OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - October 7, 2024

City Council — Monday, October 7, 2024
BodyJoplin, Missouri
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, October 7, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

I want to call to order the regular council meeting for the city of Joplin.

0:06

Mrs.

0:06

Naj.

0:07

Eternal guide, as we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you invest in this body, your strength and wisdom to fortify us and guide us so that we may enhance the prosperity of our community and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

0:21

Amen.

0:23

Good evening, everyone.

0:25

I want to call your attention to the podium at this time.

0:29

We have a couple of real life heroes with us this evening.

0:36

Who is 24 years old is currently attending KCU.

0:40

He's in his first year as a medical student, and he has worked for the City of Joplin Parks Department for the last eight summers.

0:48

And also Levi Anderson, who is 18 years old and is currently attending Crowder College as a psychology major and has worked for the city of Joplin for the past two summers.

0:58

Earlier this summer, we had an incident, a medical emergency at one of our pools.

1:04

Cunningham, I believe, to be exact.

1:07

And these two gentlemen, along with the young lady who could not be with us tonight, were very integral in saving an individual's life and getting him the care that he needed right away.

1:18

So they are going to help and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance on this evening.

1:56

And it was in the I won't call him the victim, but the uh individual who received the care that they administered was also there along with his parents and other family members, and it was a moving experience to know that we have these type of individuals that are working for our city in the summertime to not only make sure that everybody that's participating in our pool system is safe, but they're actually putting that experience and that training that they get to work to make sure that we can all stay safe in the event of a medical emergency at our pool.

2:31

So we are very much appreciative of them and hope that they get back to take care of our pools next summer.

2:37

Mrs.

2:38

Naj, roll call.

2:39

Mr.

2:40

Bard.

2:41

Present.

2:42

Ms.

2:43

Carlin.

2:44

Mr.

2:44

Koppel.

2:45

Present.

2:46

Mr.

2:46

Ditar.

2:47

Present.

2:47

Dr.

2:47

Farnham.

2:48

Present.

2:48

Mr.

2:49

Jackson.

2:49

Present.

2:50

Mr.

2:50

Lawson.

2:51

Present.

2:51

Mr.

2:51

Shaw.

2:52

Present.

2:52

Mayor Cortez.

2:54

Present.

2:55

Mayor.

2:55

Mr.

2:56

Ditar.

2:57

Make a motion to excuse Ms.

2:58

Carlin from tonight's meeting.

2:59

Second.

3:00

Motion's been made and seconded to a cue to excuse, not accuse.

3:06

Mrs.

3:06

Carlin from tonight's council meeting.

3:08

Please vote.

3:11

That motion passes eight in favor with one absent.

3:14

Presentations?

3:15

Capital Improvement Projects Fall 2024 update.

3:21

Good evening, Mr.

3:22

Johnson.

3:23

You may dazzle us now.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Capital Projects█████████████████17%
Traffic Management████████████12%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Public Safety███████7%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Public Works Update███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting - October 7, 2024

The Joplin City Council held its regular meeting on October 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM (local time) in the Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on capital improvement projects, public comments on various topics, multiple ordinance approvals, and discussion on the 10 Cup Trail bridge and other city matters. Seven council members were present (one absent, Ms. Carlin excused).

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (8-0) the consent agenda as finalized, which included routine approvals and items not requiring separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michael Mercado spoke in opposition to the Pride Fest, citing religious objections and describing his experience at the event. He urged the council to reconsider support for the festival.
  • Frank Thompson thanked several council members (Carlin, Jackson, Bard, Farnham, Koppel) for their dedication and willingness to ask hard questions, representing citizens.
  • Mary Price raised concerns about:
    • Discrepancies between the October 7 capital improvement presentation and the March 18, 2024, presentation to taxpayers (e.g., 20th Street project budget from $3M to $16M; Zora roundabout costs).
    • The Turkey Creek Bridge on Newman Road deteriorating possibly due to overweight trucks from Carthage Stone; she questioned if compensation is due.
    • Lack of transparency in the Joplin Industrial Development Authority (JIDA) loan request ($1.15M) and refusal to provide financial information to the state auditor.
    • Demolition at 2808 East 7th Street approved without going through the Building Board of Appeals, asking if this is standard protocol.

