Public Meetings - Joplin, Missouri

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:15 AM to consider a rezoning request. The meeting included roll call, approval of previous minutes with a correction, a public hearing on case 008-26, and a vote on the rezoning. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the previous meeting's minutes with an amendment correcting a typo on the last name of a commissioner. All commissioners present voted in favor (voice vote, no opposition), and the minutes were approved as amended. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or in opposition to the rezoning case during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Case 008-26 – Rezone from M2 (Heavy Industrial) to C2 (Central Business): The property at 1721 South Joplin Avenue was the subject of a request to rezone from M2 Heavy Industrial to C2 Central Business. City staff (Tyler) presented the case, noting that the property sits in a block that has developed with mixed-use urban design characteristics, making C2 appropriate. Staff acknowledged a typo in mailed notices to property owners (incorrectly stated the rezoning was from C2 to M2) but determined the error did not affect the hearing since the change was to a less intensive district. The applicant, Ahmed Ibrahim (representing Ahmed Airbnb LLC, the seller), stated the rezoning would allow the buyer to convert an existing multi-tenant commercial building into a two-unit residential duplex. Commissioners questioned the applicant about parking availability and whether the units would be used as short-term rentals (Airbnb). The applicant clarified the units would be long-term rentals and that the company name included "Airbnb" but was not indicative of intended use. Commissioners expressed concerns about potential spot zoning, given the property is surrounded by M2-zoned parcels. Staff defended the recommendation based on the existing character of development, noting that surrounding M2 properties already house commercial uses and that C2 accommodates mixed-use and residential. The parking situation was discussed, with staff indicating that on-site parking (including potential garages) would be provided and that the lot includes room for vehicle maneuvering. The commission deliberated but ultimately proceeded to a vote. Key Outcomes - Vote on Case 008-26: A motion to approve the rezoning was made by Ms. Clue Michael and seconded by Mr. Spruce. The vote resulted in 4 in favor (Ms. Clue Michael, Dr. Rosenberg, Ms. Phillips, Mr. Spruce) and 2 opposed (Ms. Warren and Miss Harrington). The motion carried, and the rezoning was recommended to the City Council. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Clue Michael, seconded by Ms. Warren, and carried unanimously.

The Joplin City Council met on Monday, February 2, 2026, at City Hall for a regular meeting. Key agenda items included a financial update from the Finance Director, a final presentation on the AOPP transit study, a recycling education campaign launch, and a lengthy discussion on the Memorial Hall Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), including the composition of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) advisory board. The council also heard public comments on homelessness, a proposed data center, and street safety, and approved several resolutions and ordinances. Consent Calendar - Finalized consent agenda approved unanimously by eight votes, with one absent. Public Comments & Testimony - Amanda Beardon (Advocates for the Underresourced) criticized council decorum, stating that unsheltered residents are constituents and that the city has not done enough to prevent deaths from exposure. She called for housing-first solutions and thanked Police Chief Pearson for cooperation. A council member noted she is not a Joplin resident (lives in Carl Junction) and questioned her focus on Joplin issues. - Maurice Philson (824 Vermont Ave, Joplin) expressed frustration with street safety and reckless driving, urging the council to address traffic issues. - Cheyenne Zhang (Joplin resident) thanked the council for behind-the-scenes work but raised concerns about a proposed data center (ABITS from China). She cited minimal job creation (10 jobs in 36 months), 15-year tax abatement, water usage (2 million gallons/day), and minimal grid upgrades, urging a delay to allow better evaluation. - Chris Hammer criticized the data center project, stating it would bring only 10 non-guaranteed local jobs and outdated technology, and questioned the need for mass surveillance and treatment of homeless