Berlin Borough Council’s April 15 meeting included introduction of the 2022 municipal budget, which will be voted on and discussed in further detail next month.
The meeting was concise, with a small agenda. Mayor Rick Miller said it was expected to be a short session since the May 12 meeting will expand on the budget for the public.
All council chairs had positive reports from last month. Council President Jim Pierce thanked his fellow members for their hard work in what he called a very busy work month for the borough.
“I just wanted to say we were busy this month with several public-safety meetings, as well as budget meetings, and all sorts of stuff, so thanks to everyone for making themselves available.
“I know how hectic some months can be,” said Pierce.
Miller is pleased with the results of this month’s free rabies clinic and he thanked councilman Hohing for his work in communicating the information to the public.
“The rabies clinic this month was a huge success … and probably the most stressful day of my life as the mayor,” Miller said with a laugh, “We administered 125 vaccines this year; last year it was 51. It was chaotic and [several] towns canceled their [clinics], so there was a much higher attendance than we anticipated.”
A common topic at recent council meetings has been the McClellan At-grade crossing situation. For the first time in four months, there was no major update to report, with talks among NJDOT and the borough set to take place in the future. But Miller met with traffic officials who proposed closing of Washington Avenue during construction.
“It’s just a proposal; nothing will be happening anytime soon,” the mayor noted. “Ironically, they would have to use McClellan Avenue as a detour if they were to go through with the construction. I don’t expect it to be until [probably] the summer, so there’s not much more else I have to say. Hopefully we’ll have an update in the future (and) we’ll keep [the borough] updated.” .
The borough will host a town-wide yard sale on April 30 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Rain date is May 1. For more information, visit the borough website.
Council’s next meeting will be on May 12 at 7 p.m.
