Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Joplin City Hall. The meeting covered the budget, updates on Memorial Hall and the North Heights CLG grant, approval of district banner recommendations, and preliminary discussions on goal setting for the coming year. The commission also received announcements about related community initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call and Minutes: Commissioners present: Ms. Ditar, Dr. Reed Adams, Ms. Hahn, Dr. Mounts, Dr. Fisher, Mr. Bruckner, Mr. Millard (Miller), Mr. Huh. Dr. Fisher arrived late. The minutes from the July meeting were approved as amended (motion by Dr. Reed Adams, second by Ms. Ditar; all in favor).
• Budget Report: Thomas Walters reported that $766 remains in the travel/conference budget after Missouri Main Street expenditures. Two commissioners are registered for the CLG Forum (day trip); others may attend the Missouri Preservation Conference (Oct 1–3). The budget is sufficient to meet commissioner training requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Memorial Hall: The Phase I environmental report has been received. Findings included known issues (e.g., mold, an old tank). A Phase II assessment may not be necessary; the Phase I report could allow application for a brownfield grant despite not having specific cleanup cost estimates. The committee has been meeting with the city about possibilities; no new announcements at this time.
• North Heights CLG Grant: Confirmation of the Phase I grant is expected imminently. Finance is ensuring carryover to allow parallel Phase I and Phase II work. Two public meetings have already been held (at First Presbyterian), with additional meetings required at launch and upon findings.
• Missouri Preservation & CLG Forum: The day trip is tentatively scheduled for October 24. Commissioners encouraged to attend future Missouri Preservation conferences, noting the opportunity to alternate with Missouri Main Street events.
• Goal Setting (New Business): The November meeting will focus on setting goals. Commissioners were asked to bring proposals or outlines by October. Several ideas were raised: a parks survey (potentially in partnership with Missouri Southern State University interns), Route 66 centennial projects, documenting Eagle-Pitcher history (a retiring 90-year-old former employee), and a neighborhood initiative in the East Moreland area to recognize post-WWII prefabricated homes. The chair noted that existing goals will be reviewed, and any new ideas will be ranked collaboratively.

Key Outcomes

• Banner Subcommittee Recommendations Approved: Motion by Ms. Hahn, second by Dr. Fisher, to approve the district banner concept (color theme, logo placement, district naming standards). The recommendations will be forwarded to the Use Tax Committee (city beautification) for final adoption. All commissioners voted in favor.
• Goal Setting Direction: Commissioners will receive the existing goal spreadsheet before the October meeting. New proposals should be submitted to Thomas Walters by November for discussion and prioritization.
• Memorial Hall: No formal action; the item will remain on the agenda for future updates.
• North Heights CLG Grant: Acknowledged; next steps involve coordination with finance for budget carryover and scheduling required public meetings.

Announcements

• Downtown Historic District Expansion: Downtown Joplin Alliance and Post Art Library received an HPF grant to survey an area between 5th–6th Streets for potential expansion of the existing historic district, which could open up tax credits for properties. Proposals are being reviewed; the commission had passed a resolution supporting the application in February 2025.
• Community Events: Porchfest is October 4 in North Heights; Heartland Opera Theater gala fundraiser is September 25 (tickets by September 18); Murphy's Burg Prohibition-themed fundraiser "Whiskey and Whispers" is September 27.
• Commissioner Observation: One commissioner reported on a visit to New Albany, Indiana, noting the lack of state historic tax credits there and expressing appreciation for Joplin's preservation resources and staff support.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by motion (Dr. Fisher, second by Ms. Ditar; all in favor) after announcements.