Public Comment to Stay at the Beginning of the Branson Board of Aldermen Meeting

After lengthy discussions and a several suggested revisions, a bill to define who can speak during the Public Comment Section of the Branson Board of Aldermen Meeting received initial approval at Tuesday's meeting.

The original bill, brought forth by Ward 1 Alderman Clay Cooper, was to limit the people who could speak at the twice monthly regular meetings to be either residents of Taney or Stone Counties or Branson Business Owners. An amendment suggested by the other Ward 1 Alderman Alex Williams added language that would move the public comments to the end of the meeting prior to Board and Mayor Reports. That amendment was approved on a 4-2 vote at the June 9 meeting but the overall approval of the was postponed until this week's meeting. 

Citing public feedback both at the meetings and citizens reaching out to him, Williams withdrew the amendments and after working through several procedural issues, the bill reverted back to the original form except for a previously removed section that would have had those wishing to speak take an oath swearing to their qualifications to address the board. 

The final version of the bill was approved unanimously on its First Reading and will be given final approval at the July 7 Meeting. 

After final approval, the Public Comment Section of the meeting will have this criteria:

-People signing up to speak at a meeting need to be a Taney or Stone County resident or a Branson Business Owner. 
-People wishing to address an item already on the meeting agenda will be asked to hold comment on that item until it discussed on the agenda.
-The Public Comment section will continue to be at the beginning of the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. 

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