Public Meetings - Joplin, Missouri

The Zoning and Planning Commission met on April 14, 2025, to consider three cases: a right-of-way vacation request by Joplin Schools, a rezoning request for a commercial lot, and a preliminary plat review for a subdivision. All cases were approved unanimously. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and excusal of an absent member. Consent Calendar - Motion to excuse Commissioner Landis (absent) carried unanimously. - Motion to approve meeting minutes from the previous meeting carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony None. Discussion Items Case 010-25: Right-of-Way Vacation at 2100 East Rollis Street - Applicant: Joplin Schools. Representative requested vacation of right-of-way adjacent to Royal Heights Elementary School to reconfigure stairs for safety and add a delivery dock. The dock was relocated from the south side to avoid crossing the playground. Commissioner questions confirmed no impact on bus routes or parent drop-off. No public testimony for or against. - Motion: Approve (Dr. Rosenberg), seconded by Ms. Warren. Unanimous approval. Case 015-25: Rezoning from R-1 to C-1 at 410 West 26th Street - Applicant: Darren Collins, representing his wife's salon. Requested rezoning of a lot purchased after the tornado, intended for storage/parking, to allow a potential buyer to use the property for commercial development. No questions from commission. No public testimony. - Motion: Approve (Mr. Spruce), seconded by Ms. Clue Michael. Unanimous approval. Case 014-25: Preliminary Plat Review – Cottages at Emerald Glades at 642 East Fountain Road - Applicant: Schuber Mitchell Holmes, represented by engineer Mikeus Howder. The subdivision will be built in phases. Phase 1 will exit onto Fountain Road; a secondary egress will be provided after Phase 2 aligns with Phase 6 of Emerald Glades development. Staff concurred with the phasing plan. A future right-of-way connection to the southeast will provide a second egress. No public testimony. - Motion: Accept (Dr. Rosenberg), seconded by Mr. Spruce. Unanimous approval. Key Outcomes - All three cases (010-25, 015-25, 014-25) were approved by unanimous votes. - The matters will be presented to the City Council on Monday, May 5, 2025. - Meeting adjourned following the motions.

The Joplin City Council met on Monday, April 7, 2025, for a regular meeting. The meeting included proclamations, recognition of first responders, public comments, and several public hearings on zoning changes for new housing developments, as well as resolutions and ordinances. All votes were taken with seven members present and two absent (Councilmembers Jackson and Shaw were excused). Presentations & Proclamations - Fair Housing Month Proclamation: Mayor Cortez proclaimed April 2025 as Fair Housing Month. The city's representative on the Community Housing Resource Board (CHERB) highlighted the poster contest winners from the Boys & Girls Club. - VFW Life Saving Awards: VFW Post 5293 recognized Driver Engineer Brad Gillian (firefighter) and Corporal Andrew Marino (police) for their service, with details on their accomplishments. - Arbor Day Proclamation: May 3, 2025, proclaimed as Arbor Day; a celebration themed "May the Forest Be with You" will be held at Wildcat Park. - Mike Seibert Recognition: Proclamation honoring Mike Seibert for 43 years at Bristol Myers Squibb and 10 years on city council, including service as mayor and post-council volunteer work. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Martin: A mental health provider, expressed frustration with homeless issues but advocated for supportive housing solutions. She cited a charity evaluation showing rents increased by 200% and emphasized the need for housing-first approaches. She urged support for small housing and transitional housing initiatives. Public Hearings & Zoning Changes - Council Bill 2025-261 (American Ramp Company): Rezoning from R1 to M2 at 601 S. McKinley Ave. for a new building. Approved 7-0. - Council Bill 2025-262 (Schubert Mitchell): Rezoning from M2 to R2 at 1517 W. A Street for a new single-family home. Approved 7-0. - Council Bill 2025-266 (Watered Gardens): Rezoning from M2 to MP (Manufactured Home Park and Small Format Home District) for approximately 7 acres between E. 12th and 14th Streets, east of Iowa Ave. This is for a planned tiny home community for ultra-affordable housing. Discussion included floodplain concerns, security, and design. Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Dr. Farnham voted against) with two absent. - Council Bill 2025-265 (Vita Nova Village): Rezoning from M2 to MP at 1201 S. Byers Ave. for a transitional tiny home community with 16 units and a community center. Approved 6-0 with one abstention (Dr. Farnham abstained) and two absent. - Council Bill 2025-263 (Carrie Clark): Rezoning from C3 to R1 at 707 S. Sergeant Ave. for a single-family home sale. Approved 7-0. Discussion Items - Council members discussed the MP zoning district, emphasizing that these tiny home projects are not typical mobile home parks and will have strict design standards. Dr. Farnham expressed concern about setting a precedent and urged caution. Councilman Ditar suggested a moratorium until zoning code updates. City Manager Troy Pugh noted that any future site plans must come to council for approval. Resolutions - Resolution 2025-004: Amended council rules to require in-person comments, reduce speaking time to 3 minutes if more than 10 speakers, and exempt former council members from time limit. Approved 7-0. - Resolution 2025-005: Blue Shield resolution demonstrating commitment to public safety to qualify for state grants. Approved 7-0. Ordinances (Emergency and First Reading) - CB 2025-350 (2722 E. Rawls St. demolition): $7,950 to USA Demolition. Approved 7-0. - CB 2025-351 (302 S. Connor Ave. demolition): $10,000 to Nelson Enterprises; property owner may demolish themselves. Approved 7-0. - CB 2025-512: Budget amendment for $6,000 for Flex Platoon office modifications. Approved 7-0. - CB 2025-114: Out-of-town sewer agreement with Cedar Crest Investment LLC. Approved 7-0 on first reading. - CB 2025-115: $2,050,500 contract with GNG Construction for filter media installation at Turkey Creek WWTP. Approved 7-0 on first reading. - CB 2025-610: Lease of three vehicles for police Flex Platoon ($14,945.33). Approved 7-0 on first reading. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved with at least 6 votes in favor. - The council voted 7-0 to go into closed session for legal matters.

The informal meeting of the Joplin City Council on April 7, 2025, included two agenda items: an update on the city's mowing operations by Paul Bloomberg and a semi-annual street light program update by Jeremy Hagerman. Council members engaged in discussion and raised questions about cost comparisons, crime prevention, and maintenance issues. Discussion Items - Mowing Update (Paul Bloomberg) : Bloomberg presented a detailed cost analysis comparing in-house city mowing to contracted services. The city maintains over 900 acres of parkland, with 17 employees working during a 25-week mowing season (April through November). The city's cost per acre is $25.20, totaling approximately $523,000 in operational and maintenance expenses. Three contractor quotes ranged from $60 to $140 per acre, which would cost between $968,000 and $2.3 million annually. Bloomberg noted that recent salary adjustments have improved recruitment and retention of seasonal staff. Council members clarified maintenance expense details, such as trailer costs of $9,000 over 10 years. - Street Light Program Update (Jeremy Hagerman) : Hagerman provided a semi-annual update on the voter-approved street light installation program. Completed projects include areas on 15th Street, Prigmore Road, Duquesne Road, and the Zora Duquesne roundabout. Remaining areas include Hidden Hills, Silver Creek, and South Shifferdecker. Since the last update, 210 street light issues were reported via Click Fix, with 177 resolved. New requests continue to come in. Council members discussed the need for a policy on alley lighting in high-crime areas, noting a previous citizen request, and the responsibility for trimming vegetation blocking street lights. The city manager agreed to revisit the alley lighting policy and suggested using Click Fix for tree trimming reports. Key Outcomes - The council received the mowing update with no further action required, acknowledging the cost savings of in-house operations. - The council directed staff to bring back a proposed policy for alley street lighting in high-crime areas, to be reviewed at a future meeting. - The city manager indicated that tree trimming issues related to street light obstruction should be reported via Click Fix, and code enforcement may be pursued for overgrown vegetation on easements.

