Berlin moves forward on development of town facilities

• Awarded a $450 contract to Vinemont Welding and Fabrication for sand blasting and powder coating to complete a permanent sign for the Berlin Farmers’ Market. The powder coating should be good for up to 30 years.

• Approved the purchase of a fire extinguisher for the new town hall from Alabama Fire and Safety, and a contract with the company for a fire safety inspection of the facility.

• Discussed planned town hall improvements. Mayor Patrick Bates told the council that Berlin has been approved for a state “Rivers and Streams” grant to build steps and handicapped parking spaces for the facility. The Town has not yet been informed of the amount of the grant.

• Discussed building a covered vendor area at the farmers’ market. Bates told the council that he is applying to the Appalachian Regional Commission for a grant to build a roof at the market, noting that a common reason given by farmers for lack of participation this year was the lack of a covered vending area.

The council also passed a motion to put bush hogging in the town out for bid, seeking a service provider with a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage.

Discussion items

The council discussed, without taking immediate action: 

• Possible uses of remaining CARES Act funds, which must be used to respond to issues created by COVID-19. Two possibilities presented were purchasing Plexiglas dividers for use in classrooms at Welti and Holly Pond Elementary Schools, both of which serve the Berlin community, and the possible distribution of boxes of masks, sanitizer and other supplies to Berlin households.

• Washed out spots on the sides of County Road 747 both north and south of the U.S. Highway 278 intersection. Bates said that he would contact the County about what to do.

Bates had planned to present the Town’s 2021 budget Monday evening, but said that he will present it at the next meeting.

The Berlin Town Council meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Berlin Community Center. The public is invited to attend, subject to building occupancy restrictions.