Effort to reduce flooding, clean up watershed should get underway this spring By Greg Ellison (Feb. 18, 2021) The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $482,337 grant last week through the Department of Natural Resources to retrofit Bainbridge Pond in Ocean Pines to reduce flooding and improve water quality. The Board of Public Works… Read more »
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Heron Park land sale possibility
Interest expressed in two parcels near entrance, but mayor, council undecided By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Feb. 11, 2021) The town of Berlin has potential buyers for two parcels that sit in front of the entry to the paths and ponds in Heron Park, but the mayor and council have to decide whether they have… Read more »
OP Garden Club looks to spring
By Greg Ellison (Feb. 11, 2021) After adapting to largely online communications for coronavirus considerations last year, the Ocean Pines Garden Club is hoping to stage activities this spring following whatever safety restrictions remain in place. Garden Club President Patti Lookner said after the group halted in-person meetings due to the pandemic an email alternative… Read more »
Town Council talks FY21 general fund
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Feb. 11, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council reviewed the general fund and utility funds report with the FY20 second quarter update of revenues and expenditures against the FY21 budget from Natalie Saleh, the town’s finance director. The general fund balance consists of non-spendable fund balance, restricted fund balance, committed… Read more »
Board finds ethics charge has no basis
By Greg Ellison Complaint against director dismissed without comment (Feb. 11, 2021) After holding a pair of closed session meetings over an ethics and conduct complaint against an unnamed director the week before, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last Thursday held a special meeting lasting only several minutes to dismiss the allegations. Director… Read more »
Board to discuss conduct complaint
By Greg Ellison (Feb. 4, 2021) Following two closed session discussions last week tied to an ethics and conduct complaint against a yet-to-be identified member of the board of directors, the Ocean Pines Association board scheduled a third special meeting for today at 10 a.m. Last Tuesday, the board held a special meeting after an… Read more »
Pines management succession plans revised
Not about who next GM is, but employee advancement By Greg Ellison (Feb. 4, 2021) The Ocean Pines Association’s succession planning process for general manager and personnel hierarchy, which was launched last fall, is being revamped based on consultant feedback. Succession planning began last September, with additional comments coming in recent weeks from Sibson Consulting,… Read more »
Berlin PD to contribute funds for skate park
Heron Park considered for designated site to resolve issue of safety downtown By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Feb. 4, 2021) Berlin’s elected officials began discussing the concept of a skate park years ago as one way to resolve the safety issues with skateboarders downtown, and now the Berlin Police Department has voiced its support. Police… Read more »
Town responds to PCAC concerns
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Feb. 4, 2021) As Berlin residents take to social media to express concerns about an increase in their electric utility bills, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood explained the factors that produced the recent charges. “What is the power cost adjustment? The electric bill you receive every month lists several individual charges… Read more »
OP Board mulls aquatics revenues
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 28, 2021) Seeking clarity regarding ongoing financial impacts from coronavirus, last week the Ocean Pines Board of Directors weighed options to reduce projected six-figure losses next year in aquatics. The board performed departmental reviews of the proposed fiscal 2021-22 budget during an all-day meeting on Jan. 19, which followed a vetting… Read more »