Category: Local News

Ethical issues including “conflict of interest” may soon be addressed in an ethics policy for the city of Branson. In talking about the development of an ethics policy at the board of alderman’s April 22 work session Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “I think the public really wants to know” and suggested that it would be nice if the board could come up with an ethics and conflict of interest policy that they could all agree on.

City Attorney Paul D. Link said, “The general rule on ethics is that if you as an alderman stand to make a financial gain on something then you should abstain from voting.” He pointed out that the law in Missouri has changed. An alderman can just abstain without stating a reason and the vote doesn’t count as a “Yes” or “No,” just an abstention. He reiterated that if an alderman thought there would be a financial gain to them personally they should abstain.

Link continued, “A lot of this ethics is a gut feeling or a perception.” He used a hypothetical of an alderman who had a fishing buddy that he went fishing with every weekend saying that if something relating to the buddy comes before the board that the alderman should consider abstaining. Link said that, although it’s not a legal conflict that would cause the alderman to have to abstain, that it would be a good idea to abstain “just because of the perception that you are kind of in the bag on that particular vote.”

Alderman Bob McDowell asked Link if it was correct that if an alderman is going to abstain from voting that they should also abstain from any discussion on the matter. Link responded by saying that was a gray area. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “If you were going to abstain because of financial interests then I think you should.”On the other hand she said, “If you had decided to abstain just because of perception then you probably would be fine.”

Link concurred saying, “I think that if you are going to abstain from a vote because of a financial condition that you should abstain from the conversation.” His rationale was that if an alderman was going to argue a position to get the rest of the board to vote a certain way the conflict is there whether or not they actually vote on the issue. More than one alderman ascribed to the opinion, “That happens at the planning and zoning commission all the time.”

Alderman Stephen Marshall pointed out the fact that some people in the community are saying that when it comes to the convention center that he is in a conflict of interest position and asked, “What conflict of interest?” Link replied, “Stephen, I don’t know that there is a direct financial conflict. I think what they are arguing there is more of that secondary thing I talked about.”

Link continued, “Some people have a perceived conflict. I’m not saying that there is one or there isn’t one. I think that the argument that I’ve heard is that they view you as if you say anything negative about the convention center or the Hilton Hotel that you are basically trying to rundown your competition because they are the chief competition in this area for your hotel.” He again reiterated that he wasn’t saying it was a legal conflict of interest or not.

Mayor Pressley suggested that that as part of the process of developing a more complete set of ethic and conflict of interest guidelines that a public work session would be held.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

If the discussion at the April 22 work session meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen is any indication, no one has a clue when Forsythe Road will reopen and the board is losing patience with the reasons for the delay, financial or otherwise. Frank Schoneboom, Branson’s Acting City Administrator, gave a report on the progress of the TanStone project and summed it up by saying, “The long and the short of it is that now the developer is in negotiations with their bank and the financing is not complete, still”

Schoneboom further indicated that the city has asked for a time table and they not only haven’t been given one but have not received a firm response. He further indicated that City Attorney Paul D. Link had talked with the developers attorney, but “Nothing had moved as of yet, except gravel.”

Alderman Stephen Marshall asked, “Isn’t there something we can do? They can’t hold us hostage for this length of time.” TanStone Plaza is a commercial development located at 284 Forsyth Boulevard covering just about the whole area between Highway 76 and Roark Valley Road. As part of the project, the developers were going to improve Forsythe Road to an all season road. In Fall of 2007, the city let the developer close and demolish Forsythe Road without any agreement in place as to who was supposed to do what when or a specific date by which the road would be done. Forsythe Road is a well used north south connector road between Roark Valley Road on the north and the Wal-Mart area of State Highway 76 on the south.

Schoneboom said there were two issues that he was concerned with. One of them was the reopening of Forsythe Road. The second he said, “Is the buildup of materials on the city’s right away down there at Roark Valley Road.” There is huge pile of fill material that will be used for the construction of the Roark Valley and Forsythe Road intersection. He indicated that the idea of a developer’s agreement is being held out to the city by the developer, but that it was getting to the point where the developer either “moves rock” or signs an agreement.

Schoneboom continued, “What is concerning me is the level of the pile up and, from a public safety perspective, how close that is to the blacktop.” Alderman Bob McDowell asked for staff to prepare a list of the options available to the board specific to each issue, the reopening of Forsyth Road itself and the removal of the materials from the city’s right away. He said, “It’s one thing to talk about it, but when push comes to shove what kind of tools do we have in our tool box to move this thing along because I have to think that we are to the point where we are going to have to start looking at those.”

City Attorney Paul D. Link reminded the board that he had talked with the developer’s attorney recently and that the holdup was because the developer was now negotiating with their bank for financing. McDowell said, “I’m getting to the point where I don’t care what their relationship is with the bank, I want to know what the options are and what tools we have to manage this.” He went on to say that he wasn’t sure they were going to get their loan and if they don’t the city needed a plan of action ready to go. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “I do think that it is getting to a crucial point” and that the city has been more than patient and understanding.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Jack Purvis receiving plaque from Mayor Raeanne Presley.

Branson paused a moment, at the April 16 meeting of its Board of Aldermen, to honor the service of the two aldermen who were leaving the board, Alderman Jack Purvis and Alderman Dick Gass. In her introductory remarks, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “Tonight we are here to thank these two leaders who, at the very core of their service, held a deep desire to help people.” She went on to thank them for the sacrifices they had made in their service, particularly the time spent away from their families and all that had been accomplished while they were on the board including new businesses, the convention center, improved roads, the RecPlex, and “record sales never imagined just a few years ago.”

In honoring outgoing Alderman Jack Purvis, Mayor Presley presented Purvis with a plaque, thanked him for his five years of service which started in April of 2003, and outlined the boards and committees he served on. She shared a personal observation of Purvis helping a family during the recent flooding as a “wonderful reflection on Jack’s spirit of giving.”

In accepting the plaque Purvis said that it had been an honor and a pleasure serving the community and that he appreciated all the support and encouragement that he has received over the years. He wished incoming Alderwoman Chris Bohinc the best and pointed out what an awesome responsibility it was to have to make the decisions that would affect the lives of virtually everyone in the community. In closing his remarks Purvis said, “We live in the greatest community in the greatest country in the world and it’s an honor to be able to live here.”

Dick Gass receiving plaque from Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley.

The Mayor honored outgoing Alderman Dick Gass as she presented him with a plaque and thanked him for his six years of service on the board starting in April of 2002. In pointing out the many boards and committees he served on she emphasized his passion for the marketing of the community and his service as the city’s representative on the Branson Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District Board.

As he accepted the plaque Gass said that he was very proud of what had happened during the six years of his term. He also took time to acknowledge the presence of exalderman Ron Huff and his 12 years of service to the city. As he reviewed some of the things that had been accomplished he pointed out that it couldn’t have happened without the city staff and stressed what a tremendous staff the city has. Gass had particular praise for Jerry Adams, Branson’s Public Information Director, and the great job he believes Adams has done summing it up by saying, “Jerry you’ve done a heck of a job.”.

Gass congratulated newly elected Alderman Rick Davis and Chris Bohinc. As he concluded his remarks Gass said, “All I can tell you is that the city is in very good financial shape, we leave you with a good city, and I know that you will continue to make it better.”

Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina floating anchored near Business 65 Bridge after it broke loose from its moorings and slowly drifted down stream pulling its anchors with it.

Whether from the song by Lenny Kravitz, or a quote from Yogi Berra, the refrain, “It ain’t over till it’s over” applies to the current flooding event that some are experiencing in the Branson area. The current flood event didn’t start with the torrential rains during the night hours of April 9 into the early morning hours of April 10 nor will it end after the spillway gates on Table Rock Lake are closed, as planned early this week. It started in with record rains in March that used up a lot of the storage capacity of the area’s reservoirs and will not end until that capacity is regained.

Prior to the most recent rains, James D. Sandburg, US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Operations Manager, Table Rock Lake Project Office, said that the level of Table Rock Lake was 927.2 which was 75 percent of its flood control capacity, Beaver Lake was at 92 percent of its flood control capacity, and that Bull Shoals Lake was at 77 percent of its flood control capacity. The flood control capacity percentage relates to the actual current elevation of the lake as compared to the top elevation of the Flood Pool.

Although lake levels will fluctuate, the top of elevation for a specific lakes Flood Pool will not. The elevation for the top of the Flood Pool is 1130 for Beaver Lake, 931 for Table Rock Lake and 695 for Bull Shoals Lake. According to information received from the Corps at various meetings, these are critical levels in terms of flood control management and play a major part in the decision of when and how much water is released through the spillways of the dams controlling the lakes. After the actual rain itself, it is the releases through the dams that will actually cause the flooding. As a general rule, once a lake’s elevation gets to the top of its Flood Pool any water coming in will be passed through in the form of a release from the dam.

As an example, prior to the most recent rain, the elevation of Table Rock Lake had dropped to the 926.8 range on April 9 with a combined release of about 20,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) from its spillway and generators. It was lowering its levels by passing its water into the 25 percent of Bull Shoals storage capacity that was left even as it was acting as the storage for the inflow from Beaver Lake. As a result of the most recent rains however, a lot of that flexibility was quickly removed.

The elevation of Beaver quickly rose and exceeded the top of its Flood Pool necessitating releases into Table Rock Lake which, based on projections of exceeding the top of its Flood Pool level had to increase its releases from the 20,000 cfs prior to the rains. The necessary, unprecedented and record breaking release of in excess of 45,000 cfs is the primary cause of the major portion of the flooding problems currently being encountered. That release will continue and be modified as necessary to keep Table Rock as close to the top of its Flood Pool as possible.
Information received from the Corps indicates that as of 6:00 a.m. April 12, Beaver Lake had crested and had dropped back to an elevation of 1129.8 leaving very little storage capacity to handle another rain event. The same information indicates that Table Rock Lake crested at 933.25 at about 4:00 a.m. on April 12, its elevation as of 6:00 a.m. was 933.20, and that has no storage capacity to handle another rain event. As of 5:00 a.m. April 12, Bull Shoals Lake had not crested and its elevation was 693.4 with 1.6 feet left to the top of its Flood Pool. With the inflow from the Table Rock Lake releases to get its level back to the top of its Flood Pool it is expected that there will be very little if any storage capacity left in Bull Shoals to handle any future rain event.

The flooding from the last rain occurred when there was more than 25 percent of the capacity of Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake available to handle the rain. That cushion is gone until the lake levels can be lowered. Unfortunately, that will be a long slow process because of the limited storage capacity of Bull Shoals which limits the amount that can be released from Table Rock. That is compounded by the limited storage capacity in Table Rock which limits the amount that can be released from Beaver.

Bottom line, even if the spillway at Table Rock Dam is shut down early next week and the current flooding is abated it doesn’t mean that the danger of flooding is over. With the current lake levels, the danger of flooding from a two or three inch rain event similar to the most recent rain will be a danger that the area will be living with until the storage capacities of our areas lakes get to the point where they can handle additional storage.

Table Rock Dam releasing 20,000 cfs with 5,000 cfs coming from 5 spillways and 15,000 cfs from generators located lower right.

No more additional, water will be released from Table Rock Lake, in the Branson area, until and unless the lake level rises to an elevation of 931. According to James D. Sandburg, Operations Manager, Table Rock Lake Project Office, as of the morning of Apr. 8, the level of Table Rock Lake was at an elevation 927.2 which is 75 percent of its flood control capacity.

Sandburg further indicated that currently, with the five spillways they have open and the use of the dam’s four turbines, 20,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) is being released from Table Rock Dam into Lake Taneycomo, 15,000 cfs from the turbines, and 5,000 cfs from the spillways. That water is flowing into Bull Shoals Lake which is currently at 77 percent of its flood storage capacity.

Sandburg said that the only way the new auxiliary spillways would be opened was after all other measures were taken to control the release of water from Table Rock through the use of the ten original spillways on the dam. He expressed his opinion that is extremely unlikely during this current event.

Sandburg pointed out that the top of the flood storage pool for Rock Lake is an elevation of 931. Once that level is reached there is no more storage capacity and any additional water running into the lake must be released, which they call “passing inflow.” Even in a passing inflow situation, however no more water will be released than is necessary to pass the inflow through the dam and downstream.

Inflow for Table Rock Lake comes from Beaver Lake, rain, and run off from the watershed. Sandburg said that Beaver’s storage capacity is currently at 92 percent of its flood capacity storage. Although its spillways have been opened during the current event, they have been closed since the morning of Apr.5 and the water being released into Table Rock from Beaver Lake is coming through its turbines.

Should the weather that is forecast for Thursday cause the inflow into Table Rock, regardless of its source, to rise to an elevation over 931, that inflow will be passed through the dam and downstream. Sandburg could not say how many gates would be open because the number would be dependent on the rate of the inflow into the lake.

He stressed that any release would only be in the amount necessary to pass the inflow. He further pointed out that the release would be reduced as soon as possible and in proportion to the abatement of the inflow into the lake. Sandburg pointed out that the lake had gotten up to an elevation of 929 during this event which is the highest it has been since 1985. He said that the highest it has ever been was “931 point something” back in 1961 which was also when they had the highest release, 31,000 cfs.
To go to theofficial site of the Coprs showing graphs of Table Rock Lakes releases etc. click here.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Participants at the delayed March meeting of Partners In Progress held in the Hollister Town Hall on March 27 were informed that the project to four lane U.S. Highway 65 south to the Arkansas boarder (four lane project) is fast nearing completion and that the planning for the design and financing of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge project and roundabout across Lake Taneycomo is moving forward in a positive manner.

Various representatives of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) attending the meeting reported on the few things remaining on the four lane project. Although the basic construction of the lanes was completed and the south bound lanes opened in late Dec. 2007, one of the north bound lanes has been closed. All that remains for both north bound lanes to be opened is some stripping which is anticipated to be completed during the first week of April, weather permitting.

Although there is some minor median work to be completed and work near some of the intersections where there are signals it is anticipated that any additional lane closing will be localized and temporary and that the total project will be completed well before its contractual completion date on May 27. The signals south of the Hollister intersection are currently timed for a set period of time and are not synchronized with the actual traffic flow. After the north bound lanes are opened, all the signals will be synchronized for the actual traffic using the signals which should result in more efficient traffic flow.

Although Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager was unable to be at the meeting because the change of the meeting date conflicted with previous commitments he did talk with Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator earlier on the morning of March 27 about the status of the of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge project and roundabout across Lake Taneycomo. Ziegenfuss reported that based on that conversation Zickefoose is encouraged with the way things are going and feels that the project is right on track and that MoDOT is moving ahead with preliminary drawings and plans for the project. They should be completed within 6 to 8 weeks at which time MoDOT will have a more “accurate scoping and cost” for the project. Ziegenfuss indicated that he felt very positive about the way things are currently going.

Danny Strahan, Eastern Taney County Commissioner, reported on a recent meeting with Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson and a representative from Congressman Roy Blunt’s office that took place with the Taney County commissioners, MotDOT officials, and others in Forsyth regarding the bridge and other transportation issues. He said that he was very impressed by their attitude and willingness to help and was very encouraged that there would be some federal assistance available for the project.

Ziegenfuss also pointed out that the Gage Drive extension, to the south just past the police station and coming back to the west to intersect with Historic Highway 165 about a quarter of a mile south of the Acacia Road intersection with Historic Highway 165, is ready for asphalt and should be completed as soon as weather permits. He went on to point out that work on the North Birch extension is currently being done on a time available basis. The contractor on the project Gage Excavation has spent $1.2 million so far and will be reimbursed for that expense and the additional expenses of the project from a CID tax which has been approved for most of the South Town Area and will soon start to be collected. When questioned as to a completion date, Ziegenfuss guessed that it would be in an August time frame.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Ground breaking ceremony with Mayor David Tate extreme left and Justin Gage at etreme right.

The Feb. 29 groundbreaking ceremony for Hollister’s Wilderness in the Ozarks Waterpark Resort is the first major step in the development of the Hollister Interchange Entertainment District (The Interchange). Another major step will be the building of a 60,000 square foot entertainment center containing a movie complex, bowling alley, food court, and a restaurant.

The Interchange’s centerpiece will be the Waterpark Resort containing southwest Missouri’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark. The resort is designed and operated by the Wisconsin Dells based Wilderness Resorts which has helped develop the Wisconsin Dells into the Waterpark Capital of the World. Its first resort property, the “Wilderness Territory in Wisconsin,” has grown into the “Number One Waterpark Resort in America.” Pete and Pat Helland, of the Wilderness Resorts, attended the ground breaking. Hellend said, “Over the course of the last 15 years we have created and refined the indoor waterpark resort concept. It’s a concept that works and it’s a concept that we love to be bringing to this area.”

The resort will consist of two major interrelated components, waterpark and residential. The waterpark component will have 75,000 square feet of indoor space and four acres of outdoor space featuring different water play areas, the latest innovative thrill rides such as Surf Rider and Tornado, a Wave Pool, four large family tube rides, spray features, and all the other amenities of a resort waterpark. The indoor portion of the waterpark will be covered with a special “foil-tec” roof giving guests the feel of being outdoors even on the most inclement days.

The residential component, which will surround the waterpark, includes 400 two-bedroom condominium residences. Current plans call for 200 of the residences to be whole ownership condominiums and 200 to be time share. The condominiums are designed for families and come in a variety of floor plans including a lock-off capability. The full ownership residences are currently priced in the high $100 to the low $500 thousand range. All owners may elect to participate in the Resort’s optional on-site rental program. In its normal day to day operation the facilities of the waterpark will only be open to those staying at the resort, either owners or those renting on a nightly basis through the resorts on-site rental program.

In his opening remarks Justin Gage, one of the principals in the Hollister Interchange Development Company, shared the Gage family’s dream for the development of a family entertainment complex at the interchange. In a very touching and poignant, yet dignified moment, he dedicated the development to his father, Albert Steve Gage, who went to be with his Lord earlier this year.

Hollister’s past City Administrator, John Lewis, attended the groundbreaking and said that he feels great about the development of the interchange area and that they are “Absolutely heading in the right direction.” Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley also attended the ground breaking and said “Hollister’s success will be Branson’s success” and that it’s the entire area working together that will pay off “big time down the road.” Dennis Woods, State Representative for District 62, said that he was excited about the jobs the development is bringing to the area and the expansion of the areas tourism base.

When asked what the plans were for the 60,000 square foot entertainment complex to be located in the area immediately to the west of the waterpark, Gage said, “We are proud to announce that we are going to do a beautiful cinema, probably a ten screen cinema, a ultramodern high end bowling alley, a food court, and a restaurant.” He went on to say that it would be a really nice family entertainment center designed, not only to entertain the guests at the waterpark resort but to be a blessing for the people in the surrounding area.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

On March 28, Hilton Hotels, HCW Development Company, and the city of Branson will lose a key member of its convention center – hotel complex team. Mark Hartman, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson, and the personification of the Hilton image within the Branson community, has announced his retirement effective March 27.

Hartman has had a 25 year career with Hilton Hotels during which he spent most of that time traveling throughout the country opening hotels. Prior to coming to Branson he had opened 13 hotels for Hilton including a number that had extensive meeting and conference centers in them as well as those that were immediately adjacent to separate independently owned convention centers.

When asked if he had ever opened two hotels and a convention center at one time before Hartman said, “I don’t think anybody has ever opened two hotels and a convention center in one year.” He described it as a huge accomplishment for his team while saying that he didn’t think that he would want to try for four. The Hilton Promenade Hotel at Branson Landing opened on Valentines Day 2007 followed by the Branson Convention Center on Aug. 17, and the Hilton Convention Center Hotel on Aug.27. When asked what advice he would give to someone who was contemplating trying to do the same thing, he replied, “Do one.”

Recent reports by Hilton Hotels to the city of Branson, verified by the city independent asset manager, Senate Hospitality, indicate that the operation of the Branson Convention Center is going very well and exceeding forecasted expectations. Hartman attributes the success of the convention center operation to, among other things, the support and structure that Hilton Hotels has provided, the support of city staff, and the Hilton management philosophy of staying focused on the “customer.”

In going over his career Harman said that he draws the most personal satisfaction from seeing employees succeed. He went on to describe his excitement as he walks through the two hotels and the convention center and senses the pride that the employees have for the opportunity to work in such a facility.

When asked why he is retiring now Hartman said, “One of my goals was to retire by the age of 50. I exceeded that goal by a year.” He went on to say that with the opening basically completed and an excellent operational, management, and sales team in place that now was an excellent time for a transition.

He pointed out that since being in Branson the scope, intensity, and magnitude of the project has taken up the vast majority of his time. When asked the usual question, “How do you plan to spend your retirement?” he gave a very unusual answer.

Oh, it started off with the usual, like catching up on a lot of projects and responsibilities that he has put off but then, in an almost sudden but reflective manner he stopped. With obvious sincerity, affection and appreciation in his voice he simply acknowledged how much he owed his wife, Stephanie, for all the support, accommodation, and sacrifice she has given for him and his career over the years and indicated that one of the first things he wanted to do was to spend more time with her and do some of the things that they have not been able to do up to this point.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent

For the first time in history, Branson’s gross retail sales value for a 12 month rolling period exceeded $1 billion. The data for the 12 month rolling period of retail sales value from Nov. 2006 to Nov. 2007 was released on Feb. 15. It showed that the total retail sales value for the period was $1,133,681,350. This was up from $920,136,098, or about 9 percent, for the same period in 2006.

The data in the Feb. 15 report indicates that the sales tax receipts from the city’s 1 percent Sales Tax for Branson Landing went up from $93,729 in 2006 to $115,704 for the same period in 2007 or about 23 percent. The report further shows that the sales tax receipts for Branson Hills went up from $33,697 in 2006 to $54,195 for the same period in 2007 or about 61percent.

The sales tax receipts for the rest of Branson, all other retail activity except Branson Landing and Branson Hills, went up from $949,161 in 2006 to $963,782 for the same period in 2007 or about 2 percent. Although the 2 percent increase is not as large as the p8ercentage of increase within Branson Landing and Branson Hills it is certainly a lot better than the decrease that was originally forecasted for existing retail located outside of Branson Landing for its first two years of operation during its early planning stages.

The increased revenues from Branson Hills and Branson Landing are consistent with the economic outlook portion of the independent audit report of the audit conducted on the city of Branson for the fiscal year ending Sep. 30, 2007, by the Kansas City firm of Cochran Head Vick & Co., PC. It said that revenues have expanded at an unprecedented pace, surpassing the rapid increases experienced in the 1990’s” and that all this activity has been spurred by the development of the Branson Landing and Branson Hills projects.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

At a unique March 7 meeting in Hollister City Hall, local stake holders and representatives of the governments of Branson, Hollister, and Taney Country were told by the areas state legislators that they had been told by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) that the downtown Lake Taneycomo Bridge between Branson and Hollister would not be closed. The meeting was unique in the fact that it was a local meeting attended by virtually all of the state legislators representing the area, Senator Jack Goodman, and Representatives Dennis Wood, Maynard Wallace, and Ray Weter to address a specific problem.

The meeting was the result of the action initiated at the Feb. 21 Partners In Progress meeting after MoDOT had informed the group that it did not believe that the Cost Share Funding that had been the basis of the planning up to that point would be available. As a result of MoDOT’s action, those at that meeting decided that the Cost Share Application should be submitted formally to MoDOT so that its rejection could serve as the basis for further action, including but not limited to getting local legislators involved. In addition, the group wanted to try to set up a local meeting with the area’s state legislators to enlist their help. Western District Taney County Commissioner, Ron Herschend, volunteered to coordinate the setting up of the meeting.
After a brief introduction by Herschend, Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator, gave an overview of the process that had led to the meeting culminating with MoDOT’s action regarding the unlikelyhood of getting Cost Sharing Funds for the project. After the presentation by Ziegenfuss, Representative Wood commended the group for the leadership they had given the project and for the high esteem in which they are held by MoDOT.

He then informed the group that he, and the other state legislators present had had a meeting with MoDOT on March 3 in his office. While cautioning those present that he was not speaking for MoDOT he said, at that meeting, attended by Keith, Chief Engineer for MoDOT, they had been told by MoDOT leadership that the “bridge closing is not an option” and that “something else will be done.” The other three legislators present agreed with Wood as to his interpretation of what happened at the meeting.
Although the clear impression that the “something else” would involve a new bridge no specific details were available. The legislators present believed that some of the details would be discussed during a MoDOT meeting in Jefferson City during the week of March 10.

The process of finding a new city administrator for the city of Branson is in its final stages. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that it was her goal to have the process completed and the new administrator at their desk by “the end of May.”

After a careful and deliberative process to select an executive search firm to handle a nationwide campaign to help the board find and select the best qualified, available, and interested candidate for the job, the process moved into the actual recruitment and selection phase on Jan.10. The city’s board of aldermen met with Robert E. Slavin, the President of Slavin Management Consultants, the firm that the board had selected to help them with the actual recruitment and selection of the new city administrator.

During that meeting Slaving said, “The fit is the key” and went on to point out that although there are a lot of qualified candidates to pick from, the key is to find the one that fits in best with the expectations and needs of the community. During a phone interview on Mar. 6 Mayor Presley reiterated the importance of that fit.

After the January meeting, Slavin finished the development of the recruitment program, necessary materials, and started the recruitment process. The advertising for the position states the minimum requirements a candidate for the position must have is “the equivalent of a Master’s degree in public administration combined with significant experience as a local government manager or full range assistant in a complex community comparable to Branson” and that the applicant must clearly possess superior management, financial and leadership knowledge, skill, ability, commitment and energy as needed “to achieve the Board’s goals.”

It goes on to say that there would be some preference for experience in a growing community with a tourism-based economy and that the applicant must be a superior communicator with the skill and ability to build trust-based and effective working relationships with the Board, department heads, employees, the community and a variety of critical external stake holders. The final day for submitting resumes for the position is Mar. 17.

Mayor Presley said that she anticipated that Slavin Management will vet the resumes, background checks etc. and, depending on the number received, submit them to the board in an executive (closed) session meeting along with their recommendation within two or three weeks after the Mar. 17 deadline. The objective of the process is to narrow the list down to a final list of a few of the very best candidates that would then be interviewed toward the middle of April.