advocates. He also opposed the data center's 100% tax exemption. Discussion Items - Financial Update (Leslie Haas, Finance Director): January sales tax revenue was up 9.3% compared to the same month last year, but year-to-date is flat. Use tax up 2.8% for January; marijuana sales tax down 33% due to timing. First quarter (Nov-Jan) results showed mall/restaurants flat, discount stores slightly up, construction/home improvement down. General fund operating revenue is under budget by $575,000, but expenditures are under by $1 million. Net gain positive by $160,000. Presented the new Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the first time, designed to be more accessible. - AOPP Transit Study Final Presentation (Tony Edwards & David Johnson, TransPro): Presented a plan for a regional public transportation system. Key recommendations: form a nonprofit to own/operate the system and a Transportation Development District (TDD) funded by a half-cent sales tax. Proposed district expanded from prior version, including unincorporated Jasper/Newton counties and cities like Webb City (new trolley service). Service would increase from 3 to 8 fixed routes, 30-minute frequency (from 60 minutes), and add Saturday service. Estimated federal funding available up to $6 million. Future steps: create nonprofit, confirm partnership (Jasper County recommended), and potential election in 3–5 years. Council member Copple expressed strong opposition, citing the sales tax burden and labor issues. - Recycling Education and Outreach Campaign (Drew Douglas): Launched a marketing campaign for recycling Joplin, with ads on billboards, TV, radio, and social media. Tagline “Recycle. It’s How We Roll.” Campaign will run throughout the year, targeting adults 25–54 with children. - CVB Review of Memorial Hall Proposal (Patrick Tuttle, CVB Director; Josh Shackles, CVB Board Chair): Opposed the MOU’s requirement to restructure the CVB board (from 11 members to a majority hotelier). Advocated for a 9-member board (as proposed in 2019) with 4 hoteliers. Stated that the board split 4-4 on several restructuring options. Council discussed the issue at length, with some members supporting a 57% hotelier majority. Councilmember Lawson supported the Memorial Hall project, noting that hoteliers haven’t proposed alternative uses for increased lodging tax. - Rezoning for Specialty Foods Truck Parking (Council Bill 2026-258): Approved rezoning of property at Industrial Park Road and Kennedy Lane from R1/C3 to M2 Planned Development for off-site truck parking. Applicant confirmed all truck traffic will use Industrial Road, not Kennedy Lane. Approved on first reading. - Other Ordinances: - 2026-108: Purchase of land for Grand Falls visitor parking area ($ not specified, but included in budget). Approved on first reading. - 2026-109: Rehabilitation of Turkey Creek UV disinfection system ($136,164.92). Approved. - 2026-110: 7th Street sewer relocation project ($2,738,795.92). Approved. - 2026-111: On-call infrastructure and utility cuts contract awarded to ATS Contractors (not lowest bidder Goings) due to performance issues with Goings. Approved after bid protest discussion. - 2026-254/255: Final plats of Cottages at Emerald Glades (Phase 1: 42 lots, Phase 2: 40 lots). Approved. - 2026-603: Purchase of full-body scanner for jail ($181,500). Approved. - Memorial Hall MOU (Council Bill 2025-017 – Second and Third Reading): After debate, the council amended the MOU to change the CVB board composition to 57% hoteliers (instead of simple majority). Approved 7-1 on third reading. - New Business: Councilmember Jackson requested a review of citizen comment rules, expressing concern about non-Joplin residents speaking. City attorney will research possible changes. Other members noted value of public input. Key Outcomes - The council approved the rezoning (2026-258) and all first-reading ordinances as listed. - The Memorial Hall MOU (2025-017) was approved on third reading with an amendment to set CVB board composition at 57% hoteliers (7 yes, 1 no, 1 absent). - Resolution 2026-002 (Police/Fire Sales Tax Citizens Committee) was approved with an additional member (Chris Stockton). - Resolution 2026-003 (naming Grand Falls trailhead after Dr. Mark Matlock) approved. - Resolution 2026-004 (free transit rides on February 6, 2026, and annually for five years) approved. - The council will explore options to revise public comment policies at a future work session. Note: The meeting date is February 2, 2026. The President’s Day meeting will be moved to February 17 at Corley Auditorium.

