Category: Local News

A special fund-raiser for one student’s favorite cause will be held on Feb. 4 at the Branson High School gymnasium during the break between the girls’ junior varsity and varsity Branson vs. Nixa basketball conference games.

The junior varsity game begins at 5 p.m. After that game, it’s time for “Ballin’ for Barnabas,” a game that’s sure to be entertaining pitting administrators from Branson and Nixa against the Kansas Wheelhawks, a wheelchair team which last year ranked #18 in the NWBA’s Top 20 Championship Division Wheelchair Basketball teams.

Funds raised will benefit Camp Baranbas, a southwest Missouri Christian summer camp for campers with special needs, said junior Alec Zimmer, who organized the event as a class project.
Zimmer said he has a special feeling for Camp Barnabas because for the past three summers, he’s volunteered at the camp.

“I wanted to lead something like this,” Zimmer said.

To raise the funds, students will accept donations, sell Coldstone Creamery ice cream at the concession stand and sell T-shirts that say “Ballin’ for Barnabus” and “That’s How We Roll.”

Also at half-time, Paul Teas, owner of Camp Baranbus, will be recognized. [Editors Note: Teas was the key note speaker at Sixth Annual Branson Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held on Thursday, May 3, 2007.]

Tickets will be for sale at the door. For more information, call Branson High School at 417-334-6541.

As part of its continuing commitment to serving the community, Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging, is proud to sponsor this press release on this site.

A lot of tickets are sold every day to the many shows and attractions found in Branson Missouri, called by some, “The live music show capital of the world.” A recent article published at www.News.Branson.Com entitled “Branson Tourism Center (BTC) reaches two million ticket milestone” indicates that BTC is doing its share to sell many of those tickets.

When Milton and Doris Hughes of Ashland, Kansas stopped by the Branson Tourism Center office to pick up their Branson travel packet, they were surprised to learn that they had purchased BTC’s two millionth ticket and that their whole Branson vacation was being paid for by the Branson Tourism Center in honor of the occasion. In addition, the next ten customers checking in to pick up their travel packets each received a $100 BTC Gift Certificate.

Lianne Milton, the co-owner of Branson Tourism Center said the achievement was the result of the great entertainment product Branson offers and the personal commitment of Branson Tourism Center’s staff to customer service. She said she was as excited about the great personal Branson experiences of families and individuals that the sales of those tickets represented as she was about the actual number of tickets sold.

Excerpts from article:

(Milton) “Even before our first ticket was sold our philosophy was to build BTC through personal relationships with our vendors and customers to ensure that the customer had a great experience while in Branson. We were going to do that by providing them with the best Branson information, value and personal travel services.”

Milton explained that Branson has many quality shows, attractions and lodging facilities and that the relationships that BTC has built up with them over the years enables them to work together to provide our Branson guests with the best value, show seat and lodging choices and customer service.

Click here to read entire article:
http://news.branson.com/

Branson Stars and Flags will present awards to 10 of the 22 winning entries in the Branson Stars & Flags Book Awards at the Branson Veterans Week Opening Show on Thursday, November 5, 2:00pm, at the Mansion Theatre. The awards will be presented by last year’s winners; Eddie Beesley, a Marine who lost both his legs in Vietnam, and Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys.

All books are based on a military-related theme. Many of the authors are active-duty military, veterans or a military family member. Readers of nonfiction and fiction, as well as music, video and photography lovers will be able to find something special to take home from Branson. After the awards presentation, authors will sign books at Veterans Village and the various reunions throughout the week.

Award winners attending Veterans Week activities are listed below. The complete list of winners is available at www.bransonstarsandflags.com.

Grand Prize: Tom Ruck for" Sacred Ground"
Historical Fiction Vietnam: Gold Medal to Lynn Salsi for "Firefight on Vietnam Brown Water"
Fiction – Thriller/Adventure: Silver Medal to T.H.E. Hill for "Voices Under Berlin"
Non-fiction: Gold Medal to Del Staecker for "The Lady Gangster;" Silver Medal to Gail Chatfield for "By Dammit, We’re Marines"
Inspirational: Silver Medal to Deborah Tainsh for "Heart of a Hawk"
Poetry: Gold Medal to Erwin Thompson (WWII vet) for "Worth Remembering: the Poetry of Our Heritage"
Photography: Gold Medal to Tom Ruck for" Sacred Ground;" Silver Medal to Jim Staley for "Come In, Swanee Leader"
Audio/Video: Gold Medal to Jeff Senour for original song "Way Back Home;" Silver Medal to Denzil Batson for video "Korea: We Called It War"

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Brian Milton shares his "Wheel of Fortune" experience thus far.

When the “Wheel of Fortune’s “Wheelmobile” wheeled into Branson on May 9 and 10 thousands of hopefuls showed up for a chance to participate in the preliminary screening process and a chance to appear on the “Wheel of Fortune” show. One of the thousands who showed up to participate in the screening and who survived the process to actually appear on the show was Brian Milton, Chief Financial Officer for the Branson Tourism Center.

Milton said that he was thrilled to be on the show and that he and his lovely wife Stephanie, will be out in Los Angeles on Thursday October 22 for the filming of his Wheel of Fortune appearance. He anticipates that the actual show will be aired sometime during December 2009 or January 2010.

When asked to describe the process Milton said, “I went with the other 10,000 people to the Welk Theatre when the “Wheelmobile” came to Branson and was randomly selected.” He then competed against the others who were selected in a version of the “Wheel of Fortune Speed-Up Round.” A couple of months later he was called back to the Welk Theatre for a pretty intense session consisting of another three of so rounds of auditions and a written exam.

Milton said he was informed sometime in July or August that he had been selected to be on the show. At that time, he was told his appearance would be within 18 months and that he would get about two weeks notice. “Approximately a week and a half ago,” he said, he got the phone call that his appearance would be taped on October 22 in Los Angeles along with five other shows. The shows being taped are all scheduled to be aired in the December January timeframe, but, at this point, he doesn’t know which of the six shows he will be on.

Marlyce, left, with Lianne Milton, owner of Branson Tourism Center, at a "Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients," event.

Branson’s Marlyce Stockinger has been selected as one of the eight finalists for the “Military Writers Society of America’s (MWSA) People’s Choice Awards.” The winner of the award will be announced during the MWSA Conference in Orlando, Florida on October 10. Marlyce works as the Director of Advertising and Public Relations for Branson.Com owned by Branson Tourism Center.

Marlyce’s selection as a finalist for her short poem entitled, “The Choice We Make” was announced September 12 by the MWSA on the Veterans Radio Net. Contestants had to write an essay or poem based on one of four “stimulus photographs, which can be viewed on the People’s Choice Awards” page of the Military Writers Society of America’s website, and had to be capable of being performed in five minutes or less. The winner will be determined as the result of popular vote. Anyone can vote by going to the “Military Writers Society of America’s People’s Choice Awards” page on their website and voting for the finalist of their choice.”

Marlyce wrote her short poem, “The Choice We Make,” based on the stimulus photograph by Pat Avery entitled “Father and Son.” The photograph depicts a Union soldier holding onto his small son. “When I first heard about the contest,” she said. “I wasn’t going to enter, but then I saw the picture of the soldier with his son. It touched my heart and the words came as a blessing from God.”

Those who know Marlyce Stockinger don’t have to be told of her passion for her Lord and America’s active duty military, veterans and their families. If you are around her for five seconds or longer you will feel it. Those who listen to “The Choice We Make,” presented on the “MWSA People’s Choice Awards” page will feel her passion for the soldier and the choice he made.”

Marlyce has worked numerous projects involving active duty military, veterans and their families. She said that she is particularly pleased with two major events conducted and sponsored by Branson.Com and Branson Tourism Center. The first is “Branson’s U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball” held on November 10 as part of “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week” and the other is “Hand-in-Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients,” honoring those who have been awarded the “Purple Heart.” It will be held April 23 and 24, 2010 during Branson’s celebration of Ozark Mountain Spring.

Marlyce uses the term “Awesome possum,” to honor what someone else has done. Well, maybe this once, she won’t mind if the term, “Awesome possum” is applied to her for being selected as one of the eight finalists in the “Military Writers Society of America’s (MWSA) People’s Choice Awards.”

Nadeem Husain, M.D. has joined the cardiology staff at Skaggs Regional Medical Center. He was initially referred to Skaggs Regional Medical Center by Dr. Vijit, a former cardiologist at Skaggs. Husain says, “Dr. Vijit spoke highly of the staff and facility here at Skaggs. When I came to Skaggs it was apparent why he enjoyed his time here: the practice, people, and environment of Skaggs. I am very pleased to be here and a part of the team.”

Dr. Husain attended medical school at the University of Punjab, Pakistan. He came to the United States in 1994 and began his residency in internal medicine at the University of South Alabama. He later served as a primary care physician at the Mobile County Health Department. In 2001, he joined the faculty of University of South Alabama, where he was assistant professor of medicine. While there he was involved in clinical teaching and mentoring of medical students. Dr. Husain finished his fellowship in cardiology from the University of Alabama in 2008. At that time he completed one year of additional training in interventional cardiology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Dr. Husain has been involved in clinical research in interventional cardiology and has publications in national journals including, Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine. Husain is a well-read speaker on various topics nationally, including, “Hurricane Heart”, a presentation at the Cardiovascular Revascularization Therapies 2008 meeting in Washington, D.C., discussing myocardial stunning precipitated by Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Husain loves to travel and spend time with his wife and two young daughters, ages 6 and 9. He joins Drs. Arunakul, Bhargava, and Nissenbaum at Branson Heart Center, 1150 State Hwy 248, Branson, Missouri, (417) 336-4112.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visting their web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

It’s a good idea to do business with your neighbors in challenging economic conditions, and that’s the theme of the Branson Area Business Expo 2009 on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center.

More than 40 member businesses will showcase their services from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Ozarks Technical Community College’s Center for Workforce Development will offer a workshop on effective business practices. The Expo is presented by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s free and open to the public, said Director of Member Services Ladona Johnson.

“Trade In The Tri-Lakes” is the theme, said Jonas Arjes, chairman of the Branson Chamber’s Small Business Development Advisory Council. One of many benefits of business-to-business commerce is added tax revenue for local public services, he said.

“If you need something for your business, almost everything can now be done locally,” Arjes said. “We’ve always been a community that rallies in hard times, and the more we can do together only makes the community stronger.” Tabitha Hendricks of PC Net in Springfield said they enjoyed last year’s Expo.“We consider the Springfield/Branson area to be very neighborly,” Hendricks said. “Keeping those local dollars local has been our focus.”

Branson Airport—a full-service commercial airport which opened in May—also is back. Last year, “everyone stopped by,” said Marketing Manager Deidre McCormick. “It gave us the opportunity to get the word out about the current status of the airport, and get people excited about the low-cost service,” McCormick said. This year, “it’s still about community awareness and to give people who haven’t taken advantage of the service yet to see what’s available.”
The OTC workshop will focus on “lean” practices in physical and human resources, said Business Development Manager Linda Doepker. “Saving your human resource time improves your customer experience,” Doepker said.

This year’s partners and sponsors include the Springfield Business Journal, OTC, Cyberstreet, Best Buy, Skaggs Regional Medical Center, Harrison Daily Times, Digital Lunchbox, Rock ‘N Roll is Here to Stay, NuVox, Limited Editions for Her, William Woods University, Creative Printing, PC Net, Fidelity Logic and Family Pharmacy.
For more information, call Ladona Johnson at 334-4084, ex. 314, or visit www.bransonchamber.com.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging, and travel services which can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or by clicking here to visit their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s Skaggs Regional Medical Center welcomes Gary Lambert as its new Director of Human Resources. Lambert will lead the department in the same outstanding customer service Skaggs provides to its patients on an internal customer-oriented basis; addressing all staff needs of Skaggs.

Prior to joining the team at Skaggs Lambert worked for a number of years in hotel management, transitioning to Human Resources in 1988. He worked as Director of Human Resources at Grosvenor Resort at Walt Disney World Village for 9 years and came to the Ozarks in 1997 as the Director of Human Resources at Big Cedar Lodge, where he worked for almost 12 years. His training programs geared toward customer service will capitalize the already strong dedication Skaggs’ employees have to their customers.

Lambert says, “Skaggs is a highly respected employer in this area and everyone working here should be very proud of that fact. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the team here at Skaggs.”

Lambert and his wife, Debby, have been married for 35 years. Debby works for the City of Branson. Lambert says his mother, Barbara, has lived in Branson since 2000 and has worked as a Skaggs Volunteer since 2003 in the Surgical Waiting area.

Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets, lodging, and travel services which can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or by clicking here to visit their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

You Drink & Drive. You Lose.

The Hollister Police Department recently focused extra enforcement efforts on impaired driving laws July 3-5.
During the effort, law enforcement officers issued a total of 21 citations that includes 3 speeding tickets, 1 driving while intoxicated, 5 safety belt and 1 child restraint violation.

“Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never worth the risk of a tragedy. “We’re working to keep our roads safer” said Chief Preston Schmidt. Driving while intoxicated remains one of the top causes of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Missouri. In 2007, 243 people in Missouri were killed in more than 7,780 alcohol-related crashes. Enforcement efforts like this one help to take impaired drivers off the road and make travel in Missouri safer.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com

The public is invited to numerous free activities this week marking the grand opening of Morningside, the residential community that is home to televangelist Jim Bakker. Morningside is a residential project on 560 acres, owned by developer Jerry Crawford, who credits Bakker with saving his marriage years ago and is located at the junction of Missouri 86 and 13 in Blue Eye, Missouri, about 30 miles south of Branson.

Starting June 29, events including concerts and seminars are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. It includes the opportunity to watch the taping of the nationally syndicated Jim Bakker TV Show inside the complex that resembles a small village with a central courtyard called Grace Street. Also, the Tabernacle in Peaceful Valley will be dedicated

The schedule of events may be found at www.jimbakkershow.com or call 417-779-9000. Evening concerts are at 7 p.m. and include performances by Ronnie and Glory-Ann Prophet on Monday, Dino and Cheryl Kartsonakis on Tuesday and a youth concert featuring Bill Ballenger and Kevin Shorey on Wednesday. Thursday’s concert features Jim Bakker with Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris. Friday features the Frontline Worship Concert and Saturday a line-up of guests include the Rankin Brothers.

Currently, Branson bound tourists and visitors traveling north and south on U.S. Highway 65 see the standard highway signs telling them they are in Branson and announcing the exits. The exits themselves although mowed and maintained are nondescript. Thanks to Branson’s Community Pride Committee (Committee) all that is about to change.

The Committee was established some months ago to, among other things, work on ways to beautify Branson. One of the first areas of emphasis was the approaches to the city of Branson from the north and south. At its April 28 meeting, the Committee reviewed designs for the new signs that will be used to welcome visitors to Branson and let those traveling up and down U.S. Highway 65 know that they are traveling through Branson.

In a recent change, the Missouri Department of Transportation will permit the city signs on their property which allows a lot more flexibility in their placement. According to Jerry Adams, a member of the Committee, and the city’s director of public relations, the next step in the process is to obtain the approval of the Branson Board of Aldermen and the Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce of one of the designs to be used for the eight (8) by six (6) foot signs.

Concurrent with the signs the Committee is continuing its discussion on putting flower beds at off and on ramps at U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 76. Adams indicated that both the new signs and the flower beds will be helpful additions in welcoming tourists and visitors to Branson.

One thing no visitor to Branson wants to add to their Branson experience is a stop and arrest for driving while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs (DWI). The message is clear to both local residents and visitors alike driving in the Branson area, “Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

In separate press releases, both the City of Branson and the City of Hollister pointed out that they will be joining with law enforcement officers from all over Missouri in an intensified effort to catch, arrest, and punish those driving on Missouri’s roads and highways while under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the period May 1-3. Hollister’s Police Chief Preston Schmidt and Branson’s Assistant Police Chief Steve Dalton said that it is never worth the risk to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that to do so could cause drivers to lose their license, pay large fines, go to jail, or worst of all, cause a tragic loss of life.

Although Missouri’s driving while under the influence laws are enforced on a daily basis by local law enforcement officers the “crackdown” on May 1-3 is intended to focus the public’s awareness on the DWI problem in an effort to make Missouri’s roads and highways safer. Both Dalton and Schmidt emphasized that in 2007, 243 people died in more than 7,780 alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in a death or injury every 1.7 hours.

The operation of Branson’s largest shopping attraction, Branson Landing, will not be effected by what is being described as one of the largest commercial real estate failures in history. General Growth Properties Inc. (NYSE: GGP), one of the largest shopping mall owners in the country, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code earlier this week. Although GGP owns three shopping malls in Missouri, Branson Landing is not one of them.

In a July 2008 press release, HCW Development Company, LLC (HCW) announced that it had contracted with GGP for the leasing, management, and marketing services for Branson Landing to become effective August 1 of that year. The press release contained no mention of a legal entity called General Growth Management Inc. (GGMI.)

In a “Media Alert,” published by GGP on April 16 relative to its bankruptcy filing, GGP said, “Branson Landing in Branson, Mo. is managed by General Growth Management Inc. and is not owned by GGP. GGMI did not file for Chapter 11 protection, meaning that operations at the shopping center are not impacted by GGP’s filing.”

It went on to state, “GGMI third party management responsibilities continue uninterrupted at Branson Landing. Branson Landing, like GGP owned malls elsewhere in Missouri, will remain open with the same great shopping and entertainment that customers have come to expect.” The media alert contained no additional information about GGMI or its relationship to either GGP or Branson Landing.

Please join us at noon on Friday, April 24th in Branson Landing’s Town Square, right in front of the Branson Landing fountains, as we celebrate Arbor Day.

It has been over 135 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day, a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. His simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever.

The Arbor Day Celebration begins at 12:00 noon with a host of special guests, award presentations, great entertainment, FREE trees and much more. With Master of Ceremonies, Yakov Smirnoff and special performances by John and Ambrus Presley, as well as the amazing group – SIX, this special Arbor Day Celebration will be one not to miss!

With the objective of reforesting and maintaining trees throughout the Branson and Taney County Area, 200 Red Twig Dogwood Seedlings will be distributed as well as 500 Holly Bushes donated by Empire Electric. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day in a personal way by planting a tree yourself.

For more information on Arbor Day, visit www.arborday.org today!

Branson tourists and locals planning on using State Highway 265, a popular route to and from Branson’s Silver Dollar City and other points west of Silver Dollar City should plan for delays during the week of April 13. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), portions of the popular route will be reduced to one lane traffic for periods of time during the week because five miles of Highway 265 will be resurfaced with a new one inch driving surface.

During a telephone interview on April 13, Kevin Durbin, Senor Construction Inspector, MoDOT Region 7, said the actual area to be resurfaced will run from about 200 to 300 feet south of the Highway 265/76 intersection to just north of the traffic signal at the Highway 265/165 intersection near the Chateau on the Lake. He said the project will not include any portion of Highway 265 south of that traffic signal.

Durbin said the project was scheduled to start on April 13 but has been delayed for at least one day because of weather. He anticipates that if the weather permits and they can get started on April 14 that the project will be completed by the weekend. He again stressed that the project is weather dependent.

He explained that the work is scheduled to start at the Highway 265/76 intersection and will work south on Highway 265. As it does, a movable zone, closing one lane of traffic and permitting one-way traffic only, will move with it. MoDOT advises travelers on State Highway 265 traveling north from the traffic signal at the Highway 265/165 intersection to be aware of the work, look for and obey flaggers, drive slowly through the work zone and be prepared to stop.

The Downtown Branson Main Street Association’s (DBMA) director for the past year has resigned.

Dawn Erickson will become a consultant and volunteer for the organization, according to DBMA President Jeff Justus. Erickson will continue to produce reports for DBMA’s government-related economic development projects, supervise the national marketing program, and assist with upcoming special events such as Plumb Nellie Days and the annual fiddle contest.

“We are sorry to see Dawn leave the organization, but she has assured us that she will remain involved,” said DBMA Chairman Jeff Justus. “She said she plans to return to free-lance communications and economic development projects.”

Responsibilities handled by Erickson will be covered by DBMA’s board members and staff. The director’s position will be left open at this time, Justus said.

“Over the past year, we have done our best to adapt to a changing economy,” Justus said. “Non-profit organizations are going to take a beating in this recession, and we have made significant changes in how we spend a shrinking supply of investment dollars.”

For more than 20 years, DBMA has provided revitalization opportunities for the downtown business community through government grants and programs. It conducts an effective annual national marketing campaign to attract visitors to Historic Downtown Branson. It hosts several tourism-related special events each year, and creates strategic partnerships among government entities, business organizations and private enterprise to achieve the goals of the community. DBMA also provides administrative service for the Community Improvement District which operates a free public trolley service in the historic district.

“By operating DBMA as tightly as we can during these tough times, we will survive for the long haul as an organization,” said Shawn Pingleton, a member of the Board of Directors.

Additional information about DBMA is available by contacting Jeff Justus, 417-334-3107.

Pointe Royale Golf Village Unveils New Turf

Pointe Royale Golf Village will hold a ribbon-cutting by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, near the Clubhouse. The golf course and Clubhouse have undergone a $4.5 million re-do that even included remodeling the sand traps with zosia grass linings and new sand.

Pointe Royale was built as a planned development on Lake Taneycomo in 1986. Several entertainers have homes there including Andy Williams. There also are nightly-rental condominiums. For more information, call Ann Sweet at 294-1799.

Discount Days At Grand Glitz

Beginning April 1 through April 4, Branson’s three Grand Glitz shops will offer a 25 percent discount on merchandise to celebrate the opening of the newest location in Chappy Mall in historic downtown Branson.

Owner Linda Tichenor bought her first Grand Glitz store four years ago from Silver Dollar City in the Grand Village. Then, she opened Grand Glitz in Branson Landing. And now Grand Glitz will occupy the front shop in Chappy Mall across from Dino’s 25 Karrot Cake Café.

The shop specializes in upscale but affordable clothing including R & B, jewelry, handbags and—at the Chappy location, hats, Tichenor said. They also carry shoes by Laplume, J.Renee and Onex.

There will be a ribbon cutting conducted by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 2. On Saturday, April 4, there will be special events from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. including music by SIX. Call the Chappy Mall location at 239-1437.

Make The Connection!

Wonderful places for wedding and other special occasions are spotlighted on the next BRANSON COMMUNITY CONNECTION. The local talk show about what’s going on in Branson airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on the Vacation Channel. On April 2 and 9, the first guest is Beverly Gray from Emory Creek Victorian Bed and Breakfast. Then it’s Allison Walenta from Branson Landing Cruises. Next, Leah Hardin tells about Big Cedar’s facilities. And Bill Tirone talks about the beautiful possibilities at the Branson Convention Center.

A to Z Rollout Party Offers Fun

A to Z Restoration will celebrate a new professional affiliation that will improve their all-important service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. They’ll demonstrate their equipment, offer hourly giveaways, food, entertainment by American Kids and others, and hold ribbon cuttings including at 2 p.m. with the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

They also will do onsite auto upholstery cleaning for $20, said business development manager Laurie Solt. And to help Christian Action Ministries, they invite everyone to bring a personal hygiene item to donate.

They located in the Hollister Industrial Park. Turn at Purcell Tire. The company, established in Branson in 1981, does routine floor care as well as restoration after water, fire or smoke damage. Also mold mitigation and even pet deodorization. Now they’ve affiliated with Rainbow International, a company that sets industry guidelines. The new partnership provides 24-hour technical support, and technicians have new uniforms with photo ID badges and background checks. Call 334-2275.

My Neighbor’s Pantry in New Location

Gift of Hope, Inc., recently acquired My Neighbor’s Pantry and relocated the food service to 10275 East Missouri 76 across from The River church. The pantry was founded six years ago in Rockaway Beach by Jan and Ernie McCabe. It provides food for more than 1,800 people a month. It was located in Forsyth in the former Catholic Church, but that building is now being developed as a history museum by the White River Historical Society.