Mayor Presley went on to say that, based on those interviews and all the other factors involved, they would pick a candidate to offer the position to. Assuming the first candidate the job is offered to accepts, it is the Mayor’s hope that the new city administrator will be at their post by the end of May.

Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

William Jewell College has announced the recipient of the John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Award for 2008. This year’s award winner is Brittany Edwards of Branson, Mo.

Edwards will work with Dr. Ruth Kauffmann, professor of languages at William Jewell, to research and develop a new perspective for the college’s Chicano Experience class. The planned updates to the class will examine issues specific to the border area between the United States and Mexico.

"Because of my passion for border studies and the human rights violations associated with the borderlands, I gladly accept the responsibility of planning the trip in order to raise awareness among my peers," Edwards said. Edwards plans to work through the United Methodist Border Area Mission in McAllen, Texas, and will assist with a Mission Academy for United Methodist youth groups while she conducts her research. She hopes that the project will enable future William Jewell students to approach the immigration question with increased compassion and understanding.

Edwards is the daughter of William and Deborah Edwards of Branson. She is currently pursuing a triple major in Spanish, English, and psychology at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. On campus, she is actively involved in Alpha Gamma Delta, American Humanics, service learning and Christian Related Vocations. She has dedicated much of her college experience to volunteering in the nonprofit field. Her volunteer activities include a disaster relief trip to New Orleans, work with Spanish-speaking junior high students, a Honduras construction and mission trip, co-teaching a class for Spanish-speaking permanent residents seeking citizenship, and an internship as a youth advocate with Synergy House, a shelter for homeless, runaway and abused teenagers in the Kansas City area.

The Pritchard Humanitarian Service Award is provided by and named for the founders and nurturers of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, a provider of affordable housing for low-income families. For more than two decades, the Pritchards sought strong and effective ways to interact with people in need. The award goes annually to William Jewell students who commit to engaging with people in need and developing relationships with people different from themselves in all fundamental aspects while learning about their own unique gifts and calling.

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

Beginning July 1, the Branson/Lakes Area CVB (CVB) will include Hollister, and other tourism related entities located outside the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (the District), in its tourism marketing effort. The CVB has a contract with the District to market and promote tourism with the District. Normally tourism entities outside of the boundaries of the District, such as Hollister, are not eligible to be included in the direct marketing efforts of the District as a matter of right.

CVB, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Dan Lennon said that doesn’t mean that tourism entities outside of the District haven’t been shown or mentioned in advertising done by the District. They have, but such participation was limited to that fitting into the Districts overall marketing plan to promote tourism within the District. Lennon pointed out that Bass Pro’s Big Cedar, while not being physically located within the District might be seen in some District advertising as part of the overall marketing plan because of its broad appeal that could cause people to come to the District. He also mentioned that selected events outside of the District, such as the Hydroplane Races at Rockaway Beach are listed on the District’s Event Calendar for the same reason.

As of July 1, all that changes because of the new guidelines the Missouri Department of Tourism (MDT) is using in its Cooperative Marketing Program (CMP). The CMP provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for eligible tourism marketing expenses. Under the new guidelines only one organization within each county, referred to as the Designated Marketing Organization (DMO), will be certified by MDT to receive CMP funding for the promotion of tourism within the county. In Taney County that organization is the CVB.

Under the MDT guidelines, the DMO must operate within the parameters the DMO’s marketing plan that MDT approved for the promotion of tourism within a respective county. The $1.3 million marketing expenses used to qualify for the 50 percent reimbursement, anticipated to be about $660,000 for Fiscal Year 2009, will come from the District and be spent pursuant to its overall marketing plan to promote the District.

Lennon said that the primary change for businesses located outside the District will their integration into the Districts overall marketing plan on the same basis as businesses within the District. Specifically, Lennon pointed out that for most businesses that would mean they would be listed without charge in web sites, ads, and promotional pieces and be eligible to purchase ads on the web site, visitor’s guides, promotional pieces, etc. on the same basis as businesses within the District.

He went on to say that the CVB will be trying to contact those tourism entities outside of the District to make the appropriate notification of the changes that will be taking place. He also said the CVB is in the process of developing the process of establishing a process to get participation and input from those entities outside of the District. He mentioned that he had recently met with Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss to discuss the program.

Ziegenfuss said that he was very encouraged by his meeting with Lennon and by the inclusion of Hollister in the overall marketing of the area. He expressed his personal confidence in Lennon and seemed confident that Hollister’s growing tourism interests would be promoted fairly. As to expectations, it appears that they are in line with the plans of the CVB for the overall marketing plan for the area. He said, “If in fact there is listings and things of that nature, we would hope and expect to be treated the same as other regional tourist destinations.” He also expressed Hollister’s willingness to participate in the planning process and his belief that the process will result in bringing more tourists into the region.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Amid all the great revenue reports on the great sales tax revenues coming from Branson Landing (Landing) there appears to be some businesses, mostly the smaller independent owners or franchisees, who have some concerns. According to a credible source, who owns and operates one of the concerned businesses at the Landing, and wishes to remain anonymous at this point, there was a meeting last week at Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que attended by an estimated 15 Branson Landing businesses.

According to the source, the businesses primary concern relates to the high cost of doing business at the Landing particularly during the months of Jan. through Mar. when customer traffic is down. Those costs, among others, involve the high cost of rent, increased labor costs because of the hours they are required to be open, escalating Common Area Maintenance (CAM) and, for some, the high cost of trash removal.

Other areas of concern relate to what some of them consider the lack of adequate advertising by HCW and Urban to bring people to the Landing and how the money each business pays into a pool for marketing is spent. When it was pointed out that over 60 percent of all the people coming to Branson went down to the Landing last year, the source replied, “There’s a lot of people walking up and down the promenade but most of them aren’t carrying bags.”

The source went on to say that there was the possibility that William “Willey” Theisen, the retired owner of Godfather’s Pizza and the owner of a number of Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Ques, might be coming into town to advise and assist the group. Inquiry at the Landing’s Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que to get more information on its concerns and to verify if and when Theisen would be coming to Branson ended with a relayed message from an assistant manager that the manager was on vacation and was the only one who could discuss the matter.

Rick Huffman, President and CEO of HCW Development, LLC said that he had been in contact with some of the concerned businesses and representatives of Urban Retail Properties, LLC, who operates and manages the Landing for HCW, about the concerns. Representatives of Urban Retail indicated that they were aware of a pending meeting and had offered to attend. They said that they have had no meeting with the group but that its Landing management team would look forward to working, not only with the group, but any individual store having concerns, in addressing those concerns and trying to resolve them in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Not all businesses have the same concerns. On the way out of the Landing this reporter’s wife and daughter couldn’t resist a sale in the Yankee Candle store. During a discussion with Rose Vinson, the manager of the store since its opening, she said that she was very pleased with the way things were going and pointed out that the store was number eight out of 467 stores, in the chain, for overall excellence and number 20 in profitability in 2007. Chris Lemons, a manager at the Landings Cantina Laredo restaurant, said that their restaurant is doing extremely well and that they are very pleased with the way things are going at the Landing.

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

The sudden departure of Ferris Brown from his position of Finance Director for the city of Branson leaves three senior management positions within the city vacant. Hired to replace the city’s former Finance Director, Deanna Schlegel, less than a year ago, Brown’s last day on the job was Tuesday, Feb. 12. In addition to the vacancy caused by his surprise departure, the city currently has the positions of City Administrator and Director of Economic Development vacant.

Jerry Adams, Public Information Director for the city of Branson, said that his departure was not the result of the recent independent audit conducted on the city for the year ending Sep. 30, 2007. The audit was conducted by the firm of Cochran Head Vick & Co., PC. At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Branson Board of aldermen accepted a report of the audit which was presented by David L. Cochran of that firm. After hearing the report’s summary, Alderman Stephen Marshall said, “Our house is in good shape” and that he was pleased with the report.

Adams went on to say that Brown’s departure was a personnel matter and gave no further indication of the circumstances involved with his departure. Attempts to contact Brown at the local cell number he was previously using were unsuccessful.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The chances for a new bridge were pretty well sunk by the actions of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). After months of negotiation between the cities of Branson and Hollister, Taney Country and MoDOT’s District 8, local officials received word late last week that both District 8 and MoDOT at the state level had decided that MoDOT’s portion of the project cost was too much. As MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose said, “The funds just aren’t there.”

At a Feb. 1 meeting in Springfield, the Taney County Commissioners, representative of the cities of Branson and Hollister, and MoDOT’s District 8 reviewed and agreed upon the “Project Cost Share Summary for the Taneycomo Bridge/Route 76 Cost Share Project”. The Summary set forth the proposed cost for the project, who was to pay what and would have served as the financial basis for the application for MoDOT cost sharing funds.

According to the Summary, of the total estimated project cost of $21.6 million, $13,445,149 was to be eligible for cost sharing. The remaining $8,116,735 would have been paid primarily by MoDOT. Of the total $21.6 million for the project, MoDOT, through cost sharing and otherwise, would have been paying $14,839,305 or about 68 percent of the total project.

MoDOT’s District 8 was to prepare the Cost Sharing Application and submit it to the cities of Branson and Hollister and to Taney County for review and execution so that it could be submitted to MoDOT’s Cost Sharing Committee by Mar. 1.

According to Zickefoose, during the process of preparing the application and communicating with MoDOT at the state level, it became apparent that the funds just weren’t there. One suggestion that MoDOT had was to go ahead and repair the old bridge with MoDOT paying, local entities and MoDOT sharing the cost of the roundabout, and that the new bridge be funded entirely by local funding.

The matter was discussed briefly by the Branson Board of Aldermen at its Feb. 19 Work Session Work. There was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm regarding MoDOT’s suggestion. Absent some other solution, the Lake Taneycomo Bridge, between downtown Branson and Hollister, will be close early in 2009 for approximately a year so that it can be repaired.

The matter will be discussed at the Partners In Progress meeting scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Hollister City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 21.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The Branson Veteran’s Task Force (BVT) and the Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) will no longer be eligible to receive matching funds from the Missouri Department of Tourism (MDT) under its Cooperative Marketing Program. Under the current guidelines, both organizations, along with the Branson Lakes Area CVB (CVB), had been certified as a Designated Marketing Organization (DMO) by MDT and were eligible to receive matching funds from its Cooperative Marketing Program.

At an Oct. 10, 2007 meeting with local government officials, and others actively involved in the promotion of tourism in the Branson area, Blaine Luetkemeyer, the Director of the MDT, informed those in attendance of recent changes to the guidelines his department uses in its cooperative marketing program. Based on Luetkemeyer’s responses to the questions asked at that meeting, it appears that Luetkemeyer and his staff arbitrarily put the changes in place without the approval of the Missouri Tourism Commission and without the conscious participation of the CVB, or any other DMO in the Branson area.

Under the new guidelines, which will be effective for MDT’s 2009 fiscal Year starting July 1, MDT will only certify one DMO within each county for participation in its Cooperative Marketing Program (CMP). Applications for the certification had to be submitted to MDT for approval by Nov. 1, 2007. The Branson Lakes CVB (CVB) was the only organization within Taney County that submitted an application for certification and has been certified as the DMO for Taney County to receive cooperative marketing funds under the MDT Cooperative Marketing Program (CMP).

The new guidelines provide that the funds each DMO is eligible to receive from the CMP, and what is required to receive them, is largely dependent on the “Designation” and “Level of Certification” that MDT determines for a particular DMO. Based on the new guidelines it appears that the Branson CVB will be assigned to a Level III Certification, MDT’s highest level, and will receive MDT Designations in the areas of Leisure Travel, Convention, and Amateur Sporting Event marketing.

One final factor to be considered is the County Tourism Level (CTL) which groups counties according to their Fiscal Year 2006 tourist expenditures and available lodging to determine the maximum amount a DMO can receive from the CMP in 2009. Taney County has the highest CTL available a “7.” The guidelines state, “Funding amounts are first limited by the amount allocated per Missouri county, and secondly by the certification level of the DMO.”

The CTL indicates that Taney County could receive a maximum of $600,000 to market Leisure Travel and an additional $60,000 to market Conventions and or Amateur Sporting Events for a total of $660,000. Under the guidelines, the Branson Lakes Area CVB, with its Level III Certification, could qualify to receive a total $660,000 under the CMP.

Dan Lennon, Vice President Marketing & Public Relations, Branson/Lakes Area CVB, said that there are different dates for submitting the applications for each designation. He pointed out that the application for the $60,000 to market Conventions has already been sent and was received by MDT prior to its Jan. 31 deadline. Lennon said that the application for $600,000 to market Leisure Travel is currently in the process of being developed and will be submitted in time to arrive at MDT prior to its Apr. 15 deadline. He said MDT should issue a notification of funding award on or before May 30 for both and anticipates that the maximum amount in each designation will be awarded.

Lennon was also quick to stress that the $660,000 would not be available for use until MDT’s Fiscal Year which begins on July 1. He also pointed out that to get the $660,000 from MDT the Branson Lakes Area CVB must spend $1.3 million because, in addition to the programs built in maximums, it will only reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible marketing expenses. The $1.3 million used to qualify for the MDT reimbursement will come from the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District as part of its overall marketing program for the district.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

A portion of the retail tourism tax collected by Branson retail establishments, theatres, hotels, motels, restaurants, and attractions for marketing within the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District (TCED) may be diverted to market areas outside of the TCED as far away as Galena, Crane, and Cape Fair. Under a proposal currently being considered by the TCED Board, $400,000 of TCED marketing funds would be channeled to the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the Kimberling City Chamber of Commerce, in an attempt to get a $200,000 reimbursement from Missouri’s Division of Tourism.

Under the proposal, as discussed thus far, the funds would not go directly from the TCED but would be funneled through the Branson Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB currently has a contract with the TCED to market the TCED and it is through that contract that the funds would be funneled to the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Wyli Barnes, President/CEO of the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce made a presentation to the TCED Board at its Feb. 6 meeting outlining the proposal. The only official action taken by the board as a result of the presentation was to pass a motion directing the Board’s president to “write a letter to the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce that the board is interested in encouraging the Branson CVB to subcontract with the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce to obtain the $200,000 funding through the Missouri Department of Tourism.”

At least one of the members of the TCED Board, Bill Skains, Manager, Engler Block, Branson, expressed his concern that the TCED was doing something outside of its legislative authority. In response board member Bert Lehman, co-owner of Artilla Cove Resort, Indian Point, said “We’re not doing anything outside of our TCED.” Skains said, “I disagree” and Leman said, “Table Rock Lake is in the TCED.”

An examination of the current map used by the TCED to show its boundaries indicates that Table Rock Lake is not included in the TCED. Further, it shows that only a small portion of the southeastern portion of Stone County, including Indian Point, Silver Dollar City, and selected portions of Stone County, mostly west of State Highway 265 to the shoreline of Table Rock Lake and north of the southern boundary of the State Park are in the TCED. Not only geographically but economically, the vast majority of the TCED is located within Taney County and the city of Branson.

In a telephone interview on Feb. 7, Lehman, while acknowledging that the current map is the map that has been used to determine the TCED boundaries up to this point said that the map may not be accurate because it has never been digitized. He further pointed out that the boundaries of the Village of Indian Point encompass a portion of Table Rock Lake but he does not know whether or not the metes and bounds description used to initially formulate the TCED included any portion of Table Rock Lake.

At meeting held at Silver Dollar City on Oct. 10, 2007 Blaine Luetkemeyer, the Director of the Missouri Department of Tourism informed those in attendance of recent changes to the guidelines his department uses in its cooperative marketing program. Luetkemeyer and his staff arbitrarily put the changes in place without the approval of the Missouri Tourism Commission or broad dissemination to the various county commissions throughout the state who they had charged with implementing them.

The new arbitrarily imposed guidelines mean that the Division of Tourism will only recognize one entity within each county for participation in its cooperative marketing program. Under the program, the Division will provide matching funds to only one entity in each county. Stone County has designated the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, located in Kimberling City as that entity. The map of the TCED indicates that Kimberling City and the vast majority of Stone County are not within the TCED.

To get $200,000 in reimbursement from the Division of Tourism, the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce must spend $400,000 and then apply for reimbursement from the state. Information presented during the presentation indicates that the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce does not have the $400,000 necessary to maximize the reimbursement available from the state. The purpose of the request is to try to fund the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce with sufficient funding to do so.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

See related editorial entitled: "Even Kimberling City can’t win the pot unless they ante up, or can they?"

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

According to the quarterly report received by the Branson Board of Aldermen at their Jan. 28 meeting, bookings for the Branson Convention Center are exceeding benchmark projections. While presenting the report, Mark Hartman, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson, reported, “In 2008 we are now at 198 event days.”

He continued, “This compares to the CS & L Study that was done prior to the convention center opening and their projection, for the convention center with a hotel attached, was to have 177 event days at stabilization.” The study being referred to was the “Feasibility Analysis of the Proposed Branson Downtown Exhibition and Convention Center Study” conducted by CSL International which was sent to the city of Branson in Feb. 2003. The study used the term “stabilized year” which, it says, is assumed to occur by the fifth year of operation.

Hartman said, “In 2007 we booked $4.8 million of revenue into the Branson Convention Center. That’s just food and beverage and meeting room rental. There’s additional revenue which pertains to parking, the laundry, show events, and decorating services that will add to that number.”

He went on to point out that although the $4.8 million figure represents business “booked” in 2007, it includes bookings in other years. He specifically noted that of the $4.8 million booked in 2007, that $2.5 million of that was for 2008 and that they have also “layered in revenues into 2009, 2010, 2111, and 2112.”

An analysis of the “Sales & Marketing” portion of the report presented indicates that in 2008, as of the end of Dec. 2007, there are 186 event days booked definitely, 81 tentatively and 25 prospects. Hartman pointed out that the difference between the 198 he cited earlier and the report is because 12 additional events have been booked between the closing date of the report, Dec. 31, 2007 and his presentation during the meeting.

In discussing the event days that are booked Hartman stressed that one of the big focuses of the sales team was to focus on multiyear events. The rational being, he said, “So that as we finished up a year we didn’t have to go back and resell that client.”

Alderman Stephen Marshall asked, “Of the business that has been booked, how much of it is new business that has never been to Branson before?” Harman replied, “I would guess about 60 percent.” Hartman also pointed out that there is convention business coming to Branson and going to other places beside the Branson Convention Center that were made aware of Branson as a potential convention site because of the publicity and advertising relating to the Branson Convention Center.

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

At the Dec. 10 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen (the board), ex-alderman David Edie requested that the decision that the previous board and mayor made to permit a 300 foot skyscraper to be built on one of Branson’s most prominent pieces of land be reversed. That topic was discussed at the Work Session of the board held on Jan. 22 as the request of Alderman Bob McDowell.

Branson City Attorney, Paul D. Link said that he had discussed the issue with city Planning Director, Don Stephens. He presented an overview of the different building heights authorized in different zoning areas. The maximum building height for commercial zoning is 100 feet.

Link then went on to point out that in the Planned Development (PD) type of situation being discussed, specifically the PD commonly known as The Point Entertainment Complex, located at 448 State Highway 248, Branson, Missouri, the normal building height requirements of a particular zoning district might not apply. Each PD that is approved by Branson’s Planning and Zoning Commission and the board becomes its own zoning class and contains the zoning requirements for that development. As an example, the PD for the Branson Landing and Convention Center PD’s has a height limit of 200 feet rather than the maximum height of 100 feet authorized in the non PD commercial zoning situation.

The first and only incident of a PD authorizing a building height higher than 200 feet was the Point Entertainment Complex PD (Point PD) that Edie is requesting to be reversed. Link went on to explain that the process would involve someone sponsoring a proposed amendment to the Point PD proposing a lesser height requirement, which would then be presented to the Branson Planning and Zoning Commission and ultimately to the board for their action. After some discussion on who could sponsor such a request Link suggested that a board member could do so.

Link said that his research indicates that matters of this nature are legislative in nature and presumed valid. He pointed out that it would be up to the person challenging any change to the PD to prove that any change was “arbitrary and unreasonable.” He went on to say that as long as “It’s clear that this board is making that change for reasonable reasons and is in no way arbitrary or unreasonable then this board would have that defense in the event of some sort of litigation by the developer.” It was also pointed out that as of this date no one has filed for a building permit to build on the property under the provisions of the PD.

Mayor Raeanne Presley asked Edie if the discussion had been helpful. Edie said it was and said, “I would like to see it carried through.” The mayor felt that before the city took any action that a discussion should be held with HCW and the owners of the property. She expressed her opinion that “They did it fair an square and that sometimes we have to live with decisions that past groups have made.” She went on to say that she might not like it but “it is what it is.”

Alderwoman Sandra Williams asked if the 300 feet authorized in the Point PD set some sort of precedent. Link responded, “No because PD’s are all on their own merit.” Aldermen Jack Purvis said that although we can say that each PD has to stand on its own once we approve one for x number of feet above what has been normal that it is a precedent whether we want to admit it or not.

Purvis reminded the board that this situation was very controversial, determined by a split vote, and had come back to the “table” and was re-voted on again. Alderman Dick Gass said, “I would just like to remind everybody that this came to the council from P&Z and they approved this and we had quite a lengthily hearing and there were an equal amount of people that came there some for it and some against it. So it just wasn’t an arbitrary thing that the council made a decision on. There was quite a discussion on this thing.”

Although there was no vote on the issue, it was generally agreed that the mayor would talk with the property owner and get back with the board.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

On Nov. 6 the voters of Hollister approved a five percent tourism tax on each sleeping room or campsite occupied and rented by transient guests and certain docking facilities. At its Jan. 17 meeting the Hollister Board of Aldermen had its first reading of Bill. No. 2008-03. If approved at its second reading at the boards Jan. 31 meeting the city of Hollister’s Municipal Code will be amended to add a Tourism Tax ordinance implementing the tax effective Apr. 1.

The proposed ordinance provides that the 5 percent tax must be collected and paid, on certain transactions, to the city of Hollister by every person engaged in the business renting or leasing living quarters, sleeping rooms or accommodations in connection with any hotel, bed and breakfast, condominium unit, campground or docking facility. The taxable transactions are those where businesses required to pay the tax are leasing or renting to “transient guests.”

A transient guest is defined as “any person who rents or leases living quarters, sleeping accommodations, sleeping room or a part thereof” in a business required to pay the tax, for 30 consecutive days or less. The proposed ordinance contains specific definitions for each of the general types of bushiness required to collect and pay the tax, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, campgrounds, and docking facilities. Although there is no separate definition for “Motel” that term is included under the definition for “Hotel.” The definition of “Docking Facility” makes it very clear that the tourism tax only applies to those transactions where the dock owner “rents slips to recreational boats which are used by Transient Guests for sleeping.”

Under the ordinance all the tourism taxes collected must be deposited into a Tourism Tax Fund account which must be kept separate and a part from all other funds of the city. The funds in the Tourism Tax fund may only be used for the promotion of tourism.

The ordinance defines the “Promotion of Tourism” to mean actions taken to accelerate the growth or progress of tourism with the city. Its noninclusive list of such activities includes tourism related public infrastructure improvements and tourism related advertising and publicity.

Under the proposed ordinance up to 70 percent of the tourism tax collected could be used for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating tourism related infrastructure improvements, including but not limited to sidewalks, streets, highways, roads, waterworks, wastewater facilities, etc. The 70 percent available could fluctuate because not less than 30 percent of the tourism taxes collected must be used for tourism related advertising and publicity purposes. If 40 percent of the tourism tax collected is used for such publicity only a maximum of 60 percent would be available for infrastructure. The amount available for infrastructure could be reduced by up to another 2 percent because of the provision allowing for up to 2 percent of the tax to be used for the necessary expenses involved with the administration and collection of the tax.

Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss said that it is anticipated that the city will start collecting the tax effective Apr. 1. He also said that after final passage of the tax and before its effective date the city plans to offer training in the new ordinance to those businesses that will be required to collect the tax.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

Branson City Clerk and newly certified Missouri Registered City Clerk Lisa Westfall at work.

It was a night of roses and congratulations when Branson City Clerk Lisa Westfall recently received recognition and certification as a Missouri Registered City Clerk at a recent Branson Board of Aldermen’s Meeting but it took a lot of work, effort, and dedication to get there. The recognition and certification came from the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association (MoCCFOA), a professional organization that provides education, certification, and support to those serving as city clerks in the state of Missouri. Its recognition and certification of Westfall acknowledges the effort, professionalism, training, and commitment it took to obtain the certification.

According to information received from MoCCFOA, the Missouri Registered City Clerk (MRRC) is the first step in a four tiered certification process designed to encourage the on-going education and growth and development of city clerks in Missouri. The other levels of certification are Missouri Registered City Clerk Continuing (MRCC Continuing), Missouri Registered City Clerk Sustaining (MRCC Sustaining) and the highest level of certification, Missouri Professional City Clerk (MPCC).

To reach the first level of professional certification, Westfall had to undergo an intensive lengthily certification process. It was a process she began in 2004 and which, in addition to on the job experience, required an affirmation of Missouri Clerks’ Code of Ethics, the earning of 100 MoCCFOA points for specialized experience, training, and education, and attendance at the New Clerks Institute.

Westfall said that the training covered a variety of topics such as municipal financing, ethics, sunshine law, human, resources, Robert’s Rules of Order, municipal codes, and other functions relating to the operation of municipalities. She pointed out that the training is so broad based because a lot of citys do not have the benefit of the specialization that Branson has with separate departments for Human Resources, Finance, Communications and Legal etc.

She continued, “Even though I don’t work with it all, it helps to relate to the other departments.” She said that was important because, even with Branson’s specialization, in the performance of her daily duties as city clerk, she is interrelating and interacting with every department on just about a daily basis.

Westfall started her career in 1989 as a court clerk and she says, “Cut my teeth on the court system.” In 1993 she became a Certified Court Administrator and in 1997 was elected president of the Missouri Association for Court Administration. An ancillary duty was that of deputy city clerk and in February of 2005 and, upon the retirement of long time Branson City Clerk, Sandra Williams, was appointed as her replacement. She is still the court administrator and supervises the staff for both the court and the clerk’s office.

