Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting Summary - July 26, 2024

The Joplin Board of Appeals convened on July 26, 2024, at City Hall to address a full agenda of properties cited as dangerous or in need of progress reports. The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes, seven property owner updates, three public comments from neighbors, four formal dangerous building hearings resulting in demolition orders, and continuations or releases for several other properties. The Board also acknowledged the resignation of member Mr. Tucker.

Consent Calendar

• Members present: Mr. Brown, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Duncan. Mr. Windsor and Mr. Wickland were excused on a motion. Mr. Tucker submitted his resignation.
• Minutes of the June meeting were approved as amended, correcting Mr. Duncan’s name spelling on page 12 and noting missing seconder information.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Major Paul Daniels (owner, 102 S Sergeant, item 3087): Explained his 41-year military career, recent retirement, and plans to either sell the property with a potential buyer who may demolish it or demolish the building himself. He requested additional time. Board continued to August 23 for progress report and possible demolition hearing.
• Dennis Russell (prospective buyer, 1828 W 4th, item 3084): Stated he is purchasing the property and plans a six-month remodel. Board continued to August 23 for progress report and demolition hearing.
• Levi (Blue Shutter Investments, 302 S Connor, item 2986): Reported progress on siding, rough plumbing, and fire suppression system. Estimated completion in 4–5 months. Board continued to August 23.
• Eric Eichelberger (neighbor, 310 S Connor, item 3088): Urged immediate demolition of 310 S Connor, citing years of crime, vandalism, and blight. Also criticized the slow progress on Blue Shutter properties. He requested that the board not grant further extensions. Board noted that the owner had signed a consent form for demolition, and the item was removed from the agenda.
• Elizabeth (on behalf of EC Dro, 217 S Pearl, item 3056): Reported plumbing finished, electrical started, with completion hoped for by fall. Board continued to August 23.
• Annabelle Locus (owner, 301 S Winfield, item 3002): Reported framing inspection passed, windows and doors done, electrical next. Noted delays due to money and her broken leg. Board continued to August 23.
• Ahmed (owner/representative, 512 S Cox, item 3073): Described progress on siding, electrical, and plumbing. Requested a 60-day permit extension (permit expiring that day). Board granted the extension and continued item to August 23.
• Matt Smith (owner, 1624 W 4th, item 3054): Reported slow progress due to his AC business being busy. Roof and siding still needed. Board continued to August 23.

Discussion Items

• Dangerous Building Hearings: Four properties were formally heard as dangerous buildings.
  • Item 3081 (1016 W 19th): City inspector Jeff Oliver testified to fire damage, broken windows, open access, and suspicious fire. Title work showed Donald E. Burton revocable trust as owner; certified letters sent but no receipts. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition.
  • Item 3082 (124 N Maple): Inspector Jeff Hadley testified to dilapidated condition, missing door, broken windows, vandalism, roof peeling. Owner Carlos Valatorum (via title) had been at previous meetings but not present. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition.
  • Item 3079 (1402 South Street): Inspector Hadley testified to hole in roof, broken windows, and a demolition permit issued in 2023 but not acted upon. Owner Baseline Investments LLC. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition.
  • Item 3078 (1602 S Byers): Inspector Hadley testified to dilapidated exterior, broken windows, outbuilding in disrepair. Owners Douglas and Naomi Haas; U.S. Bank had mortgage interest. Certified letters signed. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition.
• Other Properties:
  • Items 3015 (117 S Byers) and 3016 (121 S Byers): Permits in place, progress slow due to framing issues. Continued to August 23.
  • Item 3033 (1010 W 3rd): Permit good until December, but slow start. Board continued to September 27 meeting (60 days).
  • Item 3068 (1518 S Sergeant): No communication, neighbors unhappy. Continued to August 23.
  • Item 3083 (609 Club): Demolition complete. Released from agenda.
  • Item 3085 (1616 S Pearl): Had been posted over a year, owner Mr. Brooks stopped work. First time on board agenda. Continued to August 23.
  • Item 3086 (125 N Maple): New business, across from 124 N Maple. Occupied but deteriorating. Board continued to August 23, noting it will likely be a future hearing.
  • Item 3089 (1919 S Byers): Detached garage fire, no injuries. Continued to August 23.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Orders: Four properties declared dangerous and ordered demolished: 1016 W 19th, 124 N Maple, 1402 South Street, 1602 S Byers.
• Removed from Agenda: Item 3088 (310 S Connor) released due to signed consent form for demolition.
• Permit Extension: 60-day building permit extension granted for 512 S Cox (item 3073).
• Continuances: All other properties except 3083 were continued to August 23 meeting, except 1010 W 3rd continued to September 27.
• Board Membership: Resignation of Mr. Tucker noted and thanked; call for new members.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 23, 2024, at 3:00 PM at City Hall.