The forum was hosted by Lisa Oligus on KGCS TV and featured four candidates—incumbent David Weaver, Lori Musser, Derek Gander, and Thomas Ross—running for two seats on the Joplin School Board. The election is scheduled for April 8, 2025. Candidates answered six prepared questions on key district issues, followed by audience questions. No votes were taken; the forum provided a platform for candidates to express their positions. Candidate Introductions - David Weaver (incumbent): Instructional professor, former owner of Weaver Photography, 40+ years in district, four children, wants to serve for children and economic development. - Lori Musser: Retired teacher, counselor, principal in Joplin; 38 years in education; wants to ensure best education for students, support teachers, and give parents a voice. - Derek Gander: Former two-term board member, home inspector; two children in district; cites need for change and fiscal responsibility. - Thomas Ross: Business owner, former city employee; two children; wants to fix issues before his daughter enters school. Questions and Positions Teacher Retention (Question 1) - Lori Musser: Create high-quality work environments with support, resources, work-life balance, and appreciation. - Derek Gander: Teachers need respect, should not spend own money, and must feel heard; noted that some teachers fear repercussions. - Thomas Ross: Release “shackles” from educators; teachers should not be forced to remove entire class when one student misbehaves. - David Weaver: Beyond salary, teachers need respect, support for discipline issues, and appreciation; Joplin ranks top four in salaries and number one in benefits in the region. Shortages: Substitutes and Special Education (Question 2) - Derek Gander: Board members should spend more time in classrooms; special education teachers need more support (paras). - Thomas Ross: Board involvement is important; burnout from overwork must be addressed. - David Weaver: Substitute pay raised, certification eased; special ed caseloads rising (autism 1 in 40); early intervention is key. - Lori Musser: Suggested permanent building substitutes with benefits; also recommended using volunteers. Student Behavior (Question 3) - Thomas Ross: Remove cell phones; discipline starts at home; focus on education. - David Weaver: Behavior starts at home; early childhood programs help; supports removing disruptive students even if it hurts attendance. - Lori Musser: Build relationships, involve parents, provide more counselors and psychologists. - Derek Gander: Disagreed with sending students home; instead keep them in a learning environment with support. Cell Phone Policy (Question 4) - David Weaver: Limit phone use; they detract from learning. - Lori Musser: Not sure about current policy; sees benefits for accessibility but also distraction. - Derek Gander: For banning phones entirely; they are a distraction. - Thomas Ross: Supports a ban; students have Chromebooks for learning. Early Childhood Expansion (Question 5) All four candidates expressed strong support for adding preschool classrooms to every elementary school. They cited foundational benefits, equity, and social skill development. David Weaver noted that demand has grown from 157 to 417 students (2022–2025) and that the district is exploring funding for new rooms. Artificial Intelligence (Question 6) - Derek Gander: AI is cheating; opposes its use; supports in-school suspension for misuse. - Thomas Ross: AI has no place in schools; it hinders critical thinking. - David Weaver: AI is here to stay; needs a balanced approach—teach its use but prevent cheating; detection is difficult. - Lori Musser: Agreed with Weaver; AI is inevitable; teachers need strategies and collaboration with stakeholders. Federal Department of Education Shutdown (Question 7) - Thomas Ross: Shift to local control is positive; focus on fiscal responsibility. - David Weaver: Local control is best; concern about IDEA (special education) funding; Joplin is in strong financial shape. - Lori Musser: Local control is good but worries about loss of funding for vulnerable students (special ed, Title I). - Derek Gander: Supports local control; hopes funding is maintained but believes cuts to federal bureaucracy could free up more money for schools. Biggest Challenges (Question 8) - David Weaver: Student behavior and declining state revenue. - Lori Musser: Teacher retention and quality work environment. - Derek Gander: Support staff retention (bus drivers, cooks) and behavior; funding uncertainty. - Thomas Ross: Funding, bus driver shortage, and classroom discipline. Standardized Testing (Audience Question) - Derek Gander: Against teaching to the test; wants change. - Thomas Ross: Dial back testing; MAP testing has some value but is