MINUTES OF THE BERLIN TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025 – 7:00 P.M.
Berlin Town Hall
The Town Council of the Town of Berlin met in Regular Session on this date and time following publication and posting pursuant to Alabama law.
Meeting called to order by Mayor Patrick Bates on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. at the Berlin Town Hall.
Invocation – Councilman James Sanford.
Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Patrick Bates.
Roll Call – Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery
Mayor – Patrick E. Bates – Present
Council Member Place # 1 – Donald Gunter – Absent
Council Member Place # 2 – James Sanford – Present
Council Member Place # 3 – Tony Duke – Present
Council Member Place # 4 – Eudon Bates – Present
Council Member Place # 5 – Keith Hardman – Present
Public Comments – There were none.
A public hearing was held in accordance with Alabama state law as required under Section 11-43-55, Code of Alabama 1975. Proper notice was given, and the hearing was conducted to allow for public comment and participation as mandated by law.
Councilman James Sanford made motion to enter Public Hearing for the Request to Vacate an Unnamed County Road South of County Road 1611. Second made by Councilman Keith Hardman. Approved 5-0.
Roll-Call Vote: Mayor Patrick Bates-Yes, Councilman Donald Gunter-Absent, Councilman James Sanford-Yes, Councilman Tony Duke-Yes, Councilman Don Bates-Yes, Councilman Keith Hardman-Yes.
Mayor Patrick Bates asked for any comments in opposition or support, there were none.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to close Public Hearing for the Request to Vacate an Unnamed County Road South of County Road 1611. Second made by Councilman James Sanford. Approved 5-0. Roll-Call Vote: Mayor Patrick Bates-Yes, Councilman Donald Gunter-Absent, Councilman James Sanford-Yes, Councilman Tony Duke-Yes, Councilman Don Bates-Yes, Councilman Keith Hardman-Yes.
- Councilman Tony Duke made motion to approve Resolution # 2025-005-A Resolution Approving and Assenting to a Vacation of an Unnamed County Road South of County Road 1611. Second made by Councilman Keith Hardman. Approved 5-0. Roll-Call Vote: Mayor Patrick Bates-Yes, Councilman Donald Gunter-Absent, Councilman James Sanford-Yes, Councilman Tony Duke-Yes, Councilman Don Bates-Yes, Councilman Keith Hardman-Yes.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to approve the Minutes from the May 19, 2025, Regular Meeting. Second made by Councilman Tony Duke. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor Patrick Bates presented FY2024 Audit completed by Jeremy Jefferys with Cooper, Hill, & Lecroix, CPAs. Councilman James Sanford made motion to approve FY2024 Audit. Second made by Councilman Tony Duke. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor Patrick Bates informed Council that due to the contractors’ delays, the Town of Berlin will have to forfeit the $5,000 RC&D grant for handicap accessibility at the Berlin Farmers Market site.
- Council discussed Rebuild Alabama bid timeline. Mayor Patrick Bates informed Council that St. John & Associates are close to putting the project out for bid.
- Council discussed County Road 1614.
- Council discussed County Road 1611.
- Council discussed Farmers Market site development.
- Mayor Patrick Bates informed Council that the Town of Berlin has been awarded $13,000 in State Tourism Funds for the Berlin Farmers Market Development with the help of Randall Shedd.
- Mayor Patrick Bates informed Council that the Town of Berlin has been awarded $12,000 in legislative delegation funds for the Berlin Farmers Market Development from Senator Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger.
- Motion to adjourn made by Councilman James Sanford. Second made by Councilman Tony Duke. Approved 5-0.
- The Town Council of the Town of Berlin adjourned at 7:21 PM.
The next Regular Meeting of the Berlin Town Council will be held July 21, 2025, at the Berlin Town Hall at 7:00 PM.