Joplin Historic Preservation Commission Approves 713 South Main Street Lighting and Reviews Survey Updates on October 20, 2026

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission met on the fifth floor of Joplin City Hall. The commission took roll call, excused absent members, approved the July 21 meeting minutes, received budget and survey updates, held a public hearing, and approved a certificate of appropriateness for 713 South Main Street.

Consent Calendar

• No formal consent calendar was listed; the following routine approvals were unanimous.
• The commission unanimously approved a motion to excuse members not present.
• The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The chair read the public hearing procedures before the 713 South Main Street certificate of appropriateness.
• No members of the public testified in favor or against. The hearing was opened and then closed without testimony.

Certificate of Appropriateness – 713 South Main Street

• The staff report listed Floyd and Jacqueline Hackett as applicants, but the chair said that was a typo and the actual applicant is Jared Stilley.
• The request was for LED/strip lighting on the law firm building at 713 South Main Street, including possible placement on top of the parapet to create an exterior glow, with seasonal color changes.
• Staff confirmed the proposed product is demountable and must be attached in accordance with the commission's recently adopted lighting policy. Staff recommended approval.
• No demolition is involved. Existing electrical connections are on the facade; a new line would require an electrical permit but would not affect the facade.
• Commissioners asked whether the fixture has a lens to avoid bright point-source glare; the product includes a clear frosted lens.
• The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Budget and Survey Updates: Staff said the previously unpaid Main Street dues had been paid, and the agreement with Urbana Preservation and Planning was forwarded to finance for the next fiscal year. A change order was needed because Missouri SHPO requires inventory forms even for blank lots and parking lots with more than six parking spaces. The change order is about $2,010, bringing the survey project to about $20,000. Bids cited included the next closest at $38,000, another at about $55,000, and the highest at about $70,000 for a survey of around 200 resources.
• North Heights Survey: Milestone seven was corrected to November 18. The next public meeting is planned for February or early March, with completion about 60 days after that. Staff planned to take photos locally to avoid consultant travel billing.
• Grant and Next Phase: The phase two grant agreement was still expected, and once received, staff planned to advertise the next phase, possibly during the holidays.
• Park Surveys: The commission agreed to set aside park surveys until staff could devote more time to them.
• Porch Press Outreach: Attendees reported modest public interest, mostly about recycling and the new lead abatement program. About 20 local preservation guides were handed out, and common myths about historic designation were addressed.
• Preservation Conference: Commissioners described the conference as small but mighty and shared feedback that the timing was not ideal. Useful sessions included alternative building materials and a case study on the LaPlacier house, where conflicting documentation and integrity of location were debated.
• CLG Report: The chair planned to prepare a draft Certified Local Government report in November. The deadline was stated as November 31st, as transcribed, though November has only 30 days.
• Local Landmark Designation Process: The chair reminded commissioners not to discuss local landmark applications outside the public hearing process and to refer applicants to staff.
• Statewide Opportunities: The state preservation board is seeking members, and commissioners noted the board appears concentrated in St. Louis. The Places in Peril nomination period is open; other agencies or individuals may nominate properties without property owner permission, but the city should not submit a nomination without the owner's permission.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the 713 South Main Street certificate of appropriateness unanimously.
• Approved the July 21 meeting minutes.
• Excused absent members.
• Agreed to remove park surveys from the active work list until staff has time to address them.
• Staff will process the survey agreement change order, prepare a draft CLG report, and advertise the next survey phase once the grant agreement arrives.
• The meeting adjourned unanimously.