A resident brought to the attention of council claims of “intimidation tactics” by one Berlin Borough official, while Chief of Police Michael Miller announced his retirement
After approximately an hour of nonpublic executive session at its regular monthly meeting, Berlin Borough Council, on Wednesday, Feb. 13, announced two changes at different levels within the municipality.
After a resident and business owner alleged instances of intimidation and harassment on social media by Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance Officer Bill Bansch, the council unanimously appointed Harold J. Talbot III to both positions “effective immediately.”
Resident Carl Mascarenhas told council Bansch had named his business on social media as having four- to five-inch tall grass, and did not appreciate him doing so as an official to the town in such a manner.
“There is no need for code enforcement to speak publicly and attack me or any of the other businesses in town,” Mascarenhas said to council. He says he reached out to the mayor after the incident and the post was taken down.
However, Mascarenhas said retaliation then started from Bansch, saying he received a letter stating his business’ signs did not meet borough code, despite this issue having never been raised prior.
A week later, Mascarenhas says code enforcement then went down his business’ street on Washington Avenue to spray paint markings for areas of the sidewalk that need to be fixed due to being overgrown by trees.
“Conveniently, after he has decided to pick on me and my business, he decided to pick on my neighbors next,” Mascarenhas said.
Overall, Mascarenhas claims multiple businesses have felt intimidated by Bansch in recent history and fearful of retaliation if they raise awareness. However, Mascarenhas says he wants Berlin Borough to be an inviting place for business owners.
“I don’t believe that Facebook is the venue to trash the few businesses that this town has left and threaten with punitive action,” Mascarenhas said to council. “I’m sure any person looking to open a business would be scared away from Berlin because of this.”
Mascarenhas also presented council with examples he said were from social media of Bansch posting or sharing photos mocking residents’ grammar, as well as racial and anti-gay discrimination.
In a phone interview with The Sun, Bansch would not comment on the citizen’s remarks, however said he respects the decision of council.
“I had a good talk with the mayor and with [administrator Bill Behnke] and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward,” Bansch said.
After the meeting, Mascarenhas said he wanted to raise the issue to the attention of council to ensure a safe business environment for Berlin Borough.
“I just wanted to make sure that this person wasn’t going to bully the townspeople and the businesses in town,” Mascarenhas said. “If he was your quote-on-quote friend, he wouldn’t do anything about any zoning or infractions you might have.”
After executive session, Mayor Jim Bilella also announced Chief of Police Michael Miller informed council will be retiring, effective March 15.
Solicitor Howard Long stated after the announcement that Berlin Borough and Miller have a retirement agreement in place, subject to two minor changes being made before it is available for execution. The council unanimously accepted Miller’s retirement.
