Public Meetings - Joplin, Missouri

[Note: The raw transcript indicates the meeting was held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5 p.m., but the provided instruction states the meeting date is March 18, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date.] The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met to approve amended minutes, receive department updates, discuss several preservation initiatives, and adopt an interim interpretation for exterior track lighting. The meeting included updates on Memorial Hall, the North Heights survey, the May Preservation Symposium, a park survey, and a local landmark designation. No public hearings were held. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (as amended): The commission corrected several errors in the previous meeting minutes, including misspellings, incorrect attribution of comments, and a motion tally. The minutes were approved as amended by a voice vote (motion by Bruckner, second by Huff). - Budget Report (Thomas): Memberships for Missouri Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have been paid. A legal advertisement for the North Heights survey RFP cost approximately $250. Expenditures will be reflected in the next month's report. - Memorial Hall Update (Lori): A public meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Joplin Public Library to present the plan and seek community involvement. The RFQ for design work and historic tax credit application is nearly ready. A Friends of Memorial Hall board is forming; the city will have representation, and at-large positions are available. Fundraising efforts are beginning. - North Heights Survey Phase 1 & 2 Update (Thomas): The initial RFP was rebid due to a city policy change on accepting late bids. A new RFP is open, closing on March 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. A very tight three-day selection process will follow. Commissioners were invited to volunteer for the selection committee but are not required. Phase 2 milestones have been approved by SHIPO; a resolution for the application will go to city council on April 1, 2026. The final application for Phase 2 is due in May. - May Preservation Symposium (Thomas & Lori): The symposium is scheduled for May 14, 2026, at the Mansion. Ticketing opens April 1. The commission will present a half-hour session on local preservation efforts, covering CLG and public agency work (Thomas) and broader preservation history (Jill Halbach). The session can count toward commissioners' annual training requirement. - Park Survey (Dr. Reed Adams): Initial work has begun but will not be fully active until May. Commissioners may be asked to assist with volunteers. The Post Art Library's cemetery surveys are cited as a model. - Local Landmark Designation (Thomas): The nomination passed Planning and Zoning Commission and will go to city council on April 1, 2026. - Track Lighting Interim Interpretation (Thomas): Following a previous certificate of appropriateness, the commission adopted an interim interpretation for exterior track lighting (e.g., on cornices). After discussion, the commission voted to classify such installations as major work (requiring a public hearing and commission review) rather than minor work, to allow case-by-case evaluation until standards are updated. The motion was made by Bruckner, seconded by Hahn, and passed unanimously. A separate motion to adopt the interim interpretation itself (made by Bruckner, seconded by Dr. Reed Adams) also passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes as amended (voice vote, unanimous). - Adopted interim interpretation for exterior track lighting as a major work (two unanimous votes). - No public hearings were held. - Upcoming dates: April 1 (council bills for phase 2 resolution and local landmark), April 9 (Memorial Hall public meeting), May 2 (Lops Tour), May 14 (Preservation Symposium). - State legislation update: A bill to fix the historic tax credit is moving, and an upper-floor housing tax credit bill (for rural areas) is being wrapped into another bill. Both could benefit Joplin. - Building testing: The city will conduct a generator test during the meeting, causing a brief power switch. Announcements - Lops Tour tickets are available for May 2, 2026, featuring eight locations including the Carnegie Library and the Pennington/Christman main floor. - Memorial Hall's lodging tax increase has passed the Missouri House and moves to the Senate; if passed, it will go to a public vote.