Westfall plans to continue her professional development by working towards the highest level of certification that MoCCFOA offers, the Missouri Professional City Clerk (MPCC). In addition to her professional duties as the City Clerk of Branson Westfall is also the President of the Hollister School Board.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

The community was almost in shock when, in June, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced its intention to close the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo (the bridge) for a year. The announcement came from MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose at the June Partners in Progress meeting held in Hollister.

Specifically, Zickefoose said, “The bridge isn’t in any danger of falling in but the deck is deteriorating fast” and will require repairs which will necessitate the closing of the bridge for “a significant amount of time… in the vicinity of a year plus.” The public response was so overwhelming that the July Partners in Progress meeting was moved to the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks.

That meeting, the first of many held since, was attended by over 200 residents and public officials. Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer explained that the problem with the bridge was its deteriorating deck, not the driving surface but the cement deck upon which it rests. He went on to explain that the unique architectural structure of the open-spandrel arch type bridge and the way the cement floor beams are poured as part of the deck prohibits its rehabilitation without its complete closure. MoDOT further pointed out that if the deck was not repaired it would have to be closed.

Since that time, a number of meetings have been held between various local government entities themselves and those entities with MoDOT. In addition, a MoDOT funded Value Engineering Study has been held and the voters of Taney County rejected a retail sales tax increase a portion of which would have been used to fund a new bridge.

At the Dec. 20, Partners in Progress meeting, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose indicated that, based on everything that has transpired so far, MoDOT is basing any alternative actions to the original plan of rehabilitating the current bridge, building a round-about and closing the bridge on the recommended alternative B-10 in the MoDOT Valuation Engineering Study.

That alternative provides for the construction of a new bridge just to the north of the current bridge that would connect to Branson Landing Boulevard. While the new bridge is being constructed the current bridge would remain open. After the new bridge is completed and operational the current bridge would be closed for the better part of a year for deck repair and rehabilitation.

Zickefoose said that if MoDOT cost shares the estimated $18 million cost at a 50 percent level, the remaining cost to finance a new bridge would be about $9 million. Of that $9 million, MoDOT’s District 8 would allocate the approximately $3.5 million that it was going to put into the original bridge rehab and round-about project leaving a gap of about $5 million to come from other sources.

As 2007 comes to a close, after six months of meetings, discussions, and studies, no local entity, except the city of Hollister, which endorses the B-10 option, has made a decision on what if any alternative to the closing of the bridge they want to pursue. Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that her board was still studying the issue and Taney County Commissioner Danny Strahan said he wanted to hold public hearings to see how the people feel about the issue.

Another meeting between MoDOT and the various local government entities involved is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2008 at which time it is anticipated that the local entities will have decided on what, if any alternative to the closing of the bridge should be pursued.

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

B-10 Alternative with new bridge to Branson Landing.

At the recent Partners in Progress meeting, held on Dec. 20 in the Hollister Town Hall, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that there are some concerns among Branson’s elected officials regarding the construction of a new bridge over Lake Taneycomo. Her comments came during a discussion about the best course of action to take regarding the problems posed by the traffic congestion and the deteriorating deck condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo (the bridge) between Hollister and Branson.

During the discussion, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose, said that he thought that the Dec. 6 meeting between MoDOT and officials from Taney County, Hollister, and the city of Branson was very productive. He pointed out that as a result of the meeting MoDOT has agreed to delay any sort of construction work on the bridge and intersection at its eastern end until the Fall of 2009. He said, “We are essentially delaying the bid opening on the project a year to give us a little more time to look at funding options and things.”

Zickefoose went on to point out that Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer, has been in discussion with the folks in Jeff City and with MoDOT’s Cost Share Committee to see whether or not there is a viable chance that some sort of cost sharing from the state would be available for the bridge. He expressed his optimism that some cost sharing funds would be available.

According to Zickefoose, MoDOT is basing any alternative actions to the original plan of rehabbing the current bridge and the original round-about on the recommended alternative B-10 in the MoDOT Valuation Engineering Study that has just recently been completed. That alternative provides for the construction of a new bridge just to the north of the current bridge that would connect to Branson Landing Boulevard. While the new bridge is being constructed the current bridge would remain open. After the new bridge is completed and operational the current bridge would be closed for the better part of a year for deck repair and rehabilitation.

Zickefoose said that if $18 million is used as the projects cost and MoDOT cost shares at a 50 percent level that brings the remaining cost to be financed to $9 million. Of that $9 million, MoDOT’s District 8 would allocate the approximately $4 million that it was going to put into the original bridge rehab and round-about project leaving a gap of about $5 million to come from other sources.

In stating the city of Branson’s current position on the bridge situation and the B-10 alternative specifically, Mayor Raeanne Presley summed it up by saying, “There is not an absolute consensus among our board that this is the right thing to do.” While echoing the thanks of the local entities to MoDOT for the extra decision making time she went on to express some of the concerns of Branson’s Board of Aldermen.

In amplifying on the boards concerns she said, “My board did have some concerns about the traffic impact as it heads into downtown Branson.” She said that the Branson Convention Center has just opened and that the downtown area was in the process of adjusting to the effects of that traffic. Mayor Presley also pointed out that the city’s planned traffic improvements for the downtown area had not incorporated a second bridge and that many of the aldermen wanted some time to study the downtown traffic patterns as relates to the impact of a second bridge.

The mayor also expressed the city’s concern over the physical tie-in and the costs involved with that tie-in at the western end of the bridge where it joins with Branson Landing Boulevard. MoDOT’s Chad Zickefoose said that the current estimates for the project, “Includes the cost of fully building the bridge across the lake and ties into the end of the four lane section on Branson Landing Boulevard. Branson City Engineer David Miller pointed out that it was more than just joining two roads together. Among other things Miller was concerned with access to the camp ground, Long Street [Branson Landing Boulevard], flood plain issues, etc.

Currently, a meeting between MoDOT and the various local government entities involved in the bridge project is scheduled for Feb. 6. At that time it is anticipated that the local entities will have decided on what they want and the actual procurement of the funding for the project can proceed. MoDOT Project Manager, Zickefoose pointed out that between now and then he would be meeting individually with each of the local entities involved, including the city of Branson.

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

The city of Branson and the Hilton Hotels Corporation have something in common, neither one has managed a municipally owned convention center before. At its Dec. 18 meeting of the city of Branson’s Budget and Finance Committee (the committee) met with members of the Senate Hospitality Group (Senate) to discuss an asset management relationship.

Glen Malone, the Chief Operating Officer and CFO described Senate’s asset management roll for the Branson Convention Center as one of providing knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry, that the city does not currently have, to help maximize the return on the city’s investment in its convention center. In response to the specific question of Mayor Raeanne Presley, Malone said that although Senate has not done any asset management on a stand alone convention center they have done so on a number of convention and meeting facilities such as the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center complex in Nashville, TN.

Mayor Presley made it very clear that the city and Mark Hartman, the General Manager of the Hiltons of Branson, were working together as a team to try to efficiently manage the convention center. The general consensus of the committee was that for the city to effectively participate in the process they needed someone with the specialized knowledge and expertise that it did not have to help them insure that systems and procedures are put into place to enable the city to effectively monitor and oversee the convention center operations.

One of the immediate areas of concern of the committee was getting some assistance in evaluating the 2008 Operating Budget for the Convention Center that was recently presented by Hilton. It is anticipated that Senate will be able to review the proposed budget as to the appropriateness and reasonableness of some of the specialized items that the committee has no, or limited, expertise with. There was some concern among committee members that at least a part of the proposed budget mirrored the budget contained in a consulting report that the city had commissioned while the convention center was being initially evaluated.

While acknowledging that charge backs under the agreements could be pretty complex, the committee noted that there are a tremendous amount of charge backs to the convention center from the Branson Convention Center Hotel. It was also noted that between $500,000 and $1 million dollars a year are to be allocated to the marketing of the convention center and that although there is a marketing plan it is not very detailed as compared to the plan that the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB is required to submit under its marketing contract with the city.

Another area of concern was the format of reports on the convention center operations. Although the city and Hilton are currently working on the further development and refinement of such reports it is anticipated that Senate would get involved in the process. As an example of the type of report that the committee would like to see, the reports of the St. Charles, Missouri Convention Center, managed by Global Spectrum was mentioned as an example.

Another area of concern expressed by the committee was an analysis of all current management agreements relating to the convention center. A lot of time was spent discussing the laundry that was built as part of the convention center, how the Convention Center Hotel is charged for the laundry done at the convention centers laundry, and the fact that the current agreement with Hilton is fairly mute on the operation of the laundry.

Senate will submit a proposal for a six month engagement by the end of this week. It is anticipated that during the engagement Senate will, at a minimum, review the proposed 2008 budget for the convention center, all definitive agreements that exist, give a summary of what rights the city has and advise of any unusual provisions contained within the agreements. Senate will also review how the sales and marketing of the convention center is being handled and help develop the final management and financial reports that the committee wants.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

Santa’s arrival was delayed about a week because of weather, but when he finally arrived at the Historic Hollister Train Depot on Dec. 16 the kids, parents and grandparents waiting for him did notseem to care. He arrived safely at about 3:00 p.m. in a Western Taney County Fire Protection Rescue Truck with a Hollister police escort.

Hollister Assistant City Administrator, Vonnie Mathiesen estimated that the turnout was about 100. She explained that although, for a variety of reasons, attendance was not as great as in years past, the important thing was that the long established tradition of Santa coming to the children in the Hollister area was continued. She said, “If just one child left happy then the whole event was worthwhile.”

The event was jointly sponsored by the Hollister Parks Department and the Hollister Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Santa Claus, the children were entertained by the clowns Ronzo and Sugar who also made balloon figures and Sprinkles, the clown, who did face painting. Pam Druffle, Chairman of the Board of the Hollister Chamber of Commerce described the event as a way of giving back to the community and said, “It’s all about the kids.”

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

If ex-alderman David Edie’s request is honored, the decision that the previous board and mayor made to permit a 300 foot skyscraper to be built on one of Branson’s most prominent pieces of land will be reversed. He made his request at the Dec. 10 meeting of the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen (the board) presided over by Mayor Raeanne Presley and attended by Aldermen Jack Purvis, Sandra Williams, Stan Barker, Bob McDowell, Dick Gass, and Stephen Marshall.

Edies’s request came during the Public Comment portion of the meeting and started off with a reading from the travelogue book entitled “The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America” by Bill Bryson. The reading described the author’s impression of a Hyatt Regency Hotel located in an older area of Savannah, Georgia, as “an instantly depressing sight. Massive and made of shaped concrete it was from the in your face school of architecture so favored by big American hotel chains. There was nothing about it, in scale or appearance that was remotely sympathetic to the old buildings around it. It just said, ‘In your face Savannah.’”

He suggested that the quote described how a lot of people in Branson feel. Edie went on to describe that on Dec. 11, 2006, while he was a member of the board, they were faced with a decision to allow a 300 foot building, “designed from the same school of architecture,” to be built on one of the most prominent locations in Branson. He continued saying, “It was barely allowed, as you all know, by a split vote.”

Edie suggested that had the building been built, there would have been nothing about it that would be “in scale or appearance in any way remotely sympathetic to or in harmony with this city or any of the surrounding area.” He concluded his initial remarks by saying, “I’m here tonight to ask you to revisit ordinance 2006-171 and to revise the paragraph and remove the 300 foot limitation and restore the original building height limit of 100 feet.”

The minutes of the Dec. 11, 2006 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen indicate that “an ordinance amending the Land Use Regulations for Planned Development PD-98-007 known as ‘The Point Entertainment Complex’ located at 448 State Highway 248 Branson, Missouri” was discussed at the meeting. They further indicate that there was a tie vote on the issue with Aldermen Gass, Barker, and ex-Alderwoman Martin voting “aye” and Aldermen Purvis and ex-aldermen Edie and Huff voting “Nay.” Ex-Mayor, Lou Schaefer, voted “Aye” and the motion carried permitting the developer to build a 300 foot tall building. Ordinance 2006-171 also repealed, in its entirety, Ordinance 2006-132 which has previously authorized the building of a 12 story building.

At the conclusion of Edie’s comments Alderman Gass, who was one of the aldermen who voted for the 300 foot building said, “I have just one comment Dave. I don’t see that building ever being built. I just don’t know how that could ever be built to that size where it would make money and I think that if you talked to some of the developers around here they realize that. When we voted on that. I think that is a prime location and I agree with you, I don’t think you’ll ever see a building that tall built there even though we voted it in that night.” Edie agreed and said he would be surprised if it were but said he would still like to see the ordinance changed so that no one could do that. Gass said, “That’s a good question.”

There were no further comments or questions by the board or city staff. Without further action by city staff or an elected official to change Ordinance 2006-171 the 300 foot height limit will stand.

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

When the downtown Lake Taneycomo Bridge was closed for repairs for about a half a day in November, two major areas of traffic congestion were apparent. One was the back up of traffic coming off the south bound Highway 65 ramp to take Business Highway 65 back through Hollister. The other was turning west off the northern end of Gage Drive onto the Business Highway 65 portion of the interchange when coming from Harter House, McDonalds, or the other businesses located off of Gage Drive.

There are two road projects underway in Hollister that will improve both situations, the northern extension of Birch Street and the Gage Drive Loop. The west bound traffic turning from Gage Drive onto Business Highway 65, back to the traffic signal at the College of the Ozarks can, at times be, in the very least challenging and, at the most, dangerous.

Currently there is only one way in and out of the area accessed by Gage Drive and that is through the intersection of Gage Drive and Business Highway 65, which is part of the Highway 65 interchange. At certain times of the day there is moving traffic coming from both directions on the Business Highway 65 portion of the interchange, westbound traffic waiting to turn off of Business Highway 65 onto Gage Drive and traffic on Gage Drive waiting to turn west onto Business Highway 65 towards the College of the Ozarks traffic signal.

The situation gets even more complicated as those coming off of Gage Drive, westbound on Business Highway 65, wanting to go either into the College of the Ozarks or towards Hollister, have to cross two to four lanes of traffic to do so. It gets even more complicated because a lot of the traffic in those lanes, coming from the east, is also changing lanes trying to do the same thing.

Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss explained that the Gage Drive extension will not only help eliminate that situation but provide more parking area and safety for the Hollister Police Department. Gage Drive is being extended south, just past the front of the Hollister Police Department where it will turn west and proceed up to an intersection with Historic Highway 165. This will provide an alternate route to enter and leave those businesses located along Gage Drive and help alleviate the current traffic challenges at its intersection with the Business Highway 65 portion of the interchange.

Ziegenfuss also said that as the project is completed there will be some work and elevation changes at the Hollister Police Department on Gage Drive that will provide for better parking, security, and functionality. He indicated that the project is ready for gutters, curbs, and completion of the road as soon as weather permits.

The north bound Birch Street extension will provide more convenient access to the South Towne Center and the development taking place around it to those travelers coming from the east. Basically, the extension will proceed on a northerly line paralleling Highway 65, from it current intersection with Mall Avenue, and intersect with Business Highway 65 just east of the east end of the Highway 65 flyover bridge.

Ziegenfuss pointed out that the extension will also provide an alternate route to access the Highway 65 interchange which could help more evenly distribute the traffic using the interchange and help it operate more efficiently under heavy traffic situations such as that experienced when the Taneycomo Bridge was closed. He anticipates that the Birch Street extension will be open to traffic in Spring of 2008.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

“Christmas” has always been an inherent part of Ozark Mountain Christmas now it’s official. At the Dec. 10 meeting of the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen, presided over by Mayor Raeanne Presley, and attended by Aldermen Jack Purvis, Sandra Williams, Stan Barker, Bob McDowell, Dick Gass, and Stephen Marshall, the board approved a resolution stating, “The Board of Aldermen hereby states its support of the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas.”

Originally, the resolution, entitled “The Support of the Board of Aldermen of the city of Branson to the celebration of Christmas in Branson as part of Ozark Mountain Christmas” (the resolution), was scheduled to be the last item on the meeting’s agenda. It was moved to the first item of business to accommodate those coming to the meeting who might have come just to speak to the resolution. The motion to approve the resolution was introduced by Alderman Marshall. There was no city report, recommendation, or input given from city staff as part of the introduction.

During the public comment portion of the meeting every speaker but one supported the motion. Representative of the comments would be those of Bob Simmons who stated his support for the resolution and said, “It reaffirms what our position on Christmas and this season which has meant so much to us in many many ways.”

The board’s discussion of the issue started with Alderman Purvis stating his objections to the resolution as presented. He stated he didn’t believe it would do anything for us, and said that he believed, “that there are some ramifications that could be of a negative impact that could draw attention to us as the super destination Christmas.” Alderwoman Williams stated her support of the resolution and pointed out that all it did was, “suggest and encourage the businesses in the city of Branson support and promote an event that we are marketing for the visitors that are coming here and that they expect to see and experience. She went on to point out that it is not religious at all and doesn’t tell anyone who does not want to celebrate Christmas to do it.

Alderman Marshall said, “The whole intent of this resolution had nothing to do with religion, zero, zip.” He went on to point out the vast support he has received from the public in support of the resolution, explain his rationale for why he believed the resolution was necessary, acknowledged the concern that some businesses in the community had that the ACLU would some to Branson because of the resolution and pointed out that the whole situation had become something bigger than it actually was. At that point he made a motion to amend the resolution to eliminate the last two sections from the resolution.

After the amendment, the operable portion of the resolution read, “The Board of Aldermen hereby states its support of the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas.” The first section that was eliminated read, “In furtherance of that support, the Board hereby urges Branson businesses to try to keep the word and spirit of ‘Christmas’ in Christmas and to foster the history and heritage of the traditional American Christmas in Branson, Missouri.” The other eliminated the section read, “The Board of Aldermen also hereby encourages all businesses and residents of Branson to show their support by the displaying of Christmas decorations during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas to ensure that all visitors experience the old fashion Christmas they imagined.”

During the debate on the public debate on the amended motion, local editorial cartoonist John Logan spoke passionately against the amendment. From a conflict of interest perspective this writer spoke in favor of the amendment. The amended motion was approved by the unanimous vote of the board. Prior to the vote on the amendment, Mayor Presley stated her position that in the case of a tie she would be voting for the resolution.

Related Links:

1. Board to decide how much Christmas is in Ozark Mountain Christmas.
2. Branson’s resolution is about "Christmas" not the establishment clause!
3. Will Branson celebrate Christmas or some other neutered politically correct holiday?

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

Just how much “Christmas” is in Ozark Mountain Christmas may be decided by the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen at its Dec. 10 meeting. At the Dec. 4 work session of the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen, presided over by Mayor Raeanne Presley, and attended by Aldermen Jack Purvis, Sandra Williams, Bob McDowell, Dick Gass, and Stephen Marshall, Alderman Marshall presented a resolution supporting “the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas.”

Marshall said that the resolution was prompted by a column written by this reporter. That column entitled, “Will Branson celebrate Christmas or some other neutered politically correct holiday?” appeared in the Nov. 23 edition of this paper and on line at www.bransoncourier.com under “Editorials.”

The column said that the name of the celebration that the Branson community markets to the world is “Ozark Mountain Christmas” and that with every other festival or celebration, residents, businesses, and employees are encouraged to get with the spirit of the occasion being promoted. It expressed the writer’s hope that it would be important to that same community that Christmas is celebrated and preserved as its own holiday and not lost in a myriad of other holidays or hidden in a closet filled with “commercialism” and “political correctness.”

The resolution that Marshall presented contains three short operable sections. The first states that “the Board of Aldermen hereby states its support of the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas.” The next section says, “In furtherance of that support, the Board hereby urges Branson businesses to try to keep the word and spirit of ‘Christmas’ in Christmas and to foster the history and heritage of the traditional American Christmas in Branson, Missouri.” The last section reads, “The Board of Aldermen also hereby encourages all businesses and residents of Branson to show their support by the displaying of Christmas decorations during Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas to ensure that all visitors experience the old fashion Christmas they imagined.”

In introducing the resolution Marshall pointed out that the area markets “Ozark Mountain Christmas.” Marshall said, “People come to Branson because of Christmas’ and went on to say, “I believe that as a city we should endorse that.” He pointed out that as you drive around town you see less and less decorations happening and less and less use of the word “Christmas.” Alderwoman Williams said, “We do spend money marketing ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas’ and we pull lots of people here.” She continued, “I feel that if we are going to market it that we almost owe them what they expect when they get here.”

When the mayor referred the matter to the city of Branson’s attorney Paul Link, he started off by saying, “I can tell you that I haven’t seen the resolution but when I saw the topic I called the Missouri Municipal League about it and before I even got very far into the dialogue I was met with an absolutely do not do that….” Mayor Presley said, “We are fairly warned.”

At that point, Alderman McDowell said, “Wait, can you get clarification from them Paul on specifically what the areas of concern are?” Link responded, “The area of concern is the establishment clause of the United States Constitution. The government is not supposed to encourage one sect of religion over another.” When Link implied that the resolution somewhat mandated someone to say “Merry Christmas” both Aldermen Marshall and William pointed out that the resolution did not mandate anything. Link responded, “You are not mandating. What I am saying is that when you encourage one religion the establishment clause is set there to protect those so that they don’t think they are at a disadvantage with the government because they don’t follow the religion that’s being encouraged by that governmental entity.”

Alderwoman Williams then asked, “How can we take city money and market “Ozark Mountain Christmas?” Link said, “Um, as far as the difference, all I can say to that is I can’t guarantee you that someone that is not a Christian would not take issue with that and sue the city at some point for our financial support…” Link went on to say, “There are things that we do at this city that if the ACLU came down we would more than likely be prohibited from doing.”

Alderwoman Williams said, “Paul, let us know if you think we need to reword it.” Acting City Administrator, Frank Schoneboom, before Link could reply said, “I think what we are saying is that we don’t think you should do it.” Aldermen Williams and Marshall indicated that they wanted the proposed resolution reviewed. A comparison of the operable portions of the resolution, as presented on the city of Branson’s website and quoted above, are virtually the same as the draft resolution Alderman Marshall presented at the meeting.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

At its Nov. 26 meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen might set a record for the number of requests for funding from the city’s Tourism Tax Contingency Fund (the fund) ever handled at one meeting. The board will consider two new requests and give its initial approval to another. The total amount involved with all three requests is $119,000.

The two new requests total $65,000. The National Center for Presidential Studies, doing business as the “American Presidents Museum” is requesting $50,000 for the “American Presidents” exhibit scheduled for March 4 through April 30, 2008.The second request is from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB requesting $15,000 to hold the Billboard World Song Contest Show and Awards Presentation in Branson during March or April of 2008.

The American Presidents Museum (the museum) has been selected to host the traveling exhibit “American Presidents,” a one of a kind exhibit show featuring panels with original oil paintings of each President, from George Washington through George W. Bush, and support materials provided by the White House Historical Society. The exhibit has been traveling the country since 1999, has been in the state of Missouri twice, at the Presidential debates in St Louis 2000 and 2004, and has been displayed in Presidential Libraries, state Historical Museums, and the US Capitol Rotunda.

The funding request states that the exhibit is nationally recognized and was created by C-SPAN cable television network and the White House Historical Society. Although a one time event, the museum estimates that the exhibit will bring over 30,000 visitors to Branson specifically to view it.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB (the chamber) is submitting its request for $15,000 to be used to host the “Billboard World Song Contest and Presentation” (the contest) to be held in Branson during March or April of 2008. The event has the endorsement of Billboard Magazine and highlights new and rising young talent in the songwriting field. The contest has been staged at various locations over the past 15 years, and the chamber hopes to make Branson its permanent location.

The contest features 15 different musical categories with songwriters competing for the title of “Best New Song” in each category. The chamber believes that the contest would attract songwriters, music industry leaders and performers from across the country. They also point out that the contest could be a way of elevating Branson’s status within the music industry.

At its Nov. 12 meeting, after two public meetings on the issue, the board directed that an ordinance and contract be drawn up providing for the funding of Christmas decorations in connection with Ozark Mountain Christmas. The ordinance, to be presented at the Nov. 26 meeting for its first reading, provides for the expenditure of $54,000 for Christmas decorations, $25,000 for the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive through and $29,000 for labor and materials for the rewiring, renovating and installation of Branson Area Festival of Lights stars. It also provides that the total amount “shall be made available to the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce who shall administer the project.”

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

“Thanksgiving Traffic Solution” is a plan where Branson police and public works departments team up to move motorists more efficiently around the city on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24.

This is the 11th year for the Thanksgiving Traffic Solution that involves extra police officers at the 11 busiest intersections directing traffic, and public works employees wearing orange vests located around the city to distribute city maps, provide directions to visitors and answer questions.

Police Chief Caroll McCullough says his officers will be working 10-hour shifts both days.
“There will be 28 officers dedicated solely to directing traffic, and those policemen will be on duty 10 a.m. until the traffic subsides,” McCullough said. “Assigning personnel in this manner gives us time to prepare for the day and be at our posts by 10:30 a.m. These hours also give us the ability to have officers in place to help with the evening show traffic. If we see the need to keep officers longer at any location, we’re prepared to do so. ”

Intersections in the city where officers will be stationed are:

West Main and 7th St. West Main and Michel St.
West Main and Roark Valley Rd Highway 76 and Highway 165
Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Exp Green Mountain Drive and Highway 165
Roark Valley Rd and Gretna Rd Gretna Rd and Wildwood Dr
Gretna Rd and Rosalee St Business 65 and West Main
East Main & Branson Landing Boulevard
The nine public works employees are scheduled Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or as the volume of traffic dictates each day, according to Larry VanGilder, director of public works.
VanGilder said visitors must be aware that due to ongoing road construction projects, Forsyth Road will remain closed and will not be open for any traffic. Also, Fall Creek Road at Highway 76 will remain under a construction status with no left turns allowed from 76 onto Fall Creek.

With new roads built during the past 16 years, streets other than Highway 76 can access every shopping area in Branson.

