By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved an $18.18 million budget for fiscal 2019, representing a 4.58 decrease, or about $870,000, from the previous fiscal year. Capital projects were also lower, $3.8 million compared to $4.6 million a year ago. Mayor Gee Williams said a budget draft publicly… Read more »
News
OPA election materials could have slight delay
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) Printing and mailing of materials for the August Ocean Pines election have been delayed, although probably not by much. The original deadline for election materials to be sent to the printer was July 6. Ballots were to be mailed on July 10. Elections Committee Chairman Steve Habeger on… Read more »
Ampitheater part of BFPC plans
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) The Berlin Falls Park Committee last Thursday approved a pair of “threshold items,” but deferred the decision on a third until a future meeting. The committee unanimously endorsed the concept of an amphitheater and use of the Conservation Community Consulting LLC interpretive plan for the section deemed to… Read more »
Ethics policy delayed until July board meeting
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) Adoption of a formal Ocean Pines ethics policy was tabled until a July board of directors meeting, while the process of developing the draft and getting it adopted was compared to the pains of childbirth. Director Colette Horn, who helped author the document and introduced discussion on the… Read more »
Construction junk mucks up OPA waterfront
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) Potentially hazardous construction materials have returned to the waterfront area behind the Ocean Pines Swim and Racquet Club on Seabreeze Road. Technically part of a park, the site has also been used as a staging ground for bulkhead repairs. Two years ago residents complained of potential safety issues… Read more »
Directors spar over closed meeting
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) The resignation last week of Ocean Pines Director Pat Supik was discussed several times Saturday during a public board meeting before culminating with a verbal confrontation between two directors. Near the end of the meeting, Association President Doug Parks moved for the board to adjourn to a closed… Read more »
Improving literacy in Worcester County
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (June 29, 2018) The Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education was presented a report highlighting two programs boosting literacy and health during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 19. Coordinator of Instruction Dee Shorts and Literacy Coach Georgia Wierengo discussed the 100 Book Challenge Program, which promotes higher literacy proficiency… Read more »
Board candidate Greg Turner focused on accountability
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 21, 2018) Greg Turner, 59, is one of several new faces running for the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors this year. Originally from Greenbelt, in Prince George’s County, Turner has lived full time in Ocean Pines since 1978. “What brought me to the area was being three miles from… Read more »
John Viola named new Ocean Pines treasurer
By Josh Davis, Associate Editor (June 28, 2018) The Ocean Pines Board on Saturday unanimously appointed former Finance Director John Viola as association treasurer, to replace departed Director Pat Supik. Viola is the chairman of the budget and finance committee and briefly served as the finance director before stepping down last September. The directors were not… Read more »
First and only OPA candidate forum tonight
By Josh Davis, Assistant Editor (June 28, 2018) “This rollercoaster ride is over the top and starting the first drop,” Ocean Pines Elections Committee Chairman Steve Habeger said on Monday. “We’re picking up speed as we go.” The committee will host the first – and only – candidate forum on Wednesday. Six candidates are expected to… Read more »