Gift of Hope formed in 1989 when owners and employees of National Enzyme Company in Forsyth decided to forego the traditional gift exchange, and raised $700 to “adopt” a family. They now provide children with school supplies, food and clothing and help families with rent, utilities and other needs.

The Pantry is open noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information or to help by volunteering or supplying food, call 417-546-8098 or visit www.giftofhopeinc.org.

Red Cross Seeking Volunteers

Volunteers are needed in Taney and Stone counties, said Donna Jones with the American Red Cross based in Springfield. They have about 700 volunteers in their 23-county area, but only a few in this area. They would like to have an advisory committee here as well. Volunteers take free training and can get introductory classes online. The most frequent need is response to fires, she said. Caseworkers provide comfort, assess damages and can in some circumstances immediately issue funds onto a credit card for the victims’ use. It’s especially critical now as we approach tornado and flood season, she said. For more information, visit www.redcross-ozarks.org or call Luke Bolz at 417-832-9500.

Hollywood Wax Museum Gets $5 Million Makeover

Tej Sundher, one of the owners of the Hollywood Wax Museum that opened in 1996, said they’re confident in Branson’s future as a popular tourism destination. Enough to invest $5 million in a re-do of the attraction, he said.

Wax sculpture techniques now produce even more realistic figures, and guests will be able to walk right up to the new Wax Museum “stars” and take their pictures with them. He hopes lots of those photos will be on Facebook and other social networks.

Sundher’s grandfather built the first Hollywood Wax Museum in Hollywood, Calif. One of the new displays allows guests to sing for the American Idol judges. Recently, Simon Cowell was seen sitting in one of the museum’s offices—at least, it sure looked like him.

The outside of the building also is changing and will become an attraction in its own right. The museum will open Tuesday, March 17, although exterior work will continue.

No Prom Duplicates

Lana Johnson Nichols, who owns the Touch of Class shop in the Shoppes At Branson Meadows, recently talked about the store’s special efforts to make prom-goers very happy. She keeps a list of those who purchase prom dresses in her formal-wear shop—as well as the men’s tuxedos—from all the area high schools. That way, the girls don’t have to worry about seeing someone else in their dress on that all-important night, she said.

She said the popular prom dresses this year are more sophisticated than ever. They’re also already selling wedding attire. And the shop has a new in-house alteration service. Call 334-0303 or visit www.touchofclassformals.net.

The “Clever Store Name” Category

Never a Dull Moment is a new shop across from Arvest Bank in Branson Landing. It’s a knife shop but also sells a variety of hunting, camping and sporting goods; outfitter supplies, books, camping food and more. They carry Browning Knives with bone handles, or lapis and inlaid wood. They also have professional knives used by police, military and hunters.

It’s owned by Joseph and Karen Duaime, who had a similar store in Dallas for years, but decided they love Branson and plan to retire here, he said. Call 239-1122.

Upcoming Community Economic Forecast

The community is invited to attend the annual Community Marketing Presentation by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 3, in the Keeter Center on the campus of College of the Ozarks.

The presentation will cover 2008 research statistics on visitor numbers and revenue; a forecast for the 2009 season; details of the marketing, media, public relations and sales plans and news from the organization. Mark the date on your calendars.

Momma’s Meat Loaf

Andy William’s Moon River Grill will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. beginning March 27, and will start regular lunch and dinner hours April 21. They’ll still feature favorite recipes of Andy’s mother, Florence Williams, including meat loaf and chicken pot pie, said general manager Loralei McCoy. And don’t miss the Gouda Macaroni and Cheese.

The restaurant has become an entertainment destination where local performers drop in. This year, Bill Medley, The Comets and Paul Revere will be there to meet visitors before or after their shows in the Moon River Theatre.

Thursday is Midweek Moon Madness where there will be Happy Hour drink specials 10 to 11 p.m. and Open Mike from 9 p.m. to midnight. There are Friday and Saturday night jam sessions after the shows let out, and the fabulous Gail Lennon will be back for her popular special engagements.

All those interested in participating in or getting additional information on Branson’s first “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients” event, to be held on April 24-25, are invited to attend a press conference/meeting at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on March 3. Marlyce Stockinger, Special Veteran Events Coordinator for the event’s sponsor, Branson.Com, said the primary purpose of the press conference is to outline the activities of the two day event, introduce key event participants, and answer any questions about the event the public press may have.

Another purpose Stockinger said, was to let the public know how they can participate in remembering and honoring the sacrifices of those who have been wounded in action in the defense of our country and have received the Purple Heart. She points out that this event is a first of its kind in the nation and that although none of the event’s activities will cost the Purple Heart recipients anything, the active participation of the community in attending and participating in the activities will be a vital element in honoring them.

She particularly encourages public participation in the Opening Ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre at 2:00 p.m. on April 24, the Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber theatre at 2:00 p.m. on April 25 and, especially at the special “Mountain Majesty Twilight Ceremony,” to be held at Branson Landing at 6:00 p.m. on April 25.

An article in news.branson.com on February 10, 2009, entitled “Branson Airport announces expanded air service to Milwaukee” reported on the information released by the Branson Airport on the new AirTran air service between the Branson Airport (BKG) and Milwaukee, WI (MKE) scheduled to start on May 11. The flight to Milwaukee (MKE) will start on May 11, the same day that AirTran service to Atlanta (ATL) will start.

The news.branson.com article states, “AirTran will begin the Milwaukee service on May 11, 2009 with one daily nonstop flight in each direction. The daily flight is scheduled to depart Milwaukee (MKE) at 10:15 and arrive at the Branson Airport (BKG) at 11:50. It will depart BKG at 2:00 p.m. and arrive in MKE at 3:25. The release indicates that AirTran connections are available through Milwaukee to Baltimore, New York City, Minneapolis, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.”

The article goes on to report that although the AirTran schedules shown on its website indicate “viable connections with same day service on both the outbound and return flights for Milwaukee, Baltimore, New York City, Minneapolis, Boston, Orlando, and Atlanta,” the same cannot be said for the connections to the west. The schedule indicates no connections through MKE to either Los Angeles or Las Vegas from the BKG to MKE flight, travel to both those destinations would be through Atlanta (ATL) and that although there is same day service on the outbound flight there is no same day service on the return flight from either destination.

New Skaggs Regional Medical Center Logo

The revealing of the new name and visual identity of Skaggs Regional Medical Center as well as the announcement of being a HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence was celebrated Tuesday, January 27th,in Branson Missouri, with much fanfare. Skaggs employees, local residents, and area media crammed inside the Outpatient Center Lobby to hear about the award and its connection to the medical center’s new name and logo.

Skaggs, for the fourth time, is in the top 5% of hospitals for overall clinical quality and has been named a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence. HealthGrades is a leading healthcare rating company that studies the quality of 5,000 nonfederal hospitals. The study shows Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence are improving at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering mortality rates over the years of 2005, 2006, and 2007 by an average of 27%.

No hospital can opt out of the HealthGrades rating process because all the data comes from the federal government. That is exciting for Skaggs Regional Medical Center since it is the only hospital in Southwest Missouri to receive the distinction.
Being named a Distinguished Hospital in Clinical Excellence by HealthGrades is just one of the many reasons it was time to have an identity that encompasses where Skaggs is today. With the continuous growth in the Tri-Lakes region, Skaggs has not only kept up with the needs of its community, but in many cases is leading the way.

Over the past 59 years the little brick hospital in Branson has expanded its services enormously, including the additions of Skaggs Outpatient Center, Skaggs Regional Cardiac Center, Skaggs Center for Women’s Health, Skaggs Cancer Center, Skaggs Orthopedic, Neurology and Spine Center, Skaggs Health and Fitness Center, and Skaggs Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinics.

The new name and identity of Skaggs Regional Medical Center places greater emphasis on the broad region we already serve, and the expanding array of premium healthcare services we provide. The updated logo – a two-toned blue cross with a river-like “S” through the center – contains a subtle acknowledgement of the Skaggs name, as well as the White River which helped shape the region, and hints at healthy balance and the compassionate care for which Skaggs Regional Medical Center has long been known.

An article published at news.branson.com entitled, “Branson’s Hot Winter Fun back on track after major ice storm,” describes that Branson, Missouri is basically ready to continue to do what it does best, entertain its guests. What’s amazing is that it is taking place in spite of just having gone through one of the worst winter storms Branson has seen in decades.

The article reports the effect on Branson as the storm moved through southwestern Missouri and northern Arkansas starting mid afternoon on Monday, Jan. 26 and its virtual shutdown of almost everything on Tuesday Jan. 27. Although not called “miraculous” in the article, it does describe that in spite of the severity of the storm, Branson did not receive the damage and major power outages suffered by its neighbors just a few miles to the south.

It goes on to report that Branson’s major roads and peripheral roads had all been cleared and treated for ice and, with the higher temperatures on Thursday and Friday should be virtually back to normal levels of service for the weekend.

It also pointed out that the Hot Winter Fun businesses that had closed during the brunt of the storm are in the process of reopening. All in all, it appears that in spite of one of the worst winter storms in Branson’s history, its Hot Winter Fun time in Branson this weekend.

Excerpts from the article:

“If telephone conversations with the Grand Country Theatre and Branson Landing are any indication, Branson’s Hot Winter Fun businesses, attractions and shows will start opening on Thursday, Jan. 29 and should be in full swing for the weekend.”

“VanGilder [Larry VanGilder, Public Works Director for the city of Branson] said that with the sunny weather and increased temperatures forecast for Thursday and Friday the condition of all major Branson and peripheral roads should be at near normal levels of service by the weekend. It should be remembered that, particularly on some of the peripheral roads, refreezing of the thawing ice can reoccur as temperatures drop over the night time hours.”

For further information on Hot Winter Fun and the latest information on the availability of specific attractions, shows or shopping please contact the Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at 800-785-1550.

Click here for entire article.

An article appearing in the Jan. 7 edition of the Baltimore Business Journal reported that Aviation Facilities Co. Inc. (AFCO), “Is developing the nation’s first privately-funded commercial airport in Branson, Mo., which is scheduled to be finished in May [2009]. The primary topic of the article, was to announce that AFCO, a developer and manager of airport infrastructure, based in McLean, VA, bought the trade name and seven U.S. airport management contracts from AvPORTS, a division of Macquarie Infrastructure Co. (NYSE: MIC), for an undisclosed amount.

The mention of the Branson Airport was incidental to the main topic and appeared in the last sentence of the article. Information on AFCO’s web site, regarding its involvement with the Branson Airport, states “In its role as developer, AFCO is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of the project” and that “AFCO has a minority ownership and sits on the board of Branson Airport LLC.”

The website indicates that AFCO’s “services include the management of airports, the development, design, financing, leasing, and marketing of terminals, cargo, maintenance and other support facilities, fixed-base and general aviation facilities, cross-dock facilities, aircraft aprons, parking facilities and other transportation infrastructure.” It lists airports such as Orlando International, Kansas City International, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX as properties using AFCO services.

The water flowed from inside the lobby of the Grand Palace to the middle of the road. How long the water had been flowing is indicated by the accumulated ice to the left of the engine.

The front end, lobby area, of the Grand Palace suffered extensive water damage sometime prior to the arrival of the Branson Fire Department at 10:45 on Dec. 23. According to Branson Fire Department Division Chief Ted Martin, the department responded because, “Someone had called and said there was water pouring from the building.”

Although there was evidence that water had flowed out of the front and side doors of the Grand Palace and froze, there was no evidence of water actually flowing out at the time. Martin indicated that the water had been shut off.

Looking into the lobby of the building, puddles of water were visible at both ends of the stair case leading up to the second floor and in the middle of the lobby. It was obvious that the entire lobby area including the gift shop, concession and ticket areas were saturated with water.

Martin said the damage appeared to be limited to the lobby area. He suggested the damage appeared to be caused by multiple breaks in the buildings sprinkler system which could have been caused by the extremely cold weather over the past few days. He also pointed out that they found a roof hatch open which was letting a lot of cold air into the attic area.

He went on to indicate that buildings required to be protected by a sprinkler system are required to be monitored. The alarm will go off if the fire alarm or sprinkler system goes off. Martin explained the monitoring provides for early detection, early notification and a quick response.

Martin continued, “Unfortunately this had flowed for a long long time before it was discovered.” He went on to say, “This is a prime case of excessive water damage that wouldn’t need to have happened had we had the fire alarm system monitored.” Martin went on to point out that even though building are not being occupied and used they recommend that the owners keep them maintained as far as fire alarms and sprinkler systems go.

He recommended a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the sprinkler system. Martin also suggest the 50 degree minimum for two other reasons, one to cause the ambient temperature to go up and help keep attic areas and other areas that might have pipes from freezing and the second to keep electronics systems, such as fire alarms and security systems that could be effected by extreme cold, warm.

Martin indicated that the theatre management was aware of the situation.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The first class hospitality promised by officials of the new Branson Airport now extends beyond the terminal. Branson Gray Line, the locally owned and operated transportation experts, will exclusively operate all taxi, shuttle, limousine, luxury coach, charter bus and ground transportation services at the new facility, set to open in May 2009. This announcement comes just one week after Branson Airport, the first privately financed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., announced that AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Air Tran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), will be the first national network carrier to serve the new airport when it opens next spring.

“My goal is pretty simple, to work in tandem with airport staff to provide a first-class hospitality experience like no other,” Scott Thompson, president of Branson Gray Line said.

“The exceptional service you’ll get from AirTran and the Branson Airport won’t end when you land or leave the terminal. It’s our goal to make sure that whether you’re a tourist or a local, a family or an individual, here on vacation or here on business, you receive the most professional and efficient service possible, otherwise, I haven’t done my job,”Thompson said.

Between now and the time the airport opens, officials at Branson Gray Line will be working tirelessly to organize services between area accommodations and the Branson Airport. As the exclusive provider of shuttle services for the airport, Branson Gray Line will be responsible for maintaining hotel and resort courtesy shuttles for those properties interested in offering such a service to their guests. Branson Gray Line recently came to an agreement with the Radisson Hotel in Branson and will serve as the exclusive transportation provider to the Radisson, offering timely transportation services to both individuals and groups staying at the property.

“This is a very exciting time for us. Getting people where they need to go is our business, and we’re good at it. The Branson Airport is going to bring a whole new market of travelers to the area, and we’re ready to meet all their transportation needs. It’s been a long time coming,” Thompson said.

Branson Gray Line is Branson’s oldest and largest transportation and destination management company and the only internationally franchised motor coach company and event planner in the area. Operating in Branson since 1993, they are currently expanding to maintain a fleet of approximately 40 vehicles and employ 50 people locally. The staff of Branson Gray Line is committed first and foremost to excellence in customer service and safety. Branson Gray Line is a proud client of Digital Dispatch Systems, Inc., a world leader in providing wireless fleet management solutions. For more information about Branson Gray Line, visit www.BransonGrayLine.com.

GIS Coordinator Curtis Copeland demonstrating a GIS application.

The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” describes an important management and development tool the city of Branson uses on a daily basis, its Geographical Information System (GIS). Curtis Copeland, GIS Systems Coordinator of the Geographical Information Systems Division of the city’s Engineering Department describes GIS as an important tool for use in mapping Branson’s continuing development and future growth.

Copeland said, “GIS is a system of hardware and software used for storage, retrieval, mapping, and analysis of geographic data.” He went on to note that in general terms, although most end users, see the data reflected graphically as maps, graphs, diagrams, etc., it is important to realize that everything being seen graphically is based on data in a data base that is related to a particular geographical point.

Copeland said the data used for GIS could be, “Just about anything geographically related to the city of Branson or the surrounding area.” As to the specific types of data that could be used, either singularly or layered in conjunction with other data, he mentioned data bases related to zoning, mapping, voting wards, land ownership, business locations, tax districts, water and sewer lines, fire hydrant locations, public easements, trails, streets, and demographics etc.

When asked if the data stored in the data base could displayed in a useable graphic format Copeland replied, “Absolutely, the ability to take the data in a data base and present it in graphic form is what sets GIS apart from other mapping applications.” He went on to say that although the GIS end product looks the same as other mapping programs most of them are presented strictly from a graphical stand point. The difference in GIS is that maps are associated with a data base so you can actually do analysis and queries.

Copeland used the example of the city building a new road. They could use GIS not only to graphically show the proposed road but to show all the parcels of property along the new road and also generate a list of the names and addresses that the city needed to notify or contact in association with building the road.

The graphic result would involve the use of multiple data bases such as one containing the coordinates for the road and one showing property parcels associated with the road and their boundaries. In addition, the names and address of the property owners could come from yet another data base. Copeland went on to point out that in addition, if needed, other layers could be layered in to the graphic map such as topographical data, easement information, and water and sewer line locations.

Copeland described the application of GIS to problem solving in the city as being limited only by the amount of data in a digital format available for the system to use. He pointed out that thanks to the farsightedness and planning of City Engineer David Miller, the city began acquiring plans and mapping information in digital format since the early 1990s and that new data, either generated by the city or obtained from other sources such as Taney County, is constantly being added to expand both the scope and efficiency of the GIS.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

AirTran Airways Boeing 717 “touches down” on the first official landing at Branson Airport.

At 9:57 a.m. a new era in Branson’s history began as an AirTran Airways Boeing 717 touched down on the runway and became the first aircraft to officially land at the Branson Airport. The AirTran jet taxied up to the parking ramp to the welcoming applause of dignitaries and others who had assembled for the official announcement of who would be the first carrier for the airport.

Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran announced that AirTran would begin service to Branson effective May 11, 2009. The service will be a single roundtrip nonstop flight between Branson Airport (BMG) and the world’s busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scheduled to depart ATL at 11:30 a.m. and arrive at BMG at 12:10 p.m. daily. The return flight to Atlanta is scheduled to depart BMG at 12:45 p.m. and arrive at 3:30 p.m. daily.

AirTran Airways is a subsidiary of AirTran Holding, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company. It offers coast-to-coast flights and connects to 54 destinations through Atlanta including Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY and San Juan Puerto, Rico. It was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. Following behind AirTran in the top five were Jet Blue, Southwest, Northwest and Frontier.

In describing the Branson Airport project and what the announcement of the carrier meant, the eyes of Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport had an excited sparkle as he said, “This is a big deal.” He described it as a fascinating project and commented that he really likes projects where everybody can win, believes this is one of those projects and that he couldn’t be prouder of the way things unfolded. Peet gave the credit for the vision and idea of an airport to Glenn Patch and that, “He [Peet] was just along for the ride.”

When asked about potential competition from the Springfield Airport trying to match Branson’s low cost fares, Peet said he thought it would be a great thing and that “Low airfares in southwest Missouri is exactly what everyone wants and needs.” He commented that if there were lower fares in Springfield it would benefit everyone including the Branson Airport and would stimulate all kinds of business including air travel and tourism.

Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said that Branson Airport and the announcement of AirTran beginning commercial passenger jet service to the area will add a new dimension to the development of not only Hollister, but the entire Branson area. Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB described the announcement of the AirTran commercial jet service to the immediate Branson area as the opening of a new highway into Branson.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that expanded air service into Branson was great for both our visitors and our citizens. She felt that the airport and the air service it is bringing will provide more opportunities for people to travel to Branson and stay longer.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

While discussing the most recent marketing report from the Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), it was pointed out that Branson’s sales tax revenues were down sharply for the month of October. The report, presented by Ross Summers, the CVB’s President/CEO and Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, was a marketing performance update through Sep. 30, the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2008.

Although the report shows year to year growth in the collection of both Branson’s 1% Sales Tax and 4% Tourism Tax through Sep. 30, Alderman Stephen Marshall suggested caution. Marshall pointed out that the report only covered the period through Sep. 30 and said, “We all know what has happened since then.” He specifically referred to the collapse of Wall Street and its effect on Main Street America.

Marshall expressed his concern that based on the report, the media would report that things were up and things were good. He went on to state, “We all know that as of October and November it’s like they turned off the spigot.” He indicated that he would brace for a different picture at the end of the year.

After additional discussion relating to the concern expressed by Marshall’s and its potential impact Mayor Raeanne Presley said some of the initial October tax numbers had just become available. She asked Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof to share those figures.

He pointed out that some of the indicators they had been monitoring suggested that October and November would be “soft” months. He asserted that they had just received most recent sales tax figures for October earlier that day and that the overall city sales tax collections for October were down. He requested Finance Director, Lori Helle to give the specifics on the October sales tax receipts. Helle said that the 1percent City Sales Tax is down 11percent and the 4 percent Tourism Tax is down 9.4 percent for the month.

Mayor Pressley pointed out that the more recent October figures are based on a cash flow basis and represents all cash actually received during October. She said some of that could be payments due from previous months. Helle confirmed that and pointed out that the same thing applied to the October receipts. The Mayor also noted that the reduced percentages being discussed were as compared to the 2007 October receipt of taxes, not the 2009 budget.

Kruithof said that in addition to having budgeted very conservatively for 2009 that they would be monitoring the city’s spending trends very closely. He told the board that changing revenues and expenses, as they relate to the budget, would be watched very closely.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent. https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

Those anticipating playing Texas Hold-em Poker in Rockaway Beach have been delayed. While about five people were observed registering for the free membership offered by the Twin Lakes Card Club at approximately 11:35 a.m., no playing of poker by any member of the public was observed during the period 11:35 a.m. to approximately 12:15 p.m.

During an interview held at that time Jason Williams, the clubs’ owner, indicated that although the basic games and structure had not changed there had been a major change. The change, based on communications he has had with the Missouri Gaming Commission and State Police since the original interview on Dec. 1, involved buy-ins. During that interview he said that although membership in the club was free that “buy-ins” were required for all tournaments, a fact also reflected on the clubs web site.

As of today, he said there are no more buy-ins and all members can play for free and buy-ins for Rockaway Beach have been removed from the website. Williams said they intended to have the free play all along. When asked why he didn’t mention that fact during the Dec. 1 interview he said he did not want to confuse anyone.

Wiliams went on to point out that although there will be no buy-ins, custom card guards will be sold for varying amounts and, because those purchasing the card guards will considered “preferred customers,” they will be given preferred seating at all tournaments. The prizes to be awarded at each tournament would be determined after seating and could run the range of token prizes to cash prizes and seats in higher value tournaments depending on the value of the custom card guards represented by those in the tournament.

At approximately 2:32 p.m., when contacted for some further information, Williams indicated that he had had further conversations with law enforcement officials after our initial interview and that “preferred seating” was no more. When asked how the value of the prizes would be determined, Williams indicated, in what appeared to be a frustrated voice, that the minimum prizes would be determined after the seating for each tournament.

Williams said that if they could get things worked out with “them” and there were enough players it was his intention to have a tournament at 7:00 p.m.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

When completed in a few weeks, Birch Street, shown looking toward its northern end with Business Highway 65, will extend south all the way to Branson Creek.

Drivers going to and from the Hollister Highway 65 Interchange and the South Town Mall area from the east of Highway 65 will soon have a more efficient way to get there. The North Birch Street extension is currently being paved and, weather permitting is just a few weeks away from being opened to the public.

Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said the improvement was a $2.8 million dollar project. He said that although the project was a joint public and private project, the vast majority of the funding, all but approximately $30,000, was financed with private funds raised through the South Town Community Improvement District and developers in the area.

Ziegenfuss said that one of the major benefits to the citizens of Hollister, of the road being completed, is that it permits them to move from the traditional downtown area of Hollister out to the South Towne area without having to go through the interchange or having to take the circuitous route out in front of the College of the Ozarks. He pointed out, although Hollister’s population center is still in its east side, with the expansion of Hollister’s city limits to the south and west from the current downtown area, that the Highway 65 Interchange has become the geographic center of Hollister.

