November 15, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 33 Town Formalizing Public Park Rules By SHAWN J. SOPER NEWS EDITOR Meet Todd Smith “I love giving people the tools they need to make the best decisions for their situation.” Being an entrepreneur is no easy task - sometimes you can feel lost, not knowing what the next step should be. Todd excels at assisting business owners that are excited about their business and want to see it thrive. He knows the peace of mind that comes from being confident in your goals and your strategy for achieving them. He takes the time to fully understand a client’s situation and help create an action plan for success. Whether you’ve just started your own business or are looking to take it to the next level, Todd can help you secure your business’s future. Call today for a complimentary 30 minute consultation. BERLIN – After months of backand-forth debate, Berlin officials this week quietly introduced an amended ordinance outlining the rules and regulations for the town’s public parks. Earlier this fall, the Mayor and Council floated the seemingly innocuous idea of updating the rules and regulations for its public parks in what appeared to be a simple rubber stamp, but one issue in particular flared up and threatened to derail the legislation. Some on the council voiced concern about a private enterprise or individuals conducting business in the public parks, touching off a much larger debate. One issue in particular fueled the debate. A local resident and personal trainer would often hold training sessions and work out clients in the neighborhood parks, and Councilman Dean Burrell took exception to the practice. Burrell became further incensed when he was told by Planning and Zoning Director Dave Englehart and Town Attorney Dave Gaskill that enforcing any provision regarding personal training in the parks would not be practical. Cooler heads eventually prevailed and the amended ordinance was introduced on first reading during Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting. The amended ordinance includes language addressing the forprofit activity in the parks. “No use of the facilities, equipment or any area of the parks for any activity in which money is exchanged for goods and services shall be permitted without the express written permission of the Mayor and Council,” the amended language reads. Otherwise, the amended ordinance includes language changes that are merely practical and common sense. For example, the ordinance prohibits washing, waxing or repairing vehicles in the parks except repairs of an emergency nature. Driving or parking unauthorized vehicles in any areas not designated as parking areas is prohibited. No vehicles can be parked in the parks, in parking areas or otherwise, overnight. No mobile home or any other type of structure shall be used for sleeping in the parks without permission being obtained from the Mayor and Council. No bicycles or other pedal-operated vehicles are allowed in the parks except in parking areas or other designated areas. No open container of alcoholic beverage shall be possessed in any of the parks. Finally, the lighted tennis courts and handball courts located in Stephen Decatur Park can be used after sunset up to and including 11 p.m. The courts will not be allowed to be used after 11 p.m. NOW WINTER RENTALS ALAMO MOTEL 410-251-5120 $165 PER WEEK (1 PERSON) $200 PER WEEK (2 PEOPLE) WI-FI • HORSESHOE PITS BAR & RESTAURANT OPEN 12614 OCEAN GATEWAY WEST OCEAN CITY