BERNIE, Mo. - The Bernie Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to require drivers of golf carts in the city limits to obtain a permit and meet certain requirements. The ordinance was not without opposition. The final vote to approve the ordinance was 4-2.
The ordinance requires those wishing to drive their golf cart on city streets to pay a $15 fee for a city permit. The ordinance also requires them to display a Day-Glo flag on the back of the cart measuring 30 inches in size. It also stipulates that the carts are not to 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.
Alderman Tim Gage objected to the display of a flag on the golf cart.
"Is this really necessary?" asked Gage. "I own a golf cart and I don't want to have to drill holes in it to mount a flag."
Gage said new golf cars are equipped with lights, a horn and other safety features, so he felt the flag was unnecessary.
Alderman Ivan Mekan said he also had a golf cart. He said his cart had holes to mount a flag, and he believed an ordinance was needed to address the use of golf carts on city streets.
"If we pass this, we can crack down on the use of Gators or other such vehicles on city streets," said Mekan.
Alderman Ray Coats asked Police Chief Justin Allen if the city was having problems with people using Gators, Mules or other such vehicles on city streets.
Alderman Dennis Jackson said he had observed plenty of them being used within the city limits.
Allen said the police department had not had any complaints about the use of such vehicles.
Allen said state law already prohibits the use of mules or similar vehicles on state roadways, and there is an ordinance against driving them on city streets.
Gage said he would support the golf cart ordinance if the police were going to be lenient in the enforcement of it. He then added that he knew it would be difficult for the police department to be selective in the enforcement of the ordinance.
Alderman Todd Young did not feel an ordinance was needed to address the use of golf carts in the city.
The first reading was approved by a unanimous vote, and the ordinance was placed on the second reading. The final vote was 4-2, with Mekan, Jackson, Coats and Alderman Barry Zimmerman voting for it and Gage and Young voting against it.
The alderman passed a second ordinance amending the 2012-13 budget with little discussion.
The ordinance amends the budget by increasing the budgeted amount in the following departments: Emergency Management Agency, $367.03; Parks and Recreation, $26,541.90; the Community Center, $231.97; Municipal Court, $3,601.91; the Gas Department, $145,826.58; and the Water Department, $17,501.92.
During the forum for aldermen, Gage asked for an update on the new humane officer.
City Superintendent Charlie Dean said Randy Elles was hired as humane officer, and he was "doing a good job." He said Elles "loved animals," and his daughter was working to get the picked up animals adopted.
When asked, Allen said five or six summons have been issued to pet owners for not complying with city ordinances concerning pets in the city.
Coats asked about the price of natural gas being paid by the city. Mayor James Tilmon said a meeting was scheduled for Tuesday with gas company officials.
Mekan said an employee in the city maintenance department had completed his probationary period. He said the worker was due an hourly rate increase to $10 per hour. The aldermen approved the pay increase by a 5-0 vote, with Mekan abstaining.
Mekan also recommended making Jess Smiley a full-time employee in the maintenance department. He noted that Smiley is now a part-time employee, and a full-time position is open due to a retirement. The alderman approved hiring Smiley full-time by a 6-0 vote.
Mekan reviewed a letter sent to the city from the Department of Natural Resources (DRN) concerning the old city landfill. He said DNR requires the trees to be cut on the property, the holes be filled and the land leveled, so that it can be regularly mowed.
"There are some big trees out there," said Mekan. "We may have to hire someone to maintain it."
Coats asked if the person who was supposed to be mowing the property was keeping it mowed. Dean said he had not been to the property since last winter, and Mekan said he hadn't been out there to look at it. Mekan suggested Dean inspect the property to see if it was being maintained. The landfill was closed in June 1993.
Gage asked about the possibility of selling the property.
Tilmon said at least two people had approached the city about buying the property, but the land was too much of a liability issue to sell.
Lastly, Mekan told the aldermen the city trash truck was in need of a new bed.
"The truck itself is good," said Mekan, "but the bed is wore out."
The price of a new truck would be around $128,000, while the price of just replacing the bed would be $56,870. The city currently has $38,000 in an account for replacing the trash truck, and Mekan noted no money was being set back because of "the tight budget." He told the board it wasn't an emergency yet, but it was something the city would have to deal with in the near future.
Young suggested the city check into contracting city trash pickup service to an outside agency. He said it might be cheaper to contract for the service than to pay for a new truck.
No action was taken by the aldermen.