Presentation: Capital Improvement Projects Fall 2024 Update

  • Dan Johnson, City Engineer, provided an update on transportation, stormwater, sewer, and other projects funded by the capital improvement sales tax and ARPA.
    • Transportation: Zora improvements (phase 1 under construction, phase 2 bidding soon); Connecticut widening (asphalt by end of October); 20th Street widening (out to bid, includes 2 roundabouts, 10,000 linear feet storm sewer, 22,000 tons asphalt); 4th & Murphy intersection improvements (completion by year-end).
    • Next CIP Program: Sale tax collection begins January 2025; projects include 15th & Range Line (construction after Christmas), Main Street Streetscape (8th to 15th, 60% plans soon), ARF SRE building (80% complete, ribbon cutting spring 2025).
    • Trails: 10 Cup Trail (concrete, bid awarded to Hartman Construction for $1.63M); 10 Cup Bridge (suspension bridge, bid awarded to Elements Construction Concepts for $1.665M, with $915,698 from TST use tax for beautification); Grand Falls Trail (phase 1 waiting for TAP grant approval).
    • Parking Garage: 6th & Virginia design complete, negotiating easements with property owners.
    • Mill and Overlay: $5.41M for two years' worth of work.
    • Stormwater: Sunnyvale design at 30%, public meeting at 60%.
    • Sanitary Sewer: East 7th Street phases complete; Baker's Branch 60% complete; Glendale Parallel Interceptor awarded (bore under Main and Indiana); 10 Cup parallel force main phase 1 awarded (clearing work starting); Crane Road lift station elimination awaiting final easements.
    • ARPA Wastewater: Phase 1 (trenchless) 85% complete; Phase 2 bids opening October 17.
    • Council members asked about rebates for contractors (Bard), parking garage boundary issues (Jackson), and detail for Sunnyvale residents (Farnham).

