Joplin City Council Meeting – February 3, 2025

The Joplin City Council met on February 3, 2025, at 12:15 PM (CT) and addressed a wide range of items including the approval of major economic development projects (Prospect Village CID and TIF), a controversial alley vacation for a Dutch Bros coffee shop, rezonings, annexations, and multiple routine actions. Council member Doris Carlin was excused, leaving eight members present for most votes.

Presentations

• VFW Public Servants Awards: Fire Training Chief Mark Cannon received the VFW National Public Servants Award. Corporal Ben Cooper (Joplin Police) was honored posthumously; his wife Roxy Cooper accepted on his behalf.
• Proclamation: Mayor Cortez proclaimed February 3, 2025, as "Greater Joplin Toastmasters Club Day" in recognition of the club's 20th anniversary.

Consent Calendar

• Council bills 2025‑400, 2025‑500, and 2025‑501 were removed from the consent agenda and advanced to second/third reading later in the meeting.
• The remaining consent agenda was approved unanimously (8‑0‑1).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Evans (speaking as a citizen and later on behalf of Mary Price) opposed the Prospect Village project, arguing that the $307 million development (including a $55 million sports complex) is financially risky, the site is a toxic Superfund floodplain, and the CID tax will drive businesses away. He advocated for expanding existing fields at Hirsch Park instead. Council member Jackson challenged Evans on initial cost figures and urged accurate information.
• Mary Price’s remarks (read by Evans) criticized the timing of the finance committee meeting, questioned the developer’s financial transparency, and alleged that the developer (Woodsonia) has unilaterally set district boundaries and chosen the CID board without public input.

Discussion Items

Sunshine Lamp Trolley Relaunch & Other City Reports

City Manager Leslie Onstock reported:

• The fixed-route trolley resumed service on February 3 with 67 stops across three routes, $2 per ride (exact change required), half‑fare program for seniors/veterans/disabled, and expanded hours from 6 AM to 6 PM.
• A Safe Haven Baby Box was installed at Fire Station 7 (the sixth in Missouri), allowing anonymous surrender of newborns.
• The West 20th Street widening project (from Schifferdecker to Central City Road) has begun with utility relocations; the project will add lanes, curbs, and a shared‑use path.

Ordinance 2025‑252 – Alley Vacation for Dutch Bros Coffee Shop

A controversial item to vacate an alley near 1036 S. Range Line Road to allow a Dutch Bros coffee shop with a drive‑thru. The developer (First Street Development) presented revised plans eliminating rollover curbs and adding striping to improve truck turning. Supporters (including former councilman Phil Stinnett and trucking expert Morris Glaze) argued the design accommodates deliveries and the project benefits the community. Opponents (Norman Kramer of Kramer’s Meats, property owner Martha Pope, and former owner Thomas Robertson) testified that the vacation would make truck access unsafe for their businesses and neighbors, and that the proposed easement would bring semi‑trailers and traffic into a quiet residential street near Eastmorland School. After debate, the ordinance passed 7‑1 (Dr. Farnum opposed, one absent).

Prospect Village CID (2025‑500) & TIF (2025‑501)

• Finance Committee Report: Committee Chair Russ Alcorn summarized findings: no city financial risk, developer Woodsonia has committed significant capital, Baker Tilly performed due diligence, and the $307 million project includes not only a $55 million sports complex but also multifamily housing ($86 million), a hotel ($15 million), retail, and a potential anchor grocery store.
• Public Testimony: A Home Depot representative requested a seat on the CID board, citing the 1% sales tax that would apply to his store. Council member Coppel indicated the board could be expanded after initial terms expire. Citizen Tom Robertson urged the council to provide more accessible public information about the project.
• Council approved both the CID (8‑0‑1) and the TIF (8‑0‑1) on second/third reading.

Other Zoning and Annexation Items

• 2025‑250: Vacated a utility easement on S. Joplin Ave. to allow a single‑family home. Approved unanimously.
• 2025‑258: Rezoned 8125 E. 26th St. from R‑1 to M‑2 for Acer Technologies’ expansion (a new Navy contract). Approved unanimously.
• 2025‑256: Annexed 18775 Apple Road. Approved unanimously.
• 2025‑257: Annexation at Prigmore and I‑44 was struck because the property became contiguous only after the previous annexation; staff re‑advertised for a later P&Z meeting. Struck unanimously.

Infrastructure and Equipment Purchases

• 2025‑107 (Emergency): Approved $290,319 contract with Dirk’s Heavy Contractors to replace a failed digester line at Turkey Creek WWTP. Unanimous.
• 2025‑511 (Emergency): Budget amendment adjusting utility, sewer, and communications fund appropriations. Unanimous.
• 2025‑105 (First Reading): Approved a $254,325 change order to add a bike/pedestrian tunnel under 4th Street at Murphy Blvd. The project is part of the 4th & Murphy geometric improvements. Unanimous.
• 2025‑108 (First Reading): Purchase of a compact motor grader for alley maintenance. Unanimous.
• 2025‑604 (First Reading): Purchase of 16 Chevy Tahoe police vehicles ($867,360) for the first phase of the police fleet replacement. Unanimous.

Second/Third Reading Ordinances

• 2025‑400: Agreement with Vita Nova Village for CDBG‑CV public service grant. Dr. Farnum abstained (he co‑founded the organization). Approved 7‑1‑1 (7 yes, 1 abstention, 1 absent).
• 2025‑500 & 2025‑501: (Prospect Village CID and TIF) – see above.
• 2025‑509: Enacted public transit fees for the relaunched trolley service. Approved 7‑1‑1 (one opposed, one absent).

New Business – Citizen Prayer

Mr. Donnelly offered an extended prayer for first responders, the nation, and the Joplin community. No council action.

Key Outcomes

• Dutch Bros Alley Vacation passed (7‑1).
• Prospect Village CID and TIF both passed (8‑0‑1).
• Acer Technologies rezone and annexations approved unanimously.
• Police vehicle purchase (16 Tahoes) and grader purchase approved on first reading.
• Transit fees enacted for the trolley.
• Finance Committee presented a favorable review of the Prospect Village project.
• Council directed staff to review the traffic signal timing at 4th and Main streets per a request from Council member Coppel.