This is the last week for Ocean Pines/Berlin reporter Greg Ellison, who is about to head back from whence he came to us in 2016 — Colorado. A Maryland native who found a home out west while earning his master’s degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Greg has accepted a news position out… Read more »
News
Horn pledges to shorten meetings
By Greg Ellison (April 28, 2022) In light of the past two Ocean Pines Board meetings running over three hours, Association President Colette Horn unveiled a new tactic this week to quicken the pace. Speaking during the board meeting last Wednesday, Horn apologized for the extended discussions during board meetings in March and February. “I… Read more »
Gazette Cartoon
Cartoon by Jim Adcock
Fleetwood steps down from a job well done
Most people would agree that the resignation of Berlin Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood had to happen at some point, but that it would not be viewed with a sense of relief regardless of the timing. Quite the contrary, one would suspect that the community at-large and the town employees who worked with him are sorry… Read more »
OP Environmental Committee looks to spring
By Greg Ellison (April 21, 2022) With springtime approaching full bloom the Ocean Pines Environmental & Natural Assets Committee met last week to review the community’s wildlife preservation efforts. Committee Chair Sharon Santacroce said the recent covid outbreak in Public Works delayed the installation of “Keep Wildlife Wild” signs around pond areas. “Everybody’s recovering,” she… Read more »
Berlin awarded state grant for safety issues downtown
By Greg Ellison (April 21, 2022) The Town of Berlin has received state funding for public safety improvements to keep gatherings peaceful downtown and to deter crime and vandalism. Berlin officials last week announced the receipt of a Community Safety Business District Grant of $76,300 that was awarded through the Department of Housing and Community… Read more »
Fleetwood resigns as Berlin’s administrator
Says he had been weighing his retirement for months, wanted to see budget pass By Greg Ellison (April 21, 2022) Berlin Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood announced his retirement on Monday with a departure slated for tomorrow. Fleetwood, who was originally hired as human resources director in 2010 moved into his current role in August 2019…. Read more »
Berlin budget work session reviews utility fund monies
By Greg Ellison (April 21, 2022) Town of Berlin officials reviewed FY23 projected health insurance costs, along with utility fund revenues and expenditures during a budget work session on Monday. The evening session opened with a presentation on insurance renewal options from Kelsey Jensen with One Digital. Jensen recommended the town retain current provider CareFirst… Read more »
OP Racquet Sports looks for warm weather
By Greg Ellison (April 21, 2022) The Ocean Pines Racquet Sports Committee discussed court repairs and facility expansions during its meeting on Thursday. Committee Chair Rhett Parsons said the installation of additional pickleball courts is almost ready to begin. “Public Works is about to start the site work,” he said. Parsons said ground preparation and… Read more »
Letter to the Editor
Supports sports complex Editor, I noticed in the last edition, that the “do nothings” in Ocean Pines are now going countywide to object to the Sports Complex. These are the same folks who were against building our new Yacht Club, Country Club, replacing bulkheads, Pickleball courts etc. In other words, they want to do nothing… Read more »