BERLIN MD BLOG

Berlin Becomes Chicken (hen) Sanctuary!

The most recent edition of the ‘add on’ amendment to Chapter 107 of the Berlin MD Town Code involving the keeping of hens in Town was read at the December 28th Mayor & Council meeting. Seems the chickens may stay with the following provisions…

• Limited to no more than six hens (sorry, no fellows allowed)
• Must be penned and have adequate shelter – not less than 25′ from any residence
• Must be registered with the proper local authority
• No pecking on lawns (or some such wording)

This last one was a little blurry for me…the whole point of producing ‘free range’ quality eggs is to enable the hen to have a variety diet; to forage.  It was suggested at the meeting that the pen be portable and be moved frequently.  That’s a possibility however probably not an option for many of us.  Oh well, short of creating another Town position – that of Chicken Police, I think that we may rest assured that we now can raise a few hens and enjoy the delicious eggs they produce.

The final reading with Public Hearing on this issue will be tomorrow night (Janaury 11th) beginning at 7 pm in Town Hall.  Come join us!

Update:  Hold your Chickens!  No vote.  Ordinance missing a couple of words…to be added in time for final vote at next meeting!

Pets with “BENEFITS” in our neighborhood!

Reading and listening with interest to the many comments on the now great ‘Berlin Chickens as Pets” debacle nowhere have I found listed the true benefits of owning a couple of laying hens.  I think perhaps it’s time to learn some facts about backyard chicken culture.

1. Chickens lay eggs – a noted source of high quality protein in the human diet.
2. After being cracked open, eggshells may go right into the compost pile or bin – thereby decomposing to offer excellent soil amendment!
3. Chicken manure is also an excellent soil amendment for the home garden – both for flowers and vegetables.
4. Chickens eat bugs and worms – offering an effective and natural, larva and mature insect control.

Does your dog or cat do this?  No?  Well, neither does mine.  He is cute and cuddly (at times) and he’s loyal beyond measure.  Yet, having raised both chickens and dogs I’ve found they both require about the same amount of care – feeding, watering, containment, proper waste disposal, etc.

Recently, someone mentioned that ‘bird flu’ was a factor…not so!  I will quote the following from the Murray McMurray Hatchery catalog – http://www.murraymcmurrayhatchery.com -

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT AVIAN INFLUENZA (THE BIRD FLU)

H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (also know as “bird flu”) is not in the United States and never has been.  Avian Influenza is not passed from the hen to the embryo in the egg.  A baby chick hatching from an egg does not carry the disease.

You can NOT get avian influenza from properly handled and cooked food. Microorganisms of all kinds are destroyed when the product reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  McMurray Hatchery is concerned about all poultry diseases not only Avian Influenza.  Here at the hatchery we have very stringent biosecurity procedures, vaccination program, and testing to insure you receive healthy chicks.

You can help by following biosecurity guidelines recommended by the United State
Department of Agriculture. For more information click on this link:
Biosecurity For The Birds.

OK, so what’s this fuss all about?  Having been present at the recent Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals hearing whereby a resident of Ann Drive was taken to task by some neighbors all I can determine is that ‘neighborliness’ or really, the lack thereof, was the contributing factor.  Apparently, the noise from several types of poultry – a couple of chickens, ducks and possibly geese owned by one neighbor, squawked too much – often disrupting the sleep of other neighbors.  To my recollection, except for my barnyard boss, a nasty old rooster, the ‘girls’ made little sound except for a brief protest when laying their daily egg…frankly, I would too!

The way too rapid, knee jerk response to this complaint is a proposed change to an ordinance of the Berlin Town Code abolishing all domestic poultry from within the Town limits – our neighborhood.  No, is what I say – that’s plain silly.  Am I going to attempt to abolish all pet dogs that bark in the night or local cats that dig (mess) in my gardens?  Hardly!  Let’s please take another look at this over reaction and try and behave like real neighbors by finding an equitable solution that doesn’t impinge on everyone wanting to enjoy these ‘Pets with Benefits’.

If you are interested in this debate please attend the regular meeting of the Berlin Mayor and Council at Town Hall on Monday (November 8^th) beginning at 7 pm.

Opportunity & Immeasurable Benefits – Housing for Seniors in Berlin!

