Berne council introduces ordinance to create 15‑minute downtown unloading zone

The Berne City Council on Monday introduced ordinance 792 to convert a proposed no‑parking/unloading zone into a 15‑minute parking and unloading space during specified business hours, aiming to help downtown customers — many elderly — make quick stops.

Merchants who requested the change told the council they had discussed the issue with downtown business owners and city staff and favored a shorter, 15‑minute unloading window rather than a full‑day restriction. “We would be satisfied with that … it gives our customers the time to just unload quick and not have to wait in line or park far away,” one merchant said.

Council members noted that enforcement of a 15‑minute spot would require police officers to observe and verify the time a vehicle remained; staff said officers could not mark tires but could monitor stays. City staff also noted that the proposed hours should align with the existing business schedule (the merchants suggested matching the store’s hours Wednesday through Saturday).

The council voted to introduce ordinance 792 with the change from an all‑day no‑parking restriction to a 15‑minute parking/unloading designation during the business’s hours; the ordinance will return for adoption at the next meeting. No member requested amendment language beyond aligning the hours with the business’s schedule.

The motion to introduce the ordinance carried by voice vote. The council and staff encouraged merchants to attend the adoption meeting and said the city will finalize the ordinance language to reflect the agreed hours.