Public Meetings - Joplin, Missouri

The Joplin City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026. Council members present were Koppel, Cortez, Ditar, Jackson, Moran, and Price. Mayor O'Brien and Council member Bard were absent. The meeting included a presentation on the Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct, reports on city infrastructure, and significant public commentary on a potential 287(g) ICE agreement, the city's parking garage rehabilitation project, and recent council controversies. Public Comments & Testimony - 287(g) ICE Agreement: Multiple speakers (Thomas J., Skyler Carr, Robert Jones, Brennan Bauer, Leslie Mendoza) spoke in strong opposition to entering a 287(g) agreement. Arguments included constitutional violations, damage to community trust in law enforcement, negative economic impacts, and the human cost. Brennan Bauer criticized the council's hostile culture and warned of recall efforts. The presiding officer and Council member Ditar repeatedly clarified that the 287(g) issue is not pending before the council. - Parking Garage Rehabilitation: Linda and Steve Williams (Club 609) requested a written construction plan, concrete parking solutions (including temporary diagonal parking), and formal council oversight to minimize disruption to their business. - Council Accountability and Resignation: Ashley Gould stated she initiated the public records request regarding former council member Brian Cowells' tax lien, asserting it was solely about ensuring eligibility for office. Yvette Shackles (Joplin Area DSA) criticized Council member Jackson for his online associations and comments, requesting a less hostile relationship between the council and the public. Discussion Items - Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct: Dan Johnson (Public Works) detailed plans to remove the dangerous bridge in spring 2027. An at-grade road option is not funded until 2031. Council questions addressed flooding risks, structural safety, and property owner concerns. - News from the Public Information Office: Cassie Fawcett reported the final phase of Main Street streetscaping begins November 3rd. The city received a $500,000 National Park Service grant for a trail connecting Landrith Park to the Momentum Bike Park. Ewart Park will celebrate its grand reopening on December 17th, featuring an ADA-designed playground and an ice skating/splash park. - Operations and Budget: - Snow Removal (CB 2026-161): Approved a contract for supplemental CDL drivers to cover a six-operator shortfall in the snowplow fleet. Passed 6-0. - Demolition (CB 2026-358): Approved the demolition of a structure at 1623 W 1st St. Passed 6-0. - Health Insurance (CB 2026-530): Approved a 10% increase in stop-loss coverage premiums, passing the cost to the city budget. Passed 6-0. - Wastewater Treatment (CB 2026-159, CB 2026-160): Approved first readings for engineering services for 2027 improvements and planning for a state revolving fund loan. - Willow Branch Culvert (CB 2026-158): Approved a $1,595,467.29 contract with Signature Dirt Works for the Willow Branch Culvert replacement. Passed 5-1. - Prospect Village TIF (CB 2025-508): Approved the activation of Redevelopment Project 6 including a dentist's office. Passed 6-0. - Resignation Acceptance: The council formally voted to accept the resignation of former council member Brian Cowells, effective October 28, 2026. Passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - Status of 287(g): Council member Ditar and the presiding officer emphatically clarified that the 287(g) agreement is not being discussed, researched, or considered by the council, declaring the issue fully resolved and not on the agenda. - Parking Garage Directive: The city manager was directed to develop a detailed construction and access plan with affected downtown businesses, prioritizing phased work and continuous communication. Council members also discussed the feasibility of extended construction hours. - Consent Agenda: The finalized consent agenda was approved unanimously.

