Councilmember Jack Orris

10/16/2026

10/09/2026

🏛️ BERLIN MAYOR & COUNCIL MEETING PREVIEW
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
📍 Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main Street
🕖 Regular session begins at 7:00 PM

Tuesday’s meeting marks a transition for Berlin’s Mayor & Council, with outgoing councilmember remarks, the swearing-in of new members, a new Council Vice President selection, and several important financial and infrastructure items.

1. Approval of Minutes

2. Remarks from Outgoing Councilmembers
An opportunity to recognize the departing members and reflect on their service to Berlin.

3. Swearing-In Ceremony
Mayor Zack Tyndall will swear in:

• District 1: Matthew “Matt” Stoehr
• District 4: Anthony “Tony” Weeg
• At-Large: Jay Knerr

4. Selection of Council Vice President

5. Swearing-In of a New Planning Commission Member
A newly appointed member will be sworn in to serve on the Planning Commission.

6. Presentations

🚔 Berlin Police Life-Saving Awards
Police Chief Howard Drewer will present life-saving awards recognizing actions by members of the Berlin Police Department.

🏢 Data Centers Overview
I’ll be presenting an overview of data centers, including their different sizes, infrastructure needs, and potential benefits and challenges. The goal is to provide information and encourage thoughtful preparation—not to advocate for or against a particular project.

7. Items for Approval

💧 Berlin Lead Service Line Replacement — MWiFA Loan Funding
Council will consider authorizing the town to close on loan funding specifically for Phase 1A of the lead service line replacement project, separate from funding for other projects.

💰 Reimbursement for Project Costs
A resolution would declare the town’s reasonable expectation to reimburse eligible costs already incurred for the lead service line replacement project from future borrowing proceeds.

8. First Reading: Lead Service Line Replacement Financing
Council will hold the first reading of an ordinance authorizing general obligation debt to finance, reimburse, or refinance costs associated with Phase 1A. A public hearing is scheduled for October 26. This is an initial reading, not final approval.

9. Departmental Reports

10. Public Comments
Residents will have an opportunity to address Mayor & Council for up to five minutes, subject to the Mayor’s discretion.

11. Council Comments

12. Mayor’s Comments

13. Press Comments & Adjournment

📌 From the seat…

Tuesday is about more than change. It’s also an opportunity to recognize public service, welcome new voices, and work through decisions involving infrastructure and the town’s financial obligations.

I’ll be presenting on data centers because these conversations are easier to navigate when we understand the potential impacts, and the questions we should be asking before decisions are on the table.

As always, the agenda is the starting point. The discussion, questions, and decisions are what make the meeting.

-Jack

10/06/2026

Interested in planning the future and quality of our town parks?

Volunteer for our Parks Commission! And check out our other boards/committees/commissions👇

To apply, or for more information, visit

https://berlinmd.gov/government/boards-commissions-and-committees/

09/28/2026

🏛️ Berlin Mayor & Council — September 28 Meeting

Another full agenda tonight, with several items worth keeping an eye on. Here’s a quick rundown:

5:00 PM — Work Session: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Mayor & Council and the Planning Commission will continue discussing the town’s proposed ADU requirements. Public participation may be permitted at the Mayor’s discretion.

Recognition & Community Grants:

* Mary Bohlen Retirement: Mayor & Council will recognize Town Administrator Mary Bohlen for her years of service.
* Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods Grant: An update on Phase 1 work and plans for Phase 2, including bike/pedestrian connections and other community improvements.

Public Hearings:

🔥 Outdoor Burning Ordinance
A proposed update to the town’s outdoor burning regulations, including provisions related to fire prevention and protection.

🏡 Accessory Dwelling Units
A proposed new section of town code addressing ADUs.

Discussion Items:

🌳 Parcel 57 / Heron Park
Discussion regarding the sale of Parcel 57 to Coastal Ventures Properties LLC.

🚶 Sidewalks
Discussion regarding the town’s sidewalk program and related legal/administrative considerations.

Items for Approval:

💰 EDU Financing Policy
A resolution to re-establish the town’s Equivalent Dwelling Unit financing policy.

🏠 ADU-Related Fees
An updated fee schedule adding fees associated with ADUs.

🏡 9930 Deer Park Road
Consideration of a real property tax abatement.

🚧 Berlin Lead Service Line Replacement
A recommendation to award the Phase 1A engineering contract for the town’s lead service line replacement program.

Reports:
Town Administrator’s report and departmental updates.

Public Comment:
Residents may address Mayor & Council for up to five minutes on matters before the town.

Council Comments:
An opportunity for members of Council to share updates, concerns and items for future discussion.

Mayor’s Comments

Press Comments

Adjournment / Closed Session
Following the regular meeting, Council is scheduled to enter closed session for a personnel matter.

There’s a little bit of everything on tonight’s agenda — ADUs, sidewalks, Heron Park, infrastructure, grants and personnel. Some are decisions tonight, while others are continued discussions that will shape future decisions.

Stay informed 👍

09/26/2026

Unfortunately, the weather is too much for us too & The Berlin Farmers Market is canceled tomorrow, Sunday, 9/27.

09/23/2026

Last Friday, Mayor Zack Tyndall and I attended the annual Paint Worcester award ceremony, as well as honor the 50th anniversary of WCAC!

I continue to be amazed of the local talent here in the county…great work to all the artists!

09/21/2026

Please be advised that this is a Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing and will be livestreamed on the PSC’s YouTube channel at the link below.

09/17/2026

Update: The Water Resources Department is currently experiencing phone connectivity issues. If you are unable to reach the department directly, please contact Customer Service at 410-641-2770 for assistance.

The Berlin Water Resources Department performed routine flushing of fire hydrants early this morning. If your water is discolored, please run faucets or flush toilets for a few minutes and the water should clear.

If you have any questions, please contact the Berlin Water Resources Department at 410-641-3845.

Thank you.

09/15/2026

Check out current town job listings:

Director of Human Resources & Risk Management
Town Administrator
Police Officer
Police Communication Officer
👇👇👇

Explore Career Opportunities with the Town of Berlin! We invite you to explore our current job openings below. If you’re interested in joining our team, simply scroll down and click the “Apply for Employment Here” button. This ensures your application and any attached documents, such as your r...