Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (April 28, 2022) Staffing challenges and maintenance needs were examined by the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee Monday. Finance Director Steve Phillips opened the session with an overview of operating account balances through March, with FY21-22 set to close next month. Phillips noted revenues had outpaced expenses by about $1.7 million,… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (April 28, 2022) With a month remaining in its current fiscal year, the Ocean Pines Association is beating its budget by roughly $1.6 million, aided by positive revenue and expense figures for March. General Manager John Viola and Office Manager Linda Martin reviewed the latest numbers for the board of directors last… Read more »
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 »
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 »
Cartoon by Jim Adcock
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »