OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2024

City Council — Monday, December 16, 2024
BodyJoplin, Missouri
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, December 16, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Good evening.

0:05

I want to call to order the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council.

0:09

Yes.

0:11

I'm going to call to order the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council.

0:17

Mrs.

0:18

Nosh.

0:19

Eternal Goddess, we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council.

0:22

We ask that you invest in the spot of 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.

0:33

Amen.

0:35

Mrs.

0:36

Carlin, I believe you have some special guests for us this evening.

0:39

Yes, I do.

0:41

This evening, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, we welcome Captains Bill and Deb Mendendorp.

0:50

Now they are the captains of the Jasper Newton County chapter of the Salvation Army.

0:56

And over the past year, they have served over 50,000 hot meals to over 520 families with over a thousand children in that group.

1:07

The Salvation Army serves breakfast five times a week and lunch seven days a week.

1:13

They have shower and laundry programs, they provide rental and utility assistance, as well as clothing vouchers for those in need.

1:22

They also have food pantries in both Joplin and Carthage.

1:26

Their family store profits and the ringing of the bells help support these services and programs throughout the year.

1:35

So this Christmas, their goal is to raise 352,000 for their program in 2025.

1:43

So when you hear that jingle jingle jingling outside there, please give generously.

1:49

Captains.

1:54

I pledge you to the flag of the United States of America.

2:00

And to the Republic for which it stands.

2:14

Now just so you know, they do have a red kettle right outside the doors out there.

2:19

And if you felt inclined to get up and go put something in it, it ain't gonna bother my bother me at all or hurt my feelings.

2:25

So and if you do happen to get up and leave, I think they'll be out there for just a little bit longer.

2:31

They're actually gonna leave the bucket and uh till the end of the meeting tonight.

2:36

So as you're exiting, you can also great.

2:38

And I was out there talking with them briefly earlier, and if you've got a card or an apple pay or something on your phone, they've even got a cool setup out there.

2:45

You just go tap your card, it'll automatically take your money.

2:49

The salvation army has figured out how to take your money efficiently.

2:55

Thank you guys for being here.

2:57

And for the yeoman's work that you do.

3:00

Roll call.

3:01

Mr.

3:01

Bard, present, Ms.

3:03

Carlin, President, Mr.

3:05

Coppel, President, Mr.

3:06

Ditarr.

3:07

Present.

3:07

Dr.

3:08

Farnum?

3:09

Present.

3:09

Mr.

3:09

Jackson.

3:10

Present.

3:11

Mr.

3:11

Lawson.

3:12

Present.

3:12

Mr.

3:12

Shaw.

3:13

Present.

3:14

Mayor Cortez.

3:15

Present.

3:16

Presentations.

3:17

Semi-annual oversight committee presentation.

3:23

Good evening, Mrs.

3:24

Haas.

3:25

Good evening, Mayor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████30%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████████15%
Procedural█████████9%
Capital Projects██████6%
Grant Management██████6%
Public Works Update█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Joplin City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2024

The Joplin City Council held its regular meeting on December 16, 2024, addressing a wide range of topics including oversight of special sales taxes, the ARPA federal grant deadline, major park projects (DORA and Ewert), funding shortfalls, and several ordinances. The meeting featured extensive public comment and multiple votes on emergency items to obligate funds before the December 31, 2024 ARPA deadline.

Consent Calendar

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (9-0) as finalized. Routine approvals and unanimous actions were grouped here.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Brian Evans: Criticized the mayor’s conduct at the previous meeting, alleged overuse of emergency ordinances, and called for greater transparency and fiscal accountability. He thanked council members Jackson, Coppel, and Carlin for asking tough questions.
  • John Hunter (CEO, American Ramp Company): Expressed strong support for the DORA Bike Park, citing economic development benefits (e.g., every $1 invested returns $3 annually in economic impact, per Bentonville studies) and talent attraction.
  • Mary Price: Raised concerns about the frequent use of emergency ordinances (over 500 in four years) bypassing public participation. Also noted a typo on a city sign ("Landrith Park" missing dot on an "i") and questioned oversight.
  • Ellie Mitchell (medical student): Supported DORA, sharing personal story of how mountain biking built confidence and noting lack of safe cycling infrastructure in Joplin.
  • Andrew Sheffield (medical student and father): Supported DORA for family recreation and public health benefits, referencing a 2022 Freeman Health study showing high rates of chronic disease in the region.
  • Alex O’Neill (elementary teacher): Supported DORA as an educational and community asset, urging council to maintain funding commitment.
  • Christina Williams: Read excerpts from 16 letters submitted by citizens (including her son Grayson) all strongly supporting DORA, citing economic, health, and tourism benefits.
  • Max Austin (professional BMX racer): Supported DORA, noting he currently drives to Tulsa three times a week to train. Stressed the sport builds community.
  • Frank Thompson: Criticized council dynamics, arguing the mayor should not silence council members for asking questions. Also voiced strong support for DORA, recounting dangerous cycling conditions on Newman Road.
  • Phil Stinnett (late item): Thanked council, staff, and mayor for their service, wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Discussion Items

