BERLIN, Ala. – In a special-called meeting Monday evening, the Berlin Town Council approved the annexation of 70 acres, which, according to Mayor Patrick Bates, expanded the town’s limits a quarter-mile west.
The newly-annexed land, owned by resident Kathy Teichmiller, goes past County Road 728 on the north and south side of U.S. Highway 278. Bates said the Town is now responsible for a 200-foot portion of County Road 728.
The council voted to execute an agreement with the State to use allocated funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Berlin received $46,714.86 for COVID-19-related expenses such as personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and sanitation products, medical equipment (thermometers), plexiglass or building modifications and payroll for staff directly involved with COVID-19 activities.
Also under the CARES Act, Bates said the Town will seek reimbursement for the extension of the agreement between the Town and Berlin Community Center for rental of the center for town council use, so the Town can continue to use the center throughout the year. He said the center is big enough to provide the council a safe social-distancing environment for meetings. The new temporary town hall building does not have adequate space for social distancing. The continued agreement between the Town and the Berlin Community Center is $4,500.
Bates said the town’s new farmers’ market is still on schedule for opening Monday, July 6, 2020 with at least three to four local growers participating. He notified the council that for the trial run of the use of SNAP payments, he looked into getting special Berlin Farmers’ Market tokens and found plastic one-sided coins for $88 plus shipping for 300 coins. The coins will be valued at $1 each at the market. The council approved the purchase of the coins.
In other business, the council:
– voted to allow Berlin Town Clerk Keirstyn Maxwell to spend up to or $100 on office supplies
– voted to reimburse the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department for half of the expenses ($770) for food and refreshments for last Saturday’s Census Day and BVFD 45th anniversary celebration.  Bates said 40 households were verified for the census that day.
– voted to accept a bid from Cook’s Pest Control to handle a pest problem at the temporary town hall, costing $70 initially and then a recurring $30 payment
The council’s July meeting was moved to July 13, 2020 with a special-called meeting to take place July 27, 2020. Both will be at 7 p.m. at the Berlin Community Center.
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