Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - October 27, 2023

The Joplin Building Board of Appeals met on October 27, 2023, to review progress on multiple properties under demolition orders, conduct dangerous building hearings, and vote on continuances and demolition orders. The meeting included roll call, approval of prior minutes, and discussion of 15+ properties, with several continuances granted and three dangerous building declarations made.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the September board meeting were approved by a voice vote (motion by Mr. Windsor, second by Minister Wicklin).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeremy Brown (representing property owner) discussed 3020, 3026, 3028 (addresses around 2611–2621 South Pearl). He stated that engineering plans (drainage, alley, landscaping, trash enclosure, R3/R1 buffer) were nearly complete and would be submitted the following week. He also noted that the owner planned to sell to Mr. Papin once a building permit is issued. The board expressed frustration over repeated delays and lack of on-site progress. Mr. Brown acknowledged the delays and requested a 30-day extension to December 8.
• Elizabeth (representing Isidro Ruiz) appeared for 217 South Pearl (item 3056). She stated the property needed roof repairs, porch reconstruction, cleaning, window replacement, and licensed contractor work for electrical and HVAC. She estimated 30–45 days for outside work and planned to have a permit by the following Friday.
• Patrick Stone (owner of 1116 South Jackson, item 3010) reported that his final rough-in inspection was cleared, floors were done, and drywall was next. He noted that his AC unit was stolen and requested help with trespassing. He estimated completion in four months.
• Emmanuel Lopez (representing 301 South Windfield, item 302) asked about footing requirements for an addition. Jeff Oliver clarified that the footing must be 30 inches deep on solid ground (no gravel). The owner also mentioned lead-contaminated soil and coordination with the health department.
• Sean Grindle (representing 801 West First Street, item 2990) reported that the roof was complete, stonework repaired, and trees trimmed. He was awaiting bids for phase two and bridge loan funding. He could not guarantee progress by December 8 and requested a longer extension.
• Levi Bad (Bad Blue Shutter Investments, for 302/306 South Connor, items 2986, 2987) stated that 306 had foundation, roof, and windows complete; plumbing and electrical rough-ins were starting. For 302, a permit was not yet issued due to fire code issues; he planned to meet with the fire marshal.
• Philip Fence (owner of 911 West B Street, item 3011) reported that framing was ready for inspection but he was waiting on plumber and electrician. He hoped to have rough-in done by December 8.
• Lance Leadford (Leadford Construction, for 1010 West Third Street, item 3033) stated that two other houses on the property were already approved for demolition. The subject house was awaiting a remodel design and permit; he expected to start in two months.
• John McGrew (representing Alan Burt for 1010 East 20th Street, item 3030) said windows were replaced and interior cleaned out. Alan Burt was getting bids for elevator and other work. The board noted that a permit was issued in July but no work had started, and a fence had not been erected as requested.

Discussion Items

• Dangerous Building Hearings (3048, 3050, 3053): The city presented evidence for three properties: 404 South Moffat (item 3048), 1202 South Jackson (item 3050), and 926 South Chestnut (item 3053). Inspector Jeff Oliver testified that all three structures were dilapidated, with damage to walls, roofs, and mechanical systems, and constituted dangerous buildings under Joplin code. For 404 South Moffat, the owner had been contacted and agreed the property was too far gone. For 1202 South Jackson, the owner was contacted by phone but no progress was made. For 926 South Chestnut, the owner did not respond despite certified letters and publication. The board voted to declare each a dangerous building and order demolition.
• Old Business – 508 North Cox (item 3029): The board previously ordered demolition but granted a stay. The owner had not pulled a permit or communicated for a month. The board voted to lift the stay and proceed with demolition.
• Old Business – 1105 South Indiana (item 3052): The owner signed a consent form agreeing to demolition. The board voted to release the property from the agenda.
• Other properties: Several properties were continued to the next meeting (December 8) or, in one case, to January 26, 2024, for progress reports and possible demolition hearings. These included: 130 South Moffitt (item 2985), 117/121 South Fires (items 3015/3016), 810 West 17th Street (item 3039), 2131 Nashville (item 3051), 1624 West 4th (item 3054), 828 South Murphy (item 3055), 1209 South Iowa (item 3057), and 1510 Connor (item 3058).

Key Outcomes

• Approved continuances: Items 3020/3026/3028, 3056, 3010, 302, 2986/2987, 3011, 3033, 3030, 2985, 3015/3016, 3039, 3051, 3054, 3055, 3057, 3058 were all continued to the December 8, 2023 meeting for progress report and possible demolition hearing. Item 2990 was continued to January 26, 2024.
• Stipulation for 3020/3026/3028: The board required a chain-link fence around the property to be erected by the next meeting.
• Dangerous building declarations and demolition orders:
  • Item 3048 (404 South Moffat) – declared dangerous (subsections 4,12,18,19) and ordered demolished. Vote: Ayes majority, with two nays (Mr. Tucker and one other). It was noted the property is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Philip Finning House.
  • Item 3050 (1202 South Jackson) – declared dangerous (subsections 12,17,18) and ordered demolished. Vote: unanimous.
  • Item 3053 (926 South Chestnut) – declared dangerous (subsections 4,12,13,19) and ordered demolished. Vote: unanimous.
• Demolition order lift: Item 3029 (508 North Cox) – stay of demolition lifted, demolition to proceed. Vote: unanimous.
• Release from agenda: Item 3052 (1105 South Indiana) – released because owner agreed to demolition. Vote: unanimous.
• Next meeting: December 8, 2023, at 3:00 PM.