Three large outlets malls, a thriving downtown district, Branson Landing, and specialty stores throughout the city have combined to make Branson a major retail-shopping destination along with the music shows and theme parks.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of year to visit Branson,” said Jerry Adams, Branson’s public information director. “We encourage families to come and not only shop, but also experience our spectacular holiday lighting displays, dine in our fine restaurants, and enjoy wonderful Christmas shows at our theaters.”

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

On Nov. 8, Hollister City Administrator, Rick Ziegenfuss said, “The Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson will be closed for repairs for 14 hours between 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12 and 1:00 a.m. Nov. 13.” He said that he was informed of this information by Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] Region 8 personnel as he was leaving a meeting at their Springfield offices.

The repairs will involve the removal of asphalt and its replacement with an overlay. The end result should be a smoother ride for users of the bridge. Ziegenfuss said Nov. 12 was chosen because it was a Federal holiday, a lot of government offices will be closed, it will be after Veterans Day and it is hoped that there will be less traffic to deal with.

Commuters using the bridge during the evening hours are advised to plan an alternate route for the evening of Nov. 12.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

The rejection of the Proposition A retail sales tax by Taney County voters on Nov. 6, doesn’t change the problems posed by the condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson. The bridge’s deck is deteriorating, the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] has about $5.5 million for the rehabilitation of the bridge, it will be necessary to close the bridge for about a year to make the repairs, and those repairs could begin as soon as the late fall of 2008.

Taney County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Pennel said, “The election results don’t change the fact that I believe the Taneycomo Bridge situation is one of our top transportation priorities and that we must put all our efforts into meeting that need.” He went on to point out that, in large part, those efforts will guided by the final recommendations of the Value Engineering Study [the study] currently being conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] which he expects to be released in the very near future.

Taney County Road and Bridge Administrator, Frank Preston, said, “The Lake Taneycomo Bridge is one of the major pieces of a comprehensive county wide transportation system. Preston is a member of the study team currently working on bridges deck and traffic problems. The study team initially met in the MoDOT District 8 offices in Springfield, Sep. 10 through 13, gave a status report on Sep. 13, and continued to do additional traffic modeling and cost estimate adjustments for some of the recommendations and alternatives that they had developed.

On Nov. 7, the study team met again prior to the issuing of their final report in the near future. MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager, Chad E. Zickefoose said that the additional modeling and cost estimates done by the study team indicate that the revised roundabout that was developed during the initial session of the group would bring the cost of the bridge rehabilitation and roundabout up from $5.5 million to about $9.9 million.

Zickefoose indicated that with the rehabilitation of the bridge and the revised roundabout the bridge would be able to handle current and projected traffic at acceptable levels of service for the next 20 to 30 years. He also pointed out that, even with the original roundabout design and rehabilitation of the bridge, there would be acceptable levels of service for a few years. He went on to point out however, that the limitations of the original design would be unable to handle the projected increases in traffic over the next 20 years without a compromise in the levels of service.

When asked how the difference between the $5.5 million MoDOT currently has for the project and the $9.9 million needed for the new roundabout would be resolved Zickefoose said that MoDOT would do the best they could with the resources that were available, $5.5 million. He indicated that they would give the priority to rehabilitating the deck, getting two 12 foot traffic lanes and a sidewalk but that there was a possibility that esthetic features such as ornamental railings etc. might have to be sacrificed for something more cost efficient and utilitarian.

Zickefoose said that the work on the bridge would cause its closing for about a year and that the work on the bridge could start as soon as the late fall of 2008. He expressed the willingness of MoDOT to work with the local community in an effort come up with a solution but pointed out that there are budget, safety, and time limitations that govern MoDOTs flexibility.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

The final gross retail sales numbers for the city of Branson’s 2007 Fiscal Year will be in record territory by a huge margin. On Oct. 31, Ferris Brown, the city of Branson’s Finance Director said, “Once we get a final numbers for September we’ll be at a billion dollars gross retail sales for the Fiscal Year. That’s about $200 million over the best of any previous year.”

Brown emphasized that the monthly tax receipts from the tourism tax have been up for 19 straight months and that the city’s sales tax revenues have been up for 17 straight months. He said, “The encouraging thing is the way that the numbers continue to go up and that does not include the convention center or what will happen when the Wal-Mart Super Center and the other Branson Hills stores open.”

Data furnished by Brown indicates that all areas of Branson shared in the retail sales growth. As of August 2007, Branson Hills had a 12 month retail sales value of $41.6 million up from $20.3 million for the same period in 2006, Branson Landing $99.6 million versus $26.7 million in 2006, and all the rest of Branson, excluding Branson Hills and Branson Landing, $843.6 million versus $823.6 million in 2006.

Analysis of the data furnished indicates that the retail sales value in the retail areas outside of Branson Landing and Branson Hills actually went up about 2.4 percent between August of 2006 and August of 2007. During the same period, the retail sales values rose about 273 percent in Branson Landing and about 105 percent in Branson Hills. It also indicates that the August 2006 figures for Branson Landing and Branson Hills is based on retail sales revenues from a partial year of operation, March through August, and that the figures for the areas other than Branson Landing and Branson Hills reflects a full 12 months of operation.

Brown pointed out that the increase in the retail sales value in the areas of Branson other than Branson Landing and Branson Hills is important. During the planning stages for the approval and construction of Branson Landing, consultants hired by the city of Branson had forecast about a 19 percent reduction in the retail sales of existing Branson retail businesses outside of Branson Landing during the first two years that Branson Landing was open. The actual figures indicate that during the first full year of Branson Landing’s operation, not only did the forecast reduction not occur but that, as a class, those businesses actually had an increase in sales.

Brown attributed a large part of the current retail sales increases to Branson’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). In terms of that success he said, “Branson Landing is a text book example of what a TIF should do. It should pay the debt and generate economic opportunity throughout the area.”

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The little city of Branson, Missouri is hosting the nation’s largest Veterans Day event Nov. 5-11 as it holds its 14th annual Veterans Homecoming. The formal event grew from a Branson history and tradition of honoring veterans and is highlighted by the annual Veterans Day parade that has been held in Branson at the 11th hour of the 11month for 76 years. The theme for this years Veterans Homecoming is “Branson doesn’t forget the wounded.”

Sponsored by the non-profit group Branson Veterans Task Force, Veterans Homecoming is a tribute to all veterans and active military and those who support them. During this seven day tribute to veterans and their families, many Branson theatres, performers, theaters and attractions offer special events, free admissions to veterans and or special pricing. For a complete schedule of events and some of the discounts that are available click here.

Although the breadth of the even is mind boggling there are three main, free areas that veterans can go to for information and assistance. The main area would be the Branson Veterans Task Force Tactical Operations Center, Headquarters & Vendor Village [TOC] which will be open from Nov. 6 through Nov. 10. Located at Celebration Hall across from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum on the Green Mountain Road, the TOC will provide a daily free lunch for veterans and active duty military, $3.00 to everyone else, from Nov. 6 to Nov. 10, courtesy of the Golden Corral and Branson Veterans Task Force. It will also have a Veterans Registry and vendor booths that will be open from 9:00a.m. (0900 hrs) to 4:00p.m. (1600hrs) daily.

The “Day Room,” located in Factory Merchants Branson [Red Roof Mall], which will be open 9:00 a.m. (0900 hrs.) to 6:00 p.m. (1800 hrs.), located next to Auntie Ann’s Pretzels lower level. It is a great place to relax, meet fellow veterans. The other place would be at the Veterans Registry at the Grand Country Square and BVTF Tactical Operation Center (TOC), Celebration City from 9:00a.m. (0900 hrs.) to 4:00p.m. (1600 hrs).

The phone number for the Branson Veterans Task Force is 417-337-8387 or or a complete schedule of events and some of the discounts that are available click here.

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

The Christmas stars that have lit up the Ozarks Mountain Christmases of the past might not be shining as brightly this Christmas, if at all. That possibility raised its head as the city of Branson’s Board of Aldermen held its bimonthly agenda work session meeting on Nov. 6. The meeting was presided over by mayor pro-tem Stan Barker and attended by aldermen Sandra Williams, Bob McDowell, Jack Purvis, and Dick Gass.

Ross Summers, the President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB [the chamber], made a presentation asking the board to consider giving them $25,000 to assist in defraying the costs of the Branson Area Festival of Lights [BAFOL] for this year. Summers pointed out that the chamber thought they had a turnkey agreement worked out with a major Christmas lighting display firm for BAFOL this year. Under the terms of the agreement they would put up all the lights for the drive through display, the Christmas stars, and run the whole operation in exchange for the drive through admission fees.

During the last week in September, as the contract negotiations were getting down the wire, the firm backed out. Fortunately, they recommended another firm who also specialized in Christmas lighting displays, North Pole Productions from Albany, NY, who was available. They flew to Branson and, thanks to a Herculean effort on their part, volunteers, and the chamber, the Branson Area Festival of Lights opened on Nov. 1 and is running smoothly.

Summers pointed out that because everyone thought that BAFOL was going to be handled on a turnkey basis by the first firm its surprise withdrawal at the last minute wa a unanticipated financial surprise. He pointed out that in years past the city has contributed $25,000 from the Tourism Tax Contingency Fund to help fund the Christmas stars that were put on the poles up and down Highway 76 and on other key Branson roadways. He said that there would be no stars this year and requested that the $25,000 instead to help defray some of the general BAFOL expenses.

Interim city administrator Frank Schoneboom pointed out that there was a specific procedure that the board had put in place for requesting funding of this nature. While the discussion on the $25,000 request was taking place, the fact that the Christmas stars were not going to be displayed came to the forefront. The general consensus of the board members present was that the Christmas stars integrate the whole community into Ozarks Mountain Christmas and helps provide a Christmas feeling throughout the whole city.

While the discussion was going on it was also discussed that the Christmas stars on the Taneycomo Bridge have not been put up for a couple of years. There are approximately 280 Christmas stars that cost about $40,000 to put up, maintain, and take down. Alderman Purvis pointed out that most of the lights had been modified so that it was relatively easy and quick to install the stars.

As the discussion continued Summers pointed out that if the Christmas stars are going to be displayed that a decision would have to be made relatively quickly so that those needing refurbishing could get it and all the lights could be replaced. The matter of the $25,000 to help defray the costs of BAFOL and whether or not the city will get involved with helping to get the Christmas stars up for this years Ozark’s Mountain Christmas has been put on the agenda, as an item for discussion during the the boards next regular meeting which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13 instead of Monday, Nov. 12 because of the celebration of the Veterans Day Holiday.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Some of the members of the city of Branson’s Budget and Finance Committee were surprised to hear that the city of Branson is paying $115,000 in fees for the maintenance of some common areas in Branson Landing. This is in addition to the up to $310, 000 per year the city is obligated to pay for the operation and maintenance of the Branson Landing Fountains.

The discussion came up at a work session of the city of Branson’s Budget/Finance Committee held at Branson City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. The committee is comprised of Mayor Raeanne Presley, Alderman Stephen Marshall, Alderwoman Sandra Williams, Acting City Administrator Frank Schoneboom, City Finance Director Ferris Brown, and two members of the community appointed by Mayor Presley, Bob Simmons and Mike Davis. All were present at the meeting.

One of the reports being developed for the committee is a “Branson Landing Expense Summary – Budget Report.” The one page report very clearly shows the expenses that the city must reimburse the developer of Branson Landing for each year. It indicates two general categories, “Fountain” and “Maintenance.”

In general, under the various agreements that the city has with the developer, the city is obligated to pay 50 percent of the costs of operating the Branson Landing fountain up to a maximum of $310,000 per year. Those same agreements require the city to pay 33.3 percent of the maintenance for certain common areas up to a maximum of $115, 000 annually. The report indicates that so far, in fiscal year 2007, the city has paid $277,045 for the fountain and $115,000 for the maintenance of certain common areas.

Without the $115,000 limitation on annual expenses, the report indicates that the city’s 33.3 percent contribution to the common area maintenance for 2007 would have been $267,084. The city would have had to pay the following amounts for the items indicated: $140,762 for Cleaning, $5,490 for Landscaping, $8,645 for Snow Removal, $46,449 for Parking and Roadways, $16,363 for Repairs and Maintenance, $1,549 for Elevators and $47,827 for General Building Services.

The committee also discussed the on going development of other reports that the committee wants. Most of the discussion related to the content and format of those reports.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

The Regular Agenda portion of the Oct. 8 meeting the Branson Board of Aldermen started with a report from Tom Leonard, director of the Branson office of the Missouri Career Center, on the status of the centers involvement with the area’s workforce. Leonard pointed out that since Jan. of this year over 14,000 people have come into the center for assistance and that the center has placed 56 percent of all those who have registered with them for help in finding employment. He said that there are over 204 jobs currently listed with the center and that in the last five days alone 86 additional listings have been posted. The career center is located at 2720 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and the phone number is 417-334-4156.

The board also approved, on first reading, a resolution for the Preliminary Subdivision Plat and a Planned Development for TanStone Plaza. The 57.6 acre development is located on Forsythe Boulevard and is currently zoned Commercial. The proposed development will consist of a 31 parcel planned mixed-use residential and commercial development including stores, restaurants, and common areas. It will also involve the redirection of Forsythe Boulevard. Alderman Bob McDowell expressed the city’s desire to add a turn lane on Roark Road and to limit access to the development off Roark Road.

During the discussion on TanStone Plaza, the potential impact of a redesigned Forsythe Boulevard/State Highway 76 intersection on nearby businesses was discussed. City Engineer David Miller pointed out that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) controls that intersection and that the impact on property owners cannot be determined until the final location of the intersection is determined. Currently there is some delay while the possibility of aligning the intersection with the Wal-Mart entrance is researched. The actual intersection is not part of TanStone Plaza or the developer’s responsibility.

The city’s trail development program took another step forward when the board approved an agreement to accept funding from MoDOT to help expand the city’s hiking and biking trail system. Under the agreement, MoDOT will pay 50 percent of the estimated $110,440 cost for construction of an additional hiking and biking trail segment through Stockstill Park. The trail would be on the south side of the creek, from near the pedestrian bridge to the west boundary of the park and could eventually extend to the west, as additional easements are obtained, and connect to Henning Conservation Area.

In other action, the board approved a funding agreement in the amount of $40,800 with the Branson Arts Council to help make artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities available to the public. It also approved a funding agreement with the Salvation Army to provide temporary emergency help to the public in areas such as housing, utilities, food, clothing, prescriptions, and medical bills in the amount of $5,000. Christian Action Ministry (CAM) was funded for $30,000 to provide food and shelter, utilities, prescriptions, and gasoline for the needy.

Approval was granted to replace nine tactical body armor vests and purchase three console workstations for the police department. The workstations are needed to accommodate the radio and electronic equipment necessary to complete the upgrade of the communication center. The board, based on a $104,850 grant from the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency, approved the purchase of the digital and narrowband capable public safety communication equipment that will be used in the upgraded communication center. The equipment meets the federally mandated standards that must be met by 2013.

Mayor Raeanne Presley and Alderwoman Sandra Williams attended the meeting of the Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners held in the Shack Restaurant on Oct. 4, 2007. After making a brief presentation and commending them for the job they are doing the mayor took questions from the floor.

One of the merchants stated that they still had problems with skateboards on the sidewalks and inquired as to the status of the ordinance regulating skateboarding in the downtown area. Mayor Presley informed them that the ordinance had its first reading and would be on the consent agenda for the Oct. 8 meeting of the board of aldermen for final approval.

The group expressed concern about the preservation of some of the downtowns remaining historical sites. They said projects to preserve these sights would require funding and the mayor was asked if there was the possibility of getting funding from the city. The mayor made no commitment for the city to assist in such funding, said, “It is important to preserve what we have”, and suggested that they get their ideas in a written form.

It was the consensus of the group that there were still serious parking problems and that there was not enough parking on the streets for their customers. The group expressed their appreciation for the extension of the enforcement of the two hour parking limit to Saturdays. Prior to the recent extension, enforcement of the two hour limit was only done Monday through Friday.

While discussing employee parking in the new garage there was some confusion as to just whether or not someone with a monthly parking pass had a specific reserved space or not. Alderwoman Williams explained that they did not get a specific reserved spot just a parking spot from those available at the time the person enters the garage to park.

Other items discussed was a bus campaign to get more busses into downtown, the concern that busses appear to be down from last year, the formation of a committee to develop an interactive Christmas promotion similar to the “Ole Time Christmas,” and the beautification of the downtown area. One beautification project discussed was the possibility of establishing a “walk of fame” that would be a combination of the interactive aspects of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the stars on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame. When the research is completed the project will be more formally presented to the group for consideration.

According to a presentation given by city of Branson staff members, all the appropriate permits for excavation, tree removal, and blasting were in effect when work started on the TanStone Plaza commercial development located on Forsyth Road. The presentation was made as part of the Branson Board of Aldermen Work Session held on Oct.2 at Branson City Hall.

In introducing the presentation, acting city administrator Frank Schoneboom pointed out that there was a lot of public discussion on the project at the last board meeting. Don Stephens, Planning Director for the city of Branson, explained the various uses permitted in various zoning districts and the general process that is involved with a planned development.

The early work on the site involved grading and tree removal on the Forsyth Road improvements. These improvements had been agreed to in mid March after a meeting with the TanStone Group, the City Engineer, David Miller, the city of Branson’s economic development director and the city administrator. Basically TanStone was to build the road for the city and because, at that point, the scope of the project was just city streets in conjunction with the city the city’s other ordinances relating to land development did not apply.

According to Stephens, on May 15 and Jul 25, the city was notified of violations of the city’s tree ordinances, made a site inspections on the day of notification and issued stop work orders. Citations were issued for the violations and TanStone paid a total of $36,900 in penalties on Aug. 14.

On Aug. 16 The TanStone Group, LLC sent a letter to Mayor Rae Anne Presley, the Board of Aldermen, the Planning and Zoning Commission and various city officials explaining their understanding of what had happened and why. In the letter they apologized for the tree clearing incident, took full responsibility for it and stated that they had “taken internal steps to try and make very certain that nothing like that occurs again.

The letter also outlined the items that TanStone is hoping to work with the city on and asked for its understanding and support so as to make the project a success. It also went on to outline some of the benefits that TanStone Plaza would bring to the city.

Branson Fire Chief, Carl Sparks discussed when the Burn and Blasting Permits were issued. He pointed out that a pre blasting survey was required for each structure within 300 feet of the blasting. At the Sep. 24 meeting of the board a major item of discussion was that the pre blasting surveys had not been conducted.

Although Chief Sparks could say that the surveys were required and Chris DeJohn, a partner in the TanStone development, said that they had received and paid bills for such surveys no one could definitely say that they had been conducted. During Chief Sparks presentation, DeJohn stated that they had changed blasting company’s because of problems relating to the blasting resulting in small enough rock.

Chief Sparks said that based on complaints from some of the local property owners the number of “holes” being blasted was reduced from 20 to 10. He presented slides that showed damage to one car windshield, that “fly rock entered the complex,” and that “pebbles went across the parking lot and rooms.” At the Sep. 24 meeting there was allegations that the rocks caused holes in the roof. The Chief indicated that the roof had been inspected after the city received the complaint and there was no damage.

Alderman Jack Purvis stated his belief that the presentation established that a lot of what had been said at the meeting was not accurate. The approval of the TanStone Planned Development for TanSton Plaza and adopting land use regulations for the property is on the regular agenda for the city of Branson’s board of aldermen meeting of Oct. 8.

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

The construction of the Branson Convention Center and a new parking garage in the historic downtown Branson business district over the last couple of years has disrupted the availability of parking for downtown merchants, employees and visitors. The majority of the free parking that was available in the top level of the Reish Garage was taken over by the city and used for construction trailer and worker parking. When the lower levels of the same garage, which provided monthly parking for the downtown merchants and employees, was also closed, the result was that parking spaces in the downtown area became very limited.

With the completion of construction and the recent openings of both the new garage and the Branson Convention Center, the city of Branson’s board of aldermen took two steps, at its rescheduled Sep. 13 business meeting, to expand the availability of parking in the downtown area. The first was the board’s final approval a Parking Garage Management Agreement between the city of Branson and Hilton Hotels Corporation. The agreement provides that Hilton Corporation, who also has a management contract with the city to run the Branson Convention Center, attached to the garage, and with the developer of Branson Landing to run the Hilton hotel attached to the convention center, will also manage the city’s parking garage.

The management agreement contains a specific provision requiring that the garage will provide the number of monthly spaces that the city may reasonably designate at rates set by the city. The agreement contains an initial monthly rate of $25.00 per month.

In a second related action, the board passed a resolution stating the city’s intent that the top level of the Reish Garage shall remain free and open on a first-come, first-served basis. It also states the city’s intent to provide at least 110 monthly parking passes in the garage, at an initial rate of $25.00 per month. These spaces will be available to businesses and employees in the downtown area and other potential purchasers, on a first come, first served basis.

The resolution also provides that the parking spaces currently under monthly lease in the parking lot, commonly known as the “Awbery Lot,’ at the southwest corner of Atlantic and Commercial Streets, shall be freed up and become open public parking on a first come first-served basis. This should free up about another 28 additional spaces for downtown visitors.

The resolution specifically provides that the “City recognizes that continued evaluation of parking usage in the Downtown area will be necessary to assess potential future alterations in parking arrangements.” It goes on to state that “The City will consider alteration of such arrangements as it deems necessary, taking into account input from those persons and businesses who utilize and benefit from the Parking Garages and other available parking in the Downtown area.”

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

In the final analysis, the inconvenience to local residents and users of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo between Hollister and Branson will be directly related to the funding available to correct the bridges deteriorating deck and traffic congestion at its eastern end. The bridges deck and traffic problems are the subjects of an ongoing Value Engineering Study currently being conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT, in conjunction with local officials. The study team recently met in the MoDOT District 8 offices in Springfield, Sep. 10 through 13 and gave a status report on Sep. 13.

The team consists of engineers and other professionals from MoDOT, private industry, Branson, Hollister, and Taney County. Local members of the team are Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator, Matt Filice, engineer with the city of Branson and Frank Preston, engineer with Taney County. Although the study is still a work in progress and additional traffic modeling and cost estimate adjustments for some of the recommendations must be accomplished prior to submitting its final recommendations to MoDOT management, the proposed recommendations in the study are identifiable.

The recommendations are in two general phases, one relating to a constrained budget and the other for an unconstrained budget. The recommendations in the report for the constrained base line approach used the figure of approximately $5.5 million dollars which is the amount currently available for the project.

This approach would involve the rehabilitation of the bridge, with a widening of its lanes and a roundabout at its east end. Traffic analysis of the traffic congestion caused by the Highway 76 traffic to the east of the bridge indicates that a signalized intersection at the bridges east end does not permit the Levels of Service, LOS, adequate to handle the traffic. Currently the intersection has an LOS of F, the lowest LOS possible. The proposed roundabout, redesigned from the roundabout originally proposed, performs at an LOS of C, will handle traffic volumes approximating the 20 year projection and will be flexible enough to provide for future expansion.

The bridge rehabilitation under the base line approach would require that the bridge be closed. Although there was no definite commitment by the study team as to specifically how long it would be closed, indications are that the bridge would be closed for approximately a year. During that time, those wishing to enter Branson from the eastern side of Lake Taneycomo via Highway 76 would have to detour approximately 6.5 miles through Hollister via the Highway 65 interchange and travel north back to Branson.

The unconstrained budget approach offered proposed solutions ranging in cost from $13.29 million to $36.85 million. All involved the building of at least one new bridge and would virtually eliminate the need to close the existing bridge for an extended period of time.

All the unrestrained recommendations, with a cost under $29 million dollars, were in the range of $13.3 to $16.2 million. The one discussed the most during the presentation was option B10. It would cost $15.6 million, involve the rehabilitation of the current bridge and the building of a new two lane bridge that would connect with Branson Landing Boulevard. Under this option, both bridges would have two way traffic, pedestrians would have to use the new bridge, and those coming into Branson from the Hollister side would have a choice of coming in on Highway 76, much as is currently being done or going down to Branson Landing Boulevard.

Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager said, “The purpose of the study is to come up with a financially prudent recommendation for solving the problem.” He went on to point out as part of arriving at a solution the study team has provided different alternative recommendations for evaluation and consideration. Zickefoose also stated that, as is the case with all of their projects, MoDOT will work with the local communities involved in trying to resolve not only the financial issues but other areas of the project which could impact on the communities involved.

Two different items on the Agenda for the rescheduled Sep. 13 meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen may lead to relieving some of the parking concerns of the businesses in historic down town Branson. One is the finalization of the Parking Garage Management Agreement between the city of Branson and Hilton Hotels Corporation. The other is a resolution by the city making 110 monthly passes available to downtown businesses and designating other areas in historic downtown Branson as free parking on a first come first serve basis.

The Consent Agenda contains the final reading and approval of the Parking Garage Management Agreement between the city of Branson and Hilton Hotels Corporation. At its August 27 meeting, the board, after extensive discussion on the agreement, voted to amend Section 3 of Article 5 of the Agreement to eliminate the restriction that only 20 monthly passes could be issued. The Parking Garage Agreement is on the Consent Agenda and will be approved without further public comment unless removed at the request of an Alderman or citizen before the Consent Agenda is voted on.

In a separate item on the Regular Agenda, the board will consider a Resolution stating that the City intends that the top level of the Reish Garage and the spaces in the parking lot commonly known as the “Awbery Lot, at the southwest corner of Atlantic and Commercial Streets,” shall remain free and open on a first come first-served basis. The resolution also provides for at least 110 monthly parking passes for parking in the city’s new Pacific Street Garage.

The monthly parking passes will be available to businesses and employees in the Downtown area and other potential purchasers on a first come, first served basis. The fees and charges for the monthly parking will be governed by the “Governing Documents” and will initially be $25 per month.

