Berlin Borough Council’s regular meeting on Oct. 13 saw greater participation from residents than usual, given that spring and summer sessions were often brief.
Councilman Andrew Simone thanked those in attendance at the recent meeting, encouraging more community members to show up.
“(This is why) we sit on the other side of this table tonight,” he said. “We’re always looking for conversation (open to listening) concerns. I just want to thank you again for coming out tonight.”
Among conversations at the meeting were rumors of sharing a police force with Berlin Township. But Simone, Council President Jim Pearce and councilman Jake Miller – along with Borough Solicitor Howard Long – confirmed the borough has no intention of merging.
“As long as I am here, we will not have a shared police force,” said Pearce
“Those are nothing more than rumors and concerns from (uncertainty) about the police chief,” Long noted.
“That has not even been discussed amongst (council),” Miller acknowledged.
Much of the confusion stems from a recent decision to elect Lt. Michael Scheer of the Berlin police department interim police chief. Current Chief Millard Wilkinson still holds his title and is expected to continue until at least January, when he is set to retire. When asked for clarification on the situation Long rebutted his previous answers.
“This is an ongoing, internal decision and no further (answer can be provided) at the time,” he said.
Pearce and Long made clear no announcement is expected on when Scheer will ascend to the police chief position.
In other borough news, hydrant flushing is expected to continue throughout the month, so residents should not be alarmed if neighborhood hydrants are running. Halloween trick or treating hours will be 4 to 8 p.m., with an 8 p.m. curfew for all children under 17, who are also expected to respect the Mischief Night curfew on Oct. 30, also 8 p.m.
Roadway construction of the Pedestrian Friendly Corridor Improvements on the White Horse Pike between Thackara and Estaugh avenues will begin on or about Thursday, when traffic calming markings designed to improve pedestrian safety downtown will be installed. Parking along the area may be impacted.
