Chris Shearer
Contributing Writer
BERLIN- Berlin’s weekly Mayor and Council meeting featured a national nod for the town’s electric reliability, new plans for park where a power plant used to be, and rezoning for the forthcoming police station. The following is a quick look at some of the issues:
Berlin Electric Gets National Recognition
Berlin’s Electric Utility received national recognition for its outstanding electric reliability in 2015. The American Public Power Association (APPA) is an organization in Washington, D.C., that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities such as Berlin’s. Nationwide, the average outage duration per customer for ranged from zero to 53 minutes. Berlin’s average outage duration was 17 minutes.
“We work hard to keep the lights on day in and day out,” said Tim Lawrence, Director at Berlin Electric. “It’s nice to see that hard work pay off with this kind of recognition.”
Rezoning Deemed Appropriate
Four sections of Gay Street will be added to the Berlin Historic District, and rezoned from “residential” and will now be part of the Town Center district.
“I think the rezoning of the four lots on Gay Street from residential to commercial zoning would be a positive thing for Berlin,” said local resident and business owner Jeff Auxer. “I believe towns are built by the businesses in them and the more we have to offer our visitors, the better off we are.”
The Town Council also approved a resolution to rezone a parcel of land on 109 Decatur Street to build the Berlin Police Department’s new facilities. The piece of land was purchased with this use in mind and there are plans for the department’s design, however, the land needed to be rezoned in order to be used by the department.
“The town has steadily increased population over the last two census cycles and the new proposed developments will continue this trend,” said Dave Engelhart, Berlin’s Planning Director. “Both re-zones provide adequate town services to anticipate future growth.”
Program Open Space Funds to Pay for New Park
Plans for a new park in Berlin were boosted as the council approved a motion to use fiscal year 2017 Open Space Program funding for a new park where the Tyson Power plant used to be. The Open Space Program will also help fund an update to the amenities in the town’s existing parks.
“It’s not playground equipment”, said Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen. “The funding will be providing benches and trash cans for people to use and enjoy the space and atmosphere.”
Mayor Appoints Four to Local Boards
Mayor Gee Williams moved to have appointments made to the Historic District Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors of Elections.
Robert Poli was approved for the position of alternate on the Historic District Commission, with Mayor Williams discussing his familiarity with the guidelines and procedures established by the Commission. Newt Chandler will be re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Lastly, Lou Creter and John Briddell were appointed to the Board of Supervisors of Elections.
Local Fundraising Runs Approved
The council approved the first ever 5K race, sponsored by Beach Lacrosse, which will be held on May 28th. It will serve as the local lacrosse club’s largest fundraiser of the year.
In addition, the town will wrap up 2016 once again with the 9th annual Reindeer Run. Event Organizer Lisa Long said the event continues to grow.
“We had over 400 runners this past year. It’s always been very festive every time,” she said.