Later this month the city of Branson plans to issue 7-point-54 million dollars in new bonds to fund construction of two sewer projects. Tuesday night aldermen approved first and second readings of an ordinance authorizing the agreements. Here's City Administrator Dean Kruithof...

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The bonds will mature in 2022 at a net interest cost of 4-point-397 percent. Aldermen approved contracts for Branco Enterprises, Inc., and Rosetta Construction, LLC, respectively, to complete peak flow improvements at the Compton Drive wastewater treatment plant, and capacity upgrades for the city's lift station number 30.

Last year wasn't the best year in terms of tourism and revenue for the city of Branson and its downtown convention center. Aldermen received a year-end report from Bill Tirone of the Branson Convention Center...

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Tirone did report an increase in room rentals, concessions and new conventions being booked for 2010. Aldermen also heard from Dan Lennon of the Branson Chamber of Commerce...

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In other business, aldermen gave first reading approval to ordinances amending the 2010 city budget, renewing a contract with Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, and accepting the proposal of Mathes Landscaping for maintenance of the Don Gardner Golf Course.

The board also received a report from the city's liquor code administrator, Carl Garrett, who pointed out that 2009 was the first full year of operation under the city's new liquor ordinance...

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Garrett also discussed citations that were issued to businesses for sales of alcohol to minors, and for minors misrepresenting their age to businesses that sell alcohol.

Photo 2 - Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Marketing Dan Lennon; in the background: Lynn Hall of the Tourism Community Enhancement District Board of Directors.

Other results from Branson Board of Aldermen Meeting of March 9th, 2010 (news release from city of Branson):

Architect selected for city hall modificationsFinal approval given to contract with Pellham-Phillips Architects of Springfield to design the remodeling of the police department and city clerk/municipal court offices in city hall. Both departments need more space and this remodeling would be a short term solution. The design contract would cost $27,000. The actual construction cost is estimated to be $273,000. Funds were budgeted for these projects. 

Board amends ordinance dealing with special events permits The changes include: all special events involving street closures will need Board of Aldermen approval; applicants for special events must submit their applications 90 days before the event; and the new ordinance eliminates a section requiring reimbursement by the event organizers for any costs incurred by the city as a result of the event. 

Changes made to special event permitsThese changes deal with special event permits that involve street closings. All special events involving street closures will need Board of Aldermen approval. Applicants for such events must submit their applications 90 days prior to the event. However, exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the city administrator. And Board of Aldermen has the option of assessing a fee for expenses incurred by the city for the event. Second reading on the bill is March 23rd.

Amendments made to city code pertaining to alcoholic beverages The recommended changes, on first reading, modify the city’s liquor code in the following areas:

1. The managing officer of the liquor establishment must be an employee of the business.

2. Deletes the license for non-intoxicating beer which has been repealed by the Missouri General Assembly.

3. Specifies the number of package liquor licenses for establishments under 20,000 square feet to be 20 of the 26 allowable. This represents no change in the total number of package liquor licenses.

4. Requires a 6 day beer and light wine license holder to also sell prepared foods.

5. Sets a $5,000 annual minimum sales level for a package liquor store

                    6. Requires liquor training participation by servers and cashiers every two years and within the first two months of employment.