The Resolution goes on to state that the city recognizes that “continued evaluation of parking usage in the Downtown area will be necessary to assess potential future alterations in parking arrangements to insure the highest level of service to the citizens of, and visitors to, the City.” The Resolution reserves the right of the city to make what ever changes it deems necessary in the future subject to, among other things the Governing Documents. The Parking Garage Management Agreement between the city of Branson and Hilton Hotels Corporation is listed as one of the Governing Documents.

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

The “functionally obsolete” and “structurally deficient” but safe condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo will be the major topic of a Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT Value Engineering Study next week in Springfield. The study was the major item discussed at a Sep. 5 meeting on the bridge and related transportation issues held at Hollister City Hall. It was attended by representatives of the cities of Hollister and Branson, Taney County, and the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT.

Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager said, “The study would be conducted Sep. 10 through 13 in Springfield” and would include various experts from MoDOT along with representatives from the cities of Branson and Hollister and Taney County. He also pointed out that additional expertise would be brought in on an as needed basis.

The end result of the study will be a recommendation to MoDOT that it will use in formulating its solution to the problems presented by the condition of the bridge and the traffic flow bottleneck at its east end. Zickefoose suggested that the study would more than likely take a two pronged approach in making its recommendations. One based on a budget of $5.5 million and another based on the scenario that funding is not a problem.

He said that the $5.5 million is composed of $3.5 million from MoDOT that has been budgeted for the project and about $2.0 million from “matching funds.” Half of the matching funds will come from MoDOT, increasing its share of the $5.5 million project to $4.5 million, and the other half from the cities of Branson and Hollister and Taney County. Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister’s City Administrator, pointed out that the vast majority of the matching funds coming from local sources are coming from the federal government through Federal Urban Transportation Funds. These funds must be used within a specified period of time or are lost and are not coming from local taxes.

There was some general discussion that a more permanent solution would require substantial additional funding. Taney County Commissioner Danny Strahan said that Representative Jo Ann Emerson has expressed an interest in seeing what additional help could be provided at the federal level. It was also pointed out that a proposed Taney County sales tax increase, of one half of one percent, will be voted on in the Nov. election and that a portion of that tax would be used to help address transportation issues.

When the question was asked, “How much of the proposed tax would go to helping resolve the current problem with the bridge,” the general consensus of those talking about the tax was that the “steering committee” is still working on that. Commissioner Strahan, with no one in attendance disagreeing, also pointed out that the immediate transportation needs of our area will involve solutions and funding needs that go far beyond just the current Taneycomo bridge situation.

In referring to the current condition of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo as being “functionally obsolete” and “structurally deficient” but safe, MoDOT’s Zickefoose stressed the safety of the bridge and that it was the size of the existing lanes and condition of the deck that are the primary problems in that regard. He pointed out that if one of the side walks was eliminated, enabling the widening of the lanes to 12 feet, and the bridge was re decked that the bridge would not longer be either functionally obsolete or structurally deficient.

Zickefoose also informed those at the meeting that the one inch stripping and overlay project scheduled for the bridge, designed to give users of the bridge a smoother ride and extend the life of the current deck a couple of more years, is dependent on the availability of the contractor. He anticipated that the overlay, which is not part of the current project being evaluated for the bridge, will only take a few hours, will be done primarily at night, will pose minimal inconvenience to traffic, and would be scheduled so that the community had at least two days notice.

As the meeting was coming to a close, Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister’s City Administrator, thanked MoDOT’s Chad Zickefoose for all the assistance he has given our area and for “sticking with us through all the bumps.” Zickefoose is the MoDOT Project Manager over a 12 county area and is currently managing over 30 projects.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

A request submitted to the Taney County Commission indicates that portions of some Branson Landing buildings are located within the current 100 year flood plain. At the Aug. 27 meeting of the Taney County Commission Eddie Coxie, Assistant Administrator, Taney County Planning and Zoning, presented a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, by HCW Development Company, LLC, HCW, for a revision of, 100 year flood plain map for area encompassing the Branson Landing project. Taney County’s review of the request is part of the normal processing of such requests.

The request, called a Letter of Map Revision, LOMR, was based on information complied by the engineering firm of Olsson Associates and contained a letter of support from the city of Branson and a letter of no objection from the city of Hollister as attachments. In an interview after the presentation, Coxie said, “This is a pretty common situation.” He went on to point out that the process could result in more definite elevations for the reference points used by FEMA to determine the 100 year flood plain.

According to the letter of support for the LOMR issued by the city of Branson on July 25, and signed by it’s attorney, Paul D. Link, if the LOMR is granted, the net effect will be that some of the buildings at the Branson Landing “will be removed from the floodplain but several others will not be.” The letter goes no to point out that the lower portion of the buildings remaining in the flood plain, such as parking garages, loading docks, and storage areas, “will require additional dry or wet flood proofing documentation in order to bring them into compliance with the City’s floodplain ordinances.”

Planning Director for the city of Branson, Don Stephens, said that each of the buildings covered by the LOMR is currently being used and occupied under the terms of Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, TCO. Each TCO contains a list of specific issues that must be resolved before a permanent Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. Stephens said, “None of the issues addressed in the Temporary Certificates of Occupancy are life safety issues.”

The Temporary Certificates of Occupancy were issued pursuant to a “White Box Construction & Completion Agreement” between the city of Branson and HCW Development, LLC. They were issued for a year and will begin to expire at various times beginning in the October November time frame. Stephens said that permanent Certificates of Occupancy will only be issued when the issues listed on the Temporary Certificates of Occupancy have been satisfied.

Rick Huffman, President and CEO of HCW said, “As soon a FEMA reviews the application [LOMR] they will report back what items need to be flood proofed as well as the new flood plain map revisions.”

Is a skateboard a bicycle? The answer to that question, as well as some other apparent points of confusion on the ordinance, caused the city of Branson’s board of aldermen to postpone action on an ordinance designed to keep people from riding skates, skateboards, scooters or any type of non motorized vehicle on, or in, certain areas owned or controlled by the city of Branson within the downtown business district.

The staff report on the proposed ordinance was presented by the city of Branson’s Chief of Police, Caroll W. McCullough. The report said that the proposed ordinance changes would prohibit anyone from riding any skates, skateboards or scooters in certain areas located in the downtown business area or on property owned or controlled by the City of Branson and recommended that the board approve the proposed changes.

Chief McCullough pointed out that the ordinance was being submitted in response to some problems that had arisen recently in the downtown business district. He cited, as just one instance, a situation this past weekend where skateboarders had to be asked to leave the new downtown convention center garage.

During public comment on the proposed changes, long time Branson resident and bicycle rider, Bob Glen, voiced his concerns that the proposed changes would impact adversely on the areas he normally rode his bicycle. Chief McCullough pointed out that the ordinance wasn’t intended to add any additional regulations to those riding bicycles and that the riding of bicycles on any sidewalk within a business district has been prohibited for years.

A large colored projected image of the area, as well as the clear concise maps attached to the proposed change, unlike some of the earlier maps, very clearly showed that the area covered by the ordinance just covered the downtown business district and did not cover either Branson Landing or the city camp ground. In spite of that fact, there was a considerable discussion about bicycles in Branson Landing until the city of Branson’s Planning Director, Don Stephens, stepped up to the podium and, using a pointer, pointed out that the area covered by proposed changes did not cover either Branson Landing or the city camp ground.

The proposed ordinance states that it only applies to structures “located on property owned or controlled by the City of Branson.” Branson Landing, including the town square and board walk, is leased, under a long term lease, and is for all practical purposes private property not under the control of the city of Branson.

Chief McCullough emphasized that the primary purpose of the proposed changes was to regulate skateboards not bicycles. Some of the board members thought that some of the verbiage, such as using the definition of “any one, two three or four wheeled device powered by the user” to define the term “skateboard” was confusing. The board voted 6 to 0 to have further research done on the issue and postponed taking any action on the ordinance until its Sep. 24 meeting.

South parking lot entrance to the Branson Convention Center

The booking pace for events coming to the new Branson Convention Center is picking up and is in line to exceed projections. In an update report to the city of Branson’s board of aldermen at their regular Aug. 13 business meeting, Mark Hartman, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson, who is managing the convention center for the city of Branson, said that bookings for the partial year of 2007 have increased 9.5 percent in just two months.

When Hartman gave a similar report on Jun 11 for the partial year 2007, the number of definite event bookings was 49 and tentative bookings was 25. Hartman explained that the events shown as tentative are more than just inquiries on possibly booking an event. They represent a situation that has progressed beyond a mere inquiry to the point where a prospective client has specifically requested a contract and that they are actively negotiating with that client to finalize the contract.

During the Aug. 13 report, Hartman pointed out that the number of definite events for the partial year 2007 has increased to 67 and that the tentative events were 14. He said, “The real positive thing is that when I was here in Jun. we had 49 events that were definite and 25 tentative so we’ve sold 19 events into that definite column.”

The portion of the report on “Booking Pace” uses the “Stabilized Year” data from a feasibility analysis of the proposed convention center, completed by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, CSL, for the city of Branson, in Feb. 2003, as a base line for comparison. According to the CSL analysis, the total number of events in a stabilized year, a normal year of operation, would be 177 of which 44 would be conventions and trade shows. Hartman’s report indicates that the Branson Convention Center already has a total of 114 definite and 88 tentative events and 41 definite and 41 tentative convention and trade shows for 2008.

Hartman reported that the booking pace over the past two months has accelerated quite a bit and that in the month of July alone they had booked about $680,000 worth of businesses into the Branson Convention Center. When discussing the sources of leads for the convention center Hartman emphasized the active cooperative relationship they had with the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and that it was one of their strongest lead sources in booking events and conventions.

Alderman Jack Purvis asked Hartman how the startup of the Branson Convention Center compares to similar startups that he has been involved in. Hartman responded, “I think we are seeing a tremendous amount of activity before we would normally see it.” He expounded that normally there is a lot of activity from meeting planners after the facility opens but in the case of the Branson Convention Center there is a lot of interest prior to it opening. He said, “I think we are in very good shape moving forward.”

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Whether or not the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo will be closed and, if it is, for how long has not yet been determined. It is but one factor that will be considered as the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT, conducts a Value Engineering Study to address the problems presented by the bridges deteriorating deck and other related issues.

Representatives of the cities of Hollister and Branson and Taney County met with officials of MoDOT’s District 8 at Hollister City Hall on Aug. 8 regarding the bridge and Hollister roundabout project. Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager said that MoDOT is “Working to set up a Value Engineering Study with the tentative dates of Sep. 10-13.” He went on to point out that the study will bring people with varying areas of expertise, and others, together to study just that project in detail.

Zickefoose said, “By the end of the three [or four days] they will develop a report and make a recommendation to senior management on what their preferred solution is to the problem.” The city of Branson’s Mayor, Raeanne Presley specifically asked, “Will the Value Engineering Study be just for the bridge and roundabout?” Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer responded, “Just for the bridge and roundabout.” As other alternatives, including a new bridge, were being discussed Juranas pointed out that money was an issue and that MoDOT only had $3.5 million available for the bridge.

After the formal meeting ended and Juranas had listened to all the comments and suggestions he was asked the question, “Will the Value Engineering Study be limited to a $3.5 million dollar solution or will it consider some of the other more costly alternatives? Juranas expressed his opinion that it would take a two pronged approach, one limited to the funding that is available and a second that would consider other practical and fiscally sound and possible alternatives.

In preparation for not only for the Value Engineering Study, but the planning for a long term solution to the problems that people traveling over the bridge encounter everyday, Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister’s City Administrator, suggested that it might be helpful to put together a list of imperatives to be used to help insure that the end result is one that, everyone can agree, solves the problem. As the meeting progressed a list of things that the “solution” should accomplish was developed.

That list included, among other things, that the solution must be long term, not close the bridge for a long period of time, permit pedestrian access from one side to the other, maintain the old bridge structure, and provide adequate lighting. In discussing just how long the closing of the bridge was too long, Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley pointed out that MoDOT’s original statement, that it would be closed for one year, makes “anything less… an improvement.”

The MoDOT officials present seemed acutely aware of the problems that the closing of the bridge would cause the community. MoDOT’s Zickefoose said, “There are other methods that can be used to reduce the time of closure.” One of those methods involves the pre casting of sections near the bridge, which can be done if there is space nearby.

Although there were a number of suggestions made, most of them revolved around building a new bridge and keeping the current bridge open until that was done. The one suggestion that appeared to have the most initial support from the group was the building a new bridge across Lake Taneycomo that would connect with Branson Landing Boulevard.

Interim Branson City Administrator, Frank Schoneboom, expressed his opinion that the idea had potential and said that Branson Landing Boulevard is a beautiful road that is “Really, at this point, under-utilized.” In a general discussion after the meeting it was also pointed out that such routing would also provide multiple routes for traffic to conveniently access to the businesses and services located in historic downtown Branson.

A similar meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Hollister City Hall to discuss the issues and help provide input for the MoDOT Value Engineering Studies.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

Is there a mass transit bus system in Branson’s future? If the “million dollar” question can be answered there just might be, and it might be a lot closer than a lot of people think. According to a presentation given by Dr. Montel Wilder, on behalf of Branson Trolley and Transportation Inc. at the July 23 meeting of the city of Branson’s board of aldermen, such a system could be in operation in Branson within a period of nine to twelve months time if their proposal is adopted.

The question about whether the plan was for a “trolley” or “bus” system was answered early on. In the process of introducing the topic, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “You’re going to talk trolleys to us.” Wilder immediately replied, “We’re going to talk bus systems.”

In making his presentation Wilder said, “There has never been a comprehensive mass transit plan, with the city of Branson’s backing, attempted in the Branson area before.” The plan Wilder proposed would involve three general phases, a microstudy, capital acquisition, and actual operation.

Although he gave a general mention of the capital acquisition and actual operation phases of the plan they are contingent upon the microstudy, establishing the practicality and feasibility of the total plan. The microstudy, will among other things, cover routes, stops, rolling stock, facilitates, advertising, marketing, financial and legal issues, budgeting, and operating contracts. One of the primary purposes of the microstudy will be to test the preliminary ideas and concepts which, he says, Branson Trolley and Transportation Inc. have already developed.

Wilder said, “Someone from our group has been working on some aspect of this venture almost constantly for over the last eight years. That’s why we have specific ideas about what to do and specific ideas how to do it,” He went on to say, “What we need to do is to test it out, tweak it, and hone it so that virtually all of the uncertainty is taken out of the equation and we know exactly where to go and exactly how to get there.”

Wilder mentioned that the microstudy must also answer what he called the “million dollar” question, “How do we keep the trolleys from sitting in traffic with all the other cars?” He went on to point out that Dr. Nathan Gartner, who according to his presentation, is “the foremost expert on putting together computer models in order to alleviate traffic flow and to mitigate traffic stoppage” is working with them on the project, give an extensive list of Gartner’s qualifications and say, “Preliminarily speaking, Dr. Gartner is confident that an excellent workable system can be created.”

The estimated total cost of the micsostudy would be $1.1 million of which $600,000 would come from state and federal grants and $500,000 in matching funds from private investors. Although the city of Branson would provide no actual funds for the microstudy it would be necessary for the city to apply for the grant funds from federal and state sources.

The board had questions regarding routes to the rex plex, who would prepare the paper work for the grants, the actual control of the grant money, and other areas of the proposal. No formal vote was taken by the board regarding the presentation and it was suggested that the matter be further coordinated with city staff.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

A press release from the city of Branson stated “City of Branson Board of Alderman announces the departure of Terry Dody, ten year employee and city administrator since January 2000.” It went on to point out that “A separation agreement was drafted last week and approved by Branson Alderman yesterday. Mr. Dody’s last day is July 31.”

The press release also said that Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, “Change is never easy,” but that, “In this case, however, it is a positive move for everyone involved. The Mayor also said, “We appreciate the long hours and diligent effort provided by Dody during a very dynamic and demanding period in our city’s history.” To view the entire press release click here .

Representatives of the Missouri Department of Transportation, MoDOT said that Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge across Lake Taneycomo is structurally sound and is in no danger of collapsing. The major problem that the bridge has is a deteriorating deck.

That information was part of an overall discussion that took place at a City of Hollister Work Session Meeting on Tuesday Aug. 7. The meeting, attended by representatives of MoDOT, the cities of Hollister and Branson, and Taney County, was held primarily to discuss, what most people call the “Lake Taneycomo Bridge and Hollister Roundabout” project. Early on, as the Lake Taneycomo Bridge was being discussed, the topic of the Interstate 35W Bridge disaster in Minneapolis last week came up.

Kirk E. Juranas, MoDOT’s District 8 Engineer, pointed out that the two bridges are of different styles and that the problems with the deck of the Lake Taneycomo Bridge relate more to pot holes and the damage that they can cause to vehicles than to the possibility of the bridge collapsing. In terms of bridge ratings, under MoDOT’s guidelines the bridge is rated a 3 on a scale of 0 through 9 with nine being the highest.

Under MoDOTs guidelines the three major components of a bridge, super structure, sub structure, and deck are each rated. David O’Connor, District 8 Maintenance Engineer and former MoDOT Bridge Engineer, who was not at the meeting but was contacted later, pointed out that the unusual architecture of the Business Highway 65/MO 76 Bridge, its open-spandrel arch design, as compared to most modern bridges, poses some challenges in terms of ratings.

He said that the bridge’s substructure, including piers and arches, is rated a 6, the deck, including the surface that vehicles drive on, is rated a 3, and its super structure, including the columns coming up off the arches is rated a 3. He went on to point out that the overall rating of 3 that the bridge received is based on the lowest rating of any of the three components being rated. Any rating of 2 would cause the bridge to be closed.

O’Connor said, “The bridge went from a 4 to a 3 rating during the last year.” He went on to point out that the primary reason for the the deterioration of the bridges deck was water and salt saturation.” From the general discussion that took place at the meeting, it appears that the 3 rating of the super structure is related to the unique architectural structure of the open-spandrel arch type bridge. Some of the floor beams, attached to the columns of the super structure coming up off the arches are poured as part of the deck. O’Connor stressed that there is minimal deterioration to the columns or the floor beams.

Chad E. Zickefoose, MoDOT’s District 8 Transportation Project Manager stated that the bridges deck will receive a scheduled one inch overlay this summer. He pointed out that although it would not increase the rating of the bridge it would help reduce the decks rate of deterioration, provide a temporary fix of about two or three years and provide users of the bridge with a more smooth ride.

Zickefoose also said that, “A Value Engineering Study” regarding the “Lake Taneycomo Bridge and Hollister Roundabout” project would be conducted Sep. 10-13. The recommendations of that study will serve as the basis for determining a long term solution to the decks problem and a determination if and for how long the bridge will have to be closed.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

A press release from the city of Branson, issued late in the day on July 31 announced, “the departure of Terry Dody, ten year employee and city administrator” pursuant to a separation agreement approved by Branson Alderman on July 30. What it failed to announce was just how much the separation would cost the city of Branson and the fact that it insured that no current employee performance evaluations would be part of Dody’spersonnel folder as he departed.

The city of Branson’s board of aldermen held a closed door executive session starting at 11:00 a.m. on July 30. The publicly released minutes of that meeting indicate that Aldermen Stan Barker, Sandra Williams, Bob McDowell, Dick Gass, and Stephen Marshall were present and that, although absent, Jack Purvis joined the discussion by phone. Others present were the city of Branson’s administrator, Terry Dody, assistant administrator, Frank Schoneboom, Mayor, Raeanne Presley, and Human Resources Director, Deb Durler.

The minutes further state that there was discussion and that “Alderman Purvis joined the discussion by phone from 11:20 to 11:50 am.” The minutes do not describe the substance of that discussion but do state that a “Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Separation Agreement and Release with Mr. Dody in the amount of $151, 278.08” was made by Alderman McDowell, seconded by Alderman Gass and was approved by all the aldermen present.

The agreement specifically states that “It is the mutual desire of Dody and the city to now end Dody’s employment with the city” under the terms contained within the agreement. The agreement specifically requires the city of Branson to pay Dody the gross amount of $151,278.08, less applicable payroll deductions, within eight calendar days after the execution of the agreement.

The minutes of the meeting contain no detail of how the amount of $151,278.08 was arrived at or what it constitutes. The agreement however, states that for the purposes of the agreement both the city of Branson and Dody agree that $151,278.08 is an “amount equal to any and all compensation that would otherwise be due or arguably due to Dody” under his current employment agreement.

The agreement also contained a provision that the city would not to place any evaluation or other documents into Dody’s personnel file after Dody’s execution and return of the agreement to the city. At the July 3, Alderman’s Work Session, as the matter of an annual evaluation of Dody was being discussed, Mayor Presley pointed that it did not appear that any formal annual evaluations involving Dody’s performance had been conducted by previous councils or the mayor. Alderman Gass responded, “No, he got the same raise as everybody else.”

In response to Mayor Presley’s further statement about the fact that the former board and mayor did not have any kind of process that they went though to evaluate Dody’s performance Gass said, “Well, because we laid out his agenda and he accomplished it or didn’t accomplish it.” Mayor Presley asked, “When did you lay out his agenda?” Gass Responded, “Well, in our city council meetings when we came up with what was going to be done.”

Mayor Presley pointed out that the board members had each received information that Alderman McDowell had obtained from the Missouri Municipal League that could be used to establish a formal evaluation process and recommended that they review it with the goal of conducting the evaluation by the end of July in closed executive session.

Under the agreement, the city is obligated to furnish Dody a complete copy of his personnel file, as it exists “at the end of the City’s regular business day on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, within eight calendar days after his execution and return of the agreement to the city. The agreement indicates that it was executed and returned to the city at 4:45 p.m. on July 30.

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

The city of Branson’s board of aldermen held a special meeting at 10:30 a.m. on July 30 for the purpose of discussing the city’s liquor license policy and to review and approve current applications for liquor licenses submitted to the city of Branson before they were forwarded to the state by the city. There were three applications for liquor by the drink licenses, commonly called the “Resort Restaurant License,” for the board to approve Hillbilly Inn Restaurant on West Highway 76, Ernie Biggs Piano Bar and the White River Fish Company both in Branson Landing.

City Attorney Paul Link and the board discussed the general procedure that an applicant for a liquor license goes through to get a Resort Restaurant License within the city of Branson. Link said that basically, the applicant applies through the city, city staff reviews it for compliance with applicable city ordinances regarding zoning, health, and other applicable city requirements, and issues a Letter of Intent which is forwarded, with the license, to the state Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control for their approval. The city has no direct control over that approval. If the state approves the license it is then forwarded back to the city for the final issuance of appropriate city licenses.

Alderman Dick Gass asked if the city code had any authority to deny a license once the state granted a license. Link said, “As our code currently sits we don’t have anything in our liquor laws or alcohol laws that would allow us to deny a license to that business if they came forth with a valid state license.” There was some discussion that the city code did contain some restrictions on the number of package liquor sales and beer licenses that the city could issue.

The board approved forwarding the Letters of Intent and the three license applications to the state by unanimous vote of all those present. Alderman Jack Purvis was the only alderman not present. After a short discussion, the board voted unanimously not to take any formal action on any future initial application of a business for a state liquor license in Branson. They did however; request that a copy of each such application be placed in their box for review.

Mayor Raeanne Presley later said, “One of the purposes of the Liquor and Alcohol Task Force will be to examine the current city ordinances covering the licensing and serving of liquor and alcoholic beverages within the city limits of Branson.” She went on to point out that as a result of that examination she would anticipate that the task force would determine what, if any, changes were necessary and would present their recommendations to the board of aldermen for their evaluation and decision. Mayor Presley further expressed her hope that the Task Force would be appointed by the end of August.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Representatives of the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control stated their opinion that they could not enforce perimeter or premises violations against the licensees of the “Chicago Dogs Kiosk” in Branson Landing as the license is currently written. The admission came while Peter W. Lobdell, the State Supervisor for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and Joe Hodgin, District Supervisor, for Region 1, which covers Branson, gave a presentation to the city of Branson’s board of aldermen on July 23, at the request of Mayor Raeanne Presley.

After Lobdell and Hodgin made their initial presentation Mayor Presley opened the meeting up for questions from the public and the board. Among other things, the questioning quickly zeroed in on the issues of people walking up and down the landing with open containers of beer and the size of the area around the Chicago Dogs Kiosk, at Branson Landing, in which patrons purchasing beer from it must remain while consuming that beer.

Lobdell started by pointing out that there was a misunderstanding of the law and that the “consumption must be restricted to the premise.” As to whether or not the term “premises” could encompass the entire Branson Landing he said, “That would be a much smaller place than Branson Landing.” He went on to suggest that it would take legislative action at the state level to permit people to walk all over Branson Landing with open containers of beer.

There was a lot of discussion on just how far people who purchased beer at the kiosk could go before they would be considered off “the premises” and subject the license holder to potential enforcement action. Although there was much rhetoric to the contrary and talk about “common sense,” at the end of the day, based on the way that the current permit is written, it appears that, from a state liquor control enforcement point of view, they could go just about as far as they wanted to.

The city of Branson’s attorney, Paul Link stated that the only language in the permit pertaining to describing the premises related to one building and a “patio,” did not contain the words “adjacent patio.” In fact, a review of “Missouri – Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control –License Number 160885, applicable to the kiosk in question indicates that it is issued to Hot Concepts L.L.C. dba The Ball Park, 2534 E. Linwood, Springfield, MO 65806. The premises described in the license covers a one story Bldg., including patio area, located at a specific location, 214 Promenade Way, Branson Missouri for the sale of “5% by Drink,” beer.

The city of Branson’s city administrator, Terry Dody asked at what distance away from the kiosk someone carrying a beer purchased at it would subject the owner to enforcement action. Lobdell, in stating his opinion said, “As its written now we could not enforce it because it’s so broad.” Lobdell further stated that had the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control been notified of the problem six months ago they would have corrected the situation immediately.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

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

On July 17 the city of Branson’s board of aldermen held a work session to plan the agenda for its regular business meeting to be held on Monday, July 23. The complete final agenda for the July 23 meeting can be found on the city’s web site at www.cityofbranson.org/meetings. Specific items discussed at the planning workshop relating to items of general public interest, such as the raising of water and sewer rates and the serving of alcoholic beverages in general public access areas, are as follows.