The Joplin City Council met on March 16, 2026, with eight members present (one excused). The meeting featured a major presentation on Proposition Police and Fire, a no-tax-increase ballot item for public safety funding, and included multiple ordinance approvals, public comments, and the certification of referendum petitions that were found insufficient. The meeting also included a special recognition of Sally Beard, a pioneer in women's sports at Missouri Southern State University, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and consent agenda were finalized unanimously with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Price (citizen): Apologized to council on behalf of citizens for recent meeting disruptions. She called for enforcement of decorum rules (Council Bill 2023-011) and urged respect. She also dismissed blame on council for the death of an unhoused citizen, Mr. Boyer, noting he was found in Newton County outside known shelter services. She expressed support for Proposition Police and Fire and the Eagle bond. - Marla LePage (citizen): Criticized City Planning Director Mr. Bolander for unilaterally placing data centers in M2 zoning without regulations or a PD overlay, and for letting the opportunity for a special use permit pass. She claimed the decision was made before council input, and that council members were not informed. She requested a moratorium on data centers until regulations are in place. Discussion Items - Proposition Police and Fire Presentation: City Manager Nick Edwards, Fire Chief Gazelle, Police Chief Pearson, union representatives, and citizens spoke in support of the April 7 ballot measure. Key points: - The tax is a continuation of the existing Prop B sales tax with no increase; it awaits the sunset of Prop B once pension is 120% funded (expected late 2025 or early 2026). - Funds would hire 9 additional police officers, 6 additional firefighters, improve pay competitiveness, and address facility/equipment needs. - Fire Department: 9,980 calls in 2025 (highest ever), 4-7% annual increase, 8 vacancies, 30,500 hours of overtime. Need to replace a station built in 1980 and a ladder truck costing $2.4 million. - Police Department: 79,950 calls for service in 2025, 11 vacancies, 29 officers short (including recruits and light duty). Struggling with retention due to higher pay elsewhere. Proposal includes a new 6th police beat to reduce response times. - Union president Mark Cox (IAFF) and Dottie Murphy (mother of a police officer) emphasized retention, work-life balance, and shared community responsibility. CB (business owner) thanked council for getting the measure on the ballot. - Utility Bills and Electricity Study: Dr. Farnum raised concerns about rising utility bills and proposed exploring city-owned electricity production (e.g., nuclear) through public-private partnerships, using federal loans, so citizens don't pay directly. He noted a previous motion to table a feasibility study until September. Mr. Coppel clarified the study was tabled, not dropped, and emphasized the need for a post-snow removal debriefing including discussion of 20th Street sidewalk issues near the viaduct. - Joe Becker Protective Netting: Mayor noted netting condition and suggested extending it after patrons were hit last year. Key Outcomes - Proposition Police and Fire: Council took no vote; it is a ballot item on April 7, 2026. The presentation was informational. - Referendum Petitions: The Clerk certified that petitions to repeal annexation (Ordinance 2026-041) and rezoning (Ordinance 2026-042) were insufficient. The annexation petition had 2,832 signatures (2,200 short); the rezoning petition had 2,348 signatures (2,684 short). No further action required. - Ordinances Passed (8-0, one absent): - Council Bill 2026-120 (emergency): Authorized design/bidding services for restroom expansion at Joplin Regional Airport (1,126 sq ft) with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly at $234,651.40. FAA grant likely covers 95.5% federal share. Approved on emergency basis. - Council Bill 2026-112 (first reading): Authorized agreement with KCI Construction for Newman Bridge deck repairs ($122,290) to fix potholes; traffic will be maintained with one lane in each direction. Construction estimated 72 days. - Council Bill 2026-115 (first reading): Authorized engineering services (Al Garr Martin) for a third final clarifier at Shoal Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant ($430,000 not-to-exceed; 10% of total project cost). - Council Bill 2026-116 (first reading): Authorized engineering services for electrical upgrades at wastewater treatment plants and 16 lift stations ($98,000 not-to-exceed). - Council Bill 2026-117 (first reading): Authorized engineering services for lime silo and digester roof rehabilitation at Turkey Creek and Shoal Creek plants ($88,000 not-to-exceed). - Council Bill 2026-508 (first reading): Approved banking services agreement with Commerce Bank for four years with a one-year option to extend; interest rate based on IORB minus 1.45% (currently 2.2%). - Council Bill 2026-606 (first reading): Approved insurance premiums for property, casualty, and liability coverage totaling $1,700,301 for 2026, a 7.3% increase over budget. Self-insured retainage: $200,000 liability, $500,000 workers' comp (fire/police $750,000). - Closed Session: Council voted 8-0 to enter closed session for legal matters (litigation and attorney-client privilege). - Next Steps: The snow removal debriefing is scheduled for the following week. The feasibility study for electricity production is tabled until September 2026.

