Recaps from the Bernie Council's Monthly Board Meetings

January 5, 2009

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session January 5th at the Bernie Municipal Courtroom with the following members present:  Kristy Barnes, Ivan Mekan, Dennis Jackson, Butch Barnes, Larry Boyle, and Derik Arnold.  Also present City Clerk Gloria Dean, City Superintendent Charles Dean, Chief of Police Justin Allen, and City Attorney Robin Rogers.

Other visitors were Linda Norton and Heather Smith representing Casey's General Store, Patsy Cato representing Pat's Place and Shirley Miller representing Paradise Lounge.  Tiena Sparks was present representing Bernie Banner and Mike McCoy representing the Dexter Statesman.

Mayor Tilmon called the meeting to order, and invocation was given by Ivan Mekan.

Public Hearing:  Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion to approve the liquor license for Casey's General Store, Pat's Place, and Paradise Lounge.  Motion was made by Dennis Jackson and 2nd by Butch Barnes to approve.  Motion carried with the following members voting:  Mekan--YES  B Barnes--YES  Arnold--YES  Boyle--YES  Jackson--YES  K Barnes--YES.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion for approval of the consent agenda and approve minutes of previous regular and special meetings.  Motion was made and carried with all members voting YES.

During commissioners reports Butch Barnes presented for Board approval the hiring of Justin Brooks for the position of reserve officer and part-time dispatcher when needed, with pay of $9.00 per hour.  Motion was made and carried with all members voting YES.

Butch Barnes requested that the Board allow the City Clerk to pay off the trash truck on the January payment.  The payment is $1,000 per month, the amount owed on the truck is $1,179.29.  Motion to approve by Ivan Mekan, 2nd by Larry Boyle, and carried with all  board members voting YES.

The next item on the agenda was to discuss the wiring for the City Park.  Larry Boyle made the motion, and was 2nd by Ivan Mekan that the Board allow the Maintenance Department to proceed with the purchase and wiring at an estimated cost of $1,904.04.  Motion carried with all board members voting YES.

Mayor Tilmon informed the Board that he would be checking with Collection Agencies to see if the City could contract and Agency to try to collect some of the City's past due accounts, and that he would keep the Board informed as to the progress made.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion the meeting be adjourned.  Motion by Larry Boyle and 2nd by Dennis Jackson.  Motion carried.

The next regular board meeting will be Monday February 2nd, 2009 at 7 p.m.

December 8, 2008

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session Monday December 8th, at the Bernie Municipal Courtroom with the following members present:  Dennis Jackson, Butch Barnes, Larry Boyle, Derek Arnold, and Kristy Barnes.  Ivan Mekan was absent.  Also present Clerk Gloria Dean, City Superintendent Charles Dean, and Chief of Police Justin Allen.  Mayor Tilmon called the meeting to order, and invocation was given by Mayor Tilmon.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion for the approval of the consent agenda and approve minutes from previous regular and special meetings.  Motion made by Larry Boyle and 2nd by Butch Barnes.  Motion carried with all members voting YES.

Butch Barnes made the motion the Board approve Rebecca Henson for permanent employment as Police Dispatcher, with a pay increase from $8.00 to $8.50 per hour.  Motion 2nd by Larry Boyle.  Motion carried with all members voting YES.

#2008-14 AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE ELECTION FOR THREE ALDERMAN ON APRIL 7, 2009.

ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BERNIE, STODDARD COUNTY, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.  An election is hereby called for April 7, 2009.  Said election shall be held between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Section 2.  The purpose of the election is to elect one Alderman from each ward, for a total of three, for their respective offices for a term of two years each, and one Alderman from Ward Three(III) for a term of (1) one year. 

Mayor Tilmon read one time and entertained a motion to put on second reading.  Motion made by Butch Barnes and 2nd by Larry Boyle.  Motion carried. 

Mayor Tilmon read:  Resolution No. 203

WHEREAS, the City of Bernie (hereinafter called the Grantee) intends to apply for a Community Facilities Grant in the amount of $8,730.00 from the United States of America, acting through Rural Development ("the agency"), United States Department of Agriculture, acting under the provisions of the Community Facilities Grant Program, (7 C.F.R. Part 3570 Subpart B) for the purpose of purchasing Fire Equipment (herein referred to as the equipment).

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion to approve Resolution No 203, motion made by Dennis Jackson and 2nd by Larry Boyle.  The City Clerk polled the Board with the following members voting:  Derik Arnold--YES, Dennis Jackson--YES, Larry Boyle--YES, and Butch Barnes--YES.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion to approve an ad for Bernie High School Project Prom in the amount of $100.00.  Motion to approve by Butch Barnes and 2nd by Dennis Jackson.  Motion carried with all members voting YES.

Mayor Tilmon requested the Board to approve the City Clerk and Mayor to proceed to open a checking account with the First Community Bank for the Fire Department Equipment Grant Funds.  Motion made by Butch Barnes and 2nd by Larry Boyle.  Motion carried with all members voting YES.

The next item on the agenda was to discuss the wiring for the City Park.  After some discussion it was decided that the discussion would be tabled to a later date.