  • Semi-Annual Oversight Committee Presentation – Danette Haas and Nathan Mordecai reported on special sales tax revenues and project progress. Phase II of parks/stormwater is nearly complete (two trails remaining). 44 of 48 Phase II projects done. Public safety capital complete. Committee met quarterly; revenues exceeded FY2024 projections.
  • Grant Project Update – Leslie Haas provided a comprehensive update on $96 million in total grant-funded projects ($58M grants, $32.6M city match). Highlighted ARPA obligation deadline: city must obligate its $13.8M by Dec 31, 2024 or risk returning funds. Reviewed status of individual projects (Justice Center, stormwater, broadband, Health Science Center, etc.) and pending applications.
  • Ewert Splash Park / Ice Ribbon Project Update – Parks Director Bloomberg, Corey (Olsen Studios), and Patrick (Branco Enterprises) presented design evolution, public input, and cost estimates. Original schematic estimated at $10.1M; after phased reductions (removing sidewalks, reducing ice loop, etc.), estimated at $8.8M. A stakeholder group recommended restoring central parking lot removal ($73K) for green space. Council discussed restroom access, lighting/cameras, and parking adequacy. Timeline: construction start May 2025, soft opening Jan 2026.
  • Project Funding Recommendation – Leslie Haas presented funding shortfalls: DORA (~$3M), Ewert (~$3.7M), and 20th Street ($2.2M surplus). Proposed shifting funds: $1M from CVB reserves, $2M from 20th Street ARPA allocation, use tax beautification funds, etc. Council questioned the use of CVB reserves without consulting the CVB oversight committee. Also noted parks board was not consulted.
  • Budget Amendments – Council Bill 2024-520 originally combined take-home car funding and DORA funding. After a motion by Councilman Jackson (seconded), the bill was split: 520 for take-home cars (approved 9-0) and new 521 for DORA funding (approved 8-1). The split was debated for procedural clarity.
  • Ordinances:
    • Council Bill 2024-164 (sidewalk repairs at Justice Center, $109,674) – Approved 9-0 on emergency.
    • Council Bill 2024-165 (chiller replacement, $299,426) – Approved on first reading (9-0).
    • Council Bill 2024-403 (HMIS contract for homeless coalition, ~$600K) – Approved 8-1 on first reading. Council requested quarterly reports on outcomes.
    • Council Bill 2024-629 (homelessness commission partnership, $125K/year) – Approved 7-2 on first reading. Council stressed need for regular reporting.
    • Council Bill 2024-628 (DORA construction contract with Crossline Construction, $5,872,161) – Approved 8-1 on emergency.
  • New Business – Councilman Coppel requested the city manager explore grant acquisition support (since Guidehouse contract ended) and suggested issuing an RFP for potential uses of Memorial Hall to ensure transparency. Council agreed.
  • Closed Session – Voted 9-0 to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
  • Oversight Committee presentation received; no formal action needed.
  • Grant project update taken as information; council stressed urgency of ARPA obligation.
  • Ewert Splash Park/Ice Ribbon – Further design and funding discussion deferred to after the funding recommendation.
  • Funding Recommendations – Council approved budget amendments to address DORA ($3M shortfall) and Ewert ($3.7M shortfall) shortfalls, using CVB reserves, ARPA shifts, and use tax funds.
  • Ordinary Approvals:
    • Council Bill 2024-164 (sidewalk repair): Approved 9-0.
    • Council Bill 2024-165 (chillers): Approved first reading 9-0.
    • Council Bill 2024-403 (HMIS): Approved first reading 8-1 (opposed: Jackson).
    • Council Bill 2024-629 (homelessness commission): Approved first reading 7-2 (opposed: Jackson, Carlin).
    • Council Bill 2024-520 (take-home cars): Approved 9-0.
    • Council Bill 2024-521 (DORA funding): Approved 8-1 (opposed: Jackson).
    • Council Bill 2024-628 (DORA construction contract): Approved 8-1 (opposed: Jackson).
  • Motion to go into closed session: Approved 9-0.
  • Future items: City manager to explore grant support resources; RFP for Memorial Hall to be developed.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I want to call to order the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council. Yes. I'm going to call to order the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council. Mrs. Nosh. Eternal Goddess, we begin another meeting of the Joplin City Council. We ask that you invest in the spot of 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. Mrs. Carlin, I believe you have some special guests for us this evening. Yes, I do. This evening, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, we welcome Captains Bill and Deb Mendendorp. Now they are the captains of the Jasper Newton County chapter of the Salvation Army. And over the past year, they have served over 50,000 hot meals to over 520 families with over a thousand children in that group. The Salvation Army serves breakfast five times a week and lunch seven days a week. They have shower and laundry programs, they provide rental and utility assistance, as well as clothing vouchers for those in need. They also have food pantries in both Joplin and Carthage. Their family store profits and the ringing of the bells help support these services and programs throughout the year. So this Christmas, their goal is to raise 352,000 for their program in 2025. So when you hear that jingle jingle jingling outside there, please give generously. Captains. I pledge you to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. Now just so you know, they do have a red kettle right outside the doors out there. And if you felt inclined to get up and go put something in it, it ain't gonna bother my bother me at all or hurt my feelings. So and if you do happen to get up and leave, I think they'll be out there for just a little bit longer. They're actually gonna leave the bucket and uh till the end of the meeting tonight. So as you're exiting, you can also great. And I was out there talking with them briefly earlier, and if you've got a card or an apple pay or something on your phone, they've even got a cool setup out there. You just go tap your card, it'll automatically take your money. The salvation army has figured out how to take your money efficiently. Thank you guys for being here. And for the yeoman's work that you do. Roll call. Mr. Bard, present, Ms. Carlin, President, Mr. Coppel, President, Mr. Ditarr. Present. Dr. Farnum? Present. Mr. Jackson. Present. Mr. Lawson. Present.

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