Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - June 18, 2024

The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on June 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting included routine approvals, discussion of upcoming training and workshops, and significant deliberation on the future of Memorial Hall, a local landmark. Commissioners also received updates on the Olivia preservation project and heard public comment opposing demolition of Memorial Hall.

Consent Calendar

• Excusal of Members: Motion by Mr. Bruckner, seconded by Dr. Mounts, to excuse Dr. Fisher, Ms. Hahn, Ms. Dietar, and Miss Frankowski. Approved unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes (May 21, 2024): Motion by Dr. Mounts, seconded by Mr. Bruckner. Approved unanimously.
• Budget: No changes reported.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michelle McCamish (Joplin resident): Expressed opposition to the potential demolition of Memorial Hall, stating it honors veterans and military. She urged the commission to preserve the building as a tourism asset and noted veterans are upset. She learned of the meeting by chance from a bulletin board.

Discussion Items

• Missouri Main Street Conference: Commissioners discussed low attendance. Most members could not attend. The need to meet annual training requirements (from CLG) was noted. An alternative online training, the "Camp Training" provided by the State Historic Preservation Office, was discussed; date to be distributed. Commissioner offered to attend both if scheduling allows.
• Training & Workshops Update: A commissioner contacted Elizabeth Ross regarding a revised training proposal for Rosen. Waiting for a response.
• Downtown Sign Workshop (June 26, 2024): The commission reviewed plans for a public workshop on June 26 at 5:00 p.m. (across the street at the main event). Thomas will give a 10-minute overview of the sign approval process, followed by Dave and Ben from Bostil Forge on the importance of good signage. Hank Miller has prepared mock-ups and visual examples. The workshop is targeted at downtown businesses but open to the public.
• Memorial Hall: Commissioners discussed the city council’s 8-1 vote directing staff to create an ordinance for demolition. Memorial Hall is a local landmark, requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness from the commission before demolition. Questions arose about whether all reasonable efforts had been made to preserve the property (e.g., sale, alternative uses). Commissioner noted that only specific uses (museum, rock climbing) had been put to voters, not a general sale or reuse. Discussion of petition process (requires 15% of last election’s voters) to challenge any demolition ordinance. City clerk recommended for procedural details. The commission cannot take formal action on a discussion item, but members are free to act individually. It was agreed to keep Memorial Hall on future agendas.
• Olivia Preservation Status: Update from a commissioner: Blue Haven has secured funding for the project. Crossland Construction is evaluating the project but faces challenges with historic tax credit requirements and unfamiliarity with specialized millwork. Commissioners urged involving historic preservation consultants to guide Crossland. The work is complex; the property is considered a top-tier historic asset.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or actions taken on Memorial Hall or Olivia; discussions were informational and for planning purposes.
• Sign workshop proceeding as planned on June 26, 2024.
• Memorial Hall will remain a discussion item at future meetings; commissioners encouraged public to contact city council and explore petition options.
• Training requirements to be addressed by attending the Main Street Conference or alternative Camp Training; date to be sent to members.
• Vicky's departure (staff member) noted; minutes will be handled by a new person.