Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission of Joplin, Missouri convened at 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026 (note: the transcript references the meeting as Tuesday, May 19, 2026, but the provided date is May 20, 2026). Chair called the meeting to order with roll call. Present: Mr. Huff, Mr. Millard, Ms. Ditar, Dr. Fisher, Dr. Reed Adams, Ms. Hong. Absent: Dr. Mounts, Ms. Proven, Mr. Bruckner. A motion to excuse the absent members was moved by Ms. Ditar, seconded by Mr. Huff, and passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of April 21, 2026 Minutes: Motion by Mr. Huff, seconded by Ms. Hahn, passed unanimously.
• Budget Update: Chair reported expenditures: memberships paid except Missouri Main Street; North Heights project bid came in under budget, with $833 spent on legal notices. Discussion on advertising methods for specialized historic preservation RFPs. No formal action taken.

Public Hearing – Certificate of Appropriateness for 612 West E Street

• The public hearing was opened for application #2609. The Chair read procedures and presented staff review. The property is a recent local landmark. Scope includes: attaching a canvas mural to existing siding (mounted to avoid damage), replacing shake shingles with PVC engineered shingles that mimic wood, ADA compliance via the existing greenhouse addition (setback entrance), painting existing painted masonry and window trim. Staff noted the door is inappropriate but not being changed. No members of the public spoke for or against. The commission discussed the product quality, historic photos, and future removal of vinyl siding. Motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness by Mr. Huff, seconded by Dr. Reed Adams, passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• HPC Presence at North Heights Porchfest: The Chair proposed having a presence at the annual Porchfest event (second weekend in October) to promote preservation. Commission members expressed support, suggesting coordination with Neighborhood Services. It was agreed to participate and designate representatives. Further details to be coordinated by the PPP subcommittee.
• Memorial Hall Update: The initial board meeting has taken place; 501c3 is being filed. A consultant has been chosen for design and historic application, expected to be completed by end of September. Phase two is being bid out. Three board seats remain open.
• North Heights Survey – Phases 1 & 2 Update: Consultant Urbana Preservation & Planning will visit June 1–3. A public meeting is scheduled for June 2, 5:30–6:30 p.m. at City Hall (alternative venue pending). Staff has submitted comments on survey forms to SHPO. First 50% reimbursement expected by July.
• State Historic Preservation Conference: September 14–16 in Lebanon; registration not yet open. Members expressed interest in speaking and will coordinate with Riley.
• Announcements: Downtown historic district survey consultant behind due to surgery; public meeting postponed. Three pieces of state legislation passed: (1) increase in hotel/motel lodging tax (from 4% to 6%) will go on April ballot; (2) reinstatement of 35% state historic tax credit for nonprofits; (3) new 35% tax credit for upper floor housing development that can be stacked with federal and other state credits. These were regarded as significant incentives.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to excuse absent members passed unanimously.
• Approval of April minutes passed unanimously.
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 612 West E Street approved unanimously.
• Commission agreed to participate in North Heights Porchfest with designated representatives.
• Noted passage of state legislation beneficial to historic preservation.

Date discrepancy noted: Agenda and transcript indicate May 19, 2026, but the session was specified as taking place on May 20, 2026.