The Joplin City Council held an informal session on Monday, March 16, 2026, at which three agenda items were presented: a financial update, a finance department update, and a downtown Joplin Alliance update. No formal votes or decisions were taken during the informal session. Financial Update - Mrs. Haas presented March financials. Sales tax revenue was up 3% compared to March of the previous year and up 3% for the fiscal year (representing January sales). Use tax was down 9% compared to March last year but up 11% for the year. Marijuana tax revenue was up almost 45% compared to the same month last year due to timing issues, and up 13.65% for the year. General fund through February 28th (four months into the fiscal year, or 33%) showed operating revenue coming in over budget, operating expenditures under budget, and a net operating gain better than anticipated. One-time revenue and expenditures were both under budget. Total net gain was better than budgeted, but $4 million in outstanding encumbrances remain. The budget is balanced with one-time revenue. Finance Department Update - Mrs. Haas provided an overview of the finance department's duties per Article 4 of the city charter, including maintaining accounting systems on a fund basis in conformity with GAAP and the adopted budget, furnishing monthly financial reports, monitoring internal controls, managing active and idle funds, coordinating financial functions, and providing administrative support. The department spends April 1st to October 31st working on budget and November 1st to April 30th working on audit. Key functions include payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, business licenses, fixed assets, utility billing and collecting, centralized cash receipts, grants, general ledger, budget, and audit. - Key statistics: business licenses on track, cash receipts up slightly, utility bills up, accounts receivable increased significantly due to street utility cuts and neighborhood improvement officers, purchase orders steady, AP checks slightly up. Staffing: one person handles business licenses and cash receipts; two handle utility billing; one handles payroll; one handles AR and purchasing; one handles AP checks. One accountant position is vacant and recently opened. - Key initiatives: selling surplus property (mostly complete), county lot transfer program (some back-and-forth with county), transition to online business license (website configuration underway, training of departments on inspection sign-off anticipated this summer, renewal notices redesigned; next year's renewals due April 15, 2027, expected to be online), grant implementation, financial policies, time attendance system training (public works trained by end of March, parks and library in April), Popular Annual Financial Report complete but not submitted for GFOA certificate this year (hoping to submit 2025 report in April 2026 for first-time award), assisting with half-cent sales tax renewal initiative, implementation of Prospect Village, developing RFP for external independent fee review for FY27, state audit follow-up, opioid settlement, banking service bid to be presented later that evening, closeout of 1717 Marketplace (TIF Commission meeting set for April 30th, first reading on May 18th), EV charging stations set up in system with communications pending, transition from ACOM to DMS system (W-2s, business licenses, and 1099s already switched). - Recent accomplishments: new budget process, user fee study, PAFR, five-year health insurance bid, GASBY 101 implementation (sick leave recognition), state audit completion, union contract assistance, general fund financials, tier two loggers transition, vehicle replacement schedule. - Council questions: Mr. Kopel asked about the possibility of switching business license renewals to a 12-month rolling cycle to spread workload. Mrs. Haas noted new businesses are handled as they come, and renewals are due April 14th; she agreed to discuss with staff. Mr. Lawson and Mr. Shaw expressed appreciation for Mrs. Haas's long service. Downtown Joplin Alliance Update - A representative (likely Mrs. Hahn) presented updates. The Evening of Excellence in February featured a speaker on the economic impact of historic preservation, recognition of volunteers Sid Melton and Angela Hudson, and downtown champions Jennifer and Ryan Longnecker (completion of Holcroft Stolts Building), Club 609 (35 years in business), Eric Hahn (public art contributions), Friends Memorial Hall (historic preservation efforts), and Hackett Hot Wings ($10,000 National Main Street grant). - Recent events: Empire Market Chili Cook Off in January and Paris Week in February; First Friday Wine Chair at Royal Cinema in February (networking event rotated among downtown locations). Clean Team started March–October, meeting first and third Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Joplin Avenue Coffee. A volunteer expo was hosted. - Staff continuing education: Missouri Farmers Market Conference in Kansas City, visit to Lee's Summit new Green Street market building, risk management and crisis communication training, and human resources education. - Upcoming: Route 66 centennial conferences (national and state) nearby with special city official rates. Advocacy in Jefferson City for a bill that would allow tax credits for upper floor redevelopment, applicable to large downtown buildings like the YMCA and Olivia. Working with city on downtown master plan RFP (near completion). Four accreditation signages installed at edges of downtown. - Third Thursday season kicks off March 18 with "Go Green" (19th season, sponsor Recycled Joplin.com), about 100 vendors and live music. In May (Historic Preservation Month): release of a reprint of a 1990s historic building coloring book with art by Lee Humphrey; LOFS tour on May 2nd (Saturday) with about eight stops including an open house at the Carnegie Library; Tip Top Toast rooftop event (tickets available online). Historic survey presentation on May 12th for area between Joplin Avenue and Murphysburg Historic District (potential national register designation to open tax credits). Co-hosting a preservation symposium with the city and state preservation office on May 14th at Missouri Southern. Electric box beautification project with city, SPIVA, and Joplin Arts District (about two dozen boxes, artist submissions to be juried for vinyl wraps). - Memorial Hall: public meeting on April 9th at 5:30 p.m. at Joplin Public Library; founding board initial meeting in April to approve bylaws, fill at-large seats, set up banking, file IRS application; RFQ for architect and historic consultant for design work and historic tax credit application part two to go out later that week. - 2025 statistics: 16 new businesses opened downtown; approximately $7 million in private investment (including Messenger Tower, 524 South Virginia renovation, Holcroft Stoltz Building); 477 small businesses touched through Third Thursday vendors, Empire Market vendors, or workspace tenants; Empire Market had 37,000 visitors (up 20% from previous year), vendor sales up 34%, waiting list for vendors; 3,850 volunteer hours reported (value $134,000); over 900 residents living in downtown district. - No questions from council. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken during the informal session. The council will reconvene at 6 p.m. for the formal session.

