Electronic voting must be unanimous to be official By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Despite initial assertions that the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously by email last week to amend the definition of owner of record in its proposed bylaws revisions, it has since come to light that Director Rick Farr opposed the… Read more »
News
What’s good for goose not good for gander
It’s not just “the goose problem” in Ocean Pines, it’s “THE goose problem” that has been bedeviling officials for years, as boards and committees pursue all manner of tactics to prevent resident flocks of Canada geese from setting up housekeeping around the community’s ponds. Nothing has worked all that well, from either a practical or… Read more »
Berlin awarded state grant to establish ‘Pollinator Way’
By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Town of Berlin officials’ goal of converting an eyesore in to an educational attraction for youth — while promoting its Bee City designation — is coming to fruition after being awarded a $5,000 grant through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Clean Up & Green Up Maryland grants, which are… Read more »
‘Rundown’ grilled chicken and red beans
By Paul Suplee, MBA, CEC, PC-3 A fan of ironic opening lines, I find it a welcome sight to see the sun rising a little later this time of year. It means that the same fiery orb is setting a tad later as well. The days will start to get longer, the sun a little… Read more »
Rose steps down as chair of HDC
But she’ll continue to serve while turning leadership role over to Norman Bunting By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Leadership roles on Berlin’s Historic District Commission changed earlier this month with former chairperson Carol Rose handing the reins over to Norman Bunting. After 14 years as commission chair, Rose opted to vacate the role. “I… Read more »
Environmental Committee talks geese deterrence
By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Continued efforts to reduce the wild goose population around ponds in Ocean Pines were focused on last week by the Environmental and Natural Assets Committee. In addition to the plan to post signs that discourage feeding wildlife, other proposals for geese control options were examined during the groups’ meeting… Read more »
Church retiring as commissioner at end of fifth term
By Jack Chavez (March 24, 2022) West Ocean City’s county commissioner is ready to “smell the roses.” That was the phrase Worcester County Commissioner James “Bud” Church used often in discussing his decision to retire from his position of the last 20 years when his term expires later this year. Church, 80, whose District 3… Read more »
Gazette Cartoon
Berlin council sticking with ’22 tax rate
Would net $144K more over current year’s revenue By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) Berlin officials appear ready to maintain the current real property tax rate for FY23, with a first hearing held during the mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday. Financial Director Natalie Saleh said the proposed tax rate is 81.5 cents per… Read more »
Eliminate controversy and proceed with vote
If the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors wants its suggested bylaws amendments to get a good reception from voters at this spring’s referendum, the easiest thing to do is to cut the most controversial proposals from the ballot. As was evidenced by the outrage expressed at the board’s town hall meeting Saturday, the… Read more »