MAY 11, 2023
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
Town budget still leaves workers short Council concurs it needs to do better for employees By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (May 11, 2023) The Town of Berlin presented its FY2024 budget proposal at the mayor and Town Council meeting on Monday, and the hourlong discussion revolved almost entirely around what it does for the town’s employees. Or as some councilmembers might say, what it doesn’t do. Finance Director Natalie Saleh kicked off the meeting by introducing the proposal and outlined the general fund balance of $11.49 million. Though the number will shrink because of unsuccessful applications for grants that had been figured in, capital projects in FY24 on Monday totaled about $3.8 million. See MAYOR Page 5
Board ends free play on Pines courts Police seek help with speeders HUNTER HINE/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
ALL THAT JAZZ
The Jazz, Blues, Wine and Brews festival in Berlin last Saturday hosted free live music performances on Main Street, which was closed from cars and lined with pop-up stands from local businesses. Pictured is the first group to perform, the Salisbury University Jazz Ensemble.
Traffic cameras effective, but residents still should report persistent problems By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (May 11, 2023) It may seem like a futile act after the fact, but the Berlin Police Department is still urging residents to call its non-emergency line when they see vehicles speeding through their community. Mayor Zack Tyndall and Police Chief Arnold Downing led a brief discussion on Monday at the mayor and
council meeting concerning speeding, especially as it relates to areas speed cameras areas should focus on as the process progresses. “We’re talking about a lot of actual development for streets in residential areas,” Downing said. “When we do detail on certain streets, we find out that 35 to 40 percent (of speeders) are the individuals who live on those streets.” Downing said in one instance where officers posted up on a “hot point” street, they observed two violators. “We have to make sure that we’re
using our manpower in the best way that we can,” Downing said. Downing was alluding to one of the benefits of speed cameras being that they help alleviate the workload for a small town’s police force, whose officers may be better utilized elsewhere during their shift than sitting on speeding hot spots. “We understand that during certain times, peak times, that means between 7:30 and 8:30 (in the morning) when everyone is going to the five schools in town, there is definitely a better need for enforcement,” See POLICE Page 8
Directors say give manager chance to assess situation By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (May 11, 2023) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors will stay with its decision to end the introductory free play time for paddle sports at the racquet center. Advocates for free introductory lessons and court time for some paddle sports had dominated the public comment period of the April board meeting. “Over the last two years, we have See PADDLE Page 7
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