Discussion Items

  • Council Bill 2024-283 (Rezoning): Zoning change from C1 to R2 at 630 S Porter Ave. Approved 8-0 after public hearing; owner Tom Pham spoke in favor to sell the property.
  • Council Bill 2024-142 (School Zones): Updated school zones to reflect new schools and removed old ones; added school zone on 20th Street by high school. Discussion on timing of school zone activation (7:45-8:45 a.m. vs. 8:00-8:45 a.m.) resolved after clarification from Superintendent that high school and middle school both start at 8:30 a.m. Approved 8-0 on emergency basis.
  • Council Bill 2024-143 (Speed Limits): Proposed changes to correct speed limits on 32nd Street, Utica (35 to 25), and 44th Street (ordinance showed 45 but posted 35; staff recommended 40). After testimony from Dan Grimeau (Leewood Village) requesting 45 mph on 44th Street, council amended the bill to strike any reference to 44th Street, then approved the amended bill 8-0 on emergency basis.
  • Council Bill 2024-144 (Parking Prohibitions): Established no parking zones on Getz Boulevard (College Skyline neighborhood) and Wildwood Ranch Parkway. Approved 8-0 on emergency basis.
  • Council Bill 2024-374 (Demolition - 2808 E 7th St): City to demolish structure and clear lot at owner's request, cost $4,394 to be placed on special tax bill. Approved 8-0 on emergency basis.
  • Council Bill 2024-375 (Demolition - 1119 S Pitcher Ave): City to demolish dilapidated house using ARPA funds, cost $2,683. Approved 8-0 on emergency basis.
  • Council Bill 2024-003 (JIDA Loan): Loan of $1.15M from UDAG fund to JIDA for purchase of 330 acres for industrial park. JIDA contributes $750K. Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced to second and third.
  • Council Bill 2024-133 (REO Grant Consulting): $256,000 contract with Burns & McDonald for recycling education and outreach. Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced.
  • Council Bill 2024-140 (10 Cup Trail): $1,632,717 contract with Hartman Construction for concrete trail. Approved 6-2 on first reading (Councilmembers Jackson and Bard opposed).
  • Council Bill 2024-141 (10 Cup Bridge): $1,665,698 contract with Elements Construction Concepts for suspension bridge (ARPA $750K + TST use tax $915,698). Approved 5-3 on first reading (Councilmembers Jackson, Bard, and one other opposed; the three opposed were Jackson, Bard, and Koppel based on statements).
  • Council Bill 2024-146 (Sewer - Crow Road): Out-of-town sewer service agreement for property at 2206 Crow Road. Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced.
  • Council Bill 2024-147 (Sewer - Bird Song): Out-of-town sewer agreement for Cortex Enterprises at 5130 Bird Song Road. Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced.
  • Council Bill 2024-289 (MODOT Planning Funds): Annual agreement for federal transportation planning assistance ($671,063 grant, $128,407 city match). Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced.
  • Council Bill 2024-402 (CDBG Public Service Grant): Agreement with Economic Security Corporation for coordinated entry homeless services; timing adjusted to align with HUD program year. Approved 8-0 on first reading, advanced.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Rezoning (8-0): 630 S Porter Ave from C1 to R2.
  • Approved School Zone Updates (8-0): Council Bill 2024-142 with emergency clause.
  • Approved Speed Limit Changes (8-0): Council Bill 2024-143 amended to strike 44th Street changes, then approved.
  • Approved Parking Prohibitions (8-0): Council Bill 2024-144 with emergency clause.
  • Approved Demolitions (8-0 each): 2808 E 7th St and 1119 S Pitcher Ave, both with emergency clauses.
  • Approved JIDA Loan (8-0): First reading of Council Bill 2024-003, advanced to second and third.
  • Approved REO Consulting (8-0): First reading of Council Bill 2024-133.
  • Approved 10 Cup Trail Contract (6-2): First reading of Council Bill 2024-140, advanced to second and third. Opposed: Jackson and Bard.
  • Approved 10 Cup Bridge Contract (5-3): First reading of Council Bill 2024-141, advanced to second and third. Opposed: Jackson, Bard, and Koppel.
  • Approved Sewer Agreements (8-0 each): Council Bills 2024-146 and 2024-147 on first reading.
  • Approved MODOT Planning Funds (8-0): First reading of Council Bill 2024-289.
  • Approved CDBG Grant (8-0): First reading of Council Bill 2024-402.
  • New Business: Council heard from Todd Patterson about preserving Memorial Hall; council expressed willingness to work with citizens. Council discussed Summit Ridge road issue with construction trucks cutting through; Mayor committed to get update within 48 hours.
  • Closed Session: Council voted to go into closed session to discuss real estate and personnel matters.

Note: All votes were 8-0 in favor unless otherwise noted, with Ms. Carlin excused and absent.

Meeting Transcript

I want to call to order the regular council meeting for the city of Joplin. Mrs. Naj. Eternal guide, as we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council, we ask that you invest in this body, your strength and wisdom to fortify us and guide us so that we may enhance the prosperity of our community and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Amen. Good evening, everyone. I want to call your attention to the podium at this time. We have a couple of real life heroes with us this evening. Who is 24 years old is currently attending KCU. He's in his first year as a medical student, and he has worked for the City of Joplin Parks Department for the last eight summers. And also Levi Anderson, who is 18 years old and is currently attending Crowder College as a psychology major and has worked for the city of Joplin for the past two summers. Earlier this summer, we had an incident, a medical emergency at one of our pools. Cunningham, I believe, to be exact. And these two gentlemen, along with the young lady who could not be with us tonight, were very integral in saving an individual's life and getting him the care that he needed right away. So they are going to help and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance on this evening. And it was in the I won't call him the victim, but the uh individual who received the care that they administered was also there along with his parents and other family members, and it was a moving experience to know that we have these type of individuals that are working for our city in the summertime to not only make sure that everybody that's participating in our pool system is safe, but they're actually putting that experience and that training that they get to work to make sure that we can all stay safe in the event of a medical emergency at our pool. So we are very much appreciative of them and hope that they get back to take care of our pools next summer. Mrs. Naj, roll call. Mr. Bard. Present. Ms. Carlin. Mr. Koppel. Present. Mr. Ditar. Present. Dr. Farnham. Present. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Lawson. Present. Mr. Shaw. Present. Mayor Cortez. Present. Mayor. Mr. Ditar. Make a motion to excuse Ms. Carlin from tonight's meeting. Second.

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