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission convened on March 11, 2026, to consider five cases: a right-of-way vacation, a text amendment to reduce minimum lot sizes in R2 districts, annexation and rezoning of a proposed warehouse distribution facility, and a historic landmark designation. The meeting included public testimony, staff presentations, and commission votes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Discussion Items - Case 009-26 – Vacation of Right-of-Way: Applicant (City of Joplin and Freeman Health Systems) sought to vacate unused right-of-way to align property lines with existing street improvements. Staff identified a legal description error and recommended tabling. The commission heard no public testimony and voted to table the case. - Case 010-26 – Text Amendment (R2 Minimum Lot Size): Applicant Dustin Emelius (ProX Home Services) proposed reducing the minimum lot size for duplexes in R2 districts from 7,800 to 6,000 square feet, limited to infill contexts and multi-unit homes (outwardly appearing as single-family). Staff clarified the amendment would not apply to suburban-style duplexes and would require infill conditions. Public testimony: none. The commission voted 3 in favor, 4 opposed; the motion did not carry. - Case 011-26 – Voluntary Annexation (Project Eagle): Applicant Ambrose Property Group requested annexation of 25 acres south of General Mills on East 32nd Street into Joplin. The site is currently unincorporated Newton County. The presentation described a planned warehouse/distribution facility with about 100 jobs (12 full-time, rest part-time), traffic mitigation, and compliance with MoDOT standards. Public testimony: Morris Glaze spoke in favor noting existing infrastructure from the Crossroads Industrial Park; James Bycroft and Donna Plittle opposed, citing traffic impacts on residential areas (30 homes outside city limits) and safety concerns. The commission approved annexation (voice vote, motion carried). - Case 012-26 – Rezone from R1 to M2 Heavy Industrial: For the same property as Case 011-26, the applicant sought to rezone from single-family to heavy industrial to align with surrounding M2 zoning. No public testimony. The commission approved the rezoning (motion carried). - Case 013-26 – Rezone from R2 to R2 Historic Landmark: Applicant Angela Hudson requested local landmark designation for the former Lloyd Rough grocery store at 612 West E Street (North Heights neighborhood). Staff Thomas Walters presented research and public support. Public testimony: Angela Hudson and her mother spoke in favor, emphasizing preservation and community engagement. The commission voted 6-0-1 (Ms. Phillips abstained) to approve and forward to city council. Key Outcomes - Case 009-26: Tabled due to legal description error; no vote on merits. - Case 010-26: Motion to approve text amendment failed (3 in favor, 4 opposed). The commission noted it is a recommending body. - Case 011-26: Annexation approved (voice vote, motion carried). - Case 012-26: Rezoning to M2 approved (motion carried). - Case 013-26: Historic landmark designation approved (6 yes, 1 abstention). - All cases are scheduled for presentation to the City Council on April 6, 2026.

