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Berlin Briefs

The Berlin Mayor and Council discussed the following items during a meeting at Town Hall on Monday, Jan. 11.
Tennis court improvement
Bohlen also introduced a motion to approve an engineering plan, developed by local firm Davis, Bowen & Friedel Inc., to improve several tennis courts at Stephen Decatur Park.
The plan is essentially an overhaul of the existing courts and includes lighting and upgraded drainage. The council unanimously approved the plan at a cost of $27,740, which includes $3,200 for “inspection services.”
Audit review
PKS & Company presented an audit of Berlin’s fiscal-year 2015 financials. Town Administrator Laura Allen said the town received a “completely clean” audit.
“There was some discussion about our level of reserves. The financial standard is 60 days. We have the equivalent of 18 months,” Allen said. “The auditor said we have very healthy reserves. We’re very excited and very happy about that.”
The council unanimously backed a motion to approve the audit.
MSEC plan
Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen proposed the town adopt an Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy Plan in conjunction with the Maryland Smart Energy Community Program. The council unanimously approved the motion.
Allen said the town needed to adopt the plan in order to receive a $25,000 grant that comes with membership to the program. Under the plan, the town plans to reduce its energy consumption by 15-20 percent during the next five years.  
Berlin was the first community to be certified under the Sustainable Maryland program and, in 2010, was the recipient of a state block grant to help improve energy efficiency.
Last year, the town’s electric utility also adopted a “peak shaving” program designed to help reduce energy consumption.
Special events
Economic Development Director Ivy Wells asked the council to approve alcohol exception for six town-sponsored events. That included MayDay Playday on May 13, the Jazz and Blues Bash on June 4, the Heritage Fair on Aug. 6, the Fiddler’s Convention Sept. 23-24, Octoberfest on Oct. 15 and the New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31.
The Berlin Chamber of Commerce also sponsors the Jazz and Blues Bash and Fiddler’s Convention. The council unanimously approved all six exceptions.