The board will consider an ordinance change raising water rates 5 percent and sewer rates 15 percent. These rates will reflect the second year of increases in a five year water and sewer rate increase plan that was presented in September 2006 to reduce and eliminate the subsidization of water and sewer rates with funds from the Tourism/Capital Improvement Tax. If approved, the new rates will become effective with the October billing cycle.

There was a lengthy and, at times heated, discussion about the serving of alcoholic beverages, specifically beer, from kiosks at Branson Landing. The discussion revolved around the fact that the people purchasing those beverages were not restricted to a certain area while consuming them. Instead, they were permitted access to stroll virtually anywhere in the general public access areas of Branson Landing such as the Public Square, parking lots, the board walk, promenades, etc. without control or restriction.

Mayor Raeanne Presley pointed out that even as the work session was taking place that the situation at Branson Landing was in the process of being resolved and said, “I know that most of this discussion has revolved around the Landing but I believe that it could be a city wide issue.” She went on to point out that other malls etc. could seek to do the same thing that the Landing is doing and expressed her opinion that further discussion of the issue should relate to whether or not the city believes that it is appropriate to control it in some way.

Mayor Presley continued, “It is incumbent upon us to go out and search for the right information.” At the request of the mayor, Peter Lobdell, the State Supervisor of the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Control and Joe Hodgin, the District Supervisor for the area that covers Branson, will be making a presentation at the Jul. 23 meeting to present information on some of the liquor control issues the community is facing.

Ozark Energy Partners L.L.C. will be making a presentation about their business and involvement with bringing natural gas to the area. The city of Branson’s city administrator, Terry Dody, pointed out that, as he understands it, the company is also interested in the city granting it a natural gas franchise. If Ozark Energy Partners L.L.C. were granted a franchise it would be the second granted by the city. At its Jul. 9 meeting the board of aldermen approved the assignment of the non exclusive natural gas franchise, which it approved and executed on Mar. 14, 2005, with Alliance Gas Energy, Inc., to Southern Missouri Natural Gas.

A presentation will be made by Dr. Montel Wilder of Branson Trolley & Transportation, Inc. regarding “a proposal that would bring a mass transit system to the area without any cost to the city itself” and to “entice the city to support this exciting plan in order to secure federal and state funding to assist in bringing the plan to fruition.” Mayor Presley expressed her belief, based on a brief talk with the initial group, that the system they will be presenting will be more of a bus system than a trolley system.

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

Things really heated up at the Jul. 17 work session meeting of the city of Branson’s board of aldermen as Alderman Stephen Marshall suggested that he had been given erroneous information by city attorney Paul Link and warned city administrator Terry Dody about such actions in the future. The alleged erroneous information came from comments Link made to the board, at its Jul. 9 meeting, regarding the area within Branson Landing where beer purchased at a particular kiosk could legally be consumed.

At the Jul. 9 meeting, during the public comment portion of the meeting, the issue of where beer purchased at Branson Landing could be consumed came up. Mayor Presley said that, based on public comments made at the previous meeting, she had asked city attorney Paul Link to look into the issue and asked for his comments.

Link said, “In a nutshell, as has been stated here many times in public meetings, Branson Landing is private property. The liquor license that allows that kiosk [Chicago Hotdogs] to sell beer by the fountains extends for the Branson Landing property and it’s completely legal for someone to buy a beer at that kiosk and walk on the Landing because its private property.”

While the board was discussing the issue the ten minute time limit ran out. Mayor Presley suggested that the topic would be discussed at a future work session.

The “Discussion of alcohol at the Branson Landing” was included on the agenda for the board’s Jul. 17 work session. In introducing the item, Mayor Raeanne Presley pointed out that, according to the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Control, the particular kiosk in question, “Chicago Hotdogs,” must control the perimeter. Almost immediately, Alderman Stephen Marshall asked, “So they can’t walk all over the Landing?” Mayor Presley responded, “No, and within ten days he will be required to install a perimeter of some type around that business.”

Alderman Marshall then directed a question to Link asking, “So Paul, how do you tell us, tell me, that it’s the whole thing that was licensed?” Link responded, “That was my understanding and I think, the city’s understanding.” Marshall then asked, “Who gave you that understanding?” Link replied, “That has been my understanding since I came down here and the reason why I, honestly, didn’t call liquor control and get the exact boundaries was because it was private property.”

As the discussion between Link and Marshall continued, the city of Branson’s administrator, Terry Dody interrupted and said, “Well Stephen, the issue is that if liquor control would have granted them that large a perimeter that would have been the case and that was what HCW was working toward.”

In response, Alderman Marshall said, “My effectiveness as an alderman is dependent upon the information that Paul gives us and that you give us and if its not correct information I am not going to be effective in what I say.” Dody responded, “Everything that was said Monday night was correct” because it could have been licensed that way. Marshall responded, “But it wasn’t licensed that way Mr. Dody.” Dody then said, “And it was never said that it was.”

Marshall said, “It was, was implied that it was licensed that way Mr. Dody and I’m tired of getting that type of erroneous information.” In a very pointed and emphatic manner Marshall warned, “If you think that I am going to get ramroded like this for the next two years you are mistaken Mr. Dody.” As the discussion heated up from that point, Mayor Presley took control and the issue of the accuracy of the information provided to the board by Dody and Link was not again discussed.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Armed Forces Day, a tradition of heroes, will be commemorated in Branson on Saturday, May 19, at 9:45 a.m. in the fountain area at Branson Landing with Col. Steve Danner of Hollister as the guest speaker. Branson Veterans Task Force (BVTF) sponsors the hour-long ceremony.

WWII veteran Gene Bryon of the First Presbyterian Church of Branson will join Danner. Bryon will lead the invocation. Participating in the ceremony are the Branson High School ROTC, Branson Landing’s bagpiper Jason Gunn and the Branson Landing Fountain performance of the Star Spangled Banner, according to David Porter. Porter is a member of the board of directors of the BVTF and chairman of the event.

Porter said, "I am delighted at the support from Branson High School ROTC and Branson Landing. I am also pleased Col. Danner has agreed to serve as our guest speaker. He is an outstanding example of service to his country."

An Army veteran and a former Missouri state congressman, Danner served in the regular Army from 1972 through 1974, as a combat engineer. Danner entered the Missouri National Guard in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and served from 1981 to 1999, his last duty assignment being Deputy Chief of Staff for special projects. Danner served in the Army Reserve from 2000-2001 following which he returned to the Missouri National Guard. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College, where he received a Master of Strategic Studies and a Military Education Level One certificate. Danner served as Commander of the 140th Regiment (RTI) at Fort Leonard Wood, 2002-2004, until his appointment as Assistant Adjutant General State of Missouri, where he served as senior advisor to the Adjutant General and a member of the Missouri Military Council and the Career Management Board.

Danner was called to active duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism in June of 2005. During Operation Iraqi freedom Danner served as the Command Judge Advocate, 35th Area Support Group, the Garrison command of Camp Anaconda, the largest Army/Air base in Iraq. Danner was awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of his actions in support of US military combat operations. Upon his return, Danner was assigned as the State Judge Advocate, Joint Force HQ Missouri Army National Guard.

A national observance to honor Americans serving in the five services including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, Armed Forces Day is recognized annually on the third Saturday in May. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May, the day after Armed Forces Day. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate over any period in May.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to thank the military members for their patriotic service to their country. In a speech in 1950 announcing the formation of the day, Truman said, "It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace."

About Armed Forces Day 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."

"Our Armed Forces and our national defense system represent a judicious investment of the nation’s resources in the cause of peace. The return on this investment, in terms of national strength, shows the determination of the American people to preserve our way of life and to give hope to all who seek peace with freedom and justice," said the Honorable Neil McElroy, former Secretary of Defense, in 1959.

President John F. Kennedy in 1962 said, "…Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard."

This Armed Forces Day ceremony is just one of many community service projects supported by the BVTF and its partners. The BVTF’s largest event is Veterans Homecoming in November. The Task Force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the America’s veterans and their families. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB is responding to increasing gas prices by offering visitors to Branson a Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, area attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a total of $50 off purchases, as well as a chance to win a grand prize getaway to Branson.

Between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2007, The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers, located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Gas Buster card holders are automatically entered to win the grand prize 4-day/3-night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on October 31, 2007.

“By offering the Gas Buster discount card to our visitors, we are letting them know that we value their business. And Branson businesses are willing to work together to defray the cost of gas so our visitors can afford to do all the things they would like to do while they are here,” according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. “Most of the visitors that vacation in Branson drive into town. The Gas Buster program will help bring more people, especially more of our regional neighbors coming in for a weekend getaway. Branson’s location, within a day’s drive of roughly one-third of our country’s population, makes us very accessible to families looking for theme parks, outdoor and lakes recreation, along with shopping and world-class entertainment.”

Gas Buster discount cards and the list of participating sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2007. For more information, log on to www.explorebranson.com or call 800-214-3661.

Myer Land Development Company is pleased to announce the Branson area’s first new development of 2007. Whisper Cove is a mixed-use residential resort development on Table Rock Lake off Highway 265 between Table Rock Dam and Highway 376. The development is only two miles from Branson’s entertainment and attractions and provides the closest Table Rock Lake area access point from Branson.

The development, upon completion, will include 12 estate lots within a private gated subdivision, 99 mountain villa townhomes and 216 condominiums. Additionally, initial plans call for a chapel, clubhouse and lake access available to residents of Whisper Cove.

“The development rests in an ideal location: close to Branson’s entertainment, yet quiet and secluded with great Table Rock Lake views and access,” observed Gail Myer, President. “The planned community layout, unique artistically styled architecture and quality construction will complement this gorgeous vista to create timeless beauty.”

Lake views, lake access and luxury will give Whisper Cove the flavor of a permanent vacation lifestyle. Imagine coming home to a stunning view, leisurely strolling to the boat dock, fishing or boating before supper and watching the sunset over Table Rock Lake at the end of the day.

Whisper Cove will feature countless attributes including:

Lake access with 2,500 feet of shoreline
Master planned layout
Branson school district
Walking trails to the lake and picnic area
Underground utilities
Architectural controls
Strong covenants for protection of property
Wooded lots as well as open space for recreational activities
Custom outdoor lighting and landscaping program

“This development will be a unique addition to Branson,” noted Gail Myer. “We believe there is potential for large economic impact on the area.”

As part of the project, working relationships have been established with some of the best advisors, consultants and project management staff in the Midwest.
A goal of the Whisper Cove development is to remain harmonious with the environment. To achieve this, the development will limit building height, protect views of the lake and have strong landscaping standards.

Phase One, which consists of the 12 estates lots, is almost complete. Estate lot reservations are now being accepted and sales of those lots will begin soon. Plans call for construction of the mountain villa townhomes to begin later this year.

“We encourage those interested in living in Whisper Cove to contact us soon,” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing. “With the close proximity to both Table Rock Lake and Branson, Whisper Cove is sure to be a desirable address of distinction.”

Myer Land Development Co. is no stranger to the Branson market. The Myer family has been serving Branson visitors for 24 years in the lodging industry. Myer Hotels has five award-winning hotels in Branson: Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West.

For more information call 417-338-2554 or visit www.whispercovebranson.com.

H. Donald Gabriel, 72, a native of the Ozarks and a longtime friend of the Branson community, died Sunday, Feb. 25, at his home in Branson after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 400 S. Sunshine, in Branson. Brother Bob Burton will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery in Branson. Family visitation is Thursday, March 1, 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, 1638 E. Hwy. 76, Branson.

Don kept God, family and country as his priorities in life and literally touched the lives of everyone he met. He set a strong example of Christ’s love and helped build tourism in Branson. As a native, he loved to tell about his Ozarks roots – his great-grandfather was a circuit riding judge and his great-grandmother was a school teacher and midwife in Taney County. He often told how God took him from the Ozarks to Illinois and Iowa and back to the Ozarks.

Don believed that bringing tourists to Branson allowed God to minister to them because "Branson has a transforming effect on people." He left the Branson community with a strong message called the "Branson Manifesto." In it he encouraged the community "to continue being what we have been for over 40 years, which includes building on a strong foundation of Christian values, principles and morals. I believe that we should do this with humility and gratitude, but also with courage."

He was a member of Bee Creek Baptist Church and was attending Victor Baptist Church in Branson. As a former president and founder of Christian Business Men’s Committee, he was instrumental in coordinating the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. The first recipient of the committee’s Kingdom Builders Award, the honor has been given annually since then as the Don Gabriel Kingdom Builders Award. He was honored last December by the Christian radio network BOTT Radio with the Faithful Servant Award for his lifelong dedication to Christ. Inscribed were the words, "To God’s faithful servant, ‘Who has kept the faith and finished the course. Now there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness.’ II Timothy 4:7-8."

Seeing the growth of the Branson visitor-base was a long-time goal of his and he founded two tourism companies to that effect. He was a former president and founder of a tour group event, Destined for Branson. He was also a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

In recognition of the many years on the board of directors of the Branson Veterans Task Force, he was honored in November with the Lifetime Membership Award. He actively supported veterans’ causes in memory of his two brothers’ military service.

As the owner of a Midas Muffler shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was the inventor of the "Mufftar" – a guitar made from a muffler. He built two and used them in promoting both his sons’ musical careers.

Don was born April 11, 1934, in Rueter, Mo., the son of William Glen and Georgie (Moore) Gabriel. He married Dorothy Standley on Aug. 28, 1954, in Des Plaines, Ill. His parents William and Georgie Gabriel and two brothers, Joe and Jack preceded him in death.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy of the home; two sons, Don Gabriel of Joplin and Doug Gabriel of Branson, and one daughter, Debbie Meyers from Cleveland, Minn.; one brother, Dale Gabriel of Marion, Ill.; two sisters, June Berg of Schaumburg, Ill., and Joe Weinacht of Cary, Ill.; and eight grandchildren.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Dorothy Gabriel Memorial Fund for Don Gabriel at the Branson Bank, 1501 St. Hwy. 248, in Branson, Mo. 65616.

Jim Sandberg is the new operations project manager at the Army Corps of Engineers’ Table Rock Lake. He replaces Ken Foersterling who retired in August. In his new position, Sandberg is responsible for managing and operating Table Rock and Beaver dams and power plants as well as Corps parks and public land surrounding Table Rock Lake.

Sandberg is no stranger to the Corps or the Table Rock Lake area. He has more than 25 years experience working with the Corps. Prior to his new assignment, he was operations manager since 2002 for the Beaver Lake Project Office in northwest Arkansas. Before that, he worked at Table Rock as a park ranger, supervisory civil engineer technician and chief ranger. He has also served as a park ranger in the St. Louis and St. Paul Districts.

He graduated in 1987 from the University of Minnesota at Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in park and recreation administration. In 2006, he graduated from the Little Rock District/Southwestern Division Emerging Leader’s program. His awards include Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and Northwest Arkansas Federal Executive Association’s Supervisor of the Year in 2005.

Sandberg and his wife, Bernadette, live in Kimberling City. His hobbies include traveling, spending time with Bernadette, shopping for and refinishing antiques, waterskiing, hunting, fishing and helping friends.

Published In the Branson Courier on Feb. 14, 2007.

Although there have been bond issues approved by voters over the years, it has been more than 20 years since the Branson School District has asked for an increase in the operating levy. The approval of bond issues were necessary to construct new school buildings needed to serve the rapidly growing student population in recent years.

The school district will ask voters to approve a 45-cent tax levy increase on the April 3 ballot. Superintendent Dr. Doug Hayter reported Tuesday night that the increase will allow the district to hire at least nine new teachers and 14 support staff members. “We can compete with other schools in attracting staff,” said Hayter. “We also have an increase in fuel costs.”

The recommended increase is also needed because of the district’s reliance on property taxes, some of which are affected by TIF (tax increment financing) districts in the Branson area. “We have the lowest school levy in the conference, as well as in either Stone or Taney counties,” Hayter said. “We will still be one of the lowest schools in the area with the increase.” The district is a member of the Central Ozarks Conference.

The current tax levy is $2.75 for operating costs, and $.70 for debt service [$3.45]. The [$.45] increase will bring the total tax levy to $3.90 per $100 of assessed value. Board member Mike Booth said, “From a common sense standpoint, this is something we need to do. If we take care of our people, they’ll take care of our kids.”

For homeowners, the increase will mean an increase of about $85.50 per year on property assessed at $100,000, or a little more than $7 per month. Chairman of the finance committee, board member Dr.Rick Tallon, commented, “Commercial growth in the area
doesn’t reflect financially on the school district.”

In another election issue, the terms of Tallon and Booth are both set to expire. Both men filed for re-election, but there was no opposition candidate, so according to state statute, the men will continue as school board members.

Furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.

Mayor breaks tie, in 25 story high rise complex

The 25-story, 300 ft. tower issue has had the community split over whether or not it should be built. The Branson board of aldermen has also been split. Monday night, they agreed to move the bill allowing the tower from the consent agenda to the regular agenda to allow more public input. And the public was ready.

There was more than two hours of debate. Speakers on both sides of the issue spoke eloquently, and the board members listened to all. Co-founder of Silver Dollar City, Jack Herschend, called for a review board to determine what Branson’s future growth should look like. He considered the tower to be a mistake, saying, “The passionate customer of Branson is more critical” of drastic changes to the area.

Herschend stated that in recent years, he’d had the idea that Silver Dollar City should change from “1880s mining town to 1890s Victorian village,” and that loyal season passholders had turned in their passes for refunds when the amusement park made the changes. “That particular mistake was my fault,” said Herschend. “Luckily, we were able to reverse the error and change it back.”

Herschend continued, “We need an architectural tool that tells us what Branson should look like….I doubt the property will turn into a cow pasture if the development does not go through. Hopefully, we’ll get a yardstick to measure what Branson should look like.” Loud applause followed his statements.

Candace Davis owns a company that builds high end homes, and likened the tower to the Space Needle in Seattle. “I feel there is room for the project,” she commented. Jim Cox worked for the Herschend family at Silver Dollar City in 1963. He cited that experience as leading him to approve the development, because Herschend told him in 1963 that “it is all about the customer.” As a current business owner in Branson, Cox feels that “I do know what’s going on, I do know what’s happening, and I do know what brings visitors to Branson.”

After discussing the need for more high end motel rooms, Cox addressed Aldermen Huff, Edie, and Purvis. “It’s a changing dynamic, gentlemen. The future of Branson depends on growth.”

Local motel owner Chris Myer worked with a graphic designer to prepare a site study, showing what a 300 ft. tower would look like, both at the proposed site and from around town. He had copies passed out to aldermen and the audience. The papers rustled through the chamber as Myer spoke with intensity for nearly 20 minutes. Summarizing his address, Myer said “The more we make it look like a city, the less we have in natural beauty.”

Many people were able to speak, to the board’s credit. While the amount of his or her own time each member has spent on the issue is incalcuble, there have been more than 12 hours of public time devoted to the issue.

In the end, though, the results were the same. Alderman Dave Edie noted that this particular
ordinance is an exception to Branson’s ordinary height restrictions, which is seven stories or 100 feet. He also said, “(Aldermen) Ron Huff, Jack Purvis, and myself combined have over 120 years of experience” owning and operating a business in Branson. “We’ve seen a lot of people come, we’ve seen a lot of people fail.”
Edie also said, “We’ve received many letters about this project. Branson is distinctive in character, distinctive in appearance.” He went on to say, “A project of this scale will change the character of this town.”

Huff, Edie, and Purvis voted against allowing the development. Gass, Barker, and Martin voted in favor.
As happened at the Nov. 27 meeting, Mayor Schaefer then cast the deciding vote in favor of the project.
Developer Rick Huffman of HCW Development Company, which is one of the partners in the project, has said in the past that a feasibility study would be conducted before construction on the tower begins at the north end of Branson, near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 65 and St. Hwy. 248.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

The Downtown Branson Main Street Association, DBMA, is starting a free trolley service between the City of Branson’s Historic District and Branson Landing on October 20. In a recent email, Gayla Roten, the Executive Director, of DBMA said, “The purpose is to encourage all visitors downtown, including Branson Landing visitors, to also visit the Historic District. The need is to create walkable and seamless districts without the diversion of the incline of the hills we have downtown.” Roten continued, “We are truly excited about offering this service and experience to Branson residents and guests.”

Roten pointed out that the trolleys will operate daily from 8.00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and that there will be two stops in the Historic District, one at Main and Commercial and the second at College and Commercial. There will also be two curb stops at Branson Landing, Bass Pro Shops at the south end of the Landing and Belks at the north end. The trolleys are enclosed and have heating and air conditioning and will operate at a frequency of about every 10 to 15 minutes.

Passengers parking in the Historic District and taking the trolleys down to Branson Landing should be aware of the fact that there is a two hour parking limit in most of the Historic District and plan accordingly. The better option would be to park at Branson Landing and take the trolley up the hill to the Historic District.

The revised expected starting date is October 23, 2006. For further information call the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548.

Combined Junior & High School Choirs performing in the Finale.

The educational opportunities available to students in the Branson School District, in the area of fine arts, was musically demonstrated in a dramatic and beautiful manner on the evening of October 17 as the Branson Junior High and Branson High School Music Departments combined to present a concert entitled “How Can I Keep From Singing Songs of Joy and Celebration?” The concert was presented in the Branson High School Theatre.

The Branson Junior High Choir under the direction of Erika O’Bryant and accompanied by Ruth Abbott sang “Gifts of Life” by Brad Printz and “Love is a Song” by Natalie Sleeth. The choir was supplemented by their three A+ Mentors/Aides from the Branson High School Choir who have been working with them this year, Kim Herchenroeder, Austin Wilson, and Courtney Leist.

The Branson High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Bob Abbott and accompanied by Margaret Erickson presented a program consisting of “Te Invocamus” by Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, “Stomp Your Foot!” From “The Tender Land” by Aaron Copeland, Theme from “New York, New York by John Kander with the arrangement by Philip Kern and a fun audience participation piece called “Football!” by Mignon Dobbins and Bayne Dobbins, complete with its own referees.

One of the evening highlights was when the two choirs combined, under the direction of Bob Abbott to perform “The First Song of Isaiah” by Jack Noble White and “God Is Our Refuge” by Allen Pote. John Kerley and Kevin Fearn provided additional accompaniment on the trumpet.

The evening’s finale was “When the Saints Go Marching In,” an American traditional song arranged by John Rutter presented by the combined choirs under the direction of Bob Abbott. The combined voices, piano accompaniment with instrumental support by Grant Maledy on the sax, John Kerley and Kevin Fearn on the trumpets, Carter Winn on trombone, Austin Wilson on bass and Ian Erickson on drums provided a spectacular end to a wonderful musical night as these young men and women shared their gifts and talents with the community.

%%%%Members of Branson Junior and High School Choirs%% Musicality of the type demonstrated at the concert only happens through concerted effort and dedication. The members of the Branson Junior High and High School Chamber Choir are as follows:

Junior High Choir

Andrea Alexander
Shayla Bales
Tiffany Bright
Kari Carmen
Jessica Chinn
Michael Cuthberson
Megan Daly
Madison Deputy
Nicole Edens
Kala Edmonds
Jennifer Eggebrecht
Taylor England
Bre Ferrrell
Michelle Gamez
Alexis Gingell
Tiffany Groman
Skylar Hall
Kristina Hector
Ashley Henderson
Katrina Johnson
Judy Jordon
Harlee King
Samantha Knight
Sydney Larkin
Jenna Murphy
Erikka Nielson
Abraham Pascoe
Brittany Ransom
Nichelle Ross
Kirsten Rydeen
Lindsey Salinas
Victoria Sanderson
Judea Schwanke
Ashley Scott
Joseph Sharon
Cecelia Shay
Amber Smith
Danielle Smith
Ashley Stein
Levi Sutton
Lilian Toohey
Ramsey Vaughan
Ashley Warden
Jessica Winger
Skylar Wright

High School Chamber Choir

Kambria Arjes
Austin Baker
Brittany Barnhart
Willie Bauer
Megan Bergold
Victoria Billington
Kat Blasi
Alyssa Boen
Jake Brown
Courtney Button
Hunter Coldren
Kyle Cravens
Afton Cunningham
Kaleigh Davis
Ashley Dean
Sara Dern
Katie Edelheit
Jordon Eldridge
Cameron Emery
Ericka Fetner
Nicole Flannery
Kym Forester
Sarah Foster
Bonnie Fredenburg
Sara Freeman
Kate Fulton
Valentina Garvilova
Brittany Genua
Shane Gray
Andrea Harding
Jennifer Harding
Kim Herchenroeder
Patrick Hickerson
Cyna Houseman
Leslie Knight
Aimee Lambeth
Courtney Leist
Amy Leverton
Nicole Lindsey
Vicky Love
John Lowery
Kristin Mackey
Evan Marsh
KatrinaMaxwell
Jordon McNew
Cassandra Mease
Bly Miller
Jessica Mink
Jacqueline Parker
Ryan Pratt
Tierra Ragan
Breana Reyes
Alyssa Rice
Tawy Robinson
Ali Robison
Erica Sanders
Stephen Schaeperkoetter
Ivory Scrivens
Leilani Sees
Daniel Seitz
Taylor Seitz
Callie St. George
Tiffany Steen
Mallory Strand
Jade Sullivan
Stephen Swenson
Ethan Sykes
Sara Thigpen
Coy Dale Thomas
Luke Treat
Jordan VanHorn
Guy Walker
Claire Wheeler
Tzeitel White
Carter Winn
Kayileigh Wirges
Bri Woelick
Jessy Zeppenfeldt

At its Sep. 11, 2006 meeting, by a vote of four to two, the Branson Board of Aldermen gave initial approval for the planning and zoning changes necessary for the construction of Branson’s first skyscraper, a 300 foot, 25 story building, to be constructed as part of a proposed $ 100 million multi use retail and resort complex. Proposed for construction at the junction of U.S. Highway 65 and State Highway 248 in Branson, the complex is being jointly developed by HCW Development Company, of Branson, and Evergreen Investments, of Lebanon.