The Joplin City Council convened on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:03 PM. All nine council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Joplin Interfaith Coalition (which promoted its March 28 fundraiser), and a roll call. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was finalized with no issues raised. - Approved unanimously (9-0) after no public comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Beardon (Advocates for the Under Resourced): Requested a review of the camping ordinance, transparency for city-funded organizations (publishing agendas and minutes), and equal treatment of organizations serving the unsheltered. Noted that Vita Nova Village received favorable treatment while others were denied. Asked for a timeline, commitment to transparency, and clear public record process. Mayor Cortez acknowledged a scheduled meeting with her. - Marla LePage: Questioned the process that placed data centers in M2 zoning without public discussion. Asserted that Joplin lacks specific data center regulations, unlike other Missouri cities. Requested a moratorium on data center applications, an electric utility feasibility study (postponed to September), and a third-party environmental impact study. - Maurice Philson: Expressed an opinion about "invisible individuals of influence" and that the average citizen is without. - Chris Hammer (New Business): Argued that data centers are job killers and provide insufficient benefits. Criticized the council for mischaracterizing public opposition as solely water concerns. Discussion Items - Council Bill 2026-259 – Rezoning (1721 S. Joplin Ave): Staff recommended rezoning from M2 Heavy Industrial to C2 Central Business to reflect current uses. Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-2 in favor. No public testimony for or against. The council approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading. - Council Bill 2026-604 – MODOT DWI Grant: Chief Pearson presented a $242,540 grant for a full-time DWI unit and enforcement. Approved unanimously (9-0) on emergency basis. - Council Bills 2026-504 and 2026-505 – CID Cooperative Agreements (Prospect Village): These approved cooperative agreements for the Joplin Sports Facility CID and Woodsonia Marketplace CID, funding a 135,000 sq ft indoor sports complex, outdoor fields, park, retail, hotel, and multifamily housing. Funding through CID sales tax bonds. Both approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading. - Council Bills 2026-506 and 2026-507 – Land Sales: Two parcels (East Furnace Street and North Street) sold to Nathaniel Dagley at minimum bid prices ($2,210 and $2,895). Approved unanimously (9-0) on first reading. - Resolution 2026-005 – Recognition of Joyce Doty: Recognized Doty for 31 years of service as WIC coordinator at the Health Department. Adopted unanimously. - Food Truck Violations (Councilman Coppel): Raised concerns about food trucks parking illegally on city streets/rights-of-way, competing with brick-and-mortar businesses. Staff confirmed that food trucks must operate on private property with an existing business or at special events. Police will cite and require immediate compliance. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals: Consent agenda, rezoning, DWI grant, CID cooperative agreements, land sales, and retirement resolution all passed 9-0. - Directives: Staff to address food truck enforcement; Mayor Cortez to meet with Amanda Beardon for follow-up on homelessness policies. - Next steps: The sports complex and marketplace CIDs will proceed with bond issuance; data center regulation and feasibility study remain pending.

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on March 2, 2026, to fill seven vacancies on various boards and commissions and to receive an update from Fire Chief Azell on the Joplin Fire Department's 2025 operations and future initiatives. Board and Commission Appointments The council made appointments to fill vacancies on the Airport Board, Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee, Joplin Historical and Mineral Museum, Library Board, and Traffic Commission. All appointments are subject to ratification at the formal session. - Airport Board: Michelle Servanton was appointed unanimously (9-0). - Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (first seat): John Buck was appointed (7-2). - Capital Improvements Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (second seat): Bobby Sapp was appointed unanimously (9-0). - Joplin Historical and Mineral Museum: Diane Reed Adams was appointed over Chris Powell (6-3). - Library Board: Micah Gunderman was appointed unanimously (9-0). - Traffic Commission (first seat): Justin Maskis was appointed unanimously (9-0). - Traffic Commission (second seat): Cindy McDonnell was appointed unanimously (9-0). Fire Department Update Chief Azell presented a comprehensive update on the Joplin Fire Department’s performance, challenges, and initiatives. 2025 Operations: The department responded to 9,980 calls (approximately 68% medical), including 61 structure fires. Average response time was 4 minutes 27 seconds. The department achieved a 94% on-time arrival for first engine (goal 90%) and 88% for first alarm assignments (goal 90%). Mutual aid was provided to neighboring departments (43 times to Reading’s Mill, 41 to Webb City, 24 to Duenweg, 18 to Carl Junction). Concerns: Call volume is growing 4-7% annually. In 2025, the department logged 30,576 hours of overtime (equivalent to 3.5 shifts per day), and 244 times members were forced to stay beyond their shift. The department is currently eight positions down, with six recruits in the academy. Staffing shortages have forced suspension of business inspections and reduced public relations events. Chief Azell highlighted the need for a future Station 8 in the center of town, noting that eight structure fires occurred in District 8, where response times from surrounding stations are close. Key Initiatives: - Six firefighters are undergoing in-house EMT Advanced training, expected to be completed by summer. - Renovation of Fire Station 5 is ongoing, with firefighters performing demo work. - Two new engines ordered in 2024 are in pre-construction; delivery expected before end of 2026. - A citizens committee is studying alternative shift schedules to improve work-life balance, with a goal of presenting a proposal in six months. - Discussions with Freeman Health Systems about a community paramedicine program have begun, aiming to reduce repeat calls to frequent addresses. - The department maintained its ISO rating of 2, placing it in the top 2% of fire departments nationally. Chief Azell credited the dispatch center, Missouri American Water, and ongoing training for this achievement. Chief’s Closing Remarks: Chief Azell expressed gratitude for council support and highlighted the dedication of firefighters, especially those covering overtime and training. Key Outcomes - All board and commission appointments were approved by vote and will be ratified at the formal session. - The council received the fire department update with appreciation. Council members praised the department’s professionalism and leadership. No formal action was taken on the report. - Next steps include continued work on the scheduling committee, engine delivery, station renovation, and community paramedicine discussions.

