Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting – December 8, 2023

The Joplin Board of Appeals convened on December 8, 2023, at 3:15 PM to review progress on multiple properties under its jurisdiction, conduct a dangerous building hearing, and decide on continuations and releases. The meeting included reports from property owners, discussions on financing barriers, and a demolition order.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of October Minutes: Motion by Mr. Windsor, seconded by Mr. Wicklin, to approve the minutes from the October Board of Appeals meeting. Approved unanimously.
• Excusal of Member: Mr. Brown was excused due to a prior engagement. Motion by Mr. Duncan, seconded by Mr. Tucker, carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Buchanan (representing church behind 1624 West 4th Street): Urged the board to expedite demolition of the property at 1624 West 4th Street, citing it as a nuisance. The board noted legal processes are ongoing and continued the item to January 26, 2024.
• John Henson (1826 Pearl): Explained that the property belonged to his deceased parents and a trust issue prevented sale. The board continued the item to allow him to seek legal counsel. The city attorney noted the will may need probate action.
• Wendy Stevens (130 South Moffat): Reported that the property is under contract with Mercury Sky Investments (Star Morrison). She requested a chance for the investor to fix the property. Star Morrison testified that she is a licensed contractor with cash funds and a year-to-date business revenue of $1.4 million, and expressed willingness to complete the renovation. The board continued the item to January 26, 2024.

Discussion Items

• 306 and 302 South Connor (Blue Shutter Investments, Items 2986 & 2987): Representative Levi Bad reported progress: plumbing and electrical rough-in scheduled, siding to begin, and permits for 302 expected soon. The board continued to January 26, 2024, for progress report and demolition hearing.
• 1010 East 20th Street (Item 330): Stephanie Kendall and Wyatt Jones represented Alan Burt, who was absent for cancer treatment. The property has broken windows but is secured. A permit was issued five months ago. The board recommended a fence and continued to January 26, 2024.
• Pearl Avenue Properties (Items 3026-3028, 2611-2621 South Pearl): Representative requested release from the agenda to facilitate closing financing. Discussion about unmet fencing condition. Board voted to release (5-2 with Mr. Wicklin and Mr. Duncan voting no) with the understanding that staff would monitor progress and repost if not closed within 30 days.
• 117-121 South Myers (Items 3015 & 3016): Dustin Melius presented an updated schedule; blueprints submitted for review. Work progressing on duplex. Board extended to February 23, 2024.
• 217 South Pearl (Item 3056): Elizabeth reported roofing completed, porches demolished, and permit obtained. Progress continuing. Continued to January 26, 2024.
• 911 West B Street (Item 3011): Philip Bence reported electrical rough-in done but inspection not yet recorded. Plumber scheduled. Board continued to January 26, 2024, noting permit expiration.
• 828 South Murphy (Item 3055) – Dangerous Building Hearing: City called Jeff Oliver, building inspector, who testified under oath. The property was posted, letters sent, and published. He opined it meets dangerous building definitions (structural damage and public nuisance). No opposition appeared. Board declared it a dangerous building and ordered demolition, including outbuildings. Vote: unanimous.
• Other Properties Continued to January 26, 2024: Items 302 (301 South Winfield), 310 (1116 South Jackson), 3033 (1010 West Third Street), 3039 (810 West 17th Street), 3051 (2131 Nashville), 3057 (1209 South Iowa), 3059 (909 West A Street), 3060 (1819 South Virginia), 3062 (509 North Myers), 3063 (320 South Winfield), 3064 (2411 West Highland). Most had active permits or were awaiting title work.
• Released Properties: Item 3058 (1510 South Connor) was released because demolition was completed.
• General Discussion: Board members discussed the challenge of properties on the board impeding financing. Some members suggested conditional releases to help buyers close. Staff noted they sometimes delay posting to allow owners to secure financing.
• Other Updates: City reported on the old Carnegie Library and Freeman Hospital (appraisal pending, likely demolition). Mrs. Bray's property on North Gray was discussed; she is living there without full utilities, and the city is trying to assist her with relocation.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Ordered: 828 South Murphy Avenue (Item 3055) declared dangerous and ordered demolished unanimously.
• Property Released: Pearl Avenue properties (Items 3026-3028, 2611-2621 South Pearl) released from agenda (5-2) with staff monitoring.
• Property Released: 1510 South Connor released due to completed demolition.
• Continuations: All other properties continued to future meetings (January 26 or February 23, 2024) for progress reports and potential demolition hearings.
• Adjournment: Motion by Mr. Wicklin, seconded by Mr. Tucker, carried.