(Oct. 15, 2015) The Berlin Mayor and Council discussed the following items during a public meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday.
New construction
Engelhart said the town had a good year with new home construction, especially with “fill-in” lots. A total of 11 new family dwellings, not counting Cannery Village, have been built this year in Berlin.
Business returning
Wells said Berlin Organics, located just off North Main Street near Leaky Pete’s restaurant, would be reopening soon.
The business recently renewed its business license, according to Wells.
Wells also said the “pop up” shop located within the Berlin Coffee House, made possible because of a DHCD grant, would open during Berlin’s November 2nd Friday art stroll on Nov. 13.
The shop will exclusively feature “Make it in Maryland” items as part of the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, described as “Maryland’s first and only program dedicated to manufacturers within the state to showcase companies, demonstrate the value of manufacturing within Maryland and highlight manufacturing successes.”
Sidewalk update
Following several months of work, the town has obtained easements for a new sidewalk on Branch Street.
Public Works Director Jane Kreiter said the project should go out for bid within the next few weeks and could be finished within three-to-four weeks after a bid was selected, depending on weather conditions.
When pressed by the council, Kreiter agreed the project would be done by early spring 2016, at the latest.
Last walk
The final “Walks with Elected Officials” is coming next week.
District 3 Councilmember Elroy Brittingham will host a gathering with constituents on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Previously, councilmembers Lisa Hall, Troy Purnell and Dean Burrell have held “walks.”
Better brochures
The council unanimously approved a resolution by Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells to redesign the town’s official brochure and downtown business map.
Wells is applying for a state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant for $7,500 to pay for the redesign. She said the new map would include a historical component, as well as a walking tour.
Redesignation
Managing Director Jeff Fleetwood (formerly human resources director) said the town would be redesignated as a “Sustainable Community” during the Maryland Municipal League’s Fall Conference in Cambridge. The conference will be held Oct. 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency.
The designation, available through the state’s department of planning, opens the town to additional tax credits.
Floodplain penalties
A public hearing was opened and closed without comment and the council unanimously approved a resolution regarding floodplain management violations and penalties.
The amendment makes violations punishable as a misdemeanor with fines not to exceed $1,000 and six months in jail. Violations lasting more than one day would be considered separate violations.
Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the violations and penalties needed to be added to that section of town code “to make the document whole.”
New construction
Engelhart said the town had a good year with new home construction, especially with “fill-in” lots. A total of 11 new family dwellings, not counting Cannery Village, have been built this year in Berlin.
Business returning
Wells said Berlin Organics, located just off North Main Street near Leaky Pete’s restaurant, would be reopening soon.
The business recently renewed its business license, according to Wells.
Wells also said the “pop up” shop located within the Berlin Coffee House, made possible because of a DHCD grant, would open during Berlin’s November 2nd Friday art stroll on Nov. 13.
The shop will exclusively feature “Make it in Maryland” items as part of the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, described as “Maryland’s first and only program dedicated to manufacturers within the state to showcase companies, demonstrate the value of manufacturing within Maryland and highlight manufacturing successes.”
Sidewalk update
Following several months of work, the town has obtained easements for a new sidewalk on Branch Street.
Public Works Director Jane Kreiter said the project should go out for bid within the next few weeks and could be finished within three-to-four weeks after a bid was selected, depending on weather conditions.
When pressed by the council, Kreiter agreed the project would be done by early spring 2016, at the latest.
Last walk
The final “Walks with Elected Officials” is coming next week.
District 3 Councilmember Elroy Brittingham will host a gathering with constituents on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Previously, councilmembers Lisa Hall, Troy Purnell and Dean Burrell have held “walks.”
Better brochures
The council unanimously approved a resolution by Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells to redesign the town’s official brochure and downtown business map.
Wells is applying for a state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant for $7,500 to pay for the redesign. She said the new map would include a historical component, as well as a walking tour.
Redesignation
Managing Director Jeff Fleetwood (formerly human resources director) said the town would be redesignated as a “Sustainable Community” during the Maryland Municipal League’s Fall Conference in Cambridge. The conference will be held Oct. 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency.
The designation, available through the state’s department of planning, opens the town to additional tax credits.
Floodplain penalties
A public hearing was opened and closed without comment and the council unanimously approved a resolution regarding floodplain management violations and penalties.
The amendment makes violations punishable as a misdemeanor with fines not to exceed $1,000 and six months in jail. Violations lasting more than one day would be considered separate violations.
Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the violations and penalties needed to be added to that section of town code “to make the document whole.”