Joplin City Council Regular Meeting – March 17, 2025

This was the regular meeting of the Joplin City Council held on Monday, March 17, 2025. The meeting included presentations celebrating the city’s 152nd birthday and the 20th anniversary of City Hall in the Newman Building, an update from Missouri Southern State University, and a Downtown Joplin Alliance update. Council heard a public comment regarding code enforcement and parking, and approved several ordinances on first reading. All votes were 8‑0 in favor, with one council member (Mr. Shaw) absent after being excused.

Presentations

• City of Joplin's 152nd Birthday & 20th Anniversary of City Hall: Dr. Chad Stebbins and Brad Belk recounted the city’s early history, highlighting Irish immigrants Daniel Sheehan, Patrick Murphy, and Tom Connor. Patrick Tuttle noted that the Newman Building became City Hall in 2005 and praised the building’s role in downtown preservation. The celebration included birthday treats and recognition of the Joplin Celebrations Commission.
• Missouri Southern State University Update: President Dr. Van Galen reported on the university’s growth in graduate programs (52% increase), the Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center (steel going up, completion set for July 2026), and the Legend and Platt Athletics Center renovation ($3.2 million, starting May 2025). He also highlighted student athlete Joy Udo Gabriel winning a NCAA Division II national championship in the 60‑meter dash (7.11 seconds).
• Downtown Joplin Alliance Update: Executive Director Lori Hahn reported strong downtown housing (350 occupied units, 200 more in development, including eight new condos), 500+ businesses employing over 5,000 workers, and 4,200 parking spots. The Empire Market saw vendor sales up 30% and attendance up 20% in 2024. The Alliance was re‑accredited as one of only nine Main Street communities in Missouri.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kay Jones: Addressed the council regarding a code violation for a gravel parking area at her residence on Montana Place. She stated she was told to report neighbors, felt singled out, and that enforcement was inconsistent. After two years she spent significant money to install an approved surface. She called for fairer enforcement and solutions that do not rely on neighbor‑to‑neighbor complaints. Council members apologized for her experience and discussed the complaint‑driven nature of code enforcement. They noted a new program (J‑HARP) offering up to $2,500 in grants for home repairs.

Discussion Items

• Consent Agenda: Finalized without objection and approved 8‑0.
• Reports and Communications: Lynn Onstott, Public Information Officer, reminded council of upcoming events: Council in the Park (April 14 at Joplin Athletic Complex, 5:45–7 p.m.), paper shred event (April 12, 9–11 a.m. at Recycling Center), and Third Thursday green theme with city trolley information. She also promoted the monthly newsletter subscription.
• Ordinances – First Readings (advanced to second and third):
  • Council Bill 2025-001: Amends Chapter 86 to remove the requirement that police check homeless shelter bed availability before enforcing camping on public property, aligning with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Passed 8‑0.
  • Council Bill 2025-002: Adds a subsection to receiving stolen property to include shopping carts, addressing blight and safety from abandoned carts. Passed 8‑0.
  • Council Bill 2025-112: Authorizes a work authorization with Albi‑Martin and Associates up to $360,000 for aeration renovations at the Turkey Creek wastewater treatment plant. The diffused air system is more energy‑efficient and modular. Passed 8‑0.
  • Council Bill 2025-113: Authorizes $110,000 for miscellaneous wastewater treatment plant improvements (belt filter press controls, boiler controls, concrete repairs, grit collector drive, clarifier mechanisms). Passed 8‑0.
  • Council Bill 2025-450: Authorizes a pharmaceutical services agreement with Walmart for the city health department to serve working poor patients through the Community Clinic. Budgeted funds are already in place. Passed 8‑0.
  • Council Bill 2025-605: Approves a purchase order ($215,000–$220,000 annual cost) for the ProSuite financial software annual support payment. Passed 8‑0.
• New Business: Mayor Pro Tem Detar reported on a trip to Jefferson City with City Manager Edwards, Chamber President Travis Stevens, and others. They met with state representatives, senators, and Governor Kehoe to advocate for Joplin’s interests. He encouraged continued engagement with state leaders.

Key Outcomes

• All six ordinances were approved on first reading and advanced to second and third readings by unanimous 8‑0 votes (Councilmember Shaw was excused and absent).
• The city will implement the updated camping ordinance per the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision.
• The shopping cart theft ordinance was adopted as a new enforcement tool.
• Engineering and improvement projects at the wastewater treatment plants will proceed.
• The pharmacy services agreement with Walmart was renewed for the health department.
• The annual software subscription for financial systems was approved.
• Council will continue to engage with state elected officials through periodic visits to the capital.