overemphasized. - David Weaver: Supports monthly or incremental assessments rather than waiting seven months for MAP results; also look to industry feedback. - Lori Musser: Data is important but standardized tests are too stressful; use informal daily assessments. Tax Increases vs. Streamlining (Audience Question) - Thomas Ross: No new taxes; look at top-heavy administration first. - David Weaver: Tax increase is last resort; district has lived within its budget without new taxes. - Lori Musser: Open to tax increase only if convinced it is right for students; district currently in strong financial shape. - Derek Gander: No new taxes; teacher pay is more important than building upgrades. Key Outcomes - All candidates supported expanding early childhood education and voiced concern about teacher retention and student behavior. - Divergent views emerged on cell phone bans (Derek and Thomas strongly in favor of a full ban; David and Lori more cautious). - On AI, David and Lori favored a balanced approach, while Derek and Thomas wanted strict prohibition. - Candidates universally expressed opposition to tax increases as a first resort, preferring to use existing reserves and evaluate administrative costs. - The forum was informational; no decisions or votes were made. The election is April 8, 2025.

The Joplin Board of Appeals met on March 28, 2025, to review multiple properties under its agenda, including releases, extensions, and dangerous building hearings. The board approved the previous meeting minutes and took action on 16 agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approval of February meeting minutes (motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Wagner, all ayes). - Release of item 3103 (504 South McKinley Avenue) – property secured, exterior completed. - Release of item 3084 (1828 West Fourth Street) – exterior completed, permit in place. - Release of item 3054 (1624 West 4th Street) – exterior weather-tight and secure. - Release of item 3072 (220 North Byers Avenue) – exterior done, rough ends complete. - Release of item 3091 (4020 South Main Street) – exterior done, moving along. Discussion Items - Item 3033 (1010 West Third Street): Lance Leford requested an extension of a building permit that expired in December 2024. He committed to completing the project within 12 weeks. The board voted to extend the permit to June 27, 2025, and required a progress report at the April 25 meeting. (Motion by Mrs. Harden, second by Mr. Windsor, all ayes.) - Item 3115 (1128 South Jackson Avenue): The property owner had constructed a tree house and installed a pool without permits on a vacant lot. The building official explained that accessory structures are not allowed on vacant lots. The board continued the item to April 25 for a progress report and demolition hearing. (Motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Windsor, all ayes.) - Item 3108 (519 North Pearl Avenue): The owner had not yet met with the city to determine requirements. The board continued to April 25. (Motion by Mr. Windsor, second by Mr. Wagner, all ayes.) - Item 3104 (1909 West 15th Street): The owner had a permit and was working on exterior. Continued to April 25. (Motion by Mrs. Harrington, second by Mr. Windsor, all ayes.) - Item 3002 (301 South Winfield Avenue): The property owner reported issues with an electrician. The board extended to April 25 but noted it had been on the agenda for over two years and expressed concern. (Motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Windsor, all ayes.) - Item 3112 (2408 West 4th Street): New owner, new business, continued to April 25. (Motion by Mr. Windsor, second by Mr. Brown, all ayes.) - Item 3056 (217 South Pearl): Owner working on windows and siding. Permit expires April 23. Continued to April 25. (Motion by Mr. Windsor, second by Mr. Wagner, all ayes.) - Item 2990 (801–805 West First Street): Owner had listed the property but no sale yet. The building official suggested a vacant dangerous building permit as an option. The board continued to April 25 to allow the owner to explore that option. (Motion by the chairman, seconded, all ayes.) - Items 3015/3016 (117 and 121 South Byers Avenue): Continued to April 25. - Item 3085 (1616 South Pearl): Continued to April 25. - Item 3090 (512 West 20th Street): Continued to April 25. - Item 3102 (519 South Pitcher): Continued to April 25. - Item 3105 (1608 South Minnesota Avenue): Continued to April 25. - Item 3113 (1809 East 32nd Street): Continued to April 25. - Item 3114 (815 South Ohio Avenue): Continued to April 25. - Item 3116 (1220 Northwest Murphy Boulevard): Continued to April 25. Dangerous Building Hearings - Item 3110 (719 South Roosevelt): The city presented evidence of severe deterioration, fire damage, and