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on November 2, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The sole agenda item was a quarterly update from the Joplin Sports Authority (JSA), presented by Jared. The meeting concluded with a question from Council Member Moran and adjourned, with the council to reconvene at 6:00 PM for the regular meeting. Discussion Items - JSA Quarterly Update: Jared provided an overview of JSA as a not-for-profit sports commission aiming to attract and support sporting events to enhance quality of life and generate economic revenue. He highlighted the 2026 Hall of Fame class inducted in October, including Olympic softball player Nicole Hudson, posthumous inductee Forrest Reed, state championship teams from 1978 and 1984, and Joplin Globe sports writers. He also discussed a collaborative event, the Velo Solutions Pump Track USA Qualifier, which involved multiple city agencies and local businesses, with top finishers advancing to world championships in Beijing. Jared listed upcoming events, including the JUCO national championship (hosted again) and the NCCAA cross country national championships, and noted an anticipated 12,000 participants across events. He outlined ongoing recruitment efforts for disc golf, bowling, collegiate baseball, and other sports, and acknowledged key partners like Freeman Health System, Joplin Schools, and Missouri Southern State University. - Council Question: Council Member Moran inquired about interest in hosting ultimate frisbee tournaments. Jared responded that JSA recently interviewed ultimate frisbee organizations at a convention and expressed interest in pursuing such events. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made during the informal meeting. The update was informational only. The council is expected to consider the information in future planning.

The Joplin City Council held a special meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the fifth floor council chamber at 602 South Main Street. The sole agenda item was the second and third reading of Council Bill 2026-528, an ordinance adopting new step pay plans for city employees, including police and fire, and setting annual salaries for fiscal year 2026-2027. After discussion, the council approved the ordinance by a vote of 6 to 2, with one member absent. Call to Order and Roll Call - The meeting was called to order, and the city clerk read the public notice. Mayor O'Brien presided. - Present: Mr. Bard, Mr. Coppel, Mr. Cortez, Mr. Cals, Mr. Ditar, Mr. Moran, Ms. Price, and Mayor O'Brien. Mr. Jackson was absent. - Mr. Bard moved to excuse Mr. Jackson; Ms. Price seconded. The motion passed 8 to 0, with one absent. Discussion Items - City Manager Edwards presented Council Bill 2026-528. He explained that the ordinance approves the salary administration plan, enables a 2% cost-of-living adjustment beginning November 1, and allows step increases upon satisfactory performance evaluations. - Under the proposed pay plan, police and fire employees would receive a 23.03% wage increase and general employees would receive a 12% increase. Edwards stated that the 12% and 23% increases would not be implemented until the pension plan reaches 120% funding, and the city had budgeted for roughly 10 months of that expenditure. - Councilmember Price stated she was not opposed to the 2% COLA, the 2.5% step increase for city employees, or the 3% step increase for police and fire. She expressed concern about how the 12% figure was determined and about the finance director's response that funding was uncertain if a future compression study identified larger or smaller needed increases. She also noted Councilmember Koppel's point that the 12% figure was discussed in a closed meeting, raising transparency concerns. Price said she would vote no because approving the 12% across-the-board raise could leave insufficient funds to fix pay compression after the study; she said she could support 2%, 2.5%, and perhaps 4–5% raises while preserving money to address compression. She also said a possible data center would provide only short-term revenue for a long-term problem. - Councilmember Koppel asked why the cook position in Exhibit A started at step 4 instead of step 1 and why some pay plans went only to step 17 rather than 18. City Manager Edwards and staff responded that Exhibit A reflects only the 2% COLA; the return to step 1 for beginning grades would occur with the 12% increase, and the step 17/18 structure has been in place for an extended period. - Councilmember Cows asked whether this was the first formal council approval of the 12% increase. Edwards confirmed it was, explaining that a January memo was a tacit agreement and that the increases followed collective bargaining in advance of Proposition Police and Fire. The 23% increase for police and fire was the agreed-upon amount, which supported the 12% increase for general employees; the pay plans were included in a February 9 council work session before the election. Key Outcomes - Councilmember Cortez moved to approve Council Bill 2026-528 on second and third reading; Councilmember Bard seconded. - The ordinance passed 6 to 2, with one absent. Councilmember Price was among the opposing votes; the other opposing vote was not identified in the transcript. - The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote.