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, featuring updates from the Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) and the Planning, Development, and Neighborhood Services Department. The meeting concluded at 5:48 p.m., with the regular session to begin at 6 p.m. Convention & Visitor Bureau Update - CVB Director Mr. Tuttle reported the bureau is fully funded by lodging tax, with a four-person staff. Joplin has 22 lodging properties and 1,907 hotel rooms, representing about 686,000 room nights annually. - A digital advertising campaign on Expedia.com (April–September) tracked approximately 667 hotel room nights, $103,000 in gross sales, and a 4.3-to-1 return on investment; $53,000 of sales were attributed to three devices. - In 2025, the city hosted 39 bus tours and supported four conferences; 42 bus tours are already booked for 2026. The visitor center guest book recorded 3,695 entries, including 1,319 U.S. visitors from 47 states and 2,269 international visitors from 46 countries. - Smith Travel data showed 416,000 room nights sold, 61% occupancy, and $47,047,618 in revenue, yielding $1.6 million in lodging tax. - CVB worked with the Missouri Film Commission on the Netflix "Twister" feature and the 2026 Harley Davidson motorcycle videos shot in Joplin. - Upcoming 2026 events include the final street painting festival in June (14 international, 6 domestic artists), a May rodeo, a two-day Renaissance Festival, and September hot air ballooning. The Schiffendecker and Zelikan homes open in late March with hologram displays. The Vella Solutions UCI Pump Track qualifying event will be held August 15–16 at Momentum Bike Park, one of four U.S. sites. - During Q&A, Mr. Tuttle discussed possible old-school baseball tournaments and FIFA World Cup room demand. Council member Patrick relayed constituent requests to bring back "Boomtown Days" and asked staff to research it. Planning, Development & Neighborhood Services Update - Director Troy Bolander and staff member Joanne presented the department's update. The department has 27 positions, nearly all filled; one staff member is on military leave, and a temporary replacement may be needed. - Priority initiatives include a revised sign code for beautification, a vacant and dangerous building ordinance (anticipated for summer adoption), and an annexation plan. - 2025 statistics: commercial and residential plan reviews increased; permit valuation declined due to fewer large projects, with Eagle Pitcher the largest at $10–15 million. - Infrastructure highlights: East Town stormwater and sanitary sewer completed; sidewalk work underway; North Heights sidewalk replacement using CDBG-DR funds in an LMI area (Census Tract 110); citywide broadband sign-ups starting by end of February. - Housing programs: JHAP 3 applications due February 13, assisting 25–35 additional homebuyers; rehab program completed 77 homes and expended $1.3 million, with full expenditure expected by end of July; ARPA demolition wrapped up after roughly 54–55 homes demolished (Bolander), though Joanne's count was garbled; housing revitalization program has seven homes under construction; Home ARP consortium plans 10 units at New Hampshire and 20th Street; North Heights historic survey is in its first phase with seven consultant responses. - Mr. Copeland suggested partnering with recycling staff for the tool lending library, and staff agreed to explore the idea. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were adopted; the session was informational. - Council directed staff to research the feasibility of reviving "Boomtown Days." - Staff will explore a partnership between the tool lending library and recycling department. - The regular City Council session is scheduled for 6 p.m. following the informal meeting.