open access. The board declared the property a dangerous building and ordered demolition, including outbuildings, citing subsections 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, and 18 of Section 26-612. (Motion by Mr. Wagner, second by Mr. Windsor, all ayes.) - Item 311 (1501 East Hill Street): The property had been vacant with a failed rehabilitation permit. Testimony described dilapidation, open entry, and a squatter. The board declared it dangerous and ordered demolition, citing subsections 12, 13, 15, 18, and 19. (Motion by Mrs. Herrington, second by Mr. Wicklin, all ayes.) - Item 3109 (908 East 17th Street): The property was occupied by the son of the owner but lacked utilities and was severely dilapidated. The board ordered demolition, with the understanding that the occupant would be prioritized for relocation assistance. The order cited subsections 4, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 18. (Motion by Mr. Windsor, second by Mr. Wagner, all ayes.) Key Outcomes - The board approved the release of five properties from the agenda. - The board granted one permit extension and continued 14 items to the April 25, 2025 meeting. - Three properties were declared dangerous buildings and ordered demolished. - The meeting adjourned after handling all business. Note: The board member names varied in the transcript (e.g., Mrs. Arrington, Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Herrington). The summary uses the names as they appeared in the motions.

This was the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council held on Monday, March 17, 2025. The meeting included presentations celebrating the city’s 152nd birthday and the 20th anniversary of City Hall in the Newman Building, an update from Missouri Southern State University, and a Downtown Joplin Alliance update. Council heard a public comment regarding code enforcement and parking, and approved several ordinances on first reading. All votes were 8‑0 in favor, with one council member (Mr. Shaw) absent after being excused. Presentations - City of Joplin's 152nd Birthday & 20th Anniversary of City Hall: Dr. Chad Stebbins and Brad Belk recounted the city’s early history, highlighting Irish immigrants Daniel Sheehan, Patrick Murphy, and Tom Connor. Patrick Tuttle noted that the Newman Building became City Hall in 2005 and praised the building’s role in downtown preservation. The celebration included birthday treats and recognition of the Joplin Celebrations Commission. - Missouri Southern State University Update: President Dr. Van Galen reported on the university’s growth in graduate programs (52% increase), the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center (steel going up, completion set for July 2026), and the Legend and Platt Athletics Center renovation ($3.2 million, starting May 2025). He also highlighted student athlete Joy Udo Gabriel winning a NCAA Division II national championship in the 60‑meter dash (7.11 seconds). - Downtown Joplin Alliance Update: Executive Director Lori Hahn reported strong downtown housing (350 occupied units, 200 more in development, including eight new condos), 500+ businesses employing over 5,000 workers, and 4,200 parking spots. The Empire Market saw vendor sales up 30% and attendance up 20% in 2024. The Alliance was re‑accredited as one of only nine Main Street communities in Missouri. Public Comments & Testimony - Kay Jones: Addressed the council regarding a code violation for a gravel parking area at her residence on Montana Place. She stated she was told to report neighbors, felt singled out, and that enforcement was inconsistent. After two years she spent significant money to install an approved surface. She called for fairer enforcement and solutions that do not rely on neighbor‑to‑neighbor complaints. Council members apologized for her experience and discussed the complaint‑driven nature of code enforcement. They noted a new program (J‑HARP) offering up to $2,500 in grants for home repairs. Discussion Items - Consent Agenda: Finalized without objection and approved 8‑0. - Reports and Communications: Lynn Onstott, Public Information Officer, reminded council of upcoming events: Council in the Park (April 14 at Joplin Athletic Complex, 5:45–7 p.m.), paper shred event (April 12, 9–11 a.m. at Recycling Center), and Third Thursday green theme with city trolley information. She also promoted the monthly newsletter subscription. - Ordinances – First Readings (advanced to second and third): - Council Bill 2025-001: Amends Chapter 86 to remove the requirement that police check homeless shelter bed availability before enforcing camping on public property, aligning with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Passed 8‑0. - Council Bill 2025-002: Adds a subsection