NOTE: SEE FOR YOURSELF…EVERYONE WELCOME – Open House for ‘Cottages at River House’ in Salisbury, Saturday, September 12th, 2 until 4 pm.

Still fresh in my mind, a discussion at the most recent meeting of the Berlin Mayor & Council, along with a looming significant birthday, has kept my thoughts turned toward a most important issue. Specifically, the real need for senior housing in our community; the need cannot be denied, the how and what and where is causing some concern. That evening’s Town discussion focused on the request of the developer/builder/manager planning a modest senior community here in town asking for a 10 year long declining/proportional abatement of Town property taxes to meet the requirements of Maryland State subsidized housing for those over 62 years of age. Sounds alarming – Berlin ‘giving’ up tax income and with an already depleted economic situation? Not at all – the math has been done – a spreadsheet produced, and the total loss to the Town over the 10 years requested – a mere $31,500 (one or two employee vehicles?) while the ultimate benefit to all of us is immeasurable!
Immeasurable in many ways…no matter how we choose to ignore or deny facts we are all growing older, every day. If we live out our time as hoped, in relatively good health we may still reach a point of needing at least some assistance; in poor health this time could come sooner. Many may find that our single-family homestead has become ‘too much’ to maintain on our own. The loss of a helpmate or a temporary disability combined with diminishing income could cause careful consideration of, or in the event of a catastrophe a rapid, move to a smaller, more sustainable independent living arrangement. Yikes! As for ‘diminishing income’, unless very prudent or darned lucky, during our recent world-wide economic ‘shake-down’ most have seen a decline in value of our 401K’s, retirement and certainly our Social Security benefits (no COLA through 2011 planned) leaving us with less – in straightened circumstances with less to sustain our later years. Because of the dearth of affordable senior housing here, for many of us this would mean a move to another town. It would mean the giving up of all things familiar; our friends and neighbors, nearness to our families, our Church, familiar shops, doctors, banks and pharmacies. Disquieting, unhealthy and certainly nothing to which I envision for my ‘golden’ years!
The model for our proposed community is available for your inspection (see above) – The Cottages at River House are located off Pemberton Drive in Salisbury. Drive over and take a peek. I’ve looked and the community is lovely – flowers on the patios – people busy outdoors and smiling! The area is walk-able, beautifully landscaped and well maintained. The residences are single story, generously windowed and definitely safe. Having others nearby too heightens comfort and furthers that ever-important sense of community as we age.
This project and the accompanying request for a pittance tax abatement could just provide the answer to many – if approved by the Council it would mean that the Town of Berlin Maryland would become a viable part of the solution to this nationwide growing dilemma and offers both opportunity and immeasurable benefit to all of our town citizens.
The next regular Berlin Town Council Meeting will be held on Monday, September 14th beginning at 7 pm. To hear more about this subject, come on out!

911 for 411 – time for a change!

A couple of weeks ago I was online seeking time and place information regarding our annual Memorial Day parade and celebration party to be held at Henry Park here in town. I went to our official Town website – TownofBerlinMD.com and under the third column on the home page at the bottom, clicked on ‘Town Events‘. This link redirected me to the Berlin Chamber of Commerce website at BerlinMDCC.org where I then went to the left side and clicked on ‘Event Calendar’. A page quickly popped up saying – “There are no events this week”. Wow, I had struck out there – at which point I had to ask myself for probably the 500th time – WHY?

And yet, I can probably answer my own question. For the past several years the Berlin Chamber has limited events to be listed on their website calendar to ‘member only’ activities. If a Chamber member business wants something to be listed they must email or phone a request to the Chamber office. Yet, falling further short, it seems that very few Chamber member events are ever listed. What’s with that? To my mind it stands to reason that to fully support Berlin businesses, encouraging publicity is primary – positive marketing is key. A few signs along the local roads may help, however folks from afar – never see these – (and they do not have access to the local info crawl on TV) they do however, when planning a trip to our big sister town of Ocean City Maryland – like to be aware of activities area wide. I was one of these folks for many years. And, because at that time, Berlin and it’s Chamber of Commerce having NO website, this town didn’t exist for me! Another story – another time.
Which brings me back to the official Berlin MD Town website. Yes, we have a website – although having pertinent information – unfortunately it is not attractive and certainly not truly representative of our community as are many other Town websites up and down Delmarva. Our new mayor, after having listened patiently to many complaints, some months back proposed that we have an IT (Internet Technology) Committee – made up of a few interested citizens along with our new Administrative Director and Deputy Director. (I’m now one of the ‘complaining’, citizen committee members.) It was decided during one of the three meetings held during the past five months that an overhaul of the Town ‘hardware’ would be first on the agenda – requiring a lot of our tax payer dollars – that’s fine and determined necessary. It was then proposed that money for a new website (requiring far fewer of those dollars) be held off and put into the new 2010 budget. OK, we’re there. The budget has been passed *. When’s the next website planning meeting?  Berlin Maryland proudly hosts some of the best events around, enjoying much public participation – and we could welcome more!
In the meantime, this very frustrated citizen will, in the next few weeks attempt to place a comprehensive and interactive Berlin Community Calendar of Events on this site and with your participation put up public-welcomed activities pertaining to any and all non-profit organizations within our Town limits. I’ll keep you posted as to the progress of this venture.