The Joplin, Missouri, Building Board of Appeals met on October 23, 2026, to review a lengthy docket of residential and commercial properties. The board approved the September minutes, excused one absent member, and acted on more than a dozen continued and new cases. Most properties were continued to the next meeting on December 11, 2026, several with warnings that demolition hearings would follow if required progress was not made. The board also held two formal dangerous-building hearings, ordering the building at 320 South Wall to be vacated and ordering demolition at 723 South Roosevelt. Consent Calendar - Board member Mr. Brown was excused due to a business obligation; Mr. Wickland arrived later in the meeting. - The September board meeting minutes were approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - There was no separate public comment period; property owners, contractors, and an interpreter spoke during individual agenda items. No members of the public spoke at the two formal dangerous-building hearings. Continued Business & New Property Reviews - Item 3121 – 714 East Hill: Staff reported electrical and plumbing inspections are moving forward, but the property is not ready to release. Continued to December 11 for a progress report/demolition hearing. - Item 3141 – 2402 South Alabama: Staff said the project is close to completion but failed final electrical because two additional breakers and lines are needed; temporary power is in place. Continued to December 11. - Item 3142 – 723 South Roosevelt: No response from the owner and no visible progress; the item was tabled to the end of the meeting, when the board held a dangerous-building hearing (see below). - Item 3149 – 929 South Roosevelt: Spire utility approval for the demolition permit was obtained, but water sign-off is still pending; a contractor is ready to pull the permit. Continued to December 11. - Item 3152 – 614 South Moffat: Owner Sammy Abdallah said he finally lined up a plumber and would submit that information immediately. He said he has about $105,000 invested, plans to sell to a buyer, and estimated $15,000–$20,000 for interior work. Board members cautioned that the real cost could be far higher and stressed that a permit and visible work were required. Continued to December 11 on a 5–1 vote. - Item 3154 – 1620 South Iowa: The property owner has hired demolition contractor Vortex/Jeff Anderson; one utility sign-off remains before demolition. Continued to December 11. - Item 3158 – 210 North Oak: Owner David Williams said he decided to demolish rather than remodel, but had not yet hired a demolition contractor. Continued to December 11. - Item 3162 – 12 South Patterson: The owner said he wanted to rehabilitate the property rather than demolish it, had received bids from eight contractors, and planned to make it a three-bedroom rental, with a full-rehab bid of $85,000. Board members expressed skepticism because he brought no written bids, the roof had not been tarped, and the proposed contractor had not appeared. The board voted to allow the existing demolition stay to expire, allowing demolition to proceed. The owner was told there is a 30-day appeal window and that he could still demolish it himself before the city’s process moves forward. Later in the meeting, the owner showed two written bids—$85,000 for the full scope of work and just over $16,000 for structural floor/foundation work—but the board did not revisit its decision. - Item 3163 – 906 East Furnace: Staff said an inspection did not pass; footings and floor joists still need work, with a reinspection scheduled for November 9. The owner is living in the house, utilities are on, and a permit is active. Continued to December 11. - Item 3164 – 915 East Second: Staff said the owner qualified for a vacant dangerous-building permit and secured the house, but had not yet paid for the permit. Board members expressed concern about the front porch and required it to be removed. Note: the transcript lists the address as 915 East Second, while motions refer to 915 West 2nd/916 East 2nd. Continued to December 11 with the porch-removal stipulation. - Item 3165 – 3022 East Ninth: Owner Christian Cornelio explained that his father, who planned the renovation, was deported, and his brother’s DACA status is expired; they are waiting for DACA renewal to fund the work. No permit had been pulled and no contractor hired. The board continued the case to December 11 and warned that demolition could be ordered if there is no permit and measurable progress. - Item 3166 – 222 South Jackson: The Spanish-speaking owner, through an interpreter, said he cleaned out fire debris, received a bid of roughly $45,000–$50,000, and was denied a bank loan due to