on some of the equipment when he toured the playground during National Night out on Aug. 1.
Motion 2023-29 was passed, four to one, with Councilman Jack Orris objecting, to hiring a building and groundskeeper. Currently, the town has a contractor that cleans the Town Hall restrooms and kitchens, planning restrooms and the public restrooms on William Street and at Henry Park.
The company has notified the town it will no longer be able to clean the Henry Park restrooms.
All other areas are currently cleaned by administration, finance and planning personnel. Public works, electric and water resources personnel perform maintenance, light construction and repairs.
The position will be funded for Fiscal Year 2024. This would be a full-time position with benefits. The cost would be covered by the cost savings from the termination of the current cleaning contract and funding from the currently budgeted but unfilled special projects administrator position, according to Town Administrator Mary Bohlen.
Prior to the meeting, the Town of Berlin Council members voted unanimously to buy a 2023 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado Truck from IG Burton for $44,178 for the electric utility department.
The initial budget was for $40,000. The council took a poll vote on Aug. 9 to approve the transfer of $4,178 from Capital Outlay Funds to cover the balance of the purchase of the truck.