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Board approves permits and lighting ordinances, backs public-safety grant applications; other measures pass
Summary
At its March 11 meeting the Branson Board of Aldermen approved final and second readings on building and lighting ordinances, advanced a CID extension on first reading, authorized two public-safety grant applications, and approved a collective-bargaining addendum on first reading.
The Branson Board of Aldermen took several formal actions March 11, including final passage of ordinances on parking lot lighting and permit-processing, first reading approval of a downtown-CID extension and first reading of a firefighters’ collective-bargaining addendum to allow a one-year trial of a 48/96-hour shift schedule. The board also authorized two police grant applications for DWI enforcement and hazardous moving-violation enforcement.
Key votes and motions
- Consent agenda (minutes, contract report, final reading of Bills 65-23, 65-24, 65-26): approved by roll-call, 6–0. (Motion carried.)
- Bill No. 65-28, ordinance to extend the term of the Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District: first reading approved by voice vote (ayes have it). The ordinance advances; any renewal of the CID sales tax requires a later vote of the district’s qualified electors.
- Bill No. 65-25, final reading — amendments to section 94-88(c) (parking-lot lighting): approved on final reading by roll call, 4–2. Yes: Denham, Cooper, Howden, LeBlanc. No: Lucas, Schultz. Alderman Glenn Schultz explained he voted no because he favored more specific standards rather than a minimal “good neighbor” approach; Alderman Artie Lucas also voted no.
- Bill No. 65-27, second/final reading — amendments to chapter 18 (applications and permits): the board considered an amendment to remove the words “continuous and” from a requirement that permits show ongoing progress; that amendment failed on roll call 2–4. The ordinance then passed final reading on roll call, 6–0.
- Bill No. 65-29, first addendum to the 2025–2027 collective-bargaining agreement with Southern Missouri Professional Firefighters Local 152 (trial period for 48/96-hour shift): first reading approved by voice vote. City staff and union representatives told the board the union has indicated preliminary support (a 71% favorable tally reported to the city) but a final union vote remained pending; the city brought the addendum forward so implementation could begin on the planned timeline if ratified.
- Resolution authorizing Branson Police Department to apply for Missouri Department of Transportation DWI enforcement grant: adopted by voice vote. The grant will fund overtime and related equipment (a “drunk goggles” kit) to support targeted DWI enforcement.
- Resolution authorizing Branson Police Department to apply for Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program (hazardous moving-violation enforcement): adopted by voice vote. The department requested $10,000 to support overtime enforcement of hazardous moving violations in high-risk areas.
Board members asked for clarity about enforcement and permit timelines. Aldermen debated the merits of retaining the term “continuous” in permit code language; supporters said it gives the city better enforcement “teeth,” while opponents said a clearer, inspection-based standard provides predictable outcomes for builders. City staff said the proposed ordinance requires “substantial progress” as demonstrated by passing a required inspection within a rolling 180-day window in year one of a permit.
Votes noted in this summary were read on the record by the clerk or announced during roll call.
