Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - March 24, 2023
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Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - March 24, 2023
The Joplin Board of Appeals met on March 24, 2023, to review multiple properties cited as dangerous or in violation of city codes. The meeting included routine business, public comments, property owner updates, and four dangerous building hearings resulting in demolition orders. Notably, the board vacated a demolition order for 217 North Gray Avenue after an attorney argued improper notice, continuing the property for a progress report.
Consent Calendar
- Board members Brown and Tucker were excused from the meeting (motion carried).
- Minutes from the special meeting and previous meeting were approved (motion carried).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mark Callahan (106 South Moffett) expressed concerns about the boarding-up of properties at 117/121 South Byers, noting that OSB (oriented strand board) was used instead of exterior-grade plywood and that only the first floor was boarded. He warned that noncompliance could lead to further issues. The board acknowledged his comments and explained that a proper dangerous building permit would require correct materials.
- Gunnar Johansson, attorney for Donna Bray (217 North Gray Avenue), argued that the demolition order was entered without proper notice to his client. He presented evidence of a notice with a wrong meeting date and requested the board vacate the order, giving 180 days for repairs. He stated several organizations had been contacted for assistance. After debate, the board vacated the order and continued the property to April 28 for a progress report and possible demolition hearing. Several board members emphasized the need for tangible progress and financing documentation.
Discussion Items
- 301 South Winfield (Item 3002): Property owner Annabel Lopez reported permits obtained for roof, windows, and interior cleanup, with a container full of debris. She expects roof work in a few weeks. Continued to April 28 for progress report.
- 302 and 306 1/2 South Connor (Items 2986, 2987): Owner discussed progress on fire suppression system bids and exterior permits. Work on doors, windows, and siding to begin in two weeks. Exterior completion expected in 45 days. Continued to April 28.
- 832 South Pennsylvania (Item 3012): Owner Ron Bishop reported demolition had stalled; a larger excavator needed. Permit approaching expiration; extension requested. Continued to April 28.
- 129 South Patterson (Item 3003): Owner Kylan Smith reported roof completed, trash removed, electrician scheduled, windows and cabinets ordered. Estimated completion in 60–90 days. Continued to April 28.
- 630 South Porter (Item 3004): Owner reported 75% complete; final inspection likely next. Continued to April 28.
- 326 North Walnut (Item 3022): Owner Pamela Sims reported property owner (her father) passed away; cleanup crew scheduled for third week of April, followed by demolition. Continued to April 28.
- 117/121 South Byers (Items 3015, 3016): Owner Tyler Casey presented a construction schedule targeting November completion. He reported property secured, with a $1.12 million construction budget. Rents projected at $625–$700. Continued to April 28.
- 911 West B Street (Item 3011): Attorney James Thomas appeared for the lien holder. Property had an open door; permit in place but limited progress. Continued to April 28.
- 822 South Byers (Item 3014): Owner reported fire damage and difficulty finding a contractor. Considering rebuilding as a duplex or demolishing. He requested time to decide. Continued to April 28 to clarify foundation removal requirements.
- 3615 South Range Line Road (Item 2913): A demolition contractor from Kansas City had inquired, indicating potential action. Continued to April 28.
- 2408 Willard Avenue (Item 2947): Owner unresponsive; property nearly complete but lacking final touches. Board continued for further communication.
- 130 South Moffett (Item 2985): Owner reported theft of tools and materials; requested continuance. Permit not yet pulled. Continued to April 28.
- 801-805 West First Street (Item 2990): No update; owner not present. Continued to April 28.
- 1116 South Jackson (Item 310): Owner sold property; new buyers not yet contacted. Continued to April 28.
- 1309 South Jackson (Item 3020): Owner signed consent form; potential buyer may demolish. Continued to April 28.
- 2715 South Pennsylvania (Item 3023): Fire-damaged house; likely ready for hearing next month. Continued.
- 430 North Byers (Item 3024): Fire-damaged and vacant for years; continued to April 28 for possible hearing.
- 310 South Main (Item 3025): Owner contacted by email may address repairs; two demolition contractors interested. Continued to April 28.
- 2611, 2617, 2621 South Pearl (Items 3026-3028): Properties previously brought before board; potential purchase fell through. Continued to April 28.
Dangerous Building Hearings (4 properties)
- 1731 South Pennsylvania (Item 3013): City presented evidence of fire damage, making the structure a total loss. No interested parties appeared. Board declared it a dangerous building under Section 26-612(6) and ordered demolition including outbuildings. Motion carried.
- 1314 1/2 South Byers (Item 3021): City presented evidence of a fire-damaged garage apartment, total loss. No interested parties appeared. Board declared it a dangerous building under Section 26-612(6) and ordered demolition. Motion carried.
- 521 South Moffat (Item 3017): City presented evidence of dilapidation, deterioration, and code violations. Owner had previously discussed demolishing to build duplexes. Board declared it a dangerous building under Sections 26-612(4), (12), and (18) and ordered demolition including outbuildings. Motion carried.
- 523 South Moffat (Item 3018): City presented evidence of foundation failure, wall separation, decay, and nuisance conditions. Board declared it a dangerous building under Sections 26-612(3), (12), and (18) and ordered demolition including outbuildings. Motion carried.
Key Outcomes
- Demolition orders issued for four properties: 1731 South Pennsylvania, 1314 1/2 South Byers, 521 South Moffat, and 523 South Moffat.
- Demolition order vacated for 217 North Gray Avenue, with property continued to April 28 for progress report and possible future demolition hearing.
- All other properties (approximately 20) were continued to the April 28 meeting for progress reports and/or demolition hearings. The board emphasized the need for documented progress and financing, particularly for 217 North Gray.
Meeting Transcript
We'll go ahead and call this uh March meeting of the uh Board of Appeals to order. First order of business is roll call. Mr. Brown, Mr. Windsor? Here. Mr. Wagner? Here. Mr. Duncan here. Mr. Tucker. We had an email from uh Mr. Brown stating he couldn't come. Have we heard anything from Mr. Tucker? Have not he may still show up, but do we have a motion to excuse both members? So move. Second. Motion by Mr. Duncan, signaled by Mr. Wagner that uh Mr. Brown and Mr. Tucker be excused from the meeting. All those in favor say aye. Okay. Those opposed. Um we have two sets of minutes from our special meeting. We uh was just left on our desk. I don't know if anyone's had a chance to review that, but it's from the meeting a couple weeks ago. But uh then we also have the meeting meeting minutes from the previous meeting. Is there a uh motion to accept the both minutes? We'll make the motion to accept both. Second. Motion by Mr. Windsor, signaled by Mr. Wagner that the meeting uh meeting minutes be accepted. All those in favor say aye. Aye, those opposed. Motion carries. If you could come up to the podium, give us your name and address and the property you're here to speak on, and make sure you've signed up on uh in on our uh sign up sheet, please. Morning. Good morning. My name is Annabel Lopez, and I just wanted to let you know that the property it's already on our name on the 15 week close escrow, and we came to the city to request a permit. So right now we already have uh container getting all the stuff out because it was like a item property. 301 South Windfield. It's item 3002. Thank you. You can continue.
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