Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (April 7, 2022) In addition to testing new equipment and reviewing the ballot design, the Ocean Pines Election Committee last week produced candidate forum questions for this summer’s board of directors election. Three seats are open this year. They are now held by Director Larry Perrone, who was elected to a first… Read more »
Department heads say they have cut budget to bare bones By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) With expenditure requests outpacing projected revenues in its FY23 draft budget, the Berlin Town Council voted on Monday to delay a scheduled public hearing for real property tax rates until April 11. During a first reading for the proposed… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Following hours of commentary from supporters and opponents of rental regulations, the Berlin Town Council voted on Monday to create and impose new rules for short-term rentals as of July 1. Mayor Zach Tyndall said the hot-button topic has been bandied about for several years. “The intent is to… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) The consideration of a possible social media policy for the Ocean Pines Board of Directors ballooned into a discussion about ethics codes during the board meeting last Wednesday. Director Doug Parks said in light of the multiple Pines-based social media platforms available, an official policy should be developed to… Read more »
Directors cut off discussion of why former candidate was rejected for 2nd time By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Lingering political tension from the Ocean Pines Board of Directors 2021 election was on display at last week’s meeting, as the directors denied former candidate Stuart Lakernick a seat on a committee for the second time…. Read more »
Electronic voting must be unanimous to be official By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Despite initial assertions that the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously by email last week to amend the definition of owner of record in its proposed bylaws revisions, it has since come to light that Director Rick Farr opposed the… Read more »
But she’ll continue to serve while turning leadership role over to Norman Bunting By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Leadership roles on Berlin’s Historic District Commission changed earlier this month with former chairperson Carol Rose handing the reins over to Norman Bunting. After 14 years as commission chair, Rose opted to vacate the role. “I… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Continued efforts to reduce the wild goose population around ponds in Ocean Pines were focused on last week by the Environmental and Natural Assets Committee. In addition to the plan to post signs that discourage feeding wildlife, other proposals for geese control options were examined during the groups’ meeting… Read more »
By Jack Chavez (March 24, 2022) West Ocean City’s county commissioner is ready to “smell the roses.” That was the phrase Worcester County Commissioner James “Bud” Church used often in discussing his decision to retire from his position of the last 20 years when his term expires later this year. Church, 80, whose District 3… Read more »
Would net $144K more over current year’s revenue By Greg Ellison (March 17, 2022) Berlin officials appear ready to maintain the current real property tax rate for FY23, with a first hearing held during the mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday. Financial Director Natalie Saleh said the proposed tax rate is 81.5 cents per… Read more »