Joplin Building Board of Appeals Meeting - June 28, 2024

This meeting of the Joplin Building Board of Appeals was held on June 28, 2024, at 15:15 UTC. The board reviewed multiple properties on the agenda, heard progress reports from property owners and contractors, and conducted dangerous building hearings for three properties, ordering demolitions for all three. The meeting also included extensions for several properties and a motion to reconsider a previous demolition order, which was denied.

Consent Calendar

• Excuse of Board Member Tucker: Mr. Tucker was excused due to a medical issue. Motion passed unanimously.
• Approval of May Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Item 3068 – 1518 S. Sergeant Avenue: Owner reported that vinyl siding work has begun, with completion expected in approximately 60 days. The board extended the item to the July 26, 2024 meeting for a progress report and demolition hearing.
• Item 2986 – 302 S. Connor Avenue: City inspector Dale provided an update: a fire sprinkler system is being installed (Marmick Fire), plumbing work is underway, and siding will start next week. A representative (Angie McGee) confirmed progress and stated completion is hoped within a couple of months (deadline October). The board extended to July 26, 2024.
• Item 3056 – 217 S. Pearl Avenue: Elizabeth, on behalf of the owner, reported that quotes were obtained, down payments made, plumbing (MVP Plumbing) to start soon, electrical (Art Electrical) scheduled. Estimated completion by early September. Extended to July 26, 2024.
• Item 3084 – 1828 W. 4th Street: Dennis Russell, prospective buyer, stated he is under contract (closing by July 26). Plans include roof repair and exterior clean-up. He was advised on permitting. Extended to July 26, 2024 for progress report.
• Item 2990 – 801, 803, 805 W. 1st Street: Jeff Neal (Neal Group Construction) requested a three-month extension due to a fire that caused $400,000 in unexpected work and rising interest rates. He cited three positive developments: an owner now lives next door (improving security), Tom Walters (city planning) offered CHOTA funds for low-income housing, and a new state historic tax credit increase from 25% to 35% (effective August 28). The board granted a two-month extension to August 23, 2024, citing the need for concrete financing progress.
• Item 3002 – 301 S. Winfield Avenue: Owner (via translator) reported roof completed, interior wall reinforcement done, waiting for electrician estimate. Power was disconnected due to safety issues. Board expressed concern over slow progress (20 meetings, nearly two years). Extended to July 26, 2024.
• Item 3073 – 512 S. Cox Avenue: Owner reported plumbing and 95% electrical complete, awaiting HVAC and inspections. However, the permit is about to expire and there is a discrepancy about the plumber (Hook Plumbing claims no work done). Board extended the permit 30 days and continued the item to July 26, 2024 for progress report.
• Item 3082 – 124 N. Maple Avenue: New owner (first meeting) stated he removed a homeless encampment, installed a back door, and intends to rehabilitate the property. He was reminded of required walkthroughs and the need to provide a clear timeline. Extended to July 26, 2024.
• Item 3054 – 1624 W. 4th Street: Owner Matt Smith reported windows, doors, and fire-damaged framing completed; chimney removed; waiting on framing inspection to proceed. Noted progress but slow due to his HVAC business. Extended to July 26, 2024.
• Motion to Reconsider (Item 3028 – 2621 S. Pearl Avenue – Slab): Attorney Jeremy Brown filed a notice of appeal and motion to reconsider the previous demolition order for the slab. He argued that under code, if a building can be repaired, it shall be ordered repaired (mandatory). Board members expressed frustration with lack of progress and previous misrepresentations. Motion denied. (Board member Wicklin abstained due to personal conflict.)
• Dangerous Building Hearings: Three hearings were held for properties owned by J. Pearl Properties LLC (items 3026, 3027, 3071). The city presented evidence (photos, title searches, certified mail, publication). Neighbor testimony described the properties as eyesores and nuisances. Owner Jerry Brown (attorney) and the neighbor testified.
  • Item 3026 – 2611 S. Pearl Avenue (slab only): Slab poured March 2020; no progress for four years. Permit revoked earlier in meeting. Ordered demolished (6-0, Wicklin abstaining).
  • Item 3027 – 2617 S. Pearl Avenue (structure): Building framed four years ago, never had framing inspection. Some siding and repairs done recently but overall no significant progress. Permit revoked earlier. Ordered demolished (6-0, Wicklin abstaining).
  • Item 3071 – 1822 S. Indiana Avenue: Owner Marty Coss consented to demolition. Structure had termite damage, fire damage to outbuilding, and was posted as unfit. Ordered demolished unanimously (including outbuildings).
• Item 3051 – (mentioned as ready for hearing but not heard): A property where a trailer is occupied and permits were not obtained. No action taken at this meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Extensions Granted: Items 3068, 2986, 3056, 3084, 2990 (2 months), 3002, 3073 (30-day permit extension), 3082, and 3054 all extended to the July 26, 2024 meeting (except 2990 to August 23, 2024).
• Motion to Reconsider Denied: The order to demolish the slab at 2621 S. Pearl stands.
• Demolitions Ordered: Items 3026 (slab), 3027 (structure), and 3071 (structure) declared dangerous and ordered demolished. Noted that for 3026 and 3027, board member Wicklin abstained.
• Permits Revoked: Permits for items 3026 and 3027 were revoked prior to the dangerous building hearings.
• No Action on Item 3051: Deferred pending further information.

All extensions and demolition orders include a progress report and/or demolition hearing at the next meeting as specified.