By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 25, 2018) A new contract for Ocean Pines bulkhead replacement and repairs specifies “not using the Swim and Racquet Club as a staging area,” according to a motion unanimously approved by the association’s board of directors Saturday. Based on the vote, McGinty Marine Construction of Bishopville was awarded a contract… Read more »
News
Pines directors discuss FY20 budget guidance
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 25, 2018) “Every effort should be made to lower the assessment or hold the assessment at the current level,” says a budget guidance draft developed by the Ocean Pines Board of Directors. The board on Saturday formally accepted a budget guidance document created by the budget and finance committee. Based… Read more »
Council approves BFC contract, but questions remain
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 25, 2018) The Berlin Town Council approved a $605,000 contract for services with the Berlin Fire Company and Berlin EMS on Monday, as Councilman Thom Gulyas, the lone dissenter in the 3-1 vote, sternly outlined the reasons for his “no” vote. The contract represents a significant increase in the town’s… Read more »
Greyhound puts focus on local art
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) The Greyhound: An Indie Bookstore is the latest chapter in the life of Susan Ayres Wimbrow, who previously spent 43 years in the funeral service industry before making the literary leap as booth a published author and, more recently, bookstore owner. The shop officially opened late last week,… Read more »
Mathews used to being calming presence for town
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) Once and future Snow Hill Mayor Stephen Mathews confirmed on Tuesday he would take over for departing Mayor Charlie Dorman, who will leave the post on Oct. 31. Mathews will be sworn in on Nov. 1 and will serve until a special election is held next May. Dorman… Read more »
Berlin honors baseball, softball all-stars
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) Along with the milestone of the 150th anniversary of the Town of Berlin’s incorporation, officials on Saturday also celebrated another historic event: a pair of state champion Little League teams. Nornie Bunting, Berlin Little League president, said the occasion of having state champions in both boys’ baseball and… Read more »
Audit details to be held until completion
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) Baltimore-based firm Gross Mendelsohn & Associates will move into phase two of a forensic audit of the Ocean Pines Association’s finances, the association announced last week. General Manager John Bailey said the first phase cost about $100,000, leaving around $125,000 budgeted for additional work. Phase one focused on… Read more »
Gazette Editorial: Anticipating results of Ocean Pines’ audit
Nobody doesn’t like a good mystery, which is what the forensic audit of the Ocean Pines Association’s finances has become as it enters its second, and possibly final, phase. Association members know — or can find out on the community’s web page — what the auditors have accomplished to date, but they won’t learn anything… Read more »
Traffic concerns near high school
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) Several Berlin officials last week expressed concerns about new traffic patterns on Seahawk Road caused by the Oceans East apartment complex. Councilman Dean Burrell said navigating the road is confusing – and potentially dangerous. “It really needs work,” Burrell said. “The way that it is lined up and… Read more »
Town ordinances would limit location of new group homes
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (Oct. 18, 2018) A new ordinance defining what a group home can be – and limiting where it can go – was unanimously endorsed by the Berlin Planning Commission last week. Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the ordinance was triggered by the new Hope4Recovery House opening in the location formerly occupied… Read more »