Lake Ozark makes final payment on City Hall - City of Lake Ozark

Page Brothers Presented Key To The City: On December 10th, 2024, during the City of Lake Ozark's Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Newberry presented keys to the city to two of Lake Ozark's most influential business leaders. Joe and Mike Page, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and community members, received this honor in recognition of their nearly five-decade investment in Lake Ozark and their unwavering commitment to its growth and development. The Page brothers' journey began in 1976 when they founded the Leather Man on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Joe, having moved to the lake immediately after graduating from Truman State University, established roots in the community, with Mike following as a permanent resident the following decade. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish and acquire numerous businesses along the Strip. Today, they continue to own and operate several landmark establishments including Leatherman, Dogpatch, Dogpatch Arcade, and Summer USA, while their past ventures included popular spots like Disco Inferno, Grandma's Candy Kitchen, and Good Time Charlie's. As founding members of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, both brothers have been instrumental in creating and supporting special events that have become staples of the community. Mike's contributions earned him the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's Partner in Tourism Award and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen recognition. Joe served on the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen from 1983 to 1985, first filling a vacancy before winning re-election. He notably became both the first and last paying customer on the Community Bridge, while Mike served on its Board of Directors for several years. "Though a small gesture compared to the impact of their decades of investment and service in our community, we are gracious to present this award to the Page Brothers with all of their supporters present tonight," Mayor Newberry stated. "While we enjoy celebrating the rich history of your impact on our community, we are even more excited to see the future of our city that was made possible by your ongoing contributions and leadership." Pictured, left to right: Ward II Alderman Johnnie Franzeskos, Ward I Alderman Pat Thompson, Ward III Alderman David Ridgely, Mayor Dennis Newberry, Joe Page, Mike Page, Ward III Alderman Carol Denny, Ward I Alderman Judy Neels, and City Administrator Harrison Fry

Posted on August 12, 2021 by dan

Lake Ozark makes final payment on City Hall

It’s been a long time coming.

Those were the words of Lake Ozark City Administrator Dave Van Dee who announced to the board of aldermen recently that the City Hall building at 3162 Bagnell Dam Blvd. will be paid off this month.

Former Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos and former Alderman Joe Barfield were instrumental in developing a lease-purchase agreement in 2009 with building owner Larry Shields. While it took a few years longer to make the final payment due to budget challenges, the final payment of $60,545.28 was handed to Shields Thursday afternoon.

The former city hall was located at 2624 Bagnell Dam Blvd. behind a car wash and was deemed inadequate as the city’s staff and public needs began to grow in the mid-2000s. The Lake Ozark Police Department was housed in an even smaller building a half block off The Strip. City officials decided to combine the City Hall and LOPD into one building to better serve the public.

The move into the current building was made in September 2009.

Van Dee, who joined the city later that year and who has helped guide the lease-purchase agreement through tough budget times, said the city will reallocate the payments for building maintenance and possible upgrade.

Photo Caption

From left are former Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos, former Alderman Joe Barfield and Larry Shields, who received the final payment on the City Hall.