M2026-08 AUGUST 2026 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE BERLIN TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 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, August 17, 2026, at 7:02p.m. at the Berlin Town Hall.
Invocation – Mayor Patrick Bates.
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 – Steve Clark – Present
Council Member Place # 3 – Edith Stevenson – Present
Council Member Place # 4 – Eudon Bates – Present
Council Member Place # 5 – Keith Hardman – Present
Public Comments – Patrick Bates addressed the Town Council regarding concerns about the lack of sewer service within the municipality. Mr. Bates stated that he has a personal business venture that he has been unable to pursue due to the area not passing commercial perc tests. He further noted that other businesses have expressed interest in locating in the area, including a potential restaurant, and that an existing business owner is interested in expanding operations if sewer service were available.
Mr. Bates requested that the Town Council consider options for working with Living Water to pursue an option that would allow the Town to facilitate the expansion of sewer infrastructure. Under the proposed concept, the sewer infrastructure would be extended to make sewer service available to areas within the municipality, with the authority and operation of the sewer system subsequently being transferred to Living Water upon completion of the expansion project.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Town Council. The motion was seconded by Councilman Steve Clark. Approved 5-0.
- Council discussed FY2027 Budget.
- Mayor Patrick Bates presented FY2027 Transportation Plan as follows:
Town of Berlin, Alabama Annual Transportation Plan
FY2026-2027
(Rebuild Alabama Act# 2019-2)
Total Expected Revenue 7th year- $17,000
Project Details:
The proposed project consists of roadway improvements to County Road 1619 and County Road 1620, including grading, drainage improvements, and aggregate surfacing. The project will also include excavation and shaping of roadside ditches as necessary to improve drainage.
Total Project Cost: $237,590.65
Funding Summary:
RRA Funds: $2,171.04
Road Fund & General Fund: $50,000
ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Town of Berlin Town Council this the 17th day of August 2026.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made a motion to approve the FY2027 Transportation Plan. The motion was seconded by Councilman Steve Clark. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor Patrick Bates gave update on FY2026 Rebuild Alabama project.
- Mayor Patrick Bates presented Berlin Farmers Market Event Site Reservation Agreement. Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to approve Berlin Farmers Market Event Site Reservation Agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Edith Stevenson. Approved 5-0.
- Council discussed submitting for a CBDG grant for county Roads 1619 & 1620 in FY2027 and completing work in FY2028.
- In other Business, Tootie Sanford asked Council to adopt County Road 1637 as a town road. Councilman Keith Hardman made motion to adopt County Road 1637. The motion was seconded by Councilman Steve Clark. Approved 5-0.
- Councilman Keith Hardman made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Edith Stevenson. Approved 5-0.
- The Town Council of the Town of Berlin adjourned at 7:41PM.
The next Regular Meeting of the Berlin Town Council will be held September 21, 2026, at the Berlin Town Hall at 7:00 PM.