* The 2010 Town of Berlin budget was passed last week including a 3% raise for Town Staff at the same time many in our community were receiving news that there would be NO cost of living increase for FY 2010 in Social Security benefits. And, what’s with that?

March – UPS & DOWNS…around our “growing Green” Town!

A visit to the Home, Garden & Condo show at the Convention Center in Ocean City this past weekend turned up a very nice surprise.  While examining a bucket of live algae (very interesting stuff) at the Maryland Coastal Bays booth, Kate Patton, Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, strolled over and asked if I had visited our “Berlin” booth yet.   Being ever curious I turned the corner and there it was – a wonderful display (predominantly GREEN in color and thought) of Berlin in photos, manned by two very pleasant volunteers standing beside a rain barrel and one of our old street corner signs (Graham & William).  There were take-away goodies here too – some candy and a nifty little attachment for a spigot – to aerate while reducing overall flow – saving our water!  With the current impetus by all on those three very important “E’s” – energy, environment = economy, Berlin MD with the overall enthusiasm of many local groups may become a leader in both learning and action in the new millennium!   For more on these fine efforts – keep watching for word from the newest group –“Grow Berlin Green”.  A website should be up soon at this address http://growberlingreen.org.
Alas, there is a down – rumor has it that we’ve finally hired a utilities director but as of this writing the Berlin Utility Commission hasn’t been notified.   The other day, out of frustration I perused ten months worth of approved “meeting” minutes and identified a large number of unresolved issues – including questions and requests for updated information – made by the BUC to the Town.  Sharing a home with an interested BUC member, attending public meetings and being Berlin ratepayers has led to many lively conversations often ending in the mutually frustrating question as to why the Town is not responsive – not keeping the Berlin Utility Commission informed of the frequent actions often taken by Town – even without informing the public.  Certainly too, anything to do with Water, Wastewater and Electric qualify as subjects for BUC oversight under our Town Charter, why then is this happening?  These days with everyone faced with rising costs and husbanding their checkbooks we need the positive participation of every interested citizen.
One further question – if Berlin has enough funds to consider a new Town Park can we find the same money for purchase and installation of an AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) water/electric system for Town ratepayers?  These do work and encompass those all-important “3 E’s” – ENERGY CONSERVATION thus ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION thus ECONOMIC CONSERVATION – SAVING OUR DOLLARS!  HOW MUCH MORE “GREEN” CAN ONE GET???
Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”!

Looking up…a week of promise!

