BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council on Monday evening marked the next step in the growth of the municipality by bringing Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery on board full-time, starting Jan. 1, 2022. Montgomery will work a Tuesday-Saturday schedule during the market season, since she serves as the manager of the Berlin Farmers’ Market; otherwise, she will work a regular Monday-Friday schedule. The council set the clerk’s salary at $37,440 per year and voted to offer 100% single insurance coverage.
Pushing for road improvements
The council authorized Mayor Patrick Bates to apply for a Rebuild Alabama road grant of up to $250,000 to widen Mount Carmel Drive and make other road and intersection improvements in the town. Additionally, the council passed a resolution to encourage the Alabama Department of Transportation to carry out a planned widening of Highway 278 from 4th Avenue Southeast in Cullman out to East Point, since that section of road provides the primary route for Berlin residents traveling into Cullman. The project is on ALDOT’s current project list for Cullman County, but does not have an approved plan.
The council also voted to take bids for mowing, weed eating and bush hogging on town property.
Mayor Bates reported that he is talking with a firm to conduct Berlin’s 2021 audit at a cost of $5,000.
Bates also reported on a recent meeting of the farmers’ market growers:
- Seven of the market’s eight bays are now committed.
- Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. will be the official market days, though growers will be allowed to come at other times when they have produce available.
- The market season will start in mid-May and run into October.
- The market will again participate in the Power of Produce/” PoP” program to introduce children to agriculture.
- The town plans to install a line to provide water to the market. Growers also requested improved signage.
The Berlin Town Council meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Berlin Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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