In terms of the completion of the perimeter or outer road system for the Highway 65 Interchange, Ziegenfuss said the completion of North Birch Street to Business Highway 65 will extend the outer road system on the east side of Highway 65 from Business Highway 65 south to Branson Creek. He pointed out that the outer road on the east side of Highway 65, the Gage Drive extension south of McDonalds, extending just past the front of the Hollister Police Department and west back to its intersection with Historic Highway 165 is complete. It completes a loop that eliminates the need to cross over multiple lanes of traffic to get to the College of the Ozarks, downtown Hollister or other points west on Historic Highway 165.

Ziegenfuss said another benefit of the completion of the North Birch Street extension is that it will permit more efficient use of the Highway 65 Interchange. He said it is designed to handle 60,000 cars a day. Currently, because the outer road system on the east side is not complete, the intersection is substantially loading only from the west side. In addition, all the traffic back into Hollister from the east side of the interchange has to use the interchange further reducing its efficiency. He believes these problems will be substantially mitigated with the completion of the Birch Street project.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Rockaway Beach didn’t get casino gambling but it just might be getting No Limit Texas Hold’em poker. A recent publicity announcement sent out by Concept Marketing announced that the Twin Lakes Card Club is expanding its operation from Arkansas into Missouri and would be offering “No Limit Texas Hold’em Skill Tournaments in Rockaway Beach, at 2691 State Highway 176, starting at 12:00 p.m. Dec. 4.

The announcement said the tournaments were 100% payback “With buy-ins to fit any budget.” The club’s web site states they will be opening in Rockaway Beach on Thursday Dec. 4 and will have buy-ins from $20 to $350. The buy-in for Sit-N-Go will be from $40-100, Field Tournaments from $125 to $350 and Seat Tournaments $60. The web site goes on to state, “We offer legal skill Tournaments. From large Multi-Table, to single table Sit-N-Go tournaments, we do them all.

In a telephone interview on Dec. 1, Jason Williams said he was the owner of Twin Lakes Card Club and it is a sole proprietorship. He described the club as a private club that sponsors no limit hold’em skill tournaments and TV shows. Williams said there is no fee to join the club and anyone 21 years of age or older can become a member.

He explained that there is a buy-in for the tournaments and the main objective is to get to the $350 game on Saturday. He went on to say that the champion of the $350 tournament on Saturday would go on to the TV show and play for $15,000 in prize money. Williams said the show will be made in January and will be entitled “Hometown Hopefuls.”

Using the example of a ten player $40 Sit-N-Go tournament, Williams explained that the one winner of the tournament would get a $240 seat at Friday’s tournament while the other nine players would get nothing because the only prizes available in the Sit-N-Go Tournaments are seats in the other tournaments leading up to the $350 game on Saturday. He went on to explain that all of the buy-in money is paid out in seats to tournaments or in prizes in the form of gift cards and that all his profit will come from the TV show.

Gail Bavuso, who handles business licenses for Rockaway Beach, said that a business license had been issued to the business to conduct the tournaments. Les Hahn, a member of the Missouri Gaming Commission’s gaming enforcement staff indicated that they had no jurisdiction over private card clubs. When Williams was contacted as to what state agency had issued him a license for he said, “The Department of Revenue.”

Section 572.010 of the Missouri Revised Statues (MoRS) states, “a person engages in ‘gambling’ when he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.” Section 572.020 MoRS states “A person commits the crime of gambling if he knowingly engages in gambling” and defines it as a Class C Misdemeanor.

Section 572.030 MoRS states, “A person commits the crime of promoting gambling in the first degree if he knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling or lottery activity by,” among other things, receiving more than one hundred dollars in any one day of money played in the scheme or enterprise. Violation of Section 572.030 is a Class D Felony.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The city has issues and questions about the proposed budget Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) has submitted for the operation of the Branson Convention Center for the 2009 fiscal year. A primary issue relates to the allocation of expenses between the city owned Convention Center and two private hotels, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

Two primary documents relate to the financial operation of the Branson Convention Center. One is a “Convention Center Management Agreement (Management Agreement), dated June 1, 2005, between the city and Hilton. The other is a “Revenue and Expense Allocation and Cost Sharing Agreement (Allocation Agreement), dated the same date, between the City, Branson Landing Hotel, LLC, Boutique Hotel Development Company LLC and Hilton.

On Oct. 10 Hilton delivered a proposed 2009 draft budget to the city. Under the terms of the agreements the city has a 30 day window in which to respond. On Nov. 5, within the 30 day window, the city sent its initial “Budget Response” signed by Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof.

Kruithof pointed out that the budget was to be a line item annual budget for each of the component units consisting of the Convention Center, the Convention Center Hotel, and the Promenade Hotel and was to address the allocation of shared costs allocated to each component. He noted that the proposed budget “addresses only the costs of the Convention Center and does not provide detail on the allocation of expenses between the Convention Center and two hotels as required by the Allocation Agreement.”

Kruithof stressed that the allocation of expenses would be necessary so that the city could review the information to determine if the allocations were appropriate or further information was needed. He went on to say that after the city had the opportunity to review that information it would be in a position to submit a “true Budget Response” under the terms of the Allocation Agreement.

He also asked for more details on six specific areas in the proposed budget. The items were laundry, marketing expenses, food and beverage, excessive increases in expenses, salaried positions, and bad debt. Kruithof expressed the opinion that food and beverage profits for the prior year was far below the industry standard and the “double-digit increased expenses” for certain items was excessive and asked for more analysis and information in those areas.

Kruithof went on to say, “With the current state of the economy and its effect on municipal revenues, the City is experiencing challenges with the provision of basic City services such as Police and Fire, and the subsidy to the Convention Center is putting a strain on the city’s budget.” He expressed his hopes that a finalized operating budget would be forthcoming as a result of the receipt of the requested information and further discussion between Hilton, the City and the hotel owners.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

The city of Branson is moving ahead with the planning and actions necessary to implement its new liquor control ordinances (LCOs). At the Nov. 20 work session meeting of the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen, city Finance Director Lori Helle, gave the board a status report on the process thus far. Under the LCOs the primary responsibility for oversight, civil enforcement, and administration of the ordinances is assigned to a position designated as the “Director.”

In the LCOs the city’s Finance Director is designated as the “Director.” The LCOs also provides that the Director, with the approval of the city administrator, shall designate a Liquor Control Specialist. Helle announced the appointment of Carl Garrett as the Licensing & Tax Compliance Supervisor which will include the duties of the Liquor Control Specialist. Garrett has been with the city finance department for a number of years and has been involved in various activities involving the administration of enforcement of issues involving the collection of city taxes and business permits.

As part of the process, personnel from the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Control will be coming to Branson in early Dec. to offer assistance to the city as it transitions into its new LCOs. This will involve, among other things, a review of processes, forms and applications that the city might use as it it implements the new LCOs

Helle said it is anticipated that notice letters will be sent out to all current liquor licensees during the 2nd week of Dec. The letters will contain information on how the LCOs will impact them, their business, what they need to do to comply, when they have to comply, where they need to go for background and fingerprinting checks and other applicable information.

One of the major impacts of the LCO is the requirement for a criminal history report. Sub section 10-11 of the LCOs requires that “The director or their designated liquor control specialist, or the police department shall obtain criminal history reports for each individual and shall charge each individual a fee in such amounts as shall be necessary to defray the cost of the city in obtaining criminal history reports for each individual.”

At the work session there was discussion on the fact that the criminal history would require finger printing. Helle said that fingerprinting would have to be done in Springfield and the results sent to the city.

Helle pointed out some of the other major considerations of the implementation of the LCOs such as employee training, the $250.00 per year application fee and another $50.00 per year for a Secondary License for Sunday sales. She said that each applicant will be required to list all employees that come in contact with alcohol and will be required to show proof that those employees have been trained before a license can be issued.

Helle said that from an application and registration perspective, the new LCOs will only effect new applicants after Jan. 1, 2009 and will not impact anyone holding a current license until its renewal by June 30, 2009. Helle said that renewal letters will go out to current license holders by the end of March so that everyone has plenty of time to comply with the new changes.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Relatively speaking, if the attendance of parents at the most recent parent teacher conferences for grades K through 8 in the Branson School District, was a batting average, the Branson Schools and the parents of the students in grades K through the Junior High would be in the Hall of Fame with an average of “940.” Averaged on a facility basis, the reports given to the Branson School Board at its last meeting indicate that parents representing over 94 percent of the students in grades K through the Junior High attended the most recent parent teacher conferences held during October.

Shelly McConnell, Branson Primary Assistant Principal, described the parent teacher conference as a “Formal time set aside to continue building school/family relationships and to share updates regarding standardized testing scores, classroom work habits, citizenship and academic progress.” McConnell said, “During parent conferences, teachers share positive progress, areas of concern, targeted growth plans, and discuss ways parents can continue the instructional process at home.”

She emphasized that the parent conferences was just one of many opportunities that parents have had to come into the schools and be a part of social and academic events that help connect, shape, and build home/school relationships. McConnell said, “Our staff recognizes that continual, effective communication with school families is a cornerstone of our school success.” She pointed out that teachers try to maintain contact with the families of students “by writing notes, sending email, making calls, updating websites and blogs, and scheduling regular meetings.”

McConnell reported the Branson Primary school conducted 548 parent conferences and had an overall 90 percent attendance rate, Branson Elementary East conducted 396 conferences with a 91percent attendance rate and Branson Elementary West conducted 479 conferences and had an overall attendance rate of 92 percent. She described the excellent turnout for the parent conferences as “a tribute to the dedication and commitment of our families and staff to ensure the success of all our students.”

The Intermediate School, grades 5 and 6, had a 96 percent over all participation while the Junior High, grades 7 and 8, averaged a phenomenal 98 percent. Brad Swofford, Principal of the Junior High, reported that they had “experienced participation at an outstanding level.” He reiterated the value of the parent conferences as a tool to provide an opportunity for the schools to deliver information to parents, receive information from parents, plan changes for specific students, as needed, and to build trust as parents learn that the school’s have teachers who truly care about their students.

In talking about the overall results and how important the parent teacher conferences are, Brenda Romine, Communications Director for the Branson School District said the relationship between home and school is vital to the quality of education each child gets. She went on to say that the parent teacher conference is another important and vital part of developing that relationship.

Branson License Bureau will be closed Nov. 20 and 21 and will reopen Nov. 24.

When the Branson License Bureau closes its doors on Nov. 19 an era will end. Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB said that for over 15 years the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has operated the bureau under a contractual agreement with the state, but that will stop as of the close of business on Nov. 19.

He said that the bureau will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21, for transition to another operator and will reopen, in the same location, on Monday Nov. 24 under that operator. Summers indicated that the transitional closing is mandated by the state for auditing and inventory purposes and, except to say that it would be a “Fee Office” that was currently doing business with the state, had no other specifics as to the name of the entity that he could share.

Summers said the decision not to continue the contract is based on the economics of increased costs to the chamber and shrinking revenues. He said the state used to pay a lot of administrative costs such as office supplies and postage but no longer does so.

He went on to point out that the primary source of the bureau’s revenues were from fees the state paid on each transaction the bureau processed. While the state was increasing the bureau’s costs by reducing the amount of the administrative costs it paid it did not increase the per transaction fee it paid.

Summers said except for the two days the bureau is closed for transition on Nov. 20 and 21 he anticipates that there will be continuity in the operation of the bureau. He expressed the opinion that the fee office operator who will be operating the bureau when it reopens on Nov. 25 will be doing so on a temporary interim basis and that after the new governor takes office a permanent operator will be selected through the Request For Proposal (RFP) process. He anticipates that the bureau will remain in its current location at least temporarily but acknowledged the possibility that the location could change in the future.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

Ozark Mountain Bank (OMB) is trying to retroactively extend the lease between itself and the city of Branson that was used as the basis for threatening to tow the cars of a major exhibitor from the city’s convention center’s parking lot on Nov. 7. In a Nov.10 letter ,Ozark Mountain Bank (OMB) President/CEO, C. Craig Richards said, “The purpose of this letter is to confirm that Ozark Mountain Bank has exercised its option to renew the Parking Lease for the additional one (1) year term beginning April 5, 2007, and the additional one (1) year term beginning April 5, 2008.”

The lease in question is entitled “Parking Lease Ozark Mountain Bank” which became effective April 5, 2006 for an Initial Term of one year and which expired on April 4, 2007. Subsection 3.2 of the lease states “Prior to the expiration of the Initial Term and prior to the expiration of each Term thereafter as provided in this paragraph, OMB shall have the option to renew this Lease for additional one (1) year terms (each a ‘Term’)”.

That same subsection states the option “Shall occur by OMB providing written notice of such renewal to the City not less than thirty (3) days prior to the expiration of the then current Initial Term or Term.” Subsection 3.3 of the lease states “This Lease shall terminate in the event that OMB fails to exercise its option to renew during the then current Initial Term or Term, as provided in Section 3.2 above.”

An email was sent to the Dean Kruithof, Branson City Administrator, requesting along with other information copies of OMB’s latest request to renew the lease in accordance with Subsection 3.2. When no response had been received from the city by the morning of Nov. 12, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director was contacted. He said the email had been forwarded to OMB for their input and that the city had no documentation showing that OMB had exercised its option in accordance with the provisions of the lease.

On the afternoon of Nov. 12 Adams said the city had a response from OMB. The response was OMB’s Nov. 10 letter. In a phone conversation on the afternoon of Nov. 12 Richards admitted that OMB has no documentation establishing that OMB ever exercised its option in accordance with the terms of the lease.

Richards said that they have been paying the $30.00 per space required by the lease and the city has continued to accept their money. He also pointed out that the reason OMB got the lease was because when they sold OMB land to HCW Development, Inc. (HCW) for the convention center there was a provision that parking be provided for OMB. The Lease specifically acknowledges that the Lease is the vehicle by which the city will provide parking for OMB.

Richard’s acknowledgement of OMBs failure to comply with the written provision of the lease aside, the letter concludes with the statement, “Unless we are immediately advised to the contrary, we will assume that the parties are in agreement as to the matters stated herein.” On Nov. 13, Kruithof said he has no problems with the general provisions lease.

Click here for related article.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

“Branson’s loss is Hollister’s gain that’s for sure,” said Larry VanGilder, the city of Branson’s Public Works Director. The “loss” he was referring to was Debbie Redford, the city’s long time Environmental Specialist, who will be leaving her position to accept the position of “Public Relations Coordinator and Grant Writer” in the Hollister School District effective Jan. 5, 2009.

VanGilder said that one of the first things Redford said when she became Branson’s first and only Environmental Specialist in 1995 was that she had been an environmental volunteer all her life and couldn’t believe that she was going to be getting paid for something that she loved to do, She said, “How much better than that can it be.” He went on to say that she has brought that enthusiasm to her job every day.

Redford said that the thing she will miss most about the job is the people. She expressed her pride in the city of Branson for the financial commitment it made to the development of its environmental program pointing out that environmental programs are generally not self sufficient and Branson’s is no exception.

While reflecting on some of the major accomplishments of her tenure with the city, Redford cited the development and expansion of the recycle center from a simple drop off point to processing facility as a major accomplishment for the city. Over the years, the city’s physical recycling capability has evolved,from a drop off point, into a facility with covered pole barns, glass crushers, and balers for items such as cardboard and plastics along with a household chemical facility for the collection of household chemicals.

Another accomplishment was in the area of environmental education. She pointed out that the city has permitted her the flexibility to present programs and speak not only within the city of Branson but to other schools and organizations within the surrounding community.

Redford said that operating a recycling center is extremely labor intensive and labor is expensive. The cooperative effort she has developed with local courts and organizations for the use of persons required to perform Community Service is an innovation she feels has enhanced not only the effectiveness of the recycling centers operation but its financial viability.

Dr. Tim Taylor, Hollister’s Superintendent of Schools said, “She’s just the perfect fit and we are thrilled to have her.” Those who know Redford and what she has done for the development of the city’s environmental program might just echo Taylor’s statement saying, “She was a perfect fit and we were thrilled and lucky to have her.”

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

Wounded combat Veteran, U.S. Marine Sgt. Jason Arellano, speaking at Veterans assembly on Nov. 10.

In a town where there were all sorts of Veteran’s ceremonies and remembrances this week, one of the most special took place at the November Citizenship Character Assembly of the Branson Junior High School on Nov. 10. Its specialness wasn’t in the appearance of famous people, entertainers, or dignitaries, it was in the quiet dignified sincere way that the school, administration and students honored the Veterans personally related to their students and in the simple heartfelt speech of a warrior.

The Veterans were invited to sit in a special seating section on the floor level of the gym where they were joined by their student, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, niece or nephew. Brad Dolloff started the assembly by sharing a bit the history of World War II involving the heroic action of the Army Rangers at Point du Hoc during the Battle of Normandy. The Rangers scaled steep cliffs in the face of overwhelming enemy fire to gain a vital foothold and force the enemy artillery back from its permanent emplacements where it would have been able to place withering fire directly down on the off leading ships and their fellow soldiers fighting their way ashore.

Local Veteran Charlie Engram read the names of the 40 some veterans, representing just about every branch of the service and conflict from the Second World War to the current War on Terrorism. In his introduction Engram called all the Veterans sitting in front of him “Heros. He acknowledged, “There are some of you that will say not me” and went on to say that’s not true because “You are heroes.” Engram stressed that as a as a nation we enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

As Engram read the names of the 40 plus Veterans present each stood until all had been acknowledged. With all the Veterans standing, the assembly gave a standing ovation.

The Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps color guard made up of Ashley Powers, Lindsey Rainey, Alexis Rabe and Chelsea Collins smartly presented the colors. Jared Campbell lead the “Pledge of Allegiance” followed by the National Anthem sung by Kris Spencer.

The guest speaker, U.S Marine Sergeant Jason Arellano was introduced through a video clip. The clip showed him being carried off the field of battle after receiving serious injuries in a fire fight in Fallujah, Iraq when there was serious doubt as to whether or not he would survive.

As he started his presentation Arellano asked two questions, “When you look at our flag what do you see and feel? When you hear our National Anthem what do you hear and what does that mean to you?”

Rather than talk about himself extensively, Arellano brought the sacrifice of Veterans home by simply reading the citations of two posthumously awarded Navy Crosses of fellow Marines. One gave his life in the jungles of Vietnam and the other, Arellano’s friend, in Fallujah on the same day Arellano was severely injured. He summed it up by saying that’s what our military does; perform heroic and amazing deeds in the face of great danger.

Arellano suggested when we look at our flag and hear our national Anthem that what we should see, feel, and hear is respect for what they represent, our country, people, freedom, way of life and the price that is being paid, and has been paid, on their behalf. A price paid in blood, sacrifice, and pain by America’s active duty military and Veterans, a price that never should be taken for granted.

The last advice Arellano gave the students was “Live your life for those that can’t.” After thanking the assembly, the humble combat tested warrior left the podium to a standing ovation.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Recently it was noted that not all businesses collecting and paying the retail tourism tax to the city of Branson and the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) are listed on the website billing itself as the “Official Website of Branson, Missouri, www.explorebranson.com (website). The website URL is owned by the city of Branson. It along with the site content, as it existed as of Feb. 27, 2007, was leased to the TCED for a period of three years for the purposes of promoting tourism within the TCED.

The financing for the website comes from two basic sources, the one percent TCED retail sales tax on most retail items purchased within the District which encompasses an area covering all Branson, the State Park Marina and out to Indian Point including Silver Dollar City. The second source is the 25 percent of the four percent city of Branson Tourism Tax on accommodations, restaurants, shows, and attractions. It is estimated that about $6.6 million will be available from these two sources for marketing in Fiscal Year 2009.

The Branson Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), under a contract with the TCED does the marketing for the TCED, including the management and marketing of the exploreranson.com website. CVB Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations, Dan Lennon, Lennon said that all any retail or tourism business collecting either of the city of Branson’s tourism taxes has to do to be listed on the site is call James Little, Director of Web Services at 417-334-4084 Ext. 313.

Lennon points out that the CVB is transitioning from a “membership based” marketing organization to a “constituent business” based marketing organization and is functionally separate from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Lennon said that under the old membership system marketing opportunities did relate to membership. He stressed that under the new constituent business concept that is no longer the case and every retail and tourism related business collecting either the city or TCED tourism tax is eligible to take advantage of the CVB’s marketing opportunities on an equal basis.

These opportunities include one free basic listing on explorebranson.com. He said that, currently, additional listings, links, and advertising are available to all constituent businesses on an equal basis. In addition, constituent businesses are equally entitled to share in any of the myriad of marketing opportunities offered by the CVB. Lennon said that the CVB is constantly looking for ways to improve and market Branson more efficiently and invites any constituent business or organization to participate in the process.

The following article was pubished in theBranson Daily Independent on Oct. 31 and is reprinted with its permission.

Branson Airport Terminal shot from across ramp. To the right is taxiway from runway which is completed. Branson Airport is schedule to open for passenger serviec in 2009.

Branson Airport, scheduled to open for commercial service next May, is billed as the nation’s first private airport designed for commercial jetliner service built totally with private funding. Branson Airport LLC (BA), the owners of Branson Airport, have asked Taney County for over $400,000 to assist in marketing Branson along the routes its carrier or carriers will be flying.

Jeff Bourk Executive Director, BA made a presentation and presented a proposed agreement to the Taney County Commission on Oct. 29 requesting that the Commission “Approve a tax revenue sharing program designed to promote tourism to the region and increase county sales tax revenues.” Bourk pointed out that if approved the agreement would reinvest a percentage of the new county tax dollars generated by the presence of the airport to promote additional tourism to Branson and Taney County via the airport.

BA requested that the County Commission approve a tax revenue sharing credit equal to the amount of “on airport tax revenues” estimated to be generated in the first full year of operation, $418,632. Further, Bourk requested that the first revenue sharing credit be given in advance on Dec 1, 2008 or when the first national network carrier has announced service to the Branson Airport. He said that BA would like to receive the same benefit for about ten years but that the payments in all future years would be based strictly on the tax revenues collected from on airport tax revenues. “On airport tax revenues” are taxes from things such as rental cars, ticket sales, restaurants, and gift shops.

He went on to say that the marketing funds would be used to promote travel to Branson in the major cities along the routes of the carrier or carriers flying into the Branson Airport. Bourk said that BA had received a commitment for marketing assistance from the Branson CVB and stressed how critically important such marketing would be, particularly in the first year of the airports operation, for the success of the airlines serving the airport. He pointed out that if carriers pulled out of the Branson Airport because of lack of passengers it would be extremely difficult to get other commercial service to Branson in the future.

Presiding Taney County Commissioner, Chuck Pennell, expressed his consternation that with all of the planning and money that had gone into the airport and its development thus far that no funding had been set aside for something as critical as marketing. Bourk replied that it was planned that the local governments would fund the majority of the marketing covered by the agreement.

Western Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend made a motion to approve the agreement subject to some conditions, but Eastern Taney County Commissioner Danny Strahan made a motion to postpone any decision for a period of two weeks which was seconded by Pennel and approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The following article was printed in the Oct. 15 edition of the Branson Daily Independent and is republished with permission.

And the Survey said, “If there was low cost air service available to Branson from a given area, more people would chose to come to Branson from that area than would otherwise come.” Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport, LLC, said, “That’s basically the pitch, it’s that simple.”

In describing the process used to arrive at that conclusion Bourk said it involved a comparison of where the millions of people who visit Branson each year are coming from against the national networks of the low cost carriers serving those areas. Each carrier has the daily potential to bring people to Branson from each of the cities in their network. He said, “You have airlines with 1,500 people a day to 3,000 people a day already coming to Branson” which could represent up to 30 flights per day in these networks.

Bourk explained that the success of the airport does not depend on getting carriers to put in 30 flights a day. He said, “Originally we want them to put in two or three flights a day to get the service started.” He went on to say that even in this economy there are a lot of potential passengers who want to come to Branson and compared the number of passengers necessary for the success of the airport to getting a bucket of water out of the ocean.

