June 14, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 23 . . Berlin Council To ‘Tighten’ Rules FROM PAGE 22 ing sign applications. Todd emphasized the need for “enforceable standards,” the likes of which he hasn’t seen in the most recent draft of the ordinance. As it is currently written, Todd pointed out that there is “ambiguity” in the language that does not even limit signs that can be placed in Berlin to town businesses. He offered a hypothetical where the Red Light District located off Route 50 could ask to put their sandwich-board sign in downtown Berlin. When asked by a merchant in the audience why the HDC didn’t support a second sign for off-Main Street shops, Todd replied the commission was only going on what it believes the current code allows as interpreted to them by a town staff person. Should the town decide to allow two signs for some vendors then the HDC will adapt, he promised. “I have learned through this process that my personal opinion doesn’t matter,” said Todd. “If the town says two signs are approved, then we will apply whatever guidance and ordinance that the town gives us whether that comports with our personal opinions or not.” Mayor Gee Williams told the merchants he understood why they would want an additional sign if they were located away from the usual visitor foot traffic. However, allowing some businesses the privilege while denying it to others would be a bit of a “double-standard,” he said. If the town decided to allow all businesses that second sign, the mayor added that the sidewalks would fill up fast. “I hate to think of what the nightmare would be if we had two signs for every business,” said Williams, who did not dismiss the two-sign concept outright. Another issue that the town might look into is a business directory sign, according to Michele Harrington, co-owner of Oh My Hair. “There’s not a sign anywhere that’s a directory of businesses, per se, is there?” she asked, adding such a directory might work well placed in a parking lot downtown. The council agreed to table a vote on the ordinance until their next meeting. Councilwoman Lisa Hall asked that the language be “tightened up” and clarified. The council also told merchants that their comments will be considered in further crafting the document. One topic that didn’t receive much discussion was what should be done with tables and chairs that some restaurants have placed outside of their doors. The first draft of the ordinance would require the business owners to seek special permission from the council to put tables on the sidewalk. For the time being, Williams noted the council has not asked any merchants to remove tables that might already be out and there are no plans to do so at this time.