The proposed up scale complex would include one of the tallest buildings south of Kansas City and St. Louis containing, among other things a spa, office paces, hotel rooms, condominiums, a restaurant and bar, and parking facilities. Earlier reports also indicated that the complex would have a museum that would feature the classic car collection of Bob Plaster, one of the principals of Evergreen Investments and a restaurant, located on the 25th floor, with a water feature shooting streams of water.

Effective immediately, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock District is banning kite tubing on all waters under district jurisdiction in Arkansas and Missouri. Kite tubing is a new form of extreme water sport that emerged this year. Reports and news accounts from multiple states cite injuries and at least two deaths resulting from this new activity.

District Engineer Colonel Wally Walters implemented the temporary ban at least through the remainder of this recreational season, and it will remain in affect until the safety of this activity can be better assured. The ban could become permanent.

“This product is described by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission as ‘extremely dangerous’ and has already caused two deaths and numerous injuries,” Walters said. “Until this product can be better designed for control and stability, and until proper training can be established, it is my judgment that the hazards and potential liabilities of allowing kite tubing on public waters outweigh the benefits of unrestricted use.”

Kite tubes are large inflatables with a solid fabric floor in the bottom. As the tube is pulled forward from underneath, the front of the tube is lifted into the air. As speed increases, the entire tube is lifted into the air like a kite with the rider on top. The lack of lateral stability and controls often results in the tube overturning or throwing the rider.

The Corps’ Tulsa District banned kite tubing from its lakes last week, citing the potential for serious injuries caused by uncontrolled flight of these devices.

“Many kite tubing injuries are the direct result of the tubes reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet at tow speeds of 25 miles per hour and then rolling into an uncontrollable dive,” a Tulsa District news release stated. “These dives can reach speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour with passengers receiving serious injuries from the impact.”

The National Park Service also has banned kite tubing from its Glen Canyon National Recreation area after four persons had to be air lifted to hospitals in three weeks. The Park Service reported three of the victims had life threatening injuries.

The Park Service’s safety alert noted “all victims were using the kite tubes as directed when they suddenly lifted to dangerous heights, became unstable, and plunged down to the water surface. The injuries seen are consistent with deceleration impact events that cause internal trauma. Victims have reported coughing up blood, torn muscles, whiplash type injuries, broken ribs, punctured lungs and cervical fractures.”

Little Rock District lakes in Arkansas and Missouri where the ban is now in effect include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Nimrod, Blue Mountain, Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen and Gillham, as well as the Arkansas River in Arkansas.

Visitors to Branson, Missouri will be rewarded with a free Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a total of $50 off regular prices. In addition, they will be eligible to win $100 gas voucher cards and a grand prize trip to Branson.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers. Gas Buster card holders will be automatically entered to win one of 22 weekly drawings for a $100 gas card and the grand prize 4 day/3 night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on September 30, 2006. “The Gas Buster promotion is our way of welcoming summer-time visitors by offsetting some of their costs to get here,” according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson Chamber.

According to AAA’s website, on April 18, 2006, the average cost of regular unleaded gasoline in Missouri was $2.67 per gallon compared to the national average of $2.79 per gallon. In the Branson area, the average price is $2.67 per gallon, slightly lower than the Midwest’s average of $2.69 per gallon. “Branson is located within a day’s drive of 1/3 of the country’s population and this makes us very accessible to families looking for world-class entertainment, theme parks, shopping, and outdoor and lake recreation,” Summers said.

Gas Buster discount cards, rules for participation, and the accompanying list of sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, or at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from April 28 through Sept. 29, 2006. For more information call 800-214-3661 or click here.

Politics and religion—two topics “they” say are best avoided around the dinner table. The Christmas ham may not be the only juicy item served up this holiday season. Consider the latest stories being gobbled up on the media circuit: Wedding Bells will soon be ringing for pop singers George Michael and Sir Elton John. A continuing battle wages from left to right over Judge Samuel Alito Jr.’s views on abortion. What’s a Christian to do? A brand new book jabs a fork into the eye of political correctness. Author Robert J. Burton declares, “In these perilous times, when godlessness and moral relativism are sweeping through the world, the true remnant of the Church must be willing to take a stand.” Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up! challenges Christians to fully live as followers of Jesus, to call out the sin yet love the sinner. Burton throws down the gauntlet to believers, demanding they stop “playing” church.

Burton’s controversial new book Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up! Biblical Reflections on the Meaning of the Christian Life (November, $17.99, 1-59781-486-5) discusses quite a few “dangerous” topics, including Satan and spiritual warfare, Christians taking a stand on issues the world has made controversial (abortion, homosexual activity, same-sex marriage), and the fact that those who do not believe in the Trinity may call themselves Christians. The author tackles yet another contentious theme, stating “the real Christian does not try to turn God into a puppet by proclaiming that if we just ‘name it’ (what we want) in faith, ‘we can claim it’; this is a dangerous way to use the Word of God to support materialism and worldliness.” In these examples and others, the real Christian should deeply love the people involved in abortion, homosexual behavior, and other actions contrary to the true will of God, says Burton. Each of his 32 reflections draws heavily on Scripture. Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up! provides a blueprint for the “sold-out” committed Christian life. The book will also be helpful to people who are not Christians or are disillusioned Christians, seeking to understand what essential Christianity means.

Robert J. Burton lives in the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri, near Branson. He has been a human resources professional for more than 35 years, with almost 25 of them at Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. Based in Branson, HFE is a company with entertainment and recreation properties in Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and other areas. Burton also coordinates a 24/7 prayer team for the Silver Dollar City Foundation.

-more-

He has a master’s degree in theology and is active as a teacher, facilitator, and guest preacher in the Branson area. He and his wife, Barbara, have been married for more than 37 years. They have two sons, John and Mike, and two adopted daughters, Mandi and Megan.

Xulon Press is the world’s largest Christian publisher, with more than 2,500 titles published to date. Retailers may order Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up!through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.

Branson’s character trait for December is Compassion/Kindess – caring for others.

The Ole Seagull and the Branson Courier are “partner”s in the First PLACE, “Partners, Linking Arms for Character Education,” program that is being conducted during the 2005-2006 school year in Taney County. The simple program uses a combination of our areas schools, the community, and family to fill and reinforce the minds of our children with positive character traits that can forever change their lives.

For more information on the First PLACE program see the editorial entitled, “Character takes First PLACE within our community!” or go to the First Place Website.

Continuing rapid progress of highway and bridge improvements were the major points of discussion at a Partners In Progress meeting held at Hollister Town Hall Thursday afternoon.

“Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss chaired the meeting and discussed progress of the U.S. 65 improvement project inside Hollister city limits, the new U.S. 65 bridge over Lake Taneycomo, the future widening of U.S. 65 to the Arkansas border and the proposed East West Corridor project.

“All of the construction going on is moving ahead nicely and we want to strongly stress to the public that safety is of the utmost concern in all of these projects,” Ziegenfuss said. “We are enforcing the new

construction zone speed limits with all law enforcement agencies as we insist on safety for both the public and the workers.

“Law enforcement officials from Missouri State Highway Patrol, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Branson Police Department and our Hollister Police Department have met together and determined that they will all enforce the construction speed limits,” Ziegenfuss said. “Some minimal delays can be expected, but we ask everyone to remain patient as these projects will give us a better system of roadways when they are completed.”

Construction of the new bridge has also progressed quickly with a lot of work being done on both the access areas to the new bridge and with the bridge supports under Lake Taneycomo. “We have made progress on the new bridge, but there will be time next week when we will have to work from the existing bridge during evening hours and we will once again appreciate a law enforcement presence,” APAC-Missouri Superintendent Gene Havens said. “We have been pleased with boaters taking it easy around our work area also as we are very safety conscious with our workers and the public.”

Improvements to U.S. 65 to the Arkansas border are progressing with 95 percent of the right-of-way lands being procured and the contract will be awarded on May 19, 2006. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) designers are currently working on final designs for the project.

The East West Corridor is something the City of Hollister has deemed necessary to help with traffic flow in and out of the city and also ease access to and egress from U.S. 65. “We are going to take this issue up with Taney County Commissioners on Dec. 1,” Ziegenfuss said. “The first $4 million of the road is included in our proposed Tax Increment Finance District and we want their approval of the idea.

“We believe that the east-west corridor is critical for Hollister and county commissioners agree with us on that issue,”

Ziegenfuss said. “There is a lot of work to be done on the design and exact location of the

projected road “The City of Hollister has worked very hard with MoDOT and the contractors

to get these projects completed as it has previously been very difficult to move north and south on U.S. 65 through Hollister,” Ziegenfuss said. “People can now see that things are definitely going to get a lot better in the near future.”

During the different phases of construction, road information will be broadcast on MoDOT radio 1610 AM, City of Hollister website at cityofhollister.com and the MoDOT website at modot.state.mo.us.

Branson’s character trait of the month is RESPECT – treating other with courtesy and honor.

The Ole Seagull and the Branson Courier are “partner”s in the First PLACE, “Partners, Linking Arms for Character Education,” program that is being conducted during the 2005-2006 school year in Taney County. The simple program uses a combination of our areas schools, the community, and family to fill the minds of our children with positive character traits that can forever change their lives.

For more information on the First PLACE program see the editorial entitled, “Character takes First PLACE within our community!” or go to the First Place Website.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB is responding to ever-increasing gas prices by extending the Gas Buster discount program through October 31, 2005, and by offering visitors up to $50 off show and attraction tickets, lodging, meals and retail purchases when they spend just $20 on gas during their trips to town.

Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Chamber said, “Branson businesses are working together to help offset the costs of gas so visitors can afford to see and do all the things they would like to do while on vacation.”

Summers said the Chamber had originally set September 30, 2005 as the cut-off date for the summer program and $40 as the minimum requirement in gas receipts to receive the Gas Buster discount card from one of two Chamber Welcome Centers (Hwy. 65 and Mo. 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Mo. 160).

“More than 85% of Branson’s visitors drive to town and over one-third come from 300 miles or less, so these changes to the Gas Buster program will help more people, especially our regional neighbors coming for weekend trips,” Summers said.

On August 17, 2005 the American Automobile Association reported the average price of a regular gallon of gas in the Midwest was $2.52. At that price, the average 15-gallon tank would cost $37.80 to fill.

In order to receive a Gas Buster Discount Card, visitors should present a valid driver’s license and proof of gas purchases totaling a minimum of $20, incurred within 2 days of arrival, at one of the Chamber’s Welcome Centers.

Gas Buster discount cards and the list of participating business sponsors will be issued from 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. For more information, log on to www.explorebranson.com or call 800-214-3661.

The 2005 edition of the Branson Pirate Pride Marching Band “clocked” in for the 2005 season with its first concert of the year, a new band director, a new assistant band director, a newly married assistant band director, and a new and exciting competitive challenge. Held at the main gym in the Branson High School on June 10, the concert was the culmination of a five day Colorguard, Drumline, and Hornline Camp. The combined band and colorguard previewed their 2005 show to an enthusiastic audience of parents, fans, and supporters.

In introductory remarks prior to the concert, Nathan Spurling, the bands new director, pointed out that this was the first year they had brought the hornline into the camp. Spurling said that by adding the hornline to the camp, “We were able to have the entire band playing through the show at the end of the week where as in past years that did not take place until mid-July.” He also pointed out that the combined camp gave the color guard an opportunity to do their routine with the band and that “the hornline students can take music home and memorize it before we begin learning drill at our August camp.”

For the 2005 season the band will be performing “Clocks” by John Meehan. In selecting this show to perform Spurling said that the most important consideration was that the design team “wanted something with musical substance that would allow all of the students to improve as we worked on this show.” He also pointed out that the team believed that this music lends itself “to exciting visual enhancement,” highlights each section of the band, and is a concept “that students, parents, and audiences would enjoy.”

Each of the three movements in the show is based on a different type of clock. Spurling said, “The first movement, ‘Wind-Up’, begins with percussion sounds that layer into a woodwind flurry of notes and colors, creating a musical picture of winding up a large clock.” The second movement, “Pendulum”, is described as “A slow piece that uses a constant ostinato pattern to give the musical depiction of a large pendulum swaying from side to side.” African djembe drums provide the transition into the fast paced third movement entitled “Kinetic,” an audio depiction of a very precise electronic clock that “creates several opportunities for visual excitement.”

At the concert Spurling introduced Jeff Moorman as an Assistant Director of Bands in Branson. With the newly married Assistant Director of Bands, Erika O’Bryant, formerly Erika Fenley, this brings the full time Branson band staff back to three full time positions. The staff works with the over 600 kids involved with the Branson band program from the elementary through high school grade levels.

Spurling stressed that the goal of the band program and its measurement of success both relate to the individual band student. “Our primary goal is to challenge every student, and to have every student perform at a level they didn’t know that they could reach.” The program is successful he continued, “As long as our students come off of the field after every rehearsal and performance saying two things… 1) ‘That’s the best I could do’ and 2) ‘That was better than the last time I performed.’”

Spurling pointed out that the constantly growing size of the band, around 165 this year, creates new challenges relating to organization, communication at all levels, and funding, for instruments, equipment and summer staff. In terms of competitive challenges the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis will give the band “the opportunity to see and compete with some of the absolute best marching bands in the country,” Spurling said. “We will have the chance to see how our program stacks up, but most importantly where we can grow and improve.”

Hollister residents have Christmas in May as Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) presents the city with a grant to forgive $680,000 in debt for a portion of the U.S. 65 Highway Improvement Project.

At a Partners for Progress meeting Thursday afternoon at Hollister Town Hall, MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith presented Hollister Mayor David Tate with a symbolic check for the money to cover that portion of the city’s debt for the project.

Originally, Hollister was to come up with $9.5 million for their share of the improvement project, but their funding options came up short. Hollister raised $6 million, received $3 million form Taney County Commissioners, but ended up $500,000 short.

Through gap funding, the city was able to borrow $500,000 to complete their part of the improvement, but that loan equated to a 10-year interest payment of $180,000 which then brought the total debt for this loan to $680,000.

Through the efforts of Senator Kit Bond, the Hollister interchange was added to a federal highway bill that was passed and money for the project was sent to MoDOT. MoDOT, in turn, forgave the $680,000 debt that was to tie up some of Hollister’s money for the next 10 years.

"It is very important to us that we made sure that this project did succeed," Tate said. "When we were able to acquire this money, it was money well spent. As far as the interest that we saved, it will free up funds for other projects.

"This is a very exciting day for Hollister, Taney County and southwest Missouri, because of the news that they will be able to four-lane U.S. 65 all the way to the Arkansas line.”

On the subject of the widening project for U.S. Highway 65 to the border, Keith was the MoDOT official chosen to announce that future project.

"One of the privileges I have is doing the good news and that is why I am here," Keith said. "As we worked through what was possible with Amendment Three funding, we’ve got all the work to finish U.S. 65 all the way to the Arkansas line. This will be approved in July and we have everything funded for the highway and the bridge over Lake Taneycomo and work will begin in 2006.

"Very shortly the whole corridor will be completed," he added. "This will then allow you to continue with the amazing economic development that is occurring in this region and that is the good news that I have the privilege to bring you today."

The precedent setting joint venture project between Hollister and MoDOT has given the whole state a way for cities to come together with the state to speed up the improvement of roads and Hollister has set the example for others to follow, according to Keith.

Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss, who has been a driving force to develop the working relationship with MoDOT and get the improvement project completed, was delighted with the announcement of the grant to remove the debt Hollister had incurred on the $500,000 loan as well as the widening project south to the state line and the Taneycomo bridge project.

"I think this afternoons event was an excellent as it demonstrated the cooperation between several levels of government," Ziegenfuss said. "It had private industry represented here, not only contractors with MoDOT, but also our private business people and everybody can feel good about the progress being made with the highway.

"I think it is good for the residents of Hollister and the area to realize that the state and federal government are working towards this project," he added. "The $680,000 it represents to the taxpayers of Hollister is a very, very big deal.

"The rewards that we are going to see from this highway project are going to be very significant to our school district, our residential taxpayers and our local business people."

Originally Published In the Branson Courier on June 5, 2005.

At a press conference on May 20, 2005, held at the beautiful Candlestick Inn Restaurant, overlooking the Branson Landing site from the top of Mount Branson, Rick Huffman, the CEO of HCW Development Company LLC, announced that Branson’s new waterfront and entertainment development, Branson Landing, is 75% leased. To date, 55 tenants have signed leases.

Two of the three anchors for Branson Landing have been on board for quite a while, Bass Pro Shops and Belk Department Store. The third anchor is a cluster of ten restaurants which will include Sullivan’s Steak House, Yia Yia’s European Bistro, Famous Dave’s BBQ, and the Liberty Tavern with more to be added later. The majority of these restaurants will be located the waterfront side of the development overlooking the 1.5 mile boardwalk and the stunning back drop of Lake Taneycomo.

The entertainment and retail portion of Branson Landing is scheduled to open on April 6, 2006. Some of the major tenants sorted by category, where appropriate, are:

Apparel & Clothing: Ann Taylor Loft, Casual Corner/Annex Petite, Charlotte Russe, Children’ Place, Christopher & Banks, Claire’s, Coldwater Creek, Hat World, Hollister, J. Jill, Justice, Pacific Sunwear, Victoria’s Secret, White House/Black Market

Bath and Body Works, Bath Junkie

Beauty Products/ Shops: Nail City, Regis Hairstylist, Trade Secret

Candles: Yankee Candle

Collectables and Souvenirs: Bud Shop, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Cardinals Clubhouse, Disney Store, Father Time

Food & Restuarants: Bakery Café, Bass Pro Shops Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant, Chico’s, The Fudgery, Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees, Haagen-Dazs, Joe’s Crab Shack Restaurant, Marble Slab Creamery, Rock Mountain Chocolate Factory, Rushmore Coffee, Subway

General: Best of Branson, Branson Quilts, Brookstone,

Healthfood: GNC Live Well

Jewelry: Kay Jewelers

Real-estate: Branson Landing Realty

Shoes: Famous Footwear, Journeys, Payless ShoeSource, Rack Room Shoes

Sports: Finish Line

Sunglass Hut

Time Share: Westgate Resorts

Branson Missouri, the “Live Entertainment Capitol” and the home for thousands of military reunions has announced it will now be dedicating the third week of May each year to honor and acknowledge the women who have and are serving in our armed services.

On November 8, 2004, Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer declared the third week of May “Women Veteran Week” He was attending a luncheon honoring the women who have so proudly served this country. Also in attendance were women veterans representing the past 60 years, from World War II the present day Iraq War.

This yearly event will encourage women veterans to bring their reunions and families here to Branson and enjoy the numerous attractions Branson has to offer. Branson has pristine lakes, fishing, golfing, shopping, restaurants, over 100 live shows and our beautiful hotels with large and small hospitality rooms to offer the veterans as part of their gatherings. Participating Branson attractions, restaurants, hotels and shows are offering special discounts to women veterans during the week. On Friday May 20, 2005 from 9:00am -12:00pm at Mansion America Theatre Branson will be offering a morning expo “Women Who Serve” – especially geared for the women veterans. Take advantage of the information booths and speakers on lifestyle, health and beauty, and veteran benefits. This is a free event and the public is also invited to honor our women veterans.

After the expo, from 12:30 -4:00pm at The All American Café, part of Mansion America, and a luncheon will be offered. Amongst the program will be a surprise guest speaker and a special Jr. ROTC “My Voice Counts” play offs from neighboring high schools. Door prizes will be given after the program concludes. Luncheon price will be $15.00 inclusive. Advanced reservations are suggested for the luncheon as seating is limited.

Saturday’s schedule, May 21, 2005 from 12:00pm – 4:00 pm, will be at the Lodge of the Ozarks. Enjoy lunch and a fashion show for women of all ages, shapes and sizes and a celebration of “Women in Service”. Luncheon will include a surprise guest, Branson entertainers, great gifts and door prizes. Come enjoy the camaraderie shared by women veterans and those who support them. Reservations are suggested, as seating will be limited. Cost is $16.00 inclusive.

For more information or to register please call toll free 800/935-1199 Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and ask for Mary Slivka, ext 317 or e-mail mslivka@bransoncvb.com.

For the 10th consecutive year, the city of Branson has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Branson is also the recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. It’s the seventh year the city has received this recognition.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. “It’s truly an honor to again receive this environmental recognition,” said Mayor Schaefer. “It’s an award that focuses on a commitment our city officials and residents have made to plant, maintain and protect trees so we can pass on an enduring heritage of a vital natural resource to future generations.”

John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation said Tree City USA and the Growth Award uniquely recognize communities like Branson that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program. “The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for a process of renewal and improvement – a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years,” Rosenow said. “Our congratulations to the Branson community on receiving this national recognition for your tree-care program.”

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Construction on the new Branson Landing waterfront entertainment district redevelopment project on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo lakefront is well underway with completion scheduled for Spring of 2006. The waterfront entertainment, retail, and luxury condominium development will cover 95 acres and over 1.5 miles of waterfront along the lake shore.

Branson Landing will have over 450,000 square feet of multi themed retail, entertainment, and restaurant space anchored by Bass Pro Shops and a Belk Department store. Food service at Branson Landing will offer everything from small intimate cafes and fast food to large themed restaurants.

A large town square that can accommodate up to 4,000 people will be the center piece of the development and provide the most direct access to the 1 mile boardwalk that will run along Lake Taneycomo. The town square will be the gathring place for various outdoor events and concerts.

It will be one of the best areas from which to view the spectacular water and light show that will take place multiple times each evening. The show and its fountains are designed by Wet Design, the same company that produced the Bellagio water show in Las Vegas.

Branson’s new convention center and hotel will be conveniently located, to the Branson Landing entertainment district, in historic downtown Branson. Recently, the Branson Board of Aldermen made the decision to expand the size of the convention center.

The entire convention center will be 213,000 square feet of which 23,000 square feet will be ballroom, and 50,000 square feet exhibit hall. The ball room can be divided into junior, mid size, and a grand ballroom. The combined ballroom and exhibit hall could accommodate approximately 379 exhibit booths.

The stated purpose of the expansion is to make the new convention center more competitive with the ball room capacity of competing venues. The ballroom for The Chateau on the Lake’s Great Hall is 31,744 square feet and the University Plaza in Springfield has a ballroom of 21,600 square feet. Prior to the expansion the Branson facility had a ballroom of 18,000 square feet.

The convention center is scheduled to open during 2007.

An investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission into campaign advertising for the April 8, 2003 Branson municipal election has resulted in a $1,000 fine for a Branson developer.

The Missouri Ethics Commission, who closed the case Dec. 16, found that Rick Huffman of Branson “published, circulated or distributed printed matter relative to a candidate for public office but did not identify on that printed matter in a clear and conspicuous manner who paid for the printed matter with the words “paid for by” following the identification of who paid for the printed matter.”

Commission Senior Field Investigator Michael Brooks visited Branson in the months following the election questioning business owners and other individuals about a mailer that was sent out to all registered voters by an organization known only as “Citizens for Truth.”

The mailer personally attacked then mayoral candidate Ray Wilson and his committee. A cartoon depicting Wilson as being nothing more than a puppet was also featured on the piece. The printed material had no disclaimer on it noting who paid for the mailer.

Missouri law states any campaign advertising must have the words “paid for by” followed by the name of the person, committee or corporation paying for the election material.

Wilson, who took a position against Branson Landing, which Huffman and the City of Branson are developing, lost the election to incumbent Lou Schaefer.

Wilson later died in 2003 of an apparent heart attack. Wilson’s son, Ryan, said his father would be relieved to know that the truth came out. “I am glad (the commission) found out who was responsible for the mailer,” he said. “I know dad would be happy too. It doesn’t matter if Huffman paid for it, drew it, thought of it or hired somebody, he is guilty of doing it and knew what was being sent out.

“It’s a shame that Huffman is representing Branson through Branson Landing and did this childish act,” Ryan Wilson added. “It makes Branson look bad.”

Huffman said he only paid for the printed material’s postage. “We were supporting Lou Schaefer in the election and we made a contribution to the campaign,” he said Thursday in a telephone interview.

Huffman said he is under a confidentiality agreement with the Missouri Ethics Commission and can not name other people involved in the creation and distribution of the mailer.

Branson obtains 404 approval

By Chandra Huston, BDI Staff Writer

It has taken three years and countless studies, but the city has finally obtained 404 application approval for Branson Landing from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A common joke with city officials and Branson Landing representatives has been that the approval would come in two weeks. Months later, Corps of Engineers officials still held firm at two weeks, but the 404 approval never happened. Now two weeks has finally come for the city.

Notification of the corp’s initial permit approval for the $300 million retail development on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront was received Dec. 20. The approval does include certain environmental conditions that the city must meet during Branson Landing’s construction. Those conditions include maintaining the water quality of Lake Taneycomo and preserving the wetlands of the lake and Roark Creek over which a bridge will be built.

The project has seen some delays due to the lack of the 404 permit. Construction of a seawall along the lake and Roark Creek bridge could not begin until the 404 was issued.

The Corps of Engineers asked the city to sign off on the conditions and mail the application back to Colonel Wally Walters, the corp’s district engineer in Little Rock, Ark. Dody said he signed the application and returned it by certified mail to Col. Walters, who signed the final approval on Dec. 23, 2004.

Dody said the 404 process was right on schedule until this past October. “The process worked exactly like it was supposed to,” he said. “We understood from the beginning that it would be a long process due to the tremendous amount of information, plans, maps and documents the corps and other federal and state agencies had to review.”

Dody said three events caused the 404 process to slowdown this past fall. The Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were using different high water marks for mapping. “There were about eight different measurement points established over the past 80 years and there is a variance of several inches between each marker,” he said. “Both agencies had to agree on one measurement point. That caused a delay in finalizing the engineering design for the seawall and boardwalk.”

The close of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30 also slowed things down because the corps had to focus on their own budgeting process.

A new colonel also took over the controls at the Corps of Engineers offices in Little Rock and had to review the project before approving it.

In November 2001, city officials selected the Corps of Engineers to coordinate the documents and studies required by federal and state agencies that determine water projects. The agencies include the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Conservation Department and the State Historic Preservation Office as well as the federal Environmental Projection Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and FEMA.