The airport surveyed over 12,000 people from the major areas where Branson’s visitors already come from. The survey revealed that if low cost air service was available to Branson about 75 percent more of the people from a given destination and its surrounding area would chose to come to Branson that wouldn’t otherwise come because of the long drive or having to take a bus. That’s not counting the people who would convert from “drive to fly” if there was a low cost carrier flying into Branson.

When discussing fares Bourk said, “Springfield and Fayetteville are some of the highest priced airports in the country.” While acknowledging that Springfield had Allegiant, a great low fare carrier to the few relatively few destinations they fly to, he pointed out that the rest of Springfield’s service was very costly.

Bourk went on to explain that Branson Airport is looking for air carriers that are low cost and have a national network. Although he could not give the specifics of the carrier or carriers that have agreed to service the airport he said the type of low cost nationally networked air carrier they are looking for would be, in alphabetical order, carriers such as “AirTran, Allegiant, Continental, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, and, airlines like that.”

A comparison of the maps of the low cost carrier national networks against the destinations where Branson’s marketing data establishes the majority of its visitors come from indicates two things. The astute selection of the right low cost carrier or carriers can make Branson an affordable air destination from the majority of the major airports in the United States and, if the survey is right, “It’s just that simple.”

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent

The ads for Missouri’s Proposition A stress the alleged benefits to educational funding should Proposition pass. What the ads don’t say is that if passed it will create a virtual casino gambling monopoly for the 13 Missouri communities where casino gambling is currently authorized by drastically increasing the odds against Branson, and other communities which do not currently having casino gambling, from ever getting it.

Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB said, “The board of the Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB has consistently taken a position against the expansion of casino gambling into the Branson area.” He went on to say that the passage of Proposition A would be consistent with that position.

Proposition A is not an amendment to Missouri’s constitution. It is a modification to Missouri’s laws made by a vote of the people. If approved by the voters Proposition A enacts a new act entitled, “The Schools First Elementary and Secondary Education Funding Initiative” (Proposition A) which modifies Missouri’s existing laws governing casino gambling in seven specific areas.

The “Title” for Proposition A voters will see on the ballot starts off with the verbiage, “Shall Missouri law be amended to:” followed by the list of the seven specific areas to be modified. One of the seven areas covered by Proposition A states, “restrict the number of casinos to those already built or being built.” The web site http://www.yesforschoolsfirst.com for one of the major organizations supporting Proposition A, “Yes on A Coalition” indicates the number of casinos will be limited to the current 13 if Proposition A passes.

The full language of Proposition A covering the restriction of the number of casinos in Missouri states,“The Missouri Gaming Commission shall not authorize additional excursion gambling boat licenses after the effective date of this act that exceed the number of licenses which have been approved for excursion gambling boats already built and those under construction. For purposes of this section, ‘under construction’ means an excursion gambling boat that has a license application approved by the Commission for priority investigation and is under construction at the approved site prior to the effective date of this act. If one or more excursion gambling boat licenses issued under chapter 313 is forfeited, surrendered, revoked, not renewed, or expires then the Commission may issue a new license to replace the license that was forfeited, surrendered, revoked, not renewed, or expired.”

If Proposition A is approved by the voters it does not completely eliminate the possibility of casino gambling coming to the Branson area but it does create another considerable hurdle that must be overcome before that can happen. As the law currently reads there is no limit on the number of casinos authorized within the state.

Currently, if the Branson area wanted to authorize casino gambling it would first have to get a constitutional amendment approved by a statewide vote authorizing casino gambling in the Branson area. If the amendment was approved by the voters the Missouri Gaming Commission could issue the license.

If Proposition A is approved and the Branson area wanted to authorize casino gambling in the area it would still require a constitutional amendment approved by a statewide vote. The difference is that even though Branson would have the authority to do it Missouri law would prohibit the Missouri Gaming Commission from issuing a license to do so.

For Branson to actually get the license necessary to build the casino the restriction on number of casinos that could be built in the state imposed by Proposition A would have to be modified to permit more than the 13 authorized by the Proposition. The “Yes on A Coalition” web site indicates that could be changed in a variety of ways such as the voter approval of a future ballot initiative, a referendum measure placed on the ballot by the legislature, or the legislature passing a law allowing additional casinos.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people, Branson area children have a number of opportunities for a safe Halloween alternative to the traditional door to door trick or treating. From trick or treats to a haunted forest and hayrides, area children can have a “Boo of fun” and get lots of treats, all safely and for free.

The Hollister Boo Bash and Halloween Walk is a cooperative effort between the city of Hollister and the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA. It will be held at the YMCA in the Hollister Industrial Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Talbird Lovan, Executive Director of the YMCA, said there will be a variety of activities including a carnival, a Haunted Maze and Hay Rides. He said over 800 kids participated last year, more is expected this year and additional donations of candy and treats would be appreciated.

The carnival will have a number of activities and games such as the fish pond, a pumpkin toss etc. with prizes for each event. In addition there will be a costume contest with prizes. Big Brothers and Sisters will have Hay Rides leaving periodically throughout the evening.

The Haunted Maze sponsored by the city of Hollister is a unique feature of this event. Margie Williams, Finance Director for the city of Hollister a.k.a. The Queen of Halloween said the Haunted Maze winds through a darkened area with exciting and scary “scenes” such as the Haunted Forest and Illusion Table waiting around each turn.

Each of the “scenes” is performed by a volunteer from or representing the city of Hollister’s government and most involve actions intended to add an element of Halloween excitement to the maze. Williams reminds parents that some scenes it might be too “scary” for some smaller children and all they have to do is ask any of the volunteers performing in a given scene not to “perform” and they will stand motionless as the child passes by. There are additional treats awaiting those who complete the maze.

Additional information on the even can be obtained by calling the YMCA at 417- 337-YMCA (9622.)

Tanger Outlet Mall will offer trick or treating from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 31. Although a spokesperson from the mall’s customer service could not be specific as to their design she did say that each of the participating stores will have distinctive signs. For additional information call Tanger Mall at 417-337-9331.

Over 75 of the merchants in Branson Landing will be participating in the Landing’s 2nd Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tammy Schloten, Director of Marketing for the Landing, said the event is open to costumed children up to the age of 12 and provides a safe Halloween alternative with lots of treats. All the activities will take place in the Landing’s promenade and Town Square.

Sholten explained that each of the merchants participating in the event will have a “pumpkin sign” prominently displayed in their front window and will be handing out treats to the costumed children. She also pointed out that special Halloween decorations will be placed up and down the promenade and in Town Square and that the first 1,000 kids to visit the cool Halloween Witch in the Town Square will be given free Halloween bags, really big bags to hold all their treats. Legend has it this really cool Halloween Witch has lots of treats too. For additional information call Branson Landing at 417-239-3002.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

If the budget process is any indication, the “system breakdown” relating to Branson’s financial caution light, as explained by City Administrator Dean Kruithof at a meeting on Sep. 7, appears to be well along the way to repair. After months of dedicated effort by the city of Branson’s staff, its financial consultants and advisors, elected officials, and its Capital Improvements and Budget and Finance Committees the city’s budget for 2009 will be presented to the Board of Aldermen and Public for review and comment at the boards Oct. 28 meeting.

A preview of that budget was presented by city Finance Director, Lori Helle, at a joint Work Session Meeting of the Board of Aldermen, Capital Improvements Committee, and Budget and Finance Committee held on Oct. 23. Just how much a work in progress and challenging the budget process is can be illustrated by the difference in the figures presented in just a few days time.

The tentative work budget for the General Fund, presented to the Budget and Finance Committee at its Oct. 15 meeting, for 2009 showed Budgeted Revenues of $15,440,350 and Budgeted Expenditures of $16,787,967 for a net deficit of $1,347,617 in the General Fund. As the budget process continued and was refined the net result presented in the Oct. 23 budget to be presented at the board’s Oct. 28 meeting showed Revenues of $19,377,890 and Budgeted Expenditures of $20,117,577. The projected net deficit of $739,687 in the Oct. 23 budget presented is about 45 percent less than was estimated just a few days earlier in the Oct. 15.

Helle explained that a large part of the difference between what was presented in the Oct. 15 estimated budget and the Oct. 23 budget had to do with the way revenues and expenses for the Branson Convention Center are reflected. She said, “We should have been receiving all of the revenues from the convention center instead of netting them with the expenditures.” The estimated amount of this revenue for 2009, totaling $3,821,610, is reflected as specific revenue line items under “Misc. Revenue” in the General Fund.

She also noted that the overall General fund Expenditures estimated for 2009 have decreased slightly from that projected for 2008. Helle also pointed out that the salaries for 2009 were budgeted with a 3 percent increase, health benefit costs have been budgeted at a 5 percent increase and that the retirement costs for city employees will increase the 2009 budget by about $178,000.

An examination of the Oct. 23 budget indicates the General Fund will have an ending Fund Balance of $6,002,028 down $2,640,686 from its beginning Fund Balance of $8,642,714. Kruithof has expressed concern about the recent trend of declining fund balances. Helle said the 2009 ending Fund Balance “will be the floor for future budgets.”

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

By GARY J. GROMAN
a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

The Pride of Branson Marching Band competed in the first annual Ozark Mountain Marching Festival hosted by Reeds Spring High School on Oct. 11. Even as the band completed their last marching maneuver and exited the field as the last notes they played faded away over the darkening Ozark hills, those watching knew they had just seen something special. The rest was up to the judges.

As the scores of the divisional finals were announced it was obvious that the judges too thought the Pride of Branson Marching Band’s performance was something special. The band received an overall score of 83.8 to win their Division and won the only two peripheral awards given in their divisional final, best percussion and best color guard. In addition, Branson was the only band in the division to improve their overall score from the preliminaries held earlier in the day and won over two other excellent bands, the second place Parkview Viking Band and the third place Hillcrest Blue Wave Band by scores of 4.5 points and 8.2 points respectively.

In the preliminary competition earlier in the day, the Pride had taken first in its Class with a score of 80.9. That automatically qualified them for a spot in the finals later that evening. The band was also awarded two peripheral trophies for the best horn line and the best color guard.

In arriving at the overall score, the judges evaluated the individual areas of Music, General Effect, Marching and Maneuvering, Percussion, and the Color Guard. Based on that evaluation, scores are assigned in each of the areas down to one tenth of a point. That puts an extreme amount of pressure on each band member, one missed step out of thousands taken during the routine, one dropped rifle or flag by the color guard or a misplayed noted could mean the difference between winning and losing.

In an earlier interview Branson Band Director, John Kerley, Jr. said how proud he was of the kids and the effort they have made this year. He pointed out that this year’s routine, entitled “Games,” is challenging from both a music and marching and maneuvering perspective. He said the kids are having fun and he could sense the pride they felt in each other and what they were doing.

Kerley said that performances just don’t happen. They are the results of thousands of hours of individual and group practices. It involves a commitment to the band that lasts for months and covers 12 hour days of practice in the heat of summer to practices in the crisp cold weather of October with 5:00 a.m. wakeups for the 6:30 a.m. outside practices each morning, plus hours of individual practice just about year round to maintain their musical skills.

As the band was finishing its early morning practice on Oct. 16, Kerley reminded the 140 members of the band and color guard of what they had achieved at the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival. He challenged them to bring that same performance to each of their remaining competitions.

Drum Major Annie Treat said, “We have worked hard, put in a lot of effort, and have come a long way.” Treat pointed out that there is always room for improvement and that is something they strive to do in each practice and performance.

The Pride of Branson Marching Band has two competitions left, the Ozarko Marching Festival at Southern Missouri State on Oct. 18 and the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Oct. 25. In talking with Kerely it doesn’t take too much to see the pride he has in what the band accomplished or realize what he meant when he said it is their commitment, dedication and effort that adds the meaning to the words, “See the Pride, Feel the Pride, Be the Pride.”

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php

Branson’s budget took another step forward on Oct. 21 as its Capital Improvement Committee received information about the city’s bond rating, bonding capacity, debt obligations, and other information that could impact on the city’s ability to finance needed capital improvement projects now and in the future. The city’s bond consultants told the committee the city’s bond rating was “good for a city of this size.”

Rick McConnell from Gilmore & Bell, the city’s bond attorney, reviewed the information about the types of bonds the city had and its capacity to bond further. He pointed out the vast majority of the city’s bond debt is not in the form of general obligation bonds but is guaranteed by annual appropriations and revenues from specific sources. McConnell pointed out that general obligation bonds required a vote of the citizens.

When asked exactly what the bonding capacity of the city was, McConnell indicated there was no set defined legal limit and it depended on a number of factors. He explained, “There is no capacity for risk in the market” and was not certain as to what the market’s reaction would be to a big bond issue at this time. He also pointed out that the city’s 4 percent estimate for interest was low and thought a 6 percent figure would be more appropriate.

Kelsi Powell and Dennis Lloyd from Columbia Capital Management gave a review of the city’s debt obligations. Powell said the city had an Annual Appropriation Credit Rating of Baa1 (Stable) from Moody’s and BBB+ (Stable) from S&P for bonds guaranteed under that method such as the Branson Landing Bonds and an Issuer Credit Rating of A1 (Stable) from Moody’s for General Obligation Bonds.

She said that in terms of credit rating, Branson is unique because of the effect tourists have on its economy. She described the ratings as good and credited them to Branson’s steady tax base growth, consistent and strong financial performance, historical commitment to make annual appropriation payments, and the resilience of its tourism based economy during economic downturns.

Powell pointed out there are credit challenges in terms of Branson’s high debt burden, the economic sensitivity of its main source of revenue and the risks commonly associated with major development projects. She specifically pointed out some potential rating agency concerns that could impact on Branson’s future ability to issue bonds.

One of those concerns was depleting its existing reserves. Recently, in speaking of the city’s reserves, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof stated that Branson is where it needs to be for 2009 but he has concerns about what happens in future years if the current down trend in the city’s reserves is not reversed.

Powell said the credit agencies would also be concerned about a significant and trending decrease in revenues. The estimate being used for the 2009 budget year is about a 4 percent decrease in revenue.

In looking at the anticipated debt that will be needed in the not too distant future to finance sewer and water projects both McConnell and Lloyd cautioned the committee. They said that under the current conditions getting bonds issued is going to be a challenge for any community because investors are adverse to any risk. Lloyd pointed out that the more debt the city has the harder it will be to get bond financing in the future.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

After much confusion most would say the final result makes sense. On the morning of Oct. 10, City Engineer David Miller said, “I have met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1.”

The confusion started as a result of an announcement Miller made at the Branson Board of Alderman’s study session on Oct. 9. One could actually see the surprise on the faces of the Mayor and board when Miller announced that although Forsythe Road was expected to be open very soon that a detour would be placed at the intersection of Roark Road and Forsythe Road, perhaps as early as next week.

Miller explained that the detour was necessary for the city to make the improvements to the Roark Valley/Forsythe Road intersection. As some of the board and the Mayor actually expressed their surprise at the detour they asked how long it would be, why it was happening during one of the busiest times of the year and how long it would take to finish. Miller indicated that the weather necessary to insure the completion of the project was a consideration as to timing, and that the plan, weather permitting, was to have it done by Thanksgiving weekend.

Later that day, information was received from Miller and Jerry Adams, Public Information Director for the city, stating that the detour would become effective on Monday Oct. 20. Miller reiterated that weather permitting it was planned that the work on the intersection would be completed no later than the Thanksgiving weekend and hopefully sooner.

On Oct. 10 Miller indicated that it was extensive feedback on the closure of Roark Road during the period of time the city had chosen to close it that led to the decision to delay the closing. Miller did point out that although they will basically keep Roark Valley Road open “There may be a few hours on some days when the road will be reduced to one lane and we’ll use flagmen.” Miller said that such temporary lane reductions could not be avoided and would be for short durations on one or two days.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

After much confusion most would say the final result makes sense. On the morning of Oct. 10, City Engineer David Miller said, “I have met with the contractor this morning and went over a revised phasing of the work on Roark Valley Road and we have come up with a way to modify the schedule and work process that will allow us to leave Roark Valley Road open to traffic until December 1.”

The confusion started as a result of an announcement Miller made at the Branson Board of Alderman’s study session on Oct. 9. One could actually see the surprise on the faces of the Mayor and board when Miller announced that although Forsythe Road was expected to be open very soon that a detour would be placed at the intersection of Roark Road and Forsythe Road, perhaps as early as next week.

Miller explained that the detour was necessary for the city to make the improvements to the Roark Valley/Forsythe Road intersection. As some of the board and the Mayor actually expressed their surprise at the detour they asked how long it would be, why it was happening during one of the busiest times of the year and how long it would take to finish. Miller indicated that the weather necessary to insure the completion of the project was a consideration as to timing, and that the plan, weather permitting, was to have it done by Thanksgiving weekend.

Later that day, information was received from Miller and Jerry Adams, Public Information Director for the city, stating that the detour would become effective on Monday Oct. 20. Miller reiterated that weather permitting it was planned that the work on the intersection would be completed no later than the Thanksgiving weekend and hopefully sooner.

On Oct. 10 Miller indicated that it was extensive feedback on the closure of Roark Road during the period of time the city had chosen to close it that led to the decision to delay the closing. Miller did point out that although they will basically keep Roark Valley Road open “There may be a few hours on some days when the road will be reduced to one lane and we’ll use flagmen.” Miller said that such temporary lane reductions could not be avoided and would be for short durations on one or two days.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

At its Oct. 2 meeting, the Hollister’s city council heard comments and received a letter from Rob Dixon, Director, Operations and Member Relations, Hollister Chamber of Commerce. Dixon made comments about Hollister’s Grape and Fall Festival held on Sep. 27 and presented the council with a letter of thanks from the Chamber.

The letter expressed the Chamber’s “Sincere gratitude for the City of Hollister’s participation in the 2008 Grape and Fall Festival” and its appreciation of “the significant amount of labor, material, and other support that the City contributed to the effort.” It went on to acknowledge that without the city’s help and involvement the event would not have been the success that it was.

The letter went on to say, “The 2008 Grape and Fall Festival was a success by many measures. The event attracted approximately 4,500 people to the Downing Street area, and a significant number of those visitors were new to our community. Our food and craft vendors benefitted from the large turnout, as many reported that they had high sales and that they want to participate in next year’s festival and any others that take place in Hollister. Downing Street merchants benefitted from increased traffic through and in front of their shops, and we worked with them in order to maximize their exposure to the large crowd.”

In other business the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 245 of the city code by adding a new section 245.035 entitled “Temporary Health Permit Fees.” Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said the amendment is intended to to cover the cost of inspections and other administrative fees associated with the serving of food at temporary events such as Hollister’s Annual Grape & Fall Festival.

Under the new ordinance it is the responsibility of the Event Organizer to complete a Temporary Food Event Organizer Application, make sure each food vendor completes a Temporary Food Service Operator Application, and submit all required applications and designated fees to the city 30 days prior to the event. The Event Organizer Fee is $50.00. The fees for for each temporary food vendor is based on a sliding scale fee based on the number of food vendors participating in the event with a fee of $25.00 each for 0-10, $20.00 each for 11 to 20, $15 each for 21 to 30 and $10.00 each for 31 or more vendors.

Kelley Beets, Senior Loss Control Consultant, Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) announced MIRMA is awarding Hollister a $6,500 grant toward the $10,000 purchase of new video surveillance equipment for the Hollister Police Department to replace the older equipment currently being used in the jail. The city of Hollister will pay the $3,500 difference. MIRMA is an alliance of governmental entities, of which the city of Hollister is a member, providing comprehensive, competitively priced insurance and risk management services to its members.

The council had the second and final reading amending Section 401.070 permitting more flexibility for sediment and erosion control plans and requiring their submission with the grading permit application and required fees. It also heard a report on some of the progress being made in the Ashley Square Subdivision including the installation of new stop sign, area cleanup, increased police monitoring of traffic, and a request to Empire Electric for additional subdivision lighting.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The city of Branson is once again putting a call out for volunteers to help repair Stockstill Park that was damaged by high winds and flash flooding from hurricane Ike earlier this month. Branson Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Shook said the cleanup will be Tuesday, October 7, starting at 9 a.m. at the park. Employees from the parks and recreation department as well as public works will be on hand to start removing the tree limbs, rocks and other debris left after winds and high water from Roark Creek rushed through Stockstill early September 14.

“Because of the volume of debris, we really need all the help we can get.” said Cindy Shook, director of parks and recreation. “The city will provide rakes, shovels and other tools for volunteers to use in cleaning up the park, and even if people can’t spend the whole day, we can still use them.”

According Shook, the cleanup is for the purpose of preparing the park for the major repairs on the ball fields, fencing, playground and asphalt walking trail. Private contractors will eventually be restoring the fences and ball fields, which have never been totally replaced since an earlier flashflood in June. “We are going to delay the major improvements in the park until after hurricane season in November,” Shook said. “But we still need to get the park in good condition for these improvements. That’s where we seek the help of volunteers.”

Stockstill Park will remain closed until all of the repairs are complete, and in the meantime, the city will be exploring options to minimize future flooding in the park.

“Consumer economic fundamentals are worrisome and do not bode well for the leisure travel industry in the months ahead,” Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce & CVB (CVB), told the Branson Board of Aldermen at its Sep. 22 meeting. Lennon reported the information during the CVB’s second quarterly marketing report to the city for the quarter ending June 30.

He said the overall visitations to Branson were down 5.1 percent over the same period last year. The report gives a myriad of reasons for the drop, including a 50 percent drop in consumer confidence, uncertainty of financial markets, record gas and food price increases, weather, a 6.4 percent decrease in the marketing budget, and the economic crises.

According to the report, Branson’s room demand over the last12 months of the report was down 8.7 percent. Branson’s rate of decrease was much more than large cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Nashville, and Dallas. Lennon pointed out those cities had the advantage of a lot of business travel whereas Branson relies primarily on the leisure travel market. When compared to its direct competitors, Branson’s 8.7 percent decrease compares favorably to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge’s 8.3 percent, Wisconsin Dells’ 7.5 percent and is better than Williamsburg’s 11.3 percent. Branson’s 8.7 percent decrease does not compare as favorably with Lake of the Ozarks .2 percent, Myrtle Beach’s 1.7 percent or Hershey, PA’s 1.2 percent decreases.

The city of Branson’s collection of its retail sales tax was the only tax in the report that was up for the reporting period, rising 2 percent over the same period a year ago. According to the report the city tourism tax dropped 2.5 percent, the TCED Tourism Tax dropped 1.52 percent, and the Taney County Sales Tax dropped by .25 percent over the same period.

The report shows a 27.63 percent drop in the number of inquires received for information on Branson during the same period in 2007. Lennon attributed some of the decrease in inquiries to the decrease in the traffic and the budget. Lennon also pointed out they are using and testing some different internet marketing strategies and said the number should be up by the end of the year.

The majority of Branson’s visitors, 59 percent of them, travel from outer markets, 301 plus miles from Branson, 23 percent from primary markets, 101 to 300 miles from Branson and 18 percent from the core market, 1-100 miles from Branson. The core market has grown by 13.7 percent over the same period in 2007 while the primary market has dropped 10.2 percent and the outer market 7.8 percent during the same period.

Lennon pointed out that the trend of the percentage of visitors that are families continues to rise and is at 48.9 percent, up from 40.4 percent in 2007. The report indicates the average adult age of visitors has dropped to 53.6 continuing a four year downtrend from 59.5 in 2004.

The percentage of first time visitors to Branson of 19.4 percent continued a two year downtrend. Pointing out the relationship; between visitors coming from Branson’s outer markets and first time visitors, Lennon indicated that was something that needed to be improved upon.

The report ended with “a little good news.” He reiterated that the percent of decrease in the number of visitation through July had gone down from 5.1 to 4.7 and visitations for the month of August were up about 2 percent compared to August of 2007 providing a strong end to the summer. Lennon pointed out the increase was primarily from the primary markets and represented a 35 percent increase in the primary markets over August of 2007.

