Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (April 14, 2022) Berlin Parks Commission members previewed a series of upcoming seasonal events last week, starting with the “Spring Celebration” this Saturday and closing with “Clean-Up Day” on April 23. Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the downtown area would be enlivened by Saturday’s Spring Celebration from 10 a.m. to 5… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 14, 2022) The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Committee previewed upcoming community hikes and bike rides, while also discussing instructional classes for kayaking during its meeting on Monday. Committee member Laura Scharle reported on an introductory class for kayaking held on March 29. About a dozen participants were introduced to safety… Read more »
Discussion suggests levy will go up in years ahead By Greg Ellison (April 14, 2022) The Berlin Town Council’s discussion Monday of where to set the property tax rates in the new fiscal year resulted in an airing of concerns by department heads who said their needs are being ignored again. During first reading for… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 14, 2022) The Berlin mayor and Town Council reviewed roughly $3.5 million in FY23 capital budget requests on Monday for utility funds, including electric, water and wastewater. Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence said FY23 expenditures totaling $695,000 would be covered by estimated operating revenues of $458,000 and $237,000 from new development… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) Looking to address general cost increases and hire two additional staff, Berlin Fire Company leadership presented its FY23 budget request to the mayor and Town Council on Monday. Berlin Fire President Dave Fitzgerald teamed with Fire Chief R.J. Rhode to complete the allocation requests. “We just finished last night,”… Read more »
Officials say South Station needs $7 million rebuild By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) After securing $1.35 million in state funding, Ocean Pines Fire Department officials are looking to rebuild the four-decade old South Station for approximately $7 million, with the community on the hook for about half the tab. Ocean Pines Fire Department President… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) Hoping to spread positivity and warm memories, blown-glass artisan Jeff Auxer referenced visions from Italy to create “Berlin Love Locks,” a trio of large gate-like panels outside his studio and gallery on Jefferson Street. “Love Locks,” a long popular romantic tradition for couples in Europe and elsewhere, are padlocks… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) In addition to testing new equipment and reviewing the ballot design, the Ocean Pines Election Committee last week produced candidate forum questions for this summer’s board of directors election. Three seats are open this year. They are now held by Director Larry Perrone, who was elected to a first… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) Countering misguided perceptions about community association operations was the focus of an Ocean Pines Board of Directors work session last week with the Strategic Planning Committee. Committee Chair Bernie McGorry opened the meeting last Tuesday at the Golf Clubhouse with the intention of defining the association’s overall approach to… Read more »
Department heads say they have cut budget to bare bones By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) With expenditure requests outpacing projected revenues in its FY23 draft budget, the Berlin Town Council voted on Monday to delay a scheduled public hearing for real property tax rates until April 11. During a first reading for the proposed… Read more »