The corps specifically examined aspects of the project related to the preservation of public waterways, including economics and aesthetics and the impact on wetlands, historic properties, fish and wildlife, flood plains, navigation, erosion, water quality and the general needs and welfare of the people.

“We worked closely with the corps in providing every piece of information they requested,” Dody said. “The city even hired outside engineering firms who had special expertise in these types of environmental studies.”

City Engineer David Miller said Branson Landing is being built to flood elevations recommended in the 2001 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood Study.

Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer said he is glad to see Branson Landing progressing. “It’s definitely full steam ahead now for Branson Landing with the city successfully completing this 404 process,” he said. “All of the requirements that guarantee that the project will not adversely affect Lake Taneycomo have been compiled.”

The Branson Board of Aldermen and general public were given an update on the progress of Branson Landing, the convention center and its hotel at the board’s Monday, Oct. 25 meeting. The $300 million public/private Branson Landing development, in downtown Branson, is ahead of schedule, but a convention center associated with the project is slightly behind.

Designs were unveiled for the 210,000-square-foot convention center along Sycamore Street. Schematic designs depicting the interior and exterior of the convention center lined the council chambers. Drawings showed a two-story convention center, with the second floor 22 feet in the air.

“The challenge is not only to place the convention center, but to place one that will work with Branson Landing,” said Mike Ezell with TVS Architects, convention center architects. “It will have a wonderful view out,” he said. “There will be a continuous panorama of significant portions of water (Lake Taneycomo and fountains).”

Ezell said negotiations are ongoing with Hilton Hotels to put its high-quality name on the convention center hotel. Hilton is reviewing the 172-foot-high, 275-room hotel design.

“We’re a little bit behind on the convention center,” said Rick Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company, LLC., the developer for the projects. “We’re two years out from opening and we need to be booking now. People do want to book here.”

Designs also showed a pedestrian bridge from the convention center to Branson Landing, but Huffman said that is currently not in the plans. The Missouri Department of Transportation has disallowed any railroad crossings with the exception of existing crossings at Long Street, Main Street and Oklahoma Street. Huffman said he is trying to get grant money or find other funds to pay for an enclosed pedestrian crossing that would connect the two projects.

If money is not secured for a pedestrian bridge, visitors will have to cross the railroad tracks at Main Street to get to Branson Landing from the convention center. Improvements are scheduled for that crossing.

On the other side of the railroad tracks, Branson Landing’s design is complete and is moving into the construction phase. Huffman said the crew is three weeks ahead of schedule on the dirt work.

Harold Allen with the Benham Group, Branson Landing’s oversight team, said filling on the site is complete and a rock layer is currently being added to cap the land for a 1,800-foot-long retaining wall.

The only thing holding up the development’s progress is the lack of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 approval. The application was submitted by the city more than two years ago.A 404 permit must be obtained before any work can be done in the water or floodway. Allen said the lack of a 404 permit is not holding up construction of the retaining wall, but has delayed construction of a new bridge over Roark Creek. After the retaining wall is completed, work on a seawall will begin, but there must be 404 approval.

Huffman said the hydrology study has been accepted and the Corps of Engineers has passed the paperwork on to the Department of Natural Resources. Once DNR approves, the Corps of Engineers will sign off on the project, which could come as early as two weeks.

Trenches are also currently being dug out for utilities to run underground, and Huffman said buildings could begin going up as soon as December or January.

Huffman said Branson Landing is 71 percent committed, but identities of the tenants can’t be released at present time due to confidentiality agreements and competition.

“I’m very impressed by what we’ve seen,” Mayor Lou Schaefer said after the presentation.

Huffman said there will be another meeting with the board of aldermen and community to provide a more detailed update on Branson Landing at a later date.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

In a “nail biter” worthy of champions, the Branson High School “Marching Pirate Band” won the Third Annual Valhalla Marching Band Festival Championship on October 4, 2003.How much of a nail biter was it?At the “end of the day,” when the last band had left the field, the Branson “Marching Pirates” had defeated the defending champion, Kickapoo “Golden Arrow Band” and won the Festival Championship by six tenths of a point.

Three sisters who own a downtown Branson establishment are in a flock of trouble after cutting down a Bradford pear tree — a tree that was a roost for several birds that wreaked havoc on the restaurateurs.

Christina “Chris” Olson, Teresa Olson and Jo Anne Lund who own Jimmy Jet’s Grill were each issued citations Tuesday, Aug. 31 by the Branson Police Department for cutting down and removing a tree that was planted in front of the restaurant by merchants approximately five years ago.

Teresa said a detective with the Branson Police Department also came to the business Monday, Aug. 30 inquiring about the missing tree.

The three are facing misdemeanor charges and could be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to 90 days.

The tree was home to several birds that let their presence be known, leaving feathers and droppings strewn about sidewalks.

The women said they were concerned about a health hazard from feathers that would land inside the restaurant when someone would open the door. The tree was also blocking the front of their restaurant from customers’ view.

“So many people have now said ‘we have never seen this place and we drive by it all the time,’” Chris said.

In a certified letter to City of Branson officials Lund asked that the problem be resolved and that she be notified of the resolution and any procedures required by her to facilitate the removal of the tree. Lund also requested the ordinance that prevents the removal of the tree be sent to her.

“As you may know we have spent an enormous amount of time and energy with your department trying to ascertain what can be done to correct the problem of the Bradford pear tree blocking the entrance to our restaurant and obliterating our advertising, specifically our neon sign,” the letter states. “We have literally been sent in a circle of various people and departments that finally leads back to you (City of Branson Planning and Development Director Don Stephens).”

Stephens replied in an Aug. 24 letter that Lund would have to contact the Downtown Branson Main Street Association (DBMA) concerning the tree because the landscaping was part of an area project. “The ultimate solution to your concerns falls under the immediate discretion of DBMA,” he wrote.

Stephens later clarified in a second letter, after the tree was cut down, that while DBMA is working toward a solution to the trees, it does not have “authority to make decisions or grant permissions regarding issues controlled by Branson Municipal Code.”

The women readily admit they were responsible for cutting the tree down in front of their restaurant, which they acquired less than a year ago. “We talked with the city and they said talk to the DBMA,” Teresa said. “We talked to the DBMA and they said talk to the city. It seemed like no one was doing anything, so we made the decision to cut the tree down.”

Olson said police drove by the restaurant as the tree was being cut down, but did not stop.

Thirty-eight Bradford pear trees line the sidewalks along Main and Commercial streets.

The trees were planted with good intentions by a group of merchants who wanted to beautify their businesses, but now the trees have grown large enough to block storefront signs and create other situations.

The city acknowledges there is a problem with the trees in downtown Branson. Public works employees have been applying Bird-Proof to the trees since the beginning of spring. Bird-Proof is a non-toxic, sticky chemical that inclines birds to roost elsewhere. Branson Public Information Director Jerry Adams said the city pays approximately $200 per treatment. “(Bird-Proof) is alleviating the problem, but it has not totally eliminated the problem,” Adams said.

Section 295.100 of the Branson City Code states that “any person who shall cut, deface, damage, drive nails or nail signs on or to or in any manner damage or interfere with the growth of any tree or shrub in or on any street, alley, public place or park in the City of Branson shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined up to $500 or by imprisonment in the city jail for up to 90 days, or by both such fine or imprisonment.”

“The tree was cut down illegally, and the police are investigating,” Adams said.

The women’s court date is set for Sept. 29.

The Olsons plan on fighting the citations they were issued. “A lawsuit is a definite possibility,” Chris said. “We will go to jail before we pay that fine.”

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

The Branson Board of Aldermen gave initial approval to a $41.1 million budget for the fiscal year 2005 Monday night. The proposed budget is an increase of 3.29 percent over last year. The 2005 budget begins in October of this year. City Administrator Terry Dody said the increase in expenditures is because of additional staff added for the recreation center, a 24.5 percent increase in health insurance and a 6.1 percent increase in workers compensation, casualty and liability.

Dody said the city began using a “program basis” budget that allows flexibility in 1997. “What a program basis does is looks at each program within the city and instead of having to make a 10 percent across-the-board cut, or something like that, you as a council and citizens of this community will be able to look at each program and what the programs cost,” Dody said. “Then you can make a good, solid financial decision on which programs to keep and which ones you can do without.”

The city operates on a pay-as-you-go philosophy. “Since 1997, we’ve worked very hard to take existing revenue and rather that going into debt for capital expenditures we use our existing revenue to pay for those capital expenditures, so we will not acquire unnecessary debt,” Dody said.

Highlights of the budget include:

• The budget provides for $1 million to go toward the city’s recreation center that will open in 2005. There is a total of $4 million in the sinking fund for the recreation complex. Dody said 2005 would make the fourth year the city has put funds aside for the rec center.

• Water and sewer infrastructure improvements will cost approximately $3.2 million.

• The budget provides for $500,000 to be added to the sinking fund for a new police facility. If the budget is approved, the sinking fund will have $2 million.

• A new fire truck will cost approximately $270,000.

• The city’s trails project will get $100,000.

• A fire and police radio systems analysis study is included in the budget. The city will hire a consultant for $50,000 to study “dead spots” that exist in emergency personnel’s radios.

Taxes are projected to bring in $14.7 million while the tourism tax is expected to bring in $10.7 million. Licenses are projected to bring in $1.2 million next year with miscellaneous fees bringing in $7.7 million. The city projects interest from several funds will result in nearly $2 million. Requested operating budget expenditures for 2005 are $20.8 million. Operating expenditures in 2004 totaled $19.8 million.

Tourism tax fund expenditures are projected to be nearly $10.7 million.

Copies of the 2005 city budget will be available at Branson City Hall after it is approved.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Two annual car cruises in Branson last weekend went off better than expected police and event organizers say. Cruisin’ Branson Lights and Shepherd’s Super Summer Cruise both held midnight cruises, on Friday and Saturday nights, with hundreds of cars. As many as 80,000 spectators were in town for the events.

Careless driving, reckless acts and drinking marred last year’s events, but Branson police say this year seemed to run smoother. “Overall it went well, but that was a direct result of the additional resources,” Branson Assistant Police Chief Caroll McCullough said.

Police officers from the Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Springfield Police Department also patrolled the cruises.

There were numerous citations issued and arrests made. McCullough said the exact number of citations and arrests would not be available until the end of the week. “There were some careless and reckless driving incidents, and I think we had less fight calls than we had last year,” McCullough noted.

Cruisin’ Branson Lights Event Director Jerry Titus said the knowledge that the cruise’s status was in jeopardy seemed to help prevent some of the dangerous situations. “I couldn’t see Highway 76 all of the time, but I’ve got a gut feeling that it went better than last year,” he said. “I drove on Highway 76 Sunday, and I can usually gage the recklessness by the black marks on the road. I didn’t see near as many as I saw the year before.”

Titus said Cruisin’ Branson Lights will be held Aug. 25-28 next year to avoid conflict with the state fair, allowing for more law enforcement authorities to be involved.

“I think the police presence curtailed a lot of the (dangerous) actions,” he said. “I saw a lot of happy people wrapped up in blankets along Highway 76 watching the cars and having a good time.”

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

An influx of drivers heading to one destination — Branson High School — is leading to car wrecks at several intersections and on Buchanan Road.

There have been at least three wrecks involving teen-agers going to the high school in the last few weeks. The latest wreck occurred Tuesday, Sept 7 on Buchanan Road when a student’s vehicle overturned several times down an embankment. Buchanan Road, coming off of Highway 248, is narrow with sharp curves and steep embankments.

Parents say something needs to be done to make the road safer, such as installing a guardrail. Devon Ellis, whose children were recently involved in a wreck on Buchanan Road, wrote a letter to the Branson school board expressing her concerns about the road and the safety of the school district’s students. “You get inexperienced drivers on that kind of road and it’s not a good combination,” she said. “It’s (a guardrail) not much, but it might save a life.”

The road is owned and maintained by Taney County. Ellis said she contacted county officials and was told it would be a Branson school board issue. School board members have said they are also concerned about the safety of their students traveling to and from school.

Crashes have also happened at Highways F and 465 where they meet with the southwest outer road leading to the school. Other parents have suggested a traffic signal be placed there. There were also accidents at the same locations last year.

The high school has an enrollment of more than 1,000 students. “The school is growing and traffic is only going to get worse,” Ellis said.

The Buchanan Road issue is expected to be addressed at the next Branson Board of Education meeting Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Branson Junior High School. Branson school officials could not be reached by press time Tuesday.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Belk, Inc. named as second Branson Landing anchor

Belk, Inc., along with previously announced Bass Pro Shops, has agreed to be an anchor tenant for Branson Landing, but the developer will have to form a transportation development district (TDD) to raise funds to pay for incentives used to entice both retailers.

Belk, the largest privately-owned department store in the United States, is similar to Nordstrom or Dillards. Belk officials have not signed the final lease.

HCW Development Company’s Rick Huffman plans to impose a new one-percent sales tax in a yet-to-be-determined TDD area. “The developer and the city will cooperate to form the TDD and impose a one-percent sales tax and that one-percent sales tax will essentially be used to pay for subordinate lien tax increment financing (TIF) bonds,” said David Queen of Gilmore and Bell, the city’s special legal counsel.

Queen released some details of the incentive package at a special meeting Monday, March 15. Queen said by contract HCW asked Branson for $33 million in subordinate lien TIF bonds for retail incentives. Currently HCW is projecting that no more than $20 million will be used, but Queen said right now the number is at $15-$16 million.

“We are peeling off these TDD sales taxes and we are doing this dollar for dollar exchange,” Queen said. “This dollar for dollar exchange is because the types of costs you can reimburse with TIF dollars is broader than the types of costs you can reimburse with transportation dollars.” By state law, TDD monies collected can only be used for transportation purposes. Retail incentives do not fall under that category. Every time HCW gives the city a dollar from the TDD revenues, the city will give HCW a TIF dollar to pay the store’s their incentives.

There is also a subordinate lien on excess revenues from the entire TIF area. If all of the debt is paid and the $37 million associated with land costs, the city would be reimbursed for both of those pieces to the project. Queen said any additional money left over could be used to make up any shortfalls not covered by TDD sales tax revenues.

Queen said the incentives are self-policing. “I can tell by the amount of debt that he (Huffman) is willing to buy on the TDD/subordinate TIF bonds what he thinks the sales tax revenues are going to be,” he said. Queen said the TDD boundaries have not been drawn up yet and additional business owners around the area could choose to be part of the district. City Administrator Terry Dody said the city would benefit from Huffman’s ability to tax his leasees.

Belk will occupy a 66,000-square-foot space in the development. Belk offers fashion apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and home merchandise. “The store’s layout, décor and merchandise selections will be designed especially to meet the shopping needs of customers in this area,” said Linda Zwern, chairman of Belk’s Western Division based in Greenville, S.C.

Huffman said Belk is a well-respected department store that will add to the overall project. “Belk has an incredible history, combined with a successful track record, and the Branson community is eager for this store to open,” he said. “This quality first-class shopping addition will reinforce our appeal to Branson’s newer demographic of younger and more affluent customers.”

Paul Motta from Urban Retail Properties, HCW’s leasing management firm, said the two anchors will make Branson Landing a successful project. “Bass Pro is not duplicating another store here,” he said. “They are creating a crown jewel.”

Motta said the Branson Landing Belk store will be its first in Missouri. With only one tenant actually signed on to the project, Motta said more leases will have to get off the ground soon. “Can we make a 2006 opening date?,” he asked. “Yes we can. The next six months are critical for the project.”

David Livingstone with Citigroup said there are currently 37 non-binding letters of intent from companies willing to locate in Branson Landing and eight that are in the final stages of negotiations.

The red, blue and yellow routes with their corresponding diamond, circle and square shapes were designed to help tourists make their way around Branson, but many tourists aren’t aware the routes exist.

The City of Branson’s newly formed transportation committee met Wednesday, Feb. 18 for the second time to discuss if the colored routing system should be changed or kept in place.

Committee chairman Bob Warlick said he had not found any support for the colored routing system. “Everyone of us know the symbols and colors but couldn’t tell you what symbol goes with what road,” he said.

The colored routing program began in 1996 to help visitors navigate Branson. The red route centers around Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Highway 376. The blue route consists of Gretna Road and Roark Valley Road while the yellow route deals with Green Mountain Drive, Wildwood Drive and Fall Creek Road.

“We discovered that people weren’t seeing the signs,” said Terry Dody, city administrator. “We came up with the idea of painting the symbols on the roadway, but visitors are looking for signage and not looking down at the road. We’ve seen it (colored routing system) fall by the way side because we haven’t got the response from visitors that we hoped for.”

Several roads in Branson are known by different names, thereby, confusing visitors even more. Warlick gave the example of Gretna Road. The road was recently dedicated as the Bob Hope Memorial Drive. It is also known as Highway 248 and the Avenue of Freedom. Business 65 in downtown Branson is also called Veterans Boulevard, Highway 76 and South Commercial. The committee will look at creating one name for some of Branson’s roads.

Box Car Willie Drive will be extended to Business 65 as part of Branson Landing infrastructure, and a name for the road will have to be determined. “Box Car Willie is going to be changed dramatically with the development,” Warlick said. “We could keep the name Box Car Willie as a memorial.”

Committee members also shared their thoughts on the city’s transportation tax. The tax will go on the August 2004 ballot for an extension. City Engineer David Miller said it takes $500,000 a year to maintain the condition of Branson’s roads. The transportation tax brings in $4 million a year. An educational process will soon begin for the tax extension. Presentations providing the facts on the tax will be given to area organizations.

The next transportation committee meeting will be March 4 at 3:30 p.m.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Voters to decide fate of tourism tax again

The Tourism Community Enhancement District Board of Directors will not dissolve the tax district as asked to by a local resident, but will instead place the tourism tax on the April 2004 ballot. The board of directors voted unanimously Monday, Aug. 18 to put the issue on the April 2004 ballot, after a lengthy discussion of possible dates.

The board had decided earlier to put the issue on the November 2003 ballot, but could not get ballot language, request for proposals and marketing contracts ready in time.Resident Gary Groman went before the Taney County Commission in June and asked the commission to rescind its order establishing the tax district. He also asked for a resolution supporting the concept that the board of directors dissolve the district.The commission did not take any action on either issue.

Several organizations have weighed in on when they thought the tax should be put on the ballot.A group, headed by Chip Mason, working to secure funds for a tourism tax campaign told the board they wanted the issue to go on the spring 2005 ballot.The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Vice President Ross Summers said the chamber wanted April 2004 as the date for the tourism tax issue.

The City of Branson has a sunsetting transportation tax that will likely go on the ballot

in August 2004 or November 2004 to extend the sunset, and wanted to avoid a conflict with the tourism tax on the ballot.

New board member Chris Myer, replacing Steve Presley, said the board needed to make a decision to show that they are committed to getting the tax passed. “We want to ensure our tourism base and to grow it,” he said. “The longer we wait, the longer we delay that (helping the community economically).”

Summers agreed that the marketing money is needed as soon as possible. “We are right in the middle of working on the budget and it is abundantly clear that we are woefully under funded for marketing,” he said. “I think the sooner this gets on the ballot, the better everyone will be. Branson compared to other destinations is so far behind on marketing dollars it’s an embarrassment.”

The directors will now have to work on the request for proposals, create a marketing contract, determine the distribution of money, clean up the ballot language and figure out how much tax to ask for.Chairman Kent Turner said the board has a draft of the request for proposals and is currently working on a marketing contract that would be used with the entity that was awarded the bid to administer the tax money.

Turner said the ballot language will have to be turned in to the county clerk by February.Turner said while many are focusing on reasons to not vote for the tax, there are many reasons why people should vote for the tax. “One reason to vote for it is the decline of business we are having,” he said. “Some businesses are down 30 to 50 percent…We’ve lost our uniqueness. We need to face that.”

The proposed one-percent sales tax was defeated last year at the polls by a vote of 765 yes to 1,045 no. Surveys completed after the election showed that a large percentage of the community had questions concerning accountability.Board member David Cook said the chamber has done a good job to answer those questions and show accountability, but people keep focusing on the past. “I am a busy person, as I’m sure the rest of you are, and I will resign if we keep rehashing things,” he said. “We have got to move forward on this.”

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Story behind 65 expansion worth telling, officials say

By Earl Stresak

Staff Writer

State, county and local officials will tell you the future Hollister–U.S. Hwy. 65 expansion project will alleviate the obvious–bumper to bumper traffic congestion. The driving force that got the project rolling into reality is also a story worth telling, officials say and there is no shortage of testimony.

“Road repairs on that stretch were scheduled for beyond 10 years from now,” Taney County Commissioner Don Swan said.

“It was a struggle,” Jay Waggoner, Missouri State Department of Transportation, District 8, transportation manager said. “But, it’s an example of what we can all do.”

“We fought so hard and so long, but that highway is crucial,” Hollister Assistant City Administrator Bonnie Fuqua-Mathiesen said.

The project that will elevate the highway some 10 feet, eliminate all traffic signals, add overpasses and add entrance and exit ramps along a stretch of Highway 65 from approximately Business Highway 65 north to Highway 165 south, came together using a mathematical formula not found in engineering textbooks. That formula could be expressed as inter-agency teamwork, plus brainstorming, equals a project placed on the drawing board instead of the proverbial wish list.

Known to locals and visitors alike as a frustrating stretch of road to drive during peak hours, traffic can quickly bottleneck and creep along at two traffic lights south of the Highway 65 Lake Taneycomo Bridge. Slow going is also experienced driving Business 65 crossing the highway toward College or the Ozarks or downtown Hollister. At times, not quite gridlock, but motorist’s tempers can flare and patience runs thin.

Work on the project will begin next July and the project should take about two years to complete. Waggoner said.

“That plan would never have gotten that accelerated if the city, county and state hadn’t gotten together on it,” Swan said of the original 10 year future repair plans. In addition to the highway work, a new bridge is planned for the one on Highway 65 now spanning Lake Taneycomo. Work on that will begin as soon as federal money for that project is released, Waggoner said.

The story began as many such highway improvement stories do with an even simpler formula — no money equals no project. The highway expansion project would have probably stayed marooned on that long illusive, future project wish list if not for the efforts of the City of Hollister, officials said.

Both Waggoner and Swan praised the city’s spearheading efforts to get ball rolling to raise money needed for the project, and in-particular the efforts of Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss, who spent the last year and ahalf discussing the project.

Waggoner said his agency knew it was a project that needed to be done and wanted to do it, “but there wasn’t the money to do it.”

Using the principle of the squeaky wheel gets the grease, Hollister began looking for solutions to the problem. Approaching MoDot, they learned about a program called 50-50 Cost Sharing. As the name implies, the transportation agency shares project costs, matching an amount put up by a city.

Hollister could put up most of the money, but not, all. Again, Hollister searched for a solution to the problem.

“They approached us (Taney County) to help out,” Swan said. ” We decided to assist them and will contribute $1 million a year for three years, ” he said. Taney County will contribute $3 million total for the road expansion.

Hollister will pay $6 million of the cost. The total cost for the highway expansion will be “not quite $19 million,” Waggoner said. When federal money is released for the bridge project the total project will have a cost $32 million.

Currently, a question remains about when that federal money will become available, but Waggoner is confident the bridge will see completion sometime as the highway expansion is completed. “The bridge will get done,” he said. “We won’t leave a gap between Hollister and Branson.”

Expanding the highway to four lanes will involve engineering stages, Waggoner said. A portion of business 65 will be included, eliminating the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 65 and Business 65, and also two traffic lightsfurther south. New construction will take Business 65 over Highway 65, to College of the Ozarks, near the site of the schools new construction of a hotel, restaurant and exhibition hall.

Waggoner said the college is planning landscaping and design around that new construction that “Will be very attractive to those entering that area” Aesthetically, that area should be the visual “jewel in the crown,” he said.

Along Highway 65, the four lanes will continue to Highway 165, including some area heading back toward C of O.

Entrance and exit ramps will move traffic on both ends of Gauge Drive and Birch Drive. Motorists will also be able to enter from Industrial Park Dr. Other ramps will allow easy on and off access to SouthTowne Center businesses.

Emergency vehicles departing from Taney County Ambulance headquarters at Industrial Park Drive and Birch will have quicker and safer access to the highway for emergency runs.

That stretch of highway is “not really high accident,” Waggoner said, but emergency vehicles now can be bogged down in the areas bumper to bumper jams when traffic is backed up at the stop light.

“There is so much traffic now that it creates a big problem waiting to get onto the road,” Kevin Tweedy, Taney County operations manager said. “Big lines of traffic just sit there. When it’s moving it creates a problem for us getting into traffic.” Even with red lights and sirens going, “two or three cars moving toward us from the rear can see us and let us in, but the cars in back of them can’t. It creates a potential for rear-end collisions.”

Tweedy said the highway expansion will be welcomed by the emergency service.

Officials agree the new highway should benefit businesses in SouthTowne Center and along Highway 65 with another math equation not found in textbooks — easy on, easy off highway access equals more cash flow into local businesses.

With 28,000 motorists driving that stretch of highway daily, traffic jams discourage motorists from stopping to shop and spend money.

“They get frustrated in that traffic and don’t want to stop because they’d have to fight the traffic to get back on again,” he said. The expansion is going ” to really help SouthTowne Center and area businesses because of easier ingress and egress,” Swan said.

Mac Pace, assistant manager for Sherman Williams Paints located on Industrial Park Drive agrees.

“We are sort of tucked back in here,” he said of his off the highway location. “A lot people don’t know we are back here.” Less traffic congestion, easier access into South Park and Industrial Park Dr. would mean more visibility he said. “That highway is just so congested now, the new construction will help a lot.”

Officials estimate that 20 to 30 percent of visitors entering Branson and the surrounding area enter from that southerly route.

“Everyone benefits from that,” Swan said. “More revenue for the cities and the county means more benefits for everyone,” he said.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” Waggoner said.

Despite all the successful efforts and partnering, Hollister has one last hoop to jump through. They need another $500,000 for their share of the project. They remain confident about that aspect. “We are aggressively looking for another partner,” Fuqua-Mattiesen said. The city has until next April to obtain the money.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent