Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Association moved closer to adding a wastewater irrigation system to its golf course last Tuesday, when the Worcester County Commissioners chose Hydro Design Inc. as the consultant for evaluating the upgrade cost. The agreement is to pay the Frederick-based company $8,800 for consultation services…. Read more »
Berlin transitions to virtual gatherings, but no urgent matters occur this month By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) All town of Berlin boards and commissions meetings have been canceled for January, given the absence of any urgent matters to discuss, Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen and Planning Director Dave Engelhart said this week…. Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The following took place during the Berlin Mayor and Council virtual meeting on Monday: Hiring The Town of Berlin is hiring a superintendent for the Public Works Department, which handles maintenance, streets and sanitation, as Dave Wheaton is retiring. “The game plan is to do paper screening… Read more »
John Dale Smack, Jr. Berlin (Jan. 14,2021) John Dale Smack, Jr., 86, of Berlin, departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late John Dale Smack, Sr. and Rosie Henry Smack. The Town of Berlin’s first Black council member, Mr…. Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee closed its multi-day review of the budget proposal for next year on Friday with detailed financial projections for aquatics, beach club parking, racquet sports and the Bainbridge drainage project. AQUATICS Ocean Pines Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips said the… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) Schools in Worcester County have begun preparations to return to in-person instruction next week after conducting virtual classroom learning during the first two weeks following the winter break. The classroom closure followed the Worcester County Health Department’s strong recommendation that schools wait to bring students and staff… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Department proposals get scrutiny in uncertain times (Jan. 14, 2021) Ocean Pines kicked off a multi-day FY 2021-22 budget presentation last Wednesday, with covered food and beverage services, fire/EMS, golf operations, finance, marketing and general administration. In-depth departmental presentations were provided for the Budget and Finance Committee, which will subsequently issue guidance… Read more »
Federal funds dependent on department’s adoption of clearer chokehold policy By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council approved amendments to the Use of Force General Order for the Berlin Police Department on Monday. “It’s adding of two statements that the presidential Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Advisory group gathers on Monday to review results of departmental presentations (Jan. 14, 2021) After spending more than 12 hours reviewing next year’s proposed budget, the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee reconvened on Monday to issue formal guidance for the board of directors before it meets next Tuesday. Budget Committee Chairman… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee continued its line item vetting of the next fiscal year’s budget proposal last Thursday with presentations from public works, recreation and parks, marinas, and the police pepartment, as well as reviewing proposed new capital expenditures. The Ocean Pines Association’s fiscal year begins… Read more »