M2026-01 JANUARY 2026 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE BERLIN TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026 – 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, January 19, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the Berlin Town Hall.
Invocation – Councilman Donald Gunter.
Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Patrick Bates.
Roll Call – Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery
Mayor – Patrick E. Bates – Present
Council Member Place # 1 – Donald Gunter – Present
Council Member Place # 2 – Steve Clark – Absent
Council Member Place # 3 – Edith Stevenson – Present
Council Member Place # 4 – Eudon Bates – Present
Council Member Place # 5 – Keith Hardman – Present
Public Comments – Cheryl Hawkins with Cullman County Sheriff’s Office addressed council concerns regarding Flock Cameras placed within the Berlin precinct.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to approve the Minutes from the December 15, 2025, Regular Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Donald Gunter. Approved 5-0.
- Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery presented the annual Rebuild Alabama report to council.
TOWN OF BERLIN, ALABAMA ANNUAL REBUILD ALABAMA REPORT FY2025
(REBUILD ALABAMA ACT# 2019-2)
FY2025 REBUILD ALABAMA FUNDS RECEIVED: $21,024.45
FY2025 REBUILD ALABAMA GRANT FUNDS: $295,627.25
Project Details: Project improvements include roadway widening, reconstruction and resurfacing on County Road 1614 from Alabama Highway 278, northward, to an approximate location for future access to the Berlin Municipal Complex. This includes realignment of the intersection at County Road 1614 with County Road 1615. The Point of Origin starts at County Road 1614 from Alabama Highway 278. Intermediate points of access include the farmers market and town hall facilities, and the destination is the approximate location for future access to the Berlin Municipal Complex.
TOTAL PROJECT COST: $386,254.50
FUNDING SUMMARY:
Rebuild Alabama Funds: $21,024.45
Rebuild Alabama Grant: $295,627.25
Local Match: $69,602.80
STATUS OF COMPLETION: 0%
- Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to approve change order for Rebuild Alabama project to Rogers Group Inc in the amount of $92,924, contingent on legal review by attorney. The motion was seconded by Councilman Donald Gunter. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor Patrick Bates informed the Council that Town Attorney Heath Meherg has been recommended to Governor Ivey for consideration to fill the upcoming District Judge vacancy.
- Council discussed mowing, bushhogging, and maintenance of town property bid. Sealed bids will be opened during the February 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made a motion to approve the purchase of a 16×24 Farmers Market plaque in the amount of $2,349.50 from Creative Signs. The motion was seconded by Councilman Donald Gunter. Approved 5-0.
- Council discussed Farmers Market site development.
- Council discussed the 2026 Farmers Market Growers Meeting, scheduled for March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., to be held at the Berlin Town Hall.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilman Donald Gunter. Approved 5-0.
- The Town Council of the Town of Berlin adjourned at 8:12 PM.
The next Regular Meeting of the Berlin Town Council will be held February 16, 2026, at the Berlin Town Hall at 7:00 PM.