Branson Mayor Larry Milton says he is embarrassed that more discussion was not permitted on the allocations against the Alderman Representative to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
During an interview Thursday on KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program, Milton said when he was made aware of a letter that P and Z Chair Rick Davis send to Acting Planning Director Michael Woods with his concerns about Alderwoman Ruth Denham, Milton had the letter placed on the agenda for further discussion. While members of the audience, including Chairman Davis, made some remarks on the issue during the public comments segment of Tuesday's Board of Alderman Meeting, when the item came up on the agenda and all the aldermen were able to make remarks, the question was "called" by Alderman Bill Skains and a motion made to discontinue the discussion until a Special Meeting could be held on the topic. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Denham abstaining.
Milton said during the interview that the rules on procedures did not allow him to stop this motion and continue the discussion, which Denham and several members of the audience wished to do. Milton also said that he consulted with the city's acting legal counsel on this before proceeding while other members of the board said during the discussion that it was that legal counsel that led them to casting their vote for the special meeting. Milton said he did not believe Denham was guilty of any wrongdoing but wanted to hear input on the issue.
Milton apologized to those that attended the meeting hoping to be heard on the issue. Milton said a date has yet to be set for the special meeting where this issue will be discussed further.
Milton also discussed the new "You've Been Caught Doing Good" initiative to recognize individuals in the city as well as commending the city staff's efforts on working on the streets during the winter weather.
The complete interview with Larry Milton can be heard below: