CONSENT AGENDA - SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE BILLS
Stillwood Subdivision assigned R-2 Zoning
Aldermen approved the R-2 Two-Family Dwelling District Zoning, on final reading, for 15 properties in the Stillwood Subdivision, which is located along the north side of Bird Road and south of the Stone Valley subdivision in Branson Hills. These properties were annexed to the City in December. This action follows the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Fire Department Mobile Data Computers
Aldermen approved the second reading of bids for purchase of mobile firehouse software, and mobile data computers for the Fire Department. The records management system will provide mobile access to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), fire investigation reports, firefighter training records, occupancy inspections and fire pre-incident plans, fire hydrant records, fire apparatus, equipment, and inventory records. This will provide a consistent records system in all fire station computers as well as seven fire apparatus for mobile use, and allows for sharing of records with the City of Branson Police Department and the Taney County Sheriff’s Department.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (1st Readings and public hearing)
Discussion of Lessons Learned at League of Cities
Aldermen reviewed their recent trip to the National League of Cities conference in Phoenix. They highlighted their educational experiences with a variety of topics that face municipal governments across the nation. Topics included downtown redevelopment, community involvement, infrastructure planning, sustainability, affordable housing, commercial sports facilities, utilities technology, and social media. The conference was attended by 4 of the 6 aldermen, the Mayor, and the City Administrator.
Overview of 2012 Legislative Priorities
The Board of Aldermen discussed the upcoming session of the State Legislature, and both the State issues that may affect our community and those issues from our community that may be addressed at the State level. The discussion involved topics such as electronic data centers, the Taney County 911 coalition, the State budget for promotion of Tourism, and the state budget cap bill. The board was asked for their feedback so that staff could prepare a resolution for approval at a later date.
Street Name Change of Long Street and Branson Landing Boulevard
A bill was approved renaming a portion of Branson Landing Boulevard to “Long Street”. This change returns the name to this section, which was known as “Long Street” prior to the construction of Branson Landing Boulevard in 2007. The name was changed at the time to provide a named connection to Highway 65/Business 65 on both sides of Downtown Branson. The name “Branson Landing Boulevard” will now be carried across the new Taneycomo Bridge, to the roundabout in Hollister. With that naming connection to the State Highway on both sides of Downtown, the name “Long Street” will return to this street.
Change to Name of City Department
A bill was approved amending the Branson Municipal Code to change the name of the Personnel Department to the Human Resources Department, to update the reference to the proper industry standard. The title of the director and associated City committees will also be renamed to reflect this change.
Participation in Taney County Business Development Partnership
Ross summers from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce presented the Letter of Intent for the Board approval asking for participation in the Taney County Business Development Partnership and an annual commitment of $5,000. This new organization represents various public and private entities in Taney County. Local Governments which have already declared their intent to participate include Taney County, Merriam Woods, Hollister, Rockaway Beach, and Kirbyville. Other Taney County communities are being approached at their public meetings in the next few weeks.
Recently appointed Business Development Director Jonas Arjes gave a review of his proposed scope of work to the Board of Aldermen. His work will include solidifying the organizational structure and securing the participation of private sector businesses. He detailed five focus points for Taney County Business Development Partnership. The work of the new partnership will focus on the elements of; retention and expansion, small business entrepreneurship (including incubators), business attraction, both tourism and non-tourism jobs, workforce development, project management. The Board approved the Letter of Intent and financial participation with a unanimous vote.
BID AWARDS
Three bids were approved for water meters and installation as part of the Water Meter replacement program, where commercial water meters are being replaced due to service age and inaccuracy. The phase 1 project in 2010 saw an additional 54 million gallons documented and billed that were not being recorded by the aging meters that were in place. The revenue from this water paid for the replacement meters in a single year. The phase 2 equipment, approved tonight will be installed in early 2012, with a third phase expected in late 2012. Some of these meters have been in the ground for over 22 years.