The Board proceeded to discuss the gas deposits for the City of Bernie, but then decided to leave the amount of deposit as is and check on the possibility of contacting a collection agency to collect any unpaid bills.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion the Board resume in Executive Session.  Motion by Butch Barnes and 2ndy by Dennis Jackson.  the City Clerk polled by Board with all members voting YES.

The Board resumed in open session with no action taken.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion the meeting be adjourned.  Motion by Butch Barnes and 2nd by Larry Boyle.  Motion carried.

The next regular board meeting will be Monday January 5th, 2009 at 7 p.m.

November 3, 2008

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session Monday, November 3rd at the Bernie Municipal Courtroom with the following members present:  Ivan Mekan, Kristy Barnes, Dennis Jackson, Butch Barnes, Derik Arnold, and Larry Boyle.  Also present were City Clerk Gloria Dean, City Superintendent Charles Dean, and Chief of Police Justin Allen. 

In open session Kathy Walters explained the process of the Fire Equipment Grant in the amount of $15,890.00 for the Bernie Volunteer Fire Department.  The City will be required to advertise one time.  Bids will be open for 30 days.  The City must have three quotes for all equipment purchased.  Effective September 17th, 2008 the City has (1) year to complete the Grant process.  The City of Bernie is responsible for 45.0598% of the Grant in the amount of $7,160.00.  Rural Developments portion of the Grant is 54.9402% in the amount of $8,730.00.

During commissioners reports Butch Barnes requested the Board grant permission for Police Dispatcher, Tina Brown, to attend classes for Grant Writing in Jefferson City for 2 days.  The cost of the class will be $295.00.  Larry Boyle made the motion to allow Brown to attend, motioned was 2nd by Dennis Jackson.  Motion carried with all board members voting yes.

Ivan Mekan informed the Board that the submersible pump that operates the Sewer Plant needs to be rebuilt.  The wear rings and impellers are worn out, the pump has been working for more than ten years with no problems.  The amount of parts to repair the pump would be $1203 for an impeller and $192.00 for wear rings, compared to $5925 for a new pump.  All repairs will be made on site.  Motion was made by Butch Barnes, 2nd by Larry Boyle and carried with all members voting to repair the pump.

Kristy Barnes requested that the Board approve the purchase of a laptop computer and printer for Bob Gosnell EMA Director.  Motion to approve by Ivan Mekan and 2nd by Butch Barnes.  Motion carried with all remaining members voting yes.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion to approve the Christmas Bonus checks for City employees.  Motion was made and carried.

Mayor Tilmon opened bids for the Annual Christmas Dinner.  Three bids were submitted: (1) Barb Trout (2) Daily Bread at Malden (3) MeMe's Restaurant.  Motion was made by Ivan Mekan  to accept the bid from MeMe's of $10.00 per person plus 15% for gratuity.  Motion was 2nd by Kristy Barnes and carried with the remaining members voting yes.

Butch Barnes spoke with the Board about raising the gas deposits so that the city is not left with bills that will not be paid.  After some discussion it was decided that the City Clerk would make a list of accounts that have been left unpaid over the last three years and present it to the Board at the next Board meeting.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion the meeting adjourn.  Motion by Butch Barns and 2nd by Dennis Jackson.  Motion carried unanimously.  The next regular board meeting will be Monday December 8th at 7 p.m.

October 8, 2008

The Board of Aldermen met in regular session Wednesday October 8th at the Bernie Municipal Courtroom with the following members present:  Ivan Mekan, Kristy Barnes, Dennis Jackson, Butch Barnes, Derik Arnold, and Larry Boyle.  Also present were City Clerk Gloria Dean, City Superintendent Charles Dean, and Chief of Police Justin Allen. 

Mayor Tilmon called the meeting to order and entertained a motion for the approval of the consent agenda and approve minutes of previous regular and special meetings.  Motion was made and carried.

During commissioner's reports Butch Barnes informed the Board that one of the Police cars was in need of repair for pealing paint, and that he had two estimates.  One from Dexter Collision in the amount of $795.00 and one from Freed's Body Shop in the amount to $725.00.  Dennis Jackson made the motion and was 2nd by Kristy Barnes to let Freed's Body Shop do the repairs.  Motion was carried.

Butch Barnes requested the Board approve employment agreement for Reserve Officer Charles Youngblood for the Bernie Police Department.  Motion made by Ivan Mekan and 2nd by Butch Barnes to approve.  Motion carried.

Butch Barnes informed the Board that the Maintenance Department and the City Administration Office would like to take November 11th for Veterans Day instead of the 12th, and December 25th & 26th instead of the 24th and 25th.  Motion was made and carried.

Ivan Mekan informed the Board that the City needed to get more electric (estimate of $2,000) for the park before any more events take place.  This to be checked into further.

Mayor Tilmon entertained the motion to set the "Trick or Treat" hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday October 31st.  Motion made and carried.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion to set Friday December 12th at 6:00 for the Annual Christmas Dinner.  Motion made and carried.  Mayor Tilmon appointed Kristy Barnes and Derik Arnold to the Christmas Committee.