The Joplin Board of Appeals met on February 27, 2026, at 3:15 PM to review progress on multiple dangerous building properties, conduct a formal dangerous building hearing for one property, and make decisions on continuations and demolition orders. The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes, and discussion of 19 agenda items, most of which were continued to the next meeting on March 27, 2026. One property at 1624 South Jackson Avenue was declared dangerous and ordered demolished after an administrative hearing. Consent Calendar - Minutes from January 2026 meeting: Approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mrs. Harrington). Discussion Items - 512 West 20th Street (Item 309/3090): Property owner reported framing inspection passed, plumbing and electrical rough-in completed, insulation scheduled. The item was released from the agenda due to satisfactory progress. - 1909 West 15th Street (Item 3104): Owner reported structural work completed, roof and sheathing installed, plumbing rough-in done, electrical not yet started. Permit expires in May; sheathing inspection scheduled for Monday. Continued to March 27 for progress report or demolition hearing. - 408 West Fourth Street (Item 3112): Owner's representative reported active permit but no inspections yet. Work is interior and rear; board requested more documentation and photos. Continued to March 27 for progress report or demolition hearing. - 1248 South Roosevelt (Item 3117): Owner had a family emergency; a representative stated a permit has been pulled and work has begun (excavation visible). Board requested a timeline at next meeting. Continued to March 27. - 530 East 7th Street (Item 3120): Representative discussed demolition permit process; owner instructed to begin application. Board requested firm direction by next meeting. Continued to March 27. - 714 East Hill (Item 3121): Owner appeared; full renovation permit pulled on February 20. Electrical contractor starting soon; work estimated to take 4–6 months. Board expressed concern about timeline but continued to March 27 for progress report. - 316 North Schifferdecker (Item 3128): Owner absent; inspector reported progress including electrical rough-in and flooring installation. Continued to March 27. - 1624 South Jackson (Item 3130): Initially tabled, then moved to a formal dangerous building hearing (see Key Outcomes). - 1112 South Jackson (Item 3131): Owner reported progress; dangerous building permit paperwork submitted and being processed. Continued to March 27. - 921 West Fifth Street (Item 3133): Attorney called in; owner working on demolition timeline. Board initially considered hearing but ultimately continued to March 27 after a phone update. - 2705 South Virginia (Item 3134): Owner reported windows being replaced (one mismeasured, to be fixed Monday), door still boarded. Roof and soffit need repair. Property listed for sale. Continued to March 27. - 2402 South Alabama (Item 3141): Owner stated property secured and listed for sale with Keller Williams as directed at previous meeting. Continued to March 27. - 1509 South Pitcher (Item 3139): Owner in California, still deciding between rebuild and demo; engineer and contractor consulted. Continued to March 27. - 723 South Roosevelt (Item 3142): New owner (Christopher Binkley) appeared and described plans: gutting interior, addressing structural issues, then electric and finish work. He intends to keep property for his children. Continued to March 27. - 1334 South Roosevelt (Item 3143): No contact with owner; title issues and misspelled names. Board requested further research before potential hearing. Continued to March 27. - 712 East Pool (Item 3144): Owner applied for permit; plan to tear off an unpermitted addition and start over. Continued to March 27. - 122 North Maple (Item 3145, new business): Property burned multiple times (Jan 7, Feb 9, and two weeks prior); possible sale pending. Continued to March 27. - 1610 South Missouri (Item 3146, new business): Property posted April 2024; siding removed, interior exposed, vacant, no owner response. Candidate for demolition. Continued to March 27. - 2029 South Byers (Item 3147, new business): Posted February 2024; no response, but secured. Small lot may affect rebuild options. Continued to March 27. Key Outcomes - 1624 South Jackson Avenue (Item 3130): After a formal dangerous building administrative hearing, the board voted unanimously (voice vote) to declare the property dangerous under Joplin Code Chapter 26, Article 9 and 10, Section 26-612, subsections 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 17, and ordered it demolished, including outbuildings. The hearing included testimony from city inspector Shelley Dolison, evidence of posting, title work, notifications, police call logs, neighbor complaints, and C-click fix reports. The owner (deceased) and the daughter’s attempts to secure a vacant dangerous building permit were unsuccessful due to persistent break-ins and vandalism. - All other properties (items 3104, 3112, 3117, 3120, 3121, 3128, 3131, 3133, 3134, 3141, 3139, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3145, 3146, 3147): Continued to the March 27, 2026 meeting for progress reports or demolition hearings. Item 3090 was released from the agenda. - Absences: Board members Mr. Windsor, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Wickman were excused by unanimous vote.