to receiving stolen property to include shopping carts, addressing blight and safety from abandoned carts. Passed 8‑0. - Council Bill 2025-112: Authorizes a work authorization with Albi‑Martin and Associates up to $360,000 for aeration renovations at the Turkey Creek wastewater treatment plant. The diffused air system is more energy‑efficient and modular. Passed 8‑0. - Council Bill 2025-113: Authorizes $110,000 for miscellaneous wastewater treatment plant improvements (belt filter press controls, boiler controls, concrete repairs, grit collector drive, clarifier mechanisms). Passed 8‑0. - Council Bill 2025-450: Authorizes a pharmaceutical services agreement with Walmart for the city health department to serve working poor patients through the Community Clinic. Budgeted funds are already in place. Passed 8‑0. - Council Bill 2025-605: Approves a purchase order ($215,000–$220,000 annual cost) for the ProSuite financial software annual support payment. Passed 8‑0. - New Business: Mayor Pro Tem Detar reported on a trip to Jefferson City with City Manager Edwards, Chamber President Travis Stevens, and others. They met with state representatives, senators, and Governor Kehoe to advocate for Joplin’s interests. He encouraged continued engagement with state leaders. Key Outcomes - All six ordinances were approved on first reading and advanced to second and third readings by unanimous 8‑0 votes (Councilmember Shaw was excused and absent). - The city will implement the updated camping ordinance per the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision. - The shopping cart theft ordinance was adopted as a new enforcement tool. - Engineering and improvement projects at the wastewater treatment plants will proceed. - The pharmacy services agreement with Walmart was renewed for the health department. - The annual software subscription for financial systems was approved. - Council will continue to engage with state elected officials through periodic visits to the capital.

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on March 17, 2025, to receive two informational updates: a financial report from Assistant Director of Finance AJ and a presentation from CVB Director Patrick Tuttle. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting concluded with the council moving to a regular session. Discussion Items - Financial Information Update (Sales Tax, Use Tax, Marijuana Tax, and General Fund) AJ reported that sales tax received in March 2025 was up approximately 12.6% compared to the previous month, and year-over-year sales tax was up 2.3%. Use tax for March totaled $692,462, a 31.5% increase over the same month last year, with a year-over-year change of 7.7%. The marijuana tax revenue for March was $49,319.17, reflecting a 45.67% decrease compared to March 2024, though year-over-year (fiscal year 2025 vs. fiscal year 2024) was up 34.5%. Councilmember Bard asked about the volatility of marijuana tax receipts; AJ explained that the large drop was likely due to initial catch-up payments in 2024 and that fluctuations are based on sales and reporting to the state. Councilmember Ditarr inquired whether the strong March use tax and sales tax figures reflected holiday spending, and AJ confirmed that March receipts correspond to January sales (a two-month lag). - General Fund Operating Revenues and Expenditures AJ presented the year-to-date actuals for fiscal year 2025 (through February 2025). Total operating revenue: $11,299,150 (slightly below budget). Total operating expenditures: $11,159,521 (also below budget). Net operating gain: $139,629. One-time revenues: $1,068,803; one-time expenditures: $1,245,425; net one-time loss: $176,622. Total net gain (operating plus one-time) for fiscal year 2025 to date: a loss of $36,993. No questions were raised on this portion. - CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) Update Patrick Tuttle presented an overview of the CVB, which operates solely on a 4% lodging tax and receives no general fund support. The CVB has a four-person staff. Current tax base includes 22 local hotels (907 rooms; 686,000 room-nights annually). Last fiscal year occupancy was 61% (pre-COVID level), generating $4 million in revenue for a $1.7 million budget. Tuttle highlighted destination marketing (focus on markets 70+ miles from Joplin) and group tour sales. The CVB recorded 1,785 signed guest book entries from 49 states (missing West Virginia) and 995 visitor guide requests. Group travel brought 7,886 attendees. A visitor profile study (April–September) estimated 653,000 visitors to Joplin with an economic impact of $160 million. Ongoing initiatives include Grand Falls wayfinding, a new heritage trail marker for John C. Cox, and a Route 66 centennial map. Upcoming events for 2026 