The Joplin City Council held a marathon meeting on January 20, 2026, to consider two highly controversial items: the voluntary annexation of approximately 540 acres southwest of Central City Road and West 20th Street, and the subsequent rezoning of that land to M2 Heavy Industrial to allow a potential data center. The meeting drew unprecedented public attendance, forcing the council to relocate non‑related business and conduct the hearing under fire marshal capacity limits. Over 100 speakers addressed the council, with the majority opposing the project but a significant number supporting annexation as a means of local control. The council voted 6‑3 to approve the annexation. The vote on the rezoning was taken but the outcome is not recorded in the transcript. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions (e.g., approval of prior minutes, consent agenda items) were handled later in the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Annexation (Council Bill 2026‑256): Speakers were divided. Supporters included the landowner (Jimmer Pinjuv), Liberty Utilities President Tim Wilson, Missouri American Water Director Matt Barnhart, and several economic development advocates. They argued annexation would allow the city to regulate the site, require environmental studies, and protect residents from unregulated county development. Opponents, including many residents, environmentalists, and local business owners, cited concerns about water depletion, rising utility costs, noise, light pollution, and the speculative nature of the AI industry. Many expressed distrust of the process and requested a moratorium. - Rezoning (Council Bill 2026‑257): Testimony largely mirrored the annexation hearing. Opponents urged the council to reject M2 zoning, proposing instead M1 light industrial or delaying the vote until independent environmental impact studies were completed. The landowner emphasized that a data center would be the least intrusive heavy industrial use and that all needed studies were already underway. - Other Citizens: Late‑night speakers addressed the Flock camera system, homelessness, and public safety sales tax renewal. Discussion Items - Annexation Debate: Council members discussed whether annexation alone could provide meaningful oversight. City staff and the city attorney clarified that without rezoning, the property would remain R1 residential, but that the owner could withdraw the annexation petition if denied. Several council members argued that voting no on annexation would leave the site under county jurisdiction with no land‑use controls. - Rezoning Discussion: Staff presented 14 required studies for any heavy‑industrial development, including noise, traffic, water, and environmental impact assessments. Council members questioned whether a planned development (PD) overlay could provide additional buffering. The landowner indicated that the data center developer had already paid $2 million to begin site studies. - Public Safety Sales Tax: The council unanimously approved placing a half‑cent public safety sales tax on the April 7 ballot to replace the expiring Prop B, dedicating funds to police, fire, and dispatch. - Charter Amendments: Two charter amendments were passed, reducing petition signature requirements for candidates (from 150 to 50 for at‑large, 75 to 25 for zone seats) and renaming “emergency” to “expedited” in legislative proceedings. - Other Items: The meeting also covered a trolley shelter replacement project, airport grants, tornado siren replacements, and a ground lease for the 2026 World Street Painting Festival. Key Outcomes - Annexation Approved: Council Bill 2026‑256 passed on first reading with a vote of 6‑3 (Mayor Cortez and council members Bard, Carlin, Coppel, Ditar, Jackson in favor; Farnum, Lawson, Shaw opposed). The property will be annexed into the city limits. - Rezoning Vote Taken: A motion to pass Council Bill 2026‑257 (M2 zoning) on first reading was made and seconded, and the council voted. The transcript does not record the final tally; however, the meeting moved directly to unfinished business, suggesting the motion carried. - Public Safety Sales Tax Placed on Ballot: Unanimous approval of Council Bill 2026‑003 to call an April 7, 2026 election for a half‑cent sales tax dedicated to public safety. - Charter Amendments Passed: Both amendments (reducing petition signatures and renaming emergency proceedings) were passed with council votes of 5‑4 and 7‑2 respectively. - Airport Perimeter Road Design Approved: Emergency passage of a $154,167 design contract for the North Perimeter Road at Joplin Regional Airport (funded 95% by FAA). - Trolley Shelter Contract Approved: $80,200 contract for 24 metal trolley shelters awarded to Sprouse Construction. - Other Approvals: Air service marketing grant, passenger facility charge consultant, surplus property sale, hazardous materials equipment grant, and Route 66 Centennial festival ground lease were all approved unanimously. The meeting lasted over six hours, with testimony from more than 100 citizens.

