NEW THREAD: We are about to move to public comment. It's about to get real, folks. Let's do it.

Mayor says he doesn't want to have to limit time. Usually five minutes is the allotted time. The floor is open. – bei Branson City Hall

The line has began to speak. – bei Branson City Hall

First speaker has a masters in biochemistry from South Africa. Didn't have that on bingo card today. He "hopes educated people are here." We are "swimming in a sespool of ignorance." Said South Africa stopped selling cigarettes and alcohol as an initial response to the pandemic. – bei Branson City Hall

Doesn't seems like speakers are being times as normal. This first speaker is going deep. Is against mask and believes most Americans have already had #COVID19. This is based from his sister who is apparently a virologist. – bei Branson City Hall

He adds if people didn't wear glasses, they could develop better sight. Says without mask people would be better. Super loud cheer for a man who made no sense. – bei Branson City Hall

Second speaker says this ordinance will "cripple economy". But he is not anti-mask. He just wants the freedom to choose. Loud applause followed. – bei Branson City Hall

He says he is here "wearing this stupid mask" that he waves to "speak for the maskless" here today. – bei Branson City Hall

He then says businesses should have freedom to decide. Then said he was upset that his ex- US marine friend was not allowed in stores because of mask rule. To clarify: for freedom, not mask. Whatever that freedom means.

Then compares signage about mask in front of businesses to "yellow stars"- reference to Jewish plight during WWII. "You are not our masters" The applause is overwhelming. – bei Branson City Hall

Next speaker says he is a 30 year professor and claims this ordinance is the first step of communism. Says #BLM won't have to wear masks when protesting here. – bei Branson City Hall

He says the CDC has been discredited. Also not impressed by big corporations supporting #BLM. Don't know why that is being said at a mask meeting. Says his liberty's are being "wrestled away". Says people will secure our freedoms. – bei Branson City Hall

And after that, we have hit our first recess. Time to power up and get ready for round 2. – bei Branson City Hall

Okay we're back and ready to go. Next speaker is in the wedding industry. She does 500 weddings in Branson a year. Over a million dollars in possible cancellations (IF THEY WERE TO). Says mandate will damage the entire wedding industry here. – bei Branson City Hall

Next speaker is wedding photographer. Says these "once in a lifetime events" (wedding, graduation, etc) need to be an exception to the mandate. Asked Aldermen what if they were asked to wear a mask at their wedding. – bei Branson City Hall

Adds, imagine welcoming veterans to Branson with a mask on. Aldermen Jeff Seay thanks her for her comments. – bei Branson City Hall

Next speaker, Josh Heston from State of the Ozarks. Comments on the death rate, and the misinformation from media, medical officials and country/state officials. – bei Branson City Hall

Claims that Taney County Health Department released false information of a positive case at the Hollister farmers market that he helps organize. Says that person died, not from #COVID19 , but by malpractice. Lungs were cut when put on ventilator. – bei Branson City Hall

Wants "mainstream" media, government and health departments to receive audits from third parties if we are required to have masks based on their information. – bei Branson City Hall

Also, media reports information. We don't create it. We use sources. The county health department is our local #COVID19 source. – bei Branson City Hall

Next speaker says it is ignorant to assume tourist and customers would not be deterred from mask mandate. Says we have given medical professionals time to figure this out. Says business owners have no control and doesn't know how long this will last. – bei Branson City Hall

Adds that this would be more reasonable if there were more cases here- didn't specify number. Questions representation of their welfare. Adds again, businesses are struggling. Now she is questioning oxygen levels. Says people get stress, headaches and nausea from wearing masks. – bei Branson City Hall

Next person speaking threatens board with voting them out if people can be arrested for not wearing mask. She says the people are in charge. Says we are not voting for socialism. Says people are being conditioned. States that she gets headaches and has a breathing issues. – bei Branson City Hall

She has a sign that say Mayor Akers kills senior citizens with his masking laws. Says people have called her crazy. I can believe it. She walked in front of my office 2 hours before this meeting today with her signs. Mayor is trying to get her off the podium. This is surreal.