By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) Ocean Pines’ new organizational structure already appears to be paying dividends, as directors across several departments are taking second looks at some of the projects and proposals started by now former General Manager John Bailey. For example, Bailey had budgeted $620,000 to replace drainage pipes on Cathell Road… Read more »
News
Pines Board crafts building compromise
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors on Saturday approved a design concept and location for a new craft building to be used by the Pine’eer Craft Club. Plans call for the new building to be north of the bathrooms across from the administration building and adjacent to the… Read more »
Berlin Town Admin to forgo pay raise in 2020 budget
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) Berlin Mayor Gee Williams on Monday said rumors Town Administrator Laura Allen would receive a raise are untrue. Williams said the town was at the beginning of a lengthy budget process set to culminate in June. He said reports the “the town is about to run out of… Read more »
Compensation study approved
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) With the approval of the fiscal 2020 budget, Ocean Pines board members realigned employee health care packages, with employees set to pay 20 percent of costs and the association covering the remaining 80 percent. Previously, the association paid 100 percent of those costs. Association President Doug Parks said… Read more »
Clarifications on Berlin Falls park
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) Berlin Mayor Gee Williams on Tuesday responded to several questions raised about Berlin Falls park during a contentious public meeting Monday evening. As for where money allocated for demolition of several small buildings would come from, Williams replied, “The money is part of a $500,000 balance that purposely… Read more »
Canfora targets Footbridge Trail speeders
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) Ocean Pines resident Susan Canfora has had it with speeders on her street. She has lived on Footbridge Trail, near the south gate, since 1990s and for most of those years, drivers have observed the 25 mph speed limit. The last five years though? Not so much. “When… Read more »
NJROTC earns A-OK grade at inspection
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) An annual military inspection of several dozen Stephen Decatur High School students in Berlin last Thursday resulted in an outstanding report, according to Jennifer Miller. Miller is the booster club secretary for the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, or NJROTC. LCDR Dr. Robert C. Stewart, U.S. Navy… Read more »
Outsourcing mgmt. motion passes
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) In discussing what the next Ocean Pines Association management team will look like, board members last Saturday agreed to gather information on outsourcing, but also praised the current team of department heads now running the operational and administrative functions. Early during the meeting, Aquatics and Recreation and Parks… Read more »
Berlin Farmer’s Market will swap locations, reopen in May
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) The Berlin’s Farmer’s Market will reopen May 5 in a new location, the corner of Pitts and William streets, where it will wrap around the parking area near J&M Meat Market. Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the move from Artisan’s Green, where the market was… Read more »
Board of zoning appeals request branches out
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (March 14, 2019) The Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals didn’t go out on a limb, but went out for a limb when members approved a setback variance for two homeowners last Wednesday. After waiting a month because of a continuance, Daniel and Naquelle Jacobs were granted a reduction to the side… Read more »