THE BERLIN BULLETIN - May 2024
From The Mayor's Office
Many thanks to the advisory committee who worked together to create the Community Center Kickoff on April 10th. Fundraising and Community Engagement efforts are underway, please keep an eye out for more information about the community center at the forthcoming Memorial Day Parade! 

This weekend “The Season” starts with Jazz & Blues, Wine & Brews on Saturday, May 4th and our first farmers market on Sunday, May 5th. I’ll be walking in The Berlin Memorial Day Parade on Flower Street on May 27th --Parade begins at 11am at Stephen Decatur Middle School ending at Henry Park with music, food, vendors and games. Sponsored by the Berlin Community Improvement Association, this is such a fun tradition to kick off summer! You can find all of our event Details Here. 

Please join me in sending condolences to the family and friends of Mr. David Engelhart, our Planning and Zoning Director since 2013 who passed away peacefully this weekend. Our town benefited from his wit, wisdom, and experience for so many years and he will be greatly missed.  

Important Dates Related to the Budget: 
  • Introduction and First Reading of the Budget May 13th, 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting  
  • May 28th at 7:00 PM public hearing on the budget and adoption by the council, Mayor and Council meeting. 

Mayor Zack
Town News & Press Releases
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Reminders
From our Police Department
The Berlin Police Department recently welcomed two new Certified Police Officers. Collin Shockley (picture on left) joined BPD in March. Ryan Collins (picture on right) joined BPD in April. Both officers bring years of experience with them as they join our community.
Please join us in welcoming these two outstanding additions to the
Berlin Police Department.  
From our Public Works Department
From our Finance Department
Upcoming Town Meetings
SUBJECT TO CHANGE: All Mayor and Council and Boards and Commission Meetings are being held in person without attendance limitations. For more details and the most up-to-date information, please visit the meeting page on our website.
 
  • Monday, May 13, 2024: 7 PM Regular Session
  • *Tuesday, May 28, 2024: 7 PM Regular Session
*Normal meeting falls on a holiday.

For a complete list of Board & Commission Meetings, click here.

To receive direct notification of meetings via email, please visit our website at berlinmd.gov and sign up at the bottom of any page.
Last Month's Meeting Highlights
April 2, 2024, General Fund Budget Work Session:
General Fund Budget Work Session FY25 (Town Departments, Berlin Fire Company, and Berlin Fire Company EMS).

April 8, 2024, Work Session:
To review BEACON Strategic Plan Phase III

April 8, 2024, Regular Session:
  1. Consent Agenda: a) Approval of Minutes for: 1. Work Session 3.25.24; 2. Regular Session of 3.25.24; 3. Closed Session of 3.25.24
  2. First Reading: Ordinance 2024-02 FY25 Real Estate Tax Rate (Public Hearing on April 22, 2024)
  3. Item(s) For Approval: a) Motion 2024-19: Special Event Permit for Briddell Family Reunion at Stephen Decatur Park on Saturday, June 16, 2024; b) Motion 2024-20: Special Event Permit for Runaway Bride Fun Run on Saturday, July 27, 2024; c) Motion 2024-21: Approval of Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Required Maintenance at Power Plant; d) Motion 2024-22: Approval of Employee Handbook

April 8, 2024: Closed Session:
STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO CLOSE SESSION, General Provisions Article, §3-305(b): (1) To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; a. Discussion re: Personnel matter affecting one or more specific individuals.

April 15, 2024: Utility Fund Budget Work Session:
Utilities Fund FY25 Budget Work Session (Electric, Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water Funds).

April 22, 2024: Closed Session:
STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO CLOSE SESSION, General Provisions Article, §3-305(b): (1) To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; a. Discussion re: Personnel matter affecting one or more specific individuals.

April 22, 2024, Regular Session:
  1. Consent Agenda: a) Approval of Minutes for: 1. Work Session of 3.27.24; 2. Work Session of 4.08.24; 3. Regular Session of 4.08.24; 4. Closed Session of 4.08.24
  2. Notification: Correction to Regular Session Minutes of 3.25.24
  3. Presentation: Proclamation 2024-06 Fair Housing Month
  4. Nominations: Board of Supervisors of Elections
  5. First Reading: Ordinance 2024-03 Amending Chapter 12, Titled Elections, Article I and III (Public Hearing to be held on Monday, May 13, 2024)
  6. Public Hearing: Ordinance 2024-02 FY25 Real Estate Tax Rate (Introduction held on April 8, 2024)
  7. Announcement: Employee Handbook Change
  8. Item(s) For Approval: a) Motion 2024-23: FY 25 Budget Amendments; b) Motion 2024-24: Award of Contract for RFP# 2024-01 Audit Services for Existing Information Technology Contract and System; c) Motion 2024-25: FY25 Healthcare Renewal; d) Motion 2024-26: Approval to Carry-Forward Four Capital Outlay Budget Items from FY24 to FY25
  9. Berlin Fire Company Quarterly Report
  10. Berlin Fire Company EMS Quarterly Report
Details about Mayor and Council Meetings can be found on the Town's website. Sign up to receive automatic notifications about meetings at the bottom of any page on the website. 
Upcoming Events
Berlin Farmer's Market
Opens May 5th!
Every Sunday through September
Now featuring:
• Free art projects for the kids • Petting Zoo
• Face Painting • Live Music

Always free parking & leashed pets welcome!
Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews
Saturday, May 4th
10 AM to 6 PM

The best in jazz & blues on stage & local artists displaying their work in downtown Berlin…

This free event is fun for all ages!

Free shuttle from Berlin Intermediate School runs 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM.

Event is sponsored by the
Berlin Chamber of Commerce
UPDATE:
This year's Spring Just Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 4th
has been cancelled. But mark your calendars for the Berlin Glow Walk
on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 5:30 PM! More information to come!
Have friends or family visiting Berlin? Have them check out www.BerlinMainStreet.com for events, shopping and dining map, parking, attractions, and more.

Pick up your FREE reusable shopping bag at the Berlin Welcome Center Monday-Friday 11am-4pm.
Arts & Entertainment District
Other Reminders
FY24 R-CERP Now Open
for Applications!
The Maryland Energy Administration is now accepting FY24 Clean Energy Rebate Program applications. This program provides an incentive for Maryland homeowners to purchase and install eligible renewable energy-generating systems at their primary place of residence.

To learn more, click here.
Employment Opportunities
410-641-2770
10 William Street Berlin,
MD 21811