Brooksville City Council
After winning a seat on the Brooksville City Council in November, Joe Bernardini was sworn in for a four- year term which will end on 12/07/2020. Bernardini previously served on the City Council a total of 22 years, and has been a private citizen the past two years. Surrounded by family members, Bernardini was sworn in on 12/05/16 by the Honorable Kurt Hitzeman.
Council member William Kemmerer, who was chosen to fill the council seat left vacant by the passing of Vice Mayor Joe Johnston last year, was elected unopposed to a four-year term. He was sworn in by Judge Hitzeman, and Kemmerer’s term will also end on 12/07/20.
Each December, the council selects a new mayor and vice mayor to serve a one-year term. Vice-Mayor Robert Battista was the only council member nominated for mayor, and he was unanimously approved. Council member Betty Erhard was voted unanimously to become the new Vice-Mayor, and was the only nomination.
As his first official act (after presiding over the selection of the vice-mayor), Mayor Battista read a resolution honoring outgoing council member Frankie Burnett. The resolution was passed by a unanimous roll call vote. A copy of the signed resolution will be given to Burnett, who was not present at the meeting.
Burnett has served the City of Brooksville for 10 years, including two years as mayor and three years as vice-mayor. Burnett was praised for his devotion to the City, and for making thoughtful decisions which benefitted its citizens and businesses.
During citizen comments, Shirley Miketinac thanked each of the council members for working hard to be elected and to show concern for Brooksville. “You have such a rare amount of talent for such a small city,” she said, and stated that she felt that council members were underpaid for the work they do.
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
The Honorable Daniel B. Merritt, Jr., Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, administered the oath of office to the newly elected (and re-elected) commissioners. Standing together, Nick Nicholson, John Allocco, and Steve Champion swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Florida and to execute their duties to the best of their ability.
Afterward, Commissioner Wayne Dukes quipped, “And that’s the last time you can swear in these chambers.” Nicholson, who is replacing Jim Adkins as chairman, called a brief recess so that pictures could be taken.