credit. Staff noted a stop-work order and a pending permit review. Continued to December 11 and expected to be ready for a demolition hearing at that time. - Item 3167 – 805 South Connor: Patrick Stone of Stone Company said he purchased the property nine days earlier and plans to gut-rehab the two-unit building, act as his own contractor, obtain insurance, secure the property, and then apply for the permit. Continued to December 11. - Item 3168 – 2627 Grand: The owner, who said she has lived there 27 years and is on disability, described serious health problems and said insurance lapsed before a fire damaged the back addition and roof. Her pastor is trying to help, but she has no funding yet and faces long waits for assistance programs. The board continued the case to December 11 and asked for a clear plan or bids. - Item 3169 – 320 South Wall: Staff reported that the owner’s representative had hired a Springfield company and was seeking an engineer to address the badly deteriorated fire escape. Board members discussed the condition, the risk to tenants and firefighters, and the possibility of a fire watch. The building was about 30% occupied, with roughly five to seven tenants. The board later held a formal hearing and ordered the building vacated. - Item 3170 – 610 East Pool: Staff said the owners are incarcerated in Jasper County and the property, a former Habitat for Humanity house, burned in the back portion. Continued to December 11 and expected to be ready for a hearing. - Item 3171 – 605 East Pool: Cable Gunlock, owner of GRC Construction, purchased the property seven days earlier and plans to demolish the existing house and build a new structure. He said he did not know it was on the board’s list. Continued to December 11. - Item 3172 – 925 South Pitcher: Staff said the owner died in early August, the family does not want the property, and it is a demolition candidate; publication notice is needed. Continued to December 11. Dangerous Building Hearings - 320 South Wall – Order to Vacate: In a formal hearing, Assistant City Attorney Andrew Knobloch presented evidence from Chief Building Official Brian Wickland. Photos showed a deteriorated steel-and-concrete fire escape with collapsed steps and heavy rust. Title work identified Zon Joplin LLC as owner, and certified mail notices had been delivered to the registered agent. The board found the property dangerous under Joplin Code section 26-612(7) and (11) and ordered the building vacated. - 723 South Roosevelt – Order of Demolition: Earlier in the meeting, the board set this property for a hearing and revoked the current building permit. Inspector Jeff Hadley testified about the posted structure, partial interior demolition, title work showing Christopher D. Finkley as owner, certified mail notices, and required newspaper publications in the Joplin Globe on April 4, 9, 16, and 23, 2026. The board found the property dangerous under section 26-612(3), (4), (13), (14), (16), and (18) and ordered demolition, including outbuildings. Key Outcomes - September minutes approved; Mr. Brown excused. - Most continued items were placed on the December 11, 2026 agenda for progress reports and possible demolition hearings. - 614 South Moffat was continued on a 5–1 vote. - 12 South Patterson’s demolition stay was allowed to expire; the owner has 30 days to appeal and may still demolish it himself. - 915 East Second was continued with a requirement that the front porch be removed. - 320 South Wall was declared dangerous and ordered vacated. - 723 South Roosevelt had its permit revoked and was ordered demolished. Meeting adjourned.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on the fifth floor of Joplin City Hall. The commission took roll call, excused absent members, approved the July 21 meeting minutes, received budget and survey updates, held a public hearing, and approved a certificate of appropriateness for 713 South Main Street. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was listed; the following routine approvals were unanimous. - The commission unanimously approved a motion to excuse members not present. - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - The chair read the public hearing procedures before the 713 South Main Street certificate of appropriateness. - No members of the public testified in favor or against. The hearing was opened and then closed without testimony. Certificate of Appropriateness – 713 South Main Street - The staff report listed Floyd and Jacqueline Hackett as applicants, but the chair said that was a typo and the actual applicant is Jared Stilley. - The request was for LED/strip lighting on the law firm building at 713 South Main Street, including possible placement on top