In summary Lennon reported that what hope there was for a solid rebound in the second half of 2008 has faded. The report states, “It now appears that Branson will likely end 2008 down somewhere between 4 and 7 percent.”

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent .

Notwithstanding a newspaper headline and story to the contrary, the Branson Board of Aldermen did not change the fiscal year of the city of Branson to Nov. 3 at its Sep. 22 meeting. Frank Schoneboom, Branson’s Assistant City Administrator said, “Branson’s fiscal year today is the same as it was before the meeting on Monday night, Oct. 1 to Sep. 30.” He said all the board did was pass a resolution authorizing the continuation of necessary and essential expenditures to operate the city through Nov. 3.

Prior to the resolution authorizing the continuation of the necessary and essential expenditures of the budget to operate the city through Nov. 3, a public hearing was held on the city’s budget for fiscal year October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009. The public hearing was opened by Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley. No member of the public came forward to make comments and the hearing was closed. Mayor Presley said there would be another public hearing on the budget at the boards Oct. 28 meeting.

The written staff report introducing the resolution states, “City and State Statutes allow for the continuation of the budget into the following year for good and sufficient reasons. On September 16th the Board of Aldermen and the Branson Finance Committee acknowledged that good and sufficient reasons exist to allow a continuation because of the City Governments financial status.”

At the Sep. 16 meeting, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said a system breakdown had occurred. He described the system breakdown as, among other things, a lack of effective contract management, no reconciliation to budget, no project accounting, and that the city has an obsolete financial system. He stressed the city of Branson, although a very small city in terms of size and permanent residents actually has to operate on the same financial level as most large cities yet, the resources of its finance department, both in terms of personnel and systems, are not adequate to do the job.

At the Sep. 22 meeting, as part of his comments on the continuing budget resolution, Kruithof said the continuing resolution was necessary so that the budget process could be completed. He said they were in the process of working through the second round of budget discussions with the city’s Directors and were looking very hard at expenditures. He also pointed out that the additional time would be used to work on a number of items with the city’s Budget and Capital Committees and the city’s financial consultants in an effort to bring the board a balanced budget. He said, “This gives us some additional time based on the information we know.”

Although there were comments from the public they related to comments made by Alderwoman Sandra William in the period between the public hearing on the budget and not to the continuing budget resolution. There were no comments from the board and the resolution passed unanimously.

The resolution re-appropriates operation and maintenance expenses from the 2007-2008 fiscal budget from Oct.1 2007 through Nov. 3, 2008. The resolution specifically states “That in the 2007-2008 fiscal year the City of Branson experienced a breakdown of its financial system along with revenue shortfalls and increases in operating costs.” It went on to say that for these reasons and others the board deemed it necessary to allow additional time for the development of the 2008-2009 fiscal budget.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Branson extends Ward 3 storm debris cleanup deadline

The Branson Public Works Department has extended the special storm cleanup an extra two days due to the volume of limbs and brush residents have set out for the free pickup. That means residents in the city’s Ward 3 will have their storm debris collected on Monday and Tuesday, September 29 and 30.

The same rules apply. All limbs and brush must be at the curb by 8 a.m. on the day of pickup. The debris must be cut and stacked at the curb in 4-6 foot piles, but don’t need to be bundled. This pickup is for limbs and brush only, not trash or other items. And once crews go through Ward 3 on Monday and Tuesday, they will not backtrack.

The public works department began the city-wide storm debris clean up last Monday to help residents, at no charge, properly dispose of all the tree limbs and brush blown down on their property by the remnants of Hurricane Ike that rolled through the Ozarks early September 14. All three city wards were supposed to be completed by this Friday, but the amount of curbside debris made public works officials realize they needed more time to cover the whole city; so residents in Ward 3 will have the city collection next Monday and Tuesday.

Questions about the city-wide pickup can be directed to the Branson Public Works Department at 337-8562.

The scheduled agenda of the Branson Board of Aldermen for its Sep. 22 regular meeting will be long and full. In addition to the quarterly marketing report to be presented by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, the board will also consider matters relating to delaying the final approval of the city’s 2009 fiscal year budget until the end of October and will again address the matter of a new liquor control ordinance.

It appears the Branson financial caution light that came on about midway through the city’s 2008 fiscal year will be on at the start of the city’s 2009 fiscal year. At a special joint meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen and the city’s Budget and Finance Committee held on Sep.16, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof stated it was too ambitious to get the budget done by Oct. 1 and suggested a target date of the end of October.

Kruithof suggested that the public budget hearing for the fiscal year 2009 budget, scheduled for the boards Sep. 22 meeting, be conducted as scheduled. That hearing is on the agenda.

He also suggested the interim measure of the board adopting a resolution providing for the continuation of the budget process into October and for the payment of the basic expenditures necessary for the city to conduct basic operations and provide services to its citizens. The board will consider a resolution providing for the continuation of necessary and essential expenditures of the budget to operate the city of Branson through Nov. 3.

The staff report introducing the resolution states, “City and State Statutes allow for the continuation of the budget into the following year for good and sufficient reasons. On September 16th the Board of Aldermen and the Branson Finance Committee acknowledged that good and sufficient reasons exist to allow a continuation because of the City Governments financial status.”

The city’s proposal to amend its liquor ordinance has been in process for over a year. The initial amendment met with considerable opposition when it was presented earlier this year. As a result of the considerable public input on the proposal a number of changes and revisions have been made to the initial proposal and an entirely new bill has been substituted for the original.

The new revised 47 plus page substitute bill incorporating the changes and recommendations from the previous hearings and meetings on the issue is on the agenda for its first reading. If approved the final reading for the bill will be scheduled for the Consent Agenda of the boards first meeting in October which will be on Oct. 14. A review of the substitute bill indicates it does not contain any notations or other indications showing what was changed from the original bill. The complete text of the substitute bill as well as the complete agenda for the meeting is available on the city’s web site at www.cityofbranson.org under the “Agendas & Meetings” link.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

In a year filled with record rainfall and the highest lakes levels ever what wasn’t needed by Branson was the rain remnants of Hurricanes “Gustov” and “Ike.” By the time Ike had tracked its way through the Ozarks and Branson area lakes were well above their season normal levels for this time of year and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was forced to open the spill way gates slightly at Table Rock Lake on Sep. 17.

Greg Oller, US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Lake Manager for Table Rock Lake said the rising level of Table Rock Lake caused the need to release a planned 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the lake. Oller said the plan is to release 20,000 cfs total through the hydro power plant and the spillway until Table Rock gets to down to an elevation of 920 feet at which time the release will be cut back to 15,000 cfs until the lake level drops to 917.

So far the release through the spill ways has been a constant 5,000 cfs. The water being run through the hydro power plant has varied while the Corps and Empire Electric have worked to make the necessary adjustments to limit and mitigate any downstream flooding.

James Sandburg, Corps Operations Manager for Table Rock Lake, said although the total amount of water planned for release from the lake will be either 20,000 or 15,000 cfs, depending on the lake level, that total amount will be a fluctuating combination of water being discharged through the hydroelectric plant and spillways. The amount of water coming over the spillways will be dependent on the water coming through the hydroelectric plant. If less water is coming through the hydroelectric plant more water will be released through the spillway and if more water is released through the hydroelectric plant less water will be released over the spillway.

The amount of water released through the hydro electric plant will be limited by amount of dissolved oxygen in that water. At this time of year, because of the lake depth from which the water used to generate power is drawn, the dissolved oxygen content is extremely low and causes a problem with Lake Taneycomo’s fishery. Sandburg said the Corps is working with the Southwest Power Administration and the Missouri Department of Conservation to solve or mitigate the problem.

The record of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates Table Rock Lake crested at an elevation of 923.65 at about noon on Sep. 17, is filled to 45 percent of its flood storage capacity and is about 6.5 feet above its normal seasonal level of 917 feet. Beaver Lake, the lake discharging into Table Rock Lake crested at elevation of 1129 feet on Sep. 17, is filled to about 92 percent of its flood storage capacity and is about 8 feet above its normal seasonal level of 1121.4 feet.

Bull Shoals Lake, the lake Table Rock discharges into, had not crested as of 7:00 a.m. Sept. 18. It was at an elevation of 684.69, is filled to about 69 percent of it flood storage capacity and is about 28 feet above its normal seasonal level of 646 feet.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

Lou Schaefer, who served as Branson’s mayor during the biggest growth period in the city’s history, died early this morning at the age of 80 following an illness. Family members say he passed away at a rehabilitation facility in Springfield.

Schaefer was mayor of Branson from 1995 to 2007, and he was the first mayor in Branson’s history to be elected for six consecutive terms. He served two years on the Branson Board of Aldermen as mayor pro-tem prior to his election as mayor.

He was a strong supporter of economic development. During four years of his administration, 2004-2007, Branson experienced unprecedented growth with new construction topping $583 million and major economic developments such as Branson Landing, the Branson Convention Center and hotel, and Branson Hills opening.
Schaefer’s top priority when first elected mayor in 1995 was to see a convention center built in Branson. During the groundbreaking for the Branson Convention Center in October 2005, Schaefer called the event “…a dream come true for me.”

During his tenure, Branson’s city limits expanded from eight square miles in 1995 to 20 square miles in 2007. And by annexing, hundreds of dangerous old septic systems were connected to the city’s sewer system.
Schaefer has been called Branson’s First Ambassador because of his tireless efforts in promoting Branson as a vacation destination “where you can take any member of the family to any show or attraction and not be embarrassed with the content.”

Always quick with a smile and handshake, he enjoyed being around people and was especially popular among city employees, according to city administrative assistant Vicki McFarland, who worked with Schaefer during his 12 years as mayor. “He was so polite to everyone and a true gentleman,” she said.

Schaefer placed high importance on environmental issues. He organized a regional water quality conference in 1996 that eventually led to the formation of the James River Basin Partnership. Under his leadership, Branson became the first city in Missouri to install phosphorus removal equipment on its wastewater treatment plants, and Schaefer continually encouraged other cities to add this equipment to the point that he became known as “Mr. Phosphorus.”

A veteran of the Marine Corps, Schaefer especially anticipated the annual Veterans Homecoming in Branson that featured a week of activities and special events honoring military veterans. Schaefer attended practically every event to which he was invited, and for many homecomings, that meant 25-30 appearances in a seven-day period.

“I am so proud to be mayor of the city that has taken the national lead in paying tribute to all American veterans,” Schaefer said at a Memorial Day Remembrance in 2000.

His accomplishments as mayor earned Schaefer the prestigious 2008 Missourian Award that he was to receive September 27 in Jefferson City.

A native of St. Louis, Schaefer moved to Branson in the early 1950’s where he co-owned a wholesale business, owned hotels and later developed property. He is past president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau and served on the boards of Silver Dollar City, College of the Ozarks and the former Security Bank.

Visitation will be this Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 221 Malone with services Saturday 10 a.m. also at the church. Burial will be at Snapps Bearden Cemetery on East Highway 76.

From a financial perspective, although Branson’s revenues are stable, its finances will be challenging for the next couple of years as the city repairs what Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof calls a breakdown of Branson’s financial system. The breakdown was just one of a long list of items Kruithoff attributes to causing Branson’s current budget strain.

He said, “It would be so much easier to walk in and say it’s any one of these problems that’s causing the budget strain but that’s really not the case. Any one of these issues individually could be taken care of but it’s when you have one building upon another building upon another that has created the kind of strain that we are dealing with right now.”

Kruithof’s comments were made at a special Saturday combination meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen and all three of Branson’s standing committees, Personnel, Capital Improvement, and Budget and Finance held at the Branson Rec Plex Sep. 7. Also in attendance was John Petty and Janice Larned from Direct Offices, L.L.C., the company hired by the city on a interim basis for financial consulting assistance, and David L. Cochran, of Cochran Head Vick & Co., PC, the firm that performed the outside audit on the city last year.

In her introductory remarks, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said Branson’s City Administrator Dean Kruithof and his team would provide a fiscal reality check, along with a strong strategy to improve the city’s financial discipline and enhance fiscal responsibility at every level of the organization. She said, “I want to emphasize – our purpose today is not to look back on decisions of past administrations, but to look forward.”

Kruithof made a power point presentation entitled, “2009 Budget Challenges Ahead.” He used the analogy of a river to represent the budget pointing out there are any number of tributaries flowing into the river, each adds water and increased pressure and the river can hold only so much water.

As he started going over the items making up the tributaries adding depth and pressure to Branson’s “budget river” he indicated that any city might have to deal with one or two of the items “But” he said, “Any of them coming up together and starting to multiply is starting to create pressure.” Although he listed a number of tributaries contributing to Branson’s current budget stress the one seeming to have the most impact and getting the most attention was the tributary entitled, “Breakdown of Financial System.”

In describing what Kruithof called, “A system breakdown” he said, there has been a lack of effective contract management, no reconciliation to budget, no project accounting, the city has entered into some extremely sophisticated agreements such as the TIF agreements and the city has an obsolete financial system. He stressed the city of Branson, although very small in terms of size and permanent residents actually has to operate on the same financial level as most large cities yet, the resources of its finance department, both in terms of personnel and systems, are not adequate to do the job.

Kruithof said, “Compared to a lot of other cities we are still in wonderful condition wonderful situation.” He went on to say that they don’t view these as permanent problems but as problems that will have to be corrected so Branson may move forward.

Whether or not the Fall Creek Road Extension will survive the current budget stress the city of Branson is working through remains in limbo. At its Sep. 8 meeting the Branson Board of Aldermen postponed a bill accepting the bid of Emery Sapp & Sons d/b/a/ ESS Contractors, subject to a change work order, until no later than Oct. 28. The original bid for the whole project was $4,545,681.

As originally bid, the project would have been the final phase of construction on a new main north south artery on the east end of the strip between the intersection of Fall Creek Road and Highway 76 and Fall Creek’s eventual intersection with Roark Valley Road to the north at its current intersection with Epps Road. Epps Road provides direct access to and from Highway 248. The original bid also covered the realignment and straightening of the “s” jog of Fall Creek Road slightly south of its intersection with Highway 76.

The change order bill, designed to be more fiscally in tune with Branson’s current budget situation was for a revised amount of $3,116,728. This would have resulted in a reduction of $1,428, 953 from the original bid of $4,545, 681 by deleting the paving from the project north of Highway 76. It had been prepared and placed on the agenda prior to receiving additional financial information from the city’s financial consultants, Office Direct, LLC, on Friday of last week.

Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said after receiving that information he was going to recommend the rejection of the bid even with the change order and a rebid just for the south side realignment of Fall Creek Road to eliminate the “s” jog. He also pointed out that earlier in the day the contractor had offered to keep the bid open until Oct. 28 so that additional financial options could be explored. Kruithof, pointing out that the bid was an excellent bid, recommended that issue be postponed so that all options could be examined more fully and the city’s Capital Improvement Committee could be more involved in the decision.

During the discussion of the motion, prior to its postponement Mark Weiss pointed out that the citizens of Branson had been promised the road during two previous transportation tax votes. Both Branson Aldermen Rick Davis and Stephen Marshall said they had heard from their constituents about their displeasure with the “s” jog and expect, at a minimum, it will be eliminated.

City Engineer David Miller was asked how the “s” jog came about. Miller replied originally there was no “s” jog in the first phase of the project but as the project got closer to bidding he was directed to cut it to the bone and to those items necessary to complete only the intersection. He did as directed and approximately $200,000 was saved. No one asked who issued the direction.

A motion to postpone consideration of the Fall Creek Road Extension to no later than Oct. 28 was approved unanimously.

As the “Branson financial onion” drifts down “Branson’s Budget River” slowly unwrapping, layer after layer, the significance of the words of Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof at a recent meeting become apparent. While stating that the effect of the current budget strain on the upcoming budget was very simple, Capital and Operating expenses would have to be cut back, he said, “The explanation regarding the current strain on the budget is much more complex.”

In trying to illustrate the complexities of the budget challenges facing the city, Kruithof used the analogy of a river to represent the budget. He pointed out there are any number of tributaries flowing into the river, each adds water and increased pressure and the river can hold only so much water. The very first tributary entitled “Fund Payback” contained, among other things, a $750,000 per year payment from the city’s General Fund to repay a loan taken out for the Branson Landing project using Branson City Hall and the city’s newest fire station as collateral for the loan.

Kruithof explained that “Fund Payback” contained a number of standing financial obligations for projects which had to be paid back out of the General Fund. He went on to say, “Our General Fund dollars are competing with all our other operational dollars. We had the pay back for the Rec Plex, we had the payback for Capital Projects most notably the ‘convention center.’”

While seeking clarification on why General Funds would have to be used to finance the convention center in addition to the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Kruithof explained that, in general terms, $750,000 from the General Fund is paid per year to the state to lease city hall because it was used for collateral on a loan for the Branson Landing convention center project.

On Sep. 10, an email from Assistant City Administrator Frank Schoneboom furnished additional details on the lease. It said the $750,000 payment is made from General Fund monies earmarked for the payment and the term of the lease is for 62 years. Schoneboom said, “This lease is for the 2003 MDFB ( Missouri Development Finance Bond) issues which was primarily used for property acquisition for the waterfront (Branson Landing and Convention Center projects).” He also pointed out that the payment is made “to a trustee, who in turn pays back on the note” and that “City Hall and our newest fire station (#3) are used to collateralize this note.”

Kruithof’s initial comments were made at a special Saturday combination meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen and all three of Branson’s standing committees, Personnel, Capital Improvement, and Budget and Finance held at the Branson Rec Plex Sep. 7.

For related article entitled "Branson revenue stable but financial system breakdown strains budget" click here https://bransoncourier.com/issue-40/breakdown_financial_sytem_kruithof-1000.html

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

A decade’s long tradition of holding the twice monthly regular meeting of Branson Board of Aldermen on the second and fourth Monday of the month has changed. With the approval of the Consent Agenda at its Sep. 8 meeting, the board authorized a change in the day of the week the meetings are held from Monday night to Tuesday night. The change is effective Oct. 1 and will start with the board’s first meeting in October scheduled for Tuesday Oct. 14.

The stated purpose of moving the meetings to Tuesday is to give the city staff, the board of aldermen, and the public enough time is “to review agendas prior to the regular meetings.

In other action the board gave final approval to the 5 percent increase in water rates and a 15 percent increase in sewer rates which will start with the October billing cycle. The rate increases are the third in a series of five annual increases, contained in a plan enacted by the board in September 2006. The plan was intended to reverse a trend of transferring funds from the Tourism and Capital Improvements tax and put the operating portion of the city’s sewer and water operation on a self sustaining basis.

The board also gave its initial approval to increasing certain Parks and Recreation Department fees. The fee increases are caused by increased maintenance and operational expenses that have exceeded the revenues and the desire of the city to make each program less dependent on subsidies from other city funds. Fees for the city’s Pitch “N” Putt 9 – hole golf course will increase from $6 to $10 for adults and from $4 to $6 for youth 18 and under while the daily fee for the Rec Plex aquatic center will increase $1 and the fee for renting the center goes up $25 from $100 to $125. The daily camping fees to rent an RV space in the city campground will go from $23 to $25.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

Motorists driving Roark Valley Road need to be aware of a detour set up at the intersection of the newly designed Forsythe Boulevard. A temporary road parallel to Roark Valley is now handling vehicles during the reconstruction of the intersection, which is scheduled to be completed in November. The intersection will also include a traffic signal to be installed in the spring.

The realigning of Forsythe is part of the Tanstone Project that includes retail shops, restaurants and condominiums. A roundabout in the middle of Forsythe will allow access to the Tanger Mall just west of Tanstone.

Branson City Administrator, Dean Kruithof used the Sep. 4 Work Session meeting of the board of aldermen to announce an unusual joint budget meeting on Saturday, Sep. 6 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is unusual in terms of being held on a Saturday, its location, the Branson Rec Plex and that it will be a joint meeting of the city’s three standing committees, Personnel, Finance, and Capital Improvements.

Kruithof said it would include a presentation of some of the issues dealing with the upcoming Fiscal year 2009 Budget and relating to some of the decisions the aldermen will have to make as part of that process. He acknowledged it was unusual to have a Saturday meeting and said it was caused by scheduling conflicts especially with John Petty and Janice Larned of District Offices, the city’s financial consultant. He said David Cochran, the city’s auditor and Lori Helle, the recently hired Finance Director for the city, would also be in attendance.

Alderwoman Sandra Williams strongly encouraged the public to attend the meeting. She said, “Press and public, we are asking you to please take an interest in this meeting.”

In other business, Kruithof reported the presentation on the development of new blasting regulations, scheduled for the meeting, would be delayed to allow participation by Alderman Rick Davis who was absent. One of the purposes of the new blasting regulations will be to create a more sloping perimeter when blasting instead of the typical cliff wall as evidenced in the TanStone development on Forsythe Road. He anticipated the process would be completed shortly.

Jerry Adams, the city’s Public Information Director, made a presentation on the progress being made to explore the possibility of using a public-private partnership to help create more attractive entrances to Branson off the three Highway 65 exits. He handed out a list of the citizens and businesses that have expressed an interest in serving on the Community Pride Committee. Alderman Stephen Marshall said the Branson CVB had also established a committee to help beautify Branson and increase its “curb side appeal.

During the discussion it was pointed out MoDOT had recently mowed the areas, businesses have already volunteered to beautify certain areas, and maintenance would require an ongoing effort. Alderman Bob McDowell expressed his belief that the beautification of Branson and its maintenance would be a permanent task requiring a tie in to the budget to ensure adequate funding to do the job.

Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager made a presentation explain the details of the two options MoDOT had presented for the new bridge across Lake Taneycomo and asked for an indication of the board’s approval of Option A for presentation to MoDOT’s Cost Sharing Committee. Option A will provide a new bridge connecting with Branson Landing Boulevard, the rehabilitation and repair of the current bridge and a roundabout on the eastern edge of the bridge.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent https://bransoncourier.com/view_article.php?news_ID=41

By Gary J. Groman, a.k.a. The Ole Seagull

The search for a new finance director for the city of Branson has apparently ended. According to information released by the city, Lori Helle, the current director of finance and administration for the city of Chesterfield, Missouri has been hired as its new finance director. She was selected from among five finalists and is expected to start on effective Sep. 22. Branson City Administrator, Dean Kruithof said, “Lori is personable and knowledgeable and will be a tremendous asset to our management team.”

From a resume perspective, Helle has more than 14 years experience in city finances with six years of supervisory experience. She has been with the city of Chesterfield, a suburb of St. Louis with a population of 47,000, since September 2007 and was responsible for directing all accounting, financial and administrative operations including financial planning, general accounting, budgeting and debt administration.

Prior to Chesterfield, Helle was director of budget and finance in Ellisville, MO for five years; director of finance and treasurer in Shrewsbury, MO for three years and served five years as finance officer for Glendale, MO. She is a graduate of Drury College in Springfield with a BA in Accounting and Business Administration and currently studying for her MBA in Business Administration at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, with anticipated graduation in May 2009.

Although it’s a long way from being a done deal, Branson’s new bridge across Lake Taneycomo took another necessary step forward Sep. 2 with the signing of the “MoDOT Partnership Development Cost Sharing Program Application” (Application). The Application was signed by Taney County and the cities of Branson and Hollister just about an hour before the 4:30 p.m. deadline imposed the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) after its approval by the Taney County Commission.

The Application names the project the “Lake Taneycomo Bridge Improvements and Roundabout” and describes its location as “the intersection of Missouri Route 76 and Missouri Business Route 65 in Hollister and over Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and downtown Branson.” The project will include the construction of a new bridge, the rehabilitation of the current bridge, a roundabout on the eastern end of the bridges servicing both bridges, and will provide virtually continuous access across Lake Taneycomo at the point of the project while construction is taking place.

The genesis for the project was the determination by MoDOT that the current bridge would have to have its deck replaced requiring the closing of the bridge for up to a year and a six mile detour. The subsequent negotiations between MoDOT and the local government entities of Taney County and the cities of Branson and Hollister resulted in a plan to build the new bridge immediately downstream from the current bridge keeping it open while the new bridge was under construction.