The Joplin City Council met on February 18, 2026, in a lengthy session that included a financial report, approval of two budget amendments, and extensive public comment and debate on two linked ordinances to annex approximately 540 acres at the southwest corner of Central City Road and West 20th Street and rezone the property to heavy industrial. The annexation was approved unanimously (9-0), and the rezoning passed on a 7-2 vote. The meeting also included a moment of acknowledgment for the death of Mr. James Warrior during severe weather and public testimony on homelessness and city transparency. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda as presented (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Bierman (Advocates for Unhoused Research): Raised five unresolved issues: lack of council acknowledgment of a community member's death; failure to review or eliminate “county orders” harming homeless individuals; a 3% vacancy rate versus a healthy 5-7% rate; lack of transparency from city-funded groups; and failure to upload public documents. She also noted that many volunteers helping the unhoused are not Joplin residents, and argued that restricting public comment to residents would harm those efforts. Mayor responded by offering to meet. - Dora Pearl Reeves (Fleeting Bridges Foundation): Called for compassionate leadership, acknowledging deaths tied to homelessness, filling the Homeless Coordinator role, and adopting evidence-based harm reduction. She urged the council to commit to immediate acknowledgment of deaths, stable oversight, and coordinated services. - A poetic speaker (name unclear): Criticized the council for perceived lack of transparency and integrity, referencing a council member's social media post and alleged cover-ups. - Mayor Cortez: Acknowledged the death of Mr. James Warrior during severe weather, calling it a tragedy and expressing condolences. Discussion Items - Financial Presentation: Finance Director Mrs. Hall reported February sales tax collections of just over $1.8 million (up 11% year-over-year), use tax up 17% year-to-date, and marijuana tax up 7%. General fund financials through January 31 showed operating revenue of $8.9 million (budget $9.2 million), operating expenditures of $8.7 million (budget $9.2 million), and outstanding encumbrances of $4.1 million. She noted that one-time revenue would be needed to balance the budget. - Council Bill 2026-502 (Emergency Budget Amendment): Amended the FY2025 budget to increase expenditures by $2,353,000 for park subsidy ($650,000), golf course subsidy ($75,000), COVID transfer ($163,400), airport subsidy ($500,000), community planning fund ($169,100), depreciation expense at airport ($360,000), and insurance/claims ($190,000). Passed 9-0. - Council Bill 2026-503 (First Reading Budget Amendment): Amended the FY2026 budget to increase revenue by $612,594 and expenditures by $726,780 for police patrol cars, COPS grant, vest carriers, AEDs, HVAC repairs, evidence equipment, hazardous waste grant, and fuel pump upgrades. Passed 9-0. - Council Bill 2026-256 (Annexation): Ordinance to voluntarily annex approximately 540 acres. Staff presented three exhibits: a 2009 annexation agreement requiring annexation by 2029, prior annexation ordinances, and the Wildwood Ranch Industrial Complex Master Plan. The council noted that the property is contiguous with the city and annexation would allow the city to enforce zoning and performance standards. - Council Bill 2026-257 (Rezoning to Heavy Industrial): Following annexation, the council considered rezoning the property. Many public speakers opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about a proposed data center (described as Bitcoin or AI), noise, water usage, electricity costs, tax abatements, impact on nearby seniors and schools, and lack of transparency. Some speakers questioned council integrity. Council members responded that they had done research, visited a data center in Pryor, OK, and argued that annexation gives the city control over noise, setbacks, and environmental standards. Councilman Dtarr asked about buffer zones and planned development options. The council discussed the possibility of a regulatory plan with performance standards. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 9-0. - Council Bill 2026-502 (Emergency Budget Amendment): Passed 9-0. - Council Bill 2026-503 (Budget Amendment, First Reading): Passed 9-0. - Council Bill 2026-256 (Annexation): Passed 9-0 after public testimony and council discussion. The council noted that without annexation, the project could proceed in the county with fewer protections. - Council Bill 2026-257 (Rezoning to Heavy Industrial): Passed on second reading and advanced to third reading by a vote of 7-2. Two council members opposed. - Mayor’s Acknowledgment: The council formally recognized the death of Mr. James Warrior during severe weather, expressing condolences and noting the tragedy.