of the parapet to create an exterior glow, with seasonal color changes. - Staff confirmed the proposed product is demountable and must be attached in accordance with the commission's recently adopted lighting policy. Staff recommended approval. - No demolition is involved. Existing electrical connections are on the facade; a new line would require an electrical permit but would not affect the facade. - Commissioners asked whether the fixture has a lens to avoid bright point-source glare; the product includes a clear frosted lens. - The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness unanimously. Discussion Items - Budget and Survey Updates: Staff said the previously unpaid Main Street dues had been paid, and the agreement with Urbana Preservation and Planning was forwarded to finance for the next fiscal year. A change order was needed because Missouri SHPO requires inventory forms even for blank lots and parking lots with more than six parking spaces. The change order is about $2,010, bringing the survey project to about $20,000. Bids cited included the next closest at $38,000, another at about $55,000, and the highest at about $70,000 for a survey of around 200 resources. - North Heights Survey: Milestone seven was corrected to November 18. The next public meeting is planned for February or early March, with completion about 60 days after that. Staff planned to take photos locally to avoid consultant travel billing. - Grant and Next Phase: The phase two grant agreement was still expected, and once received, staff planned to advertise the next phase, possibly during the holidays. - Park Surveys: The commission agreed to set aside park surveys until staff could devote more time to them. - Porch Press Outreach: Attendees reported modest public interest, mostly about recycling and the new lead abatement program. About 20 local preservation guides were handed out, and common myths about historic designation were addressed. - Preservation Conference: Commissioners described the conference as small but mighty and shared feedback that the timing was not ideal. Useful sessions included alternative building materials and a case study on the LaPlacier house, where conflicting documentation and integrity of location were debated. - CLG Report: The chair planned to prepare a draft Certified Local Government report in November. The deadline was stated as November 31st, as transcribed, though November has only 30 days. - Local Landmark Designation Process: The chair reminded commissioners not to discuss local landmark applications outside the public hearing process and to refer applicants to staff. - Statewide Opportunities: The state preservation board is seeking members, and commissioners noted the board appears concentrated in St. Louis. The Places in Peril nomination period is open; other agencies or individuals may nominate properties without property owner permission, but the city should not submit a nomination without the owner's permission. Key Outcomes - Approved the 713 South Main Street certificate of appropriateness unanimously. - Approved the July 21 meeting minutes. - Excused absent members. - Agreed to remove park surveys from the active work list until staff has time to address them. - Staff will process the survey agreement change order, prepare a draft CLG report, and advertise the next survey phase once the grant agreement arrives. - The meeting adjourned unanimously.

The Joplin City Council met on October 19, 2026, receiving quarterly economic development updates, a master plan proposal for the MSSU/North Park Mall area, and hearing extensive public testimony on a potential 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement. The council adopted the FY 2026-2027 budget but failed to advance an across-the-board 12% pay plan on an expedited basis, requiring further debate. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was finalized and approved unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - God's Resort Representatives: Corey Fisk and Christopher Sweighert thanked the council for new pedestrian crosswalks on 15th Street, citing improved safety for children served by the organization. - Opposition to 287(g) Agreement (10+ speakers): A large group of residents and non-residents spoke against the council exploring a 287(g) agreement with ICE. - Tanisha Parrish and Teresa von der Burke detailed the case of Rodrigo Gonzalez in Noel, MO, a high school student with a work permit who was detained by a marshal at a traffic stop under a mistaken ICE warrant. Ms. Parrish noted ICE has lost 90% of court cases while illegally detaining immigrants and reported 52 deaths in ICE custody over 500 days. - Lena Ingie cited reporting of 500 U.S. citizens