Upon completion of the new bridge the current bridge will be closed for repair and rehabilitation. When the project is complete there will be two bridges with both bridges accommodating traffic going in both directions. The current bridge will maintain the current routing directly between Hollister and downtown Branson while the new bridge will connect with Branson Landing Boulevard providing an alternate route for those traveling to Branson Landing, to or from Highway 248, Branson Hills, or points north of Branson.

The Application provides the $12,665,000 cost of the new bridge and roundabout will be shared with MoDOT paying 50 percent and the other 50 percent by local agency partners, Taney County paying 40 percent, the city of Branson 8 percent and the city of Hollister 2 percent. The application also provides the local agency partners and MoDOT will share equally in any costs that exceed $12,665,000 on the same proportional basis. In addition to its 50 percent of the new bridge and roundabout, MoDOT is paying the entire $4,908,000 cost of rehabilitating and repairing the current bridge.

It was stressed throughout the meeting that the signing of the cost share application does not obligate any of the local agency partners to continue with the project. Although necessary if the project is to continue along in the process, the application is simply a request to MoDOT to cost share in the project which it may or may not do. Upon approval of the cost sharing application the next step would be the formal signing of an agreement between MoDOT and the local agency partners that will be binding.

Although MoDOT required the application to be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Sep.2 there was no firm date by which MoDOT had to accept or reject the application. The project timelines specified in the application are the project bid letting in the Fall of 2009, beginning of construction in late 2009 and project completion in the Fall of 2011.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Raw untreated sewage has been running into Lake Taneycomo about five miles upstream from the city of Branson’s drinking water intake for months. The source of the sewage is an area of homes and businesses located off of Montgomery Drive. Montgomery Drive is located in Taney County outside the city limits of Branson and loops from the east side of State Highway 165 in the Skyview Drive area by Doc’s Sports Bar. Although located miles upstream from the city’s drinking water intake and outside the city limits of Branson, Branson Public Works Director Larry VanGilder said that any source of pollution to Lake Taneycomo above the water intake is of concern and must be addressed as soon as possible.

A meeting involving local officials, representatives of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the state Attorney General’s Office (AGO) was held at the Dewey Short Visitor’s Center on August 21. It became apparent there have been other incidents involving the Montgomery sewage, DNR has been aware of the current Montgomery situation since November of 2007, the AOG has filed a law suit regarding the Montgomery pollution, and, even while the meeting was taking place, there was the ongoing threat of untreated sewage continuing to pollute Lake Taneycomo.

While local officials all acknowledged the urgency and ongoing nature of the problem and expressed a willingness to work together to solve it as quickly as possible, it was obvious it would take some time to develop a plan and determine who would pay for what. Meanwhile, the pollution threat to Lake Taneycomo continued unabated.

After the meeting, three of the men present at the meeting Fred Stewart, Drain Doctor of SW Missouri, Inc., Tim Smith, S & S Pumping Service, and Ted Wilczynski, TCM Environmental Inc., realized the financial process, constraints and other procedures governmental entities must abide by would delay an immediate solution to the problem. Wilczynski said the sewage on the ground, the health threat to those living in the area, along with the continuing threat of pollution to Lake Taneycomo led them to decide to voluntarily take a proactive approach, at their own cost, to mitigate and temporarily control the Montgomery sewage situation.

After coordinating with local officials, the three men with work crews and equipment commenced work on the Montgomery site the morning of August 22. Stewart said a major part of the problem was the sewage was never getting to the treatment plant because of sagging and blockage problems on the main line. This caused raw untreated sewage to bubble up through the cleanouts, and literally go down along the ground and into the water way.”

Stewart said Drain Doctor had cleaned the blockage out of the main line, made some minor repairs, and added caps to the cleanouts and the repairs should be adequate to get the sewage to the treatment plant on a temporary basis while a long term solution is being worked out.

Simultaneously, Smith and the personnel of S & S Pumping Service were pumping the overflow sewage already on the ground into their tank trucks and treating the area to help mitigate the effects of the pollution. The treatment plant is another matter however.

The temporary fix is to get it into a condition where, at a minimum, the sewage from the main line into the plant will flow through the plant into holding tanks which will be pumped out about every two days into a tank truck which will then pump it down a manhole into the city of Branson’s sewer system for processing. Stewart said, subject to evaluation by Wilczynski there is a slim possibility that the plant could be brought on line on a temporary basis. Repair work on the plant had not gotten to the point where Wilczynski could make that determination.

On the afternoon of August 22, Taney County Commissioner, Chuck Pennell commended the three companies for their effort in mitigating the current pollution emergency and said the probable long term solution is to pump the Montgomery sewage up into the city of Branson’s sewer system. He said Great River Engineering is already studying and working on plans to resolve the situation and a final decision and financing will be discussed at a later date based on their recommendations.

VanGilder expressed the willingness of the city of Branson to help resolve the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible and has given temporary approval for the pumping of the Montgomery sewage into the City of Branson’s system. Both Pennell and VanGilder acknowledged any permanent solution involving the Montgomery sewage going into the city of Branson’s sewer system would more than likely involve an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The city of Hollister lost a friend and valued employee and its park system lost its director, champion, and a primary force behind it planning and expansion. At approximately 12:06 a.m. August 18, Chad Fuqua, Director of Hollister’s Park Department, was killed in a tragic traffic incident on Business Highway 65 near the Spirit Shop in Hollister.

According to the report of the incident, prepared by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Fuqua, 40, was traveling east bound on Business Highway 65 on a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle when a 2007 Hummer, operated by Chadwick B. Carter, 27, of Forsyth made a U-Turn into the path of Fuqua’s motorcycle striking it. Fuqua was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead a short time later at Skaggs Community Health Center.

On the afternoon of August 18, Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell charged Carter with one felony count of Involuntary Manslaughter. Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications are that Carter had been drinking prior to the incident.

The employees of the city of Hollister as well as others are attempting to deal with the void left by the sudden loss of their fellow employee and friend. A grieving Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator, in describing Fuqua said, “Chad was a man of few words” who let his works and deeds speak for him and he will be sorely missed.

In addition to helping plan, build, and maintain Hollister’s growing park system, Fuqua was actively involved in participating in the various programs and activities in which the department was involved. From the set up and firing of the Fourth of July fireworks, to the children’s Halloween celebration to Founders Day and everything in between Fuqua was there and actively participated. Yet there is one thing, to this reporter, that stands out and, in his heart and mind, helps explain just why Fuqua will be so sorely missed.

At the recent dedication of Hollister’s new Town Hall Park just a few weeks ago, Park Board Chairman, Tom Linkous singled out and recognized Fuqua for his untiring efforts in making the park a reality. Yet, in his typical “few words style,” rather than bask in a well deserved moment of glory, Chad chose to recognize the contribution of others in making the park a reality and give special recognition to one of his fellow employees in the Hollister Park Department for their contribution and efforts, Mike Alves. Such was the graciousness and humbleness of this dedicated public servant, friend, and son.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

Nepotism is more than hanging someone on a cross for having a good heart. At an August 13 meeting in the Taney County Commission Office, the “special prosecutor” assigned to investigate charges of nepotism against Presiding Commission Chuck Pennel said, “All I could find was the appearance of an impropriety and not an impropriety itself.” He went on to state, based on his investigation of the charges, nepotism had not taken place and he would not be taking any actions to have Pennel removed from office.

The charge of nepotism against Pennel was alleged by Bob Schanz in March of this year. Because of relationships and to avoid any appearance of impropriety county officials asked Christian County Prosecutor Ron Cleek to act as a “special prosecutor.” Cleek outlined the steps he took which included, among other things, interviewing county personnel working at the animal shelter, as well as Chuck Pennel and Renee Pennel and reviewing pertinent documentation.

He found that Renee Pennel had often worked with Chuck Pennel during the weekends and off hours in assisting sick and injured animals. He found the work was performed voluntarily, without pay and not by virtue of any appointment to public office or other county employment created by Chuck Pennel using his position as presiding county commissioner. Cleek said, “I don’t think that Mrs. Pennel should be hung out on a cross, so to speak, because of a good heart.”

In the specific case Cross determined that Renee Pennel, who operates a dog kennel, had voluntarily, in her own vehicle, at the request of Chuck Pennel, taken a distressed animal they believed had the extremely infectious disease “Parvo,” to an emergency veterinary clinic in Springfield. It was determined the dog had Parvo and Renee Pennel used her own personal credit card to pay the $112.00 for the dogs examination and euthanasia.

Cleek determined at the time of the payment Renee Pennel did not know whether or not she would receive reimbursement from the county for the expense. Discussion at the meeting indicates that Chuck Pennel submitted a claim for reimbursement and that such reimbursement was probably made.

He cited the applicable provision in Article VII Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution which states, any, “public officer or employee in this state who by virtue of his office or employment names or appoints to public office any relative within the fourth degree, by consanguinity or affinity, shall thereby forfeit his office or employment.” In expressing the crux of what is necessary for nepotism Cleek said what would be necessary is a situation where Pennel had used his office [position] “to provide a place or location or provide a job for someone else, in this case his wife. I don’t think he did that.”

Cleek went on to say, “You could read into it that nepotism occurred.” He went on to say nothing that was done by Mrs. Pennel or the Presiding Commissioner [Pennel] was done to benefit her in any way.” After expressing his opinion the situation should have been handled the way it is currently being handled, with paid county employees on call 24/7 for animal emergencies, and stating his belief that his investigation “went the extra mile” to find out what happened Cleek said, “I don’t believe there’s nepotism there.”

Bob Schanz, who had presented the initial charges of nepotism in March, appeared to be dissatisfied with Cleek’s decision particularly his interviewing of the Pennels. He said, “I feel that you went to the fox to ask the fox if it ate the chickens.” Cleek disagreed.

One lady in the audience asked if there was any way his decision could be appealed. While Cleek was attempting to answer she interrupted and said, “You are the judge, jury, and executioner.” While Cleek was attempting to continue his response her cell phone rang loudly. She answered and commenced a conversation in the middle of his response.

At that point Western District Commissioner Ron Herschend said, “I think that’s true in any case going in front of a prosecutor.” He pointed out normally it’s within the prerogative of the prosecutor whether or not a case goes to trial, not the judge or anyone else. Cleek agreed indicating even under the lower standard of proof in the civil Quo Warranto case, “a simple preponderance of evidence” as opposed to the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for criminal cases, there was not enough evidence to prove nepotism if the issue went to trial. He said, “Quite honestly, I don’t think I would win.”

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The Branson Board of Aldermen discovered that not all golf courses in Branson are exempt from Branson’s tree removal regulations, just the Pointe Royale Course. The question came up at the boards August 5 work session when Alderman Stephen Marshall, who is a resident of Pointe Royale, mentioned he had learned that large trees were being removed from the Point Royale Golf Course as part of its renovation.

Marshall expressed his understanding that golf courses were exempt from the city’s tree removal ordinances and asked Branson’s Director of Planning and Development, Don Stephens, if that was correct. Stephens replied, “There’s a Pointe Royale exemption.” Marshall followed up by asking, “Just for that golf course?” Stephens replied, “Yes.”

Marshall pointed out that they have taken down a lot of trees. Alderwoman Sandra Williams asked for verification tthere was an exemption in Ponte Royale that let them cut down trees down without complying with applicable city requirements. Stephens verified the exemption stating it required coordination with his office.

Williams asked, “Why did we make that agreement?” Stephens replied it was an amendment to the existing Planned Development ordinance for Pointe Royale that was done two or three years ago. The records of the city of Branson indicate that Ordinance No. 2007-020, “an ordinance approving a Planned Development amendment to the Pointe Royale Land Use Regulations PD-2000-002 pertaining to golf course tree clearing regulations for properties located at 142 Clubhouse Dr. Branson, Missouri” was passed on a first reading February 26, 2007 by a 5-0 vote with one alderman absent. The ordinance received its second and final approval as part of the Consent Agenda on March 12 by a 5-0 vote with one alderman absent.

At the time the ordinance was approved, two board members were residents of Pointe Royale. Information, believed reliable, indicates neither recused themselves from voting on the issue. One voted on the February 26 vote giving initial approval to the ordinance, with the other being absent, and the other voted on the March 12 vote, giving final approval to the ordinance, with the other being absent.

Section 1.165 of Ordinance 2007-20 entitled “Golf Course Tree Clearing Regulations” states, “Due to the unique nature of tree location on golf courses, tree removal on the Pointe Royale Golf Course shall not be required to follow the tree removal procedures under Section 66-219 of the Branson Municipal Code.” It goes on to state that instead, they must submit a tree removal application prior to removal and a site plan showing both existing trees and trees designated for removal.

On August 7, the city of Branson’s Forester, Tara Norback, verified that the Pointe Royale Golf Course was in compliance with all the provisions of the ordinance. She also verified the Pointe Royale Golf Course was the only golf course in Branson having such an exemption.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The Dean’s List is a good thing for a college student to be on. As it was presented at the Branson Board of Alderman’s Work Session on Aug. 5, the “Dean’s List” could also be a good thing for Branson, its elected officials, staff, businesses, and citizens.

In presenting the “Dean’s List” to the board for the first time during his administrators report at the work session, Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said the list, lightheartedly being called “Dean’s List,” evolved from a request by Alderman Bob McDowell at the recent board retreat.

Kruithof said the request was for something like a “hot list,” an all inclusive list that would list the major projects, issues, and other things the city is working on. It was to provide a convenient tool to be used for both knowing what those items are and to follow-up and monitor the progress of those items. He said the items on the list will be incorporated into his administrator’s reports along with other items.

An examination of the first Dean’s List indicates that the items will become more expansive as they proceed from their initiation to completion. The very first item on the list was entitled “Blasting Regulations.” The only entry for the item was “When blasting for developments in the city, can companies create a more slopping perimeter rather than a straight cliff wall as in TanStone?”

The second item entitled “Landscaping Hwy 65 and 248 and Hwy 65 and 76 entrances to Branson” was more expansive and illustrates how helpful the list can be to monitor progress and follow up on items. The item involves exploring “the probability [possibility] of using a public-private partnership to create and maintain a more attractive appearance on Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) land surrounding entrances to Branson from Highway 65.”

The entries on Dean’s List for this item provide a timeline starting with the presentation of the idea by Judy Hartley at the boards July 22 work session and ending with an August 4 meeting between Hartley and city staff. At that meeting it was decided that the priority will be given to the Highway 65 and Highway 76 interchange and they would like to use a three-pronged approach to mowing and landscaping that area involving MoDOT, city, and volunteer efforts and resources.

Other items making Dean’s List include the selection of a Finance Director with interviews for the position beginning the week of Aug. 15, the city budget for 2009 which is currently under development, the proposed revision to the Liquor Ordinances and the fact that the attorney who developed them will be at the Aug. 11 board meeting, customer service improvements in the City’s Planning/Development Department and sewer and water rates and hookup policies.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

Except in Branson’s city campground, the consumption of intoxicating beverages in the vast majority of the areas open to the public is now prohibited. The prohibition is the result of an amendment to Section 10-3 of the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) entitled “Drinking in Public” passed unanimously by Branson Board of Aldermen at its July 28 meeting on an emergency basis. The reason for the “double reading” was to have the revised ordinance in place prior to the Super Summer Cruise August 7 through 9.

The amendment was part of a comprehensive liquor control ordinance (LCO) the board removed from the Consent Agenda and postponed until its August 11 meeting. The staff report on the measure was presented by Police Chief Caroll W. McCullough who said the amendment will give the police an additional enforcement tool by which to deal with the consumption of intoxicating liquors upon property open to the public or upon a private parking lot without the permission of the owner or occupant of the property.

The discussion about the amendment and the need for having two readings on July 28, to make it effective immediately, revolved around the “car show,” which will be held prior to the board’s next meeting. One of Branson’s premier summer events, the “Super Summer Cruise,” will be held August 7-9 and features the Midnight Cruise down Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

The major change incorporated into the BMC by the amendment states, “No owner or occupant of property shall permit a person to consume any intoxicating beverages” upon “their property open to the public, or upon a private parking lot without permission.” The prohibition does not apply if the public location or parking lot is covered by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or is “specifically authorized pursuant to a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit.”

One major of the effect of the new amendment will be to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating liquor in parking lots and other public areas adjacent to parade routes unless permission is given by the lawful owner or occupant of the property. Under the amendment, as adopted, it would be a violation of the BMC for the owner of such property to give such permission unless the consumption of the intoxicating beverage in those areas is authorized by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or by a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit.

The consumption of intoxicating beverages upon any public street, highway, thoroughfare, sidewalk, alley, public or private parking lot, or upon any private property without the permission of the owner or occupant of such property except when authorized by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or by a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit has been unlawful under the BMC for years. What the new amendment does is make it a violation for the owner or occupant to permit a person to unlawfully consume any intoxicating beverages in the public areas under their control.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

Nine months after it tore up the road commonly called “Forsythe Street,” TanStone Group, LLC appears to have purchased it, from the city of Branson for one dollar even though there was another bid offering $100 thousand for the same property. On or about July 3 the city of Branson published a notice “soliciting sealed proposals for the sale of real property commonly known as ‘Forsythe Street.’” The property being sold was the property upon which Forsythe Street had been formerly located prior to its destruction by TanStone.

A primary condition of the solicitation provided, “The best responsible bidder shall include as part of its proposal title in a form acceptable to the City for an alternate street right-of-way that provides equal or better street connectivity in the Branson street network in that area of the city (the ‘Alternate Alignment’.)” Only two bids were received by the required 2:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, July 15, one from The TanStone Group LLC and the other from Patobin Enterprises.

The TanStone proposal, in total said, “Mr. Miller, Per your request for proposal for the sale of the ‘Forsythe Street’ property, TanStone Group, LLC would like to submit a bid of one dollar ($1.00). As per the terms and conditions of sale, please find the attached right away exhibit that provides a better ‘Alternate Alignment’. Kind regards, Chris DeJohn, The TanStone Group, LLC.”

The Patobin proposal proposed a purchase price of $100,000 and provided an “Alternate Alignment” starting at the junction of Green Mountain Drive and heading north along a 50 foot easement of Patobin property across a 40 foot access easement that Patobin has from TanStone to an intersection with Oak Creek Drive. From that point connectivity to Roark Valley Road, to the north, would be via Oak Creek Drive east to its junction with Forsyth Street.

The Patobin proposal said, “This will allow an alternate street right-of-way-that provides better street connectivity in the Branson street network in that area of the city. Alignment with Green Mountain Drive will allow the placement of traffic signals on Highway 76 as had been the desired configuration previously announced by the city. The Alternate Alignment will also ensure access from the remaining property owned by Patobin Enterprises.”

In introducing the proposal at the July 22 work session meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen, City Engineer David Miller said that the main provision was “The responsible bidder shall submit a title to the city for an alternate street right of way that provides equal or better street connectivity in the city’s overall street system. So, in effect, we wanted an alternate road. We didn’t say anything about price or anything. That was a term or condition of sale; a new road.”

Miller went on to point out that they had received two proposals. He said, “One from TanStone Group for the new road that they are building” and a second proposing a road along the west side of the waterslide property. Miller went on to say the problem with the second proposal was, “It went down and would tie into Oak Creek Drive which does not exist, so technically it did not meet the terms and conditions because there is no through road to tie into because TanStone hasn’t given us that right of way.”

Miller said the bid also included a $100,000 but the bid did not ask for money, staff considered the bid unqualified and recommended the TanStone proposal. In a telephone interview on July 25, Stephen Bradford, the attorney for Patobin Enterprises, Inc. disagreed with the determination that the bid was unqualified and said, “I believe that the bid met all the requirements of city’s solicitation.”

The Board of Aldermen is scheduled to take formal action on accepting the TanStone proposal at its next meeting at 7:00 p.m. July 28.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

“Happy Hour” for those wanting to see the sweeping changes proposed by Branson’s new liquor control Ordinances (LCOs) should be during the Consent Agenda portion of the July 28 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen. After extensive debate at the boards July 14 meeting, the LCOs passed their first reading. In the normal course of things, items approved for their first reading are placed on the Consent Agenda for the next meeting, are approved and become final as part of the board’s approval of the total Consent Agenda without further public discussion.

Subsection 2-54(i) of the Branson Municipal Code entitled “Regular meetings; rules of procedure” states there will be no discussion of separate items on the Consent Agenda “unless members of the board or staff request that a specific item be removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration and discussion.” It continues to advise, “Any citizen that would like to have an item removed from the consent agenda so discussion can occur should notify a board member requesting that item be moved for discussion.”

At the July 22 work session of the Board, City Attorney Paul D. Link advised the board that Attorney Richard Bryant from Kansas City, the attorney who actually drafted the proposed LCOs for the city has been on vacation and just got back into his office on July 21. He said he has sent information to Bryant containing “basically the bullet points of the issues raised by the citizens at the last meeting and a request that he review, what he called “black line’ law” to make sure that it was in line with state law.

Alderman Bob McDowell said, “Verbatim Paul” and indicated he wanted to see a comparison of the proposed LCO’s to state laws and regulations. In both the public meeting held on the LCOs prior to the July 14 meeting of the board and the July 14 meeting, members of the public expressed concern about the volume of the regulations and their perception that the record keeping and certain other requirements go far beyond what state law requires and what is necessary to solve the liquor control problems within the community.

Alderwoman Cris Bohinc said, “We’ve promised many citizens that we would have ample information for them in advance so that they too could look through it.” After further discussion on what and when Bryant could reasonably be expected to be ready by July 28, Branson City Administrator, Dean Kruithof suggested Bryant needs the opportunity to listen to the comments that were made and the opportunity to put together a document that clearly specifies what is unique to Branson’s new LCOs and what is in the state requirements.

Alderman Stephen Marshall said he understood but there were a couple of things that had been recommended that he knows are not in state statute and are over reaching. He said he had been checking the LCOs of other towns and cities in the state. He expressed his opinion that the provisions of the proposed LCO, particularly as relates to licensing is “way over the top” as compared to the others and the policing of the ordinance should be left up to the police department as opposed to a “liquor czar.” Marshall went on to state, “Quite frankly, I don’t see how we can approve on Monday” and suggested that the section of the ordinance the police department is particularly interested in be handled separately. After further discussion on the issue Alderman Stan Barker, acting in his capacity as Mayor Pro Tem appeared to sum up the general feeling of the board when he said, “This is too important to rush through it. Even though we know we can make changes to it later we want to get it as close to right as we can the first time.”

On the advice of City Attorney Paul D. Link the board determined that a separate ordinance containing only Section 10-81 of the proposed LCO, entitled “Drinking in public,” will be presented to the board for approval by a first and second reading at the board’s upcoming July 28 meeting. This provision addresses, among other things, one of the publically expressed problems with the city’s current LCO, the public consumption of alcoholic beverages in areas open to the public that are away from the premises licensed to serve or sell them.

There was discussion among the board members about the LCOs being removed from the Consent Agenda and what would happen at the meeting after that. Based on that discussion and the fact the city has announced Bryant will not be at the July 28 meeting, there is a strong likely hood the proposed LCO will be removed from the Consent Agenda and postponed to some future date after the information requested from Bryant has been received and the board, city staff, and the public have had a chance to review it.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The financial caution light has been on in Branson for the past few months and just might turn into a stop light for the final phase of the Fall Creek extension. Until recently, it was commonly felt that the final phase would be bid and continue on to completion giving the city of Branson another major north south traffic relief route. Even though the bids on the project were lower than expected there might not be enough money in Branson’s budget to fund the project.

The millions of dollars spent on the Fall Creek Project thus far have resulted in an intersection at the Junction of Fall Creek Road and Highway 76, a stop light and an almost one of a kind inefficient zigzag approach to the intersection. The final phase of the project will not only correct the deficiencies involved with the zigzag approach, but will allow for the extension of Fall Creek Road to the north.