Bill #2008-12 FOR ORDINANCE #1038:  An Ordinance authorizing contract to purchase natural gas from Atmos Energy Marketing, LLC.  Mayor Tilmon read one time and entertained motion to put on second reading.  Motion made and carried.

Bill #2008-13 FOR ORDINANCE #1039:  An Ordinance authorizing contract to purchase natural gas from Atmos Energy Marketing, LLC.  Mayor Tilmon read one time and entertained motion to put on second reading.  Motion made and carried.

Mayor Tilmon asked two visitiors if they had anything to say.  They made the request that the City consider putting some signs "Caution Children at Play" on Mulberry Street.  They stated that there was a problem with speeders on that street and that maybe the signs would slow people down.  Mayor Tilmon informed them that the Police Officers would start patrolling that area more.

Mayor Tilmon opened the Library Insulation Bids.  Two bids were received.  The first bid from Southeast Insulation:  R-19 Batts on suspended ceiling $2712.00 or R-30 Batts on suspended ceiling for $3648.00.  The second bid from Jarrell Contracting:  R19 Batts on suspended ceiling for $4400.00.  Additional charge of $600.00 to change to R-30 Batts.  Motion to accept the bid submitted by Southeast Insulation by Ivan Mekan and 2nd by Butch Barnes.  Motion carried. 

Mayor Tilmon opened bids for the roof of the Old Water Treatment Building.  Only one bid was submitted by Stearns Construction of Malden in the amount of $8377.00 for a metal roof, motion was made by Butch Barnes and 2nd by Ivan Mekan to wait 30 days to give them a chance to go over the budget.  Motion carried.

Mayor Tilmon opened the bids for the Repeater Housing.  Two bids were submitted.  The first bid from Stearns Construction for at 5X5 building per the City's specifications in the amount of $5690.00.  The second bid from Allen Portable Buildings, Inc. for $1190.00 for a 6X6 Utility Building only with steel walk door, the other work would have to be hired out.  Butch Barnes made the motion to wait 30 days to look over the Budget.  Motion carried.

Mayor Tilmon appointed Kristy Barnes as Commissioner over the EMA Director.  Motion made and carried.

Mayor Tilmon entertained a motion the meeting adjourn.  Motion made and carried.

The next regular board meeting will be Monday, November 3rd at 7 p.m.

September 8, 2008

During public hearing, Dan Rigazio of Allied Waste, requested that the Board lower the cost of the Leacheate from $.02 to $.01 per gallon.  The Board agreed for the duration of the contract and to reevaluate when the contract expires.

Major Tilmon entertained a motion for the approval of the consent agenda and approve minutes of previous regular and special meetings.  Motion was carried.

Patrolman Mitch Farmer was approved for a pay rate increase from $9.50 to $10.00 per hour.

Ivan Mekan requested that the Board take bids for the insulation of the Library building to help lower the cost of the utilities.

Mike Gregory was approved as a full time Maintenance employee at a rate of $11.00 per hour.  Gregory has completed the four month probation period.

Maintenance Supervisor Charlie Dean was approved to attend a water seminar training for Missouri Rural Water Association October 29 through October 31st.

The Board of Alderman discussed estimates for the Repeater Housing, after some discussion Butch Barnes made the motion that the job be put out for bids.

Mayor Tilmon read Resolution NO. 202:  Whereas, the City of Bernie previously purchased a 2007 Caterpillar Model 420E backhoe leader, and a balance of $40,717.69 is due and payable on the one (1) year loan with the First Community Bank; and Whereas, the Mayor, acting by and for the City, has negotiated a one year loan with the First Community Bank in Bernie, MO for $40,717.69.

Mayor Tilmon requested that the Board approve the City of have a Farmers Market at the City Park, the City Clerk checked with the Insurance and was told that it would not be a problem.  Motion was made and carried with the board.

The next regular board meeting will be Monday October 6th at 7:00 p.m.

August 4, 2008

Rebecca Henson was approved as a full-time dispatcher with the Bernie Police Department at a pay rate of $8.00 per hour. 

Patrolman Jason Dozier was approved for a pay rate increase from $9 to $10 per hour.

The Board approved a request from Bernie EMA Director Bob Gosnell to attend a seminar.  They also agreed to pay for Gosnell's room and board and mileage.

The Board unanimously agreed to purchase two pagers for the fire department at the cost of $395.00 each from G & D Communications in Sikeston.

It was agreed to have the air conditioner at the library inspected due to it not working properly.

There were discussions regarding the tearing out of a dead end sidewalk on Mulberry Street and the paving of Judy Street. 

Ordinance #1033 was passed which provided for the purchase of gas from Atmos at a price of $11.27 per decatherm.

Ordinance #1034 was passed and authorized Mayor Tilmon to execute a contract with Public Water Supply District.

A new septic tank at the east rest room of the park was approved at the price of $2,960.  Money will be taken from the park fund account.

A motion was made to research the cost of a metal roof for the animal shelter building and to put it up for bid.

Councilman Mekan advised the board that he and Superintendent Dean have decided to do some work to the city pond before adding more catfish to it.