After nearly two weeks of intense cold, some things here in Berlin Maryland are finally beginning to turn around.  With the warmer weather on Friday this writer ventured downtown to accomplish some long past due errands.  Upon parking the car on Main Street some welcome activity caught my eye.  Looking up, workmen atop ladders in front of our the old hardware store were busy caulking and painting second floor windows.  My first thought was, “I love that guy”…by ‘that guy’ I mean Mr. Girardi, the new owner – and while I really don’t know him I’m already very grateful for his prior restorations – other town buildings and with the quiet, yet confident manner with which they’ve been accomplished.  Thank you for your vision and serious investment in a place we’ve come to call home – you are my first 2009 Valentine!
Later, finally completing those errands seemed to call for some celebration, perhaps a lunch out was in order so I dropped down to the new Dave & Kelly’s Deli.  Looking over the menu, and tossing diet resolutions to the wind, I ordered a chilidog with the works.  Wow!  Upon unwrapping the foil I found a generously sized hot dog topped with chili, melted cheddar and cooked onion on a fresh, crusty, yet tender roll – you know the kind, the type we often seek yet seldom get!  A real treat!
These two serendipitous events really topped off a week of  “good news” meetings at Town Hall.  On Tuesday the Berlin Utility Commission met and during a lengthy meeting considered several options for that long anticipated, very much needed, Purchase Power Agreement going forward for the Berlin Electric Company!  Also, that evening two new members were introduced; Jennifer Smith and Jason Walters.  It is to be hoped that with new energy (and added intellect) the BUC may continue to provide our Council with timely and wise counsel toward making the very best of Berlin-owned utilities for the benefit of all Town rate-paying citizens!
One more event stands out during this busy week  – a public work session was held Thursday evening within Town Hall.  In attendance were representatives from various organizations – “green” people – those folks who strive to preserve and protect our local environment and people who care enough to improve our already considerable charm.   The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the concept of an “environmental park” to be located a few steps from the downtown area on an eight-acre parcel of undeveloped land.  This meeting was the beginning…let’s see where it goes!
Wrapping up I must wonder if perhaps we haven’t caught a little of that new promise from our Nation’s capital…a spirit of “can do” – we can, and we can do it very well!  Here in Berlin, the lengthening days hold a lot of promises – things are looking up!

VALUE for our VOTES – the determiners on the dais!

With the recent swearing in of Troy Purnell, as Council representative for Berlin MD District I we now have, for the first time since May, our full complement of “determiners” on the dais. It is to be hoped that combined with the intense energy of our other new Councilmember Lisa Hall, Mr. Purnell’s knowledge and business experience will help Berlin move forward. Add to that mix the dramatic authority revitalization of the Berlin Utility Commission and we may perhaps finally resolve several of the most long-standing, critical issues…those pertaining to our Town utilities – wastewater treatment and the successful operation of the Berlin Electric Company. The ultimate result though must be based on value.

As is custom, near the conclusion of each Town meeting the Town Administrator reads off a list of Purchase Orders to be approved by the Council. My understanding is that any purchase over the amount of $1,000 is to be brought forth and voted upon before the public. Actually seldom is any expenditure questioned although the totals bi-monthly may run into the tens of thousands of dollars. On occasion however, my favorite fiscal “watchdog”, Councilperson Paula Lynch, will ask if a contract was let out for open bid, question the particular reason for the expense or evaluate the inherent VALUE afforded. She will even sit and hypothetically add and subtract items like the good bookkeeper that she is. I like this line of questioning – it’s what we do in our homes, with our own budgets in order to meet current and future needs. It’s what we must do with our businesses – in order to make a profit, or these days, to even stay solvent. I consider it a huge value that I’m getting this same level of intense scrutiny in the Town budget funded with my tax dollars.

In these times and with the Town elections now behind us, it’s time to ask, and yes – even demand, for that much promised VALUE for our votes! We are owed just that!

To the Voters of Berlin’s District I – an endorsement!

As interested citizens and regular attendees of Berlin Maryland Town Meetings for the past several years, my wife Sue and I occasionally find that we still have questions on the various and challenging issues presented to the Mayor and Council. We’ve found a very reliable solution – “Ask Troy!”
Troy Purnell, as a “town boy” has KNOWLEDGE of the past, the EXPERIENCE of the present as a successful businessman and the personal qualities – objectivity and honor, to offer prudent LEADERSHIP for the future of our town.
Let’s put this guy to work for us – We can afford nothing less!

Mike Beaman
West Street

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, December 16th, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, South Main Street.

Campaign NON-SENSE – give me your GOOD sense!