Fall Creek Road will continue off the north end of the interchange and continue north to the south end of the stop light located at the intersection with Roark Valley Road and James F. Epps Road. At that point, traffic coming from the south will be able to continue north on James F. Epps Road to its intersection with Highway 248. The completion of the Fall Creek extension project will provide a main north south relief route that will permit traffic access to Cooper Creek, Wildwood Drive, Green Mountain Drive, south Highway 165 and Table Rock Lake area without adding to the congestion on Highway 76.

City Engineer David Miller said that the bids for the final phase of the Fall Creek Road Extension project were opened on July 10 and Emery Sapp & Sons from Columbia had the low bid of $4.5 million dollars. He said the bids came in better than expected. He said, prior to the bid opening, they had estimated the bides would be around $5.5 million.

Miller went on to say although the city has not had any dealings with Emery Sapp & Sons itself the firm is recommended by the transportation engineering firm, Transystems Engineering. Internet research indicates that the firm has done a number of jobs for the Missouri Department of Transportation and is currently the prime contractor on the four laning of U.S. Highway 65 between Fair Grove and Dallas County.

Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said the city has about $3.8 million set aside for the project which is close to the $4.5 million needed. He explained the city has a window of 60 days from the bid opening of July 10 to award the bid and is currently in the process of evaluating two things. The first is “The budget to see what we have to be able to complete Fall Creek Road and the second is the bid itself to make sure that it’s the lowest and best bidder and they can complete the project if the bid is awarded.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The peaceful serenity of Hollister’s Town Hall Park , as well as the sprit that made it a reality, is reflected as the park’s trail meanders over the historic St. James Street Bridge amid a backdrop of Ozarks greenery.

At the dedication of Hollister’s newest park, Town Hall Square, it became readily apparent that its building and dedication is in large part because of the spirit of its citizens, businesses, city staff, and others of kindred spirit working together to achieve a common goal for the enhancement and enjoyment of the entire community. The setting of the park, commemorative bricks, its quarter mile walking trail passing over an authentic miniaturized replica of the historic St. James Street Bridge, strategically placed benches, planted trees and the parks distinctive period lighting serve as an ongoing testimony to that spirit and the planning, care, effort, and personal dedication that went into making Town Hall Square Park the wonderful reality it is.

Hollister Park Board Chairman, Tom Linkous said Town Hall Park has been about a three year project, starting in 2005. He pointed out that the park would not have become a reality without the efforts and hard work and donations of a lot of people and businesses. He singled out and recognized Chad Fuqua, Director of Hollister’s Park Department who also gave special recognition to Mike Alves who is also with the Hollister Parks Department. Linkous also acknowledged the current Park Board Members, Garland Dimetroff, Scott McCaulley, Jon Williams, Tim Corbell, Janice Sarver, and Tina Mefford for their efforts and support in making the park become a reality.

After the formal unveiling of the parks name plaque there was a reception in Hollister City Hall during which Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator, gave a video presentation on the history of the park. It showed the evolution of the area that has become Town Hall Square Park from the fire destroying the old maintenance-charcoal plant building previously occupying a major portion of the site into the recreational asset it has become today including the restoration process that was used on the historical St. James Street Bridge.

In concluding his presentation Ziegenfuss said, “The quality of life is a big issue in our city.” He went on to praise Hollister’s elected officials, city staff, appointed board members, and the public, including local businesses that do so much for the quality of life of Hollister’s residents. One can just look at Town Hall Square Park and feel the spirit and reality of what Ziegenfuss was saying.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

In introducing a complete revision to the city of Branson’s liquor control ordinance (LCO), Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said it was her “pleasure” to present them. If the reaction of the majority of the speakers at the July 14 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen is any indication, not everyone shares the “pleasure” and there is controversy within the community over some of its provisions.

The proposed changes to Branson’s LCO will involve the deletion of the current Chapter 10 of the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) entitled “Alcoholic Beverages” and its replacement with a completely new LCO developed by the Branson Liquor Task Force Committee. According to the proposed amendment as presented, the new LCOs will be contained in the same Chapter of the BMC under the same title as the old LCO they are replacing.

In her remarks, the Mayor pointed out that the Committee was formed, and its work started, about a year ago when the board, “Based on comments and concerns of the public and their own observations felt it appropriate to review our current liquor ordinance.” She said the Committee consisted of Alderwoman Sandra Williams, Alderman Jack Purvis, Captain Ron Key, Salvation Army, Chris Lucchi, MG Hospitality – American Bandstand, Steve Scherer, Grand Hospitality, Chris Vinton, Weiss Commercial Reality and herself and thanked them for their work. Mayor Presley also pointed out Attorney, Richard Bryant from Kansas City, who was retained by the city to work with the Committee, has extensive specialized legal knowledge and expertise in the area of liquor control law

Prior to actual public discussion on the new LCO, Alderwoman Sandra Williams presented amendments to the ordinance designed to address some of the concerns expressed by the public at the July 8 meeting of the Committee. At that meeting there was major concern the proposed change would prohibits the common practice of permitting a patron to bring a bottle of wine into a licensed establishment and have the employees of the establishment serve to them either with or without charge.

To address that concern Alderwoman Sandra Williams proposed an amendments to the new LCO permitting, subject to certain conditions, licensees and the employees of “sales-by-drink” establishments to allow alcoholic beverages to be brought into or upon the premises by customers. Another concern was a provision that prohibited licensees from giving away “any alcoholic beverage to any customer.” William’s amendment changed the verbiage to read, “Give away alcoholic beverage to any intoxicated customer.

During the public debate on the proposed amendment a number of the commenter’s questioned the need for a complete new LCO and some wanted to see a section by section comparison between the old LCO and the new LCO. Cconcern expressed over the duplication and overlap of state provisions, the complexity and volume, and the security of the personal and financial information involved with the new LCO.

One major area of concern was the new position of “Director of Liquor Control. (Director)” authorized by the new LCO. Even a cursory review of the LCO indicates that, within the LCO, the Director has a lot of authority and power. From the very first public comment there were questions on that position its cost, authority, method of appointment, etc. As but one example, Rick Huffman pointed out the definition section permitted the Director to be designated “by the mayor or board of alderman” and requested a change to permit the appointment of the Director to involve the city administrator in the process as is done with other city employees.

Throughout the public comment period various requests were made for other amendments. After discussion by the aldermen and without further amendment, the new LCO passed its first reading by a 5 to 1 vote with Alderman Bob McDowell voting against the measure.

On July 16 McDowell made it very clear that he was not against Branson issuing a new LCO but wanted to make sure that, among other things, it was something that actually solves the liquor control problems Branson has, is enforceable, and does not needlessly require the duplication of personal and financial information already given to the state. He said a lot of the comments expressed last night were legitimate concerns he felt should be addressed before the ordinance was passed and voted against it for that reason.

Under the normal procedure, unless the ordinance is removed from the consent agenda, it will become final at the July 28 meeting of the Branson Board of Alderman without any further public discussion.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

Corps Plan creates Branson’s high lake levels
By Gary J. Groman

In the Branson Tri-Lakes area, 2008 has been a year of record rains, lake levels, and spillway releases through the dams of the Branson Tri/Lakes area. These records have had a negative effect upon individuals, businesses, the areas quality of life and its tourism industry. It is also the year that the average business and citizen first realized, not only the existence of the “regulatory stage” at Newport, AR., but its direct impact on the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) ability to effectively and efficiently reduce the lakes levels of the Tri-Lakes area lakes.

Documentation and information received from the Corps states it has built and manages a series of reservoirs in the Tri-Lakes area. These reservoirs are Beaver, Table Rock, and Bull Shoals Lakes. The primary purposes of the lakes, in priority order, is flood control and the generation of hydro electric power.

The amount of rain and when and where it falls is an act of God. The documentation furnished by the Corps clearly establishes that how that rainfall is stored and managed once it gets into one of the Tri-Lakes reservoirs is controlled by the current “regulatory plan” the Corps has developed.

The Corps information indicates that, as the regulatory plan has evolved into the current plan adopted on Dec. 1, 1998, the decisions made by the Corps regarding the plan have caused the Tri-Lakes area lakes to fill, far beyond their season levels, to extremely high levels of their flood storage capacity for extended periods of time this year and has limited the Corps ability to effectively evacuate water from those lakes to control flooding within those lakes and potential future flooding downstream.

The documentation establishes that the amount of water permitted to be released be released from the Tri-Lakes area lakes depends primarily on the “regulatory stage” at Newport, AR. It indicates the regulatory stage is a measurement of elevation expressed in feet. The higher the number the more water can be released from the Tri-Lakes area lakes and, the lower the number, the less water can be released.

The information clearly shows the intent of those decisions to accommodate the encroachment of agricultural interests into elevations lower than the Corps had previously determined was necessary to provide for effective flood control. It provides a historical record of how the minimum elevation for the regulatory stages has dropped from 18 feet to 12 feet to meet those interests.

Documentation attached to a June 27 email from the Corps indicates the Corps initial regulation plan, referred to as the “first regulation plan,” dated June of 1952, established the initial regulation of the stages at Newport at a maximum of 25 feet and a minimum of 18 feet. The current regulation plan has a maximum of 21 feet and a minimum of 12 feet but has been held at 14 feet since May 15, when it automatically dropped from 18 feet to 14 feet, without regard to the dangerously high elevations of the Tri-Lakes area lakes at the time and the impact they were having on the area.

From an historical perspective, the documentation furnished by the Corps states, “Significant complaints were generated by the sustained use of the 25 foot regulating stage in the initial plan [dated June 1952.] Added pressure to lower regulating stages was felt after a drought in the early 1950’s led to the clearing of low lands and their conversion to cultivated land.” This lead to the Corps to its second regulation plan, dated December 1955.

The information goes on to state the Corps third regulation plan, dated November 1963 and revised in October 1966 resulted “Following the 1957 flood and the continued clearing of low lands for cultivation during the drought of the early 1960’s, agricultural interests became more active in support of a lower regulating stage from May to November.” This plan lowered the minimum level of the regulatory stage to 14 feet.

At a public meeting sponsored by the Corps held on May 29, a Corps spokesperson statedthat in the 1990’s “The farmers came to us and said you need to lower the river because we need to get our crops in. What had happened over time was we had dry years and they encroached more and more into the river valley and went down and planted crops at 12 feet.” The spokes person went on to point out that an ad hoc committee was established “to look at how can we operate the system differently to better accommodate the agricultural community to go to that 12 feet.” The current regulatory plan accomodates that need.

The Corps Daily Reservoir Report for July 3 shows the actual level of Beaver Lake at 1128.38, filled to 80% of its flood control capacity, within 1.62 feet of being at the top of its Flood Pool. The report shows the actual level of Table Rock Lake at 927.47, filled to 73% of its flood control capacity, and within 3.1 feet of the top of its Flood Pool. It also shows Bull Shoals Lake with an actual elevation of 691.95, filled to 90% of its flood control capacity, and within 3.0 feet of the top of its Flood Pool

A comparison between the actual current elevations of the Tri/Lakes as compared to their historic 5 year elevation averages shows just how much above historic levels the current lake levels are. Beaver lake is 8.5 feet above its 5 year average of 1119.9 feet, Table Rock over 11.7 feet above its 915.8 average, and, startlingly, Bull Shoals is 35.7 feet above its average of 656.31.

Related Links:
Branson Tri-Lakes area lakes are still high and the seconds are ticking away (Editorial)

Corps fiddles "The Plood" while local Branson officials and leaders dance to the tune (Editorial)

Under "The Plan" when does a flood become a "Plood" (Editorial)

Flood potential ‘ain’t’ over till it’s over!" (News Article)

Edited on line July 7 at 0650 to clarify terminology involved with use of 5 year elevations and correct some of the elevation comparisons used in association therewith. In all cases the differences between the 5 year averages and the current levels increased slightly.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

By: Gary J. Groman

The operating financial condition of the city of Branson in a nutshell is, “Let’s be very careful, especially when we have a couple of months coming up where we could see some dips and let’s expect those dips to happen. If they don’t happen that’s good news. If they do happen then we’re ready for them.”

That “nutshell” is based on the most recent financial reports presented to the City of Branson’s Finance/Budget Committee at its June 24 meeting and the response of Branson’s new city administrator, Dean Kruithof to that report. The report was presented by John Petty, President, District Offices, LLC (District) who also affirmed Kruithof’s response.

In presenting the monthly report Petty pointed out although slightly less than in March of 2007 the 1 percent City Sales Tax receipts for March of 2008 were starting their seasonality trend upwards. The report breaks the collection of the tax into three general areas, Branson Landing, Branson Hills, and the rest of Branson. The collection of the tax at Branson Landing dropped from $88,206 in March of 2007 to $84,485 in March of 2008, from $605,480 in March of 2007 to $543,170 in March of 2008 for the rest of Branson and increased from $36,676 in March of 2007 to $45,704 in March of 2008 at Branson Hills.

Petty said, “The 1% Sales Tax Trend is mostly used for seasonality impact on the city’s finances.” For budgeting and the managing of the city’s operation the report suggests a rolling 12 month average of the general sales within Branson which fall under the city’s 1% sales tax.

The report indicates the “rolling general Sales” at Branson Landing rose from $78,983,359 in March of 2007 to $106,801,257 in March 2008, at Branson Hills, it rose from $40,560,256 in March of 2007 to $50,387,373 in March of 2008 and, for the rest of Branson, it dropped from $843,282,090 in March of 2007 to $839,993,100 in March of 2008.

The report indicates as of April 30, the spending in the city’s general fund is approximately $3 million more than revenues with approximately $12,054,214 in expenses versus only $8,969,625 in revenues. In presenting this portion of the report Petty said, “The trouble that we have with giving any reliance on these numbers right now is that we do not have an expense protocol for the city. So staff can spend basically 90 percent of their budget in the first three months. So since we don’t have that discipline or spending protocol in place it’s difficult to determine whether or not you have a problem.”

Various reasons for the difference were expressed such as big capital projects, the budgets frontloaded with a lot of “contractual stuff,” etc. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley asked, “So how do you manage that?” Petty responded, “That’s the point Mayor, that’s exactly the point, how do you manage it without a protocol or a discipline in place because your system is only as good as what its tracking capabilities are and right now we don’t have anything to track to.” The discussion regarding Petty’s comments, by the Mayor, City Administrator Kruithof, Janice Moen Larned, Vice President of Finance for District and Petty himself indicated a keen awareness of how important such a protocol is and such a protocol is in the process of being developed on a priority basis.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

After a postponement to clear up some language, the city of Branson’s newest effort to control the accosting and soliciting of people as they walk down the public sidewalks in historic downtown Branson is but one step away from becoming final as the result of the actions taken by the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) at its June 23 meeting. According to the Staff report accompanying the proposed change, “There have been several complaints brought forth by business owners to elected officials regarding sales solicitation in the downtown area.”

During the public comment on the proposed change Jackie Stevenson, identifying herself the owner and operator of a downtown business called “Branson Highlights,” said that this was the business everyone was talking about. Branson Highlights has a number of locations in historic downtown Branson on Main Street and Commercial streets.

She said, “We stand in the doorway, we greet the people; we do have free tickets and they come in and get them. We do offer, ‘Hey folks do you want to go on a tour.’ They do say ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Obviously, we have quite a few that do say ‘Yes’ or we wouldn’t still be in business for five years in this town.”

Stevenson asked Alderwoman Chris Bohinc, “And when you were first solicited by one of my people on the street did they chase you down the street, did they grab you by the arm?” Bohinc responded, “I have been followed down the street more than once, ‘Yes.’” Stevenson followed up by asking, “By my people in my stores?” Bohinc responded, “Before this came about I didn’t know which ones were your stores.” Stevenson said, “And they actually followed you and talked to you as you walked down the street?” Bohinc said, “Absolutely and I have seen it happen.” Alderwoman Sandra Williams recounted a similar experience that she had had while walking on the sidewalks in historic downtown.

As he had done on previous occasions, City Attorney Paul D. Link pointed out that the city already has a solicitation ordinance all that was being dealt with was the definition of the word “solicit.” Section 26-67 of the Branson Municipal Code (BMC), entitled, “Unlawful Solicitations,” makes it unlawful “to solicit when either the solicitor or the person being solicited is located on public property.” Another provision of the same section makes it a specific violation of that section to solicit when either the solicitor or the person being solicited is located on public property and “Within ten feet of the doorway to any business.” Currently the BMC does not contain a definition of “solicit.”

The definition of “solicit” that the board approved on its first reading at the meeting reads, “Solicit means to initiate contact with a member of the public by the offer of any free or discounted goods or services in exchange for any action on the part of that member of the general public.” Typically, the matter will be placed on the “Consent Agenda” for the Board’s next meeting, scheduled for July 14, and will become final if not removed from the Consent Agenda by the request of a member of the Board.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

"Kum Ba Ya" easement east to Forsythe Road from Rose residence.

After many miscues, meetings and negotiations regarding the TanStone Development on Forsythe Road, a little “kum bay ya” paved the way for the city to “ease” into the final approval of a Development Agreement with TanStone Group LLC (Agreement), the developers of the project. When the final development agreement was presented and approved at the May 24 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board), on its first of two required readings, it was clear that the board was concerned about an access easement issue regarding the property of Dr. Pat Rose.

The second and final reading of the agreement was scheduled for the Board’s June 9 meeting as part of the Consent Agenda. Alderwoman Sandra Williams requested its removal from the Consent Agenda which opened the way for additional public and board input on the issue.

Stephen Bradford, the attorney representing Dr. Rose, said, “I am here to inform the board that a resolution has been reached between the parties and they do have an agreement concerning access and easement that has been executed. We are ready to sing ‘Kum Ba Ya.”

Bradford pointed out that the access road involved in the easement agreement will be designed and drawn specifically to a drawing by the engineering firm. Using a copy of the drawing, Branford explained that the easement starts at the end or Rose’s current driveway and heads east in a relatively straight defined manner toward the realigned Forsythe Road. He pointed out that it will be bermed and elevated.

Alderwoman Sandra William asked Chris J. DeJohn, representing the developer, whether or not there would be any problem indicating the easement location etc. on the final plat that would be submitted to the city? DeJohn replied, “Nope, and as part of our agreement we are going to record it prior to the final plat as far as the deeding of the easement.” Williams asked if there has been a timeline established for the building of the easement and DeJohn replied that there had. He did not state what that time line was nor did Williams press for a specific answer.

Exhibit D to the Agreement entitled “Estimated Timeline” does not mention the Pat Rose easement. It does, however indicate that Forsythe Road will be open to traffic by Sep. 15 and that the entire road portion of the project, including the Roark Valley Road interchange will be completed by the Spring of 2009.

The Board’s final approval of the Agreement at its June 9 meeting also included approval of the attached cooperative agreements between the city, TanStone, and the TanStone Development’s related Community Improvement District (CID) and Transportation Development District (TDD). The cooperative agreements, with their associated tax revenues, will provide the primary source of the revenues being used to pay for Forsythe Road and, possibly, some or all of the city’s costs for the Roark Valley Road improvements.

As reported previously, the Agreement will require TanStone to fund and construct both Forsythe Road and the Roark Valley Road improvements with the city reimbursing TanStone’s cost for the Roark Valley Road improvements, including financing costs, up to a maximum of the $1,908,610 that it is estimated the improvements will cost. The reimbursement will take place over a period of three years at a cost of $636,204 during each of the Fiscal Years 2008, 2009, and 20l0. In order to accommodate the 2008 payment, an amendment to the city’s 2008 budget is part of the ordinance. The agreement also provides that if the actual cost of the improvement is lower than the $1,908,610 estimated cost that the city will pay the lower amount.

The agreement also provides the possibility that the CID and TDD sales taxes collected within the development could also be used to reimburse the city for some or all of the costs involved with the Roark Valley Road improvements. That provision will only become operational after TanStone has received reimbursement for the initial $3,500,000 in project costs involved with the rebuilding of Forsythe Road and its other authorized public improvement costs related to the development.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

The Branson Board of Alderman voted to make it easier to remove a City Administrator from their position and put the positions of City Clerk and City Attorney under its formal control. The changes to the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) that the board approved on first reading at its June 9 meeting substantially reduces the role of the city administrator in appointing, terminating, and supervising Branson’s city clerk and attorney.

All three changes were submitted by Branson Alderwoman Sandra Williams as part of a package of three specific separate ordinance changes. Williams said that one of her objectives was to make the wording in the BMC “be the same wording that is in our state statute.” Alderman Bob McDowell pointed out that the current ordinances, although more restrictive than state law, were in compliance with the minimum requirements of Missouri state laws. This was confirmed by City Attorney Paul D. Link.

The change to the BMC involving the city administrator simply reduces the current three fourths vote of the board required in Subsection 2-81 of the BMC to terminate the administrator without the concurrence of the mayor to two thirds. Prior to the change, the BMC, although in compliance with the minimal two thirds requirements of Section 79.240 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo), required five votes to terminate the city administrator. With the ordinance change only the vote of four is required.

Prior to the change, the BMC was silent as to who appointed and terminated the city attorney. With the changes a new subsection has been added to the BMC provisions pertaining to the city attorney entitled “Appointment, term and removal.” That subsection provides that “the mayor, with the consent and approval of the majority of the members of the board of aldermen shall appoint a city attorney who shall hold office at the pleasure of the board of aldermen.” The proposal also provides that the city attorney may be removed by four votes of the board with or without the mayor’s consent at will. State law, in Section 79.230 RSMo, states that “The mayor, with the consent and approval of the majority of the members of the board of aldermen, shall have power to appoint,” among other positions mentioned a “city attorney.”

Of the three proposed changes, this was the most contentious with Alderman Stephen Marshall, Bob McDowell, and Stan Barker against the measure because, among other things, they thought it could cause day to day inefficiencies in performing the city’s business. McDowell also pointed out that as the system currently works the city attorney reports to both the city administrator and the board. Aldermen Rick Davis pointed out that is was strictly an organization structure change which was consistent with the views of Williams and Alderwoman Chris Bohinc.

The vote was tied three to three on the issue and Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley broke the tie in favor of the change. In doing so she expressed her belief that on a day to day basis the city attorney would still answer to the city administrator, equated the boards working relationship with the city attorney to that of its relationship with the city administrator and “that our citizens have asked us to bring this to the level of the elected official’s oversight.”

The revised ordinances also revised subsection 2-121 of the BMC to read “The Board of Aldermen shall elect a clerk for such board to be known as “the city clerk,” whose duties and term of office shall be fixed by ordinance, and shall serve at the pleasure of the board of aldermen.” Subsection 2-121(c) of the BMC entitled “Term; Compensation” removes the city administrator from the termination process and places the process under the mayor and the board.

During the board meeting, as well as during the work session, it was pointed out that the situation had been discussed with the new city administrator, Dean Kruitof, during the interview process. It was said that he had indicated that he had worked under similar arrangements where the attorney and clerk had worked for the board, was familiar with it and had no problem with it. The proposed changes will be on the consent agenda for the boards June 23 meeting and will automatically become final without any further discussion unless removed from the consent agenda.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

It’s back to the drawing boards for the proposed change to the Branson Municipal Code’s (BMC) solicitation ordinance. After a considerable amount of debate on a change to add a more restrictive definition of “Solicit” to the ordinance at its June 9 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) unanimously voted to postpone any further consideration of the change until its June 23 meeting.

According to the Staff report accompanying the proposed change, “There have been several complaints brought forth by business owners to elected officials regarding sales solicitation in the downtown area.” The report goes on to say, “This ordinance addresses those concerns in that it prohibits the ability to entice customers into a business through free or discounted items.”

Previously, in discussing the ordinance change at the Board’s public work session meeting held on May 6, Paul D. Link, Branson’s City Attorney, said, “There has been some downtown businesses that have issued some complaints recently about some vacation club sales and time shares, that kind of business, getting a lot of locations in downtown Branson and soliciting people on the sidewalk.”