The Joplin City Council held a special meeting at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in the fifth floor council chambers at 602 South Main Street. The sole purpose was to consider entering closed session to discuss legal matters pursuant to RSMo 610.021(1). The roll call indicated all nine council members were present, but the subsequent vote tally showed seven in favor and two absent, a discrepancy noted in the transcript. Closed Session - Councilmember Detar moved to go into closed session; the motion was seconded. - The vote recorded seven in favor and two absent, despite the roll call listing all nine members as present. - The closed session pertained to legal action, causes of action, or litigation, including confidential attorney-client communications under state law. Key Outcomes - Motion to enter closed session carried (7 in favor, 2 absent). Council then adjourned to closed session.

On January 16, 2026, at 5:15 PM, the Joplin Board of Zoning Adjustments convened for a regular meeting. The board approved a variance for a five-story hotel, discussed an upcoming chair election, and handled routine administrative items. Seven members were present; two were excused. Consent Calendar - Excused Mr. Cook and Mr. Briley from attendance (motion and second, unanimous aye). - Approved the minutes from the April 18, 2024 meeting (motion by Mr. Pinjuve, second by Miss Wells, unanimous aye). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was offered in favor or opposition for any agenda item. Discussion Items - Case 01-26-01: Variance at 3010 South Rangeline Road – A request by Joplin Hospitality Partners LLC for a waiver of 19.125 feet from the required 45-foot maximum building height to construct a 100-room, five-story Hampton Inn by Hilton. The applicant’s representative (Owen Engineering) stated that the site is landlocked and that the hotel will not affect frontage on Rangeline or 32nd Street, will increase foot traffic to nearby businesses, and that five stories is the Hilton brand standard. The board had no questions. No opposition was expressed. Key Outcomes - Variance Approved – Motion by Mr. Pinjuve, seconded by Mr. Lane; all members present voted aye. Case 01-26-01 passed without opposition. - Chair Election Scheduled – The board will elect a new chairman at the next regular meeting, as current Vice Chair Mr. Briley (absent) triggers a leadership transition. - Adjournment – Motion by Miss Wells, seconded by Miss Maxfield, unanimous aye.

The Joplin City Council held a work session on January 12, 2026, covering four main topics: a right-of-way program update, an electric feasibility study discussion, a charter review discussion, and a sales tax renewal discussion for public safety. The meeting began with a birthday celebration for the city clerk. Discussion Items - Right-of-Way Program Update: Dan Johnson presented on the right-of-way team, permitting, and challenges with increased utility work. Permits have risen from 250–300 annually to 936 in 2025. The city has held utility summits and plans penalties for noncompliance. A new utility cut repair contract is being bid. Council members raised concerns about delays, quality of temporary patches, and coordination of road closures. Staff committed to enforcing standards and exploring block-by-block completion. - Electric Feasibility Study: Discussion centered on a proposed $150,000 study to explore municipal power generation. Some council members supported moving forward soon, citing citizen petitions (1,620 signatures) and future energy needs; others cited staff workload from ARPA grants and public safety staffing. The city manager noted the RFP had been advertised with a February 6 deadline. Council voted to postpone the RFP opening to September 2026. - Charter Review Discussion: Council debated three recommendations from the Charter Review Commission: increasing council pay from $5 to $25 per meeting, reducing signature requirements for petitions from 150 to 50, and changing "emergency" to "expedited" in ordinance language. A full charter review was also discussed. Council voted individually on each item. - Sales Tax Renewal (Prop B): Representatives from the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) and IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) urged placing the renewal on the April 2026 ballot, citing critical staffing shortages, overtime, and retention challenges. Police are down to 86–87 officers; firefighters worked 30,000 hours overtime in 2025. Council discussed timing, education efforts, and coordination with the school district. A move to proceed with the April ballot passed 8–1. Key Outcomes - Right-of-Way Program: Staff will continue enforcement, hold a February utility summit, and bring a new repair contract to council in early February. - Electric Feasibility Study: Motion to postpone the RFP opening to September 2026 passed (8–0? exact count not given from transcript, but summary indicates 8 in favor, 1 opposed? Let's clarify: The motion was to push back to September. The vote was not specified but the motion carried. I'll note the vote as 8 in favor, 1 opposed based on earlier voice vote for delay? Actually the mayor said "Eight in favor, one opposed" on the earlier motion to push back to September. So yes, 8-1.) - Charter Review: - Council pay increase: Failed (3 in favor, 6 against). - Reduce petition signatures: Passed (5 in favor, 4 against). - Change "emergency" to "expedited": Passed (7 in favor, 2 against). - Sales Tax Renewal: Motion to place the Prop B renewal on the April 2026 ballot passed (8 in favor, 1 against). Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Bowen (FOP Vice President) and Mark Cox (IAFF President) presented on behalf of police and fire, respectively, urging swift action on the sales tax renewal due to staffing and burnout issues.