detained by ICE in 2025 and stated if council endorses such an agreement, "we will be calling for your removal or resignation." - Rob Jones (Joplin Area DSA) argued the program reduces community safety and urged focus on enforcing labor laws against wage theft instead. - Yevet Shackles drew parallels between the rhetoric of the current proclamation on foreign nationals and historical authoritarian language. - Cassidy Treadwell spoke personally about her DACA husband spending two months in an ICE detention center and her fear for her children's safety. - Skylar Carr provided council members with a detailed packet analyzing the moral philosophy and legal implications of 287(g). - Chris Hammer questioned the necessity of federal collaboration, arguing local police are competent. - Council Responses: Councilman Brian Cows clarified he only asked the public if the program was "worth looking into," stating his priority is to "enforce the laws, protect the citizens of Joplin, and find additional resources for law enforcement." Councilwoman Price and Councilman Jackson questioned the residency of some speakers and their standing to petition the Joplin council. - Homelessness Concerns: Christopher Swanton argued police "discretion" is used to discriminate against homeless individuals, citing his own arrest for trespassing as a victimless, nonviolent crime. Discussion Items - Joplin Chamber & MoCAN Updates: Brendan Dungan (Chamber) reported Momentum Bike Park saw 90,600 visits from 30,800 visitors (30 states). MoCAN's Amy reported a robust development pipeline with 10 prospects representing 675 potential jobs and $602 million in capital investment. She also highlighted the Forward Together Workforce Summit. - MSSU/North Park Mall Master Plan (Place Foundry): Consultants David and Mark presented their Phase 1 findings. Key findings included $59 million in unmet annual retail demand (groceries, dining, apparel), positive foot traffic data (3M visits to North Park Mall), and a need for better connectivity between MSSU and the mall. Three development scenarios were outlined: Connected Commerce, Campus Village, and Event-Based. Councilman Coppel suggested exploring a food/pickleball venue. Councilman Jackson inquired about CBL's financial stability. - FY 2026-2027 Budget & Pay Implementation: The council debated the budget (CB 526/527) and the corresponding pay plans (CB 528/529). - Finance Director Leslie Haas detailed the complex implementation of the Proposition Police and Fire sales tax, involving moving 37 public safety positions from the general fund. - Pay Plan Debate (CB 528): An impassioned debate erupted over the proposed 12% across-the-board raise. - Councilman Jackson argued the percentage disproportionately benefits top earners ($20k vs $4k for the lowest), criticizes worsening compression, and leaves no funds to fix equity gaps found in an upcoming compensation study. "This is a failed plan for the people who do a lot for us." - Councilman Cortez countered that a 12% raise for a $31k employee is "real money" and frames the raise as a necessary correction after decades of underpayment, noting the plan fixes compression by moving employees to their step. "We have got to do something positive for our city employees... This is the right thing to do." - HR Director Michelle noted 34 open positions and stated pay is a critical factor in retention, alongside workload and childcare. - Councilman Cows expressed concern the specific 12% figure for general employees was not explicitly discussed previously. - Outcome: The General Pay Plan (CB 528) failed to reach the 8-0 threshold for expedited passage (passed 5-3). It will return for further readings. The Fire Pay Plan (CB 529) passed 7-0-1. - I-44 Bridge/Trail Project: The council approved a $3.9M bridge and trail project to resolve flooding at 36th and Brownell. - Willow Branch Culvert Award: The council awarded the contract to Signature Dirtworks over low bidder D&E Plumbing, citing D&E's performance history. - Boards & Commissions: Appointed Justin Bowman (ADA), Stanley Walker (Zoning), Jared Pace (Tree Board), Mike Grinniger & Christy Barley (CVB), Carl Kindler (P&Z), Mike Seibert & Jim West (TIF). - New Business: Councilwoman Price directed staff to explore adding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) boards to parks. Parks Director Bloomberg confirmed existing interest and will pursue expansion. Key Outcomes - Votes: Budget and most ordinances passed. Pay plan (CB 528) requires further reading due to 5-3 vote. - Next Steps: General pay plan returns for second and third readings. MSSU/North Park master plan community open house in February 2027. Staff to explore housing incentives and park AAC boards.