As a concerned Berlin MD rate and property taxpayer, I’ve listened closely to the many arguments and promises being made surrounding the upcoming election on December 16th for the District I Council seat – and as “town neighbors” feel somewhat familiar with all candidates.
First off are a couple of related issues that my spouse and I believe are very important…
While these guys are running to fill the District I seat vacancy their assessments will have impact – they will vote on issues that will affect all within the Town boundaries – every district. And too, we want this person to be current on every level – this means they attend most all of the meetings – not just the ones with high visibility! In a small town decisions made within the Historic District Commission, CDMA and other citizen-based committees, actually impact widely. I’m fully aware that many keep abreast of Berlin happenings via gossip (known politely as “shared information”) and local weekly tabloid articles but we all can “oh, so skillfully” practice slanting to confirm our opinions! There is no substitute to getting facts first hand and making good evaluations.
Which brings me to some of the campaign non-sense I’ve heard recently – specifically about Mr. Purnell. Yes, Troy makes his living by being one of those “filthy developer” guys. However, through his attention to his mostly successful business interests has learned, sometimes the long way – experience, about doing things the RIGHT way.  And, while not all appreciate the sometimes “-plastic” homes built, few of us can afford the luxury brick or stone mansions, especially these days. Furthermore, with his background in those basic living needs – utility and infrastructure services – Troy could serve us very well in the next two years (re-election for that seat comes in 21 months). It’s non-sense to believe that he would risk the intense public/political scrutiny to better his business interests over the interests of his town.
As for the second hopeful, Phil Cropper – while only a year long resident he is learning and he’s interested and if he continues asking those important questions and attending Town meetings he could be a fine representative in the near future – though perhaps not now when we need experience in the machinations of Berlin Town government and already proven expertise.
Third of the candidate trio is Rex Hailey. While former Mayor Hailey is to be commended for his many years of service to Berlin, he’s on my list of no-shows at many of the meetings mentioned earlier – perhaps relying too much on “shared information” – just doesn’t do it! Another thought here; in these times we all must work together to make current history – not live in the past.
Berlin has important issues which require immediate attention! Our water and sewer rates will rise with the plant upgrade (NOT expansion) to meet new State environmental standards. The Town just-released, audited budget for Berlin, while currently showing “in the black” numbers will be mightily impacted by blooming economic deficits nationwide – leaving the question of how will our Town Government accrue income? Through taxes – your money and mine. I want some very prudent fiscal management (skin-flint type) and judgment practiced here at least until reasonable growth can again take some of the burden…who best to do this? I want NO non-sense!

Again, Assateague Costal Trust sponsored an evening with the candidates on Tuesday, December 2nd, beginning at 7 pm at Stevenson Methodist Church on North Main…a very enlightening evening with candidate answers based on some no non-sense questions.
To enlarge any phone, just “click”!

UNRESOLVED, yes – but don’t give up!

By now most of us have heard about the results from the second and final Berlin Maryland Town public presentation by Booth & Associates regarding our Electric Company held on Tuesday evening. Being present, I felt it was an informative and fair analysis although others showed their dissatisfaction by leaving during the presentation. I empathize. As Town ratepayers, we all are burdened with the same high electric rates and currently are left with conservation of use as a means by which we CAN currently reduce our monthly bills. This is obviously not where we want to be – we want an effective rate reduction NOW. Yet, as seen in the presentation we remain some months from that goal. However, since we are now in the “shoulder” season – using little or no energy for home cooling or heating, we have that time – albeit, a short time to examine the Booth analysis – time to allow our Berlin Utility Commission to work with the engineering analysts and other experts, to come up with recommendations to our Mayor and Council which point the way to seriously reducing or at least finding some stabilization of lower rates for all.
Continuing that “unresolved” thought…last evening a “public information debate”, sponsored by the Assateague Coastal Trust, was held at the Berlin Intermediate School. Our two candidates for Mayor and two of the three candidates for District II were posed questions authored by the Trust and later from the audience. Though relating to current, and widely known Town issues, the various questions also required answers of opinion and intent. Early on it became clear who had done their homework. As already 5-month interim Mayor, Gee Williams was head and shoulders above his opponent with both knowledge, thought and conviction in his responses. Though Gee sometimes suffers a little problem when presenting his thoughts orally – as do I, he cannot be faulted. He was “right there” with his responses and now I am with him. Go GEE! Two of the current three candidates for Council District II were presented with the same questions…and even agreed with one another on several points. However the winner in my mind was Lisa Hall. Lisa, despite being a newcomer to Berlin politics, is a 14-year long resident. She has raised her children here and has experienced first-hand the many changes and challenges in our town. Her message was clear – her concern apparent, for ALL Berlin citizens. Going forward I believe Ms. Hall will be a strong and effective Council representative.
Finally (and fortunately), one of these two unresolved questions shall be answered on Tuesday, October 14th at the polls. Please come out and vote.
New polling place for Districts I and II – Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main.
Districts III and IV – Multi-purpose Building on Flower Street.
Poll Hours – 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.