By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer
(July 30, 2020) The following took place during the Berlin Mayor and Council meeting on Monday:
Unity celebration
Jeron Whaley and Adrian Bowen proposed a Berlin Unity Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1-4 p.m. at Dr. William Henry Park at 123 Flower Street.
According to the special event application to the Town of Berlin, the event is designed to “bring our community closer [and] create a positive vibe during a time where current events have impacted our communities’ moral.”
The African American Coalition of Worcester County and Solid Rock Ministries estimate 70 people will be present for the event.
With the cancellation and postponement of other town gatherings, the mayor and council asked Whaley and Bowen to consider a date in the early fall when it is hopefully safer.
The mayor and council approved the unity celebration in concept and the event leaders will return with a set date and time.
Grant application
The mayor and council unanimously chose to reapply the project for permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park for Program Open Space funds under the Community Parks and Playgrounds program for the next fiscal year.
The project is estimated to cost $110,000. Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen will present the application at the next mayor and council meeting on Aug. 10.
Park use approved
The mayor and council voted 4 to 1 to waive the fees and allow Worcester County Recreation and Parks to use Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street for tennis clinics on two Tuesdays, Sept. 15 and Sept. 22 from 6-7 p.m., as well as for a drop-in tennis program on Tuesdays from Sept. 29 to Oct. 20 from 6-8 p.m.
ALLY LANASA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
As the resurfacing of Flower Street continues, the driveway entrances to Dr. William Henry Park are being repaired as well.
Departmental reports
According to Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, new trash cans are coming to Berlin soon. New trash cans were purchased through a grant, but the manufacturer made an error on the logo and is correcting the mistake.
Wells also said the Small Town Throw Down, a free outdoor music event with food and beer, is still scheduled for Sept. 12 from 1-6 p.m.
In addition, Life’s Simple Pleasures, a gift and clothing shop, is moving into 10 S. Main Street.
The mayor and council are invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony and lunch on Sept. 9 to see the town’s first natural gas generator.
During the Aug. 10 mayor and council meeting, two public hearings will be held regarding the rezoning classification of two properties, 115 Broad Street and the former Harley Davidson property at 10712 Ocean Gateway.
Lastly, the resurfacing of streets in Berlin is underway. Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said three streets are nearly complete as of Monday night.