BRANSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN -
January 14, 2008 -Meeting Summary
Prepared by Jerry Adams City of Branson Communications Director
SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE BILLS
Increasing certain park user fees
Expenses have risen in the parks and recreation department in areas such as league administration, umpire and referee fees, and maintenance costs. The increases will also make park programs less dependent on subsidies from other funds. Most of the user fee increases will be for competitive team sports like baseball, soccer and basketball.
REGULAR MEETING ITEMS
Board postpones funding for songwriting contest
Board postponed until Jan 28 a request by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for $15,000 to market a Billboard World Song Contest Awards Show in Branson this spring. The funds would come from the 2% Tourism Tax Contingency Fund, administered by the aldermen. With the endorsement of Billboard Magazine, this event is produced to highlight new and rising young talent in the songwriting field. There are 15 different musical categories. The event would be held at the Mansion Theater in Branson.
Final Report on Branson Landing and Convention Center
Jim Martin of the Benham company will give a final status report on the Branson Landing and Branson Convention Center projects. The Benham Company was hired by the city as the project manager for the two developments. Martin said the six-year, $420 million lakefront development came in on time and on budget. Of that $420 million, the city’s portion of the project amounted to $105 million. A city and state TIF was approved to assist in the Landing and convention center financing.
Board gives okay to merger of city and county health departments
Aldermen gave first reading approval to an agreement that consolidates the city of Branson and Taney County Health departments. This will result in one unified public health system that can effectively respond to our area’s present and future growth. Taney County Health Department would become the provider of all public health services, including animal control in the city.
Portable restroom for campground approved
Board approved on first reading the purchase of a portable restroom trailer for public use, specifically fishermen, on the south end of the Lakeside RV Park by the public boat ramp. This type of facility is necessary due to the inability to construct a permanent restroom because of flood plain issues. The cost of the portable restroom trailer is $30,000.
New city vehicles approved
Board approved on first reading a bill to purchase 15 vehicles for five city departments including police and public works. All of these vehicles are replacements for older ones. Total cost of the vehicles is $367,000.
