Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting Summary – July 24, 2026

The Joplin Board of Appeals convened on July 24, 2026, at City Hall to address a lengthy agenda of dangerous building properties. The board reviewed progress reports, conducted demolition hearings, and ordered demolition for three properties. The meeting included a visit from middle school students studying civics and saw the swearing-in of a new board member.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call and Excusal: Mr. Brown was excused from the meeting by unanimous vote (motion by Mr. Duncan, seconded by Mr. Windsor).
• Welcome to New Member: Ben Kissinger was welcomed to the board.
• Approval of Minutes: The June 2026 Board of Appeals minutes were approved unanimously (motion by Mrs. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Windsor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Property 3112 (408 West 4th Street): After the board had ordered demolition at the previous meeting, the current owners (via a spokesperson) and a potential buyer (Matthew Smith, investor) requested a 12-month stay to allow renovation. The board declined, stating that the property had been before the board 14 times over more than a year with little progress, and directed the owners to pursue the appeal process.

Discussion Items

• Item 3104 (1909 West 15th Street): The owner reported progress on water, posts, and a porch. He was awaiting an email for a permit. The board extended the case to August 28 for a progress report and demolition hearing.
• Item 3120 (530 East 7th Street): The demolition permit had been pulled, and work was scheduled to start the following Monday. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3121 (714 East Hill Street): Framing inspection failed; the owner needed to remove siding and install house wrap. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3122 (230 South Oak) – Demolition Hearing: Property owner Steve Cope argued that the building did not meet the imminent danger standard and that the city had bypassed property maintenance code. The board voted to designate the property as a dangerous building hearing (motion by Mrs. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Wickman). After a formal hearing with city evidence (photos, letters, permit history), the board found the property met definitions under Chapter 26, Article 10 (subsections 4 and 18) and ordered demolition of the building and all outbuildings (motion by Mr. Wicklin, seconded by Mr. Duncan).
• Item 3134 (2705 South Virginia): New owner was out of the country; the board noted a broken window and continued to August 28.
• Item 3141 (2402 South Alabama): Progress observed; the owner was encouraged to attend meetings. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3142 (723 South Roosevelt): Owner had purchased permit and footing passed; continued to August 28. Later, a representative appeared to provide an update on work expected by December.
• Item 3144 (712 East Pool): Owner in Costa Rica; an area businessman expressed interest. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3148 (1716 West A): Demolition complete; property released from the agenda.
• Item 3149 (929 South Roosevelt): Owner waiting on utility sign-off for demolition permit. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3152 (614 South Moffitt): Owner hospitalized after consultation; property is a shell. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3156 (1502 South Central): Demolition complete; released.
• Item 3157 (2201 South Tyler) – Demolition Hearing: Property was found stripped and open; the board moved to a dangerous building hearing (motion by Mr. Wicklin, seconded by Mr. Duncan). At the hearing, the city presented evidence of deterioration, missing windows, and unlawful entry. The board voted to demolish, citing subsections 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 17 (motion by Mr. Windsor, seconded by Mrs. Harrington).
• Item 3158 (210 North Oak): A contractor appeared, stating financial issues resolved. The board required the property to be secured and a permit to be purchased. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3159 (1204 South Iowa) – Demolition Hearing: After a recent fire, the property was deemed a total loss. The board voted to demolish, citing subsections 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 17 (motion by Mr. Duncan, seconded by Mr. Wicklin).
• New Business – Item 3160 (1621 West 2nd Street): Property owner deceased; no claimant. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3161 (3020 East 10th Street): Owner RJ Williams stated he would start work within 10 days. The board requested a permit and progress by next meeting. Continued to August 28.
• Item 3162 (12 South Patterson): Tree fell on property; owner had not responded. Continued to August 28.

Key Outcomes

• Three demolition orders were issued:
  • 230 South Oak (Item 3122) – unanimous vote.
  • 2201 South Tyler (Item 3157) – unanimous vote.
  • 1204 South Iowa (Item 3159) – unanimous vote.
• All other active properties were continued to the August 28, 2026 meeting for progress reports or demolition hearings.
• Two properties were released due to completed demolition: 1716 West A and 1502 South Central.
• The board declined to stay demolition for 408 West 4th Street, directing the owners to file a judicial appeal.
• The meeting was adjourned after a brief recess and the conclusion of all agenda items.