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission held a public hearing on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The commission considered two major land-use cases involving a proposed data center development, a rezoning for a truck parking facility, and final plats for a residential subdivision. All votes were recommendations to the Joplin City Council. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 003-26 (Annexation): Morris Glaze (3321 Delaware, Joplin) spoke in favor, citing the developer’s long history in the community. Tammy Britton (1386 Augusta Lane) asked questions about water and power infrastructure but deferred to the rezoning case. A resident at 5128 West 20th Street expressed opposition, questioning police patrol capabilities; staff responded that the Joplin Police Department had reviewed the annexation and did not raise concerns. - Case 004-26 (Rezoning to M2): Morris Glaze again spoke in favor. Tammy Britton raised concerns about utility costs being passed to consumers, water consumption, noise, and light pollution. A resident at 5128 West 20th Street argued that data centers increase electricity costs and reduce property values. Susan Cook (557 West 20th Street) asked about traffic patterns, environmental impact on wildlife (quail, owls), water runoff, property values, and light/noise pollution. Jennifer Jones (2006 East 34th Place) requested proof that infrastructure costs would be borne by the end user and asked about the specific company and pollution from backup generators. - Case 005-26 (Rezoning to M2 PD): Morris Glaze spoke in favor, noting the applicant’s growth. Dan Harrison (2629 Myrtle Street, Webb City) opposed, expressing concerns that M2 zoning could allow future industrial uses beyond truck parking, drainage problems, truck traffic on narrow residential streets, and increased light and noise. - Cases 001-26 & 002-26 (Final Plats): No public comments. Discussion Items - Case 003-26 – Annexation (540 acres, SW of Central City Rd & W 20th St): Applicant Jimmer (Wildwood Ranch) stated the property is under contract for a potential data center (estimated $5–7 billion, 4-year build-out). Staff noted the annexation agreement from 2009 requires annexation by 2029. The property would be annexed as R1. A commissioner asked about a reported data center and the contingency on annexation; the applicant explained that large-scale projects require certainty. The annexation passed 1–6 (one nay). - Case 004-26 – Rezone to M2 (same property): The applicant described a high-tech data center that would be a massive power and water user, with all off-site improvements paid by the end user. He cited Missouri Senate Bill 4 to argue that utility costs cannot be passed to ratepayers. Jobs would be about 200 with average wages near $100,000. The property would have 250‑foot setbacks and extensive buffers. Staff clarified that the commission’s role is to decide if M2 is appropriate for the area, not to approve the specific use. The rezoning passed 1–6 (one nay). - Case 005-26 – Rezone to M2 PD (NW corner of Industrial Park Rd & E Kennedy Ln): Applicant Wayne Stevenson (GB Engineering) proposed a parking facility for tractor trailers for Specialty Foods, with truck access limited to Industrial Road. Stormwater management would be on‑site, and large trees would be preserved. Staff noted that a site‑plan review would be required before development. The rezoning passed unanimously. - Cases 001-26 & 002-26 – Final Plats (Cottages at Emerald Glades, Plats 1 & 2): Presenter Lillian Bryant stated that Phase 1 includes 42 lots and Phase 2 includes 40 lots (82 total). Development will connect to the existing Emerald Glades subdivision. Both plats passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Case 003-26: Motion to approve annexation carried (one opposed). Recommendation will go to City Council on January 20, 2026. - Case 004-26: Motion to approve rezone from R1 to M2 carried (one opposed). Recommendation will go to City Council on January 20, 2026. - Case 005-26: Motion to approve rezone from C3/R1 to M2 PD carried (no opposition). Recommendation will go to City Council on February 2, 2026. - Cases 001-26 and 002-26: Both final plats approved unanimously. No specific city council date mentioned. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Joplin City Council held its regular meeting on January 5, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including a presentation on the solid waste procurement process, the Chamber of Commerce quarterly update, the Charter Review Commission final report, multiple public hearings on zoning changes, and a series of ordinance approvals. The meeting also featured public comments on homelessness, food sharing, and the city's enforcement of camping ordinances, as well as a discussion on placing Proposition B (property sales tax renewal) on the ballot. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals of minutes and other items were approved as finalized (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - On Charter Review: - Dr. Diane Reed Adams requested that the charter be reviewed in full, not limited to a few issues, and that gendered language be updated (e.g., he/she, council member). - Tom Robertson urged the council to postpone putting the charter recommendations on the ballot until a full review is completed, citing concerns about the limited scope and the need for more time to address issues like the four-year residency requirement for council candidates. - On Homelessness and Food Sharing (Hopeful Bites): - Teresa McCoy expressed support for Hopeful Bites, stating that the city should not interfere with citizens feeding the homeless and that citations appear to be about embarrassment rather than public safety. - Andrew Leeds raised constitutional concerns about vague enforcement of camping ordinances, destruction of property, and unequal treatment of the homeless. He made a formal Sunshine Law request for records on enforcement. - Sabrina Cole argued that the camping ordinances are not about camping but about criminalizing homelessness, and that the city is targeting vulnerable people. - William Lee cited scripture and argued that the city is weaponizing laws against the homeless and those who help them, calling for policies that actually address homelessness. - Chris Stockton countered that enforcing health and safety codes is moral and responsible, and that organized food sharing events are political demonstrations that use vulnerable people as props. Discussion Items - Solid Waste Procurement Process Presentation: - Consultant Julie (Burns & McDonald) presented options for the new solid waste contract, which expires June 30, 2026. Key decisions for council feedback included: universal vs. opt-in recycling, number of trash carts in base service (one or two), bulky item set-out frequency, and separate yard waste collection. Staff recommended seeing pricing for both options on each item. The contract will be for 5-7 years with possible renewals up to 10 years. Current recycling participation is 10%; universal recycling typically increases participation to 77%. The city has a $2 million EPA grant for recycling education. - Council members expressed support for universal recycling (Ms. Carlin, Mr. Ditar) and emphasized the importance of evaluating bidder track record, not just price (Mr. Koppel). Mayor Cortez asked about potential cost increases; the consultant noted that costs are likely to rise due to inflation. - Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update (Betsy Mince & Amy Kaufman): - Joplin's population is 53,090 (3.5% increase since 2020). Labor force participation rate is 61%, unemployment 4.6%, average earnings per job $60,001. Top industries: manufacturing, healthcare, retail. The Choose Joplin website and livability content reached 53,000 people in Q1. MoCAN reported active business development projects: Project Impact (85 jobs, food manufacturer), Project Porch Light ($750M investment, 1,400 jobs, three facilities), and Project Valkyrie (medical drone manufacturing). Member visits and site selector missions were highlighted. - Charter Review Commission Final Report (Chuck Brown): - The commission recommended three changes to go to voters: (1) increase council pay from $5 to $25 per meeting, (2) reduce nominating petition signatures from 150 to 50 (25 from zone for zone seats), and (3) rename