include the Route 66 Centennial, USA’s 250th anniversary, World Cup festivities, the Great Race, and numerous car club conventions. Tuttle noted that the street painting event (June 4–7, 2025) will feature 10 artists. Councilmember Copel asked about the 3D street art; Tuttle reported it is well-received but needs resealing due to weather. Councilmember Carlin asked about the mailing list and the new tile mural; Tuttle provided details on the mural’s progress and new LED lighting. He also noted that invitations to other mayors for the April 4th Route 66 event have been sent, with one response received so far. Key Outcomes - The council received the financial and CVB reports without formal action. No votes, directives, or referrals were made. The meeting was informational and concluded with the council resuming its regular session.

The Joplin City Council held an informal work session on March 10, 2025, covering four major agenda items: an update from the Proposition Action Committee, a follow-up on the December council retreat, community revitalization and declining neighborhoods, and a parks and infrastructure update. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on reports, discussion, and direction for staff. Proposition Action Committee Update - Rob O'Brien and Kim Cox, co-chairs of the oversight committee, presented a progress report on the use tax-funded action plans. Of 45 action plans, 13 (30%) are complete. Revenue from the use tax has totaled approximately $17 million since implementation, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of $3.7 million per year. One-time expenditures total $2.3 million, ongoing expenditures $7.7 million, and committed projects $7.5 million, leaving about $2 million unallocated. - Six action plans remain unstarted. Council member Jackson asked about the "habitual offender identification" system; staff indicated it is part of police technology and deferred to the police chief for details. Council Retreat Follow-Up - City Manager Nick Edwards presented the final report from the December retreat. Council members ranked crime/safety and economic development as top priorities. Council members Coppel, Jackson, and Farn expressed strong concern about staff salaries and retention, especially with the new state minimum wage law. Coppel suggested using unallocated use tax funds as a "war chest" for pay restructuring, and Jackson proposed cutting 10% from capital projects to fund salaries. No decisions were made; staff will develop action plans. Community Revitalization and Declining Neighborhoods - Troy Bolander presented a neighborhood assessment covering 7,000 structures in four census tracts. Results: 29% had property maintenance code violations, 15% minor nuisance violations, and a portion needed posting or demolition. Programs include J-HAP (down payment assistance, 87 homes completed), J-HARP2 (repairs, $460,000 spent), a demolition program (15 homes demolished, 18 in progress), and neighborhood revitalization (16 new homes built, $555,000 in incentives). - Finance Director Leslie Haas discussed vacant lot inventory, a land bank update, and plans to reestablish a county lot transfer program with Jasper and Newton Counties. Council members requested stronger enforcement of vacant building fees and a faster process for securing dangerous properties. Staff will review code changes and explore administrative abatement. Parks and Infrastructure Updates - Dan Johnson reported on capital improvement projects: Connecticut widening complete, 20th Street construction starting spring, Willow Branch in design, Pennsylvania Avenue Viaduct public meetings upcoming, Fourth and Murphy intersection improvements nearing completion, and multiple stormwater and sewer projects underway. He noted a six-month delay in getting manhole lids with the city logo but insisted on using them. - Paul Bloomberg presented park projects: Dover outdoor recreation area (groundbreaking Feb 24, completion spring 2026), Ework Splash Park (bid April 28, completion spring 2026), park beautification signage, playground enhancements ($1.3 million), park ranger program (three rangers, two trucks, third arriving May), and pool staffing (40 lifeguards certified, 130 applications). Council discussed homeless concerns in the Fourth and Murphy culvert; staff said signage and lighting would be added. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were passed. Staff received direction to: continue use tax oversight, develop a staff pay plan, review vacant building fees and enforcement processes, reestablish county lot transfer programs, and proceed with park and infrastructure projects as scheduled. Council members highlighted the need for proactive monitoring of homeless encampments in new park trails.

