The final April Meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen wrapped up old business and jumped right into the the new legislative year.

Among the highlights:
-During the earlier part of the meeting, the city honored the retiring City Administrator of Hollister Rick Ziegenfuss. Branson City Administrator Cathy Stepp sent her appreciation to Ziegenfuss for the helping her with advise as she took the role in Branson over two years ago and the continued cooperation between the cities and his leadership in the region. In comments after the receiving the award, Ziegenfuss encouraged the current and future leaders of the region to continue to move forward as he hopes that he and others currently serving did from those the came before. 

-All of Branson's current officials that were on the ballot in the April Election ran unopposed. Three of the four took the oath of office including Mayor Larry Milton, Ward One Alderman Clay Cooper, and Ward Two Alderman Artie Lucas. Ruth Denham in Ward 3 was unable to attend the meeting and will be sworn in at a later time according to City Clerk Hillary Briand. 

-Aldermen heard a report from Heather Hermen of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB recapping activities including the participation in Kansas City Chiefs Football Tailgates and other conventions during 2024. She also discussed the marketing theme for 2025 "Adventure is Calling" and plans for the 250th Celebration of American in 2026.

-Final approval was given to several agreements, including one with Homeland Security to allow a Branson Officer to be a part of a Task Force that can allow the officer to file cases of Human Trafficking and Internet Crimes against Children at both the Federal and Local Levels. Police Chief Eric Schmitt says that the many of these cases cross state lines and gives the department some more resources to prosecute the offenders.

-A Budget Amendment of $40,000 was approved for contractual services to begin the advisory process to develop and Indoor Sports Facility in the city. 

The full video from the meeting can be found on the City of Branson Website.