Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - April 29, 2025
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Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission convened on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 5 p.m. on the fifth floor of Joplin City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, budget discussion, updates on Memorial Hall and district banners, a positive CLG evaluation, selection of preservation award recipients, and announcements.
Consent Calendar
- Motion to excuse absent members (moved by Ms. Hahn, seconded by Ms. Hallbuck, approved unanimously).
- Approval of minutes from March 18, 2025 with a correction (motion by Ms. Hahn, seconded by Mr. Bruckner, approved unanimously). The correction changed "roads together" to "reads together."
Public Comments & Testimony
- None.
Discussion Items
- Memorial Hall: A community group submitted the only proposal in response to the RFP. The commission discussed next steps and noted that further updates will be provided via email.
- Midtown and Southtown Banners: The committee reviewed current designs and decided to move away from using historical imagery on banners due to compatibility issues with pole size and auto-oriented placement. New direction: simpler, cleaner designs with color distinction (cooler palette for South Town, warmer for Midtown). Iconography such as the fish from the former sporting goods store may be used as public art. Further refinement and a fall approval target for spring implementation was discussed.
- CLG Evaluation Follow-Up: The commission received a highly positive evaluation. Ethan Starr stated no concerns. The evaluation highlighted the commission's professional standards and the importance of the city's archive. The only recommendation was that staff salary should be higher to qualify for a CLG grant covering 60% of salary.
- CLG Training and Conferences: Discussion on budget for Missouri Main Street Conference (July 22-24, St. Charles) and Missouri Preservation Conference (Oct 1-3, St. Louis). Online training options are also available. The commission will allocate budget accordingly.
Key Outcomes
- Preservation Awards Recipient Selection: The commission voted unanimously to accept the committee's recommendations:
- Murphysburg Award: Rick Busey for rehabilitation of 402 North Wall.
- Jeff and Caroline O'Neill Award: David Glenn and Glenn Gibson Commercial Real Estate for moving and preserving the train station (now Maria's Mexican Restaurant).
- Leslie Simpson Award: The Ellis sisters (Emily and K. Ellis) for their extensive work in promoting historic preservation through events and education.
- Ricky Renee Smith was also nominated but not selected; commission members noted she may be renominated with more Joplin-specific documentation.
- The award ceremony is scheduled for May 1, 2025 at 4 p.m. at Frisco Station.
Announcements
- Betty Smith: Noted historian and authority on local Black history, passed away on April 10, 2025 at age 96. She had received a lifetime achievement award from the celebrations commission in 2023 or 2024.
- Thomas's Mother: The commission extended condolences to staff member Thomas for the passing of his mother, a former Missouri Southern professor.
- North Heights Market: A new market in the park event starting May 10, 2025, on second Saturdays through September, featuring antiques and crafts.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, it's 5 p.m. Let's call the Joblock Historic Preservation Commission meeting to order on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 5 p.m. on the fifth floor of Joplin City Hall. Thomas, can you do a roll call, please? Yes. Ms. Ditar. Present. Mr. Huff. Ms. Hallbach. Present. Ms. On. Present. Dr. Mills. Present. Mr. Bruckner. Present. Dr. Fisher. And Jeff. Mr. Millard. Millard. Mike Willard. Okay. I would entertain a motion to excuse those who aren't here this evening. So moved. Second. So moved by Ms. Hahn. Seconded by Ms. Hallbuck. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed. Okay. All right, we'll now move on to the approval of the minutes. Make a motion we approve the minutes from March 18th. I have one minor correction, actually. It's on page three under number nine where it says Miss Hallbach, blah blah blah. It should be Joplin reads together and not roads together. That's true. Minor, but sounds like totally different things. Yes.
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