The Joplin City Council held an informal session on October 19, 2026. It received the monthly financial reports and a two-part homelessness response update from city staff and Director Lane Burgess, followed by council questions. No formal votes were taken. Board and commission appointments were deferred to new business. Financial Reports - Finance staff reported October sales tax, reflecting August sales, was down 4% for the month but up 2.72% for the year, above budget, on a cash basis with two more months still to be recorded. Use tax was up 8.8% for the month and 7.4% for the year. Marijuana tax was up 3% for the month and about 9.9% for the fiscal year. - Ms. Haas presented fourth-quarter and year-to-date comparisons for the city's top 100 sales-tax businesses. Fourth-quarter changes included discount stores down, grocery and furniture stores up a little, restaurants and construction/home improvement down a little, motor vehicles, telephones, hotels and motels, and convenience stores up, North Park Crossing about even, 1717 down, and general retail up quite a bit. Year-to-date comparisons differed in some categories, including discount stores and general retail up. - A council member asked whether discount stores include Walmart; Ms. Haas said sales-tax data is proprietary and she tries not to mention specific stores. - General fund financials through September showed operating revenue over budget by about $549,000, operating expenditures under budget by about $387,000, one-time revenue under budget by about $2 million, and one-time expenditures under budget by about $3.2 million. The budget projection showed a planned loss of about $905,000 for capital replacement. Total encumbrances were $4.4 million, including the large fire truck expenditure. - Mr. Cows asked about a 307% marijuana tax monthly increase; Ms. Haas attributed it to a remitter timing issue, noting the three previous months were down, and the fiscal year remained up 9.9%. Homelessness Response Update - Mr. Robine reviewed city efforts tied to the 2024 Community Plan to Address Homelessness. Council approved $125,000 annually for five years, now two years in, to fund the director of homelessness response and operational expenses. - City staff meet monthly across departments and work on ordinances, public safety, encampment cleanups, HUD funding allocation, coalition co-chairing, and the regional commission. Recent highlights included the police co-responder unit with Ozark Center, updated trespass affidavit renewals, the Clean Slate Expungement Clinic, a Freeman Health System grant opportunity involving the fire department, and encampment cleanups including Fourth and Murphy, 19th and Delaware, and Joplin Creek. - Planning and neighborhood services are developing an administrative abatement process and a vacant and dangerous buildings ordinance. Parks adopted a behavior policy and is beginning security lighting and camera installations across approved parks this month. - Director Lane Burgess described regional commission work: expanding membership, supporting the coalition's governance charter, instituting committees, and pursuing funding. His position's monthly budget expenditure was $10,386, with a $124,632 annual total from the city's authorized $125,000 per year. - Burgess highlighted the Salvation Army Opportunity Center, which brings more than 20 providers into one rotating location, as well as system-of-care committee work, community paramedicine efforts, and data improvements. A community dashboard is live on the coalition's website, and an app is being developed to connect people to resources. He said additional resources may be needed to fully improve data collection. - In response to Mr. Cows, Burgess explained HMIS is a mandatory but HUD-limited system, its administrator is underfunded, and federal funding is uncertain. - Mr. Jackson asked about supporting expanded public transportation, including a trolley route to the Social Security Office and License Bureau. Burgess expressed full support, calling transportation the "lifeblood" connecting people to jobs and stability. - Mr. Jackson raised affordable housing and the voucher program. Burgess agreed there is both an affordability issue and a landlord engagement issue, and said that was identified in a strategy meeting last Friday. Asked about tax abatements for landlords accepting vouchers, Burgess said he did not know and would need to explore the model. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken at the informal session. - The council received the financial and homelessness updates without action. - Boards and commission appointments were deferred to new business. - The council took a 15-minute break and planned to resume at 6 p.m.

