BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council on Monday evening approved measures that will expand Wi-Fi access around the community center/farmers’ market/town hall complex and create a backup system to help safeguard that access.
Mayor Patrick Bates reported that public Wi-Fi has been installed at the farmers’ market and seems to be working well. He presented a proposal that would, using a combination of his own equipment and additional equipment that could be purchased for a price not exceeding $500, link the farmers’ market Wi-Fi to the community center and allow public internet access there. The motion passed unanimously.
The council also voted to subscribe to Sprout Fiber Internet access when the service becomes available to local government entities Feb. 1, but also voted to keep its existing service through Spectrum. The combination of the two services, according to Bates, will create a redundant system that could help provide uninterrupted internet access in the event that either service should temporarily go offline. The approved annual amount for both services will still be less than half the amount allotted in the town budget for internet access.
Farmers’ Market fees set
The council approved an annual fee schedule for farmers wishing to sell produce at the farmers’ market, as follows:
- Berlin residents – $100 per year
- Farmers in the Berlin district – $150 per year
- All other farmers – $200 per year
These fees were reported to be half the amount of those set last year.
Other council business
The council approved the purchase of two security cameras for use at the municipal complex for an amount not to exceed $300.
The council reported that weather radios approved for purchase at the last council meeting have been ordered and should arrive late this week or early next week. The radios, intended to replace the non-functioning tornado siren at the municipal complex, are to be distributed to households within the coverage area of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.
The Berlin Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday evenings of each month at the Berlin Community Center. The public is invited to attend, subject to occupancy restrictions.
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