At that meeting, Link went on to say that it’s not necessarily selling product on the sidewalk. He pointed out that some sales people approach people when they get out of their cars and saying, “Hey have you got your tickets yet for this weekend or I’ve got free tickets for you and enticing people to come back into the four corners of their store to sell them stuff.”

During the introduction of the ordinance at the June 9 meeting Link said, “All that’s on for tonight is a definition of the word “Solicit” to deal with those issues that have been complained about regarding the offering of free tickets or discounted goods as an enticement to get people into stores and doing it on public sidewalks.” He pointed out, “We already have a solicitation ordinance all that we are dealing with now is the definition of the word “solicit.”

The proposed change adds a definition entitled “Solicit” to Section 26-261 of the BMC. As proposed it reads, “Solicit means to initiate contact with a member of the public by the offer of any free or discounted goods or services in exchange for any action on the part of that member of the general public.”

During the public discussion on the ordinance Bill Stevenson presented an argument against not only the proposed change but the current solicitation ordinance based on constitutional commercial speech issues and stated that when they had contacted the ACLU for assistance that the ACLU had advised them that they are currently investigating the city of Branson’s ordinances regarding solicitation. He gave a copy of the ACLU letter regarding the issue and suggested that the city might want to contact them.

Downtown merchants, Grant Johnson and David King spoke about their first hand observations of how visitors to the downtown area are solicited as they attempt to walk up and down the sidewalks of the historic downtown district. Both Pat Joyce and Joel Merrifield, who operate businesses in the downtown area that, among other things, use discounted show tickets as an inducement to generate tours for times shares, expressed opinions that the personal solicitation of visitors walking the public sidewalks of downtown Branson was inappropriate.

Based on the public comments and the issues they raised, the board decided that further consideration on the matter was needed. The vote on the first reading was postponed until the Board’s June 23 meeting and the issue will be further discussed during the Boards June 16 public work session held at 10:00 a.m. in the Municipal Courtroom.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

With the voluntary annexation of approximately 4700 feet of Empire District Electric (Empire) property the northern city limits of Hollister have been extended about nine tenths of a mile north along the shores of Lake Taneycomo. The voluntary annexation of the approximately 27 acres, consisting of Lake Taneycomo and the shoreline Empire owns was given final approval by the Hollister Board of Aldermen at its June 5 meeting by a unanimous vote.

The annexation extends the city limits of Hollister north and east. Hollister’s city limits are extended north from their current northern boundary, just south of Coon Creek, along the Lake Taneycomo shore line to a point just south of the mouth of Roark Creek. The annexation also extends its city limits west about halfway across Lake Taneycomo to the point where its meets the eastern city limits of Branson throughout the entire length of the annexation.

The only public comment on the matter as it was being considered by the board came from Don Frank, Chief Financial Officer of Kanakuk Camps. Frank inquired as to the northern boundary of the annexation as relates to Kanakuk’s property. The question was answered by Doug Tiemann from Pickett Ray & Silver, a development firm headquartered in St. Peters, MO, with a local office in Branson, who was representing Empire. The firm was also representing Ahmed A. Salama in a separate request for the voluntary annexation of approximately 6.76 acres located immediately contingent to the Empire land being annexed. Tieman said that the northern boundary of the Empire annexation would extend out into the middle of Lake Taneycomo from the southern boundary of Kanakuk’s property where it meets the northern boundary of Salama’s property.

Immediately after the Empire Annexation, the board considered the second and final reading on the voluntary annexation of approximately 6.76 acres owned by Ahmed A. Salama located immediately contingent to the northeastern end of the Empire land that had just been annexed into Hollister. The only public comment on the Salama annexation came from Don Frank. He said that Kanakuk was not necessarily against Hollister’s annexation of Salama’s property but did have some concerns.

Frank pointed out that about a year ago 160 residents of the area along Lake Shore Drive signed a petition and took action to stop the development of a very aggressive condominium project proposed by Salama on the property. He said that even though it appears that the project has been scaled back, the primary concern today is the same as it was a year ago, the ability of Lake Shore Drive to safely handle the traffic that would be generated by the development of the property and the challenges that such traffic would pose for emergency services such a ambulances and fire protection.

Frank also acknowledged the creativeness of the unusual process of using Lake Taneycomo to create the situation where the Salama property became eligible for annexation into Hollister. He said that the procedure could ultimately lead to the point where the city of Hollister would have several parcels mixed in intermittently with other parcels not within the city limits of Hollister and expressed concern over the challenges that would bring to the city in terms of providing services. Frank also was concerned about the potential commercial implications of the C-3 zoning that the annexed land would have.

The board approved the annexation by a vote of three to one with Ward I Alderman, Dr. Howell Keeter voting against the annexation.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

If proposed changes to the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) are enacted, it appears that the role of the city administrator in appointing, terminating, and supervising Branson’s city clerk and attorney will be substantially reduced and the roll of the Branson Board of Aldermen (board) substantially increased. If approved the changes will remove the city administrator from the appointment and termination process and make the city clerk “subject to the direction of the board of aldermen.”

The proposed ordinance changes were presented by Branson Alderwoman Sandra Williams at the board’s work session meeting on June 3 as part of a package of three specific ordinance changes. The changes involve the number of votes it takes to terminate the city administrator and the appointment and termination of the city attorney and clerk`. In presenting the changes Williams said that that one of her objectives was to make the wording in the BMC “be the same wording that is in our state statute.”

The change to the BMC involving the city administrator is minimal. It reduces the current three fourths vote of the board required in Subsection 2-81 of the BMC to terminate the administrator without the concurrence of the mayor to two thirds minimum. The current provisions of the BMC, although in compliance with the minimal two thirds requirements of the Section 79.240 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo), requires five votes to terminate the city administrator; if the proposed change is approved that number will be reduced to four.

Currently the BMC is silent as to who appoints and terminates the city attorney. Williams proposes adding a subsection to the BMC provisions pertaining to the city attorney entitled “Appointment, term and removal.” That subsection provides that “the mayor, with the consent and approval of the majority of the members of the board of aldermen shall appoint a city attorney who shall hold office at the pleasure of the board of aldermen.” The proposal also provides that the city attorney may be removed by four votes of the board with or without the mayor’s consent at will. State law, in Section 79.230 RSMo, states that “The mayor, with the consent and approval of the majority of the members of the board of aldermen, shall have power to appoint,” among other positions mentioned a “city attorney.”

Section 79-320 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) states, “The board of aldermen shall elect a clerk for such board, to be known as “the city clerk” whose term of office shall be fixed by ordinance.” Currently subsection 2-121(a) of the BMC, entitled “Appointment” reads, “The city clerk shall be appointed by the city administrator and his/her name shall be submitted for election by the board of aldermen.” As proposed the revised subsection 2-121 would read “The Board of Aldermen shall elect a clerk for such board to be known as “the city clerk,” whose duties and term of office shall be fixed by ordinance, and shall serve at the pleasure of the board of aldermen.”

In addition, the proposed changes to subsection 2-121(c) of the BMC entitled “Term; Compensation” would remove the city administrator from the termination process and place it under the board and put it in the hands of the mayor and board. The ability of the city administrator to require the city clerk to perform other duties at their discretion would be reduced under the changes proposed to subsection 2-121(b) of the BMC, entitled “Duties.

During a lengthly discussion on the changes, Alderman Bob McDowell expressed his opinion, which was confirmed by City Attorney Paul D. Link, that the city’s ordinances in these areas are in compliance with state statute. Mayor Raeanne Presley said that her concern with the situation involving the city clerk and city attorney’s position was one of checks and balances and went on to say, “I do think that the clerk and the attorney rise to the level, while not quite equal, I think they rise to the level beside he city administrator and it is the responsibility of this board to know that these individuals are answerable directly to the board.”

She also pointed out that the situation had been discussed with the new city administrator, Dean Kruitof, during the interview process. The mayor went on to say that Kruitof had indicated that he had worked under similar arrangements where the attorney and clerk had worked for the board, was familiar with it and had no problem with it. The proposed changes are scheduled for consideration at the board’s next regular meeting on June 9.

Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

A rose may be a rose, but as the developers of TanStone Development, TanStone Group LLC, are finding out, a rose also has thorns. Doctor Pat Rose, the owner of the land immediately to the west of the TanStone Development has become a thorn in the side of TanStone’s plans by persistently reminding the city and TanStone that their actions have resulted in her losing the easement access to her property from Forsythe Road.

Rose’s property runs from Highway 76 south fronting the old Forsythe Road on its eastern edge. A water slide and parking lot occupies the property at the top of the hill on the south end. About half way down the hill on the property there is a residential complex, containing Rose’s home and some rental cottages.

The eastern edge of her property was separated from the old Forsythe Road by a narrow band of land through which she obtained an access easement. She had used that easement to access her property directly from Forsythe Road for about ten years until, without warning, on the morning of Oct. 2, 2007, when, as she went out to pick up her newspaper, she discovered that Forsythe Road had been destroyed.

Subsequent events have disclosed that the road was destroyed by TanStone without any written agreement with the city to do so and that the purpose of destroying the road was so that it could be rebuilt and realigned hundreds of feet to the east. The immediate effect was to render the access easement Rose had to exit and enter her property off of Forsythe Road useless.

The only remaining access to Rose’s property became a narrow steep road leading from her residential complex up through a water slide parking lot at the south end of her property. Rose and her attorney, Stephen Bradford, have been working with the developer and the city, both privately and publically, to get a satisfactory resolution to the easement issue since.

The record of the public meetings with the city involving the TanStone project since the destruction of Forsythe Road will show a pattern. The actual issue comes up for discussion, in this case the approval of the Development Agreement between the developer and the city. During the discussion of the specific issue the issue of the easement will be raised either by Bradford or one of the aldermen. In this case, Alderwoman Sandra Williams expressed concern about the Rose easement.

The board was told, by both Bradford and a representative of TanStone, Randy Winski, one of its partners, that late the week, prior to the board’s meeting, the developer had submitted three different easement options to Rose for consideration. Bradford pointed out that although they were still evaluating them that, in his opinion, they did not seem to be practical or fair in terms of the circumstances. Winski’s statements contradicted that opinion.

One of the easement options would require building a long steep road across Roses property. When City Engineer David Miller was asked about that option he said that anything could be done if you had enough money and indicated that while it might be practical in certain situations he did not feel this was one of those situations.

Another option would give Rose a 30 foot easement to Forsythe Road from her property going hundreds of yards through as yet undesignated parking lots and other public areas of the TanStone Project located between Rose’s property and the relocated Forsythe Road. Further the proposed easement had a restriction that it can only be used for residential purposes even though Rose’s land is commercial. None of the other easement choices had a similar restriction.

City Attorney Paul D. Link again stated his opinion that all the developer was required to do was grant an easement to replace the easement that was taken away so that the property would not be landlocked. He again reiterated his belief that the easement issue was a civil matter between Rose and the developer. He also recommended that the board not require the developer to do something that is not required by law.

Although the Development Agreement was approved on its first reading it was not without a warning from the board. At the request of Alderman Stephen Marshall, City Engineer David Miller pointed out that in a “worse case” scenario, if a final agreement is not worked out, the city could condemn the new road under construction in the development and keep the old road’s right of way. Alderman Marshall advised Winski that the board has been told over and over that they are working on an agreement; that the board’s patience was coming to an end and suggested that they had to get an agreement.

In the normal course of events, the Development Agreement will come up for its second reading at the board’s first June meeting on June 9 and will be on the Consent Agenda.

Furnished courtesy of Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.

After a long and careful process, the Branson Board of Aldermen has unanimously decided to offer the position of City Administrator to Dean Kruitof, who is currently serving as the Deputy City Administrator in Fort Smith, AR. Mayor Raeanne Presley made the announcement on Tuesday morning, May 20 during the Branson Board of Alderman’s work session meeting.

In making the short announcement the Mayor said that Kruitof was pleased and that they are now negotiating with him as to finalization of a contract. She went on to say that although the details have not been worked out yet she is hopeful that they will be worked out within a week and that Kruitof will be on board in about a month.

Cutline using picture from partners in progress that we used last week:

Cutline: Pictured last week at the Partners in Progress Meeting in Hollister, Dean Kruitof is the man in the middle. To his left is the other finalist for the job, Dan Galloway and to his right, Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator.

Most of the residents along the southern end of Lake Shore Drive will soon have the city of Hollister as their immediate “back door” neighbor to the west. In fact, if the two voluntary annexations that the Hollister Board of Aldermen approved on their first reading at their May 15 meeting are not removed from the consent agenda for the board’s next meeting there will automatically be a large number of lots and homes, on the southern end of Lake Shore drive that will immediately be surrounded to the west and the north by the city of Hollister.

During a public hearing on May 15, the petition for the voluntary annexation into the city of Hollister of approximately 27 acres of land owned by Empire Electric, was presented by Doug Tiemann, Pickett Ray & Silver, a development firm headquartered in St. Peters, MO with a local office in Branson. According to their web site, Mike Rankin is their Director of Business Development. Rankin used to be the Director of Economic Development for the City of Branson prior to leaving that post in the spring of 2007 and has extensive experience in economic development not only in Branson but in other areas. There were no other public participants in the hearing.

The 27 acres being annexed is actually under water, the land underneath Lake Taneycomo, and runs from basically the middle of the lake to the eastern edge of the Lake from a point between East Highway 76 and Taneycomo upstream from Coon Creek, downstream along the Lake Taneycomo Bank for about 4,700 feet. In general terms, the northern end would be at the northern end of the fourth lot up from the intersection of S. Fork and Lake Shore Drive which is a western extension of the north line of the Davis Addition.

As soon as that public hearing was closed Tiemann presented a second petition for the voluntary annexation of 6.76 acres of land on the west side of Lake Shore Drive at another public hearing. The eligibility of this land for voluntary annexation into Hollister is totally dependent on the Hollister Board of Aldermen approving the voluntary annexation of the Empire Electric Land into the city of Hollister as that is what provides the contiguity necessary for voluntary annexation.

The 6.76 acres to be voluntarily annexed is currently under the jurisdiction of Taney County and is owned by Ahmed A. Salama who had previously tried to get county approval for development of land he owns in that area. The northern boundary of the Empire annexation coincides with the northern boundary of the northern lot line in the Davis Addition which is owned by Ahmed A. Salama and is part of this annexation.

After the two public hearings the Hollister Board of Aldermen unanimously approved both voluntary annexation requests and they will become final without further comment at the board’s next meeting if not removed from the consent agenda for further discussion. If approved, all the lots bordered to the west by the annexation of the Empire Electric Land will still be in Taney County except for Salama’s lot which will be part of the city of Hollister because of its voluntary annexation. It will also open the road for the voluntary annexation of any other land that is contiguous to the Salama’s lot such as the land immediately to the north or immediately east, across Lake Shore Drive, from the property.

There’s a good chance that those attending one of the shows starring Dave “Elvis” Ehlert at the historic Owens Theatre in downtown Branson might hear the Elvis hit “Don’t Be Cruel” during the performance, but, according to Ehlert, in spite of recent comments to the contrary, one thing that they will not be hearing during the show is anything that can even remotely be construed to relate to be a sales gimmick or spiel for time share or vacation club sales. The comments surfaced at a May 6 work session meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen, during a discussion of a proposed ordinance change designed to control the solicitation of tourists on the public sidewalks of downtown Branson by vacation clubs and time share sales personnel.

During March/April ETC Institute, a professional survey, planning and technology company from Olathe, Kansas, conducted and analyzed a detailed community survey for the City of Branson. According to Chris Tatham of ETC, during his overview of the report given at the May 12 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen, its purpose was to evaluate the satisfaction of the city’s residents and businesses with the delivery of major city services and to help determine priorities for the community as part of the City’s ongoing planning process. Two different surveys were conducted, one for residents and another for businesses.

In terms of the residents survey, Tatham said that the process involved the mailing of a six-page survey to a random sample of 1,200 households in the city with a follow up phone call made to those receiving the survey about seven days after mailing. He said that of the households that received the survey 309 completed it by phone and 259 returned it by mail for a total of 568 completed surveys. He pointed out that the results for the random sample of 568 households has a 95% level of confidence.

One thing that particularly impressed Tatham was the fact that 88 % of the residents surveyed were proud that they lived in Branson and that it made very little difference whether they lived in Branson for less than five years or more than 20 years. He also complimented the city on the fact that 78 % of the residents who had contacted the City of Branson with a question, problem or reported they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the way they were treated by City employees.

The report also indicated that in general Residents were generally satisfied with the overall quality of services provided by the City of Branson. Major categories of city services with the highest satisfaction, based upon the combined percentage of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” responses indicates resident satisfaction with the overall quality of fire service (90%), police service (78%), and City parks and recreation programs and facilities services (74%).

About 81% of residents who had contacted the City of Branson with a question, problem or complaint in the past year reported they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with how easy the City was to contact. In the same vein, 78% of residents who had contacted the City of Branson with a question, problem or complaint during the past year reported they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the way they were treated by City employees

About 92% of the residents surveyed rated Branson as an “excellent” or a “good” place to live and 89% of residents surveyed rated Branson as an “excellent” or a “good” place to raise children. Not surprisingly, the survey also indicates that the vast majority of Branson’s residents, 82%, feels safe and 71% are satisfied with its quality of life.

In some areas the survey indicated that residents were less satisfied. Those areas primarily involved drop off recycling, the condition of neighborhood streets, code enforcement, and communications. Interestingly, the survey showed that more residents get their information about the City of Branson from the Branson Daily Independent than they do from radio, television, or other newspapers.

In concluding his report, Tatham suggested that the study is not an end all but rather a guide that can be used by the city as it plans for and sets its priorities for the future. The complete survey is available on the city’s website at www.cityofbranson.org.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The solicitation of tourists on the public sidewalks of downtown Branson by vacation clubs and time share sales personnel may lead to a change in the Branson Municipal code (BMC) to help control the problem. In introducing the item for discussion at the work session meeting of the Branson Board of Alderman held on May 6, Paul D. Link, Branson’s City Attorney, said, “There has been some downtown businesses that have issued some complaints recently about some vacation club sales and time shares, that kind of business, getting a lot of locations in downtown Branson and soliciting people on the sidewalk.”

Link said that it’s not necessarily selling product on the sidewalk. He pointed out that some sales people approach people when they get out of their cars and saying, “Hey have you got your tickets yet for this weekend or I’ve got free tickets for you and enticing people to come back into the four corners of their store to sell them stuff.”

Link stressed that the complaints were not necessarily from citizens or tourists shopping in the downtown area but were from business owners saying it’s creating an environment of a lot of solicitations out on the sidewalk. Branson Police Sergeant Sean Barnwell indicated that the issue has been a concern since the fall of 2006 and pointed out that investigative efforts thus far have revealed no substantive violations of current BMC ordinances relating to solicitation.

Alderwoman Chris Bohinc asked if the people being solicited actually got free tickets without having to go to a vacation club or time share presentation or open house. Sergeant Barnwell stated, “There is only one show that I am aware of that they give actually free tickets to and that’s the Owens Theatre downtown. I haven’t been to it but it’s my understanding that there’s a sales gimmick involved in the show so you’ll either hear the speal going somewhere else or during the show.”

Bohinc said that she and her husband routinely walk through the downtown and are solicited about 100 percent of the time. She said she believed that they are solicited so often is because the people doing the solicitation work primarily for commission and that there is such a large turnover that the solicitors don’t know that they have been solicited before. Alderwoman Sandra Williams said that a lot of the complaints that she has received have come from those businesses in the downtown area not involved with vacation club or time share sales. Those businesses reported complaints from people coming into their businesses complaining about being solicited on the public sidewalks by vacation club or time share sales personnel.

Link said that in an effort to provide a solution for the problem it was proposed that a new definition for the term “Solicit” be added to the BMC. If the definition is adopted as proposed it would read, “Means to initiate contact with a member of the public by the offer of any free or discounted goods or services in exchange for any action on the part of that member of the general public.”

Subsection 26-67 of the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) makes it unlawful “to solicit when either the solicitor or the person being solicited is located on public property.” In addition it makes it unlawful to solicit when either the solicitor or the person being solicited is located within ten feet of the doorway to any business, 20 feet of a public toilet; 20 feet of an automated teller machine, or 20 feet of a pay telephone.

There was no discussion about the fact that the new definition actually applies to all of Branson, not just the downtown, and substantially reduces the scope of the term “solicit” as it is normally defined. It was suggested that the proposed ordinance be circulated for input from the businesses in the downtown area.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Amid all the glowing reports of a billion dollar in retail sales and that the bookings at the Branson Convention Center are ahead of what was programmed there appears to be a “Caution Light” starting to blink. At the April 29 meeting of the city of Branson s Budget and Finance committee it was reported that the 12 month rolling average for Branson’s primary revenue stream remained flat and that the Branson Convention Center had a $651,861 operating loss during the period of October 2007 through March 2008.

Information relating to the trend of the 12 month rolling average of the city’s 1% Sales Tax was presented by John Petty, President, District Offices, LLC. The trend of the city’s 1% city sales tax collected outside of Branson Landing and Branson Hills has remained flat over the 12 month rolling period. The discussion about the report indicates that the 1% city sales tax, collected from areas other than Branson Landing and Branson Hills, is the primary source of revenue that the city uses to meet its current operational needs.

Petty said that while the collection of the tax in Branson Landing and Branson Hills is trending up it is “bubble revenue.” He explained his use of the term “bubble revenue” as revenue that is, for the most part, not available to the city for current operational needs because it is used to pay off the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds used to finance the projects. Petty pointed out that 100 percent of the tax collected from Branson Landing and 50 percent of the tax from Branson Hills goes to pay TIF debt.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley, while thankfully acknowledging the trend of growth at Branson Landing and Branson Hills, again reiterated that 100 percent of the tax collected at Branson Landing and 50 percent of the tax collected at Branson Hills does not come back to the city. In terms of the city’s primary revenue generator to meet the city’s current operational needs, the 1% city sales tax collected outside of the TIF districts, she said, “Sales tax, across the board for the city are flat so there’s the story.”

In analyzing the data being presented, Alderman Stephen Marshall said that there’s a belief in town that because Branson Landing is doing so well that the that the incremental revenue has gone up in those areas outside the TIF Districts and that’s not happened. Frank Schoneboom, Acting City Administrator, agreed saying, “That data suggests that you are absolutely right.” Marshall continued, “There are folks that look at all this data that includes Branson Landing taxes etc. which is what we have been talking about here for months. It shows a fictitious increase in taxes because the taxes are going out to pay for the bonds.” Petty added, “It’s like looking across into your neighbor’s yard and saying, “My landscaping looks great.’”

When analyzing the operational report for the Branson Convention Center submitted by Hilton Corporation, the city’s contract convention center manager, the report was categorized as sloppy with incorrect dates etc. The trend indicated by Petty’s presentation was one of reported expenses exceeding reported revenues for each month since Oct. 2007 with a year to date loss of $651,861 for the six month period.

One of the foundational documents used to support the building of the convention center in downtown Branson was a study entitled, “Feasibility Analysis of the Proposed Branson Downtown Exhibition and Convention Center Study,” (CS&L Study) that was received by the city of Branson during Feb. 2003. That study estimated that the convention center would have an annual net operating deficit of $530,000 per year in a stabilized year of operation. Although the losses for the first six months of this year are more than estimated for the whole year in that report it should be pointed out that, as the study used the term, a “stabilized year” was assumed to be the normal operation of the facility that would occur by the fifth year of operation.

Various members of the committee had questions relating to aspects of the report relating to food and beverages costs, labor costs, marketing, not staying within the parameters of the budget that Hilton had submitted, the operation of the laundry, etc. There was no representative of Hilton present at the meeting and the questions were not resolved. Mayor Presley said, “I suggest that we get the new guy in here. He should be on board within a week or two.” Hilton is currently in the process of bringing a new General Manager on board to replace the General Manager that recently retired.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.