Aldermen approve municipal electric and utility relocation agreements and set finance committee membership

The Board of Aldermen heard first readings and approved motions on several operational items: a municipal electric service agreement with the Empire District Electric Company (doing business as Liberty), an engineering and relocation-cost agreement with Liberty for utility relocations related to the West 76 Country Boulevard Segment 1 and 2 construction project, and an amendment to the municipal code that sets a fixed number of citizen appointees on the finance committee.

Solon, a city staff member, described the municipal electric service agreement (bill 65-51) as an agreement covering municipal electric services for lighting, including replacement and repair of lighting facilities across the city. The board moved and passed the first reading by voice vote.

The board then moved and passed the first reading of bill 65-52, which authorizes an agreement for engineering services and relocation costs with Liberty to assist with utility relocations required by the West 76 construction project. Staff said the agreement replaces a prior utility agreement and facilitates needed relocations for the project.

Finally, on bill 65-53, the board agreed to amend section 2-28 of the Branson Municipal Code to set a fixed number of citizen appointees on the finance/administrative committees; staff said the ordinance sets the number at three to avoid annual debate during committee appointments. The motion passed on first reading by voice vote.

Each item passed without further public comment or extended debate; the board adopted the measures by voice vote during the meeting’s readings.