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on March 10, 2025, to consider five rezoning requests. All cases were recommended for approval by the commission, with one case amended to a different zoning district. The meeting included public comment on two proposed tiny home communities for homeless individuals. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 011-25 (Watered Gardens): Jason Lakeham (1122 South Moffett) spoke in opposition, citing safety concerns, property damage from homeless individuals, lack of police response, and fear of declining property values. He was informed that his concerns pertained to the wrong case (he intended to speak on Case 012-25). No other opposition was offered for this case. - Case 012-25 (Vita Nova Village): Multiple residents opposed the project: - Robert Count (1124 Valley) stated that the neighborhood had not been properly notified and expressed frustration over lack of communication. - Jason Lakeham (1122 South Moffett) returned to speak again for this case, detailing ongoing crime problems, theft from his trailer, and a lack of police response. He argued the project would exacerbate existing issues. - Scott Engle (313 West 13th Street) spoke neutrally, raising questions about the three-year development stipulation, the railraod bed, storm drainage, and the fit of the project with the surrounding area. - Case 013-25 (Carrie Clark): James Fly Shaker (2402 South Indiana) expressed concern that rezoning to R3 (multi-family) could lead to a multifamily development that would cause parking overflow into his congregation's lot across the street. He was pause when told the commission ultimately recommended R1. Discussion Items - Case 007-25: Application from American Ramp Company to rezone 601 McKinley South Avenue from R1 (single-family) to M2 (heavy industrial). John Hunter explained the company needs warehouse space and that the current zoning is incorrect for the existing manufacturing use. Unanimous recommendation for approval. - Case 009-25: Application by Schubert Mitchell Holmes to rezone 1517 West A Street from M2 to R2 (two-family). The lot is awkwardly shaped; the applicant plans to combine two lots for a single home with two addresses. Discussion covered lot sizes, compatibility, and envirnmental concerns (Eagle Pitcher smelter area). Unanimous recommendation for approval. - Case 013-25: Application by Carie Clark, executor of the estate of Gary Gregory Beeler, to rezone 707 South Sergeant Avenue from C3 (commercial) to R3 (multi-family). The property is a single-family home; the current commercial zoning prevents a sale. Staff recommended R3 for compatibility with surrounding lot sizes. After discussion, the commission moved to amend the request to R1 (single-family). Unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Case 007-25 (American Ramp Company): Approved (unanimous). Rezoning from R1 to M2 for warehouse use. - Case 009-25 (Schubert Mitchell Holmes): Approved (unanimous). Rezoning from M2 to R2 for single-family home with two addresses. - Case 011-25 (Watered Gardens): Approved (unanimous). Rezoning from M2 to Manufactured Home Park and Small Format Home District for a 61-unit tiny home community for the homeless. - Case 012-25 (Vita Nova Village): Approved (unanimous). Rezoning from M2 to Manufactured Home Park and Small Format Home District for a 16-unit tiny home community for transitional housing. - Case 013-25 (Carrie Clark): Approved as amended to R1 (unanimous). The commission overrid the applicant's R3 request and recomended R1. - All cases will be forwarded to Joplin City Council for final decision on April 7, 2025.