The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Joplin City Hall. The meeting included a local landmark designation, a certificate of appropriateness, and updates on various projects. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The January 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Budget Update: Thomas Walters reported that the budget for the North Heights phase 2 consultant funding was corrected; a budget amendment will accompany the future ordinance for the second agreement. Public Comments & Testimony - Local Landmark Designation (612 West East Street): Angela Hudson, owner of the property, spoke in favor of the designation, stating she acquired the property in December 2025 and plans to use it as a community space for the North Heights neighborhood. No opposition was voiced. - Certificate of Appropriateness (520 South Main Street): No public speakers appeared for or against the application. Discussion Items - Local Landmark Designation – 612 West East Street (Lloyd Rough Grocery Store): Staff report by Thomas Walters. The nomination met criteria 1 (character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community). Staff noted that historically Joplin had one neighborhood grocer for every 350 persons, and this building is one of the few surviving examples. The commission discussed that local designation would allow non-residential use on the substandard R-1 lot. Resolution 202602 was approved unanimously. - Certificate of Appropriateness – 520 South Main Street (Track Lighting): Staff report indicated that the Historic Preservation Plan standards are silent on decorative lighting. The applicant proposed programmable track lighting on the front and rear facades. Staff recommended conditional approval with installation in mortar. The commission debated lumen limits and animation; they approved with conditions: installation in mortar only, no animation (static colors only, seasonal color changes allowed), and the lighting must have a dimmer switch. A lumen limit was deferred to future policy. The commission agreed to develop a written policy for decorative lighting. - Memorial Hall Update (Laurie): The City Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding. Friends of Memorial Hall are forming a new nonprofit, seeking board members and volunteers (grant writing, project management, event planning, marketing). RFQs for design and historic preservation consulting services will be issued soon. A public meeting is scheduled for April 9. Fundraising will begin after the nonprofit is formed. - North Heights Survey Phase 1 & 2 Update (Thomas): Phase 2 pre-application is due soon; SHIPO confirmed renewal for future phases. Phase 1 received bids with a wide range; the recommended consultant is David Taylor (who worked on the Murphy’sburg survey). Staff is conducting due diligence on past project completion issues. Commission expressed trust in staff to proceed. - Preservation Symposium (May 2026): The most recent agenda was provided. Expected attendance is 60–100 people. Registration opens in April. The symposium may count toward training credits. - Park Survey Update: Chair is developing a plan to survey Joplin parks, aiming to involve MSSU students and create a standardized inventory form. The goal is National Register eligibility (not local designation) to avoid additional review for park operations. - Carnegie Library: The owner celebrated one year of ownership; cleaning and stabilization are complete. The building will be on the Lost Tour on May 2 (limited spaces). Volunteers needed for the tour from 2:00–6:00 p.m. - Evening of Excellence: Scheduled for February 20 (Thursday), recognizing volunteers and downtown champions. Free tickets mostly sold out. - Conferences: National Main Street Conference in Tulsa, April 13–15; Missouri Main Street Conference in Springfield, July 29–30. Commission budgeted for Missouri Preservation conference (October). Key Outcomes - Resolution 202602 was approved unanimously, nominating 612 West East Street as a local landmark. - Certificate of Appropriateness for 520 South Main Street was approved conditionally: installation in mortar, no animation, and a dimmer switch required. - Staff to research and propose a policy on decorative lighting for future applications. - Staff to continue due diligence on consultant David Taylor for the North Heights survey. - Chair to finalize park survey plan by summer 2026.