City Clerk
The city clerk’s office serves multiple functions that include housing the offices of the Municipal Court. The city clerk is responsible for compiling information to be presented to the Board of Aldermen at its regular meetings, attending those meetings, digitally recording the Board’s action, and then preparing the minutes of those meetings.
Additionally the city clerk’s office maintains the official records of the city, including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other vital documents. The Branson Municipal Codebook is coordinated through the city clerk’s office.
The clerk oversees the filing of candidates for municipal elections and prepares the legal notices for those elections. In addition, the office keeps track of city appointed boards, commissions and committees.
In November 2007, City Clerk Lisa Westfall was certified as a Missouri Registered Clerk by the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association, and she was named a Certified Municipal Clerk from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Click for news release.
Archiving / Records
Archiving of city records is also handled by the city clerk’s office and request for records are processed through this office. The office will respond to requests for records within three business days after a request is received. A request is simply made by filling out a Request for Records form and mailing or delivering it to us. In order to assure the fulfilling of your request, all requests for records must be submitted on this form. There are minimal charges for these requests.
Links to Other Resources
Overview and Application for Tourism Tax Contingency Funds
How to address the Board of Aldermen
F.A.Q.
When are the Branson Board of Aldermen meetings held?
The Board of Aldermen's regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., unless cancelled or otherwise scheduled. Additional meetings are scheduled as deemed necessary and posted by the Board. The meeting agendas are listed on the city's website.
Where are the Board of Aldermen meetings held?
The regular meetings are held in the council chambers at city hall, located at 110 W. Maddux Street. Specially scheduled meetings could be held in various other locations and the meeting posting will state the location.
Are the meetings open to the public?
Yes. All city of Branson government meetings are open to the public and must abide by all open meeting laws. Notices are posted in front of city hall and on the city's website.
How do I request to appear on the Board of Aldermen's agenda?
If you want to appear on the Board's agenda to bring forward an issue, you must submit a letter outlining your topic and reason for appearance. This must be received by the city clerk by noon on the Monday prior to the actual Board meeting.
How are the meetings organized?
Regular Meetings
a. Call to Order.
The Mayor will call the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
b. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance is led by the Mayor.
c. Invocation.
A staff member will give the invocation.
d. Roll Call.
The City Clerk will call the roll to establish a quorum in order to have an official business meeting.
e. Public Comment
The public may make comments regarding city business. See addressing the Board of Aldermen.
f. Consent agenda.
Consent Agenda items are routine items that the Board will vote on with one motion. There is no discussion on these items. They may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of a citizen or a Board member.
g. Regular Agenda.
These items are the regular business items of the Board. They may include presentations, annexations, codebook policies, zoning issues, ordinances, resolutions, bid awards and Board appointments.
h. Mayor/Aldermen/Administrator's reports
Any reports by the Mayor, Board of Aldermen or City Administrator is given at this time.
i. Adjournment.
Can I address the Board of Aldermen?
Yes. Please see this document for further information addressing the Board of Aldermen.
Why do some of the agenda items have a public hearing?
Certain items by law are required to have a public hearing for public input. Public hearings are always advertised in the paper prior to the meeting. Anyone is allowed to speak at a public hearing and there is no requirement to sign-up prior to the hearing in order to speak. Addressing the Board of Aldermen.
Why does the Board of Aldermen go into an Executive Session?
The Missouri Sunshine Law has specific reasons why a board can go into Executive Session - for discussions on real estate, personnel and litigation. When the Board makes the motion to go into Executive Session, it must state for what reasons under the Sunshine Law they are going into Executive Session. The only issues that can be discussed in the Executive Session are items that are stated in the motion.
If I can't make the meetings, is there a way I can listen to them?
Yes. The audio recording is available on the city's website, or a CD can be obtained from the city clerk's office for a minimal cost of reproduction fee.
Where do I find the rules that the city follows?
The city of Branson has all of its codes listed in a Municipal Codebook which is available online.
How can I get involved with the city?
BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
Administrative Committees:
• Personnel Committee
• Budget and Finance Committee
• Capital Improvement Committee
Advisory Boards:
• Advisory Council on Disabilities
• Advisory Park Board
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Tree Board
Limited Not-for Profit Corporations:
• Industrial Development Authority
• Public Building Corporation
Quasi-Judicial Boards:
• Board of Adjustment
• Building Code Board of Appeals
Special Purpose District or Board:
• Branson Housing Authority Board
• Transportation Development District
Who can I contact for further information?
The city of Branson's website is a great resource for answers to many questions. Also available on the website are email addresses of city staff who can assist in answering your questions.