BERNIE, Mo. -- The Bernie Board of Aldermen instructed City Attorney Robin Northern to prepare an ordinance for requirements for the operation of Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) on city streets. The ordinance will be similar to the one adopted by the city for operating golf carts on city streets.
The new ordinance will require those wishing to drive a UTV on city streets to pay a $15 fee for a city permit. The ordinance will also require them to display a flag on the back of the vehicle. The vehicles are not to be operated in a careless manner or under the influence. Posted speed limits are to be observed, and the operator must have a driver's license. They are not to be operated on Highway 25.
The board discussed the operation of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), but did not include them in the ordinance.
The aldermen passed a conflict of interest ordinance, as required by state statute. The ordinance must be passed by the board of aldermen every two years, and applies to elected officials and employees of the city.
The ordinance prohibits city officials and employees from receiving anything worth more than $50 that would not be available to the general public. It also prohibits city officials from voting on any issue in which they have a financial interest, among other requirements.
The aldermen approved putting a list of city streets to be repaved up for bids by a unanimous vote. Last year some sidewalks were repaired, so this year the city will focus on streets.
The following streets were included:
* S. Drake from W. Main south to the end of S. Drake;
* N. Miller from E. Hunts Road south to E. Crumb;
* W. Allis from N. Drake west to N. Stewart;
* W. Fordyce from N. Allen west to N. Spiker;
* Mulberry from W. Allis south to W. Crumb;
* S. Allen from Pointer 30 feet south;
* E. Kennedy from Winchester Road; and
* Hobgood from Winchester Road.
The aldermen set Sept. 27 for the date of the Bernie Fall Festival. The festival includes a parade downtown and events at the City Park. Mayor David Teeters appointed Teresa Slinkard as Fall Festival Chairperson. She will organize and coordinate the annual event this year.
Teeters also appointed Loretta Dodd to the Housing Board.
The aldermen approved the hiring of Alex Collier as a reserve police officer, and the promotion of Toby Haynes to corporal in the police department.
All aldermen were present. They are Ivan Mekan, Dennis Jackson, Ray Coats, Todd Young, Tim Gage and Barry Zimmerman.