Joplin City Council Work Session – February 10, 2025

The Joplin City Council held a work session on Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning at approximately 11:45 AM. Two major items were discussed: a report on pursuing Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification and a comprehensive update on homelessness-related efforts across multiple city departments. No formal votes were taken; the session served as a briefing and discussion to guide future administrative and legislative actions.

Discussion Items

Pathways to CDFI Certification

• Troy (city staff) introduced the item, recalling that the council previously authorized exploring creation of a CDFI. A CDFI is a Treasury Department program that attracts private investment into underserved areas by mitigating risk.
• Thomas Walters (Community Development Planner) explained the origins of the effort from a housing needs assessment and noted that New Market Tax Credits, the Capital Magnet Fund, and other programs could be accessed via a CDFI.
• Chris Vukas (AltCap, Kansas City) and Craig Stanley (CBO Financial, California) presented via video. Vukas stated AltCap has been a CDFI for 17 years and described loan products for entrepreneurs (micro loans $5k-$50k, revenue-based financing). Stanley noted that his firm has brought over $1 billion into distressed communities.
• The presentation highlighted a $125,000 non‑competitive Technical Assistance (TA) grant (deadline March 21, 2025) that could be used to move toward certification. A Financial Assistance Award program can later provide up to $2 million annually for loan capital. The Capital Magnet Fund offers up to $15 million for affordable housing – Stanley secured allocations for the last two years.
• Council members asked about implementation flexibility (Dr. Farner), partnering with existing CDFIs vs. creating a new one (Mr. Detor, Mrs. Carlin), loan vs. grant mechanics (Dr. Farnum), the difference between loan loss reserves and city liability, and eligibility for deeply distressed census tracts (Mr. Bard).
• Mr. Bard expressed concern about the federal funding environment under the current administration. Vukas cited assurances from Senator Schmidt that New Market Tax Credits would survive and that rural areas may receive more allocations.
• Council appeared supportive of moving forward. Staff recommended the city apply for the TA grant first and decide later whether to partner or create an independent CDFI entity.

Homelessness Update

• City Manager Nick Edwards led the discussion, emphasizing the goal of addressing the issue rather than targeting people. He noted the possibility of consolidating shelters to reduce community impact, but that would require significant resources.
• Regional Homeless Commission (Tony Robine): The commission has filed articles, adopted bylaws, elected an executive board, and expects to have a director in place by March 1, 2025. A public service agreement with the city was executed.
• Police Department (Assistant Chief Lewis): Since a September 2023 ordinance clarified arterial road median camping prohibitions, officers have conducted over 6,300 pedestrian checks, issued 135 pedestrian safety citations, and made 928 trespass arrests in 2024 (31% identified as homeless). There are 142 active trespass affidavits. The Co-Responder Unit (CRU) is expanding with a third member. A family reunification program helps non‑local homeless individuals return home. The department is considering longer affidavits and adapting Sarasota’s HOT team questionnaire.
• Parks and Recreation (Paul Bloomberg): A third park ranger, Caleb Churchwell, was hired. All new benches have a split design to prevent sleeping. Park ordinances were revised in 2024 (camping prohibited). Security cameras and lighting for parks are being designed with $1.5 million in park stormwater tax funds. The parks department removed a court‑struck clause that exempted camping if no shelter beds were available.
• Neighborhood Services (Troy Bowlander): Documented campsites in GIS, coordinated cleanups with police and outreach teams. The J‑HARP program offers up to $25,000 for home rehab. Demolition and dangerous building programs are area‑based. Staff is researching an administrative nuisance abatement process (modeled after Springfield, MO) to speed cleanup. A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) review will be included in pre‑development meetings.
• Public Works (Dan Johnson): Major cleanups completed at the Pennsylvania Viaduct and 4th & Murphy (joint effort with railroad). Upcoming large cleanup at Ozark Cemetery (April 2025). Confiscated bicycles from police will no longer be auctioned due to repeat cycles; alternative disposal is being considered. Smaller cleanups are handled via the C‑Click Fix system.
• Fire Department (Chief Azelle): A public service announcement about reporting illegal occupancy yielded 33 reports. February 2025 has seen zero structure fires as of the meeting date. A proposed Community Outreach Health and Wellness Coalition would reduce emergency runs and ER visits by connecting homeless individuals with healthcare and housing services.
• Health Department (Ryan Tolkien): Primary role is reuniting owners with pets when they are jailed or hospitalized. Strengthened lodging code inspections target problem hotels. He also discussed nuisance properties and the potential for progressive fines.
• City Attorney (Ryan Edwards): Provided updates on pre‑reveal gaming machines (litigation pending in Springfield), a draft shopping cart theft ordinance (to be placed on a future agenda), a revision of park camping ordinance (Section 8637B) to align with court ruling, and an aggressive solicitation ordinance. Council expressed support for these items.
• Councilmember Jackson pressed for stronger enforcement at encampments and hotels, stating that criminal elements should be addressed through trespass, arson investigations, and nuisance abatement. Councilmember Carlin thanked staff and urged public vigilance.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to proceed with applying for the $125,000 Technical Assistance grant for CDFI certification (deadline March 21, 2025).
• City staff will continue developing a shopping cart ordinance, aggressive solicitation ordinance, and revised park camping ordinance for future council consideration.
• Staff will research an administrative nuisance abatement process to accelerate cleanup of illegal campsites.
• The Community Outreach Health and Wellness Coalition concept will be formally presented at a later council meeting.
• Overall, council members expressed strong support for the multi‑departmental efforts and asked staff to continue working on all presented initiatives.