November 15, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 19 . . Utility Reports Then Ocean Pines FROM PAGE 18 and the associated infrastructure, connecting Berlin was the logical first step. Ocean Pines will be started when Berlin is about 75 percent complete. For the last few weeks, Sandpiper has connected many of the areas on the east side of Berlin along Old Ocean City Boulevard and across Route 50 to Seahawk Road and Stephen Decatur High School and Middle School. Sandpiper Energy Manager of Gas Conversions Steve Tull presented the details of the next step to the Mayor and Council on Monday, including a push across Route 113 and up Old Ocean City Boulevard to ultimately Main Street and the downtown area. “The goal is to connect the whole town,” he said. “We’re going to convert existing propane to natural gas wherever possible and wherever it is desired because it is a much cleaner burning fuel and will reduce emissions.” The natural gas lines will run along the major corridors and branch off to side streets to connect individual residential and commercial properties. For the most part, the existing hardware, pipes, valves and fixtures that supply propane gas can be converted to natural gas fairly easily and fairly cheaply. Tull said Sandpiper would pay a large percentage for most connections and the remainder would be reflected with a minimal charge on the property owner’s monthly gas bill until it is paid for. Naturally, the more connections the company makes, the smaller the fee. However, there will not be an upfront installation charge. For example, no customer will be forced to pay a $1,000 upfront charge to connect. The company will pay for individual connections to homes and businesses and convert existing systems for natural gas, but not for major reconstruction projects to facilitate the changeover. “Sandpiper will pay whatever it can toward the changeover,” he said. “We’re going to look at every single property and make a determination and see what it needs for conversion.” Sandpiper will work as quickly as possible, weather permitting, but the changeover in Berlin will not happen overnight. The conversions would be quicker if the town was a planned development with similar homes. “We hope to be out of here within a year,” he said. “Berlin is a challenge with so many older homes and older equipment. Some old equipment can’t readily be changed over. It’s not like a cookie-cutter development.” Tull said Sandpiper was cognizant of the importance of the business district, particularly during the holiday season, and would limit disruptions. “We’re going to work a Monday through Thursday schedule,” he said “We’re trying to stay out of town on Friday because we know how busy it is during the holiday season. We’re trying to work to avoid the downtown area as much as possible because we don’t want to disrupt business.” 2nd Annual Boardwalk 5K Fan Challenge Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. WHICH SIDE OF THE STREET DO YOU STAND ON? SUPER BOWL CHAMPS PURPLE FRIDAY NOV. 22 ✴✆✖✠✏✕¤✩✆✏✕¤✴✠☛✌✕✢✠✔¤✩✑✔¤€✮ SATURDAY, NOV. 23 RAVENS/STEELERS 5K FAN CHALLENGE 9 A.M. THURSDAY, NOV. 28 RAVENS VS. STEELERS DOORS OPEN AT 11 A.M. HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS FULL MENU & CARRY-OUT UNTIL 1 A.M. NIGHTLY OPEN DAILY AT 11 A.M. LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF 28TH ST. AND COASTAL HWY. WWW.PITANDPUB.COM Buxy’s Black & Gold Weekend Bash ... Fun For The Whole Family FRIDAY, NOV. 22 STEELERS FANS REGISTER FOR 5K SATURDAY, NOV. 23 STEELERS/RAVENS 5K FAN CHALLENGE 9 A.M. DETAILS AT WWW.OCTRIRUNNING.COM THURSDAY, NOV. 28 STEELERS VS. RAVENS Smash Mouth Football Tailgate Party 11 a.m. ☛✯✤✸✲¤✩¤✘✫5¤✞✷✪✫¤✗✳5✦✬✤✯✵ BREAKFAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 8 A.M. 410-289-BUXY • 28TH STREET PLENTY OF FREE PARKING IN REAR