The Town Hall Council Chambers are out of commission while workers address mold and water damage to the back wall of the room. Remediation is on track to wrap up on Aug. 16.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

Problem not extensive, but remediation causes several sessions to be canceled

(Aug. 17, 2023) Berlin’s Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission and Town Council meetings were canceled over the past two weeks because of water damage and mold discovered within the northern-facing wall of the Town Hall Council Chambers.

The damage was limited to the one wall behind the dais and was not that bad, according to Kelsey Jensen, the human resources director for the Town of Berlin.

The mold and water damage were found when a decal on the wall was being removed, Jensen said.

“The building is old, so staff do try to take extra care in keeping an eye on any potential issues, but there was no indication of water damage, so it would not have been noticed normally,” Jensen said.

“They believe it was due to damages present in the exterior brickwork and water had been seeping in over time. That brickwork will be repaired.”

She said there have been no reports of anyone having any ill effects from the mold to date. Remediation is on track to wrap up on Aug. 16.

The Berlin Town Council meeting has been rescheduled to August 21 and the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission meetings are rescheduled for Aug. 23.