The Joplin City Council held a work session on Monday, October 12, 2026, to discuss a comprehensive police and fire sales tax spending plan addressing city employee wages, a federal SAFER grant for the fire department, a new stormwater management ordinance, and a floodplain mapping update. Discussion Items Police and Fire Proposition Spending Plan City Manager Nick, Finance Director Leslie Haask, and HR Director Michelle presented a detailed history of the city's wage challenges. Starting in 2018 with Missouri's Proposition B minimum wage increases, the city's competitive pay position eroded significantly. Minimum wage increased 91% from 2018 to 2026, while the city's proposed wages would only increase 67%. A market study shows the city at 91% of regional pay. The spending plan proposes 23% wage increases for police and fire personnel and a 12% increase for general employees, funded by a voter-approved half-cent sales tax renewal. HR Director Michelle emphasized the severity of turnover, describing an annual loss of 75 to 100 employees, many before their probation ends. She cited specific wage gaps of $6-$7 an hour and $15,000-$20,000 annually for specialized roles compared to the private sector, stating people are "trying to survive" and that benefits alone cannot close the gap. - Councilmember Cortez strongly endorsed the plan, stating the increases are earned and necessary to retain talent and maintain the city's position as a regional leader. - Councilmember Moran questioned the purpose of a new compensation study if the 12% plan is set, and suggested exploring flat dollar increases for lower-level employees. He expressed concerns about long-term economic sustainability. - Councilmember Price critiqued the 12% across-the-board raise, arguing it widens the wealth gap between top earners (receiving $16,800) and frontline workers (receiving $4,200). - Councilmember Bard voiced full support for the 12% across-the-board increase for every employee. - Councilmember Cowles questioned how a 12% raise fixes compression if it is a percentage-based increase, and suggested turnover reasons extend beyond pay. - Councilmember Koppel explained compression, noting that minimum wage adjustments can erode pay grade differentials. He cited the city's pool lifeguard staffing crisis as a microcosm of the broader wage issue. - Councilmember Edwards engaged on compression and confirmed the plan was developed under prior council direction. SAFER Grant Staff announced a $799,000 federal SAFER grant to partially fund six new firefighter positions over three years. Council gave consensus to accept the grant and granted flexibility to staff to accelerate police hiring if qualified candidates are available, with capital costs to be resolved later. New Stormwater Management Ordinance Stormwater Engineer Steven Martinez presented a proposed ordinance to centralize stormwater code and establish enforcement authority for maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure. Council provided guidance to proceed. Floodplain Management and Jasper County Remapping Public Works staff provided an educational update on flood risk terminology and the Jasper County floodplain remapping project, which uses new 2D modeling for greater accuracy. The update was received as informational. Key Outcomes - Spending Plan (Wages): No vote was taken. Formal consideration is scheduled for October 19, 2026, as part of the budget ordinance adoption. - SAFER Grant: Council directed staff to accept the grant and proceed with flexible hiring. - Stormwater Ordinance: Staff was granted guidance to finalize and present the ordinance for a future vote. - Floodplain Update: Received as informational.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Joplin met on October 12, 2026, to consider a right-of-way vacation request and receive updates on upcoming planning initiatives. The meeting included roll call, approval of prior minutes, a public hearing, and staff announcements. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Deanna Weber, 206 McCutcheon Road, Joplin, Missouri, presented a request to vacate a platted but unimproved street right-of-way (Walnut Avenue) that separates two lots she purchased. She explained that the city held the center strip between the properties and she seeks to have it vacated to combine the lots. She indicated she may level the area for a yard or driveway but has not finalized plans. Discussion Items - Case 031-26 – Staff Planning Report Vacation: Staff clarified that the vacation would revert the right-of-way to private ownership, with half going to each adjacent lot. No new lot would be created. Because utilities retain easements, the vacation applies only to public street use; permanent structures are prohibited on the vacated area. The commission discussed the property boundaries and confirmed that the house does not straddle the line. - Upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update: Staff announced that the City Council will consider a contract for a new comprehensive plan and downtown master plan on November 2, 2026. Once approved, the planning and zoning commission members will be asked to serve on steering committees. - Commission Vacancy: A commissioner inquired about filling a vacant seat. Staff responded that the City Council reviews appointments twice per year and will discuss the matter the following week, noting strong interest from applicants linked to the data center. Key Outcomes - The commission voted unanimously to approve Case 031-26, the vacation of the street right-of-way. Motion by Ms. Clue Michael, second by Ms. Harrington. All in favor; none opposed. - The commission adjourned following a motion by Mr. Spruce, second by Ms. Clue Michael.