The Bernie Board of Aldermen passed two ordinances at its October meeting. The first set an election for April 6, 2021. Bernie voters will have the opportunity to decide if an election will be held in the future if the number of candidates is equal to the number of open seats for the next six years.
If voters approve this measure, the city would not hold an election if for example, four candidates file to run for four open seats, such as for city or school boards. At the end of the six-year period, the city would be required to hold another election in order to extend this method of conducting elections.
If the measure passes and no election is held, the election authority will publish a notice containing the names of the candidates that will assume the responsibilities of office.
The second ordinance passed will allow the city of Bernie to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the amount of $64,733. According to the ordinance the city is allowed to apply for and accept a Rural Business and Development Grant not exceeding the said amount.
The grant would be used to widen the existing walking trail. In addition it would allow the city to replace some benches and barbecue grills and install a bandstand.
Other Business
The Bernie Board of Aldermen rehired Zach Matney as a reserve officer for the Bernie Police Department at a rate of $11 an hour.
Alderman Barry Zimmerman informed the board that the city tax collector is now responsible for doing all of her paperwork. The county had been assisting with the paperwork but is no longer able to. Zimmerman asked the board to raise the city tax collector’s pay by $100. The board approved the pay raise.
The board approved a reimbursement to city attorney Robin Northern for her trip to the annual Municipal Attorney Seminar. The seminar was scheduled to take place earlier in the year, but was postponed due to COVID-19. The board approved the reimbursement.
The board set trick-or-treat times for 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. The board then canceled the Dec. 2 meeting due to COVID-19. The next meeting will be Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.